1. Atheists launch bus ad campaign

Comment #313610 by Linda on January 6, 2009 at 11:44 am

Ariane Sherine's wonderful idea is now a rolling reality. The gentle reminder that we deserve freedom from religion can only help more people feel confident enough to come out as Atheists.

A really big challenge for future Atheist advertising campaigns would be to put the signs on buses in Palestine and Israel where the message is desperately needed.

2. Forced to Marry

Comment #295534 by Linda on December 2, 2008 at 10:53 am

Women in anguish by Nasrine Malik, Guardian, Cif:

Victims of forced marriage find themselves torn between two mutually exclusive worlds

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/02/gender-women?commentpage=1

It seems to me that those unwilling to make waves tend to empower the abusers. Gentle coddling of people who hold irrational beliefs while hoping that eventually they will see the light isn't helping to protect women and children today. Surely if people have immigrated to the West from tribal cultures there ought to be a test and oath at the gates to our nations insisting that newcomers agree to abide by our laws or else stay away.

BBC is so darn wonderful and we owe our thanks to UK taxpayers for any amount of programming that is made available to us for free. I am a BBC Radio 4 podcast junkie. There are many free programmes to take advantage of:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/directory

While at home we subscribe to BBC TV Canada most of the shows aren't broadcast for months after being shown in the UK. The above average intelligence of BBC programming is worth waiting for.

3. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #294796 by Linda on December 1, 2008 at 11:46 am

Why should we continue to patronize those adults that invoke superstitious beliefs? In times of crisis or in general daily conversations I think it's best to take skepticato's view and say it out loud. Holding a warm mug of tea is comforting.

This has just been posted on Slate:

Our Friends in Bombay We must stand by our most important ally by Christopher Hitchens

http://www.slate.com/id/2205710/

4. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #294750 by Linda on December 1, 2008 at 10:21 am

As I see Obama he is most likely an Atheist as were his parents:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

Unfortunately do to religious fundamentalism still thriving in the USA Obama is forced to pose for photos carrying a bible.

The disenfranchised right wing in the USA will continue to try to defame Obama by suggesting that he has a soft spot for Islam. It is interesting that in the minds of those who continue to practice religious superstitions that some religious cults are deemed negative. My guess is that if Obama's parents were Scientologists that many would find that worrisome too.

It is more than clear that gang style Islamic terrorism will continue to plague the planet until the trouble causers are rooted out of remote tribal lawless regions. This will not happen by nuking nations. I am hopeful that Obama will find a reasonable solution to ongoing global problems. Then again with the Clinton's on board maybe that should be tempered with skepticism.

5. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #294586 by Linda on December 1, 2008 at 7:28 am

al-rawandi - Please enlighten us as to the spread of Islam since the 7th Century - I'm seeing violence everywhere. Why pretend that any religion is predicated or spread via peace?

I wonder why more people don't point out the obvious that Abraham of monotheism myths is a child abuser. Segue that to violence 101.

6. The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

Comment #294579 by Linda on December 1, 2008 at 7:15 am

I see that many are upset by this article accusing the author of extreme views. That may be so however we can't be complacent. Here in Toronto Islamic schools and mosques are popping up everywhere and that is not a sign of Canadian intellectual progress. It reveals that once again politicians are bullied into submitting to antiquated ideas. BTW many peasant (oh yes) immigrants come here from tribal regions and send their kids back to the homelands for even more indoctrination. As a Canadian tax payer I object.

Having stayed at the Taj, Mumbai earlier this year the photos of the assault from last week made me sick. After the trip to India I felt speechless for a long time as the abuse of women and animals is overwhelming. Families live in cardboard boxes along on streets of Mumbai. They rent them from people with money. India's problems are rooted in the caste system and religion of course hence overpopulation and the dire backward paternalism that continues to infect the social psyche.

Yes of course Islam inspires people do wretched things. (http://richarddawkins.net/article,3020,-Channel-4-announces-return-of-Undercover-Mosque,Guardian) Sexually frustrated young males are easy marks. http://americanfuture.net/?p=1405 Since the events in New York in 2001 there has been a steady stream of what can only be deemed as Islam gangland violence against many cultures. The USA, UK, Bali and Russia all have suffered thanks to mobs of young males keen to harm others. Enough already with pretending that religion is not part of this as Islam is so out of step with reality or what we in the West see as normal.

For too long governments everywhere have spent fortunes building old fashioned WMD justifying the caches as protection against threats coming from other nations when in reality they should direct funds to educating their populations enabling everyone to enjoy a reasonable quality of life. Historically governments have entrusted education to religious cults and throughout the world this has been a disaster. New thinking about social problems is dire.

When we hear that the gangs train in 'tribal' aka Stone Age cultural regions of Pakistan or Afghanistan that ought to be a clue and guide to resolution. Why do these marginalized, patriarchal and violent areas still exist?
http://richarddawkins.net/article,2957,The-best-way-to-undermine-the-jihadists-is-to-trigger-a-rebellion-of-Muslim-women---and-establish-energy-independence,Johann-Hari Science and literacy should be embraced yet teaching evolution is illegal in Islamic banner nations. Even Turkiye hangs in the balance as that now Islamic nation (Ataturk be damned huh) has banned Richard Dawkin's website (oh so free speech) while asking to join the EU. Yeah baby the God Delusion is sooo dangerous.

No nation should be predicated on religious superstition any longer. We can't say that any of that is good for modern life. Malaysia too is mired in Sharia while Hindu temples are destroyed and the crazy imams have declared that physical exercise, yoga, must be banned. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/nov/29/malaysia-islam-yoga Man what's up with that?

The wretched Bush/Cheney tag team of aggressors should never have attacked Irag and Afghnanistan in retaliation for the World Trade Centre being knocked down by a mob of dysfunctional, sexually frustrated young males. Al Qaeda is gangland, not a nation and it's prime product is murder.

India cannot nuke Pakistan over events in Mumbai last week. India and Pakistan have outrageous social problems due to allowing religion to fester rather than directing funds to modernize populations and re-educate the masses away from backward ideas. This is a chance to come out of patriarchal, cruel, antiquated thinking and do the right thing.

As for Africa - we have little knowledge of what goes on there. It seems to me that too many nations of the world are run by gangsters.

Now if only we could get on with purging priests from the Vatican and turning the site into a world museum open to all. Sadly Italy continues to be ruled by mobsters that include the Vatican gang.

p.s. - I do not know how to a string of text into a hyperlink.
Peace y'all, L.

7. Cathedral seminar to equip clerics to deal with Dawkins

Comment #252727 by Linda on September 23, 2008 at 2:42 pm

Richard you must attend the event unless of course they ban you as being the subject/enemy of their machinations.

This is certainly flattering to the God Delusion and really quite funny.

8. Richard Dawkins infected with Satanic 'virus of mind', Christian group claims

Comment #251463 by Linda on September 21, 2008 at 1:37 pm

Richard Dawkins take a bow. This surely made you laugh as it is the funniest comedy bit ever written about you.

9. Saudi OKs Killing 'Immoral' TV Execs

Comment #246499 by Linda on September 12, 2008 at 11:39 am

Saudi princes are often seen coming and going from London's casinos. They travel in stretch limos accompanied by bevies of scantily clad high priced, long legged prostitutes. They gamble and booze it up like other wealthy men except that the western guys do not insist that their wives cover from head to toe in black bee keeper suits. Hoteliers can spill about the porn channels the sheiks subscribe to too.

Scratch the fundamentalist and discover liars and hypocrites under the scabs.

10. Talk at today's meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science

Comment #245912 by Linda on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 pm

Richard,
I would appreciate hearing your critique of this lecture.

Best, LWS

11. Museum in censorship row over Darwin sign

Comment #238703 by Linda on August 28, 2008 at 1:39 pm

Here is a link with email addresses for the curatorial staff:
http://www.northampton.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=1482&documentID=477

Write away ...

12. Michael Coren: Stéphane Dion finds God

Comment #236933 by Linda on August 25, 2008 at 2:36 pm

I saw this episode on my TV and nearly choked when Dion repeatedly used the word 'God'. When he ran for the Liberal Party leadership the man projected an image of an Atheist intellectual. Given that he is a Sociology prof. that made sense. Someone back then asked what he did on Sunday mornings and Dion replied 'go skiing with my family'. A very good answer.

How truly sad that the man must lie for Jesus in order to be taken seriously by the truly dumb and deluded. I am still voting Green.

Michael Coren is a fundamentalist, born again Roman Catholic. He boasts about his 4 children and what it costs to send them to private schools for that cult. A few weeks ago he was ranting about being forced to learn Judaism as a child thanks to his parents. Again that was another choking moment for me as he is doing exactly the same things to his kids. The man is a bully too it seems with little or no social compassion. I watch to know the enemy.

Sometimes I think of writing to Coren and saying you don't really believe Our Lady of Fatima is a good name for high school do you?

13. Interview with Paula Kirby on 'The Right Hook'

Comment #224752 by Linda on August 5, 2008 at 2:17 pm

Paula,
You are kind to give the priest the benefit of the doubt with regards to his possible support for human rights issues. Cynical me guesses that he's not actually anti-Vatican.

Currently there is an important social battle happening in Ireland and it is the churches, Roman and English that are fighting hard to stop the legalization of women's reproductive rights in both the Republic and N.I. Medieval, misogynist, oppressive rules harm poor women the most.

If a day comes when I see priests handing out condoms and helping prevent the misery of unplanned pregnancy and STD then maybe my view of them will soften. It is about time that women stopped being blamed and treated as criminals with regards to abortion when the guys delivering sperm are never held accountable for being careless about contraception. Sweetly smiling clerics with the gift of the gab and their political minions must be challenged forthrightly on gender equality.

I am puzzled as to why women continue to vote for those who do not represent their best interests.

14. Interview with Paula Kirby on 'The Right Hook'

Comment #224682 by Linda on August 5, 2008 at 11:24 am

Paula,
Congratulations on another excellent contribution to the cause. You clearly articulate the issues and problems of religious superstition in modern times.

I am dismayed that the cleric was given more air time than you. Perhaps although it seems rude you and Richard must be more aggressive in these situations in which the cards are stacked against speaking for those who do not believe.
Best, LWS

15. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #205091 by Linda on July 6, 2008 at 2:32 pm

May I recommend a new book by Canadian Tarek Fatah. 'Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic lllusion of an Islamic State'

http://www.amazon.ca/Chasing-Mirage-Tragic-lllusion-Islamic/dp/0470841168/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215379755&sr=8-1

16. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #204956 by Linda on July 6, 2008 at 9:38 am

Steve Zara - Dan Dennett sums up his presentation at the AAI2007 by showing a photo of the Vatican and suggesting that one day it will be purged of priests (my cynical words) and become "the European Museum of Roman Catholicism and maybe Mecca will be come the Disney's Magic Kingdom of Allah". Dare we hope?
http://richarddawkins.net/article,1750,Dan-Dennett-award-and-speech-at-AAI-07,Dan-Dennett-Richard-Dawkins-Julia-Sweeney

For too long we Atheists have cowed in the corner afraid to speak up in public situations about the absurdity of religious superstitions. I feel empowered to be free and at every opportunity speak my mind when people say silly things citing religious superstition.

While recently in Varanasi, India our driver asked if we were Christians. My husband gave me the keep your mouth shut look but I didn't pay attention to that and said that we are Atheists. The Muslim man was quiet for a bit and then turned to us and said that everyone would be Atheists if they weren't so afraid.

17. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #204945 by Linda on July 6, 2008 at 8:58 am

Do you think that the absurd tribunal that awarded a dowdy woman 4,000 for refusing to remove her headscarf in order to work in a trendy hair salon was just? Sadly the salon owner was too honest for her own good.

I think we all get that religion makes people stupid. We ridicule with impunity ridiculous Christian and Jewish fundamentalist acts and must continue to do so as intellectual freedom is essential.

The support for sharia in the UK is another sign of that culture being unwilling to protect Common Law. Instead of allowing Sharia because other groups such as Orthodox Jews can engage in religious arbitration the whole lot should be outlawed as was done in Ontario.

18. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #204926 by Linda on July 6, 2008 at 7:57 am

More dog chat from the UK:
"Guidelines being drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) urge awareness of religious sensitivities when using dogs to search for drugs and explosives. The guidelines, to be published this year, were designed to cover mosques but have been extended to include other buildings"

Is a Times UK link OK then?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4276489.ece

Surely anyone having to submit to a home police search would like officers to take off their big dirty boots before walking around inside the house. I doubt that they would do that.

We have seen the UK go absolutely nuts groveling before the huge peasant population there instead of socializing immigrants to the West. Perhaps this comes from guilt over slavery and imperialism.

19. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203213 by Linda on July 2, 2008 at 1:15 pm

Paula, Did you read this witty CiF thread by Khaled Diab:

Why Muslims don't pig out

"Lapsed Muslims may get a taste for alcohol but pigs will fly before they allow pork onto their dinner plates"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/02/islam.religion

It's all animal chat today!

20. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203203 by Linda on July 2, 2008 at 1:08 pm

Steve Zara #203199 - man oh man - Now you have made me worry that Glenn Beck will cite the story as another brick in the wall heralding the end times.

21. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203190 by Linda on July 2, 2008 at 12:56 pm

I am waiting to see if Pat Condell posts a youtube comedy commentary on the story.

To all posters: Anyone can submit articles with links to daily news items, it's easy too:
articles@richarddawkins.net

22. Muslims outraged at police advert featuring cute puppy sitting in policeman's hat

Comment #203157 by Linda on July 2, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Hi Paula,
Here is the take on the story from the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2229719/Apology-over-'offensive'-puppy-police-advert-after-Muslim-complaints.html

I am offended when seeing women wearing hijabs or burkas yet my feelings are not important in the greater scheme of things.

23. World Youth Day condom protest against Pope

Comment #198622 by Linda on June 24, 2008 at 10:11 am

A few years ago when the other pope came to Toronto for a 'youth' conference a group tried to hand out condoms to the kids but this was quickly stopped by the police. I for one was pretty darn upset and telephoned our MP immediately. He was all gaga for his 'holy father' and didn't want anything to rock the dog and pony show. After a few more calls to the mayor's office etc. condoms were then allowed to be distributed. I'm sure it wasn't just me complaining however it is worth remembering that speaking up is the only way to put things right.

On the Sunday of that weekend a huge outdoor mass was held. It seemed a delicious twist of irony that the weather didn't co-operate and there was a very heavy rainfall. After the rain stopped the silly kids stuffed their rain gear into the port-a-potties, which were then dumped into the sewage system. The result was that it blocked up and over flowed into a local furniture store destroying the inventory. The first photos of the mishap were on the web but they quickly disappeared as all Toronto media wiped the mess from the news.

http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2003/0113/wyd-flood011303.shtml

Good luck Australians.

24. For sale: 13-year-old virgin

Comment #160719 by Linda on April 14, 2008 at 10:11 am

The plight of women in India is a life of unimaginable misery.

My husband and I are recently returned from traveling in northern India. Throughout our trip we questioned many men about their marriages. We asked them when they first met their wives. The answers either were a. at the wedding or b. a few days or once or twice before the wedding. Women were not attending to us so it was quite difficult to get a female point of view. At Ranakpur I did engage the daughter of a Jain priest asking about her life and marriage. She accepted without question that her father would arrange a future marriage, which would mean she would have to leave her family and community. That is another aspect of the arrangement. In order to prevent inbreeding distant partners are sought. This tends to isolate family members as traveling even 50 miles is quite out of the question for most poor people. We also noticed the profuse want-ad columns in newspapers posted by parents seeking marriage partners for their children. One column was headed 'Disabilities'. The one listing that caught our attention was by parents of a doctor daughter who was described as less than perfect due to one hand being smaller than the other.

Arranged marriages are common throughout the country and are not an aberration of rural regions. The men we spoke to scorned our Western ways of self-selecting marital partners without the interference of parents as the root cause of divorce here. That attitude seemed somewhat dishonest, as the abuse of females, adults and children, is considered normal there. They are traded like farm animals and treated no better.

Yes India may be changing however at this time it seems that what is needed is a complete mindset re-vamp as the lack of social awareness, human rights, dignity and equality within the culture are stumbling blocks to progress.

25. Religious education as a part of literary culture

Comment #160700 by Linda on April 14, 2008 at 9:45 am

Richard Dawkins should from now forward be deemed the 'World's #1 Conscientious Objector to the spread of religious superstition'. Modifying the descriptor aids in raising the status of the cause and will be beneficial. Labeling Dawkins' work as that of a 'militant atheist' has negative connotations and should be discouraged. The thread that suggests that imaginary gods are the muses for artists offers a dated view of creativity. Back in earlier centuries working for clerics meant bread on the table for artists. Some clever creators used trickery to fool the priests but alas not everyone has Leonardo's intelligence. We should note that contemporary 20th Century art is almost entirely devoid of feigned or otherwise devotion to gods thanks to our hard fought for rights of free speech.

As to the references to the bible in 'Richard Dawkins' secular army must be stopped. God is behind some of our greatest art' I would strongly urge parents to not read bible stories to children as those narratives are rife with patriarchal misogyny, cruelty, slavery, murder and incest. That kind of material is best left for consumption by consenting adults.

26. The atheist delusion

Comment #144571 by Linda on March 16, 2008 at 10:53 am

This is part of an active debate at the Guardian, Comment is Free:
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/john_gray/2008/03/godless_evangelicals.html

It seems that the posters contributing to the CiF thread are mostly Atheists. A very good sign.

27. Richard Dawkins on The Alan Colmes Show

Comment #143856 by Linda on March 14, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Richard,
You are running out of patience with those that IMO seem more like feral animals than intelligent, inquisitive humans. Thanks for this fun interview. It made me laugh.
Best, LindaWS

28. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #115579 by Linda on January 24, 2008 at 11:05 am

Are you going straight to hell?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsBZCq4hp14

29. 'Boycott Worked': Compass Flops - Opening Weekend $26 Million; Narnia $63 Million

Comment #97474 by Linda on December 12, 2007 at 6:47 am

Really, really careful now:

Woman organizing protest of 'The Golden Compass' in Fenton
HOLLY TWP. -- "A retired grandmother is leading a group that plans to protest the nation's No. 1 movie -- "The Golden Compass" -- in Fenton this weekend.

Bev Suski, 56, of Holly Township, calls the film anti-Christian and wants the theater complex, Fenton Cinemas, to pull the movie. She's asking anyone who agrees with her to join the group outside the theater on the sidewalk during the matinee showing Saturday. They're hoping for 100 people.

"Even though we're late, we need to do something," said Suski, who is retired from the antique business and attends St. Rita's Catholic Church in Holly. "As Christians, we need to stand up to be heard."
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow/2007/12/woman_organizing_protest_of_th.html

All publicity is good!

30. 'Boycott Worked': Compass Flops - Opening Weekend $26 Million; Narnia $63 Million

Comment #97194 by Linda on December 11, 2007 at 5:25 pm

I agree with briancoughlanworldcitizen and love the Golden Compass movie. This is a bit of a surprise given the scepticism with which my husband and I went to see it on the weekend fearing that Disney had dumbed down the work. We have intense memories of the fabulous stage performance of His Dark Materials I & II presented at the National Theatre, London, and before that read the books.

The Golden Compass movie is beautiful. The blending of live actors with their demons is almost seamless, the cinematography and special effects are stunning. It runs almost 2 hours, which flies by. Sadly the film ends abruptly with Lyra making plans for the next part of the adventure yet the movie maker did not tease us with trailers for it.

What is the Catholic Church afraid of, is it an uppity female? Are the men in frocks worried about having to tell the truth and admit to the public they have been bilking for so long that Christ is a Bronze Age myth and that resurrection didn't happen? Their so-called authority is predicated on hot air and snake oil.

The movie character of Lyra Belaqua is assertive, intelligent, competent, intuitive, inquisitive, creative, loyal and most of all a fearless leader. All people should embrace those qualities for success too.

Please see the movie, give the boxed set of books for seasonal gifts and tell your friends.

31. Fox: 'Atheist Outrage' over holiday 'Tree of Knowledge'

Comment #94668 by Linda on December 6, 2007 at 8:07 am

Hi Margaret, Congratulations for keeping a cool head while that nitwit priest once again becomes hysterical as if shouting at you makes his pointlessness valid.

Can we please as intellectually mature adults purge the superstitious myths from everything and celebrate the seasons based on science and nature? Every one of us no matter what colour our skin or ancestral origins experiences seasonal transitions. Who doesn't feel sluggish in the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year and tired due to the lack of sunshine hours? People share joy and look forward to the calendar day of the Winter Solstice (December 22) when light returns and images of spring and the garden offers something to look forward too. There is nothing supernatural about decorating the home with evergreens and enjoying festive parties. I live in Toronto and our City Hall puts up decorations that drain power stations under the banner of 'Festival of Light' while no religious symbols are displayed there. Hooray for Canadian common sense and dignity.

Frankly I can't understand how it is that a public place in a nation that claims to celebrate the separation of church and state would dare to display icons of emotional tyranny such as nativity scenes (never happened) to the Bah-Hanuka symbols. Would they get a bit upset if the Hindus asked for the inclusion of their good luck charm the swastika too?

Maybe next time get in some digs about mythology oh and Merry Mithras everyone:
http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/1gmarchive/2006/12/merry_mithras.html

If honesty and intelligence could prevail then everyone would proclaim that Christmas is appropriated from natural practices.

Further would you Richard, Hitch & everyone else strongly interject when debating the nitwits that Atheists celebrate their families, are loved and do love. What outrageous liars the superstition.

Does anyone else cringe when hearing retail store loudspeakers proclaim that 'our saviour is born'?

32. Springer opera court fight fails

Comment #94388 by Linda on December 5, 2007 at 2:45 pm

http://www.jerryspringertheopera.com/ it's out on DVD!

33. Ask The God Delusion author Richard Dawkins

Comment #94296 by Linda on December 5, 2007 at 7:34 am

In North America tune into BBC World Service TV on either cable or Satellite. The programme 'Have your Say' is broadcast on Sundays.

34. 2006 Charles Simonyi Lecture: 'Can the Internet Save The Enlightenment?'

Comment #91146 by Linda on November 27, 2007 at 12:14 pm

Superb, thanks!

35. Golden Compass author hits back

Comment #91137 by Linda on November 27, 2007 at 11:44 am

Philip Pullman: Catholic boycotters are 'nitwits'
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article2953880.ece?Submitted=true

Nicely done Mr. Pullman.

"Christian journalist Peter Hitchens said that while he opposed a boycott, he wanted parents to be aware of Philip Pullman's themes."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7115300.stm

Its hard to believe that Peter came out of the same womb as Christopher.

What exactly is the Roman Cult church afraid of? Is it that people will purge them from the Vatican and leave it to be operated by a consortium of curators from the Met, Louvre, BM, Uffizi etc. allowing all people to explore the site freely? That could only be a good thing as for too long the mob that runs that state has profited from the myth of Christ.

36. Fox News Discussion on 'The Golden Compass'

Comment #86865 by Linda on November 10, 2007 at 10:47 am

Careful now! (Father Ted fans)

"British columnist Peter Hitchens (Christopher's brother) has explained how our secular thought-shapers would love for Pullman to undercut Narnia's influence on children: "The cultural elite would like to wipe out this pocket of resistance. They have successfully expelled God from the schools, from the broadcast media and, for the most part, from the Church itself." He writes that while Lewis mocked atheists as joyless, Pullman depicts priests as evil and murderous, drunk and probably perverted, and the Church as "a conspiracy against happiness and kindness."

"http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20071109/cm_uc_crbbox/op_234335

It is quite interesting that Peter Hitchens embraces superstition while his brother that he shuns does not. Is that simply fraternal rebellion and a bit of jealousy rearing its ugly head?

37. Suffering, Evil and the Existence of God

Comment #85854 by Linda on November 7, 2007 at 10:35 am

Bonzai – It is really difficult to purge early childhood conditioning from our memory data banks. Flew would have been subjected to constant indoctrination of biblical myths and superstition by his parents. No doubt bedtime stories consisted of Bronze Age science fiction tales from the bible. Did he know that religion was ridiculous at age 6 but kept his head down until he was and adult?

As for Flew's loss of mental faculties, that happens and if you look around at some elderly people they regress into infantile fantasies but can also hold a conversation. It seems to me that the guy has lost the plot.

I really hope that when Richard Dawkins is leaving that he doesn't lose his mind and that the wish to have Josh (chortle) make a video to prove that he's true to the end is fulfilled.

The whole conversation around the gods question is really absurd and it shouldn't matter one way or another. Sadly the real danger is from the constant threats to social stability and emotional evolution originating in the corporate imperialism of religion forced on all of us by clerics that self empower to control others based on no evidence.

38. Suffering, Evil and the Existence of God

Comment #85796 by Linda on November 7, 2007 at 6:09 am

Fish writes:-

"Flew assures his readers that he "has had no connection with any of the revealed religions," and no "personal experience of God or any experience that may be called supernatural or religious."

When I thought about Flew's age it seemed illogical and nearly impossible that anyone born in 1923 would not have been conditioned from birth into a religious superstition. It just didn't happen in any community that Atheist parents opted out of what was then the social norm. A quick bio check on Flew reveals that he either senile or a liar:-

"Antony Flew, the son of a Methodist minister, was born in London, England. He was educated at St Faith's School, Cambridge followed by Kingswood School, Bath."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Flew

Why didn't Fish challenge the book based on Flew's early education and indoctrination? Many elderly people engage in fantasies in which they have difficulty separating or romanticizing the past and confusing it with the present. That doesn't preclude them from being able to complete the NYT cryptic crossword.

39. Tests of faith over 'The Golden Compass'

Comment #83941 by Linda on October 31, 2007 at 6:05 pm

TRUTH IN THE MAGISTERIUM (Con viva)
Address of Pope John Paul II to the Second International Congress on Moral Theology Which was held to mark the 20th anniversary of Humanae VITAE (12 November 1988)

"Since the *magisterium of the Church* was created by Christ the Lord to enlighten conscience, then to appeal to that conscience precisely to contest the truth of what is taught by the magisterium implies rejection of the Catholic concept both of the magisterium and moral conscience. To speak about the inviolable dignity of conscience without further specification runs the risk of grave errors."

http://www.cin.org/jp2ency/conviva.html

What an outrageous pontification. It is truly sad that so many are infected with the religious mind disease that they can't see through the lies spread as truth by the Roman Cult.

40. Tests of faith over 'The Golden Compass'

Comment #83339 by Linda on October 29, 2007 at 6:09 pm

Pullman's review of TGD:
"I've read this with pleasure and satisfaction. Dawkins is a great rationalist, but he is also a good man. History has seen a number of supreme rationalists who weren't good at all. He gives human sympathies and emotions their proper value, which is one of the things that lends his criticisms of religion such force, because many religious leaders in the world today – certainly the loudest ones – are men who, it's obvious to anyone but their deranged followers, are willing to sanction vicious cruelty in the service of their faith. Dawkins hits them hard, with all the power that reason can wield, demolishing their preposterous attempts to prove the existence of God, or their presumptuous claims that religion is the only basis of morality, or that their holy books are literally true."

The God Delusion is written with all the clarity and elegance of which Dawkins is a master. It is so well written, in fact, that children deserve to read it as well as adults. It should have a place in every school library — especially in the library of every 'faith' school. Naturally, it won't. But with any luck, the teachers in these ridiculous establishments will ban it from their shelves, and thus draw the attention of the intelligent pupils in their care to something that might be interesting as well as true."

Philip Pullman, author of the children's trilogy His Dark Materials.
http://richarddawkins.net/mainPage.php?bodyPage=godDelusion.php

I hope that Pullman does not let his fans down and that His Dark Materials on film is as honest as the books and sublime as the National Theatre stage production.

41. Debate between Christopher Hitchens and Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #82109 by Linda on October 25, 2007 at 5:18 pm

Prufrocks - #125 - That is an excellent analysis of this latest encounter between Hitchens and D'Souza. Hitchens knows the material and should have been more aggressive in responding to the pompous, infantile fantasies that D'Souza offered as evidence for for the supernatural. Perhaps CH is tired and road weary from being on the sold out and demanding 'god is not Great, How Religion Poisons Everything' tour.

Pssst DD - you are a front man for a diabolical marketing campaign that sells lies in the disguise of Bronze Age science fiction myths. Not being able to distinguish between fantasy and reality is a sign of an infantile, emotionally immature intellect.

42. Debate between Christopher Hitchens and Dinesh D'Souza

Comment #81924 by Linda on October 25, 2007 at 12:03 pm

Hi Richard,
I was quite astonished to hear D'Souza claim that the Inquisition wasn't that bad and only about 2,000 people died. Is he a liar, stupid or deluded then since that ridiculous figure fails to account for the annihilation of the Cathars in the Langue D'Oc region of France, the brutal slaughter of indigenous populations in South and Central America and for the continued harassment, torture and murder of women in Europe for practicing natural healing? Please keep reminding the proponents of religious superstition that Stalin was educated in a monastery, that Hitler learned his vile ways as a child raised in the criminal Roman Cult. I may also suggest that there may be a connection to early childhood indoctrination in Roman Cultism that facilitated the emergence of the vicious Italian Mafia. Would that mob be so powerful if clerics ceased to forgive their sins at confession on Saturdays and refused to marry and bury them with religious rites?

D'Souza, McGrath and the others who boast special insights into the supernatural have yet to produce evidence of their claims. How on earth can he/they speak with authority about the Jesus/Joshua figure as if he is a next-door neighbour or a live person that they know intimately?

Sometimes I think that you and Hitchens are too nice to them in debate. Is it that you feel some sympathy for their emotional immaturity?

Best, Linda

43. You can't prove that you love someone, so don't expect proof of God

Comment #81385 by Linda on October 24, 2007 at 4:38 pm

There is physical proof of love and it is observable and experiential through the senses. Looking on, hearing the voice of, touching, scent and taste of the beloved and those we love fraternally, our family and friends induces feelings of emotional well-being and happiness in us and them. Our loving relationships with others are sustained and enhanced through interactive, reciprocal acts of kindness, protection, loyalty and nurture.

44. Polygamist Leader Convicted in Utah

Comment #73860 by Linda on September 26, 2007 at 11:36 am

The cultural taboos against incest stem from practical reasons, as without new material the gene pool is prone to perpetuate unwanted physical and mental characteristics. Some of you may have Türkiye, which at first was heralded as a possible link in the evolution of our species however on closer examination of the family and its predisposition to incest reveals that the inability to walk upright is due to inbreeding:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4782492.stm

The problem with polygamist sects is they are forms of slavery that facilitate the abuse of women and children by rather devious and controlling men. Oh sure they call themselves prophets however the correct term is 'for profit'. Women are not given the choice to have multiple husband/sex partners, as their primary role is that of brood sows.

There exists today an underground railroad shuttling pre-pubescent female children between the Warren Jeffs' compounds in the USA and it's Canadian outlet in Bountiful, British Columbia. I do not know why the Canadian government doesn't crack down on this other than the Bishop of Bountiful seems to have political clout:

http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/bustupinbountiful/

The obvious benefit to men of joining fundamentalist sects is that it gives them power over women. The same problems found in so-called Christian sects are also inherent in Islam and Orthodox Judaism. The big perk for men is obviously the 'get out of jail free card' bestowed by the gods which is a carte blanche excuse to have sex with children. Catholic priests in the west are pretty much exposed on this issue however there is a way to go when it comes to Islam and Orthodox Judaism. Why is it so hard to marginalize the social misfits? Is this problem stemming from the mandated sexual repression of monotheism? Of course the men who are vilified as perverts and pedophiles in the regular community that are not hiding behind sanctimonious superstition are easily indicted and discredited as they are doing it without permission of the gods.

If children are not involved and consenting adults living free in the community decide to opt for polygamous relationships then maybe that is their business.

45. Faith schools should not be tax-funded, and here's why

Comment #71793 by Linda on September 19, 2007 at 5:01 pm

Zoe Williams
Hear, hear.

Oh and here in Ontario the funding of faith-based schools is the hot topic for the upcoming provincial election. Unfortunately for Ontarians one of the perks doled out in Confederation was to give the Vatican the right to our tax dollars to fund Roman Catholic schools. The result is that there are two systems with duplication and waste. Actually for some bizarre reason the RC system gets more money per student than the public one. Currently the Tories (the candidate's name is John Tory – no joke) are aiming to finance a myriad of faith-based schools, which will of course cause more community disunity. The in power Liberals are defending the RC system (could it be that the Premier's kids attend RC schools – oh cynical me) and the 3rd party of influence, the New Democrats support the status quo. The only intelligent remarks on this subject are coming from the Green Party which advocates merging the school boards into one. The Greens have no problem with including the history of the myths of world religions in the curriculum. Zeus, Jesus, Yahweh, Allah, Thor and Ganesha can all fit nicely into that idea without the obligatory dogma.

Yesterday the daily Globe and Mail national poll asked the question:
'Would you like to see your province fund faith-based schools? 'http://tinyurl.com/39288x
As you can see a whopping 83% said NO! – I do think the question should be refined to ask if the Roman Catholic schools should be merged into on public school board. The only Canadian province to make that bold move is Newfoundland and that came after the exposure of the Roman Catholic Christian Brothers schools litany of years of sex abuse and violence perpetrated by priests against defenseless children was exposed thanks to one brave victim who broke the silence.

One of these days I'll call the principal at a local high school, Our Lady of Fatima, and ask what the students there are told about that event which as we know never happened.

There should be one excellent public school system geared towards producing a population literate in language, math and science and with skills for the workplace.

Man oh man, when will everyone get a clue?
http://richarddawkins.net/article,1613,Creationism-raised-as-Ont-election-issue,Globe-and-Mail

46. Catholic school board in Halton may ban HPV vaccination

Comment #71327 by Linda on September 18, 2007 at 12:58 pm

Surely since this is a public health issue and the province is funding the programme that girls who wish to get the vaccine can do so at the closest public school.

47. 'Jane Doe' Testifies as Trial of Polygamist Leader Begins

Comment #70222 by Linda on September 14, 2007 at 11:53 am

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/the-south-park-guide-to-life-2-joseph-smith--mormon/4185395886

48. The smallest signs of retreat

Comment #68425 by Linda on September 7, 2007 at 6:51 am

The overall responses to Ms Bunting's factless diatribe against Dawkins is that she is deluded & misinformed. She could be renamed Mis-Information.
Many posters on CiF have suggested that Bunting check out
Dawkins copious debates & interviews with people like McGrath & others.

The 6 minute interview that Bunting describes as debate is one of those quickie CNN-FOX-news-tainment segments in which no speaker is given the microphone for more than 60 seconds.

http://richarddawkins.net/article,1612,Interview-with-Richard-Dawkins-and-John-Cornwell,BBC-Radio-4-Today-Programme

Is it that everyone has a short attention span?

49. Creationism raised as Ont. election issue

Comment #68304 by Linda on September 6, 2007 at 6:50 pm

The Green Party advocates eliminating the Roman Catholic School Board and thereby having a single public education system that is free of religious superstition. That would move would offer a huge tax saving and maybe it would be possible to reduce tuition fees for higher education. If only a candidate would run in my riding.

John Tory claims to mis-speak and be misunderstood. Haven't we had enough trouble caused in the world by GW Bush another conservative who also can't make a public statement without coming across as either stupid or dangerous?

50. Bible Belter

Comment #68280 by Linda on September 6, 2007 at 3:39 pm

keith - humour us a bit here and please provide proof of gods, the supernatural and or the after life. BBC is holding the World Service for your momentous announcement which must be supported by documentary evidence. A warm fuzzy feeling in the head or an hallucination doesn't count as those events are simply manifestations of brain activity producing illusions. You must be new here. Most of your questions are answered somewhere on this magnificent & informative website so take a look around.

Jerry Falwell was a big jerk. Just because he died it doesn't mean that he should be praised or honoured.