red fuzzy jesus

Intelligence Squared Debate on NPR

Would the world be better off without religion?

I absolutely love this debate on religion held at NYU and broadcast on NPR. I have my own opinions on the subject of course, but I don't have time now to go into much detail. In brief, I'll say that the question is not clear on whether the world remains the same other than the departure of religion, or if humans experience a change that makes religion no longer necessary making the world better because that evolution has occured. Regardless, both sides do a good job of defending their positions and the conversation is fascinating.

Recording here

Link here

Merry Christmas from Ricky Gervais

This is a great, thought provoking holiday message from Ricky Gervais.  I think it's good because he's obviously not an academic making traditional Dawkins-esque arguments.  But, he still explains himself very well in a warm and humorous way. 

A Holiday Message From Ricky Gervais: Why I’m an Atheist

Why don’t you believe in God? I get that question all the time. I always try to give a sensitive, reasoned answer. This is usually awkward, time consuming and pointless. People who believe in God don’t need proof of his existence, and they certainly don’t want evidence to the contrary. They are happy with their belief. They even say things like “it’s true to me” and “it’s faith.” I still give my logical answer because I feel that not being honest would be patronizing and impolite. It is ironic therefore that “I don’t believe in God because there is absolutely no scientific evidence for his existence and from what I’ve heard the very definition is a logical impossibility in this known universe,” comes across as both patronizing and impolite. (continue reading)