1. The Boundaries of Belief

Comment #205272 by d4m14n on July 7, 2008 at 2:14 am

2. Comment #204970 by ThoughtsonCommonToad on July 6, 2008 at 10:27 am
Few interesting results
I can only seem to post one image so 2 are merely links.

2. Richard Dawkins on Doctor Who

Comment #204554 by d4m14n on July 5, 2008 at 7:36 am

Thanks for the link clearmind.

It seems to show that the poorer, less educated parts of the world have fewer atheists. Makes sense I guess. Which one are you? Poor? Or, uneducated? Given the standard of your self-proclaimed, "evolution silencing" logic, I'm gonna have to go with uneducated. Then again, you may simply be a plain vanilla, everyday moron.

3. Richard Dawkins on Doctor Who

Comment #202311 by d4m14n on July 1, 2008 at 9:27 am

My strong suggestion is that the rest of us should simply IGNORE "clear"mind on this topic completely, until he shows evidence of having read at least one book.

4. My Argument With God

Comment #131678 by d4m14n on February 23, 2008 at 2:09 am

PJG, you can easily exclude phrases in a search:

darwin free will delusion -"the god delusion"

5. Over half of Britons claim no religion

Comment #131378 by d4m14n on February 22, 2008 at 11:16 am

I'm one of those "cultural Christians" who skewed the 2001 census. I honestly didn't realise the implications at the time.

6. Council pays psychic for exorcism

Comment #126469 by d4m14n on February 13, 2008 at 9:59 am

It is galling to see public funds being spent on nonsense like this, but in the end, it might well have been the right call in this case.

7. Minnesota Atheists Interview Richard Dawkins

Comment #113935 by d4m14n on January 21, 2008 at 3:14 am

I love Richard's accent I'm English but i don't sound like that :( maybe its because I'm from Yorkshire

8. New Findings Confirm Darwin's Theory: Evolution Not Random

Comment #113571 by d4m14n on January 20, 2008 at 4:23 am

So is this basically saying that genetic drift is BS?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_drift

9. US 'doomed' if creationist president elected: scientists

Comment #108754 by d4m14n on January 7, 2008 at 2:18 pm

Well I'm not ashamed to admit that I'd only be able to make an educated guess at where the Pacific is. It's big and it's not the Atlantic. What's the big deal? I was a straight A student and I'm university educated. In fact, I even used to work in GIS but I'll be buggered if I could still point out even half of the European countries on a map. I'll go sit in the corner with the rest of the dunces. :P

Oh, and another vote for Yorkshire here. Harrogate born and bred.

10. Mother Nature is Not Our Friend

Comment #105947 by d4m14n on January 2, 2008 at 7:39 am

All you bioluddites can go to hell. Bring on the cybernetic implants. Oh... and a shlong implant while you're at it.

11. Richard Dawkins on 'Have Your Say'

Comment #104919 by d4m14n on December 30, 2007 at 2:32 am

Autographed photos for sale would be appreciated. I'd buy two, and be happy to do so as a way to fund the Foundation.

12. Response to Dinesh D'Souza op-ed

Comment #86170 by d4m14n on November 8, 2007 at 2:01 pm

I am becoming increasingly irked by a certain group of tiresome, snotty contributors here who cannot restrain themselves from criticising every damned thing the RRS does and from sneering at every damned thing they write.

13. A new website addition: Debate Points

Comment #84769 by d4m14n on November 3, 2007 at 1:48 pm

What about the old chestnut of, "God moves in mysterious ways". How can this be countered?

14. Christopher Hitchens at AAI 07

Comment #80131 by d4m14n on October 20, 2007 at 5:53 am

Riley,

Damn you're an idiot! The whole point of Hitchen's silly little challenge [sic] is to hook them in for the second part!

15. The Squirrel Wars

Comment #77052 by d4m14n on October 8, 2007 at 9:59 am

Interesting article and commentary. But what does this have to do with religion, atheism, or even evolution? Ahhh! Perhaps the Gray squirrels are a metaphor for radical Islam invading and out-populating the peaceful secular Red Squirrels?

16. We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Brothers

Comment #76744 by d4m14n on October 7, 2007 at 1:38 am

Interesting article from Times Online about suicide bombers:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article2604119.ece

17. Debate between Richard Dawkins and John Lennox

Comment #76575 by d4m14n on October 6, 2007 at 10:50 am

One thing that is clear from this 'debate', is that in order to successfully challenge a theistic position, you have to nail down EXACTLY what kind of god they believe in. If you don't, they have carte blanche to duck any arguments thrown their way. Good luck getting them to admit what they actually believe though!

18. Debate between Richard Dawkins and John Lennox

Comment #76042 by d4m14n on October 4, 2007 at 1:49 pm

The audio invites you to comment on this exchange here:

http://www.aproundtable.org/LennoxDebate/comments.cfm

Ugh! The number of uneducated, deluded morons that have posted is just too painful.

19. The Problem with Atheism

Comment #75920 by d4m14n on October 4, 2007 at 4:42 am

Anybody who thinks we should respect the views of a person (be they in the majority or not) who believes in cosmic, Jewish zombies, is part of the problem.

In that case, Dawkins is part of the problem, as he certain shows respect for his collaborator on several projects - the Bishop of Oxford.

20. The Problem with Atheism

Comment #75899 by d4m14n on October 4, 2007 at 2:23 am

To just dismiss the beliefs of most of our fellow citizens as stupid, or "a load of crap" sounds angry. It's not true. It dosen't come across well.

21. The Problem with Atheism

Comment #75678 by d4m14n on October 3, 2007 at 9:56 am

...

3) If I stop smoking/believing in God, I'll spend the rest of my life thinking I'm missing out on something.

22. The Problem with Atheism

Comment #75659 by d4m14n on October 3, 2007 at 8:23 am

I agree with Harris here; let's get rid of the silly big capital "A" thing - it just gives religous people a rod to beat us with. Confrontational approaches rarely get results in thoughtful debates.

23. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #75256 by d4m14n on October 2, 2007 at 6:46 am

Some pics of the RRS et al the AAI convention in this slideshow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2m60bPCi9U

Great track by Greydon Square too! Spot Sapient outing himself as a CHPA at 4:11.

Oh... and well done jack! ;)

24. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #75159 by d4m14n on October 2, 2007 at 12:13 am

v4ri4bl3: (nice friendly handle you have there, by the way. Is it your online bank account password, perchance? Do tell.)

It's "Variable" Jack. It must be your age! :)

25. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #74687 by d4m14n on September 30, 2007 at 1:41 am

Being a thoroughbred Yorkshire man, I'm perfectly qualified to be down to earth about all this...

I really don't understand why you guys consider 'presentation' to be the most effective tool in our arsenal. The highbrow, intellectual aspect of some atheists, although a positive trait, is actually a turn off for most people. Even to the point of being used as a pejorative. Yes, Russell and his CPA club have an important role to play, but the kids in the schoolyard aren't interested in what they have to say. It would be wonderful if we could change the mindset of young people to have them really appreciate reasoned debate, but that's a completely different argument. As it stands, name-calling, ridicule, peer pressure, oh... and sex, will have the greatest effect on today's youngsters. So why not use this fact? In the UK, admitting to being a religious Christian in the schoolyard is tantamount to social suicide. Wouldn't it be great if it were the same in the US? RD, CH, SH, DD et al can maintain a squeaky clean image in the media. The RRS can get on with the dirty work of telling the kids how it really is. And with sexy chicks, frat boys and orphaned, straight-outta-Compton, rapping ex-soldiers, I'm pretty certain they're well placed to do it!

26. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #74595 by d4m14n on September 29, 2007 at 4:21 pm

However, we're still left wondering what the gang of four had in mind if their books had had the desired effect. I can't believe they didn't think ahead; nor have in mind some future vision, so if not to effect change in the world what was the purpose? Was it mere money and fame? I hope not, but it's possibly true. It's also possible there may some clever underlying reason I've missed or not been smart enough to see, but I hope not because I honestly wouldn't want to know about or be interested in it. Fame and fortune I can understand; a political goal I can understand; anything else would be valueless to me.

27. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #74336 by d4m14n on September 28, 2007 at 7:16 am

And also I think the personal site of Richard Dawkins is somewhat more than just a place for 'coffee house philosopher atheists'.

28. AAI Convention webcam

Comment #74329 by d4m14n on September 28, 2007 at 6:42 am

What's with all the haters?

Steve99 et al, I'm afraid that it's your attitudes that are the problem. You don't like the RRS? Fine. YouTube atheists absolutely love 'em, and quite frankly that audience is a damn sight more important than all the coffee house philosopher atheists, which this site attracts.

Here's one of my favourite videos of theirs. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lnFobYlsF4

29. 1996 Richard Dimbleby Lecture

Comment #73164 by d4m14n on September 24, 2007 at 10:18 am

Nitpicking over grammar and spelling on internet fora is either an occupational hazard for English teachers or the past time of old foggies who have nothing valuable to say...

We patronisingly listen to the Veroniques and Northern Brights of this site , and it's as if we are inwardly saying, "How cute - they'll grow out of it one day."

30. 1996 Richard Dimbleby Lecture

Comment #73142 by d4m14n on September 24, 2007 at 9:01 am

Maybe even a cooking show about foods we don't normally eat.

31. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72875 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 9:53 am

The requirement for a 'daily act of Christian worship' is kept by most primary schools, but ignored by most high schools, who are never taken to task for it.

32. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72854 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 8:47 am

Maybe so, but I suspect that the vast majority of parents are completely unaware that collective worship is actually mandated in schools.

You may be right, d4m14n, but do you suppose that the majority of them would also object?

33. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72841 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 7:31 am

I ought to add that the collective worship business is seen by the punters as even less of a problem than are faith schools.

34. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72828 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 4:41 am

I'm confident that if Teacher says 'Sit on the floor, children - I'm going to tell you about some stories from religion', the kids will be safe enough from 'collateral indoctrination'.

35. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72825 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 4:27 am

And why is it necessary for those who wish to worship God to do it in school?

And just how many parents with no religion really require their children to learn what worship is in school? And since when is actual worship a requirement for learning about worship?

Grrr. It makes my blood boil.

36. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72822 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 4:02 am

Changing attitudes, changing cultures, takes time. It's no good expecting these things to change overnight. The government takes that line because the government thinks that line will be generally approved of by the voters. Who is going to convince them otherwise, if we ourselves don't take the first step?

37. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72813 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 3:19 am

Well if anybody is considering writing to their MP about this, you'd best be aware of the government's recent response to just such concerns ... they couldn't give a shit!

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page11583.asp

The Government remains committed to the provision of collective worship in schools and recognises its valuable contribution to the spiritual and moral development of pupils.
This is a view which is shared by many parents who still expect their children to understand the meaning of worship whether they hold a faith or not.

We believe that it is important that collective worship should provide the opportunity for pupils to worship God as well as to consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own beliefs. Collective worship can play a valuable role in developing community spirit, promoting a common ethos and shared values. The Government believes there is sufficient flexibility in the law to allow both Christian and other forms of worship.

The Government respects the right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their own faith and this is why parents have the right to withdraw their children from collective worship. From September 2007, pupils in school sixth forms will also be able to withdraw themselves from collective worship. The Government believes that for younger pupils, it is appropriate and practical for parents to decide on whether to withdraw. The Government believes this strikes the right balance between the requirements of the law and accommodating the wishes of parents.

38. Crisis of faith in first secular school

Comment #72803 by d4m14n on September 23, 2007 at 2:32 am

Russell,

The rules are quite simple: all state schools must provide a daily act of collective worship, of a broadly Christian nature (technically daily can mean >50% of school days). A parent has the right to withdraw their child from collective worship, and the school would be expected to make alternative arrangements for the child. What exactly is 'collective worship' seems pretty much open to interpretation. At my child's school it seems to mean 'indoctrination opportunity'.

There's more information here:

http://www.humanism.org.uk/site/cms/contentViewArticle.asp?article=1252

39. Griffin's 'offensive' Emmy speech to be censored

Comment #69943 by d4m14n on September 13, 2007 at 9:09 am

There's a video on CNN showing Kathy's acceptance speech (with comments from Bill Donohue) here....

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2007/09/13/sbt.griffin.panel.cnn

40. 'Root of All Evil? The Uncut Interviews' Released on DVD

Comment #67944 by d4m14n on September 5, 2007 at 9:36 am

The proceeds go to the RDF, not RD's pockets. What's the fuss?

41. 'Root of All Evil? The Uncut Interviews' Released on DVD

Comment #67848 by d4m14n on September 5, 2007 at 1:52 am

I suspect I'll be buying this, but where's the uncut Ted Haggard?

EDIT: just noticed it's NTSC format. If you're European, you might want to check your DVD player for compatibility.

42. God Bless Me, It's a Best-Seller!

Comment #64408 by d4m14n on August 20, 2007 at 2:50 am

Riley et al,

The fundamental flaw in Hitch's challenge was demonstrated in a radio interview he gave recently. A theist phoned in to offer the example of praying for somebody as being a moral action that no atheist would do. Hitchens dismissed it of course, but the theist presenters clearly thought they had him beat.

43. Atheists and believers have got religion wrong

Comment #63610 by d4m14n on August 15, 2007 at 4:34 am

Comment #63607 by Beth

If being a 'militant atheist' means no longer tolerating the hatred, bigotry, and misogyny of religion - please call me militant.

44. The Out Campaign

Comment #59927 by d4m14n on July 31, 2007 at 6:19 am

However, I'm not sure if comedy alone can really oust faith schools. The main problem seems to be the fact that if you get rid of muslim schools you should therefore also get rid of Catholic and CofE schools, the latter being so deep-rooted so to be near impossible to outroot.

45. OUT Campaign Launched, 'Scarlet Letter' Shirts Now Available!

Comment #59865 by d4m14n on July 31, 2007 at 12:47 am

If you think those stats are purely representative, you then believe that a substantial proportion of Britons actually follow the Jedi Knight religion.

46. OUT Campaign Launched, 'Scarlet Letter' Shirts Now Available!

Comment #59715 by d4m14n on July 30, 2007 at 11:24 am

Those statistics simply refer to people referring to whether or not they were baptised as babies (exc. muslims obviously).

47. Transcending God: An interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #56002 by d4m14n on July 13, 2007 at 7:14 am

Hitchens:

There's a film—I've never seen it—about a village atheist in America. At one point, there's some incredible thunderstorm or some other apocalyptic event that makes it seem as though the Second Coming really is about to happen. Everyone's incredibly impressed. And even he thinks it seems to be true. But he keeps muttering as these events unfold, "But where did Cain get his wife?"

48. Messiah

Comment #52513 by d4m14n on June 27, 2007 at 6:58 am

Here's the walking on glass stunt for anyone that hasn't seen it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNI_46cOsM8

49. Lou Dobbs Interviews Christopher Hitchens

Comment #37579 by d4m14n on May 5, 2007 at 5:11 am

Video is now up.

http://www.charlierose.com/home

50. Lou Dobbs Interviews Christopher Hitchens

Comment #37569 by d4m14n on May 5, 2007 at 1:58 am

re Comment #37560 by madhatter

I agree. The virgin birth of Krishna seems to be prolifically stated on atheist sites. From where does this alternate account originate? Is it completely unfounded?