Barack Obama discusses the inherent variance of religious belief and the presence of non-belief in America today. He acknowledges the critical role of reason in policy making, stating, “...I may be opposed to abortion for religious reasons…but if I seek to pass a law banning the practice I can’t simply point to the teachings of my church or invoke God’s will.” Video is edited to concentrate on the most pertinent moments.

(2) comments

A new Pew survey finds that large numbers of Americans engage in multiple religious practices, for example blending Christianity with Eastern or New Age beliefs such as reincarnation, astrology and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects. And sizeable minorities of all major U.S. religious groups say they have experienced supernatural phenomena, such as being in touch with the dead or with ghosts.

(1) comments

There are lessons that the secular Left can learn from religion, for all its atrocities and absurdities; and the Left is not so flush with ideas that it can afford to look such a gift horse in the mouth. But will either side listen to the other at present? Will Christopher Hitchens or Richard Dawkins read this and experience an epiphany that puts the road to Damascus in the shade?

(19) comments

Teenage birth rates are higher in states with greater levels of religious belief, possibly due to strong disapproval of contraception, a new U.S. study suggests.

(5) comments

This story is about Eric Norwood’s personal experiences at a place called The Utah Boys Ranch, which models itself as a “tough-love” prep-school, but while Eric was there, he witnessed some unbelievable atrocities. It is a Mormon-funded and staffed facility, and religious indoctrination is a fundamental aspect of the school. There was sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, suicide, staff corruption, and escape. A major Utah political figure, Senator Chris Buttars, was the executive director while Eric was there.

(4) comments

Discussion of the French Scientology trial.

Truthdig asked Harris to write a charter document for his thesis that belief in God, and appeasement of religious extremists of all faiths by moderates, has been and continues to be the greatest threat to world peace and a sustained assault on reason.

(10) comments

American Jewish University presents best-selling authors Sam Harris and Rabbi David Wolpe in a debate about the existence of God and the role of religion and faith in society. This debate is moderated by Los Angeles Times religion editor Steve Padilla.

(2) comments

Sam Harris outlines the three main categories of arguments religious people use: (1) that religion is true, (2) that religion serves a useful purpose, or (3) that atheism is essentially a religion too (ie, based on dogma or requiring one to accept certain tenets on faith).  This is a great lecture to watch to learn to defend your secularism against the religious.  From the Aspen Ideas Festival, July 2007.

(2) comments

A noted provocateur rips Sarah Palin—and defends elitism.

(1) comments

It is my conviction that the vulnerable enterprise called democracy cannot exist without free expression, particularly in the media. Journalists must not forgo the obligation of free speech, which people in other hemispheres are denied.

(9) comments

The concept of “biblical marriage” faces scrutiny.

(7) comments