Sunday, November 30, 2014

Silk Road, Online Freedom, and Why the Prosecution of Ross Ulbricht Should Worry Us All

"I am fighting for my son," says Lyn Ulbricht, the mother of 30-year-old Ross Ulbricht, who faces life in prison as the alleged creator and operator of "Silk Road," an illicit online marketplace that was shut down by the feds last year. "But [this fight] is bigger than Ross, and I think one website is far less dangerous than the government trampling on our rule of law and the consitution."

Ulbricht sat down with Reason TV's Nick Gillespie to talk about why she believes the government's case against Ross broadly violates his constitutional rights and threatens online freedom.



For more on Ross Ulbricht and the government's case against Silk Road, read Brian Doherty's feature story in the December 2014 issue of Reason magazine, "How Buying Drugs Online Became Safe, Easy, and Boring:" http://goo.gl/eRjtJh

Shot and edited by Jim Epstein; additional camera Anthony L. Fisher.

About 22 minutes.

Go to http://reason.com/reasontv for downloadable versions and subscribe to Reason TV's YouTube Channel to get automatic updates when new material goes live.

Megan Fox: Creationist Mom Fail!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Megan Fox is a Creationist Mom on a tirade about evolution. Armed only with ignorance, watch her as she battles her way through the terrible museum of horrors.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Atheist Experience #882: Stop Calling Theists Stupid

The Atheist Experience #882 for September 7, 2014, with Matt Dillahunty and Jen Peeples. Stop Calling Theists Stupid. Jen urges atheists to not dismiss Christans and other believers as stupid.

Choosing to be offended

Choosing to be offended. It's a Muslim thing.



Restaurant removes bacon sign after Muslims complain

Pat Condell, 2014

Unarmed Man Shot At By Cop While Trying To Save Daughters Life

"A Florida sheriff’s deputy averted a gunshot at the last second to avoid wounding a man he realized was not armed. Officer J.C. Garcia mistakenly believed a driver who led him on a brief pursuit was armed, so he drew and fired his weapon about 9:15 p.m., investigators said.

But the Jacksonville sheriff’s officer managed to wave his gun off immediately upon determining the driver, 29-year-old Brian Dennison, was not actually holding a weapon."



Read more from The Raw Story here: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/11/cop-fires-gun-at-unarmed-florida-man-rushing-home-during-daughters-asthma-attack/

Steve Oh (http://www.twitter.com/stevenoh88) Jimmy Dore (http://www.twitter.com/jimmy_dore) and Lissette Padilla (http://www.twitter.com/lizzette) of The Young Turks discuss.

Jaclyn Glenn: Making Atheism a Positive Thing

Jaclyn Glenn visited the Atheist Community of San Jose to talk about positive atheism.

She begins her discussion with her journey out of childhood indoctrination and ends with her rise to YouTube stardom, giving straight talk all along the way helping us all learn how to deal with relatives, co-workers or even strangers, despite your possible hesitation or incomplete readiness. She helps us all cope in this society as atheists, and helps some of those on the fence get past their fear.



Jaclyn Glenn: Making Atheism a Positive Thing (August 6, 2014). Talk to San Jose Atheists

Lawyer Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Women After Hypnotizing Them

"An Ohio lawyer is under criminal investigation for hypnotizing a female client during meetings and directing her to engage in a series of sexual activities while in a trance and under his control, police report.

The probe of Michael Fine, 57, was detailed yesterday in an emergency court motion filed by the Lorain County Bar association, which is seeking an immediate suspension of the lawyer, who has been practicing for more than 30 years.

According to the court records, a second woman recently told police that she believed that Fine sought to hypnotize her during meetings in his office (where the pair discussed the woman’s divorce case)."



Steve Oh (http://www.twitter.com/stevenoh88) Jimmy Dore (http://www.twitter.com/jimmy_dore) and Lissette Padilla (http://www.twitter.com/lizzette) of The Young Turks discuss. Have you ever been hypnotized?

Video by The Young Turks, November 2014

Friday, November 28, 2014

Scientology Celebrity Comedy Fraud Exposed

Scientology used celebrity comediennes to promote a comedy event they were using to promote their church to aspiring entertainers, but Sarah Silverman, Chelsea Handler, Wanda Sykes, Elaine Boozler and others may not have been enthusiastic at being used unknowingly to promote L. Ron Hubbard's religion. We discuss the scandal with Mark Ebner in this Crime Time clip.

Atheist Debates - Interview: Hemant Mehta

Hemant Mehta (friendlyatheist.com) joins us to give his thoughts on debating.



2014

Incomprehensible



QI XL Series 9 Episode 7 - Incomprehensible
BBC

Bryan Fischer Says Michael Brown Was Possessed by a Homicidal Demon

The Christian Bryan Fischer says that Michael Brown was possessed by a homicidal demon during his confrontation with officer Darren Wilson.



Video by Focal Point at AFA Channel, November 2014

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Darren Wilson’s Testimony Is Pure Weird Racist Fantasy



"For more than three months after police officer Darren Wilson killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in the middle of a Ferguson, Missouri, street on August 9, it was difficult to get a full idea of what happened.

Wilson's grand jury testimony was secret. But there were leaks, along with a few publicly available details about his life. He is 28 years old. Six months before the shooting, he won a commendation for "extraordinary effort in the line of duty." He lived with his girlfriend (whom he married in secret in October). He had previously worked for a nearby police department that was so dysfunctional it was disbanded. Anonymous sources "close" to him told various news outlets that Brown had tried to grab Wilson's gun and that Brown was charging at him before Wilson fired the fatal shots. A fuzzy picture of Wilson and his account emerged.

Of course, it's impossible to ever know Brown's side, because he isn't here to tell it. But we have learned quite a bit about him, as well. He was "no angel." He had marijuana in his system when he died. He was college bound. He stole cigarillos from a convenience store and "strong-armed" a clerk in the process. He, at 6'5" and almost 300 pounds, was remembered by loved ones as a gentle giant."

* The Young Turks hosts John Iadarola (TYT University), Ben Mankiewicz and Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) break it down.

Real Time with Bill Maher: Americans Are Stupid

Bill Maher defends his right to call Americans stupid in this clip from November 21, 2014. Featuring panelists Chris Matthews, MP Chrystia Freeland and Roland Martin.



Real Time with Bill Maher: Americans Are Stupid (HBO)
Video from HBO, November 2014

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Stephen Colbert Sums Up GOP on Climate Change

Stephen Colbert Sums Up GOP on Climate Change: ‘We Don’t Know What the F*ck We’re Talking About’

Beef Baby Jesus

Under pressure from the network, Daniel reveals how viewers can create their own beef babies.



Tosh.0 - Beef Baby Jesus
November 2014

Scientology Holidays and Happy Thanksgiving 2014

First: Happy Thanksgiving and I love you ALL from the top and bottom of my heart! :) Secondly, people ask me all the time: "Do Scientologist celebrate the Holidays? (Meaning people "in" the phony "church" of $cientology). This answers that, to some degree. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to celebrate all that you do have!

Atheist Bible Study: GHOST JEW!

Jake and Hugo read about Saul's meeting with the ghost of Samuel!



Atheist Bible Study #61: GHOST JEW!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Atheist Bible Study: Winter is Coming, also Joe Dirt

Hugo and Jake do their best to decipher the political drama that is Second Samuel.



Atheist Bible Study #63: Winter is Coming, also Joe Dirt
The Bible Reloaded, November 2014

An Evening with Matt Dillahunty - Interviewed at the Atheist Community of San Jose

Matt Dillahunty was interviewed at the Atheist Community of San Jose by Brian Broome on October 1, 2014. Q&A follows the interview.

We apologize for the camera issues, as we had one person running three cameras. There are no slides or charts, just a simple interview.

Dan Harris: Think You're a Good Multitasker? Stop Lying

ABC News Correspondent Dan Harris explains why anyone who boasts about their ability to multitask is lying to themselves. "We literally neurologically cannot do more than one thing at a time," says Harris, who instead defines what we consider multitasking as "doing many things poorly." Harris is the author of 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story (http://goo.gl/wfSX4E).



Dan Harris: What I love about this notion of multitasking is people brag about how good they are at it. In fact, it’s a lie. It’s a lie we’re telling ourselves over and over again. I have a friend named Janice Marturano who’s a former executive at General Mills and she now teaches meditation to corporate executives all over America and all over the world. As she pointed out to me, multitasking is a computer derived term. Computers have many processors. We have only one processor. We literally neurologically cannot do more than one thing at a time.

So every time you think you’re multitasking, essentially that’s a short way of saying you’re doing many things poorly. What I’ve learned to do – and it’s hard – is to try to do one thing at a time. So if I’m on the phone I turn off my computer monitor and actually listen, radical as it may sound, to the person to whom I’m speaking. If I’m working on a story at work, writing a story, I shut down my email and try to actually focus on what I’m doing. And what I’ve found is that I move through my tasks in a much more rapid way, in a much more effective way and I’m doing a better job. Now I’m not gonna lie to you, there are times when we have to multitask. There’s no question about it. Things get so hectic in my office and I’m sure in the lives of anybody who’s watching this where multitasking becomes impossible to avoid. I found myself walking down the hallway the other day with a glass of water hanging out of my mouth and I’m typing away on my Blackberry and walking at the same time. So I’m a huge hypocrite on this score, there’s no question about it. But I do my best to avoid it because I know I do my best work when I’m only doing one thing at a time.

Directed / Produced by Jonathan Fowler, Elizabeth Rodd, and Dillon Fitton

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Ruth & Esther: Part 2

Gabby and Lili tell us some stories through art.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

12-Year-Old With BB Gun Killed by Police on Playground

"The police shooting death of a 12-year-old boy with a toy gun in Cleveland has sparked an investigation — and questions over why officers opened fire instead of using a stun gun. Two officers have been placed on administrative leave pending a probe into Saturday's shooting of Tamir Rice.

Police said officers responded to a report of a person waving a gun around at a playground and that Tamir was shot after he allegedly refused to put his hands up and reached in his waistband for what appeared to be a handgun.”*



Lissette Padilla (http://www.twitter.com/lizzette), Steve Oh (https://twitter.com/stevenoh88) and Ben Mankiewicz (What The Flick?! & Turner Classic Movies; http://www.twitter.com/BenMank77) discuss.

God Is All Hands Over a Prospective Ben Carson Presidential Run

"As he’s made abundantly clear by now, famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson believes God will talk to him about running for president in 2016. As we draw closer to primary season, it appears as though those vague whispers have turned into physical contact.

"In a sit-down interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody, Carson suggested God has been gently touching him with his heavenly fingers." *



The Young Turks hosts John Iadarola (TYT University), Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report), Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) and Ben Mankiewicz (What The Flick?!) break down the story.

No trial for officer in Ferguson shooting

A grand jury decides the white police officer who shot an unarmed black teenager in Missouri will not face trial. Paul Chapman reports



Reuters, November 2014

--

A look at Robert P. McCulloch, the St. Louis County prosecutor in the grand jury case of Officer Darren Wilson. Protesters argue that he should have recused himself from the case.



Video by The New York Times, 2014

NO Indictment for Ferguson Cop Darren Wilson in Killing of Michael Brown - Cenk Uygur's Reaction

St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch announced Monday night that a grand jury has decided not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. (Nov. 24, 2014)



Video by Associated Press

--

A grand jury has decided not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson for killing 18-year-old Michael Brown, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch announced Monday. Here are Cenk Uygur's initial thoughts immediately after learning about the grand jury's decision.

Lame Rationalizations

Lame Rationalizations. Don explains what you get when you get an apologist off his script.



Atheist Experience #887 October 12, 2014 with Matt Dillahunty and Don Baker.
Atheist Experience #887: Lame Rationalizations

Monday, November 24, 2014

Self-Righteous Fox Hosts OUTRAGED When Obama Quotes The Bible

"Conservatives are incensed that President Barack Obama quoted scripture in his speech last night about immigration reform, Media Matters for America reports.

“'Scripture tells us that we shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger — we were strangers once, too,' the president said Thursday night. 'My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too.'

"On Fox & Friends, Tucker Carlson accused the president of using the Biblical quotations to prove that 'God is on [his] side.' 'It’s repugnant,” Carlson said, 'for this guy specifically, the president who spent his career defending late-term abortion, among other things, lecturing us on Christian faith? That’s too much. That is too much. This is the Christian left at work, and it’s repugnant.'" *



The Young Turks hosts John Iadarola (TYT University), Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report), Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) and Ben Mankiewicz (What The Flick?!) break down the story.

November 2014

The Bible: Ruth & Esther: Part 1

Gabby and Lili tell us some stories through art.



Music:
C Major Prelude (by Bach)
Moonlight Sonata (by Beethoven)

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Ruth & Esther: Part 1

Atheist Experience: Satanic Children’s Book

The Atheist Experience#892 for November 16, 2014, with Matt Dillahunty and Martin Wagner. Satanic Children’s Book. Matt and Martin chat about rattlesnakes and the Satanic Children’s Big Book of Activities.



The Atheist Experience is a weekly cable access television show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.

The Atheist Community of Austin is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals.

--

Atheist Experience #892: Satanic Children’s Book
November 2014

Movie vs science: Neil deGrasse Tyson on "Interstellar"

The movie is being called one of the most realistic science fiction films ever, thanks to its visual effects and story line. It came in second at the U.S. box office with $50 million in ticket sales. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium in New York and the TV series "Cosmos" joins "CBS This Morning" to talk about the science behind the blockbuster.



CBS This Morning, November 2014

Climate change just hit home

NBC series edited to one short video. Global warming, climate change, extreme weather, heat, wildfires, prolonged drought, floods, extreme NH cold, severe coastal storms, and Arctic rapid warming and Arctic summer sea loss. There is a link.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Bill Nye on evolution, climate change and advancements

Bill Nye "The Science Guy" taught kids on his popular TV show in the '90s. Now he's hoping to reach a bigger crowd. Nye joins "CBS This Morning" to talk about his new book, "Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation."



CBS This Morning. Video by CBS, 2014

The Last Generation (audio book) w/ TBR

Jake and Hugo have a Canadian Knight, Armoured Skeptic, read s Chick Tract with them!



Armoured Skeptic: The Last Generation w/ TBR

Crazy Christian book.

November 2014

A Discussion About the New "Left Behind" Movie - Friendly Atheist Podcast

The new Left Behind movie, starring Nicolas Cage, is out -- and Jessica and Hemant decided to go see it... so you don't have to.

After several days of keeping their thoughts to themselves, they finally discussed the movie with the microphones on.

By the way, the picture you're seeing is Jessica in the theater. By herself.



A Discussion About the New "Left Behind" Movie - Friendly Atheist Podcast EP 27
November 2014

Sam Harris vs Reza Aslan: Can religion and reason be reconciled

Sam Harris vs Reza Aslan Full Unedited Video

Improved video starting at 40:45.

Sam Harris vs Reza Aslan Debate Edited to be Only Sam Harris Speaking

Improved video starts at 11:30.

--

Los Angeles January, 25 2007

Neil deGrasse Tyson: What Is Gravity?

When co-host Leighann Lord asks Neil deGrasse Tyson, “What is Gravity?” his answer may surprise you: “We have no idea.” But what comes next is part Einstein, part physics, and part poetry. Enjoy this Cosmic Queries video that explores matter, energy, and the curvature of space and time.



This "Behind the Scenes" video was shot during the recording of our episode, “Cosmic Queries: Gravity.” You can listen to the full podcast here: http://www.startalkradio.net/show/cosmic-queries-gravity/

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Bill Nye on his new book: Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation

Interview with Bill Nye, quote by the pope.



Video from The Cycle, MSNBC, 11-20-2014, Bill Nye, "The Science Guy"

Catholic Church calls Right-to-Die "Reprehensible"

The Pope on Brittany Maynard and assisted suicide. The Roman-Catholic Church is offcourse best known for pedophilia.



With Barbara Coombs Lee

The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, MSNBC, 11-17-2014,
Brittany Maynard fund

Dave Daubenmire Says Christians Must Never Compromise

In this video, "Coach" Dave Daubenmire blasts Christians who "compromise" by allowing gays to come out of the closet instead of insisting that homosexuality remain a crime punishable by death.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Scientology | Was it Something I Said? (Deleted Scene)

This is a deleted scene from the tv-show Was it Something I Said? Where the panel share their views on Scientology, while Richard Ayoade explains Youtube!



Was it Something I Said? | Deleted Scene: Scientology | Channel 4

No Longer Quivering (podcast)


The Quiverfull Movement is a lifestyle among fundamentalist Christians which believes that an abundance of children is in compliance with God's perfect will. Contraception equals abortion, a heinous sin against God, so the only "family planning" that's done is a prayer to the sky that His will be done. The Quiverfull Movement is highly patriarchal and often has a dark side in relation to the rights of women and children.

In this episode, we explore The Quiverfull Movement, we speak with Kathryn Joyce, author of the book: "Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement," and we speak to some who once experienced this culture inside its walls, including Vykie Garrison, who hosts the online community, "No Longer Quivering."



TTA Podcast 193: No Longer Quivering
The Thinking Atheist, November 2014

Atheist Bible Study #62: Saul Dies... Twice? (feat Sexy Velma)

Jake and Hugo Read the end of 1 Samuel, and the beginning of 2 Samuel, which sounds super boring, but it is totally not. For realsies.

The Copycats: How Christianity Steals The Best Ideas

In this September 2014 speech at Apostacon, Seth Andrews explored the tactics that Christianity uses to borrow/steal from secular music, film, literature and pop culture in an attempt to stay relevant.




USA Today story: Some in $4.6B Christian industry copy designs, logos


Seth Andrews - The Copycats: How Christianity Steals The Best Ideas

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Michael Nugent - Openly Secular



Atheist Ireland

Glenn Beck’s Secret Brain Trouble, How He ‘Fixed' It Is Most Troubling Of All

"On Monday night, conservative Mormon broadcaster Glenn Beck admitted to keeping a secret. He has been sick for years. He has had pain and numbness, vocal paralysis, sleep disorders and, occasionally, seizures so intense he curled into a fetal position. He said he’s cured now — and he wanted to talk about it.

“I have never lied to you, but I have omitted a few really important facts because — they scared me,” he said during a broadcast on his network TheBlazeTV. “I didn’t have any answers, and the answers I was being given at the time meant … the end of our time together.”



Beck then opened up about the unexplained symptoms that he said have been plaguing him for years. Only those closest to him, including a few colleagues, knew what was happening to Beck — and how to cover it up.

"* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down. November 2014

Russell Howard's Good News - Series 9, Episode 4

Russell looks at Obama getting beat in the US mid term elections, the John Lewis Christmas advert and The Matrix... with chickens...

The Ra-Men podcast, non-Christians not welcome - with Scott Lane

Tonight the Ra-Men will be talking to a concerned parent who sued an elementary school in Louisiana - because the teacher berated and humiliated his son before the whole class, for not being Christian.



The Ra-Men podcast EP7, non-Christians not welcome - with Scott Lane.
October 2014

Penn Jillette and Teller: Openly Secular

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Sacred Temple Clothing (mormon)

From ancient times, men and women have embraced sacred music, different forms of prayer, religious vestments full of symbolism, gestures and rituals to express their innermost feelings of devotion to God.



The variety of these forms of expression is as wide and diverse as the human family. Yet all have the same ultimate purpose: to connect the believer with the object of their devotion in the most personal way—to draw close to God.

Temple garments are worn by adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have made sacred promises of fidelity to God’s commandments and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Satan Loves Monster Energy Drinks!

MONSTER Energy drinks are the work of SATAN!!! The crazy religious fundies keep getting crazier... oh, and I'm the devil ;)



A Crazy Christian thinks Monster Energy dring are satanic

TTA Podcast 192: Testing 1...2...3...

Killing some time. Testing some new gear. Talking about whatever. It's a casual evening among friends, and a very loose "unscheduled" radio podcast for the TTA audience.



TTA Podcast 192: Testing 1...2...3...
The Thinking Atheist, November 15, 2014

Satan Reviews The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith Part 2

In part 2 of the Satan's review of "The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith," Ruth meets Boaz "by chance" (a code word for God's master plan or something) and their lives become intertwined and pave the way for the likes of King David and Jesus Himself!



Satan Reviews The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith Part 1

Bill Nye: America Is Making A Big Mistake

Bill Nye, author of "Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation," thinks we need to ramp up science funding, especially for one key program.



Produced by Justin Gmoser and Alana Kakoyiannis.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/bill-nye-science-program-funding-2014-11#ixzz3JK6ayHTU

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Papal Twitter Feud (HBO)

Drama is brewing within the Catholic Church leadership. It’s becoming like “The Real Housewives of Vatican City.” Pope Francis just demoted American Cardinal Raymond Burke, who was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict, because Burke had become a constant detractor of Francis’s progressive, more inclusive agenda. There is clearly a schism in the Church between the old, conservative Pope Benedict scolds who want to focus on denouncing gays, abortion and contraception and the new, conciliatory Pope Francis progressives who want to focus on mercy, service and inclusion. And it couldn’t be more evident in this Twitter war that’s erupted between Pope Francis and Pope Benedict:

Samson Da Barbarian

Samson’s Marriage: Long ago, God gave supernatural strength to a mass-murdering psychopath. This is his story, the story of Samson Da Barbarian (aka Judges 13-16)



Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”

His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”

Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass, and in it he saw a swarm of bees and some honey. He scooped out the honey with his hands and ate as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they too ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass.

Judges 14


This was part one of a trilogy. Because these cartoons take so much work, I will make the other two parts if this video does well enough; so, share it if you enjoyed it and want to see more of Samson Da Barbarian!

Also, DarkMatter2525 was just now launched on Patreon. Since these cartoons can take hundreds of hours to make, and I am a one-man operation, support though ancillary sites like Patreon and Spreadshirt will help me continue to afford so much time producing cartoons. On my Patreon page, I will be providing updates, statements, and screenshots/artwork of cartoons I am working on. It will also be a place where you can contact me as a Patreon and offer any ideas, advice, feedback, etc. If you don’t know what Patreon is, click here: “What is Patreon?” If you don’t want to contribute in that way, I understand. The usual commenting and sharing helps and is also greatly appreciated.

DarkMatter2525 on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/DarkMatter2525

The Holy See of Misogyny!

Long interview with Cardinal Sean O'Malley about the Roman-Catholic Chruch.



CBS News 60 Minutes, 11-16-2014,

Would Jesus Love or Hate Republicans?

“The Jesus of history was the exact opposite of everything Fox News host Bill O’Reilly thinks, according to religious scholar Reza Aslan.

The professor made the remarks while speaking at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council in February. Video of the event was uploaded on Tuesday.



During the discussion about his book, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, an audience member asked Aslan if he had read O’Reilly’s book about Jesus, called Killing Jesus."

* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.
November 2014

You Say Robbery, Cops Say Civil Asset Forfeiture

"The seminars offered police officers some useful tips on seizing property from suspected criminals. Don’t bother with jewelry (too hard to dispose of) and computers (“everybody’s got one already”), the experts counseled. Do go after flat screen TVs, cash and cars. Especially nice cars.

In one seminar, captured on video in September, Harry S. Connelly Jr., the city attorney of Las Cruces, N.M., called them “little goodies.” And then Mr. Connelly described how officers in his jurisdiction could not wait to seize one man’s “exotic vehicle” outside a local bar.” *



Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur), Shanna Malcolm (http://www.twitter.com/shannamalcolm) and Gina Grad (http://www.twitter.com/GinaGrad) break it down on The Young Turks.

The Young Turks, November 2014

The Norden - Religion with Marty McLain

Marty McLain, a conservative pastor from Douglasville in Georgia, USA, visits the secular Nordic countries. What role does religion have in the Nordic society? How do the Nordic people relate to God, faith and spirituality, and how does it differ from the US? English subtitles.

Full show: The Norden - Religion. 25 minutes



--


Excerpt from the documentary series "The Norden". American pastor Marty McLain visits the secular Nordic countries. What role does religion have in the Nordic society? How do the Nordic people relate to God, faith and spirituality? How does it differ from the US?

The Norden - Religion (excerpt)


Host: Joakim Rundt.

Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle 2014. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Christmas Removed from the Calendar. Muslims Blamed

"Christmas is now just December 25th in the Montgomery County school district.

The suburban DC district stripped Christmas and Jewish holy holidays from its official calendar after Muslim parents complained.

But that’s not good enough as they say the move does “nothing to gain parity and a day off for the Muslim holiday of Eid,” according to WTOP.

“Equality is really what we’re looking for,” Saqib Ali, co-chair of Equality for Eid, says. “Simply saying we’re not going to call this Christmas, and we’re not going to call this Yom Kippur, and still closing the schools, that’s not equality.”"



Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/anakasparian) and Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) of The Young Turks discuss. Do you agree with the school board's decision? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

KKK Invites Blacks, Jews, Gays & Hispanics to Join

"White supremacist organisation, the Ku Klux Klan is rebranding as the "new Klan" by trying to increase membership to Jews, black people, gays and those of Hispanic origin.

However, all those wanting to join the ultra-right wing society will have to wear the white robes, masks and conical hats. The Klan is estimated to have between 5,000 and 8,000 members according to figures released in 2012.” *



Ben Mankiewicz (http://www.twitter.com/BenMank77; What The Flick?! & Turner Classic Movies) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) of The Young Turks discuss.

Couple Beaten, Burned By Mob For Blasphemy

"Police in Pakistan arrested dozens of people on Wednesday after a mob beat a Christian couple to death and burned their bodies for allegedly desecrating a Koran.

Blasphemy is a serious offense in conservative Muslim Pakistan where those accused are sometimes lynched on the spot.



The latest incident took place in a village in Punjab province on Tuesday when a local cleric told his community through the loudspeakers of his mosque to punish the couple for burning a few pages of the Koran, a police source said.

A mob then gathered outside the house of Shehzad Masih, 32, and his wife Shama, in her 20s, dragged them out and beat them to death, police said."

* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down. November 2014

Bill Maher Bashes Mormon Founder Joseph Smith for Polygamy: His Religion Is ‘Based on a Sex Cult!’

Bill Maher was stunned with the Mormon Church’s recent revelation that its founder Joseph Smith married no less than 40 women, some as young as 14 years old. “This religion is based on a sex cult!” he jibed. “It is plainly based on a 19th century sex cult. And if we didn’t have Mormonism, we’d have to invent it for all the religious people who need something to look down on because they believe in something crazy, this would be it.”



His guests on HBO argued that perhaps the Mormon Church was trying to acknowledge their somewhat messed-up history on polygamy (which is well-recorded) and move past it, with Andrew Sullivan comparing it to the Catholic Church (somewhat) accepting evolution. “It’s the dumb [religions] that actually can’t get ahead of it, and start arguing absurd things, like that the earth is 6000 years old,” he noted, adding that the Mormons were just being smart. “When there’s real historical evidence about Joseph Smith, you can’t keep saying that it isn’t happening. People are going to find out.”

At the very least, Maher concluded, the Mormons were doing one smart thing: they stopped sending missionaries to Syria and Iraq. “They’re like, ‘You people believe whatever the fuck you want.’”

Satan Reviews The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith Part 1

In preparation for the upcoming Ruth and Esther playlist, Satan and John Smith are watching (and spoiling) a few Xian movies for you guys. Enjoy!



Skeptic's Review, The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith Part 1

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Why Are Atheists So Obsessed with God?

Hemant Mehta: I get this question a lot: Because I'm an atheist who tackles religious issues on YouTube, on my site, etc., it's a common refrain from Christians to say something like, "What do atheists care so much about a God they don't even believe in?"

It's simple: I don't really care about God. But I care about the effect God has on other people. God influences politicians. God influences voters. God makes people believe things that aren't true. God can make good people do bad things. God ruins the lives of a lot of gay people and women. God makes some of my relatives really, really annoying.



So when I say I care about God, I'm really talking about the consequences that belief has.

I care about God because it helps me understand why people act the way they do. Why would anyone oppose marriage equality? Or make it tougher for women to get the health care they need? Or, I should add, why would some people be willing to go to dangerous countries to help people they've never met? Religion motivates people, for good and bad, and if you want to understand what makes a lot of people tick, you have to understand their belief system.

I care about God because I believed in one for a long time and I don't want others to make the same mistake I did. Religion ruins lives. Not everyone's, but enough that we should all be concerned. If I can do anything to help people break free from their faith, I feel like I've provided a useful service.

I care about God because I support civil rights and social justice and science education and God always manages to get in the way of those things.

I care about God because I've seen what happens when child are taught to obey instead of to think for themselves. Their intellectual growth is stunted. I want kids to question what they're taught and question authority when it's appropriate. I want to live in a society where people are able to do whatever makes them happy without hurting anyone else and without worrying about what an invisible being might think about it.

I care about God for the same reason I care about Kim Kardashian. I wish I didn't have to... but if everyone around me is talking about them, I feel like I should at least be aware of what they're discussing.

I care about God because I care about figuring out the truth. Just like religious people do, I should say. And it bothers me that so many people believe in things that aren't based in reality.

Hemant Mehta, 2014

The Book of Ruth. Journey of faith

The Book of Ruth (full movie) is a Christian propaganda movie. By Christians for Christians.



The Book of Ruth. Journey of faith

Pure Flix Entertainment. A film by Reel Frog Films

Game of Thrones Banned by Turkish Military

"The hit HBO series "Game of Thrones" is no stranger to controversy. The fantasy drama, based on the novels of George R. R. Martin, is known for its grisly violence and explicit sex, including one episode which had some viewers convinced they had witnessed both rape and incest.

The lurid nature of the show has led it to being partially censored in China. And, according to a report in the Turkish paper Hurriyet Daily News, it's now being banned in the country's military academies.” *



Ben Mankiewicz (http://www.twitter.com/BenMank77; What The Flick?! & Turner Classic Movies) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) of The Young Turks break it down. November 2014

Hidden Camera Reveals Chilling Life Under ISIS Control

"A mother, with an AK-47 slung over her shoulder, walks her child to a playground. A man driving a car orders a woman to cover her face: 'God loves women who are covered.' A woman in an Internet cafe, in flawless French, tells her mother that she won't be coming home: 'I did not take the risk by coming here to go back to France.'

"The world got a rare glimpse at life inside the ISIS-controlled city of Raqqa thanks to an intrepid, unnamed Syrian woman who wore a hidden camera under her niqab as she walked around the northern Syrian city, which fell to ISIS militants 18 months ago."



The video report was commissioned by France 2 and posted to YouTube.“ *

Ana Kasparian, John Iadarola (TYT University) and Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) break it down.

Video by The Young Turks, September 2014

Eric Hovind is in need! Quickly now, to your knees!

Eric's "ministry" is in need! Let us help in a way that he understands.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Steve Wells, Skeptics Annotated Bible - Friendly Atheist Podcast

Steve Wells is the author of the amazing Skeptics Annotated Bible, which documents all the contradictions and horrible things the Bible says. It’s one of the most useful websites for atheists I have ever seen and you can check it out at skepticsannotatedbible.com. The print version of the book is a must-have. Wells is also the author of Drunk with Blood, which documents all of God’s killings in the Bible. His newest book is called Strange Flesh, and it’s about how the Bible is used to justify anti-gay bigotry or, depending on who you talk to, support LGBT rights.

We spoke with Steve about his time in seminary, how one documents the number of deaths during an imaginary flood, and how Christian LGBT-rights advocate Matthew Vines gets it wrong.



Steve Wells, Skeptics Annotated Bible - Friendly Atheist Podcast EP 26
2014

--

The Atheist Voice provides a platform for discussion for atheist leaders, authors, bloggers, activists, and everybody else who is passionate about atheism, and secularism. Join the discussion by commenting under the videos or submitting video responses. If you'd like to collaborate on this channel or if you'd like to appear in our videos please visit our website www.TheAtheistVoice.com

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Ruth & Esther: Intro

I want to try something new with this playlist. I want to read these two books simultaneously and compare the stories of these two women in the Bible. It may take me a few weeks to get started though as I need to reread these books pretty thoroughly again. I want to do more scripting and scene plans in advance. Up until now, I just sort of made up my videos on the spot as I was reading them. We'll see how this works.

Daubenmire Is Pretty Sure Obama Is A Mentally Ill, Demon-Possessed Sociopath

In this video, Dave Daubenmire says that President Obama is a mentally ill sociopath, not unlike Ted Bundy.



Crazy Christian

Richard Ayoade,James Corden and Jack Whitehall see a sports psychologist

This is part of the UK show A League of Their Own.

The Tipping Point (TTA podcast)

For many who have escaped from religious beliefs and cultures, there was a single event (or series of events) which ultimately tipped them over the edge. In this podcast, we hear the personal stories of apostates, and the "tipping points" which ultimately caused them to call themselves non-believers.



TTA Podcast 191: The Tipping Point
The Thinking Atheist, November 2014

Friday, November 14, 2014

The Mormon Testimony: The Way of the Mister

The Mormon "Testimony" is Unreliable and Unnecessary.



Video by Mr Deity, November 2014

Probe Landed On Moving Comet. The Rosetta Mission Explained

"The robotic lander that touched down on a comet on Wednesday came to rest on its side in the shadow of a cliff, according to the first data beamed home from the probe.

Pictures from cameras on board the European Space Agency’s Philae lander show the machine with one foot in the sky and lodged against a high cliff face that is blocking sunlight to its solar panels."



Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/anakasparian) of The Young Turks discuss. November 2014

Dumbest Argument EVER: "Atheists Should Drink Sperm"

The Muslim Imran Ibn Mansur: Drik dad's sperm

This idiot thinks that finding things gross is proof of objective morality...maybe next time he'll spend more time thinking of a decent argument and less time with all of the pointless editing.



Muslim logic!

Video by C0ct0pusPrime, October 2014

Lawrence Krauss (2014) Latest Research on Cosmology

Interview with Lawrence Krauss on the Latest Research on Cosmology.



Lawrence Krauss (2014) Latest Research on Cosmology

Dont Talk to Police

An law school professor and former criminal defense attorney tells you why you should never agree to be interviewed by the police.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Scientology FRAUD about The Berlin Wall

Each time you think "There can't be any more fraud" regarding $cientology, another one pops up. This has to do with the FALL of the Berlin Wall, and David Miscavige (Head Con man of $cientology) saying at an event in 1989: "The reason the Berlin Wall came down is WE released OT 8". QUACK!



Here's info regarding the Berlin wall: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall And type in Scientology+Judges http://www.bible.ca/scientology-judges.htm (Don't miss # 4 by Judge Breckenridge) :)

Wise Guy Thinks He Can Prove God

Heaven is for Real (Atheists Watch)

Hugo and Jake take a look at the newest in a long line of films tailored to give Christians all those warm fuzzy feelings inside.

Atheist Bible Study: GHOST JEW!

Jake and Hugo read about Saul's meeting with the ghost of Samuel!



Atheist Bible Study #61: GHOST JEW!
2014

Ken Ham Proves That We Don't Need Gods

Ken Ham Proves That We Don't Need Gods
...or Good Without Gods?



Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/baud.bits
Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/baud2bits

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 10

Lord YHWH always muscles in on the narration when there's finally some good parts...



***

John Smith's Twitter account:
https://twitter.com/SkepticReview

John Smith encourages you to read the Bible for yourself and come to your own conclusions. Do not take anybody at their word (not even me).

Muslim Claims Atheists Should Drink Their Dad's Sperm - And More!

This is the Drunken Peasants podcast with Ben & TJ featuring Scotty. Bringing you the latest in news, entertainment, politics from an altered perspective.

Where No God Treads

God will tell me, and I will tell you. All religious belief flows from that sentiment. Beware of it, for it has been used to manipulate countless people and instills unfounded assumptions of the unknowable in each of us, causing us to presuppose the very nature of our own experiences.




Watch part 1: Power Corrupts

Ryan Bourassa - Ginger Atheist (stand-up)

Ryan Bourassa - Ginger Atheist

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Churches Blatantly Break the Law

"A record number of rogue Christian pastors are endorsing candidates from the pulpit this election cycle, using Sunday sermons to defiantly flout tax rules.

Their message to the IRS: Sue me.


But the tax agency is doing anything but. Although the IRS was sued itself for not enforcing the law and admitted about 100 churches may be breaking the rules, the pastors and their critics alike say the agency is looking the other way. The agency refuses to say if it is acting.

At the same time, the number of pastors endorsing candidates in what they call Pulpit Freedom Sunday jumped from 33 people in 2008 to more than 1,600 this year, according to organizers, Alliance Defending Freedom. And this year, they’ve stepped up their drive, telling pastors to back candidates any Sunday up until the election, not just one Sunday as in past years."

* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.
November 2014

How to Bang a Mormon: Ask Hugo

Hugo is back again to answer more of your burning questions, ask more in the comments!

Power Corrupts

No mind - no matter how powerful - could ever honestly claim to be free from deception, or unknown unknowns.



The problem with using the bible as "proof" of God’s existence and nature, is that even if all the events within its pages actually occurred, it could still not prove God for the simple reason this video points out: God might not be the God you think He is, or even the God He thinks He is. The most likely scenario, however, is that He is a construct of the people.

Man created God in his image.

Firefox: Choose Independent

10 years ago, Firefox was created as the only independent choice on the Web. We believe the Web should be free, open and yours.



Join us in celebrating 10 years of a browser backed by thousands of volunteers who support the rights of individuals online: http://mzl.la/1u6Ifit.

#ChooseIndependent

Monday, November 10, 2014

Atheist Bible Study: Saul, King of Contradictions

Hugo and Jake take a closer look at one of the more glaring biblical inconsistencies.



Atheist Bible Study #60: Saul, King of Contradictions
The Bible Reloaded, October 2014

Apologetics is the New Stupid

This is a video response to JP Holding's video response.



Teacher to Students: Democrats Don't Go To Heaven

"The mother of a Laurel County high school student has filed a complaint against a teacher who wrote "You can't be a Democrat & go to heaven" on her classroom whiteboard.

The teacher, Kendra Baker, wrote the statement denigrating Democrats in her room at South Laurel High School the week after the Nov. 6 election, said Mary Gilbert.

Gilbert's daughter, Chelsea, 17, was in Baker's psychology class.



"I feel like she was bullied by a teacher," Gilbert said of her daughter.

Gilbert said she filed a complaint against Baker with the state Education Professional Standards Board, which issues credentials to teachers."*

Conservative school teacher Kendra Baker wrote, "You can't be a Democrat & go to heaven," on her class whiteboard in rebuttal to one of her high school students. Can even a popular teacher in a conservative area get away with this? How is the teacher privy to such incredible information?

Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break it down.

The Young Turks,

Atheists Watch: "God Loves Uganda"

Two Atheists watch "God Loves Uganda" ... a film by Roger Ross Williams

International House of Prayer (IHOP), Lou Engle, Jono Hall,

God Loves Uganda - Official Trailer


Atheists Watch: "God Loves Uganda" (Jake and Hugo)


Hugo's Twitter- @HugoReloaded
Jake's Twitter- @BibleReloaded

The Bible Reloaded, 2014

Feuerstein and the search for Logicked

Sunday, November 9, 2014

The problem with Hell Houses

A Hell House is basically an evangelical Christian haunted house... but instead of scaring you with creepy monsters and dark rooms, they scare you by showing you what will happen if you get an abortion. Or you're gay. Or you have pre-marital sex.



And at the end, you have a chance to give yourself over to Jesus.

"Hugo,will you marry me?" Ask Hugo #9

It’s Official, Allah Not Welcome In Alabama

"While Maine voters were asked to weigh in on bear hunting regulations in Tuesday's U.S. elections, voters in Alabama were given the chance to insure that state courts never rule according to sharia law.



The 146 ballot measures show a broad spectrum of issues that are relevant to each state and vary widely among the nation's disparate cultures and political views.

Citizen groups and state legislatures have historically used the ballot process to decide politically sensitive issues through a direct vote.

Such was the case in Alabama where voters passed Foreign Laws in Court Amendment 1, which was added to the ballot by the state's legislature in an effort to put a controversial bill in the hands of voters."

* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.
November 2014

Bible-Thumping Senator-Elect Packs Just One Book For His New Job

"Oklahoma Senator-elect James Lankford says his “biblical worldview” will guide his actions in the upper chamber.

“Budget, for me, is still a huge area. The people have started to step back and say, ‘Well, our deficit is only $480 billion now so we are doing much better in deficit.’ We still have $480 billion. That’s a big deal,” the Republican congressman and Baptist minister told Family Research Council president Tony Perkins on Wednesday.

“I come from a biblical worldview in the way I address issues,” Lankford said. “I look at Nehemiah and how he handled things when he stepped into Jerusalem. It was that the people were in disgrace and the wall was broken down, but the two things that he focused in on was the constructive side of things and the debt. Half of the Book of Nehemiah is just getting the people out of debt, so they could actually take on the other things.”“



* Cenk Uygur, Ben Mankiewicz, John Iadarola (TYT University) and RJ Eskow break it down.
The Young Turks, 2014

Lawrence Krauss Vs Creationist Radio Presenter

Saturday, November 8, 2014

God, Uganda and homosexuality - IHOP and Mormons

A group of white bread, fundamentalist Christian missionaries go from America to Uganda to spread the word of God and preach the gospel. This is the plot for the genius broadway hit musical The Book of Mormon, but it's also the very real situation of what is taking place in Uganda today. The anti-gay fervor in that country is out of control, and the proposed bill to make homosexuality illegal and punishable by death has been brought about due to the direct influence and support of American evangelicals.

"Our God is an awesome God" - who is also apparently a totally bigoted homophobe.



With Lou Engel from IHOP

The movie is not out online.... but I did some research, gathered all available footage, added some music, some interviews, and did my editing thing to create this......

Sadly, all those involved, including the Christian director and the somewhat more progressive priests that the film follows, are all tragically missing the larger point that is staring them in the face. They haven't quite figured out that the emperor is not wearing any clothes. They are simply looking to take infinitely small baby steps towards progress. Glacially slow advancements where we peel back the thick layers of hate and bullshit that the bible laid down upon the world all those years ago. We've managed to peel back the subjugation of women stuff, the anti shell fish stuff, the slavery bit, the witch burning, the rape, incest, and stonings.........and now it's time for religion to start to consider releasing their obsessive and irrational hatred of gay people.

Needless to say, all of religion should be put into a box and thrown into a Wiley Coyote cartoon and exploded with dynamite and then thrown off a cliff,.............after which, a small puff of dust will billow up

God Loves Uganda (2013) 720p H264/AC3 5.1/AAC Stereo
God Loves Uganda 2013.DVDRip

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 9

Just when you thought we were out of bobble heads...

Sweden - Ship of fools

The shape of things to come on planet "progressive".



Sweden swings to left in parliamentary election
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/e...



Swedish artist goes to prison for “offensive” art
http://www.leaderpost.com/entertainme...



Cowardly Swedish “police” reveal 55 no-go areas controlled by Muslim criminal gangs. Silence from media.

http://swedenreport.org/2014/10/29/sw...



Idiot Swedish police on rioting Muslims: “It is some kind of statement against society, but exactly what that statement is, we don’t know”
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/0...



Rioting Muslims not arrested in case it “provokes” them
https://translate.google.com/translat...



Top 5 countries with the highest rates of rape - includes Sweden
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/top-5-countr...



Swedish TV report on left wing violence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ55K...



Sweden - a haven for terrorists and traffickers
http://www.d-intl.com/2014/09/29/swed...



Sweden emergency services ambushed by stone-throwing Muslim thugs
https://translate.google.com/translat...



Swedes being culturally enriched by Muslim immigration; i.e. beaten up in the street
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d9b_14...



Sweden to get 100,000 refugees in 2014: report
http://www.thelocal.se/20140819/swede...



Sweden: The new Donald Duck government
http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/sweden...



Sweden: New law to make it easier to prosecute those who insult immigrants, politicians
http://www.europeandailynews.org/2014...



Denmark worried about Sweden’s asylum influx

http://www.thelocal.dk/20140911/denma...



Danes want Swedes to break ‘spiral of silence’
http://www.thelocal.dk/20140629/danes...




Ship of fools
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_...

Atheist Bible Study: How to Get and Maintain Side Bitches

Bible study time



Atheist Bible Study #59: How to Get and Maintain Side Bitches

Beware The Alternate Reality: Islam

Anjem Choudary and other Muslims.


60 Minutes, CBS, 11-2-2014.

"The problem with Islamic fundamentalism are the fundamentals of Islam." ~ Sam Harris
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/face-to-face-with-an-islamic-extremist-campaigning-for-isis/

the Pew Poll numbers: http://www.pewforum.org/files/2013/04/worlds-muslims-religion-politics-society-full-report.pdf

Will Sperm Be Excised From Gilbert, Arizona?

The least disruptive way to solve the problem is to remove the page.



The Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC, 11-6-2014,

http://arizonahonorsbiology.com

Friday, November 7, 2014

The Man With Two Brains

The Man With Two Brains ...or Who's Kidding Who?



Follow Baud Bits on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/baud.bits
Follow Baud Bits on Twitter https://twitter.com/baud2bits

Mind Over Matter (Power of Human Mind)

With the fake Uri Geller



This is a stupid video.

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 8

Just when you thought Job was done bellyaching...

Creationism and evolution tackled head-on in science lessons | Guardian Investigations

Are some science teachers failing their pupils by not confronting creationist arguments when they come up during lessons on evolution? In this film presented by science journalist Dr Adam Rutherford made to mark the 150th anniversary of Darwin's Origin of Species in 2009 Prof Michael Reiss from the Institute of Education, University of London, said many science teachers felt uncomfortable talking about religion, but that refusing to engage with pupils who had creationist views would be counterproductive (a viewpoint that would later get him into trouble). Dr Jeremy Pritchard at the University of Birmingham, and London's Natural History Museum, explain how they are trying to redress the balance



Creationism and evolution tackled head-on in science lessons

Click here for full Guardian article: Tackling creationism head-on in science lessons – video

CNN Cowardly Attacks Reza Aslan Following Epic Bill Maher/CNN Takedown

"Chris Cuomo thinks the “angry” tone Professor Reza Aslan took this week with CNN hosts Don Lemon and Alisyn Camerota unwittingly demonstrated the exact hostility some people fear of the Islamic faith.

On Sept. 29, Aslan appeared on CNN Tonight and slammed Bill Maher for his comments on the Islamic faith, while also scolding Lemon and Camerota for what he felt was an “over-generalization” of 1.5 billion Muslim people as promoting violence.

“This is the problem,” he said Monday night. “These conversations that we’re having aren’t really being had in any kind of legitimate way. We’re not talking about women in the Muslim world, we’re using two or three examples to justify a generalization. That’s actually the definition of bigotry.”“* Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola (TYT University), Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) and Wes Clark Jr break it down.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Should We Mock Religion

The late Christopher Hitchens once said that "Mockery of religion is one of the most essential things...one of the beginnings of the human emancipation is the ability to laugh at authority. It's indispensable."

But does the mockery of religious belief close minds (and doors) as skeptics attempt to promote rationalism and disabuse superstitious people of their faiths (and is that even a goal)? Should the ridiculous be ridiculed, or should we find other methods for exposing the cracks in religious foundations?



TTA Podcast 190: Should We Mock Religion
Show date: November 4, 2014

50 shades of pray



There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses."

Ezekiel 23. Bible, New International Version (NIV)

"Should Atheists Celebrate Christmas?" Ask Hugo

Hugo returns to answer more of your questions, ask your own in the comments!
This Weeks Questions-

insainbassist
You sound like a libertarian.



Alastar Dragon
Question: Are you bothered when your friends or family have belief? I have friends that believe in astrology, spirit, reincarnation, magic. I am pretty skeptic and it's very difficult for me to not care and let them live their live. How do you do it? I always finish to get into and argument with them and butthurt ensue.

Parker Y-M
Hello Hugo, I've commented before but I want to ask, what would be the best way to deal with a Christian parent? I'm a Buddhist and I respect my Mom's beliefs but every once in a while we clash and it's starting to get overwhelmingly so. I'm currently 18 but I do not have the finical ability to move out yet

- live627
How did you shake the fear of hell?

niz5000
Thanks for responding! It would be great to hear how he was able to come to grips with the notion of our inevitable non-existence.

TheAntiParadox
Question for Hugo: What is your internal and external reaction when a theist tells you that they will pray for you? Do you view it as sanctimonious and arrogant or are you just grateful for the thought?

EdieBird - 16 minuts in
So, can we talk about holidays? How do you navigate a religiously loaded occasion like Christmas or Easter, especially since even Christians rarely approach it as an actual sacred day?
.
Pasta Jay
I'm not sure if you've answered this already but who is your favorite Star Trek Captain and your least favorite? And which Trek series is your favorite and least favorite?



"Should Atheists Celebrate Christmas?" Ask Hugo #8

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 7 - Interlude

Satan wrote a little ditty based on Job 28. You can follow along on Bible Gateway.



https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2028&version=NIV;KJV;VOICE;GNT

Lyrics:
There is a mine for silver
A place gold is refined
Iron is taken from earth
Copper from deepest mines
They search out in the darkness
Where men have never tread
In the depths beneath the Earth
Out of it cometh bread
But under it is fire
And dust made out of gold

Men search the source of rivers
Bring hidden secrets forth
But where does one find wisdom
And measure all its worth
The ocean depths and darkest caves
Say, “wisdom isn’t here”
It can’t be bought or sold
with silver or with gold

Where does wisdom come from?
Where does wisdom live?
It’s hidden from the eyes of man
Concealed from the wind
Death and destruction say
God only knows the way
He made the wind the water
The rain and thunder storm
In order to find wisdom
Then you must fear the Lord

Atheist Bible Study: Sexy Loony Tunes Poop

Hugo and Jake bring their high brow humor to new heights in the latest installment of the Atheist Bible Study.



Atheist Bible Study #58: Sexy Loony Tunes Poop
The Bible Reloaded, October 2014

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Fareed Zakaria Bumps Head with Sam Harris and Gets a Bruising



Fareed Zakaria GPS, CNN, 10-2-2014

the Pew Poll numbers: The World’s Muslims: Religion, Politics and Society

Beheadings Don’t Count If You’re Christian

"A "religious zealot” in Oklahoma nearly beheaded an acquaintance in a brutal slaying after watching Christian videos, police said.

Isaiah Marin was playing cards Wednesday afternoon with his brother and the victim, 19-year-old Jacob Crockett, at an apartment in Stillwater.

Police said the 21-year-old Marin was watching online videos “related to his Christian beliefs and the Book of Matthew” before he picked up a sword and began swinging it around."

* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.

8 Cops Fire 45 Shots at 1 Mentally Ill Homeless Man

Police officers in Saginaw, MI fired more than 45 shots at Jewel Hall's son Milton. Despite abundant evidence that officers showed a reckless disregard for Milton's life, the U.S. Justice Department did not charge any of the officers responsible for the killing.



A Mother's Mission: The Shooting of Milton Hall


In Washington D.C., the ACLU of Michigan is playing Jewel Hall's testimony at a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on “Reports of Racism in the Justice System of the United States.”

Learn more at http://www.aclumich.org/MiltonHall

Join the ACLU of Michigan at http://goo.gl/nivEby


Video: 8 Cops Fire 45 Shots at 1 Mentally Ill Homeless Man

Jeffress Says Christians Are Being 'Persecuted' B/C Satan Wants To Destroy Christianity

Robert Jeffress says that Satan is trying to destroy Christianity and Christians will soon start to face persecution in America.

Science and Religion Are Not Compatible

Nearly two decades ago, the late biologist Stephen Jay Gould said that science and religion were two separate things. He called them "non-overlapping magisteria" (NOMA).

He said that science could answer what happened and how it happened... but the why it happened and the meaning and implications of it were the purview of religion.

A lot of people feel that he was right. Of course you can be a religious scientist -- many great scientists believe in God so they've obviously found a way to make sense of it all. Or they compartmentalize really well.

But I don't think those two worlds are really compatible. I think if you're a religious person and someone who accepts the scientific method, something's gotta give. When science succeeds, religion loses, because a gap was just filled by something other than God.



Part of the problem with this idea of NOMA is that science does have something to say about morality. And religion has plenty to say about what happened and how things happen. The magisteria overlap all the time. And they can't both be true.

Religions make claims about the natural world all the time. Not just what happens in the afterlife, but how the world actually works.

Creationists do this, saying the world is only 6,000 years old, and that dinosaurs and people lived at the same time, and that there was a great flood.

People who believe God performs miracles do this -- they say people get healed in ways science can't possibly explain.

These are testable claims -- and they have been tested. And the religious explanations fail every time.

We know the universe isn't 6,000 years old. The evidence for that is overwhelming.

We know intercessory prayer -- when you pray for people who don't know you're praying for them -- has no statistically significant effect on them.

We know literal miracles don't happen; if someone's cured of a disease, there's either a scientific explanation for it... or, if we don't have one, I'd bet good money we would if we just had more information.

And, like I said, science has something to say about morality. Sam Harris wrote a whole book about it (the Moral Landscape). One of his ideas in the book is that science can show us what increases or decreases people's pleasure and we can work to make the good stuff happen more often. I'm just exploring the surface here.

The point is that science and religion don't occupy these different worlds. They're in this together. And I believe we have to choose one or the other. Do you put your faith in evidence... or faith? The choice seems obvious to me.

Don't get me wrong: There are brilliant scientists who stick to science in the lab but still believe in God... they accept the evidence for evolution but believe God started the whole process. They accept the Big Bang, but say God put it all into motion. They run controlled tests in the lab... but believe in God because of a feeling they have.

You get the idea. The idea that science and religion are truly compatible is an idea that's well past its expiration date. You can say you believe in both, but don't expect people to take you seriously if you do.

--

Hemant Mehta, 2014

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

God on the Campaign Trail

On this week's edition of The Brody File, the Mormon Mitt Romney uses the "G" word (God) on the campaign trail. Plus, a one-on-one interview with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Also, one of Mitt Romney's sons joins us to talk about some personal family details. We also look at the struggle to find diversity inside the GOP...



The Brody File: God on the Campaign Trail - CBN.

The Christian Broadcasting Network CBN

Death With Dignity Advocate Brittany Maynard Dies at 29

Earlier this year, Maynard learned that she was suffering from an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma and had only six months to live. After hearing what the disease would to her body in its final stages, she decided that she wanted to die on her own terms.

"Brittany Maynard, the Oregon woman who had become an outspoken advocate for patients' rights following her terminal cancer diagnosis, died on Saturday, the Oregonian reported. She was 29.



"Goodbye to all my dear friends and family that I love," she wrote in a Facebook post, according to People. "Today is the day I have chosen to pass away with dignity in the face of my terminal illness... the world is a beautiful place, travel has been my greatest teacher, my close friends and folks are the greatest givers... goodbye world. Spread good energy. Pay it forward!"

The Brittany Maynard Fund
Death with Dignity Act - Brittany Maynard

Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/anakasparian) and Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) of The Young Turks discuss. Do you agree with the death with dignity movement? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

The Young Turks, 2014

Devil's Night: Halloween Chick Tract

Jake and Hugo talk like Southern girls for 27 minutes or so... that's basically it.

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 6

Excuse me... excuse me! Don't interrupt Job when he's soapboxing and feeling sorry for himself!

John Oliver: State Legislatures and ALEC

While midterm coverage is largely focused on the parts of Congress that do very little, vital (and bizarre) midterm elections are going unexamined. State legislators pass a lot of bills, and some of that efficiency is thanks to a group called ALEC that writes legislation for them. It’s as shady as it sounds!




Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: State Legislatures and ALEC (HBO)
November 2014

Ra-Men special - Slightly Irreverent Bible Study - with David Fitzgerald

When I testified before the Texas State Board of Education, I had to point out to the board that Moses was not a confirmed historical person. The sad majority of this state unquestioning believe everything the Bible says. So it was very refreshing to me when we got a visit from David Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald holds a degree in history; he's been actively researching the historicity of Jesus for over ten years, and was an associate member of the Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion. So his perspective is completely opposite that of most of Texans -simply because he knows what he's talking about, because he took the time to study the background of the Bible. I really enjoyed this conversation.



Text by AronRa.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Marine Banned from School after Flipping out over Islam Homework

"A veteran of the Marines got upset over his daughter’s high school assigning homework about the tenets of the Muslim religion and complained to the school. His complaint got him banned from school property."



Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, Jimmy Dore and Wes Clark Jr. of The Young Turks discuss. Do you agree with Cenk's point? Do you agree with the schools decision to ban the Marine Dad. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

The Young Turks, 2014

Satanic Coloring Book In Public Schools?

"The Satanic Temple has submitted a Satanic coloring book and two fact sheets to Orange schools, requesting permission to give them out to students in January.

The coloring book (see the coloring book here) features cartoon children performing Satanic rituals and drawing pentragrams in school, along with a word search for words like "acceptance" and "friends" and a maze to reach the Necronmicon, a fabled occult spellbook. The children in the book wear Satanic symbols on their shirts and spread anti-bullying and religious tolerance messages. A coloring page features a girl reading in a study filled with Satanic art, books and symbols. A connect-the-dots sheet creates a pentagram."



"To be sure, if our materials are consistent with their standards, they can't simply deny our literature because of its religious viewpoint. If the open forum for distribution goes forward, The Satanic Temple will be there."

Lucien Greaves, Satanic Temple spokesman

See the coloring book here: Satanic Temple submits coloring book, fact sheets for Orange school distribution

Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, Jimmy Dore and Wes Clark Jr of The Young Turks discuss. Do you think the school district should have to pass out these coloring books alongside the bible coloring book? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

The Young Turks, 2014

Real Time with Bill Maher: Islam and Free Speech (HBO)

Panelists Rula Jebreal and Senator Angus King respond to Bill Maher's statement on the Berkeley controversy.

Stephen Colbert Doesn't Like The New Pope

Pope Francis may be infallible, but he still gets a few things wrong according to Stephen.



Late Show with David Letterman - Stephen Colbert Doesn't Like The New Pope

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Christians React… To Halloween!

“While we liberals are getting our panties all up in a bunch over racist Halloween costumes, the Christian Right is focusing on… the family… as usual… and the much more important issue that is the evil and sinful nature of Halloween. To spread the gospel on the perils of the holiday, I present these five eloquent quotes against Halloween. Consider yourself warned!

1. Druid sheep murder, serious stuff.

When Pat Robertson urged his viewers to abstain from Halloween on “The 700 Club,” he made a pretty good case:

The Christian Fright


Halloween is a festival for demonic spirits… The whole idea of trick-or-treating is the Druids would go to somebody’s house and ask for money and if they didn’t get money they’d kill one of their sheep, that was the sheep and it was serious stuff. All this business about goblins and jack-o’-lanterns all comes out of demonic rituals of the Druids and the people who lived in England at that particular time."“* Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola (TYT University), Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) and Wes Clark Jr break it down.

*Read more here from Katie Halper / Raw Story: Five insane quotes from the Christian Right on the evils of Halloween
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