Jerry Coyne's open letter

In the comments on Jerry's post I expressed one minor reservation about this open letter (or rather, agreed with one expressed by my good friend Chris Lawson). That aside, I endorse the letter. I share Jerry's sentiments, and I feel strongly about this issue.

Like Jerry, I'm especially sick of the attacks on forthright atheists by people associated with the NCSE. I'm also appalled at the spectacle of the NCSE cozying up to non-literalist theologians and fairly clearly suggesting that biblical literalism is not only false (of course it is) but theologically false (a body such as the NCSE should not be making theological judgments).

It seems that a lot of people associated with the NCSE have lost the plot. The aim is not to support a specific theological or philosophical position (whether it's atheism or some kind of non-literalist theism or biblical literalism). The NCSE may certainly want to cooperate in court proceedings with theists who dislike biblical literalism. Often it is necessary to litigate against government efforts to promote biblical literalism through distortion of the science curriculum. But cooperating with someone in court proceedings does not mean that you have to endorse their wider position out of court.

The point has been reached where the NCSE is adopting a substantive position in philosophy of religion (something like NOMA) and a substantive position on Christian theology (something to the effect that biblical literalism is theologically wrong). That goes beyond its remit. Or if it considers that part of its remit, it should say so openly. It then has to understand that many people who applaud its main efforts cannot give it their unequivocal support.

FWIW, I don't think it makes sense for someone who is not actually a Christian to say which Christian position is theologically correct. The Christian holy books, traditions, and teachings are open to many interpretations. It's not our business to say which interpretation of them is "right" as an interpretation.

I do, however, think that NOMA and similar positions are clearly false. Religion has never been confined to issues of morality and "meaning" in life or to describing a supernatural world that is hermetically sealed off from the natural one. Some modern-day religious positions may be that watered down, but much religion has made stronger claims about the interaction of a supernatural order of things with the world that we perceive with our senses. Indeed, that is far more typical of what religion has said over the centuries.

The NCSE should not be taking positions one way or the other on any of this philosophical and theological stuff ... not unless it wants to lose a lot of support. People associated with it should certainly not be wasting everyone's time and energy by attacking Richard Dawkins.

Becoming a vampire through reading

I would like to read the actual article that this report is based on, as it's a bit hard to work out what to make of it in this summary form. But it looks like an intriguing, if somewhat primitive, study of how we imaginatively enter into a world that we read about.

Does religion unite or divide us?

Which do you think? Inquiring minds want to know.

The Australian Book of Atheism on Google Books

You can look at a big chunk of The Australian Book of Atheism (though my chapter on freedom of speech is not part of that chunk) over here on Google Books. If you like what you read, well the book would make a good belated Easter present - right?

The introduction by Warren Bonett gives a good indication of what the book is all about, though the essays/chapters are quite varied and there's no substitute for actually having you hands on the whole volume.

Ophelia is sooo strident

Not feeeling well today - have been trying to get rid of a nasty bug for the last few days. So if you've turned up here the best I can offer (but hey, it's pretty frakking good) is a link to this great interview with Ophelia Benson. You may have already come across it over at Butterflies and Wheels, but if not have a listen and hear for yourself how shrill and strident she is(n't).

Wisdom from Ms Goodman

Alison has done some lovely posts over on Penguin's site, telling us a bit about her thought processes as a writer (and as a reader). They're beautiful little pieces. You might want to comment, because she asks some interesting questions.

New Atheists ruin Home Economics

I've now seen the light and totally understand Ruse's point. lol

Enjoy!

Barash on Ruse

David Barash replies to the Ruse piece that we've been talking about.

Replying to Ruse

I've written a (possibly too long) response to Ruse and just sent it to the editor of the ABC Religion and Ethics Portal. I hope it won't need to be cut, or not by too much. Watch out for that on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

I understand that Ruse will be offered a chance to reply, so watch out for that as well.

Death of Elisabeth Sladen

Damn! I'm very sad to hear about this. I loved her portrayal of Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who. Many fans of the show will be upset today. :(