part I:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5jyi_idtyw&feature=channel

and part II:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAF-xrXU6aI&feature=channel

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081215121559.htm

Neuropsych and religious experiences:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081217124156.htm

Religion and child sexual abuse:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081215121559.htm

and for fun, one of my favorite science columnists:

http://judson.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/23/the-ten-days-of-newton/?scp=5&sq=religion&st=cse

oh, and how could I forget this?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/us/politics/20warren.html?scp=8&sq=religion&st=cse

In case anyone has not gotten the word, a certain McCain insider doesn’t actually exist. The New York Times tells the story about the hoaxer who spread the word that Sarah Palin didn’t know that Africa was a continent.

Only days after California voters overturn a court ruling allowing same-sex marriage, a Connecticut court makes a similar ruling.

Dan Savage, the editorial director of The Stranger, writes in The New York Times that while the success of Prop 8 is disappointing, the Arkansas ballot measure that banned adoption by same-sex couples is terrifying.

Lisa Miller reminds us in Newsweek that while the U.S. is a highly religious country, the white born-again evangelicals who make up the Republican base are only a minority.

Mark Oppenheimer at Slate talks about the probability of the country electing Presidents of other minority groups in the near future. As expected, of the groups considered, atheists come in dead last. He says: “When the lion lies down with the lamb, when the President is a Republican Muslim and the Democratic speaker of the house is a vegan Mormon lesbian, when the Secretary of State is a Jain pacifist from the Green Party, they will all agree on one thing: atheists need not apply.” I appreciate his optimism, but I’m not so sure I like his concluding line: “If [an atheist] ever ran for president, he would need God’s help just as surely as he wouldn’t ask for it.” Excuse me, but haven’t we had about enough of God’s help in the last 8 years?

Another interesting article. How many 10 commandment statues are floating around in public spaces in the US?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/washington/11sect.html?em

For Atheists, Politics Proves to Be a Lonely Endeavor
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/18religion.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=religion&st=cse&oref=slogin

Using Biology, Not Religion, to Argue Against Same-Sex Marriage
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/nyregion/12marriage.html?scp=3&sq=religion&st=cse

Bush Aides Say Religious Hiring Doesn’t Bar Aid
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/washington/18discrimination.html?scp=2&sq=religion&st=cse

Some of you might have already seen this, but I think this is really interesting. Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers filed a lawsuit against God. Chambers “seeks a permanent injunction ordering God to cease certain harmful activities and the making of terroristic threats.” Here is an article discussing the lawsuit.

Now the lawsuit has been thrown out, on the grounds that “because the defendant has no address, legal papers cannot be served.” Here is the article discussing the judge’s ruling.

This is the kind of story that would seem more at home at The Onion, but it’s always interesting to read this stuff from real news organizations.

Salman Rushdie, author of the Satanic Verses, will be making a stop in Seattle to sign copies of his newest book. Don’t miss it!

Link

Thursday • June 12 • 7:30pm
Salman Rushdie
The Enchantress of Florence (RANDOM HOUSE)
Reading & Book Signing
Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Avenue
“Salman Rushdie’s sumptuous mixture of history and fable in The Enchantress of Florence is magnificent,” says Ursula K. LeGuin. In telling the story of a woman attempting to command her own destiny in a man’s world, Rushdie plumbs themes of East and West, love and betrayal, religion and unbelief, and sex. Rushdie’s previous award-winning novels include Midnight’s Children, Satanic Verses, and Shalimar the Clown. Tickets are free with the purchase of The Enchantress of Florence from University Book Store; otherwise tickets are $5 at the door. Books and tickets available May 27.

Signing Guidelines

• A signing line will form following the event.
• Salman will personalize pre-signed copies of The Enchantress of Florence.
• Salman will sign backlist titles.
• No memorabilia will be signed.
• Photos are permitted during the signing only.
• Signing guidelines are subject to change.

The Secular Student Union of the University of Washington in Seattle, WA is proud to make the following announcement:
Effective today, June 8, 2007, the International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization (IHEYO) voted unanimously to grant the SSU consultative member status.

This makes the SSU the first and only IHEYO member organization in North America.

This historic event marks the beginning of the American Working Group and the beginning of an extensive effort on the part of IHEYO to expand in North America.

—–

What is IHEYO?

I met a great deal of my heroes this week, and forged some powerful connections with groups here and overseas.

Lawrence Asabe, Humanist leader from Uganda

View them all in my Facebook album.

Time: Tuesday, 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Location: Chapel on the Ave, 4130 University Way NE

Topic: Ask a Muslim

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=16127762753

What is Islam? What does it mean to be a practising Muslim? As the subject of much controversy, Islam has more misconceptions in American society than almost any other religion.

The Muslim Student Association has kindly agreed to come and answer any questions you may have about Islam.