Average intelligence predicts atheism rates across 137 nations 1. Introduction Dawkins, 2006 R. Dawkins, The God Delusion, Bantam Press, London (2006).Dawkins’ (2006) recent book The God Delusion suggests that it is not intelligent to believe in the existence of God. In this paper we examine (1) the evidence for this contention, i.e. for whether there [...]

Israeli official: Swine flu name offensive JERUSALEM (AP) — The outbreak of swine flu should be renamed “Mexican” influenza in deference to Muslim and Jewish sensitivities over pork, said an Israeli health official Monday. Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman said the reference to pigs is offensive to both religions and “we should call this Mexican [...]

This article isn’t new (it’s from 2002), but… damn. Saudi police ‘stopped’ fire rescue Saudi Arabia’s religious police stopped schoolgirls from leaving a blazing building because they were not wearing correct Islamic dress, according to Saudi newspapers. In a rare criticism of the kingdom’s powerful “mutaween” police, the Saudi media has accused them of hindering [...]

I think I just shed the worlds smallest tear.. TV sends message that “Christians are nutters” Frequent television portrayals of Christians as absurd make it more difficult for believers to defend themselves, a national journalist has said. Recent storylines in a number of soaps have sent the clear message that “Christians are nutters”, the Daily [...]

Afghan women pelted with stones during rape law protest Afghan women protesting against a new law that severely undermines women’s rights were pelted with stones in the country’s capital Wednesday, say reports. About 300 mostly young women gathered in Kabul to show their opposition to a recently passed law that forbids women from refusing to [...]

Unmasked blogger blames First Baptist, Sheriff’s Office A blogger critical of First Baptist Church Pastor Mac Brunson wants to know why his Web site was investigated by a police detective who is also a member of the minister’s security detail. Thomas A. Rich also wants the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to explain what suspected crimes led [...]

Islam ‘insulted’ by alleged child killer’s mug shot, says husband The police booking photo of alleged child killer Nour Hadid released Tuesday is an “insult against our religion,” says Hadid’s husband, Alaeddin. Orland Park police detectives say the 26-year-old Muslim woman was treated as any other suspect in a murder probe would be, and they [...]

This is why religion is harmful.