Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal
PZ Myers is a biologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris.
…and this is a pharyngula stage embryo.
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…Jesus was almost certainly not 'of Nazareth'. An overwhelming body of evidence indicates that Nazareth did not exist in biblical times. The town is unlikely to have appeared before the third century.
[Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln, The Messianic Legacy]
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Category: Godlessness
Posted on: February 3, 2008 10:26 AM, by PZ Myers
I forgot to remind you all to tune in to the Minnesota Atheists radio show…but you all know by now to turn on your radios/streaming connection on Sunday mornings, right?
If you forgot, you'll have to do penance by reading the Sunday Sermonette.
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Comments
The days of the Holy Roman Catholic Church sheltering misbehaving clergy are apparently not over. This time the parishioners didn't bend over and take it though. They are bad Catholics.
Posted by: Reginald Selkirk | February 3, 2008 10:39 AM
Hey, PZ, the radio station's website rejected my Zip code and said I couldn't listen because I wasn't in Minnesota. (I don't know if they have something against Californians specifically or all non-Minnesotans in general.)
No problem, though. As a nonbeliever, it was easy for me to lie and use the Zip code for Morris, 56267, since I have no fear of God's judgment and therefore no moral strictures limiting my behavior. Ha, ha, ha! I'm listening now!
Posted by: Zeno | February 3, 2008 10:39 AM
Talking about atheism. Look at this on-line game: http://www.molleindustria.org/faith-fighter
I think one of the best evidences about atheism, it is the fact that theistards (sorry, theists) believe in almost infinite array of possible gods and goddesses.
Posted by: DÃdac | February 3, 2008 10:40 AM
Is there any way for us poor folks in the BuyBull Belt (e.g. N.C.) to listen? I put in my zip code per the request on the station's web site, and I was informed I must live in Minnesota to listen.
Thanks.
Posted by: fentwin | February 3, 2008 10:44 AM
I'm sitting at Barnes and noble and when I turned on my laptop and saw what time it was, the show was almost over. So I didn't tune into the show, but hopefully they have some podcast of it. But I will blame you for not reminding me today. THANKS PZ!!! I missed last weeks too, but thats cause was at work. Anyways back to filling out questionnaires and applications.
Posted by: Chris | February 3, 2008 11:11 AM
Linking Science with Religon in Catholic Schools
Posted by: Reginald Selkirk | February 3, 2008 11:43 AM
Myers, have you considered identifying yourself with an actual philosophy -- rather than the ultimately pointless I don't believe in X thing?
Empiricism, Rationalism -- or maybe you identify with Kant, Hegel, or Sartre? The "atheist" tag seems contrived and simplistic.
Posted by: wnelson | February 3, 2008 12:56 PM
The "atheist" tag seems contrived and simplistic.
Right, but picking one single label which is intended to encompass all of your opinions and beliefs on every possible issue, that's nuanced. Perhaps you feel that pigeon-holing yourself is a good idea. For myself, I don't feel any need to consult a structured philosophy (or religion) before having an opinion. Single labels don't belong on people, convenient as it might be.
And, for the record, atheism is not intended to represent a comprehensive philosophy. It means non-theism, that's it. Atheists need have nothing else in common but their lack of gods.
Posted by: Alexandra | February 3, 2008 1:32 PM
Yet another case of the Catholic Church sheltering a pedophile
Posted by: Reginald Selkirk | February 3, 2008 6:47 PM
The podcast will be up by Tuesday night. Until then, you can subscribe to the podcast. While you're waiting, you can listen to PZ convince you that There Are No Ghosts in Your Brain.
Posted by: Bjorn Watland | February 3, 2008 10:13 PM
"There are no ghosts in your brain"
A very nice lecture. You were very polite with those people who kept interrupting with the "Aren't-I-a-clever-boy?" type questions. More power to yer elbow PZ!
But...
At the end I was left with a feeling of unease which may be due to the fact that I am European (British, living in France.)
Here are some examples of the kind of remarks that bothered me:
What atheism has to do...
Personal responsibility is the message we have to get across...
How atheism addresses common social needs...
Our challenge is to develop a coherent rational world view...
That's why I'm saying the ultimate solution is a "godless philosophy that fulfils certain needs in society and that can displace that religious impulse."
How can not believing in gods be a philosophy? And who, exactly, are the we that you refer to? Oops - to whom you refer?
And why should Atheism have to do anything?
Did this angle shock anybody else here? Or were you just trying to adapt your remarks to your audience -
Minnesota Atheists practices positive, inclusive, active, friendly neighbourhood atheism in order to:
Provide a community for atheists -
Educate the public about atheism -
Promote separation of state and church?
When I look at countries that are largely secular, and where the majority of the population claims to have no religious belief, I am not aware that this state of affairs came about my replacing one philosophy with another.
Is is not rather a question of education and being reasonable?
Or do Atheist groups have to explain to people, "Now that you know there are no gods, this is what you need to do to be happy, fulfilled and behave in a moral way?
Posted by: Richard Morgan | February 4, 2008 6:43 AM