When cornered by particularly formidable atheists and rationalists, religionists play the Socrates Card. … Read the rest
All entries by this author
If Murder is Sincere Then it’s Not so Bad?
Jan 13th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonJudge refused prosecution request to bar evidence that might support a voluntary manslaughter conviction. … Read the rest
Manslaughter Charge ‘Could Justify Violence’
Jan 13th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe court ‘should not be the first to enable a defendant to justify premeditated murder because of an emotionally charged belief.’… Read the rest
Judge Rules Killer Can Argue for Right to Kill
Jan 13th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonWill be allowed to argue in court that he believed he was justified in trying to save unborn children… Read the rest
If quacks and bunko artists can be convicted of fraud…
Jan 13th, 2010 12:00 am | By Ophelia BensonDaniel Dennett throws down a challenge to various pieties.
I also look forward to the day when pastors who abuse the authority of their pulpits by misinforming their congregations about science, about public health, about global warming, about evolution must answer to the charge of dishonesty. Telling pious lies to trusting children is a form of abuse, plain and simple. If quacks and bunko artists can be convicted of fraud for selling worthless cures, why not clergy for making their living off unsupported claims of miracle cures and the efficacy of prayer?
Because of the free exercise clause, that’s why, or at least it’s one reason. The free exercise clause is a very problematic little item. One can see why … Read the rest
Like champagne
Jan 12th, 2010 4:07 pm | By Ophelia BensonAfter time foolishly squandered arguing with people who unflaggingly and contentedly defend sexist epithets and insist that they are entirely different from racist epithets and repeat with immovable obstinacy that of course they would not call a black person a stupid nigger but calling a woman a stupid bitch is just fine – after that it is refreshing to read less stupid more clear-sighted remarks. Remarks that are two years old, to be sure, but one gets one’s refreshment where one can.
…in the last week, I had a really retro and disheartening conversation about sexist language—a really retro and disheartening conversation about sexist language that I’ve had dozens of times before.
You and me both.
… Read the restIt began in
Why Did a British Professor Support Pol Pot?
Jan 12th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe other historians went into the archives; Caldwell had very clear ideological views and the empirical basis didn’t seem to worry him.… Read the rest
Dear God Please Bless My iPhone
Jan 12th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonPossessed bankers hold their toys aloft for blessing. Seriously.… Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Defend Moral Absolutes
Jan 12th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonKilling is tricky, of course – but some things are totally absolute!… Read the rest
Violence Against Journalists in Philippines
Jan 12th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonNightmare 2009 culminated in massacre of 30 journalists by a militia on Mindanao, and 2010 has started badly.… Read the rest
The Fate of Journalists Imprisoned in Eritrea
Jan 12th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘The conditions in which Eritrean detainees are held are among the most disturbing in the world.’… Read the rest
Dennett on ‘Media Bias Against Christianity’
Jan 12th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThere is none.… Read the rest
Religious membership is generally not fully voluntary
Jan 11th, 2010 3:51 pm | By Ophelia BensonTaken from the comments, slightly modified to make it general rather than a reply.
The literal meaning of the term “indoctrination” indicates the matter at issue quite clearly. Here’s a very standard definition from Dictionary.com: “to instruct in a doctrine, principle, ideology, etc.” Children are not merely instructed in doctrine, of course, they are also inducted into the ranks of religious organizations in various ways: not just educationally, but socially, ritually, and so on. Moreover, inducting children into the ranks of their chosen religion is the explicit primary purpose of most parents who emphasize their children’s religious education, which is what makes it indoctrination rather than mere education: The word “education,” when unmodified, is generally used to indicate instruction in … Read the rest
Gay Muslims Made Homeless By Family Violence
Jan 11th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonForced marriage, ‘honor’ killing, beatings, imprisonment.… Read the rest
More ‘Equality Threates Religious Expression’
Jan 11th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘As umpteen bishops and other religious leaders have pointed out.’ Oh well say no more.… Read the rest
More ‘Human Sacrifices’ in Uganda
Jan 11th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonWitch doctors, children chopped up for parts, ritual, get rich quickly.… Read the rest
What is Blasphemy and Should We Care?
Jan 11th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonMy take on Comment is Free Belief question of the week.… Read the rest
Telegraph Says No to Equality
Jan 10th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonTolerance means letting other people exclude inferiors from power. Why can’t Labour understand this?… Read the rest
UK: Catholic Church in Panic Over Equality Bill
Jan 10th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe church could no longer exclude women from power. This must not be!… Read the rest
Atheism Has Left the Closet
Jan 10th, 2010 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe new atheism is bigger, more organised, and much more assertive than ever before.… Read the rest