Links Shminks #16

Where do you come down on the big questions that split atheists?

Six hundred some proofs for God that start off silly and get progressively more so.

In one of my new favorite blogs, Tjaart discusses the intellectual bankruptcy of Christian apologetics.

You'd think God could create the best of all possible worlds, right? There are problems with that.

Personal story time from Sheldon who came out as an atheist to his sister.

Theists often say infinite regression is impossible, but a single infinite deity is perfectly fine. If only we had a mathematician to weigh in...

Westboro Baptist church is going to picket the funeral of a Christian who died leaving his own charity event. True story. R.I.P. PaulWalker.*

*Is Rest In Peace a saying atheists should avoid? I mean, he isn't resting per se or at peace exactly. I guess it works metaphorically...

Links Shminks #15

The many possible outcomes of a Pascalian Wager render it useless.

The 10 weirdest right-wing Xian conspiracy theories

Vjack talks about Atheism+ and where it went wrong.

Richard Dawkins had a short interview on The Daily Show, and a longer interview with Jon Stewart on-line.

A great post for those wondering if a religion is harmful.

Rosa Rubicondior's take on the censorship tendencies of religion.

An atheist wonders if his rationalization to eat meat is religious in nature.

An atheist thinking about the kind of theist he could be.

And finally, a cartoon creationist needs representation.

Links Shminks #14

There is a petition to change back U.S.A.'s motto to "E Pluribus Unum." I always liked that motto even though I never grew up with it. If you live in the States and want it to be just a little more secular, sign-up! (via A Particular Atheist)

God is a Myth did a two parter on stupid things in the Bible's creation story.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart John Oliver aired a bit with Samantha Bee making fun of Christian's perceived persecution.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Ah, the ol' lice argument for evolution. A classic.

Jesus is an asshole. (via LadyAtheist)

Freedom to Offend is taking the Geologic Podcast bit Religious Morons of the Week and makes them into comics.

Christian Domestic Discipline, because Christians just had too good a rep with feminists.

The micro/macro evolution distinction explained by fish people.

And finally, I've been listening to The Lonely Island's Wack Album and enjoying it thoroughly. This video is nothing new, but if you think about it YOLO is an atheist message. There's probably no afterlife, so I'd stay away from furniture.

Links Shminks #13

A Catholic hospital tried to save a mother when it may have had a better chance saving the two unborn twins. The lot of them died and the father sued the hospital.  Get this, the Catholic hospital's lawyers said a fetus is not a person until it is born. The hospital won the case and counter sued the father for over $118,000 in legal fees and attempted to garnish his wages. The father filled bankruptcy and is going to appeals court. Guess what the Catholic Health Initiatives had to say? That's right, no comment. ReasonBeing weighs in.

Hausdorff has a good explainer of infinities which shows how William Lane Craig (and therefore hundreds of apologetic parrots) get it wrong.

BTW, did you know Haus has a comics page now? Also, he's taking on Revelations now and, wow. I just caught up on the podcasts and it really features how honest belief in a loving God and an honest belief in the bible are mutually exclusive.

Speaking of comics, I dug this one when the world was supposed to end. (I know the Mayans are old news, but I haven't done a link round-up in a while.)

Cephus debunks apologetics by responding to some misguided blog.

Knoxville, TN is the most Bible-friendly city according to a nice infographic found by the Friendly Atheist.

I like this Tumblr God made to clear some shit up.

Here's a rap to send to those who don't understand the difference between a theory and a hypothesis (looking at you, evolution deniers.)

Speaking of raps, this one takes on biblical morality (or the lack thereof.) (via The Friendly Atheist)

More studies on how the folks most outspoken against gays tend to be less then straight. (via Infidel753)

Links Shminks #12

Here's a good round-up of and discussion about books on Godless Morality. If you can't figure out why you should be moral without a deity in your life, please read one of these.

An exciting new phase of human evolution that doesn't involve the X-Men.

Try combining the Seven Deadly Sins for a good or awful time.

A flaw in the Golden Rule courtesy of Dilbert.

I feel like there's a place for philosophy, but certainly not every place. Here's a good piece about the role of philosophy.

A timely piece on why atheists celebrate Christmas.

Here's the blog and the post that kicked off everyone writing about the Boy Scouts last week (including me.)

Links Shminks #11

While this isn't strictly atheism related, my favorite astronomer, Phil Plait, left Discover Blogs for Slate.com. If you like space, he is a must read.

The Advocatus Atheist makes a case for why Superman is now as real as Jesus Christ. As with most of his stuff, I don't completely agree, but still find entertaining.

I'm writing a post about context, but Haus got there first so here's his. (I'm still posting mine in due time.)

Heroes of Science action figures, I'd totally buy them.

If you know a Catholic female with an ounce of girl power in her, ask if she would support an organization that would blatantly discriminate against women. If she says "no," tell her to leave the church. This applies to more than Catholicism  but they are perhaps the best popular example. Rosa Rubicondior expands on the notion.

This is an old post, but a recent tweet finally brought it to my attention. Atheists need a gang sign. It would be convenient to identify fellow atheists, especially those who are dragged to church over the holidays in an effort to maintain family solidarity.

Really, Louisiana? Really?

Vjack agrees with me and I tend to think he's right. (obviously)

I found this while reading to my kids last night. Worst. Nursery rhyme. Ever.

Goosey goosey gander,
Whither shall I wander?
Upstairs and downstairs
And in my lady's chamber.
There I met an old man
Who wouldn't say his prayers,
So I took him by his left leg
And threw him down the stairs.

Happy Thanksgiving, folks. I hope your goose, or turkey as the case may be, is cooked.

Links Shminks #10

Quantum mechanics may violate causality. This was a science item on The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast and it kinda blew my mind. It's basically says that, on a quantum level, we shouldn't assume that something's effect can't be it's own cause. I'm doubt I'll bring this up during my next "First Cause" argument, (mostly because I don't have to in order to dismantle their argument) but since the Big Bang puts the universe as a quantum singularity at some point...it is interesting.

My favorite Dilbert in a while points out that having informed opinions is more work than it's worth.

Stop me if you've heard this before, but the folks identifying as religion-less are on the rise. PEW says so. Hence, this blog's tagline.

Jesus saves.

A look at a letter Einstein wrote about God and religion.

Atheists and theists get along much better off-line.

Hausdorff brought to my attention a bit in Thessalonians where God tricked people in order to condemn them.

Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. ~Thessalonians II 2:11-12

I thought it worth mentioning since I just had a debate with a theist about God deceiving.  My position is that if a magic intelligence or any supernatural being is pulling the strings of life and reality, how can we be sure of anything? He said that God could not deceive us because God cannot sin and is perfect. Yeah...the Lord sounds more like Loki here. I have so many questions about this biblical passage, but onward to the next link!

Seven theories on the origin of life that don't include talking snakes.

Feeling disillusioned with the atheist movement? You're not alone.

This is my hometown Representative...who isn't epresentative of me. (I can attest that Oconee County is baaackwoods. (via Republic of Gilead)

Links Shminks #9

You say God is a myth? Myth busted!

8 questions that are interesting to think about, but have no certain answers.

A great Dawkins quote illustrated by Zen Pencils.

Hausdorff talks about why you should have opinions, not ideologies. (and he has a podcast now)

Like my strange tale of a friend's Christian conversion? Here's another.

Only Republicans think America is a Christian nation. Surprise.

A good assessment of the second most talked about resurrection in the Bible.

Find out who you side with this election. (it might be one of the folks you didn't even know were running)

And, finally, Reason Being on debating theists.

Links Shminks #8

A lot of politicians are politicking. Don't take their word of it. Fact check.

3.5 billion year old signs of life. Science is cool.

Amirite is a new site where people post their opinions to be voted up or down based on how many people hold the same opinion. Interesting way to see if it's just you who thinks certain thoughts. Here is the atheism section.

Overcoming Bias featured an article by an atheist who sees some value in church service. I wonder how many others would agree.

Think your religious liberty is being repressed? Take this simple test! (via LadyAtheist)

A surreal comic about questions and answers. (via Dead-Logic)

Obama and Romney answer science questions. To his credit, Romney (or more likely his staff) says some promising things. Of course, he plays cagey about global warming, but I never know how much of that he really believes and how much is pandering. Either way, not good, but still--at least there wasn't any cagey talk about evolution (so far.)

Links Shminks #7

Baywatch star Donna D'Errico gives up on her search for noah's ark after some injuries to her body and pride. I thought this was the plot for a sexually charged Indiana Jones remake, but turns out it's real.

If I didn't have any other responsibilities, was financially independent, and had friends who wanted to join me, a high-concept treasure hunt might be a fun disguise for a vacation. However, I would only go looking for prizes that logistically could exist--that rules out the ark. The saddest bit: this was posted on NBC's science page!

You know I love Infographics, and here's one on media bias. I wasn't surprised by FOX News, of course, but it looks like most networks are more negative towards Obama. I imagine that is skewed considering Obama gets more coverage than Romney. Besides, there are a bunch of other Republicans even more worthy of negative press.

Bill Nye speaks out against raising kids in creationism. He's quite the science guy!

In this video, Biblical creation is presented in a scientific manner while presenting the King James version of actual creation. It's a little disorienting.

Here we break down some historical evidence for Jesus.

I like the Browser's Five Books series of interviews. Here's a discussion of God and morality complete with a reading list.

No links to Atheism Plus. Everyone else is writing about it and I don't want to encourage them. Bundling causes is what leads people who are legitimately for smaller government to suddenly want capital punishment and unregulated gun emporiums without ever thinking about forming their own opinions. I like gays and women just fine, but I don't want to be caused out of the market.

Links Shminks #6

Want to learn about evolution? Here Are 300+ YouTube Videos!

Do they have this in a magnum? (via Infidel753)

Bizarre beliefs more often held by skeptics and atheists as part of The Community of Reason, a self-assessment and a manifesto.

Reason Being talks about the 10 Commandments relevancy to the United States.

Jesus pareidolia at it's most humorous.

Chickens talk about equality, one has a book.

Ten Things to Know About Belief is a good article, but a more accurate title might be "Ten Things to Believe About Belief."

I made Blogroll 3.0! AtheistRev will likely release an update in Blogroll 3.1 to correct this mistake.

There are some cute atheists out there. (I love that this site exists.)

Lastly, I just watched Kevin Smith's Red State and I recommend it for an ugly, yet entirely plausible, fictional depiction of religion and police.

Links Shminks #5

The Oatmeal sums it all up. This is amazing.

Dilbert had a comic this week making fun fo religion. Let us pay.

The Comprehensible Philosophy Dictionary, y'know, for the next time you have a few hours to burn.

Groveling to God, it's a thing. (as if you didn't know)

Damned Already compliments my blog and then undermines the point of it...and he may be right.

Zombies counter-protest the Westboro Baptist Church.  Sadly, they found no brains to snack on. (this was lifted straight from Lady Atheist's blog just for brains joke.)

I came across some funny stuff this week, much of it here.

And more of it here. This reads like an Onion piece. It's a welcome departure from the hundreds of Chic-fil-a sucks posts out there right now.

BTW, I met Truett Cathy once. He's much Cathy-er than Dan will ever be.

A Link Round-up of Link Round-ups

I occasionally post link round-ups of my favorite articles of the week. This week, I decided to cut out the middle man and link to the link round-ups that I often use to compile my link round-ups. It's all very meta.

• Infidel753's round-up
• Rationally Speaking's Michael's Picks
• Rationally Speaking's Ian's Picks
• Republic of Gilead's News Tidbits & Commentary Tidbits
• Great Play's round-up
• Lady Atheist's Week in Links
• Not Exactly Not Science's Missing Links

If you know of other regularly updated round-ups, feel free to post them in the commets.

Link Shminks #4

An infographic comparing the religiosity of scientists to the general public.

Lifehacker has uped the critical thinking posts lately, here's how to determine if a controversial statement is scientifically true.

Breaking down cognitive dissonance in an effort to understand how fundamentalists get their head around it.

Turns out fear is a good motivator. A new study shows that areas where more people hold a belief in hell have a lower crime rate. To quote Batman, “criminals are a cowardly and superstitious lot.”

Time Travel, Dinosaur Clones, and How To Debate Free Will. I need not say more.

Not many people ask "if humans evolved from monkeys, then why are there still monkeys?" anymore, (other than my mom) but if you need a stupidly simple infographic to help explain, here's one.

Links Shminks #3

Best. Wormhole. Ever.

An e-book of essays on the Future of Religion has been published...at least as published as e-books get. Or you can always read them online.

Philosophy, metaphysics, and theology defined. (via Infidel753) Reminds me of when you take philosophy too far.

I'm getting tired of talking about morality, so I'll let someone else tell you the flaws in defending morality with religion.

In a religious debate? Remember the proper way to argue. (via Conflicting Thoughts)

This post includes the words Star Wars Apologetics. Should be all you need to know.

The great Zen Pencils illustrated the great skeptic and Bad Astronomer Phil Plait.

Links Shminks #2

A breakdown of a recent Gallop poll breaks down the morals of Republicans and Democrats. More Democrats think the death penalty is immoral and more Republicans think abortions are immoral. Surprise, surprise. What does just about everyone agree on? Birth control is a-ok. I guess the church hasn't completely brainwashed it's congregation.

10 Science Concepts that Could Spawn Awesome Supervillains. Title says it all.

Ever hear the argument "most people believe in God therefore God exists?" The argument of common consent is written about in a fairer, more intelligible fashion than I am capable of over at The Prosblogion. I wonder if those who use this argument will accept the inverse when the majority inevitably give up religion? Doubt it.

If we are expected to uphold Biblical marriage traditions, we're looking at a picture quite different from one man and one woman.

A post to clear up the top ten myths about evolution. I wonder how these get started? (sarcasm)

P.Z. Myers judges his morality based on interest, consent, harm, and stigma. Works for me, and I don't even know if we stigma.

And finally, friend of the blog, Hausdorff, summed up his reading of C.S. Lewis' The Problem of Pain. I've tried to read apologetic books in the past, my responses range from "WTF?" to "WTF!?!"

Links Shminks #1

I was going to write a post about why the recent atheist catchphrase of "we are all born atheist" is silly, but Ockham's Razorboy already did.

Atheism is Love explains why atheism will replace religion.

Ever want to see John Cleese play the Devil? Me too.

An interesting look at how Americans think Christianity has affected society. If you don't like reading, there's a chart.

One of my favorite Twitterers is also a columnist. He wrote a clever obituary of facts. I'm sorry to see them go.

And finally, I wrote a piece for Reason Being about the separation of church and state in regards to marriage. It's about time they got some good content over there.