On October 3rd, 1789, President George Washington signed the following proclamation. GENERAL THANKSGIVINGBY THE PRESIDENT OF THEUNITED STATES of AMERICA,A PROCLAMATION. Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God — to obey his will — to be grateful for his benefits — and humbly to implore his protection… Continue reading Thanksgiving
Tag: Faith and life
Believe in God? No – but UFO’s, you bet!
I’m startled to read about a recent survey. Believing in ghosts and little green men from outer space appears a touch easier than having faith in God, according to a survey. The researchers found that while 54 per cent of us are convinced the Almighty exists, 58 per cent believe in the supernatural. The findings,… Continue reading Believe in God? No – but UFO’s, you bet!
On this day: November 18, 1978
On November 18, 1978, Jim Jones, the deeply flawed but charismatic leader of a religious cult, the Peoples Temple, ordered the murder of a US congressman, Rep. Leo Ryan, and his party (including several members of the cult who were trying to escape from its headquarters at Jonestown, Guyana). They were shot down while boarding… Continue reading On this day: November 18, 1978
The perils of gossip
I’m feeling rather depressed and fed-up tonight, after one of the more difficult counseling sessions I can recall. I’ve been trying to help a couple whose marriage is in difficulties . . . but I’m not getting anywhere. The problem can be summed up in one word: gossip. Both partners have had ‘friends’ talking to… Continue reading The perils of gossip
That’s not a family – that’s a tribe!
In England, Mrs. Maggie Ward died at the age of 87, and was buried. What made it a very special occasion was the number of her descendants who arrived to give her a good send-off! As a grandmother of 172, Maggie Ward had plenty of family to dote on. And when it came to her… Continue reading That’s not a family – that’s a tribe!
The Divine in everyday life???
I admire the simple faith of these monks – but there’s a possible catch. The Cambodian Buddhist community in Rochester (Minnesota) is abuzz over what they believe is a miracle: a wasp nest in the shape of a seated Buddha built in the eaves of their temple. The nest was spotted last week. Elder members… Continue reading The Divine in everyday life???
A stream-of-consciousness post
This may seem a bit rambling, but bear with me. There’s a point to this article. I was shocked to read a report in the Daily Mail about a house in Grimsby, England, containing over 100 tons of garbage. Every room in the three – storey terraced house was filled from floor to ceiling with… Continue reading A stream-of-consciousness post
Murder in the name of God
I’m infuriated to the point of apoplexy by a news report from Somalia. A 13-year-old girl who said she had been raped was stoned to death in Somalia after being accused of adultery by Islamic militants, a human rights group said. Dozens of men stoned Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow to death Oct. 27 in a stadium… Continue reading Murder in the name of God
Yesterday’s post about an atheist advertising campaign . . .
. . . attracted some interest and responses. I won’t respond to the responders here: but Labrat, one of the (two) Atomic Nerds, made a very interesting comment. She linked to the Web site of Professor Steve Dutch at the University of Green Bay, WI, more specifically to an article he’s written entitled “What Religion… Continue reading Yesterday’s post about an atheist advertising campaign . . .
Atheism is bus-ting out!
I wonder what the reaction will be to the British Humanist Society‘s latest advertising campaign? They’ve just launched a fund-raiser to display advertisements on London buses reading, ‘There’s Probably No God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.’ As the Guardian put it, ‘The godless move in mysterious ways’ – and the Times, tongue firmly… Continue reading Atheism is bus-ting out!