1. Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #134902 by drl2 on February 28, 2008 at 9:57 am

On the issue of the correlation between mental health and religiosity I'd like to add to what Richard said the idea that this could be a cultural phenomenon to some degree as well. What I mean is that in a society where religious belief is the norm, the believer who "fits in" will often benefit from a greater degree of social/community acceptance than would an ostracized non-believer; this could certainly have an impact on one's psychological state.

Oh, and the beer humor reminded me of what I've been assured is the world's shortest joke:

"An Irishman walks out of a bar..."

2. The empty myths peddled by evangelists of unbelief

Comment #97064 by drl2 on December 11, 2007 at 10:59 am

"In this sense the Genesis story is a truthful myth. It tells us that knowledge need not give humanity life or freedom; it may only bring slavery and death. There is no prospect of a return to innocence - once the apple has been eaten from the tree of knowledge there is no going back."

What I get from the Genesis story is "Knowledge and reason = bad. Stay stupid."

"Modern secular thought contains nothing as profound as this ancient biblical story."

If by "profound" you mean condescending, irrational, inconsistent, and often just plain malignant, then I'm in full agreement. I can think of nothing in secular thought that comes close to for that kind of inspiration.

For real profundity, a glance up at the sky on a clear night, coupled with a layman's understanding of the sheer size and scope and awe and mystery of what's out there, is an experience that would only be cheapened by slapping on a "GOD DID IT" sticker.