Weekend Religion and Freethought Report (02/21)

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angels, atheism, britain, christians, church, church of england, death threats, doctrine, faith, gay marriage, god, godless, hell, histility, ISIS, jehovah's witnesses, jesus, kids, lent, memorial, mississippi, muslim, neuroscience, north dakota, politics, prayer, presbyterian, public office, ReapSowRadio, religion, religious exemption, republicans, right wing, science, scott walker, SOCAS, soul, teacher, terrorists, tom rasponik, west virginia

Do Godless Kids Turn Out All Right?

A month ago, an op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times by sociologist Phil Zuckerman supplied a reassuring answer for secular parents: absolutely.

Religion Should Not Be a Prerequisite for Public Office

If personal religious opinion legally cannot dictate legislation, why should we care whether our president is  Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist or something else?

Atheist Lent, Why It Matters, and Also What Should I Give Up?

It’s too easy to be stuck in an “atheism good, religion bad” mentality, but I started to see religion in functional terms once I was out.

Atheist Group Threatens to Sue Over Angels on Beloved Christian Teacher’s Memorial in West Virginia

A middle school in West Virginia is refusing to remove the angels from a memorial for their beloved teacher, despite the threat of legal action from an atheist group.

Church of England Voting Guidance Says Religion Cannot Be Separated from Politics

The Church of England has published a letter advising Church members on the upcoming election, in a move which has drawn significant criticism.

Scott Walker Says He Consults with God, But His Office Can’t Provide Documents to Prove It

After Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker made another reference to God speaking to him in a speech before bankers in January, Freedom From Religion Foundation member Edward Susterich made an open records request of his office for evidence of his communications with the Lord

Terrorists’ Rampage Against Christians

Iraq’s U.N. ambassador alleged Tuesday that Islamic State militants were committing genocide, a day ahead of an emergency Security Council session.

Presbyterian Church Gay Marriage Vote Would Recognize Union of ‘Two People’

The Presbyterian Church entered the debate on gay rights in earnest in 1996 when the mainline Protestant denomination amended its bylaws to prohibit the ordination of gay and lesbian pastors.

North Dakota House Republicans Cancel Muslim Opening Prayer After Complaints

On Wednesday, Dr. Nadim Koleilat, the board president of the Bismarck Muslim Community Center, was scheduled to give the opening prayer at the North Dakota House chamber.

Right-Wing Christians’ Hostility to Science Destroys Lives

Good family planning transforms life for men, women and children. Opposition to advances in contraception ruins lives.

Why ISIS Should Make Christians Rethink The Doctrine Of Hell

Burning people alive isn’t anything new, and certainly isn’t unique to ISIS– as Christians we have a long history with this practice as well.

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Jesus

Science and archaeology offer insights into ancient artifacts that could be linked to Jesus Christ.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Threaten Kids Who Don’t Pay Attention in Church with Death

An animated video produced by the Jehovah’s Witnesses informs children that if they don’t pay attention at church, they do so at their own peril. [Video]

Miss. Lawmakers Want To Exempt Church Bus Drivers From Certification

The Mississippi House of Representatives recently passed a bill that lawmakers claim will help smaller churches with their transportation costs – but these misguided politicians may be putting lives at risk.

Losing Faith: Atheism Rising in Britain, Poll Suggests

Religiosity in Britain is dying as almost one in five British people now identifies themselves as atheist, a poll for The Times has found.

ReapSowRadio – Special #4- Answer to Tom Rasponik

Yet another answer in defense to the mouth that never stops. Keep in mind this is an ANSWER to Tom. If he hadn’t said anything this recording wouldn’t exist. [MP3 Link]

Neuroscience and the Soul

This video presentation covers a brief history of the concept of the soul, as well as a discussion of what, if anything, neurobiology and evolutionary biology can tell us about it.