Monthly Archives: February 2012
Foreskin Decisions
If you want to piss off some of your readers, write about politics or sex. Well, I’ve never worried too much about rejection on this blog, so here I go with another controversial subject: circumcision. Do me a favor, BEFORE … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
“People of Faith” : Language Strategies
I am sure the phrase “People of Faith” has been around a long time, but for some reason, its rhetorical value has only recently stood out to me. A google search shows >7,800,000 hits for the phrase. The phrase can … Continue reading
Filed under Religion
Tricking Our Religious Minds
At 19 years-old I hitchhiked from Europe to India with no money in my pockets. I still have fond memories of those who shared food with me on the trip and of those who taught me magic tricks which I … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
JoyBubbles and Imaginary Friends
WNYC RadioLab has done an amazing podcast concerning “JoyBubbles” (AKA: Joe Engressia Jr., 1949 – 2007 ): A boy born blind, abused by Catholic nuns but who climbed out of the damage using an amazing skill to find success in life. … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Yahweh viewed through 3 Moral Calculators
Ethical debates are difficult because we are deluded into thinking our minds are unitary and that we make conscious ethical decisions before acting. But instead, our brains seem to have several independent moral calculators — each spitting out many often … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Lent Challenge: Give up Religion
In honor of the Christian season of Lent, I challenge people to give up religious tags. For 40 days and 40 nights, don’t call yourself a Christian, a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Jew or any other such thing. … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
The Virtue of Anger in Atheists
Rational anger is a valuable emotion. Yes, anger can be rational. Thoughts and emotions are inseparable. Anger based on correctly understood (reasonable) injustices, violence and suppression can efficiently motivate, enliven and stir us to action against these enemies. Religious folks are … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy, Religion
Losing Friends
This post was inspired by David Hayward’s lament of lost friends after leaving his church and his joy in new found friends outside his faith. Like David, I too lost almost all of my friends on leaving Christianity. But I … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Cleaning Your Religious House
Here I drew a Buddhist monk but I could just as easily drawn a Christian in their Sunday best, a Muslim, a Jew, a Zen lay practitioner or any religious person. Though a believer may not identify with the conservative, … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Share Your Heart
David Hayward, a former pastor turned cartoonist, shared this Valentine drawing with us. David’s works are for sale and would make a great conversation piece in your home. Below are my Valentine reflections inspired by his drawing. Please share your … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Buddhist Creationism
An Amazing Discovery! A human footprint was recently discovered next to a T. Rex footprint. After careful, scientific, paleontological excavation, the revealed details of the footprint were shocking! SIDdhartha Gautama (The Buddha) seemed to have lived amongst the dinosaurs. Now … Continue reading
Filed under Religion
“God, No!”: a book contest!
This last year I have been asked to review several books, but I have failed. First, if I don’t enjoy a book, I have no problem putting it down and not finishing it. I am easily distracted and love procrastinating … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism
Radio Theology
The average religious consumer does not get their theology from a library of theology texts. Very few religious folks even think out a half-way consistent theology. Many people just get their religion from the equivalent of various inspiring AM radio … Continue reading
Filed under Atheism
Loner or Party Animal
Understanding the variety of human temperaments can help you understand yourself and others. Sociability is one such temperament trait. Where do you lay on the spectrum between Party Animal and Loner? Take the poll. It is known that the orbital prefrontal … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
What label are you attached to?
Can I ask you to do a little thought experiment with me? Think of a title, a label or a word you call yourself: Christian, Atheist, Buddhist, Patriot, Humanist, Skeptic, Agnostic, Hindu, Muslim, Vegetarian, Pacifist, Marxist… Now, imagine that someone … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Virtual Bible Study Tools
Please share any sites you feel are useful in studying the Bible. I will collect a briefly annotated list on this post. I put a link to this post in my “Table of Contents” in the right column of this … Continue reading
Filed under Religion
A Mythical Slave Story
A few days ago I saw a tweet which had gone blog-viral. It quoted a letter from a slave to his former master. I read the letter – it was fantastic but then I started to have my doubts if it … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
Play WeiQi ! !
The Name: WeiQi (Chinese) goes by many names: ”Go”(English), “Igo”(Japanese), “Baduk”(Korean). WeiQi Beginner Books: Janice Kim’s Beginners series is great but there is plenty on-line stuff for those who don’t want books. WHY PLAY WEIQI MEET GOD : Why would I talk about a board … Continue reading
Filed under Philosophy
