Bob's Notes: Matthew 23

Humanists Launch 'Godless Media Hub' As Landing Place For All Things Non-Religious

The American Humanist Association, a nonprofit advocacy group, launched the "Godless media hub" TheHumanist.com on Wednesday aimed at providing nontheists an outlet for "daily original reporting and commentary on issues important to a growing godless worldview," according to a Wednesday press release from AHA.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/12/atheist-humanist-news_n_4776670.html?1392244508

See also...

New Godless Media Hub, TheHumanist.com, Launched by American Humanist Association
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-new-godless-media-hub-thehumanistcom-launched-by-ame

Defining Atheism: An Excerpt from The Oxford Book of Atheism

The Oxford Book of Atheism is an extensive (and pricey) reference book, aimed at academics, covering the history of (western) atheism and describing the intersection of godlessness with various academic disciplines.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/11/defining-atheism-an-excerpt-from-the-oxford-book-of-atheism/

A movement of the irreligious

Christians of color are holding their ground for the moment. Mormons are managing to hold their ground. But even from my age cohort (30-49) to the next one, the 'unaffiliated' have increased by 41%.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/yearwithoutgod/2014/02/07/a-movement-of-the-irreligious/

Is America losing faith? Atheism on the rise but still in the shadows

American Way: Atheist activists' numbers are growing in the US as they take on Big Religion, but many keep quiet for fear of alienation in one Bible-minded Virginia town.

MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10626076/Is-America-losing-faith-Atheism-on-the-rise-but-still-in-the-shadows.html

See also...

America is turning secular much faster than we realise
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterfoster/100260301/america-is-turning-secular-much-faster-than-we-realise/

Atheist And Muslim Presidential Candidates Face The Most Bias

While ninety percent of Americans would vote for a black, a woman, Catholic, Hispanic, or Jewish presidential candidate, only 54 percent would vote for an atheist and only 58 percent would vote for a Muslim according to a Gallup poll below.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/17/atheist-muslim-presidential-candidate_n_4802608.html

Can an Atheist Be in Awe of the Universe?

What does the magnificence of the universe have to do with God?

MORE: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-atheist-be-in-awe-of-universe/

Ardent Atheists Spread Their Reverence For Disbelief

The San Diego Coalition of Reason opened this booth to support the atheist community and to evangelize nonbelief to religious people. Jim Eliason, one of the coalition's members, says they've actually had de-conversions at the booth -- but with people who were already questioning their beliefs.

--snip--

Many religions seek converts, but why would atheists care whether others believe in God? Coalition director Debbie Allen says they think the world would be better off with less dogma.

MORE: http://www.npr.org/2014/02/26/281450206/ardent-atheists-spread-their-reverence-for-disbelief

Atheist in the Bible Belt: A Documentary

Just before Christmas last year, the Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters produced and aired a half-hour documentary called “Atheist in the Bible Belt” that featured several local atheists talking about why they don’t believe in God (among other things).

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/09/atheist-in-the-bible-belt-a-documentary/

The Growing Importance of an Atheist Community

Many people want to call this movement by many names, humanism, secularism, skepticism, or your choice of label that strategically avoids the word atheist, but when your movement is made up of at least 99% atheists, guess what, you have an atheist movement.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-arel/the-growing-importance-of_b_4820365.html

'The Multiplicity Of Sects': New Report Shows U.S. Religious Pluralism Expanding -- Just As The Founders Wanted

A new report by Baylor University researchers shows that Americans are more religiously diverse than ever. Although the United States is still a deeply religious country, 20 percent do not have an affiliation with any specific faith tradition. (That number was 3 percent in the 1960s.)

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/the-multiplicity-of-sects-new-report-shows-us-religious-pluralism-expanding

The dying right: Why Christian fundamentalists are in panic mode

The religious right knows that time is running out -- and that makes them even more dangerous.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2014/02/28/the_dying_right_why_christian_fundamentalists_are_in_panic_mode_partner/

Peter Watson's New Book Explores How Atheists 'Have Sought to Live Since the Death of God'

Journalist and historian Peter Watson has written a lengthy, substantive book about atheism as it has played out over the past 150 years, covering the major players, promoters, and philosophers.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/18/peter-watsons-new-book-explores-how-atheists-have-sought-to-live-since-the-death-of-god/

A New Book Looks at How Atheism Shaped Western Civilization

We often hear about how religious believers and their ideas and inventions shaped modern history, but less examined is how atheists -- with their persistent questioning and challenging of orthodoxy -- influenced the world in which we live.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/25/a-new-book-looks-at-how-atheism-shaped-western-civilization/

When Dr. Anthony Pinn Came Out as an Atheist, This Was the Reaction

Pinn writes about the aftermath of an interview with a local newspaper, in which he came out publicly as an atheist.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/27/when-dr-anthony-pinn-came-out-as-an-atheist-this-was-the-reaction/

Alcoholics Anonymous, Without the Religion

The boom in nonreligious A.A. represents another manifestation of a more visible and confident humanist movement in the United States, one that has featured public figures such as Bill Maher, Sam Harris and the late Christopher Hitchens. Yet this recent trend within A.A. also marks a departure from the organization’s traditional emphasis on religion.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/22/us/alcoholics-anonymous-without-the-religion.html?_r=1

Deaf pastor signs a mighty surprising message

The reaction so far has been explosive. Christians were devastated and skeptics were delighted.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/10/deaf-pastor-atheist-a-big-surprise-to-his-congregation/

President Obama Says His Campaign Volunteers and Other Supporters Are Doing 'God's Work'

Even though the president was talking specifically about the efforts to get millions of Americans to sign up for the healthcare system he brokered, it's surely a little much for any politician to say that the people who helped him get elected are "doing God's work."

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/28/president-obama-says-his-campaign-volunteers-and-other-supporters-are-doing-gods-work/

After Long Battle to Form High School Atheist Group, Student Bows Out After 'Numerous Threats' and 'Verbal Attacks'

Kalei had started a fundraiser for her group online, already raising a remarkable $500... but an update to her fundraising page now says the money will be returned to donors as Kalei will no longer continue with the organization.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/26/after-long-battle-to-form-high-school-atheist-group-student-bows-out-after-numerous-threats-and-verbal-attacks/

See also...

Pisgah High School Attorney Investigating WNC Humanists?
http://mythunderstoodalliance.com/pisgah-high-school-attorney-investigating-wnc-humanists/

Earlier...

Atheists cry foul as North Carolina school blocks secular student club
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/12/atheists-cry-foul-as-north-carolina-school-blocks-secular-student-club/

Battle Brewing at High School Over Student Rights
https://www.secularstudents.org/PisgahHigh
 
After standoff, NC high school approves secular club
http://www.religionnews.com/2014/02/17/standoff-nc-high-school-approves-secular-club/

Old Testament Armed Forces

Religious zealotry runs rampant in the U.S. military, and among those wishing to deploy it.

MORE: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/old-testament-army/

Biblical Medicine: How Religious Authorities Can Have Power Over Your Life and Death Decisions

Thanks to corporate mergers and laws that privilege religious institutions, many communities across the United States have few or no secular options when it comes to medical care and no legal mandate that patients be told about the full range of medically appropriate services. In Washington State, to cite one egregious example, almost half of hospital beds and affiliated care systems fall under the authority of the Catholic Church, and many counties have no alternative.

MORE: http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/22013-biblical-medicine-how-religious-authorities-can-have-power-over-your-life-and-death-decisions

Judge Sentences Faith-Healing Murderers: 'You've Killed Your Children. Not God. Not Your Church. You.'

Judge Benjamin Lerner gave the defendants a verbal dressing-down that will likely earn a place in the annals of sentencing.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/19/judge-sentences-faith-healing-killers-youve-killed-your-children-not-god-not-religious-devotion-you/

See also...

Faith-Healing Parents Jailed After Second Child's Death
http://nation.time.com/2014/02/19/faith-healing-parents-jailed-after-second-childs-death/

Bob Jones University Allows GRACE to Continue Investigation of On-Campus Sexual Abuse

Bob Jones University, recently in the news for firing the Christian sex-abuse investigators tasked with investigating the college's abuse-permissive culture, has gone back on that decision -- "after much discussion and prayer," naturally.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/26/bob-jones-university-allows-grace-to-continue-investigation-of-on-campus-sexual-abuse/

Earlier...

Bob Jones University Breaks with GRACE, Prematurely Ending Investigation into the School's Culture of Sexual Abuse
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/07/bob-jones-university-breaks-with-grace-prematurely-ending-investigation-into-the-schools-culture-of-sexual-abuse/

Teflon Ex-Archbishop Roger Mahony, Despite Illegal Scheming in Child Sex Abuse Scandal, is Unlikely to Face Charges

Although a judge found a Kansas City bishop guilty last year of failing to notify the authorities of child abuse, CBS has the sobering news that none of the high-ranking monsignors on either U.S. Coast coast are likely to face the music.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/20/teflon-ex-archbishop-roger-mahony-despite-illegal-scheming-in-child-sex-abuse-scandal-is-unlikely-to-face-charges/

Montana diocese declares bankruptcy in the wake of hundreds of raped children

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Mont., filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday to pave the way for a $15 million settlement of lawsuits alleging clergy members sexually abused 362 children over five decades, according to a diocese spokesman.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2014/02/montana-diocese-declare-bankruptcy-in-the-wake-of-hundreds-of-raped-children/

Twin Cities Diocese Helps Pedophile Priest Back in the Saddle With a Lifetime of Jobs and Disability Payments

Twin Cities Archdiocese made sure that Gustafson was essentially set for life.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/24/twin-cities-diocese-helps-pedophile-priest-back-in-the-saddle-with-a-lifetime-of-jobs-and-disability-payments/

Disabled Residents of Filth-Ridden Christian Mission Homes Received Bible Punishments, L.A. City Attorney Says

The Christian proprietors of an assisted-living facility in Los Angeles stand accused of, among other things, retaliating against the disabled they served if their clients didn't attend religious services.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/20/disabled-residents-of-filth-ridden-christian-mission-homes-received-bible-punishments-l-a-city-attorney-says/

Frontman of Prominent Christian Metal Band Pleads Guilty In Murder-For Hire Plot to Kill His Wife

In May of last year, a man who’d become famous for his Jesus-inspired music became a lot more famous when it emerged he’d tried to hire a hitman to kill the mother of his three children.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/26/frontman-of-prominent-christian-metal-band-pleads-guilty-in-murder-for-hire-plot-to-kill-his-wife/

Pat Robertson Rationalizes Biblical Genocide by Suggesting It's the Lesser of Two Evils

In response to a woman asking him how a loving God could wipe out entire cities in the Bible ("That sounds like Islam to me"), Robertson explains that God's just choosing the more merciful path.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/04/pat-robertson-rationalizes-biblical-genocide-by-suggesting-its-the-lesser-of-two-evils/

Pastor Praises God After Church-Floor Collapse Injures 35 Youths

Thirty-five kids sustained injuries, mostly minor ones, when the floor of a church collapsed in Mississippi the other day.

That's a net win for Jesus. It always is.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/22/pastor-praises-god-after-church-floor-collapse-injures-35-youths/

Church Sells Pastor's Possessions and Parsonage To Bail Him Out of Jail a Second Time

Mark Lewis, a suspect in a troubling case involving stalking, arson, attempted murder, and possibly criminal conspiracy, was out on $500,000 bail last month.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/24/church-sells-pastors-possessions-and-parsonage-to-bail-him-out-of-jail-a-second-time/

Leading Christian conservative Brent Bozell exposed as a fraud

Newspapers are dropping Bozell's syndicated column after inside sources revealed Bozell does not write any of the material published under his name.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2014/02/leading-christian-conservative-brent-bozell-exposed-as-a-fraud/

Fred 'No-Show' Phelps Skips a Dead Girl's Vigil; ViralNova Falsely Claims Westboro Baptist Church Was There Anyway

Westboro is locked in a highly symbiotic, co-dependent relationship with the very media who proclaim to be against the group.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/25/fred-no-show-phelps-skips-a-dead-girls-vigil-viralnova-falsely-claims-westboro-baptist-church-was-there-anyway/

Bible-Beating Thieves Skip Out On Restaurant Bill; Their Friends Are Outraged That The Owner Filed Charges

As all devout Christians know, the Lord will provide.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/21/bible-beating-thieves-skip-out-on-restaurant-bill-their-friends-are-outraged-that-the-owner-filed-charges/

Snake-handling star of 'Snake Salvation' reality show dies from snake bite

The Middlesboro, Kentucky preacher who starred in a reality show about snake-handling died Saturday night after being bitten by a snake.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/16/snake-handling-star-of-snake-salvation-reality-show-dies-from-snake-bite/

Church Champions Nude Worship Because "Jesus Was Born Naked"

If you're bored with regular church service and feel like your relationship with Christ could use more middle-aged naked people, we have some good news: A church in Virginia has decided to encourage nude prayer.

MORE: http://gawker.com/church-champions-nude-worship-because-jesus-was-born-n-1520526292

Is Anyone Really Surprised by Elevation Church's 'Spontaneous Baptisms'?

Not that we need another reason to think less of Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in North Carolina, but this one's too entertaining to ignore.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/26/is-anyone-really-surprised-by-elevation-churchs-spontaneous-baptisms/

Preachers eligible for tax breaks on mansions

Bishop C.M. Bailey of the United House of Prayer for All People stays in a $3 million, 16,000 square foot mansion when he visits Charlotte. It's not even his full-time residence. Because the church owns the property, it pays no property tax to the county or the city.

MORE: http://www.wcnc.com/news/iteam/Preachers-eligible-for-tax-breaks-on-mansions-247382331.html

Just Like That, American Atheists Booted from CPAC

"Continuing to conflate religion and conservatism is not a viable strategy; this was apparently too scary for CPAC attendees to hear," Silverman said. "America's religious conservatives can deny it all they want, but soon they're going to realize that ignoring the growing number of atheist constituents is a losing proposition."

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/25/just-like-that-american-atheists-booted-from-cpac/

See also...

Conservative Atheists Speak Up About CPAC Shunning
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/conservative-atheists-speak-up-about-cpac-shunning/

How Republicans lost non-religious voters
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/02/26/how-republicans-lost-non-religious-voters/

Earlier...

Atheists plan conservative outreach with booth at CPAC
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/25/atheists-plan-conservative-outreach-with-booth-at-cpac/

Once Again, an Atheist is Denied U.S. Citizenship Because of Her Secular Ethics

The American Humanist Association's Appignani Humanist Legal Center is representing Ramirez and wants the USCIS to reverse course immediately.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/27/once-again-an-atheist-is-denied-u-s-citizenship-because-of-her-secular-ethics/

See also...

U.S. Immigration Services Denies Applicant Based on Secular Beliefs
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-us-immigration-services-denies-applicant-based-on-se

"Under God" No Good for New Jersey School Students, Says Humanist Group

Daily school-sponsored recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance – declaring in a patriotic context to students that the nation is "under God" – is discriminatory toward atheist children and their families, a New Jersey public school system's administrators are being told. 

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-under-god-no-good-for-new-jersey-school-students-say

See also...

"Under God" Makes a Mockery of Religious Freedom
http://thehumanist.com/commentary/under-god-makes-a-mockery-of-religious-freedom

The Conservative Crusade For Christian Sharia Law

It's not just the fringe anymore. Mainstream conservatives are trying to bring America's laws into agreement with 'God's law.'

MORE: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/18/the-conservative-crusade-for-christian-sharia-law.html

Project ROSE Offers Sex Workers a Choice: Church or Prison?

So, to recap: publicly-funded Phoenix law enforcement resources are involved in a program to pick up sex workers, drag them to a Christian church, and use the threat of criminal charges to coerce them into a Catholic-run program pushing particular (and particularly harmful) religious messages about sexuality.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/28/project-rose-offers-sex-workers-a-choice-church-or-prison/

The Christian Right's Ease With Lies And Dishonesty

What is it about the war on reproductive rights that causes conservatives to think they get to lie even more flagrantly than usual?

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/18/the-christian-rights-ease-with-lies-and-dishonesty/

Fox News Reporter Busted for Biased Story on Persecution of Christians

Fox News reporter Todd Starnes was busted, yet again, for pushing a biased story on the persecution of Christians. Starnes reported a story about a first-grade student in California who was disallowed from delivering a one-minute presentation about her family's traditional Christmas practice because it had religious references.

MORE: http://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/fox-news-reporter-busted-biased-story-persecution-christians

See also...

Todd Starnes of Fox News Lies Again: A School Did Not Cancel 'Merica Monday' Because It Would Offend Non-Americans
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/06/todd-starnes-of-fox-news-lies-again-a-school-did-not-cancel-merica-monday-because-it-would-offend-non-americans/

The Christian Right's Bizarre Delusions of Persecution

Being a Christian is a privileged position in American society; that makes it really hard to claim you're being oppressed. But they keep trying.

MORE: http://www.alternet.org/christian-rights-bizarre-delusions-persecution?paging=off

See also...

The Long, Sordid History Of Discrimination Against Christians in America
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/27/1280813/-The-Long-Sordid-History-Of-Discrimination-Against-Christians-in-America?detail=facebook

Liberty And Justice For Some?: Mosque Controversies Reveal Limited Definitions of Religious Freedom

Opponents of an Islamic center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., are trying to take their fight to the Supreme Court -- even though their losing battle has so far cost them $343,276.

It's the latest twist in a costly legal saga that has trickled through the courts for nearly four years.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/liberty-and-justice-for-some-mosque-controversies-reveal-limited

The Demographics Of Discrimination: 'Religious Freedom' Bills Continue To Lose Popular Support

The Religious Right continues to push for a religion-based freedom to discriminate in state after state, but there are signs they're losing the battle.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/the-demographics-of-discrimination-religious-freedom-bills-continue-to-lose

See also...

Why 'religious freedom' laws are doomed
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/why-religious-freedom-laws-are-doomed

Maine Senate rejects 'religious freedom' bill

In a party-line vote, the Democratic majority opposes a measure that supporters said would reaffirm constitutional protections.

MORE: http://www.onlinesentinel.com/politics/Maine_Senate_rejects__religous_freedom__bill_.html

Idaho's New Anti-Gay Bill: Doctors and Teachers Can Turn Away Gays

Kansas' odious bill legalizing homophobic discrimination may have died a surprising death last Thursday, but the threat of anti-gay segregation is far from over. This month, Idaho lawmakers will consider two bills that go even further than Kansas' in writing homophobia into every aspect of state law. The bills have already passed out of committee--unanimously--and barring another Kansas-style retreat, they stand good chance of passing the strongly Republican Idaho Legislature. If they do, the state will instantly become the new face of segregation in America.

MORE: http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/02/19/idaho_anti_gay_segregation_discrimination_against_gays_will_be_legal.html

Think Again: Why Any Version Of Mississippi's 'Religious Freedom' Bill Would Be Problematic

It's helpful to understand what exactly was problematic with Arizona's bill to appreciate why Mississippi's bill might not be salvageable.

MORE: http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2014/02/28/3344691/think-version-mississippis-religious-freedom-problematic/#

Ohio's Defense Of Religious Persecution Act

HB 376 is called The Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Orwell would be proud as to how the English language can be twisted to state an opposite of intent. Perhaps The Ohio Religious Persecution and Inquisition Act could be more appropriate.

MORE: http://www.plunderbund.com/2014/02/19/ohios-defense-of-religious-persecution-act/

Stop Arizona-style anti-gay bill in Georgia

Georgia -- with its tumultuous past of discrimination -- is following Arizona's recently failed attempt to pass what amounts to anti-gay legislation with the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/27/opinion/abrams-richardson-georgia-anti-gay/index.html?hpt=hp_bn7

See also...

Another state considers discrimination based on 'religious freedom'
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/the-next-state-discriminate

In One Day, Bills Allowing Anti-LGBT Discrimination Fail In Four States

Legislation that would protect those who discriminate against LGBT people based on religious beliefs either failed or faced major setbacks in South Dakota, Kansas, Idaho, and Tennessee.

MORE: http://www.buzzfeed.com/tonymerevick/lgbt-discrimination-bills-fail

See also...

Same-sex marriage is on quick pace to SCOTUS
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/same-sex-marriage-is-on-quick-pace-to-scotus/article_f9f7eefb-ec04-5127-aa8e-1e43e5bd68db.html

Brewer vetoes SB 1062, Arizona's contentious religious rights bill

Rejecting last minute pleas from supporters, Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed controversial legislation billed as protecting religious freedom.

MORE: http://azstarnet.com/news/state-and-regional/brewer-calls-p-m-news-conference-on-sb/article_d19766aa-9f42-11e3-b8ad-001a4bcf887a.html

See also...

Arizona Religious Bill That Angered Gays Vetoed
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/arizona-governor-returns-home-amid-furor-over-bill

Arizona's anti-gay bill veto unlikely to end 'religious freedom' movement
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/26/politics/religious-freedom-states/index.html?sr=tw022714religiousfreedommap9p

Earlier...

Arizona lawmakers pass controversial anti-gay bill
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/us/arizona-anti-gay-bill/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Sen. Kelsey pulls sponsorship of 'Turn The Gays Away' bill

Tennessee State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) suddenly pulled his sponsorship of the so-called "Turn the Gays Away" bill on Thursday after the controversial proposal was subject to national attention.

MORE: http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/story/24698365/sen-kelsey-introduces-turn-the-gays-away-bill#axzz2t9CtNgnU

Wedding bells in clerk's office after ruling on same sex marriage

"We're thrilled that Judge Coleman recognized the serious harm to the many Illinois families from continuing to deny them the freedom to marry," said John Knight, LGBT and AIDS Project Director for the ACLU of Illinois. "The U.S. Constitution guarantees these families the personal and emotional benefits as well as the critical legal protections of marriage now, and we are thankful that the court extended this dignity to couples immediately."

MORE: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-judge-same-sex-couples-can-marry-now-in-cook-county-20140221,0,381862.story

Nevada Withdraws Appeal to Uphold Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Nevada dropped an effort to defend its gay-marriage ban in court while 11 other states supported Utah’s bid to reverse a lower-court ruling that overturned its prohibition on same-sex weddings.

MORE: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-11/nevada-withdraws-appeal-to-uphold-same-sex-marriage-ban.html

Texas Ban On Marriage Ruled Unconstitutional By Federal Judge

A federal court judge just issued a preliminary injunction that finds the Texas ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

MORE: http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/breaking-texas-ban-on-marriage-ruled-unconstitutional-by-federal-judge/politics/2014/02/26/83704#.Uw7hK_ldV8E

Oregon's Attorney General Won't Defend the State's Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Oregon's decision seems to be part of a prevailing trend these days. After the Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act last June, it's become harder and harder for states to defend their laws banning equal marriage. State AGs in Virginia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania have also declined to defend still-standing bans on same-sex marriage in their states. And a recent spate of rulings in favor of same-sex marriage rights means that federal appeals courts will soon hear cases from Oklahoma and Utah after federal judges struck down same-sex marriage bans there. Even in Kentucky, a federal judge recently ruled against a provision barring the state from recognizing legal, same-sex marriages performed in other states.

MORE: http://news.yahoo.com/oregon-39-attorney-general-won-39-t-defend-192100033.html

Federal judge strikes down Va. ban on gay marriage

A federal judge in Norfolk struck down as unconstitutional Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage Thursday night, saying the country has “arrived upon another moment in history when We the People becomes more inclusive, and our freedom more perfect.”

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-judge-strikes-down-va-ban-on-gay-marriage/2014/02/13/c65b7674-9528-11e3-83b9-1f024193bb84_story.html

See also...

Va. Clerks File Appeals to Decision Declaring Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional
http://www.christianpost.com/news/va-clerks-file-appeals-to-decision-declaring-gay-marriage-ban-unconstitutional-115404/

ACLU Lawsuit Seeks Recognition for Missouri Same-Sex Couples Legally Married Out-of-State

KANSAS CITY, MO -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit in state court today on behalf of eight same-sex couples who are seeking recognition for their legal out-of-state marriages. The lawsuit does not seek a repeal of Missouri’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples within the state.

MORE: https://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/aclu-lawsuit-seeks-recognition-missouri-same-sex-couples-legally-married-out-state

Judge sides with Petaluma firm accused of anti-gay discrimination

White said the company recruited her from a Colorado job, forced her to watch a religious video featuring an anti-gay preacher and then fired her when she complained.

MORE: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140225/articles/140229693

Disney to pull Boy Scouts funding by 2015 over policy banning gay leaders

The Walt Disney Company has given notice to the Boy Scouts of America that it will pull all funding to the group starting in 2015 because of a BSA membership policy that bans gay leaders, the entertainment company said Friday.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/28/us/disney-pulls-boy-scouts-funding/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Utah tells judges to reject adoption petitions filed by same-sex couples

The Utah Attorney General's Office has told judges to either halt or dismiss adoption petitions filed by same-sex couples while it appeals a federal court's ruling that overturned Amendment 3.

MORE: http://fox13now.com/2014/02/27/utah-tells-judges-to-reject-adoption-petitions-filed-by-same-sex-couples/?hpt=us_bn10

South Carolina Tries to Punish Colleges for Assigning "Gay" Books

Legislators in the Palmetto State are attempting to yank funding from two public higher education institutions as political revenge for the schools' use of "books on homosexuality" in their campus orientations for new incoming students.

MORE: http://gawker.com/south-carolina-tries-to-punish-colleges-for-assigning-1526830942

Survey | A Shifting Landscape: A Decade of Change in American Attitudes about Same-Sex Marriage and LGBT Issues

Support for same-sex marriage jumped 21 percentage points from 2003, when Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, to 2013. Currently, a majority (53%) of Americans favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry, compared to 41% who oppose.

MORE: http://publicreligion.org/research/2014/02/2014-lgbt-survey/

How US Evangelicals Helped Create Russia's Anti-Gay Movement

Meet the Fox News producer, the nightclub impresario, and the oligarchs who teamed up to write inequality into law.

MORE: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/world-congress-families-russia-gay-rights

Bye Bye Ballew: Baby Messiah Dropkicks Biased Christian Judge From the Bench

Any judge tempted to confuse judicial rules with opinions of spirituality should count on joining the unemployment line.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/06/bye-bye-ballew-baby-messiah-dropkicks-biased-christian-judge-from-the-bench/

Appeals court rules 'Choose Life' plates unconstitutional

The ruling came in a lawsuit filed against the state by the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina Legal Foundation. ACLU legal director Chris Brooks said the ACLU would have made the same argument if the situation was reversed and the state was allowing only a pro-choice license plate.

MORE: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/02/11/3612005/appeals-court-rules-choose-life.html

Teacher Sued Over "Anti-Religion" Classroom Comments

The court found that virtually every statement Corbett made, when read in context, did not disparage religion, but was appropriate for teaching students "about European history, current world events, and deductive reasoning in preparation for the AP European history exam," even though several of the comments offended the religious beliefs of some students.

But the court also held that a single statement by Corbett, a member of the California Teachers Association, did violate the Establishment Clause. Ironically, that statement referred to Peloza's lawsuit. In discussing that case, Corbett stated that the biblical creationism story is "religious, superstitious nonsense."

MORE: http://www.nea.org/home/38133.htm

UConn Assistant Football Coach Who Said 'Jesus Christ Should Be in the Center of our Huddle' Resigns

University president Susan Herbst made it clear at the time that all students, regardless of faith, were welcome at UConn, and that "employees cannot appear to endorse or advocate for a particular religion or spiritual philosophy as part of their work at the university, or in their interactions with our students." Still, apologies from the coaches weren't forthcoming.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/18/uconn-assistant-football-coach-who-said-jesus-christ-should-be-in-the-center-of-our-huddle-resigns/

See also...

Proselyting Punted: UConn Coach Who Promised To Bring Jesus Into The Huddle Has Resigned
https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/proselyting-punted-uconn-coach-who-promised-to-bring-jesus-into-the-huddle

Alabama Legislators Approve Bill Requiring School Prayer Every Morning

A key committee in Alabama's House of Representatives has pushed through a bill requiring teachers and students at all of the state's public schools to spend 15 minutes every morning in Christian prayer, even though a majority of legislators present say they opposed the measure.

MORE: http://gawker.com/alabama-legislators-pass-bill-requiring-school-prayer-e-1529495374

See also...

Alabama Legislator Proposes Bill to Recite Prayer in Public Schools for Up to 15 Minutes a Day
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/11/alabama-legislator-proposes-bill-to-recite-prayer-in-public-schools-for-up-to-15-minutes-a-day/

Alabama Residents: Say No To Prayer In Public Schools!
http://action.americanhumanist.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=15178

Virginia Legislators Make the Right Call and Abandon Bill to Legalize Prayer During School Events

Turns out letting students use every public forum provided by the school as an opportunity to proselytize isn't such a great idea after all.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/07/virginia-legislators-make-the-right-call-and-abandon-bill-to-legalize-prayer-during-school-events/

Finally, a New Kind of Debate About 'Under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance

So it's not enough that "under God" is a slap in the face to atheists and other non-Christians. Now, these Utah legislators are suggesting that there shouldn't even be a pause before or after the words.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/08/finally-a-new-kind-of-debate-about-under-god-in-the-pledge-of-allegiance/

Atheists' Lawsuit Against Churches That Deprived Public Schools of $5,600,000 Finally Results in Partial Recovery

The problem was not that the five churches rented out worship space at public schools -- that's perfectly legal -- but that there was evidence that the churches had not paid fair rental price for about six years, thereby shortchanging those schools up to $5,600,000. (One of the schools that was owed more than $3,000,000 could've used that money after it had a roof collapse.)

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/15/atheists-lawsuit-against-churches-that-deprived-public-schools-of-5600000-finally-results-in-partial-recovery/

Iowa State removing Bibles from hotel guest rooms

The group's attorney, Patrick Elliott, said that for a state-run university to provide a Bible to guests, "that policy facilitates illegal endorsement of Christianity over other religions and over nonreligion."

MORE: http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/iowa-state-removing-bibles-from-hotel-guest-rooms/24519624#ixzz2tgwa27A8

A New Lawsuit May Finally Result in the Removal of the 40-Foot 'Peace Cross' on Public Property

When the government erects an exclusively Christian monument on government property, it violates this central command of the Establishment Clause by sending a clear message that Christianity is the preferred religion over all others. When the religious monument is dedicated to fallen soldiers, it sends an even more egregious message that only Christian soldiers are worth memorializing. Non-Christian soldiers such as atheists and humanists are inherently excluded.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/26/a-new-lawsuit-may-finally-result-in-the-removal-of-the-40-foot-peace-cross-on-public-property/

See also...

Lawsuit Demands Removal of 40-Foot Christian Cross from Government Property
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-lawsuit-demands-removal-of-40-foot-christian-cross-f

Judge Rules Against Lake Elsinore City Council's Veterans' Memorial, Saying Its 'Effect is to Advance Religion'

If they want taxpayers to foot the $50,000 bill for a symbol that advances Christianity, they need to step down from public office because they're clearly not qualified.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/27/judge-rules-against-lake-elsinore-city-councils-veterans-memorial-saying-its-effect-is-to-advance-religion/

See also...

Federal Judge Stops Lake Elsinore Religious War Memorial
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-federal-judge-stops-lake-elsinore-religious-war-memo

Group vows to keep fighting for atheist monument

The Levy County Commission may have denied a request to place an atheist monument beside one for the Ten Commandments on the lawn beside the county courthouse, but the matter is far from settled.

MORE: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20140218/ARTICLES/140219583/1183/frontpage?tc=ar

See also...

Florida Group's Proposal to Put Atheist Monument Outside Levy County Courthouse Gets Rejected by Local Officials
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/05/florida-groups-proposal-to-put-atheist-monument-outside-levy-county-courthouse-gets-rejected-by-local-officials/

This Kansas Elementary School Has a Cross Atop the Building and Officials Refuse to Take It Down Until Someone Sues

That'd be a giant cross welcoming children through the public school's door.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/13/this-kansas-elementary-school-has-a-cross-atop-the-building-and-officials-refuse-to-take-it-down-until-someone-sues/

Alabama House Overwhelmingly Approves Bill That Will Put Ten Commandments Displays in Public Schools

Does anyone really think these people have thought through the legal ramifications of this bill?

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/21/alabama-house-overwhelmingly-approves-bill-that-will-put-ten-commandments-displays-in-public-schools/

Why Is This Minnesota Public School Sending Students on a Field Trip to Church?

The School of Engineering and Arts in Golden Valley, Minnesota opened up in the fall of 2012. It took them less than 18 months to violate the Constitution.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/04/why-is-this-minnesota-public-school-sending-students-on-a-field-trip-to-church/

See also...

Minnesota Public School Told to End Field Trips to Christian Church
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-minnesota-public-school-told-to-end-field-trips-to-c

Oppose the Federal Funding Of Religious Schools

Religious conservatives in Congress are at it again. Recently, several voucher bills were introduced that would give money to private religious schools who could use that money to teach religion to their new ex-public school students. Even more troubling is the fact that these bills allow religious private schools that receive federal money to discriminate against students on the basis of gender and teachers on the basis of their religious beliefs, policies that are absolutely forbidden in public schools.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-oppose-the-funding-of-religious-schools

Hoosier Heartache: Vouchers Threaten Public Education In Indiana

Voucher advocates in Indiana built their case on a tissue of misrepresentations and falsehoods.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/hoosier-heartache-vouchers-threaten-public-education-in-indiana

Panel advances proposed education amendment

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow for state funds to support private and religious schools.

MORE: http://www.sfgate.com/news/education/article/Panel-advances-proposed-education-amendment-5271162.php

See also...

Alaska May Alter Its Constitution to Allow Taxpayers to Fund Religious Schools
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/20/alaska-may-alter-its-constitution-to-allow-taxpayers-to-fund-religious-schools/

Judge halts NC school voucher program

Judge Robert Hobgood's ruling prevents the state from holding a lottery next month to award about 2,400 vouchers for the 2014-15 school year.

MORE: http://www.wral.com/judge-halts-nc-school-voucher-program/13416499/

See also...

Koch brothers-backed law firm intervenes in lawsuits challenging North Carolina's school voucher law
http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2014/02/20/koch-brothers-backed-law-firm-intervenes-in-lawsuits-challenging-north-carolinas-school-voucher-law/

Anti-science NC leaders no laughing matter

Rachel Maddow reports on the outrageous anti-science positions held by North Carolina governor Pat McCrory and his Secretary of the Department of Environment.

MORE: http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/anti-science-nc-leaders-no-laughing-matter-162715715644

Archeologists' Camel-Bones Discovery Challenges Bible's Historicity; Christian Blogger Challenges Them Right Back

[C]amels were not domesticated in the Land of Israel until centuries after the Age of the Patriarchs (2000-1500 BCE). In addition to challenging the Bible's historicity, this anachronism is direct proof that the text was compiled well after the events it describes.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/10/archeologists-camel-bones-discovery-challenges-bibles-historicity-christian-blogger-challenges-them-right-back/

See also...

Will camel discovery break the Bible's back?
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/11/is-camel-discovery-the-straw-that-broke-the-bibles-back/comment-page-6/#comments

Pseudo-Scientists Are Still Trying to Convince You That The Shroud of Turin is Real. Don't Believe Them

It's an attempt to refute scientific radiocarbon dating of the Shroud, which showed it to be a medieval forgery, by special pleading invoking earthquakes.

MORE: http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116689/shroud-turin-formed-earthquake-thats-just-pseudoscience

Darwin Day Marked by Congressional Resolution Announcement, Worldwide Celebrations

Over 90 registered Darwin Day events in 27 states and countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Singapore are taking place during the week before and after Feb. 12. Events vary from small community presentations to larger multi-day events to week-long celebrations.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-02-darwin-day-marked-by-congressional-resolution-announ

Repeal effort revived again in Louisiana

Since 2008, antievolutionists have not only sought to undermine the law's provision allowing challenges to unsuitable supplementary materials but have also reportedly invoked the law to support proposals to teach creationism in at least two parishes -- Livingston and Tangipahoa -- and to attack the treatment of evolution in biology textbooks proposed for adoption by the state.

MORE: http://ncse.com/news/2014/02/repeal-effort-revived-again-louisiana-0015429

South Dakota Bill That Would Have Allowed Teachers to Promote Intelligent Design in School is Killed by Its Sponsor

Jeff Monroe, said he was scrapping the legislation because, as one reporter put it, "it was badly written"

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/07/south-dakota-bill-that-would-have-allowed-teachers-to-promote-intelligent-design-in-school-is-killed-by-its-sponsor/

Committee approves new science standards for students, evolution clause on hold

The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee met Monday to review and approve the new set of science standards that the Department of Education will begin implementing by the fall of 2014 for students. Sen. Mike Fair, R-Greenville, argued against teaching natural selection as fact, when he believes there are other theories students deserve to learn.

MORE: http://www.postandcourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140210/PC1603/140219927/1005/state-committee-approves-new-science-standards-for-students

Textbook Case: Texas Education Board Seeks To De-Politicize Book Review Process -- Maybe

It looks like Texas may be trying to put an end to its annual showdown over whether to add creationism to public school science textbooks.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/textbook-case-texas-education-board-seeks-to-de-politicize-book-review

Creationism in the classroom in North Little Rock

A social studies class at Lakewood Middle School teaches religion with evolution.

MORE: http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/creationism-in-the-classroom-in-north-little-rock/Content?oid=3199690

Unprecedented Attack On Evolution 'Indoctrination' Mounted In Missouri

A Missouri lawmaker has proposed what ranks among the most anti-evolution legislation in recent years, which would require schools to notify parents if "the theory of evolution by natural selection" was being taught at their child's school and give them the opportunity to opt out of the class.

MORE: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/missouri-anti-evolution-law-parental-notification

See also...

Missouri Anti-Evolution Bill 'Would Eviscerate The Teaching Of Biology': Advocate
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/19/missouri-anti-evolution-bill_n_4816876.html

The Cruelty of Creationism

A new documentary shows how biblical fundamentalism imprisons the mind.

MORE: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/02/creationism_is_dangerous_hbo_documentary_questioning_darwin_shows_how_fundamentalism.html

Noah's Ark park in Kentucky will be built, officials say

Founders of Northern Kentucky's controversial Creation Museum said Thursday that enough money has been raised to proceed with a biblical theme park built around a 510-foot replica of Noah's Ark.

MORE: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/27/ark-encounter-theme-park/5881323/

See also...

'Ark Park' Back Afloat?: Creationist Groups Says Ground Will Be Broken On Biblical Theme Park In May
https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/ark-park-back-afloat-creationist-groups-says-ground-will-be-broken-on

Creation Museum: 'The Media is Split' About the Bill Nye/Ken Ham Debate

You can't find an article (that's not from a Creationist group) that says Ken Ham won the debate. He didn't.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/07/creation-museum-the-media-is-split-about-the-bill-nyeken-ham-debate/

See also...

Science Versus Bible: To Debate or Not to Debate?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/herb-silverman/science-versus-bible-to-d_b_4731285.html?utm_hp_ref=religion&ir=Religion

Viewers Poll by Christian Today: Bill Nye Slaughtered Ken Ham
http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com/2014/02/viewers-poll-by-christianity-today-bill.html

Internet Trolls Are Actually Sadists, Study Finds

Trolls are susceptible to sadism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism.

MORE: http://newsfeed.time.com/2014/02/13/internet-trolls-are-actually-sadists-study-finds/

Bonobos, like humans, keep time to music: study

A study of bonobos, closely related to chimpanzees, shows they have an innate ability to match tempo and synchronize a beat with human experimenters.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/16/bonobos-like-humans-keep-time-to-music-study/#.UwJfROs-T_M.facebook

Scientists name bacterium for Frank Zappa

In a tribute to eclectic composer Frank Zappa, scientists have named a bacterium for him.

MORE: http://earthsky.org/human-world/scientists-name-bacterium-for-frank-zappa

1 In 4 Americans Think The Sun Revolves Around Earth

4.4 billion-year-old crystal is oldest piece of Earth

From a sheep ranch in Western Australia comes the oldest slice of Earth we know.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/24/world/oldest-earth-fragment/index.html?hpt=us_bn4

Discovery makes 13.6 billion year old star universe's oldest celestial body

The star, which has been given the name SMSS J031300.36-670839.3, is thought by a team of astronomers at the Australia National University to be 13.6 billion years old.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/12/world/asia/australia-discovers-oldest-star/index.html

A Breakthrough in Planet Discoveries

Years ago, before the launch of NASA's Kepler spacecraft, astronomers were thrilled when they discovered a single planet.

Today, the Kepler team announced 715.

MORE: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/26feb_multiplication/

See also...

Water detected in a planet outside our solar system
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140225101737.htm

Searching for supersymmetry: Work begins on Large Hadron Collider's 60-mile-long successor

The Higgs boson machine -- CERN's Large Hadron Collider -- is barely five years old, and yet the international collaboration of physicists is already planning its successor.

Dubbed the Very Large Hadron Collider (points for creativity), the new collider will be around 60 miles long (four times longer than the LHC), and smash protons together with a collision energy of 100 teraelectronvolts (14 times the LHC's current energy).

MORE: http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/176969-searching-for-supersymmetry-work-begins-on-large-hadron-colliders-60-mile-long-successor

Canada's high court: Change prostitution laws

While selling sex for money isn't illegal in Canada, until Friday's 9-0 ruling, three specific laws had made it difficult for prostitutes to more safely and securely engage in sex work.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/20/world/americas/canada-prostitution-ruling/index.html

Gay U.S. ambassador faces backlash in Dominican Republic

After months of pressure from religious groups in the Dominican Republic who protested his appointment, Brewster arrived in Santo Domingo this week to begin his tenure as ambassador.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/28/world/americas/dominican-republic-gay-us-ambassador/index.html

An End to Pastagate: Student Union in London Apologizes For Removing Posters of Flying Spaghetti Monster

Remember the posters of the Flying Spaghetti Monster going missing from a freshers' fair at London's South Bank University? It was all a misunderstanding caused by an undertrained, overzealous staff member, says the student union responsible from the removal.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/12/an-end-to-pastagate-student-union-in-london-apologizes-for-removing-posters-of-flying-spaghetti-monster/


Earlier...

Satirical spaghetti monster image banned by London South Bank University as 'religiously offensive'
https://humanism.org.uk/2014/02/10/satirical-spaghetti-monster-image-banned-london-south-bank-university-religiously-offensive/

Sacrilege! London's South Bank University Bans Student Posters Honoring the Flying Spaghetti Monster
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/11/sacrilege-londons-south-bank-university-bans-student-posters-honoring-the-flying-spaghetti-monster/

Mormon LDS Church President Summoned to UK Court on Fraud Charges

The leader of the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has been summoned to appear before a UK magistrate on fraud charges relating to seven crucial tenets of the LDS faith.

MORE: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/mormon-lds-church-president-summoned-uk-court-over-fraud-charges-1435211

Irish Inquiry Hears How Children Were Systematically Beaten and Abused in Catholic Home for Children

The treatment the young residents endured is remarkably similar to the horrors visited upon teenagers in the Magdalene Laundries, homes for Ireland's "wayward girls."

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/27/irish-inquiry-hears-how-children-were-systematically-beaten-and-abused-in-catholic-home-for-children/

Sources: Bulgarian Bishop Boris Fired After Orgy Video Emerges Online

Bishop Boris, who headed the second-largest monastery in the country, was relieved of his duties on Thursday after being found guilty of acts "unworthy of his post," said a statement from the Church's supreme clerical body, the Holy Synod.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/21/sources-bulgarian-bishop-boris-fired-after-orgy-video-emerges-online/

Founder of World's Largest Megachurch Convicted of Embezzling $12 Million

Pastors defend character of South Korean pastor David Yonggi Cho, who bought stock from 'prodigal' son, evaded taxes.

MORE: http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2014/february/founder-of-worlds-largest-megachurch-convicted-cho-yoido.html

UAE Islamic affairs authority warns Muslims against a mission to Mars

Since its inception in 2008, the GAIAE has released nearly 2 million fatwas. The fatwa on the Mars mission is now among them.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/world/meast/united-arab-emirates-mars-mission-fatwa/index.html?hpt=imi_t2

Russia enacts anti-gay adoption ban

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree banning foreign same-sex couples -- as well as single people from countries where same-sex marriages are legal -- from adopting Russian children.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/13/world/europe/russia-same-sex-marriage-adoption-ban/index.html

Uganda's President Museveni signs controversial anti-gay bill into law

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law a bill that toughens penalties against gay people and defines some homosexual acts as crimes punishable by life in prison.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/24/world/africa/uganda-anti-gay-bill/index.html

See also...

Uganda president: Homosexuals are 'disgusting'
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/24/world/africa/uganda-homosexuality-interview/index.html

Ugandan tabloid prints list of 'homosexuals'
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/world/africa/uganda-anti-gay-law/index.html

Rights groups warn of ethnic cleansing of Muslims in Central African Republic

"Anti-balaka militias are carrying out violent attacks in an effort to ethnically cleanse Muslims in the Central African Republic," said Joanne Mariner, senior crisis response adviser at Amnesty International.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/12/world/africa/central-african-republic-muslims/index.html

19 Words That Will Soon Be Banned in Brunei

Beginning this April, the government of Brunei will penalize any non-Muslims who use those words in reference to their own faith -- including local Christians who refer to their God with the word "Allah."

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/27/19-words-that-will-soon-be-banned-in-brunei/

Nigeria bloodshed: Who are Boko Haram?

At least 29 students died in a February 25 attack on a college in Buni Yadi, northeastern Nigeria, during which several buildings were torched.

The attackers escaped the scene, but Nigeria's military suspects that the militant group Boko Haram, which has wreaked havoc in the region for several years, are the perpetrators.

--snip--

Boko Haram means "Western education is a sin." The group's ambitions range from the stricter enforcement of Sharia law -- which is derived from the Koran as the "world of God" -- across the predominantly Muslim north of Nigeria, to the total destruction of the Nigerian state and its government.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/13/world/africa/nigeria-violence-explainer/index.html?hpt=iaf_c1

See also...

A year of attacks linked to Nigeria's Boko Haram
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/27/world/africa/nigeria-year-of-attacks/index.html

Nigeria's Boko Haram targets Christian town and fishing village in latest attacks
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/16/world/africa/nigeria-boko-haram-attacks/index.html

More bloodshed in Nigeria: 'I do not know what to call those barbarians'
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/12/world/africa/nigeria-unrest/index.html

Car bomb kills 12 in Mogadishu, Somalia

Al-Shabaab rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, which spokesman Sheikh Abdiaziz Abu Musab said killed 15 security force members.

--snip--

The group, which the United States has designated as a terrorist organization, hopes to turn Somalia into a fundamentalist Islamic state by force.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/27/world/africa/somalia-car-bomb/index.html

See also...

Al-Shabaab militants attack Somali presidential palace in Mogadishu
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/africa/somalia-attack/index.html

Car bomb hits U.N. cars, kills 2 near Mogadishu's airport
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/13/world/africa/somalia-car-bomb/index.html

Teen dies at the hands of Islamic priest performing an exorcism

The great horror of religion isn't that it can get people to do ludicrous things in the name of faith and/or exorcism, wasting effort and creating suffering or even death while attempting to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd/2014/02/teen-dies-at-the-hands-of-islamic-priest-performing-an-exorcism/

Syrian girl stoned to death for using Facebook account

Rakka, Syria: A young girl was stoned to death by sunni-militant groups in Syria for operating Facebook account.

MORE: http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/WOR-syrian-girl-stoned-to-death-for-using-facebook-account-4521918-NOR.html

Islamists in Syrian city offer Christians safety -- at a heavy price

Activists told CNN in November that Raqqa was becoming increasingly conservative after ISIS began imposing hardline Islamist law there and meting out harsh punishment to those who don't follow orders.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/28/world/meast/syria-raqqa-isis-christians/index.html

See also...

Al Qaeda branch in Syria issues ultimatum to splinter group
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/world/meast/syria-al-qaeda-ultimatum/index.html

Heavy shelling rocks Golan Heights area between Syria, Israel
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html

Official: At least 4 killed in southern Beirut explosion

The al Qaeda-linked militant group Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility for the attacks.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/meast/lebanon-beirut-blast/index.html

Tourist bus explosion in Egypt kills 4, wounds 14

The jihadist group Ansar Jerusalem posted a statement on the radical Islamist website Hanein claiming responsibility for the bombing.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/16/world/meast/egypt-explosion/index.html

Three killed in Yemen car bomb blast

Yemen is home to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, believed by many analysts to be the most dangerous affiliate of the terror network.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/09/world/meast/yemen-attack/index.html

See also...

Bus blast kills 2 soldiers in Yemeni capital
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/04/world/meast/yemen-violence/index.html

Pakistani Islamists Issue a Warning to Indigenous Polytheists: 'Convert to Islam or Die'

In a 50-minute video released earlier this month, the Pakistani Taliban are vowing action against the Kalash -- for having the wrong religion.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/17/pakistani-islamists-issue-a-warning-to-indigenous-polytheists-convert-to-islam-or-die/

Bomb kills two civilian contractors in Afghanistan, ISAF says

The insurgent group Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin claimed responsibility for the attack, according to group spokesman Eng Haroon Zarghob.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/10/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

Blasts kill at least 16 in Iraq; 90 wounded

Iraq has been engulfed in political and sectarian violence for months.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

See also...

17 killed in Iraqi violence
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Militants behead, shoot Iraqi soldiers, killing 14
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/11/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Bombings rip Baghdad; deaths reported
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/06/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Scores killed, more than 120 wounded in day of carnage across Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/05/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Israel approves permits for new settlements in East Jerusalem

Israel approved construction permits for more than 550 settlement units in East Jerusalem, officials said, escalating tensions with Palestinians amid negotiations.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/06/world/meast/israel-new-settlements/index.html

Bob's Notes: Matthew 22

The Great Decline: 60 years of religion in one graph

Religiosity in the United States is in the midst of what might be called 'The Great Decline.' Previous declines in religion pale in comparison. Over the past fifteen years, the drop in religiosity has been twice as great as the decline of the 1960s and 1970s.

MORE: http://tobingrant.religionnews.com/2014/01/27/great-decline-religion-united-states-one-graph/

Evangelism In America -- The Impending Fall!

Evangelism is not just in decline, it is on the edge of a precipice.

MORE: http://www.skepticmoney.com/evangelism-in-america-the-impending-fall/

The religious right is finished

So what's next for social conservatives? As its political influence wanes, a once-powerful movement finds itself at a crossroads.

MORE: http://theweek.com/article/index/255332/the-religious-right-is-finished-so-whats-next-for-social-conservatives

See also...

The religious recalcitrance of Americans
http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/the-religious-recalcitrance-of-americans/

These Are The Most Godless Cities In America

A new survey ranks U.S. cities in terms of 'bible-mindedness.'

MORE: http://nation.time.com/2014/01/22/godless-cities-in-america/

See also...

The 12 Hottest Celebrity Atheists And Agnostics
http://www.skepticmoney.com/the-12-hottest-celebrity-atheists-and-agnostics/

Rep. Rush Holt Re-Introduces Darwin Day Resolution in Congress

In anticipation of the 205th birthday of Charles Darwin, celebrated around the world on February 12th as Darwin Day, U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ) re-introduced a resolution today "expressing support for the designation of February 12 as Darwin Day." The American Humanist Association worked with Rep. Holt and his staff on H. Res. 467, also known as the Darwin Day resolution, and will be sending copies of Darwin Day Celebration, a booklet on celebrating Darwin Day and highlighting Darwin's contributions to science and humanity, to all 535 members of Congress to encourage support of the resolution.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-01-rep-rush-holt-re-introduces-darwin-day-resolution-in

See also...

Contact Your Representative NOW To Pass The Darwin Day Resolution!
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-01-contact-your-representative-now-to-pass-the-darwin-d

Atheist Group Sends 'Freethought' Books To Prisoners As Alternative To Religion

Zukor launched the Freethought Books Project, collecting books about atheism, humanism and science and sending them to interested prisoners. She estimates that since her first book drive in 2005, she has given out 2,300 books, magazines and newspapers to perhaps hundreds of prisoners across the country.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/27/atheist-books-prison_n_4673558.html

The U.S. Puts 'Moderate' Restrictions on Religious Freedom

The right to free exercise of religion may seem simple in principle, but in practice, it involves figuring out how one group's rights intersect with another's. On balance, that may mean more freedom, not less, is afforded to all.

MORE: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/01/the-us-puts-moderate-restrictions-on-religious-freedom/283331/

Secular group holds rally outside Capitol

Promoting secular government, the South Dakota Coalition of Reason held up signs directed at passing cars, while standing in front of the statue of former Gov. Bill Janklow outside the state house.

MORE: http://www.capjournal.com/news/secular-group-holds-rally-outside-capitol/article_d2dac4cc-8a3d-11e3-ba19-001a4bcf887a.html

After Newspaper Columnist Admits Her Atheism, the Response is Overwhelmingly Positive

Hoedel published her latest column yesterday and she wrote about the response to that column. As expected, she got a ton of responses... but they were overwhelmingly supportive.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/01/after-newspaper-columnist-admits-her-atheism-the-response-is-overwhelmingly-positive/

Survey | Half of American Fans See Supernatural Forces at Play in Sports

Just ahead of the 2014 Super Bowl, half of sports fans see some aspect of the supernatural at play in sports, meaning they either pray to God to help their team, have thought their team was cursed at some point in time, or believe that God plays a role in determining the outcome of sporting events.

MORE: http://publicreligion.org/research/2014/01/jan-2014-sports-poll/

See also...

For some fans, Super Bowl has supernatural twist
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/31/for-some-fans-super-bowl-has-supernatural-twist/?hpt=hp_t3

The Bible Tells Us Who's Going to Win the Super Bowl
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/02/01/the-bible-tells-us-whos-going-to-win-the-super-bowl/

Atheist Billboard Placed at Super Bowl Site: Right or Wrong?

The organization launched a billboard near Metlife Stadium in New Jersey yesterday, one that mocks the idea of prayer in sports by featuring a priest in eye black and the tagline:

A 'Hail Mary' only works in football. Enjoy the game!

MORE: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2014/01/atheist-billboard-placed-at-super-bowl-site-right-or-wrong/

Military Maneuvers: New Armed Forces Rules On Religious Expression Spark Religious Right Complaints About Christian 'Persecution'

It's hard to imagine a group that comprises 78.5 percent of the military (as of 2008) being persecuted, but sound reasoning isn't really the Religious Right's strong suit.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/military-maneuvers-new-armed-forces-rules-on-religious-expression-spark