Aug 13 2008
I find it bloody annoying how some Australians - church leaders and politicians mainly - describe this country as a ‘christian’ nation or a ‘christian’ society. Australia isn’t actually.
Our society, like most civilised Western democracies, is a secular society that tolerates religious belief.
I believe the word ’secular’ doesn’t describe our society well enough though - so I have come up with an alternative that I’ll run by you.
Jul 24 2008
I was watching the Sunday morning program on Channel Seven last week at the conclusion of WYD and one of the presenters (who shall remain nameless, I don’t want him to get into hot water!) could hardly contain himself and spent the entire time trying so hard to be respectful of the catholics and their faith - but failing miserably. I loved it. It was so obvious what he thought of the whole nonsense but he somehow managed to walk the fine line between being totally disrespectful and reporting the facts.
Mar 13 2008
Well, the Vatican has, in an apparent attempt to give ‘moral and ethical behavior’ more significance in today’s times, announced seven new deadly sins.
They are - in no particular order of severity I guess: genetic modification, human experimentations, polluting the environment, social injustice, causing poverty, financial gluttony and taking drugs.
So why are these seven classified as ‘deadly’ I wonder? Surely the catholic church could be charged with causing untold counts of social injustice and causing poverty. Don’t get me started on financial gluttony!
Mar 10 2008
“To deny that a rock is 300 million years old is to deny the process that got us to that understanding. Since this process of inquiry is our best tool for succeeding in the world, its denial is a grave threat to our future prosperity. Far from making us stronger, faith cripples us because it takes away our greatest advantage: our ability to question, to learn, to adapt and, therefore, to live.”
“Honesty is difficult. It requires heroic efforts of introspection and self-awareness. This honest portrayal of reality is at the heart of the conflict between science and religion. While science is a natural response to reality, religion demands that we distrust our senses and our intellect, instead relying on a supernatural explanation. In this way, faith robs us of the best tool we have for learning about our world and understanding our true position within it. Religions, especially fundamentalist religions, get stuck because they are based on an immovable, unchangeable, unquestionable authority. But without doubt and questioning, there is no way to acknowledge, much less correct for errors.”
Excerpts from a great article by Lauren Becker.
Mar 06 2008
If you haven’t seen it, here it is (until the ‘church’ bully-boys demand it be taken down again) - the Tom Cruise video.
I’ve never thought much of him as an actor, now I reckon he’s a fruit-loop as well.
I’d add more, but really the whole ‘S’ thing is a non-issue to me - I mean, if someone is stupid enough to believe in a ‘religion’ founded by a science fiction writer turned con-man, then hell, go for it. The rest of us will just ignore you. Period.
Jan 09 2008
Now, I just knew Bill would eventually tell us what he really thinks of religion. From a concert in Aussie I believe - he’s chosen Aussie to come out. I love it!
Dec 12 2007
I trawl the ‘net researching and often just plain exploring. I often wish there was an educated theist to be found that can postulate a convincing argument in support of his or her beliefs - if only to challenge the free-thinkers a little.
I never really expect to ever find any, but well, it’s worth continuing the quest!
Dec 10 2007
Ok, enough videos for now. Time for some blogging.
I was watching a response to the ‘Blasphemy Challenge’ on a news show today (watch the Fox News channel one) and it struck me how christians really do love the idea that they are the only ones with altruistic attitudes and actions don’t they?
Nov 30 2007
This would have to be the best and clearest comment on the dangers of religion that I have seen. This lecture by Sam Harris, the author of The End Of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation is well worth the time (and bandwidth) to watch.
Nov 20 2007
In 2005 the town of Dover, Pennsylvania, was torn apart by a landmark trial which essentially pitted religious faith against Darwinism in explaining the origins of life. A case was taken by the local high school science teachers against a Pennsylvania school board for demanding the teaching of “intelligent design” i.e: creationism - over evolution.
