You know the right is just hating on Obama when they can’t even be happy that he killed bin Laden. I think it’s gotten to the point where if Obama kisses a baby, the headline on Fox News will read, “Obama Molests Child,” Rush Limbaugh will be ranting about how he was really whispering Socialist Muslim propaganda into the infant’s ear, and Alex Jones will claim there never was a baby, it was all just a simulation in the Matrix.
Can anyone pinpoint when conservatism transitioned from political view to mental disorder?
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Discussion: Did Bin Laden Win?
Considering the last 10 years and the state of America today, is it safe to say the terrorists won, and that we let them?
On Whether Mormons Are Christians
While I criticize religion, I also study it. In fact, you ought not criticize something unless you’ve studied it, and I’m not sure any clear thinking person can study religion without criticizing it.
While I am highly critical of religion, I am remarkably unbiased. I’ll pause for the audience to stop laughing…
You may doubt me, but consider this: I have no religious affiliation. I have no need to defend one above any other. Since I have no horse in the race, I have the advantage that comes with being an outside observer. So, when it comes to interfaith ideological conflicts, I feel I have an undeniably unbiased perspective.
Which leads me to a comment made by Ross in which they bluntly claim that Mormons aren’t Christians. When I see that, I just have to wonder what motivates a comment like that.
I see this tactic directed at non-Mormons all the time, and it’s always such a strangely vicious, hostile way of trying to delegitimize a perceived threat among Christian sects. But this is not universal, for some reason. I don’t see Catholics or Protestants saying the Amish aren’t really Christians. I guess the Amish don’t show up on the radar (who would have thought it would be the Amish who develop stealth technology first).
Say what you want about real aspects of Mormonism, but they believe Jesus saves them. Saying Mormons aren’t Christian isn’t a very Christian thing to say.
And trust me, the Book of Mormon has exactly the same amount of authority as the Bible.
While I am highly critical of religion, I am remarkably unbiased. I’ll pause for the audience to stop laughing…
You may doubt me, but consider this: I have no religious affiliation. I have no need to defend one above any other. Since I have no horse in the race, I have the advantage that comes with being an outside observer. So, when it comes to interfaith ideological conflicts, I feel I have an undeniably unbiased perspective.
Which leads me to a comment made by Ross in which they bluntly claim that Mormons aren’t Christians. When I see that, I just have to wonder what motivates a comment like that.
I see this tactic directed at non-Mormons all the time, and it’s always such a strangely vicious, hostile way of trying to delegitimize a perceived threat among Christian sects. But this is not universal, for some reason. I don’t see Catholics or Protestants saying the Amish aren’t really Christians. I guess the Amish don’t show up on the radar (who would have thought it would be the Amish who develop stealth technology first).
Say what you want about real aspects of Mormonism, but they believe Jesus saves them. Saying Mormons aren’t Christian isn’t a very Christian thing to say.
And trust me, the Book of Mormon has exactly the same amount of authority as the Bible.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
On Religion and Bigotry
I was accused recently of being ignorant of my intolerance and my bigotry.
Now, I understand hero worship is liable to make one say rash things, so I don’t have any harsh words for The Heathen Republican. However, I think a proper explanation on my part is due, in order to justify my view that I am not a bigot when I mock Mormons.
To me, there is no such thing as bigotry towards an action. I don’t express bigotry towards child molesters. It’s not bigotry to hate Nazis. I’m not a bigot for laughing at Osama bin Laden’s death. I am simply justified in judging those people and their actions.
The second two examples above could be symptoms of bigotry. If you hate the German or Arab people, and therefore revel in their death on ethnic grounds, it’s bigotry. The same goes for if you hate Adolf Hitler or bin Laden because they’re left handed, or if you hate pedophiles (which is an attraction to young children, and distinct from a child molester who acts upon the urge).
However, if you hate someone because of their actions… that isn’t bigotry. To paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr., he dreamt of a world where his children would be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, i.e. how they act. Of course, race isn’t the only thing we don’t choose: sexual orientation, gender, nationality, parents, what schools we attend, even what religion we are raised in.
So, to some extent, religion may not be something one should criticize others for… except, I believe that once someone is an adult, they are responsible for their actions, regardless of their situation. This is not necessarily fair, because ignorance often persists beyond the age of 16 or 18 or whatever arbitrary age one chooses, but life isn’t fair.
Besides, a little criticism might be just what an ignorant person needs to hear.
Considering how much constant criticism atheists have hurled at us, it is not as though I have no clue how it feels. I don’t feel oppressed or hated. When someone criticizes atheism to my face, I feel like I’m being stupided at. I accept it as a challenge for me to assert my view, because I think one who lacks out-spoken support for the truth is the quiet advocate of lies.
In the end, religion is a choice.
I have met many people through blogging who are closet atheists, usually because their family is religious and they can’t abandon religion without severe consequences. I have sympathy for people in this situation. I even have sympathy for people who are just sheltered or ignorant or indoctrinated or conditioned or socialized or whatever you want to call it.
It is a tough journey from religion to atheism. I don’t say this from experience, because I had it easy. I was raised Catholic, which was a lot like living in Indiana: I realized pretty early I wasn’t sticking around. Catholicism is an under-handed lob, if not hitting off the tee.
When I began blogging, I initially worried about offending atheists in this situation, essentially forced into religion. Should they have to endure my criticism and their religion?
I’ve found (so far without exception) that those who are stuck in religion enjoy hearing criticism of religion, so long as there is some basis behind it. If I see someone saying “every Catholic priest is a child molester,” I would say you’re wrong. I would take offense at that statement, though not as a Catholic, but as a person who values the truth. In point of fact, most (if not all) priests sleep with adult men and women.
Well, that and I’m willing to play fast and loose with the facts (and all my principles, really) for the sake of humor.
Still, I find it within my principles to make religion the butt of jokes, without any need to abandon anything for humor. Well… I don’t need to, but I’ve never been one to do the bare minimum. I like to go above and beyond, give it my all, blah blah blah, motivational garbage. I don’t have to offend anyone, but where’s the fun in that?
The truth is, if I am criticizing someone and no one’s feelings get hurt… chances are I didn’t add anything to the discussion. Atheism is all about criticism: it is the rejection of an idea. Atheism is [supposedly] what this blog is about (well, that and my own personal vanity project). And while I may go off track, I try to bring it back around to my rejection of religion, whether I’m talking about politics or music or the top ten ridiculous things I could think of.
But feel free to call me a bigot, it’s a free country. I’d rather be called a bigot than be retarded.
Now, I understand hero worship is liable to make one say rash things, so I don’t have any harsh words for The Heathen Republican. However, I think a proper explanation on my part is due, in order to justify my view that I am not a bigot when I mock Mormons.
To me, there is no such thing as bigotry towards an action. I don’t express bigotry towards child molesters. It’s not bigotry to hate Nazis. I’m not a bigot for laughing at Osama bin Laden’s death. I am simply justified in judging those people and their actions.
The second two examples above could be symptoms of bigotry. If you hate the German or Arab people, and therefore revel in their death on ethnic grounds, it’s bigotry. The same goes for if you hate Adolf Hitler or bin Laden because they’re left handed, or if you hate pedophiles (which is an attraction to young children, and distinct from a child molester who acts upon the urge).
However, if you hate someone because of their actions… that isn’t bigotry. To paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr., he dreamt of a world where his children would be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, i.e. how they act. Of course, race isn’t the only thing we don’t choose: sexual orientation, gender, nationality, parents, what schools we attend, even what religion we are raised in.
So, to some extent, religion may not be something one should criticize others for… except, I believe that once someone is an adult, they are responsible for their actions, regardless of their situation. This is not necessarily fair, because ignorance often persists beyond the age of 16 or 18 or whatever arbitrary age one chooses, but life isn’t fair.
Besides, a little criticism might be just what an ignorant person needs to hear.
Considering how much constant criticism atheists have hurled at us, it is not as though I have no clue how it feels. I don’t feel oppressed or hated. When someone criticizes atheism to my face, I feel like I’m being stupided at. I accept it as a challenge for me to assert my view, because I think one who lacks out-spoken support for the truth is the quiet advocate of lies.
In the end, religion is a choice.
I have met many people through blogging who are closet atheists, usually because their family is religious and they can’t abandon religion without severe consequences. I have sympathy for people in this situation. I even have sympathy for people who are just sheltered or ignorant or indoctrinated or conditioned or socialized or whatever you want to call it.
It is a tough journey from religion to atheism. I don’t say this from experience, because I had it easy. I was raised Catholic, which was a lot like living in Indiana: I realized pretty early I wasn’t sticking around. Catholicism is an under-handed lob, if not hitting off the tee.
When I began blogging, I initially worried about offending atheists in this situation, essentially forced into religion. Should they have to endure my criticism and their religion?
I’ve found (so far without exception) that those who are stuck in religion enjoy hearing criticism of religion, so long as there is some basis behind it. If I see someone saying “every Catholic priest is a child molester,” I would say you’re wrong. I would take offense at that statement, though not as a Catholic, but as a person who values the truth. In point of fact, most (if not all) priests sleep with adult men and women.
Well, that and I’m willing to play fast and loose with the facts (and all my principles, really) for the sake of humor.
Still, I find it within my principles to make religion the butt of jokes, without any need to abandon anything for humor. Well… I don’t need to, but I’ve never been one to do the bare minimum. I like to go above and beyond, give it my all, blah blah blah, motivational garbage. I don’t have to offend anyone, but where’s the fun in that?
The truth is, if I am criticizing someone and no one’s feelings get hurt… chances are I didn’t add anything to the discussion. Atheism is all about criticism: it is the rejection of an idea. Atheism is [supposedly] what this blog is about (well, that and my own personal vanity project). And while I may go off track, I try to bring it back around to my rejection of religion, whether I’m talking about politics or music or the top ten ridiculous things I could think of.
But feel free to call me a bigot, it’s a free country. I’d rather be called a bigot than be retarded.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Top Ten: Cart Items that Will Get Weird Looks
10. Candy, Extra Strength Cough Medicine, and Rope
9. Justin Bieber DVD, Hand Lotion, and Kleenex
8. A Hacksaw, Plastic Bags, and a Shovel
7. Gallon of Milk, Baby Bottle, Pacifier, and Adult Diapers
6. Peanuts, Butter, and a Hammer
5. Microwave Burritos, Toilet Paper, and More Toilet Paper
4. Every Canister of Whipped Cream in the Store
3. Wine, Bubble Bath, and D Batteries
2. Seventeen Magazine, Pregnancy Test, and a Coat Hanger
1. Butter, Butter, and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
9. Justin Bieber DVD, Hand Lotion, and Kleenex
8. A Hacksaw, Plastic Bags, and a Shovel
7. Gallon of Milk, Baby Bottle, Pacifier, and Adult Diapers
6. Peanuts, Butter, and a Hammer
5. Microwave Burritos, Toilet Paper, and More Toilet Paper
4. Every Canister of Whipped Cream in the Store
3. Wine, Bubble Bath, and D Batteries
2. Seventeen Magazine, Pregnancy Test, and a Coat Hanger
1. Butter, Butter, and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Monday, May 2, 2011
Music Monday: Simpler, Softer Covers
The name says it all. These are cover versions (some you will have heard, some you won’t) which take some liberties with the instrumentation, tempo and volume to create a more mellow version of a previous classic.
The Republican Candidate for 2012
I’m not going to waste your time trying to convince you through long discussion and through boring analysis who the next Republican candidate for president will be. It’s probably going to be Mitt Romney, and I would bet my house that it will be either him or someone who hasn’t even made a public move to run.
It won’t be Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum, John Bolton, or Mitch Daniels. It will probably be Mitt, but there’s always a chance for a dark horse to come out of nowhere (just not from the list above).
I’m also not interested in discussing how much Mitt will lose in 2012. If you think the Republican base is going to get excited about a Mormon who instituted Obamacare at the state level, I think you’re nuts.
Rather, this post is more about what will inevitably be my favorite part of the 2012 election: when America finds out how fucking crazy Mormonism is. Now, it’s not only possible, but it’s likely that liberals will shy away from that issue in an attempt to do the honorable thing by being PC, but it will be fodder for comedians and late night talk show hosts, and Moroni knows I am going to have fun with it.
I mean sure, you got your magic underwear, and that’s funny and all… on a fifth grade level. For those not in the know, when the end of times comes, fire will engulf everyone who isn’t wearing this special underwear that covers the arms and legs. Really, it’s a way of instituting modest dress, but the reasoning is so downright adorable that it bears repeating.
Then you got the fact that Mormons believe God lives on a planet called Kolob, or a planet orbiting a star called Kolob (it’s not very clear). In addition, God is seen to be a man of flesh and bone. Good Mormons don’t just go to heaven when they die, they get their own planet, for them and their family. It’s not explained how that works… like, do I get my own planet or am I stuck on my dad’s, or my grandpa’s?
Then you have the small matter of black people being seen as cursed by God (which explains their black skin… since they descend from Cain) and being incapable of becoming Mormons. That is, until 1978 when they magically received a revelation in the wake of the Civil Rights movement that the long-awaited time had come for black people, and they could now become Mormons.
Keep in mind this is a religion that doesn’t allow alcohol or caffeine… but racism is okay (for a century and a half, anyway).
And of course, Jesus visited America. This is particularly important, for one major reason: Mormonism is the American Christianity. The Book of Mormon is partly about how Jesus walked in America, preaching to the native tribes after his resurrection. This puts America on the Christian map, instead of making Christianity some distant, far-removed religion.
Frankly, I’m surprised Mormonism isn’t more popular. I’d chalk it up to religious types being unwilling to change, but I think it’s inevitable that Mormonism will be the predominant Christian faith someday. At it’s heart, Mormonism isn’t just about America, it’s also about the real American dream.
That planet you get if you are a good Mormon… there are people living on it, and it is the duty of those people to worship you. In other words, Mormons believe you can become a god, and is there anything more American than that?
It won’t be Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul, Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum, John Bolton, or Mitch Daniels. It will probably be Mitt, but there’s always a chance for a dark horse to come out of nowhere (just not from the list above).
I’m also not interested in discussing how much Mitt will lose in 2012. If you think the Republican base is going to get excited about a Mormon who instituted Obamacare at the state level, I think you’re nuts.
Rather, this post is more about what will inevitably be my favorite part of the 2012 election: when America finds out how fucking crazy Mormonism is. Now, it’s not only possible, but it’s likely that liberals will shy away from that issue in an attempt to do the honorable thing by being PC, but it will be fodder for comedians and late night talk show hosts, and Moroni knows I am going to have fun with it.
I mean sure, you got your magic underwear, and that’s funny and all… on a fifth grade level. For those not in the know, when the end of times comes, fire will engulf everyone who isn’t wearing this special underwear that covers the arms and legs. Really, it’s a way of instituting modest dress, but the reasoning is so downright adorable that it bears repeating.
Then you got the fact that Mormons believe God lives on a planet called Kolob, or a planet orbiting a star called Kolob (it’s not very clear). In addition, God is seen to be a man of flesh and bone. Good Mormons don’t just go to heaven when they die, they get their own planet, for them and their family. It’s not explained how that works… like, do I get my own planet or am I stuck on my dad’s, or my grandpa’s?
Then you have the small matter of black people being seen as cursed by God (which explains their black skin… since they descend from Cain) and being incapable of becoming Mormons. That is, until 1978 when they magically received a revelation in the wake of the Civil Rights movement that the long-awaited time had come for black people, and they could now become Mormons.
Keep in mind this is a religion that doesn’t allow alcohol or caffeine… but racism is okay (for a century and a half, anyway).
And of course, Jesus visited America. This is particularly important, for one major reason: Mormonism is the American Christianity. The Book of Mormon is partly about how Jesus walked in America, preaching to the native tribes after his resurrection. This puts America on the Christian map, instead of making Christianity some distant, far-removed religion.
Frankly, I’m surprised Mormonism isn’t more popular. I’d chalk it up to religious types being unwilling to change, but I think it’s inevitable that Mormonism will be the predominant Christian faith someday. At it’s heart, Mormonism isn’t just about America, it’s also about the real American dream.
That planet you get if you are a good Mormon… there are people living on it, and it is the duty of those people to worship you. In other words, Mormons believe you can become a god, and is there anything more American than that?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
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