Atheist Geek News

From the mind of a former Jehovah's Witness turned secular atheist, Atheist Geek News is both funny (in my tiny little world, at least) and moderately informative. Check the menu bar below for an idea of the content that's waiting for you.

News And Links For Atheists:

Yes, says Prof Daniel Dennett

Freedom isn't really freedom in the Catholic Church. When they say that adherents are "free," I hope that Catholics pay a lot of attention to the fine print because it's the fine print that will kill you if you aren't careful. According to Pope Benedict XVI, academic freedom in Catholic institutions of higher learning only extends so far as Catholic doctrine does — once you pass that, freedom begins to disappear.

I hate to say it, but I find this Pope very creepy. He would fit in well with the Watchtower's Governing Body, I think.

It looks like chickens deserve more respect. Scientists are fleshing out the proof that today's broiler-fryer is descended from the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. And, not a surprise, they confirmed a close relationship between mastodons and elephants.

News And Links For Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses:

Thanks to another Isaac from JWD for this one. Click the JWD link to see the times and dates.

AN ex-Jehovah's Witness whose dad died refusing a blood transfusion last night blasted the religion that led tragic mum Emma Gough to leave her newborn twins motherless.

Also of interest from Letters From The Governing Body Of Jehovah's Witnesses...

News And Links For Atheists:

Sexpelled: No Intercourse Allowed tells of how Sex Theory has thrived unchallenged in the ivory towers of academia, as the explanation for how new babies are created. Proponents of Stork Theory claim that "Big Sex" has been suppressing their claim that babies are delivered by storks. Furthermore, Stork Theory proponents warn of the serious moral dangers posed by teaching children that sex has a function. They point out that evil dictators such as Hitler, Stalin and Mao all believed in Sex Theory, and they may have even had sex themselves.

News And Links For Atheists:

Consider it "Evolution VS Creationism Thursday" on AGN, kids! "Expelled" - the pro-creationist documentary - is partly to blame.

In the absence of evidence or solid logical arguments, Creationists have long resorted to the strategy of quote-mining, the purposeful misrepresentation of scientists' opinions by selective or distorted quotation of their words, to buttress their claims. With the Creationists behind the movie Expelled hard at work to demonstrate that "Darwinism" was a necessary pre-condition for the Holocaust and Hitler's primary inspiration, it was only a matter of time before historians suffered the same fate. Enter David Klinghoffer, the Discovery Institute's hired hit-pen and journalistic hatchet job expert.

John Rennie, Michael Shermer and Steve Mirsky all watched Ben Stein's new antievolution movie. Here's what they had to say about its design flaws.

And, on a related note...

If you think you understand it, you don't know nearly enough about it

Many Christians Have a Double Standard in their Demands for More Tolerance

Why The New Battlestar Galactica Is Better Than Star Trek(Eat It Trek Nerds!)

I've been wanting to do a review of the first episode of Battlestar Galactica, season 4, for a while now. This is pretty much because the new Galactica rules. But since the second episode has already come and gone, all my Battlestar Galactica buddies will have seen the new season by now and realized that it's going to be totally awesome. (Duh!) Therefore, a review would be a little late. So how can I spin this in a way that will keep me both smug and amused?

More at the link...

News And Links For Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses:

I've often wondered what would happen if my wife needs a transfusion. Unfortunately, the impact this decision can have on those who love and depend on the Witness doesn't matter. Too bad for us I guess. What if it's a single mother with kids? What will the kids do?

Recently I was talking by phone with a JW. He has come to the realization that he no longer wants to be one. For me a very interesting moment came when I heard his wife in the background. She was criticizing our conversation. I began to reflect on the difficulty spouses have with mates who leave the WT. His wife was complaining that it made no sense in her mind why her husband should be seeking out exJWs to talk with. "Why not just leave if you want to go?", she cries.

There is no voluntary resignation in our organization, Covington told a jury in the Moyle case.

For years after I left Bethel, I dreamed that I was back in the antiseptic halls of the Watchtower residence, fighting to find a way out. At each EXIT sign a Witness stood, smiling, barring my way: "There is no way out.' The dream was trite; my fear was fresh and vivid and palpable.

Read the whole book here.

Also in Watchtower news, my wife has gone to the convention today with her parents. Some of you may have similar things to look forward to. And on the Society's web site, the main article is called "Where Is The World Headed?" The subtitle reads: Today’s moral breakdown is so severe that it is fulfilling Bible prophecy! Well, since this is the first time they've made this declaration, we should all finally start to worry. See ya at the Kingdom Hall. (Not.)

If I don't see you, no sweat. They'll say the same thing next year. And the year after that...

News And Links For Atheists:

Many Christians are so convinced of the truth of their religion that they can't conceive of anyone disbelieving it or rejecting it for sound reasons — or even unsound reasons which might appear legitimate to someone with a different perspective. Some of these Christians are convinced that atheists must not have heard the "good word" of Christianity and that's why they proselytize to us so aggressively; others are equally convinced that we atheists are not only familiar with Christianity, but know it is true and are either lying or just suppressing the truth.

I know that religion is repeatedly defended as a source of comfort in difficult times. But this has been one of the more difficult times in my life... and I've been finding that my atheistic, skeptical, rational view of my difficulties is more comforting than any religious belief I've ever held, or could ever imagine holding.

But the evidence does not bear this viewpoint out. Even a cursory glance at the workings of the world shows that good and bad plumbing strikes good and bad people in roughly equal proportions, apparently at random. In fact, recent research shows that countries with high rates of religious belief are more likely to suffer from bad plumbing, not less. And while few would argue that religious belief actually causes bad plumbing (it's far more likely that poverty and poor education results in higher rates of both), it is clear to all but the most fervently close-minded true believer that, if God is handing out good and bad plumbing as reward and punishment for good and bad lives, his systems and pipe fittings leaves a great deal to be desired.

News And Links For Atheists:

Professor Richard Dawkins FRS was interviewed on stage by Inverness resident Paula Kirby. Paula, who used to be a Christian and is now an atheist, talked to Richard Dawkins informally about the ideas that have informed his life and work. This was followed by an extended opportunity for the audience to put their own questions and challenges to this world-renowned and controversial figure.

This one is about the debate between Christopher Hitchens and his brother.

Normally, I wouldn't consider posting this one. But when its geek and atheist friendly... I couldn't resist.

News And Links For Atheists:

Watching a debate between Christopher Hitchens and Peter Hitchens is fascinating on so many levels. They are both very good speakers and debaters, so the oratory mastery is impressive on its own, and the technique is fun to watch. The topics discussed are easily inflammatory: just ask anyone, “How do you feel about the Iraq war?” Or, “How does God affect your life?” You’ll receive very heartfelt responses. Finally, as you may assume upon reading their last names, Christopher Hitchens and Peter Hitchens are indeed related. They’re brothers.

What’s interesting about their relationship is that it’s not what you’d expect. Or, at least not what I expected upon seeing them debate for the first time. To specify: 1) this was the first time I’d seen either one debate any one else, and 2) this was the first time Peter and Christopher have publicly debated each other in the United States.

For videos of the debate, you can catch a heap of snippets at YouTube here or at AOL here. I haven't found a full video yet, but I'd love to see the whole thing.

News And Links For Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses:

In the article , "Repudiate Ungodly Things" it immediately puts down having too much time spent on "fun" things at the expense of "activities connected with our worship," saying, "relaxation becomes a valueless thing, adversely affecting our spiritual well-being." Where do they come off telling people not to relax? No wonder witnesses are so uptight!

Recent success by controversial religious group Jehovah's Witnesses to bring in local Israelis has anti-missionary activists accusing the group of using devious recruitment methods. The Witnesses, as they are known, have had a presence here since the state's founding but say their active missionary work - an obligation for members - has gained traction in recent years, bringing in several hundred additional members. They now number an estimated 2,500 in Israel.

Review: House M.D.!

I've only recently discovered House M.D. It's one of those shows that I'm almost glad I missed during it's early years. Now, I have a sh*tload of episodes to watch and I don't have to wait a whole week in between doses. Let me start my review by saying this: No, I don't wish Dr. House was my dad. (That honor remains with the T-800 and Sauron, Lord of Mordor.) I would be very pleased to have him as a crazy uncle, though. Sort of like Dexter Morgan from Showtime and that series of books.

Continued at the link...

News And Links For Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses:

This one isn't directly Watchtower or Jehovah's Witness related. But it does address the issue of children forced to sacrifice themselves over parent's beliefs ... such as a ban on blood transfusions. Note that this is really an atheist site, so if that weirds you out or anything ... well, you've been warned.

News And Links For Atheists:

Christopher and Peter Hitchens, throughout a long estrangement and recent reconcilliation, have clashed in print on many issues. On April 3, 2008, the Hauenstein Center, with support from the Center for Inquiry and the Interfaith Dialogue Association, will bring the two together on a stage for the first time to debate numerous issues, from the Bible to the bomb.

Shuh-weet! We can all argue about who won afterward.

Readers, be warned: This is not one of my more diplomatic pieces. I'm angry, and while I'm trying to be fair here, I'm not trying to be nice. If you don't want to read that, please don't. (It was also written under the influence of an entertaining assortment of prescription drugs; so if I'm more meandering than usual, please forgive me. Hey, what a pretty tree!)

I'll say it before some alternative health person does: If your vaunted prescription drugs were so awesome, why do they have side effects that can influence you? Answer: Because they also work, which is one of the side effects.

ASSIST News Chief Correspondent Michael Ireland caught up with [Michael] Shermer via e-mail and asked him the following questions.

This one's an interview with Richard Dawkins from last year.

I thought I'd counter the recent documentary "The Protestant Reformation" from the History Channel (which kinda felt like fundamentalist propaganda to me) with this article from Austin Cline.

Here are a few more articles you may find interesting.

News And Links For Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses:

New web sites keep popping up! Here are a few more I'd like to recommend to former Jehovah's Witnesses.

Video Interviews with individuals coping with the consequences of religious shunning:

Now, for the first time ever, the average Jehovah's Witness is privy to the actual Confidential Letters sent by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses to the Congregation Elders.

A blog offering breaking news, resources, and information about Watchtower policies and the issues members face.

That last one doesn't seem all that active. (Their last post was on March 6.) But maybe it will continue to gain momentum. The subject was enough to get my attention, so I wanted to make everyone aware of it.

And now, for some good old fashioned links...

Followed by...

News And Links For Atheists:

If you want a blow-by-blow of the whole Expelled fiasco, here it is. Also, there's a commentary by Dawkins himself on the whole affair.

My fellow ex-Witnesses may find this one especially interesting. It's a web site where former scientologists talk about their experiences with the church. (Thanks to Austin Cline for the find.)

News And Links For Atheists:

I went to attend a screening of the creationist propaganda movie, Expelled, a few minutes ago. Well, I tried ... but I was Expelled! It was kind of weird -- I was standing in line, hadn't even gotten to the point where I had to sign in and show ID, and a policeman pulled me out of line and told me I could not go in. I asked why, of course, and he said that a producer of the film had specifically instructed him that I was not to be allowed to attend. The officer also told me that if I tried to go in, I would be arrested. I assured him that I wasn't going to cause any trouble.

Sadly, John McCain is on record as supporting anti-atheist bigotry. According to John McCain, the most important thing which voters must take into consideration is whether a candidate will carry on "in the Judeo-Christian principled tradition."

I think Austin might be pushing this one a tad hard. (Sorry bro.) Still, there was a time when I wouldn't have been totally upset to have McCain be President. Almost any other Republican would have driven me off to Canada. But then he changed his tune and started changing his image. (Presumably to get the backing he needed within the Republican party to run.) Too bad - an actual "old school" conservative sells out.

I thought I'd throw both of those last two articles at you guys. Personally, I have no trouble believing the claims made. I just don't think it's religion per se that's of benefit. I think it's the certainty that strong religious beliefs can give a person, not religion itself. Besides, as one of the articles pointed out, deep religious beliefs can make you happier or sadder. It all depends on how the attitude it fosters and how you're treated.

Well, that'll do it. Works for the Watchtower Society, so...

Announcement:

Sorry everyone. Remember when my computer threw a wheel a while back? Well, the other three were wobbling off the rims and I didn't know it. I couldn't even limp along with the old system any longer. It was actually starting to blue screen when I tried to reinstall windows! So I did a complete rebuild.

I'm kept plenty busy with the new job, so updates may only come twice a week. Hopefully Tuesdays and Fridays. This may affect some of the content, but we'll see how things go.

-The Atheist Geek-

News And Links For Atheists:

People feel strongly about their religious faith and are deeply offended if you insult it, Oxford University scientist Richard Dawkins told a full house Tuesday night at the Wisconsin Union Theater.

After 1,500 years the Vatican has brought the seven deadly sins up to date by adding seven new ones for the age of globalisation. The list, published yesterday in L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, came as the Pope deplored the “decreasing sense of sin” in today’s “securalised world” and the falling numbers of Roman Catholics going to confession.

I think the Pope might be trying a wee bit too hard to keep his grip on power.

This past Monday, the Atheists, Agnostics, and Freethinkers hosted two complementary avatars of modern skepticism; a meeting which proved to be microcosmical to the broader Atheist dialogue in America. Also, there were magic tricks. In fact, as far as godless functions go, it was downright festive. This could easily have been because one of the speakers was professional entertainer James Randi, renowned debunker of the paranormal, exposer of grift and mythical Gnome-king. Even the other speaker, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Richard J. Roberts, told at least two jokes. For comparison: The average chemist makes 6.02214179 jokes in his or her entire lifetime.

Also - a bit of a side note here for readers who are both skeptics and BBC fans (or British I guess) - a new show is coming up called Science Behind The Trance.

In the first in a new series, professor Kathy Sykes from Bristol University embarks on a journey to explore the three popular alternative therapies - hypnotherapy, reflexology and meditation. Travelling across the UK, Europe and Canada, she follows patients pinning their hopes on hypnotherapy.

Want To See Last Week's Posts? Go There Now.

What does the Atheist Geek really look like?

Yep. That's me all right. Would I lie?

Behold! The Atheist Geek brings you... Pornogrophy!!

The one force great enough to keep me from going totally insane. (Sorry God.)

Today, the internet's most unbiased encyclopedia brings you ... wait for it ... Evolutionism!

The CreationWiki actually has an entry on the decline of atheism for some reason. I don't know if the CreationWiki will be a regular feature at AGN or not, but this might be worth a look.

So Who Am I Proposing To Now?

Bionic Woman may not be your favorite show, but I have three words for you: Big. British. Boobies. 'nuff said.

And now, the Atheist Geek brings you...

LINKS!

Go here for even more links that are Atheist Geek approved!