Shouldn't a philosophy major recognize the fallacious argument from authority?

De Botton: One Point of Accord

Alain de Botton has presented some rather controversial ideas regarding atheism and religion. De Botton seems to be advocating a need for an atheist church. Recently, I've had many discussions with humanists and secularists regarding the lack of community and social fulfillment within the secular community, but it seems to me that most of the needs of those secularists in search of a religious style community are satisfied by organizations such as the Unitarian church, which is comprised of many humanists and atheists; therefore, I see little need to create yet another religion.

There is one aspect of religion, however, that I have advocated that the the secular community adopt, and that is the practice of sending "missionaries" to developing parts of the world. If one considers that groups such as the Mormons are recruiting vigorously around the world, I think it is imperative that humanists answer in kind. More than ever, the humanist community needs people willing to go to remote parts of the world to teach people critical thinking, the value of skepticism, and the importance of the scientific method, as well as ethical and moral systems that are based on science and reason, rather than superstition, myths and religious dogma.

FYI Newt Gingrich: Your heroes are atheists

During the Florida primary this past week, I've heard Newt Gingrich say that his interest in extra-planetary exploration is due to the influence of Isaac Asimov's Foundation books, and if given a choice of an actor by whom he would like to be portrayed, he would choose none other than Brad Pitt.

Considering Gingrich is a thoroughly indoctrinated right-wing Christian, albeit of the Roman Catholic variety, I find his choice of heroes rather ironic. First, Isaac Asimov did write "grandiose" novels about space exploration, but more importantly, he was a humanist and an outspoken atheist. Moreover, he wasn't just a garden variety humanist; he was the president of the American Humanist Association.

Furthermore, the same goes for Brad Pitt, who is among the few actors who have publicly admitted to their atheism.

All I can say is that it's too bad Gingrich doesn't make a greater effort to follow the examples of those he professes to admire. I'm pretty certain that we would all benefit greatly if Gingrich would acquire a dose of Asimov's skepticism and rational thinking.

Why are so many Roman Catholics courting the evangelical vote?

Am I the only one who thinks it's a little odd that the two candidates that seem to be the most focused on the evangelical vote, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, are not evangelicals? Once upon a time, a Roman Catholic had about as much chance of getting an evangelical Christian's vote as an atheist does today. Remember the controversy around the election of John Kennedy because of his Catholicism?

Newt Gingrich: There is a War on Religion:

During a recent appearance on Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network, Newt Gingrich explained why he thinks he's getting more popular among evangelical voters despite being a Catholic, a serial adulterer, and divorced. It's because he more than any other candidate understands that there is a "war on religion" out there and he's willing to do battle on evangelicals' behalf.

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Newt Gingrich: There is a War on Religion originally appeared on About.com Agnosticism / Atheism on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 12:00:17.

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