1. Lords Approve Abolition Of Blasphemy

Comment #139727 by issue99 on March 6, 2008 at 12:43 pm

A step in the right direction. Would it be absurd to hope for further reforms in the direction of secularism?

I think Professor Dawkins would be an ideal candidate for ennoblment, as a counterweight to the bishops who are only there by virtue of their position in the church of england.

2. A natural phenomenon

Comment #137481 by issue99 on March 3, 2008 at 1:28 am

It would be difficult to overstate Attenborough's impact as a wildlife film maker. He's done more than anyone to bring natural history to the masses. My dad (now in his 50s) remembers watching him growing up and now my little sister (only 12)won't miss an episode of 'life in cold blood'. The most significant broadcaster in television history in my opinion.
As for his retirement, a shame to be sure. However, I know of a prominent, relativley young evolutionary biologist who is soon to be leaving his post. Having watched some of the videos of 'the ancestor's tale' it seems to me he'd be the best man for the job.

I video of Professor Dawkins discussing environmental issues with Sir David and others can be found here:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Qk6rJIaD4

3. My Argument With God

Comment #131690 by issue99 on February 23, 2008 at 2:51 am

http://www.rickygervais.com/flangrobbotherer.php

An article posted on Gervais' website concerning his flanimals books.

A rather angry review and Ricky's brilliant response.

4. Sharia law in UK is 'unavoidable'

Comment #123612 by issue99 on February 7, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Seperate schooling and seperate legal systems with the goal of increasing social cohesion? I don't see how he can be serious. We're going to end up in some sort of fractured multi-faith theocracy. Face facts Williams:
A) We need to move away from religious influence in state institutions.
B) You look like an owl.

5. New atheists or new anti-dogmatists?

Comment #117068 by issue99 on January 28, 2008 at 7:38 am

If you 'religion' as a synonym with 'lifestyle' then it does count.
But why would you call it religion?


For the tax breaks?

6. New atheists or new anti-dogmatists?

Comment #117060 by issue99 on January 28, 2008 at 7:05 am

How about rationalists in that case. A positive term for a change.

7. New atheists or new anti-dogmatists?

Comment #117055 by issue99 on January 28, 2008 at 6:59 am

Anti-dogmatism has always occured to me to be a more effective label for this 'new wave' of reason. Not least because it pre-empts, negates and to some degree reverses the tedious 'hasn't atheism been responsible for some of the worst atrocities in history' argument.