Saganist's blog
Stealing Christmas, Worshipping False “Idoliots,” and Other Absurd Claims
Submitted by Saganist on January 31, 2008 - 10:24pm.
Civil War
I recently received a forwarded article written and recited by Ben Stein on the CBS Morning News on December 15th, 2005, concerning his negative views toward secularism. Read it here:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_ben_stein_christmas.htmFor some reason, this part-time Jewish actor turned activist known mostly for his benign, mind-numbingly dull character in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and more recently, as a beach ball consoling marketing tool for Clear Eyes, has taken it upon himself to fight for the cause of Christianity, or more specifically, against secularism and atheism. Not only was I furious that such a contemptuous, pious, piece of garbage was and continues to be circulated via email and other outlets, I was most horrified that it had been forwarded to me by my own sister.
[NOTE: The author of the second portion of the article is disputed. However, I've run across a number of Christian websites which include the more heinous, anonymously authored portion. In addition, the edited version continues to circulate via email, perpetuated by the Christian community, and in my case, by my own sister. Even if Mr. Stein did not author the loathsome latter portion, that a number of Christians apparently support the appalling arguments made is a source of serious concern.]
"Apocalypto" and the hyprocrisy of Mel Gibson
Submitted by Saganist on December 3, 2007 - 7:55am.1500 years ago, in the depths of the dense Central American forest, a scientifically advanced culture thrived, closely monitoring the celestial events on which their society depended. Pyramids tracking the days of the year, spring equinox and summer solstice rose high above the canopies. For 700 years, this great civilization not only thrived, they predicted the fate of the future technologically endangered world, knowing that 1999 - 2012 would be a time of much societal introspection throughout the world. How could they know this? Not only were they great astronomers and mathematicians, they had insight into a world totally unknown to them at that time. They were a unique and valuable people, which is why I was so disgusted and disappointed by Mel Gibson's recent film, "Apocalypto." In in, Gibson portrays the Mayans are savage polytheists, obsessed with violence and most notably, self-sacrifice.
We have had a tendency throughout history to create stories or explanations for those things which allude us - The Mayans are not unique in this, nor are the surviving animists and tribal communities who continue to practice their non-monotheist religions.
Response to Harris' "The Problem With Atheism"
Submitted by Saganist on December 3, 2007 - 7:51am.Read "The Problem with Atheism" here:
http://richarddawkins.net/article,1702,The-Problem-with-Atheism,Sam-Harris
I'm glad that this was brought to my attention, because I think Harris makes some excellent points. I do think that the word "atheism" carries with it some serious negative connotations. There are two definitions for the word "godless" on Encarta. The first definition states, "not believing in or worshipping any god," while the second definition states, "having an evil or immoral nature." Obviously, there are people who believe that atheists are wicked creatures who prey on the lowly, virtuous Christians. Sam Harris recognizes that, and proposes that the non-believers steer away from the atheist label which has alienated many. I too, feel that we tend to be irresponsible with labels in society, which can lead to misunderstanding, ignorance and bigotry. We find it much easier to judge rather than truly examine whatever it is that we do not understand and/or fear. We're all guilty of it at some point, but are we missing something important because of it? Before we draw our conclusions about someone or something, we should take the time to educate ourselves. Why do so many people demonize atheists? Have they been victimized by atheists at some point? Or is it just easier to judge rather than understand? I would predict the latter hypothesis to be more probable. Nevertheless, this stigma exists.
The Magdalene Laundries
Submitted by Saganist on December 3, 2007 - 7:46am.I recently watched a film called "The Magdalene Sisters" (2002) that was based off a documentary called, "Sex in a Cold Climate" describing the Magdalene Laundries of which approx. 30,000 Irish-Catholic girls were imprisoned until 1997. These young girls were sent to the Magdalene Laundries (also called Magdalene Asylums) run by sadistic nuns and priests (mostly nuns) who enslaved the "fallen" girls and forced them into hard labor for no pay - washing linens to "cleanse themselves" of their so-called sins, which included being raped, having a child out of wedlock, or for simply being too beautiful. Yes. Some girls were sent there "just in case" they should fall into temptations. Or more importantly, they could tempt other men into acts of sin, a mirror of Eve the foul temptress of Eden. Ah yes. The patriarchal, misogynistic themes of religion are alive and well. But in this case, it was the so-called whore Mary Magdalene who served as a model of repentance, for she did so after committing her most vile "sin" of f*king Jesus. (and not in the way Judas did!) I can imagine that the Christians didn't take kindly to her relationship with a person who they believed was the son of God, and thus she was written into the books as a whore. It doesn't surprise me that woman of the 20th century were also branded as such after doing absolutely nothing wrong. It's 2,000 years later, and we're still stuck in the dark ages.
