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Marytrdom as Inspiration

In regards to the idea of Osama bin Laden’s death as an inspiring martyrdom… I can see it, but only on an intellectual, theoretical level. Based on human behavior, I’m thinking you’re more likely to see people disillusioned by his death than inspired. He didn’t go out like a martyr — which would be something like a suicide bomb, or leading an attack himself in some way — but, instead, he went out like a cowering little dog. He was hunted and tracked, cornered then shot.

Martyrdom isn’t just about dying. It’s about dying when and how you want to. Bin Laden did not choose either.

Plus, I think a lot of the people who felt inspired to join his crusade may have done so because of some personal charisma he had, perhaps some kind of persuasion. People, properly inspired by a leader, will do a lot of crazy things. But you take away that inspirational figure and a lot of wind can go out of those sails.

Why I Am an Atheist

This isn’t mine (and I would refine it a bit, to be honest), but I like it and will post it here for posterity:

I AM AN ATHEIST.
I’m not an atheist because it’s cool.
I’m not an atheist because of religious extremism or oppression in some depraved corners of the world.
I’m not an atheist because I don’t think evil can exist in world with a god.
I’m not an atheist because I think science can disprove god.

I’m an atheist because of one simple fact:

THE BURDEN OF PROOF LIES ON RELIGION.

If you propose the existence of something, you must follow the scientific method in your defense of its existence. Otherwise, I have no reason to listen to you.

Reposted Pharyngula Brilliance

This isn’t my post at all, but I wanted to reprint the whole thing here. Dr PZ Myers of Pharyngula (one of my daily reads) wrote this and it is stunning:

Sunday Sacrilege: So alone
Category: Godlessness
Posted on: June 27, 2010 11:53 AM, by PZ Myers

Scientists and atheists do something that many believers find repellent: we shatter their perception of their relationship to the universe. And understandably, they don’t like that.

Most religious people in the West have a very specific model of the waythe world works that is based on our cultural history as the progeny of nomadic herdsman, and that still resonates strongly with all of us — the father-child relationship, the patriarchy. We have a wise leader who guides us all, punishes us when we stray, offers largesse to those in his favor, and unites the whole tribe in common cause. Those bronze age sheepherders lived this way, and it made sense. It was a strategy for survival that worked well, and that shaped the way we see the world even now. Ask any Christian on any Sunday morning about flocks and sheep and shepherds, and they will understand the metaphor even if it is highly unlikely that any of them have been in contact with any animal other than a household pet. Continue reading…

Good Friday, indeed.

Dig this:
1. God made us and he made the Rules. We sinned. Because we can. He created a son, his own flesh.
2. He manipulated people so that they would torture and kill that son. He resurrected the son. He claims it “had to be done” to wash away our sins. Because the Rules say so. The Rules he made up.
3. And you should be grateful, you sinful prick!

In other words:
1. He gave us a gift.
2. He assigned a value to that gift.
3. He wants to be repaid. Forever.

It’s as if someone barged into my house, handed me a sandwich I did not ask for nor necessarily wanted, and then started following me around yelling “YOU OWE ME. I TOTALLY GAVE YOU THAT SANDWICH, DUDE.” If it’s a gift, then how do I owe you shit?

The whole premise of Christianity rests on a dickhead who insists you owe him forever or he’ll kick your ass.