Cobourg Atheist - Canadian News and Articles

Bertrand Russell on morality

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:18:58 -0400

One of the great philosophers of the last century, Bertrand Russell was a declared atheist and wrote many articles on god and morality. His style was clear and concise but his thoughts on morality of itself were not put into a single short article. I am attempting to do that here. My source is a book called "Why I am not a Christian - and other essays on religion and related subjects". It was published in 1957 when he was 85 - he died in 1970.

Democracy and the Catholic Church

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:57:39 -0400

What people believe is not necessarily what they are told to believe by an autocratic Church. Centuries ago, the priests and bishops and even the ministers and pastors were the majority of the educated class. Worse, other educated people did not have the weekly sermons to tell the faithful how things worked and what they should do and believe. The average peasant had no way of knowing that what he was being told by the priest was a load of crap. In addition, religions and their dogmas were integrated into politics - they were a way of keeping the riff-raff in place. But gradually, education, literacy and the thought that people could decide for themselves began to spread. It was not just religion but also politics that was subject to individual thinking. When Luther asked some awkward questions, he got support from local Princes who were fed up with the autocratic bishops telling their subjects what to think and do - which included sending money to Rome and ignoring the Prince when the bishops said so.

Is Atheism a Religion?

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:16:53 -0400

By anyone’s definition, religion is a set of beliefs – but more than that, these beliefs have to be in some fashion not readily believable. Believing in gravity, a hot sun, cold ice and a collection of other physical facts do not constitute a religion. But believing in an invisible god and stories about how he created us is a religion. However, other things are described colloquially as “religious”. For example, you might say that a friend is “religious about going to the gym”. You mean he treats his commitment to the gym like he would his commitment to a religion. So another aspect of religion is that you are committed to it. You might say I am religious about atheism – that by itself does not make atheism a religion – it just describes my level of commitment.

Catholic Contradictions

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:43:06 -0400

One difference between Catholic teaching and other religions is that Catholics reject "relativism" - Benedict was the most recent Pope to speak out against it. In its place, Catholics promote the idea that morality is objective. Any particular act is always wrong. Jesuit Kenneth Baker writes that "The Catholic Church has consistently and continually rejected subjectivism and relativism in morality". This is why they resist approval of abortion and gay sex. They also say that abusing children is wrong whether it's done by priests or anyone. So that would mean that abuse is always wrong and is never acceptable no matter the circumstances.

Astrology or Star Struck

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:50:53 -0400

By Karl S. Kruszelnicki

The word "disaster" comes from Latin words meaning "bad star" - which shows that the Romans thought that the stars could influence our lives. They were wrong, but even today, many people share this belief.

There are several types of astrology. "General Astrology" looks at how humanity is affected by supposedly "significant" alignments of the stars and planet. "Genethlialogy" is a branch that looks at your life based on the positions of the stars and planets at the moment of your birth, while "Catarchic Astrology" tries to find the most auspicious time to start a given task.

Religion and Canadian Politics

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:17:28 -0400

At the 2011 Federal election, an Ipsos Reid exit poll showed that in Canada, support of Political parties is divided along religious lines. Personally, I believe we live in, or should be living in, a secular society so that politics is to do with economics and preserving equal rights. From this flows the concept of supporting the disadvantaged while maintaining an incentive to work. If there is no incentive to work, the contribution to society is unequal. But it seems that not everyone agrees with my views. Many people colour their view of politics by their religious views although it’s not easy to see the connection.

But first, let’s look at the numbers. A simple measure of religiosity is weekly attendance at a Church:

"Believers" Don't Believe in God

scribblerlarry@yahoo.ca (Larry R. Lawson) — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:08:09 -0400

Reading, in recent weeks, some very interesting blogs on atheist sites and the comments that get written on these blogs, one thing has gradually been borne in upon me. Odd as it may seem, I'm becoming convinced that those who claim to be religious "believers", do not, in fact believe what they say they believe. They do not believe in a god.

Many of them show little or no signs of having any clear idea just what it is they do believe; each indicating a different, sometimes much different, concept of a "god". Since their idea of what and who their god is, is the basis for their other ideas about religion and faith, it is not at all surprising that those other ideas will also show a marked difference from person to person and from church to church when their very concept of god is different.

Official 2011 Census Canada results on Religion

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:44:11 -0400

It takes a while but Census Canada have now released some numbers on religions in Canada. They have wrapped the numbers together with immigration numbers but the trend is clear. Religion in Canada is dying out - especially the Christian religion. From 2006 to 2011, Christians dropped from 75% of the population to 67% and "No religion" increased from 17.5% to 23.6%. Because of the way the question was asked, few responded as atheist, agnostic or humanist even though other polls and surveys show that close to 5% would say they are not only "no religion" but do not believe in even a higher power. The census was flawed from the start - in 2006, completion of the long form questionnaire was compulsory but in 2011 it was not. This happened because of political interference and resulted in the resignation of some senior census managers. In addition the question on religion focused on culture and not what people practised. (Cobourg atheist article)

The Unbelievers - Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Tue, 07 May 2013 06:32:26 -0400

Back in February, I publicised the new documentary by Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins called The Unbelievers but I was not impressed by the trailer. There is more at the official movie web site here and that seems to do a better job of promoting the film. I agree with most of what's said in the movie but as a fan of film, it's hard for me to see it as a "must see" movie. I like Lawrence Krauss - he's smart, informative and entertaining. Richard Dawkins is unfortunately past his prime - he's occasionally brilliant but often dull. If I hear him say one more time how he is in awe when he looks at the stars, I'll scream. But the occasion of the premier of the movie in Toronto at the "Hot-docs" festival meant they were on multiple TV shows for interview and although the interviewers seemed to think the subject was interesting and controversial, their interviews were mostly dull.

The Evolution of Jesus and the New Testament

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:38:57 -0400

The story of Jesus 2000 years ago is accepted by Christians as factual - but it's more likely he's a legend. That is, someone who existed but whose life is not like the stories we are told. Just consider the evolution of the documents that are supposed to tell his story. The first books written (in the New Testament) were by Paul - a chronology is here. Although his first letter to the Thessalonians was written over 20 years after the death of Jesus in 52 AD, you'd expect him to document the relatively recent amazing events of the miracles of Jesus, his resurrection and his virgin mother. But no, all his letters talk about are the teachings of Jesus and the vague statement that he was the "son of God". He does mention that he "died for us" and performed "miracles and wonders and signs" (Acts 2.22 - written no earlier than ~AD 60) but gave no details.

The real story of Jesus

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Fri, 03 May 2013 06:43:35 -0400

If you want to know what the person called Jesus in the Bible was really like and what he really did, you have to do a lot of study of ancient history. It helps to study things like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Gnostic texts and one person who did that was William Hopper.

He liked to write in a light tone so that his books would have popular appeal - hence the title of his book "The Heathen's Guide to World Religions". It got to a 6th edition in 2003 - and a 7th electronic edition has since been published (his site here). Hopper quotes his sources so it's not just light entertainment and I highly recommend it. His book is the source of the facts in this article.

Gay Marriage and Politicians

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Wed, 01 May 2013 06:56:12 -0400

Politicians worldwide seem to get their "knickers in a knot" over gay marriage. Some think it is contrary to God's commandments and that allowing it would bring on the virtual end of the world as we know it. Gradually, the majority of politicians are seeing the light and allowing anyone - gay or not - the right to embrace the institution of marriage. Like any other social issue, the views of the public change with time and the time is right to recognise this change too.

Politicians are usually dry and humourless - but they are not all like that. New Zealand MP Maurice Williamson certainly has a sense of humour, is not gay himself and is very supportive of equal rights. This video deserves to go viral and is already well on the way to that.

Lying is not always wrong, or is it?

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:16:43 -0400

There are some things that most people agree are unethical - like lying. If you are an atheist, you will probably not want to lie to your children about the existence of god. You'll probably talk about what you believe and what others believe and you won't actually say "God does not exist". However, Christians (and Muslims) will usually say to their children - and anyone else who will listen - "God exists and is good etc". So we would say that they are at least stretching the truth because they cannot actually prove what they say. They have confused the concepts of belief and facts. The same Christians would agree that lying is wrong - so why do they tell children that there is an Easter Bunny? And also that there is a tooth fairy and that there is a Santa Claus? Is lying sometimes OK?

Canadian Muslims: A Plea to West

salim.mansur@sunmedia.ca (Salim Mansur) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:54:00 -0400

The weeding out of Islamism inside the West is the essential prerequisite in defeating the global jihad.

By Raheel Raza and Salim Mansur

Re-published from the original on Muslims Facing Tomorrow - There are Muslims who understand - hopefully Raheel and Salim represent the majority. In any event, their comments are important in understanding the Muslim Terrorist problem. - Cobourg Atheist.

Wed, April 24, 2013: The recent discovery of a terrorist plot to do a mass terror attack on a Via Rail passenger train out of Toronto by two Islamists, and their intent interdicted by joint Canadian and U.S. security agencies, eerily followed the hunt and capture of the two Chechen brothers — Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev — involved in carrying out the Boston bombing.

Why is an explanation always needed?

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:22:31 -0400

One of the major reasons given for the existence of God is that he is needed to explain where we came from. Not just the existence of the Universe but also the existence of life and mankind. He is also used to explain complexity – the old watchmaker story (more in graphic below). But stop and think a minute. Why is any explanation needed? OK, so it’s a human characteristic which surfaces around the age of 4 when we start asking “why”. Parents usually go along with this but will often finally say “Because I said so”. This instills in us the concept that there is an answer for every “why” question even if it’s an authority figure who decrees what it is. So it’s natural when we get a little older to accept that the priest/minister or perhaps the holy book has all the answers.

Does religion really provide comfort?

john@cobourginternet.com (John Draper) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 06:38:20 -0400

Atheists are often told - leave the religious alone, it gives them comfort. But does it? The implication is that in hard times, religious people are happier than atheists - they are happy to accept their fate because god wills it. In the time of their biggest trauma, when they know they are dying, you'd think they would be happy to die since they are going to a better life. But The Journal of the American Medical Association reports otherwise. A study in 2009 showed that: "Terminally ill cancer patients who relied on their religious faith to help them cope with their disease were more likely to receive aggressive medical care during their last week of life."

The study did not identify a reason for this but one possibility is that they have faith that their prayers will be answered with a miracle and they are not really dying. However, if they are truly religious, they will know that "God does not work like that". (Although I would say, "zero chance of a miracle").