Religion and the 2012 Elections

Theoretical physicist and cosmologist Lawrence M. Krauss has written a concise but poignant essay, “Why are Religious Beliefs Off Limits?,” about whether religion and the religious beliefs of the candidates should be addressed or not in the public discourse during the elections this year. It wasn’t that long ago when religious beliefs were considered private affairs.

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. 

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.