Conservative atheists

The atheist community almost acts at times as though conservative atheists cannot exist — excluding the farce that is S.E. Cupp, that is. The NYTimes highlights this underrepresented segment (conservatives) of an already small fraction of society (atheists).

They are part of a small faction on the right: conservatives with no use for religion. Since 2008, they have been contributors to the blog Secular Right, where they argue that conservative values like small government, self-reliance and liberty can be defended without recourse to invisible deities or the religions that exalt them.

Read More at NYTimes.

Atheism and violence

I had a discussion some months back regarding atheism and its potential for violence. This discussion arose out of the Intelligence Squared debate “Atheism the New Fundalementalism.” The original debate can be found here. Below is a summary of my point of view on whether or not atheism can lead to violence. Admittedly, this is more geared towards an atheist audience as a theist would most likely disagree with many of my premises. The post also uses terminology drawn from the Intelligence Squared debate, resonating from the points that Dawkins makes. Continue reading…

Billy Ray Cyrus is being attacked by Satan

Billy Ray Cyrus, father of Miley Cyrus (of Hannah Montana) recently gave an interview to GQ magazine in which he said the following:

“Somewhere along this journey,” he says, “both mine and Miley’s faith has been shaken. That saddens me the most.” When they first came to Hollywood for Hannah Montana, the two of them would drive down the freeway together to the studio each morning, and every day Miley would point out the sign that said Continue reading…

Ricky Gervais responds to criticism of his appropriateness

Ricky Gervais recently hosted the Golden Globes and closed the night by saying “thank God I’m an atheist!” Below is a video where he explains his position:

Christmas Atheist billboards

Atheists have revitalized the billboard movement that cause so much fuss a short time ago. This time, the billboards have a Christmas theme. Samples of the billboards and some more information can be found at American Atheists’ webpage. Below is a CNN news clip regarding the billboards:

A lot of this brings up comparisons between Santa Claus and God and/or Jesus, which has led to a lot of frustration from Christian onlookers. This is all also a part of the “out campaign” for atheism, which encourages ‘closet atheists’ to come out and join the community.

Dear atheists, the Boy Scouts don’t want you

And so it continues that the Boy Scouts of America (along revered organizations like Salvation Army) are disallowing gays to serve as even “leaders” let alone letting them wear the shirts given to them by the “cub pack.” This is all according to an article posted on CNN about a Dallas man, John Langbert, who after a few of the fellow dads complained was stripped of his “leader” title and was asked not to wear the traditional BSOA shirt given to him the previous year.

But that’s not really what this article is about, it’s about something the Scout executive Pat Currie said about the incident. Currie said, “We do have a policy that avowed gays and atheists are not allowed to be a registered leader or member of Boy Scouts of America.” And there’s where we here at AnAmericanAtheist come in. Continue reading…

Review: Spiritual Growth Is Not What You Think

After reading Doyle Barnett’s Spiritual Growth is Not What You Think: How Seekers Mistake the Evolution of Their Philosophy for Spiritual Progress, I can only tell you one thing: spiritual growth was exactly what I thought it was. That may be because Barnett and I have a slightly differing view on spiritual growth, though.

His explanation is a tricky one to find in his book. He spends dozens of pages talking about “spirituality” and “Spirit” but declines (whether intentionally or not, is still up in the air) to tell us his definition until page 151 in the “An Important Distinction to Consider” section of Chapter 11: Defining Spiritual Achievement. According to Barnett “Spiritual growth is the expanding of one’s ability to love holistically.” What is holistic love, you may be asking. Well, wait 11 more pages to find out. On page 162, he defines “Real love”, “Personal love”, “Grand love” and “Holistic love”; the latter meaning “a comprehensive love… It is caring for one’s self, for others, for humanity, and the planet.”

Now that’s something I can get behind. I understand, I like it, but unfortunately it may be a let down for most people. I would be inclined to believe that the lay-religious-person would think spiritual growth is coming closer to God, but Barnett makes it painfully obvious through quotes, diatribes and anecdotes that to know God is an impossibility. Of course this is coming from a self-proclaimed atheist (according to the letter he sent me with the book).

Continue reading…