What are we going to do with all these prayers?

October 17, 2012 in Fiction, Religion

Jim, our team leader, opened the container and cursed. “What are we going to do with all these prayers?” “What?” I asked, not sure what he was referring to. “People have sent us prayers again. Here’s another container load!” Jim kicked the metal door, but only succeeded in hurting his foot. He then grabbed a cardboard box from inside the container and ripped it open. “But there’s nothing in the box,” I said, confused. “Of course not. Prayers don’t exist in our corporeal world.” “How can they help us then?” “I have no idea. Isn’t that your job anyway?” “Me?” “Yes, you. Use your initiative…that’s [...]

How Do You Choose a Religion?

September 14, 2012 in People, Religion, Self, Society

One of my favourite quotes relating to religion and atheism is by Richard Dawkins: I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours. It’s an interesting quote – and while I don’t think that, by itself, it can totally refute someone’s faith, it is something to think about. I’ve blogged about my own perspective a few times – that while I can respect someone’s decision to believe in some kind of higher power, I have less respect [...]

What is ‘A’ Week?

March 18, 2012 in Religion

‘A’ Week is an online event that runs 18-24 March 2012. The idea of ‘A’ Week is simple – to raise awareness of how many people are ‘Good without Gods’.  You take part by changing your Facebook profile picture to an ‘A’ for one week. You’ll be joining thousands of people from all over the world in a global shared experience. If just a handful of people were to change their profile pictures almost no one would notice – but with many thousands taking part, and using the same ‘A’ at the same time, it gets noticed all over the world. [...]

Why Scepticism Is A Dangerous Thing (a response to Kony 2012)

March 11, 2012 in Current Affairs, Human Rights, Religion, Self

Today’s guest post from Jessica Chapman: When I first saw the Kony 2012 video was sceptical. I felt the emotions it stirred, but my head shut each emotion down with a practical question. How would they achieve this goal? How would a bracelet and posters lead to Kony’s arrest? Wouldn’t there be more collateral damage trying to bring him in? Would arresting him achieve anything or would someone just take his place? What about other children who are exploited? Where are the people fighting for them? Who were the other people on the list of war criminals and was anyone [...]