1. Is Liberal Catholicism Dead?

Comment #176448 by liberalartist on May 7, 2008 at 11:14 am

I work at a Jesuit college and see firsthand the reverence that is shown to priests and how they view themselves in a superior way. The catholic church says that its followers must confess to a priest, rather than directly to god. This puts the priest between god and follower, so the priest is "closer" to god, therefore the priest is a superior authority figure. This gives them power over their followers and power corrupts, everywhere. That corruption takes the form of politics, child rape, greed, etc....

Why do you think they are supposed to be called "father"?

2. The detail in the Devil

Comment #176118 by liberalartist on May 6, 2008 at 3:40 pm

"A graduate of the University of Missouri ..."

oh, how embarrassing.


Rod-the-Farmer, I may not have 50 years in, but I got all the rest done, so does that mean I'm posessed or reasoned???

3. Is Liberal Catholicism Dead?

Comment #176114 by liberalartist on May 6, 2008 at 3:16 pm

I think agnosticicm is the next logical step from "liberal church". So while fundamentalist congregations are growing, the overrall number of religious people declines. Eventually we will be world of atheists/agnostics and fundies. Boy doesn't that sound like fun!?

The growth of religous conservatism in the US and the growth of the hispanic population have all been good things for the Vatican. They see potential to take back what they nearly lost thanks to Vatican II. But if the catholic church thinks they are going to change peoples minds about birth control, women's roles in the church, etc., they are deluding themselves. Let them try, and lets see how many more followers say, chuck it!

4. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #176043 by liberalartist on May 6, 2008 at 12:20 pm

I find it ironic that atheists and islamic fundamentalists agree on something - Islam is a violent religion.

Sam - I thought this was a great article, you are a good writer. Now I have to go finish your survey...

5. Museums teach society lacking in science literacy

Comment #173109 by liberalartist on April 30, 2008 at 11:08 am

I love going to science museums, its like being a kid again! And it is always better with my nephews. dlitt: thanks for the solar system activity - I am going to do that this summer with my nephews when the family goes on vacation. I will be the only atheist there, but lucky for me my family are all pro-science, they will be impressed :)

Americans - support your local science museums, and tell your representatives to support them too!

6. The List: The World's Worst Religious Leaders

Comment #159459 by liberalartist on April 12, 2008 at 8:28 am

me thinks this writer be a christian...

7. German Church admits aiding Nazis

Comment #158201 by liberalartist on April 10, 2008 at 7:55 am

The catholic church's first priority is preservation, that means it will allign itself with the "devil" (i.e. Hitler) to survive, it will spread lies about condom use to keep the catholic babies popping out, or it will back a good cause if the outcome works in its favor.

Individuals within the organization may be good or bad, but the Catholic Church, as an institution, cares only about power and control.

8. Commentary: Democrats finally getting religion on religion

Comment #158190 by liberalartist on April 10, 2008 at 7:36 am

I also sent it to Obama.

It doesn't take a miracle for an ass to write for CNN, its standard procedure. Though FOX only hires mega-asses.

9. Commentary: Democrats finally getting religion on religion

Comment #158181 by liberalartist on April 10, 2008 at 7:25 am

Okay, this is what I wrote to Hillary Clinton:

If you want to strengthen our democracy then please restore our wall of seperation between church and state. I have learned that you will be on a CNN special Sunday to discuss faith and morality (as if one begets another!). I will be listening closely. What drove me to the democratic party from being independant was the take over of the Republicans by the religous right. Please do not pander to them, they won't vote for you anyway. There are millions of non-religous people in this country and millions more religous people who believe in our wall of seperation. Does morality mean denying sex education to young people? Withholding rights from gays and lesbians? Invoking god's name as we start a war? denying condoms to Africans so they won't use a contraceptive? Providing tax breaks to mega churches and millionaires?

I am an atheist and a voter, I am asking for reason to be returned to our government and I am asking you to acknowledge me as a citizen.

10. Protests no concern for outspoken atheist

Comment #155141 by liberalartist on April 4, 2008 at 7:43 am

thanks for the run-down Paula, sounds like you had a great night!

Richard - get well soon, I think you are due for a rest!

'Darwin's Rottweiler'?? really? That's as bad as the "militant atheists" claim. They have to put exaggerated labels on us because they have no legitimate arguements.

11. Cult leader Pyotr Kuznetsov tries suicide after realising he was wrong about doomsday

Comment #155109 by liberalartist on April 4, 2008 at 7:17 am

"The people in the cave consider themselves Orthodox Christians and not cult members."

what's the difference?

My crazy fundamentalist aunt doesn't like barcodes either, they think it is the sign of the devil or some such nonsense.

I feel sorry for the kids. At least the guy tried to kill himself and not everyone else in that cave.

12. CEAI Action Alert for Science Teachers

Comment #154415 by liberalartist on April 3, 2008 at 7:43 am

And people wonder why American education system sucks? Perhaps it is because total morons are teaching our children religious crap instead of science. I am sure if he were a history teacher he would be teaching the kids all about the founding of our "Christian" nation. Floridians did the right thing; lets just hope it doesn't get undone. They obviously have not given up the fight. Just when you think a state has gained a sense of reason, fundies make a comeback and the fight starts all over again(Kansas comes to mind here).

13. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #150000 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 11:45 am

DamnDirtyApe, I think your quote is appropriate for a lot of people in this world. The Western religions are manipulators and have had centuries to refine their techniques.

Rod-the-Farmer, actually I think 'one god' is the worst. It seems to allow fanaticism to take hold in people. I guess with multiple gods, it's just too easy to drop one god for another, but if you have only one "true" god, then you have nowhere to go but give "him" up or die trying to convert others. So many people have begun to give "him" up that these religions have to work together to combat it! I guess the enemy of their enemy is us.

14. Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

Comment #149960 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 11:10 am

I find it funny that these religions are willing to work together to rid themselves of their biggest problem (atheists). Then they can get back to destroying each other.

As for Bin Lauden - he and his religion can go F#@# themselves!

15. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #149952 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 10:59 am

For people to embrace this type of barbaric religiosity, they must be insane. If this isn't child abuse, I sure don't know what is. If I lived in Wisconsin, I would be contacting the attorney general right now demanding they prosecute the parents for, at minimum, negligent homicide. Those kids need to be removed from that home pronto. The parents have already proved they are incapable of caring for them.

16. Happy Birthday, Richard Dawkins!

Comment #149932 by liberalartist on March 26, 2008 at 10:40 am

Happy Birthday Richard from a southern yankee :)

17. Wicked untruths from the Church

Comment #149209 by liberalartist on March 25, 2008 at 9:08 am

"Then, when the Bill becomes law and, over time, the advances save lives, the bishops and their flocks can quietly benefit from the measures they so denigrated, have the operation, swig the medicine and move on, sanctimoniously, to the next bit of opposition."

this is what really makes me mad about religious nuts; they complain about evolution, but then take antibiotics without even thinking how they are developed or why they need a new one. they are hypocrites and idiots living off the backs of others.

18. Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

Comment #146732 by liberalartist on March 19, 2008 at 10:21 am

I think it is sad that we have lost someone who inspired many people around the world. But what better way to pass our short time on this planet, than by making a difference.

Now, I'm off to the library....

19. They prayed to cast Satan from my body

Comment #145237 by liberalartist on March 17, 2008 at 11:47 am

Christopher Hitchens said it best...pure poison!

This place sounds like a cult. I wonder if they get tax exemption in Australia?

20. Beauty ad banned after Christian outcry

Comment #142540 by liberalartist on March 12, 2008 at 4:50 pm

I didn't find the ad offensive. Have they even looked at Bernini's "Ecstasy of St. Teresa"? Now that's erotic!

21. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129766 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Mike O'Risal - thanks for the input. I currently live on the gulf coast of Alabama. But I do get out (to Rhode Island) once in a great while and what a world of difference.

I am looking at PhD programs for next year and since the best education is not in the south, I have hope for my future.

22. Fleabytes

Comment #129755 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 2:41 pm

"The universe is as it is, regardless of what he believes, and there is simply nothing to support the view that there is any kind of supernatural being behind it. Nothing. There is nothing in Robertson's arguments that can't be explained by a combination of physics, chemistry, biology, evolution, genetics, psychology, sociology and the leitmotifs of ancient storytellers. "

exactly. Reading this was so much better than working today :)

23. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129675 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:57 pm

Canada's even colder than Wisconsin, isn't it? Such a dilema, but I am getting tired of the simple-mindedness down here in the south y'all!

24. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129670 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:53 pm

party our asses off sounds like a good result. As a fairly mobile American, I am constantly torn between living in the temperate zone of my current habitat and the deep freeze of more rational states (I'm thinking Wisconsin here). So your suggestion of California has many appeals for me. I came across a book the other day called Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach which is about California breaking away from the Republic for ecological reasons. Which is probably why I made the suggestion in the first place. I have not read this book yet, so will not recommend.

25. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129650 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:25 pm

How about a relocation plan, put all the bible thumpers in certain states, and the smart people in other states and lets see what happens. They are already segregated by color (red/blue).

26. 'Frog from hell' fossil unearthed

Comment #129641 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 12:01 pm

If I didn't hang out on this website from time to time, I would miss out on all this cool science stuff.

27. State Approves Evolution As 'Scientific Theory'

Comment #129634 by liberalartist on February 19, 2008 at 11:52 am

"The board approved the use of the term "scientific theory of evolution" in public schools science standards. "

now they need to teach students what exactly "scientific theory" means. As someone who lives in the south, I am pleased that they are at least recognizing evolution in the science curriculum. Its a step in the right direction. The real issue is, what will teachers teach in the classroom? That depends on the school district and how powerful the religous lobby is there. Many teachers in the US are skirting the whole evolution topic just to avoid controversy.

28. The argument from oranges

Comment #128526 by liberalartist on February 17, 2008 at 9:44 am

Take it from someone who lives in Alabama, the man ain't alone in his speaking!

Dog Boots: "Why on Earth would anyone be interested in the average citizen opinion of Evolution?"

because public school curriculum is the US is decided based on public opinion. And since these nut jobs reside more frequently in the southern states, education here suffers.

29. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #128509 by liberalartist on February 17, 2008 at 9:09 am

I look on American, my country, as being a bit schizophrenic. Half of us are sane and rational, the rest are not. And unless "my half" starts making some progress over the fundies, then I think this country is in trouble. We have been the "leader of the free world" for a long time, but I think that since the end of the cold war we have been adrift. We were all raised to believe that America held the higher moral ground on this planet and that communism was evil. Well, now that the USSR is gone, we don't have a great satan of our own (although we are one for Iran!). People are looking to fill that void and some found it by villifying Islam and fighting the war on terror. Others are filling the void internally by such means as dumming down our science curriculum, packing the courts with religious fundies, etc. I think these are serious problems. The fact that many Americans say that nanotechnology is immoral when they are told to believe most science is immoral should come as no surprise.

30. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #125944 by liberalartist on February 12, 2008 at 9:57 am

Happy Darwin Day to all! I enjoyed all the great talent on display today :)

31. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #125518 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 2:11 pm

I watched Planet Earth which was a great show and really showcased the beauty of nature - who needs god with all of that!? Perhaps some students get exposed to that stuff in school but I would think most are spending their time playing guitar hero rather than watching science on television. Even fewer people watch PBS. I think Annabanana and I are the exception, rather than the rule, here in the states.

32. Why multiculturalism must be abandoned

Comment #125513 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 1:57 pm

It seems to me this is a problem that extends beyond the legal aspects. Of course British law would stand superior to any religious court, and those of us free from religious indoctrination are best aware of this, but what about general cultural and societal issues? I do think that multiculturalism is inevitable and can be a very enriching thing. In the US I like to celebrate St. Patrick's day and Cinco de Mayo, I like to go to the Greek festival, celebrate Mardi Gras and visit China Town. I like the idea of having a little bit of everything the world has to offer right here in the states (albeit a bit Disneyfied...). Over time cultures blend when brought together. But at some point a society has to choose how to treat one another, how to live together and how best to prosper. Cultures evolve, they should evolve, retaining what is good and disgarding what no longer is acceptable for ethical or other reasons.

we shouldn't ignore the fact that some immigrants have lived in a world with many outdated cultural norms. They need to be brought into the current culture, not kept seperate from it. And they should be told up front that they are coming to a western world with western cultural norms in which they will be participants. Modernity needs to happen to muslims and it won't if they live seperate lives within a dominant culture and are told that is right.

33. Exorcism undergoes a revival across Europe

Comment #125479 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 12:23 pm

"People don't pray anymore, they don't go to church, they don't go to confession. The devil has an easy time of it," Amorth said in an interview. "There's a lot more devil worship, people interested in satanic things and seances, and less in Jesus."

No - people are getting smarter, they aren't buying your bullshit anymore. They don't believe in your god or your devil! which means you need to get another job!

"Exorcisms remain a touchy subject even among priests who perform them, aware that the rite is associated with medieval witch-burnings and the 1973 Hollywood horror film, "The Exorcist."

Which is exactly where it belongs - in history books and film.

I would think the psychological community would be up in arms over this nonsense, considering that most people who are "diagnosed" with demons are most likely in need of psychological care not religious mania. I am going to write to the APA.

34. Charles Simonyi Professorship in the Public Understanding of Science

Comment #125464 by liberalartist on February 11, 2008 at 12:03 pm

I also like Neil de Grasse Tyson, he is a great public speaker and seems very approachable as a public person, besides, he did great on Stephen Colbert's show, which isn't easy.

I also think its important to have someone who is not afraid of the religion question, like Richard. He was always direct and straight forward answering those types of questions. We need someone like that, not someone who is afraid to offend anyone with scientific truth.

35. Battle of the Chambersburg billboards

Comment #124771 by liberalartist on February 10, 2008 at 7:34 am

I knew someone called "Roscoe Barnes III" had to be a fundie!

36. Sharia law in UK is 'unavoidable'

Comment #123562 by liberalartist on February 7, 2008 at 10:55 am

The best thing for society is to do away with all religious laws and have only secular laws like in the US. I assure you, there is no one here trying to establish sharia and we don't have muslims on the street protesting about it. I expect that it can be a struggle to adjust to a new culture and legal system, but when people migrate to a new country that is what they should be expected to do. The only way to have one cohesive society is that all participants share in the same system and all are treated equally. If there are laws that muslims disagree with then they should participate in the national legal system and democratically make changes, not create their own, independent system. How do you define where one system of laws start and another stops?? ridiculous.

37. A Mutant Obsession

Comment #123178 by liberalartist on February 6, 2008 at 2:47 pm

I think its been great to have this atheist drive to confront the fact that many of us humans no longer follow 2 thousand-year-old superstitions and that not doing so is tied to knowledge, science, and an understanding of our universe. I think it has been necessary to confront religion head-on, but its been done now. And I have to admit I am growing tired of the debates (nothing new is said in them). I think the important thing going forward from here is to educate people in just this way as the article has educated me. To help people understand the truth of the world in which we live, in which we are a part. People want to be inspired, and I find nature highly inspiring.

38. Apologetic billboard replaces atheistic sign

Comment #123166 by liberalartist on February 6, 2008 at 2:30 pm

A billboard in every state? good luck in the south! I would love to cover up the "keep Christ in Christmas" sign that is still up near my home. It offends me!!

I am seriously thinking of moving to Wisconsin, 12,000 free-thinkers! wow!! of course they need to work on that cold winter thing...

39. God the psycho

Comment #121339 by liberalartist on February 3, 2008 at 9:13 am

now that's what I call a sunday morning sermon! Nothing like a good laugh to set up the day.

40. Documents detail church coverup

Comment #120999 by liberalartist on February 2, 2008 at 9:05 pm

The reason these priests are not being convicted in criminal courts, I suspect, may have to do with a statute of limitations law, most of the civil cases date back to the 70's and 80's. I don't know if there is a statute of limitations for child abuse, but could be. That said, can you imagine how much abuse must go on now in other parts of the world where the church is even more powerful? Isn't it time the vatican was hauled before the world court for crimes against humanity or something, perhaps we could give their billions to the poor and throw the nazi pope in jail with all those sex-starved priests of his.... just a thought.

41. Pope says some science shatters human dignity

Comment #120498 by liberalartist on February 1, 2008 at 8:30 pm

many in the west don't take the vatican all that seriously. But the nazi pope has a lot of influence in developing nations - like much of Central America and Africa, and yet somehow more people suffer human indignation in those places...

42. Banks are helping sharia make a back-door entrance

Comment #116333 by liberalartist on January 26, 2008 at 8:58 am

Sounds to me that this is a corrupting way to bank and banks do fall under a lot of regulations and rules, so I see a problem with it. 'Deceptive' does not belong in banking or we are all in trouble. This is not just a simple matter of catering to the clientele, especially since the clientele didn't seem to be complaining.

And what if the chinese in Canada suddenly demanded communist banking practices - people would be up in arm! But Islam is a religion so everyone is afraid to be against it and be politically incorrect. But Islam is not just a religion, it is also a political state and should be opposed because it goes against democracy.

43. Mixing Mammals

Comment #115610 by liberalartist on January 24, 2008 at 11:58 am

I've learned more about bats than I ever thought I would....I just love the educational quality of this site :)

On the other hand, is it just me that is creeped out by "outfitting mice with a chunk of DNA that directs wing development in bats, scientists have created rodents with abnormally long forelimbs"? Poor little mouse.

44. The devilish church practice of exorcism

Comment #114073 by liberalartist on January 21, 2008 at 10:17 am

Once again the Catholic church leads the way in human denigration. When will rational people wake up to the barbaric practices of their so-called religions?!

45. Vatican slams California firm's cloning experiments

Comment #114069 by liberalartist on January 21, 2008 at 10:07 am

they're just mad because they haven't been consulted about such issues since the middle ages ended.

Seriously, what international organization could claim to be more anti-life than the catholic church?! As long as people are not having inappropriate sex, then starvation, overpopulation, disease, misery are acceptable to them. They are abhorrent.

46. Gay Jesus play blasted by bishop

Comment #114067 by liberalartist on January 21, 2008 at 9:59 am

It is intersting how contemporary christians are always changing their religion to fit their own world view. Your a gay christian...well then Jesus could have been gay! Your for women's equality, well then Jesus was pro-woman! Your for peace on earth, well then Jesus was a peace-maker. Religion becomes fuzzier and fuzzier and that I think is a good thing. Perhaps as Daniel Dennett points out, religion will just fade away over time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjljRkaKTwc. If so, its got a long way to go.

47. Stop revisionist Christian nation House Resolution 888

Comment #113880 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 10:16 pm

I sent my congressman an email last week. While some politicians are truly religious, most will vote which ever direction the wind happens to be blowing which will ensure their continued re-election. So contacting them, IMO is worthwhile.

48. Honour Killings

Comment #113710 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 11:32 am

reading that article just made me stupid.

How about we do away with all religious education in the US and UK and try teaching science for a change....

49. Ethical storm as scientist becomes first man to clone HIMSELF

Comment #113620 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 7:42 am

Being able to show the science of cell production takes away the magic. Take away the magic and all those priests have no purpose. Its another coffin in the nail of religion...anyone got a hammer!?

50. Violence fear over Islam film

Comment #113614 by liberalartist on January 20, 2008 at 7:22 am

If we all used our expressions except in the possibility of "offending" someone, we would have little to say.

And I find it incredibly hypocrital that this guy would on the one hand demand his right to express himself in this movie and at the same time try to ban books.