Reason in Iraq – An Interview with Faisal Saeed Al Mutar

It would be an understatement to suggest that we take some things for granted here in the United States.  The freedom to practice our diverse religions is one example, as is the freedom to reject faith altogether. We discuss and debate these matters regularly. There is the alleged war on Christmas, claims of attacks on religion institutional and otherwise, that Christians are being oppressed and victimized, whether or not Shariah law is a national threat, and questions of the role of religion in government and government in religion. 

Yes, I Believe!

Oh yes, my brothers and sisters, I believe these things. Truly and without guile I bear witness, I testify, I can give you a hearty “Amen!”  I want to be the purple stripe. “Don’t tell me then ‘be like the rest.’” 

Passing the Hitchens Meme To A New Generation

Those of us who have followed Christopher Hitchens for any length of time knew the time of his death was coming sooner than we would like.  “Followed” is not the right word.  We did not “follow” him.  Many of us hung on his words; his books, essays, lectures, debates, videos, television appearances, the many works he edited, everything.  A new anything by Christopher Hitchens was  like waking up on Christmas morning all over again.  He has had a profound impact on me and on my thinking.

Newt- Freedom Of Expression For Believers Only

The GOP presidential candidates have been asked to sign a number of pledges opposing taxes, gay marriage, and supporting the Tea Party’s Contract from America while they campaign for their party’s nomination.  Bob Vander Plaats, a conservative who ran for election to the state house in Iowa and lost, and who has since become something of a conservative gatekeeper has also drafted a pledge for the GOP presidential candidates to sign, titled “The Marriage Vow: A Declaration of Dependence upon MARRIAGE and FAMILY.”

Audio & Photos – Freedom From Religion Foundation Convention

Audio of my presentation at the Freedom From Religion Foundation Convention in Hartford, CT, on October 8 has been posted on their website here. Scroll down a bit and you will see a media player.  Scroll down within that player and you will see my name.  The talk is about 40 minutes long. There are more photos here, beginning with FFRF President Dan Barker’s introduction.

Student Evaluations In Perspective

I love reading student evaluations. Some are outrageous, most are helpful, some only leave room for one response – the facepalm. I’ve included two comments below that I particularly enjoyed.