Questioning Religion

I was over on richarddawkins.net yesterday just browsing when I came upon a list of common debate points that atheists are likely to encounter. I thought I'd respond to all of them, but not in a single day of course. There are 34 debate points currently listed. I'll start with the first one on the list.

What are your qualifications to question religion anyway? Just who are you?

I wasn't aware any qualifications were necessary in order to have an opinion. What kind of qualifications does the average person need in order to question politicians, scientists, authority? If qualifications are necessary then I will say that I have read the Bible, the good parts and the bad. I have seen and personally felt the consequences of religious beliefs. Does that qualify me? Or do I have to be a preacher, minister, nun, reverend, priest, professor of religion in order to question religion? If I were any of these people, the chances are that I would not question it even if I did not agree with some things, at least not as vocally as atheists tend to do. Religious people rarely criticize their own religions. Yet many have no problem questioning the faiths of others.

I find nothing wrong with questioning religion just like I find nothing wrong with questioning our governments, politicians, courts, police, etc. Since religion affects us all, whether positively or negatively, all of us, as citizens of this world, have the right to question anything that affects our lives. That is what qualifies me to question religion.

As to the second part of this question, I believe I have already answered. I am just a regular person, a citizen, that has the right to question anything that damn well pleases me. That's what freedom of expression is all about.

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Religulous Is Fucking Hilarious

I know that this documentary came out a while ago but I didn't get to see it until today. Bill Maher's got balls. The things he says can be downright insulting, but he doesn't care and that's why I love him. He's brutally honest and doesn't shy away from any topic. He's the best when it comes to stumping religious leaders. I can't remember the name of that priest Bill interviewed in front of the Vatican but that priest should really consider doing stand-up. I find it reassuring when people of opposing views can actually take a joke and laugh together. Whatever your beliefs are, sticking to every single one dogmatically over and over and over again kinda makes you dull. Loosen up a little bit, allow for the possibility that you may be wrong. I'll say right here and right now that there is a chance that I am wrong and God exists. I'm not dogmatic. And if it happens to be true that God exists and that hell and heaven exist too, I'll concede. I'll believe in God's existence if it's proven. I'll even stop calling myself an atheist but I won't be religious because religion has caused too much misery. The bottom line is I don't like how religion discourages questioning and rational thought.

I wish there were more people like Bill Maher out there. Maybe there are and they're just scared to speak out. I don't blame them. Religion is fucking scary. Seriously. Have you ever heard the noises coming out of hopped up religious people; seen the way they move and shake their bodies all around? Aren't those the signs of demonic possession? Contortion and speaking in tongues? I thought I read that somewhere. Ah, well.

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Imprisoned Journalists & Bloggers

Since I didn't post anything on World Press Freedom Day, I'd like to take this opportunity to do so now. Though freedom of the press may never be a reality everywhere, courageous journalists and bloggers all over the world are not discouraged by this. Slowly and painfully, things will change and no doubt due in large part to the efforts of these people and everyone that supports them. That's why it is extremely important for the rest of us to speak up for them when their voices have been silenced and their bodies imprisoned.

Roxana Saberi, an Iranian-American journalist was arrested in Iran in February and charged with espionage. She was quickly convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison. Her lawyer is appealing the sentence and a hearing has been set for May 12.
Source: AsiaNews.it

According to CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists), 125 journalists have been arrested as of December 1, 2008. The top five countries with the most journalists in jail are:

1. China - 28
   
2. Cuba - 21
3. Burma -14
4. Eritrea - 13
5. Uzbekistan - 6
   

The Committee to Protect Journalists, in a special report, have named the 10 worst countries for bloggers. They are:

1. Burma
2. Iran
3. Syria
4. Cuba
5. Saudi Arabia
6. Vietnam
7. Tunisia
8. China
9. Turkmenistan
10. Egypt
    

I'd like to dedicate this post to all imprisoned journalists and bloggers around the world. Your strength and courage is truly inspiring.

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