Misogyny and Violent love are Acts of Unreason

Since at least the time of the greek gods and philosophers, women have taken a back seat to man. Most religions that developed from the mists of times have in one way or another dismissed woman's worth. Creating barbaric laws that were only meant to keep one gender in line.

Throughout the centuries one religion after another maintained a patriarchal leadership that concentrated on one recurring theme. Yes, theft, killing and numerous crimes were examined and punishments thought appropriate were given, but controlling women, keeping them in their place, was always on the minds of our leaders.

Aristotle found woman to be less than the perfection of man. Christianity in its earliest form, and in some sects still to this day, maintains that women are to be seen, not heard. Woman should not be teachers, in fact, they shouldn't speak anywhere besides in the home.

Religious texts were not even as horrible as what man defined them to be. Wiki's statement on Islam:

"Thanks to the subjective interpretations of the Quran (almost exclusively by men), the preponderance of the misogynic mullahs and the regressive Shariah law in most “Muslim” countries, Islam is synonymously known as a promoter of misogyny in its worst form. Although there is no way of defending the so-called “great” traditions of Islam as libertarian and egalitarian with regard to women, we may draw a line between the Quranic texts and the corpus of avowedly misogynic writing and spoken words by the mullah having very little or no relevance to the Quran."

Apparently even ancient books of supposed religious truths are not as bad as what man interprets them to be. Man has thoughtfully, and with known lies and malice, enslaved half of the human population on the planet. I'm not giving the bible, quran or any other text a break here, they are all misogynist reads, but man had the gall to expound on and make worse the conditions that woman would live in for the greater part of their existence on the planet.

Even the newest religions promote the same nonsense. Scientology states that, "A society in which women are taught anything but the management of a family, the care of men, and the creation of the future generation is a society which is on its way out," and continues with, "The historian can peg the point where a society begins its sharpest decline at the instant when women begin to take part, on an equal footing with men, in political and business affairs, since this means that the men are decadent and the women are no longer women. This is not a sermon on the role or position of women; it is a statement of bald and basic fact."

From ancient to new writings on religion, one truth binds; women are lesser creatures. This is the only societal reason we treat our partners in life with such contempt. It is an ugly thought that should not be part of atheism. Though there are a few who would like to make atheism misogynist; if this happens it would destroy atheism. It goes against what atheism promotes so cannot exist in the community except as human aberration.

Acts that damage or maim a woman's body, or even kill, that are based solely on a human's normal social behavior, is the most atrocious behavior that a man can partake in. Ignorance is no excuse.

Though religion and man appear to be the creator of this hatred, we know it is not the only abomination that exists because of primitive thoughts. We see children dying from being beat in supposed enlightened countries because of religious texts. We see children in the same countries dying from curable diseases. We see rapes and killings in other countries under the christian cross.

As an atheist thought, violent and love are two words that should never belong in the same sentence.

Religion is the most violent form of love that exists on the planet. If atheism is allowed to be permeated with the same senseless and brutal thoughts, it would then be no different that what we oppose.

We will have become the enemy.

The Worthy Life

For those who'd rather listen, an audio version is here.


I think secularists, to the degree they may be familiar, know how to value objects, thoughts and people. How about our friendly theists?

Here are a few christian thoughts concerning all the ways that there are of walking worthy of the lord.

One thought from the bible is, "that you might walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him," which is really stating that every pursuit you have should be devoted to pleasing jesus. 

Now that's a tough act. Which Jesus should they please, the one who promoted the "turn the other cheek" thought or the one who brought hell into being. Compassion or evil, which characterization of jesus is the right one?

I do see a lot of fig tree cursing from my neighbors going on, does that count?

Another thought states that walking worthy is continually bearing the right type of fruit. Ouch. Which parable to use, eeny meeny miny moe, ah fuck it, you're all going to hell. Basically the fruit shit just means that if you live a life adoring jesus, you will be fruitful, (in whatever fruit manner appeals to you). If you are an atheist, you will go to hell; not a very fruity way to live.

Christian conservatives do not bear the right type of fruit, so even they don't understand the concept of fruitiness; which would appear to be contradictory, since they have definitely embraced the fruity thoughts concept. And really, this is a valid point; fruitful labor is to be done with compassion for others. Think about that when you hear another christian politician talking about ripping away safety nets for the poor and elderly; you know there's not a drop of compassion in their fruity minds.

Next comes the thought that you should continually increase your knowledge of god. That could be thought of as a feat for the dim, especially if they go for both books. 

Life is short people.

How about continually receiving god's strength as a way of walking worthy? That one would seem to be easy enough. I mean, according to Paul he can do all things through christ who strengthens him. Probably not herculean, but more like the ability to accomplish.

The usual biblical shit, man is not capable of accomplishments without help; kiss my ass jesus, I've done fine without you.

I like the next way you can walk worthy. God will build patience and longsuffering into your way of life. Ah, that longsuffering word doesn't look like fun, but according to the worthy who have studied, it means calmness in christian life. Everyone knows you're a fruit, but be patient and calm and wait. 

That is another statement I detest with vigor. It's saying, don't worry, god's in control. It's saying don't be concerned with the debate that life is. Do not jump in the fray and accomplish good things. Sit back, have a beer and a smoke, it's all taken care of.

The last worthy, (unworthy?), thought of the day involves continually giving joyful praise to god. Oh god, you are the coolest, the smartest, the bestest, you are the main god, a mighty god who uses the best deodorant. Hey god, someone's shit doesn't stink, (wink, wink).  

These thoughts describe walking worthy of god, but have no substantial worthiness. This has nothing to do with their worth to a supernatural being. Theist worth is based on the controls that they accept by those who want to manipulate them into a state of acceptance of their lot in life. This is deep control, spending every second of every hour of every day of every fucking year thinking nonsense. Though I speak mostly of christianity, muslims getting down on their knees five times a day keeps the mind centered on nothing as well.

I think that if theists do achieve anything in this state of mind control, don't give them any encouragement; it was totally an accident. 

Fucking fruits.

Strike Zone

Christians are the norm though their minds will never form 
into something that creates instead of procreates
cause you can't really think if your minds in the sink
and you allow what you feel to hide and conceal
the reality that is cause you can't pass the quiz


Stay under that rock pop since your cause is a big flop
we know the whole truth for we are the main sleuths
maybe now you run the show but it's only a fading glow
like a fire's cooling embers your mind can't remember
the simple little fact of a thought that's too abstract


Lift your head and pray no one hears what you say
worship the lord man cause your without a good plan
wander over the earth destroying all man's worth
Your time is almost over you see it when you're sober
soon you'll be a dying line and that will be a good sign

Now we are on the outside hanging on the bright side
our time is soon to come while your brain remains numb
maybe you're the boss now neanderthal with a bony brow
maybe you're on top now but you'll soon be going down
soon you'll be alone while we are in the strike zone

Freedom

Northern Americans just get all giddy when they hear that word. Even though it is illusory at best, it still seems to make us feel proud. 




To be sure, we do have the documents proclaiming our freedom. We have our Constitution that describes how our government is set up. The document is nationally revered by the tea partiers, who don't understand a damn word of it.


We have our Declaration of Independence, which starts with the thought that all men are created equal, then we ignore the thought for close to a hundred years practicing slavery. Of course, though the practice ended it would be another hundred years before there was something that resembled equality for all.




Then the one document that amends our Constitution, a changing document, is the Bill of Rights. This one guarantees our personal freedoms, and is constantly ignored by our government, except when it suits their purpose. 




Amendment 4 of the Bill of Rights guarantees our right to be secure in our homes, in our person, in our papers and effect, against unreasonable searches and seizures. After 9/11 the abominable Patriot Act came in effect nullifying that freedom. The people just ignored the ramifications; a scared populace is easy to manipulate.




Amendments 6 has to do with the right to a speedy trial and confrontation of witnesses, ignored now as well. Amendment 8 was the ban on cruel and unusual punishment, torture ended that one also.




Anyway, we do have the documents that supposedly control what actions the government can take. Doesn't mean much when you have a country of sheep that won't stand up to power, but the freedom is there within our reach if we take it. I guess most citizens of the United States believe they do have personal freedom, whether that thought is true or false, we believe it.




My favorite amendments, and the ones that are constantly in your face if you live here, is the 1st and 2nd amendments. 




The second amendment is the tea party darling. The right to, supposedly, own weapons. Yes, we have a country of death when compared to any other country that has the rules of government in place. We shoot our friends, our family and those who might be enemies. It is the american way for many people, mostly for those lacking empathy or intelligence, or a combination of the two. It really is a travesty that over a million people have been killed by guns since Martin Luther King and Robert F Kennedy were assassinated. Among twenty three populous, high income countries, 80 percent of firearm deaths occurred in the United States.




As has been said before, you can't fix stupid.




Now for the big one, the first amendment. Fuck, this one is fried. The first one is the Establishment Clause, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. That has been circumvented and we have established that christianity is our religion. This was done by creating special programs for "faith based" grants. 




The first amendment also guarantees freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people to peaceably assemble. For protestors, they know that for the most part that free assembly is gone. You can do so, but no where near the source of your agitation, so why bother. 




As for freedom of speech, that's where proselytizing comes in. Yes sir, you can stand on your pulpit and preach nonsense; it's guaranteed by the law. The U.S. government loves this, because religion controls the masses. Yes sheep, talking to you.




Freedom of speech is not just for the religious, they just cling to it more than others; when you know what you're saying is certifiably crazy, you need all the help you can get. Freedom of speech is kind of a myth, you do not have the right to say anything you want in this country, but you can get away with quite a bit. There is no doubt that freedom of speech is a necessity for a democratic government.




If you think about it though, the religious do not really use freedom of speech to proselytize, they use a lesser known amendment, one I didn't know existed; the freedom to fucking bore us to tears.

Die Christian Scum - NSFW

Now, now; everyone calm down. I don't say it in the same manner a christian might; they actually mean it.



Saying that, I think it is a sound and reasonable thought that christians would understand, and if the title was, "Die Atheist Scum," embrace. Face it, christians have no problem with killing. It is part of their life, their way of showing their superiority to everyone who doesn't believe as they do and everything that can't defend itself.



An eye for an eye bitch. Turning the other cheek is only a tale for wimps. A way of pretending to be the offended party. They do not turn the other cheek, unless they cannot win. 



I mean it. How many christians do you think agree with Scott Roeder? Killing an abortion doctor is a good deed to some, and though psychopaths may get a kick out of death, only the religious would do so for an insane ideology while maintaining a clear conscience. If you look at the states governed by theocracies, you see the same events happening; yeah, they're not killing, but still making legal activities impossible and perhaps killing from negligence. 



I'm looking at sites right at this moment, christian sites, that state god has mandated capital punishment. The thought is that before the flood, (for christian readers, you know it didn't happen, right?), god prohibited the death penalty. But after things changed.

Another reflection of god's imperfection. Since if the commands change, perfection either has been corrupted, or was never there in the first place.

God's first command was “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth," Genesis 1:28. Second command was "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food," Genesis 1:29, The third command was that the death penalty was forbidden, "Anyone who kills you will be punished seven times worse than I am punishing you. So the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn everyone not to kill him." Genesis 4:15.

No death penalty here, but then.

After the flood, (nope, didn't happen), the first command was, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands," Genesis 9:1-2. The second, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood," Genesis 9:3-4. The third commanded the death penalty, "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind," Genesis 9:6.



Well, something like that, depending on who's version you're reading. Regardless, there is the excuse for the death penalty.



Christians kill without a blink of an eye. Only the religious can be justified in taking a life that has not threatened them. This is not self defense, this is an action that is commanded by god. Kill those who have killed, which today means kill those who are suspected of killing.

Death to the innocent and the guilty. We do not even have to consider the other actions that god says you should die for to know that there's something wrong in that bigot's head.

They do not have a problem with strapping someone to a chair and frying the fuck out of them. No problem with a leisurely lethal injection. Hell, they'd be happy to line up and be the firing squad, with the added bonus of supplying their own guns and ammo.

And to top it all off, the slobbering little fucks feel righteous doing this.

I would never trust the goodwill of a christian. When minds are warped, attitudes can change in a heartbeat.

Suckers

Any day you take a ride, you'll probably encounter a local fish monger. No, not someone butchering the seas to keep your belly happy, but the dull-eyed driver going ten miles under the speed limit with a fish symbol on the back of his car.


Amazing how they try so hard to preserve their life when they have such a cool place waiting for them. You'd think their driving would more resemble the, "pedal to the metal and drive spectacularly!" thought. 


Why wait?


Most atheists have a better understanding than christians where the symbol originated. It has been meaningful to pagans and other religions as well. As far as christianity goes, supposedly it was a way of recognizing a fellow christian.


You would think the glazed eyes and sluggish manner would be the giveaway, but if you're not that quick in thought, you need an easily understandable and identifiable method to communicate crazy. Someone may have drawn a curve in the sand, and a fellow christian, after a bit of slow mental activity, could figure out how to complete the symbol. Sometimes they had to break for food and drink, sometimes their "squirrel!" mentality would distract them, but eventually the bonding would occur.


I link that form of communication to neanderthal grunts, though neanderthals possibly passed more valuable information in a grunt than christians did drawing a line in the sand.


I find the fish appropriate for believers. Much more so than the cross. Besides the cross losing its punch by becoming celebrity bling, it also makes it too simple to identify another christian. I mean really, you don't even have to be able to draw a line? Too simple.


There is another reason that some designs of the symbol are so much more appropriate. Here's my favorite fish symbol these days:

I think this is the perfect visual when examining current christian practices. The addition of the crucifix makes it simple to understand the basic believer.


That's not a cross, it's a hook catching another sucker. 

Irony

After surviving the last end of the world scenario my mind was centered on scams. How many times has the church and its leaders conned the public?

As far as I'm concerned, every day is the correct answer.

Yet how many actually pay the price? Very few end up in jail, and by that I mean the pedophile hiding pope isn't bubba's bitch yet. Why should anyone be prosecuted for defrauding the public?

I started searching for data on religious scams, and the first link I check out tells the reader to beware of certain religious scams. Cool, someone understands there is a problem with allowing religion to continue raping the local idiots. In a country where you can be arrested for playing a little three card monte on the streets, which is nowhere near as insidious and corrupting as religion, how do you rationally not include every religion in the scam category?

Back to my searching, and the irony.

I start reading the scams, and they have nothing to do with religion itself. It is about those bad people that talk you into handing over your hard earned money under false pretenses, but lo and behold, it's not actually the church or religion that is the focus.

The "affinity church scam" is about someone claiming to share your viewpoint and lulls members of religious organizations into thinking they are genuine. Then they claim divine guidance or some other similar nonsense and grab your money in what can end up being a Ponzi scheme.

So a priest can share your viewpoint, take your money, and it is okay. He can pretend to have divine guidance. But if you're not part of the hierarchy, don't even think about it.

The "sob story scam" is about someone joining a church and stating he's recently converted. As time goes on he talks about some tragedy that is effecting his life, and the need for monetary help. A few tears and he makes a few dollars.

If this is a scam, why are all the evangelical cry babies not in jail? Same damn thing isn't it? Falwell teared up on national television claiming he was going to die if he didn't raise millions. Well, the bitch didn't die, why didn't they prosecute?

And yes, I know, he's in heaven now because god loves lying bastards.

The list goes on, and most of the scams are the same ones that churches are involved in on a daily basis. My favorite is about cults. Under the guise of faith an organizationrecruits members and convinces them to hand over all their possessions.

That sounds like every damn church I've encountered.

Trapped in a Tale

Are christians just trapped in an old crappy soap opera?

Think of all those you know who are glued to the television when their favorite series comes on. They talk about the characters as if they are real, and even after you mention that they are talking about fictional characters, and they agree with your assessment, ten minutes later they once again refer to a character as if, someone real. They watch their favorite shows over and over. They laugh, they cry and they live with these fictional characters. 

Books the same. I have read many novels more than once, just because of the enjoyment it brings. Wrapped up in a story line that interests, or maybe just makes you feel an emotion.

Those stories that embellish man, that show him to be, possibly, something that should, or could, be attained, are commonplace. Maybe the story is about wizards. How cool, mumble a few words and shit happens. Maybe it is the meek evolving into the brave or other wishful thinking. Maybe it puts man on a pedestal for some virtuous act that most will never even contemplate emulating in real life. 

A good story has a powerful effect on us, we love stories. Being a science fiction reader when young, I have wondered if scientology is just a "good" story for those who enjoyed that genre so much that reality and fantasy melded into a religion. It is painful nonsense developed by a below average writer, yet still enthralls those who are caught up in that story. 

Christians love their stories. Horror stories of astounding proportions. Where cruel acts and intentions are warped into moral actions.

Is that why christians pick and choose? Maybe just concentrating on the parts they love, that they are trapped in. I mean, the bible does have something for everyone. If you are a harmless being, there are many passages that call to you. If you are a vengeful person, again many passages that agree with your demeanor. Are you angry? Are you a warrior? Are you meek? You've found a friend, a book that encompasses all acts of man, one that is sure to have at least one story that binds you to the adventure.

Trapped.

God is Useless

Pick a day, any day, in your life and think about the sequence of events in that day, and what parts of it had anything to do with god.

I'll pick yesterday, only because I can still remember most of it.

I climb out of bed, scratch my balls, head to the can and drain the dragon. Did god reach down and do that scratching for me? No, the lazy bastard didn't. Into the kitchen where I find dirty dishes and glasses, the basic leftovers from last night's dinner that I didn't take care of. You would think though, that since god lives outside of time and never sleeps, maybe he could of picked up a rag and cleaned the counter? Not happening. Maybe wash a dish? Yeah right. Happily I have this device that I can fill up that automatically cleans my dishes, how cool is that?

Next on the list is coffee, I fill up a machine with water and ground beans, and presto, fresh coffee. Did god grind the beans or heat the water, nope. Did god create the tree that gives us coffee? If, as some would have me believe, he did, he couldn't figure out what was the ultimate bean, otherwise why the variety? In his omnipotence he couldn't just make the ultimate coffee bean? Indecisive little twit, except when it comes to killing.

I need to replenish food stuff, so jump into the vehicle and head into town. Twenty miles away so a quick drive. But, if I didn't have a car would god give me a lift into town? You know, throw my thumb into the air and hang on for the ride? No, I'd spend my day walking. Thanks buddy.

It would be easy to fill up a book on just one day of your life where you point out everything that god didn't do that day. As far I can tell, he sits around and watches everyone while deciding who to torture for an eternity. This bugger needs a day job.

God doesn't feed the hungry, he doesn't heal the sick, he doesn't save us from natural disasters, he doesn't physically do a damn thing to earn his keep. God is a useless thought that is promoted by the rich and con artists looking to get rich. God is just a dream, and for the destitute, maybe a hope that never becomes real. Is the thought really worth anything more than a method of controlling those who have nothing?

For the most part, we live, communicate, travel, experience, interact with life due to science. I am amazed that anyone would pick god, who doesn't do a damn thing, over science, which works for us every second of every day.

Christian Confusion

As I pull into the driveway of my conservative christian family to join them in celebrating their holy day, I'm greeted with the usual barrage of bumper stickers. "Protect Our Borders," is the first I see, slightly amusing since I'm in Illinois and unless they mean to keep out the Wisconsinites, Iowans, Hoosiers, Missourians or Kentuckians, I have no clue what they are talking about. Maybe those sneaky Canadiens are jumping on rafts and floating into Chicago at night, sight unseen, I don't know. 

In Exodus it seems fairly clear, "Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt," and, "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt." Leviticus the same, "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him," and, "The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Maybe they understand the lines in Deuteronomy?  "And I charged your judges at that time: Hear the disputes between your brothers and judge fairly, whether the case is between brother israelites or between one of them and an alien," and, "And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt."

Doesn't seem that confusing. 

Well, maybe they are new testament snobs, but even Matthew states, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

All this points out that possibly christians should welcome immigrants, right?

Maybe it's the picking and choosing style of reading that christians embrace since Leviticus also states, "However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you.  You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land.  You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance.  You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way."

But even this shouldn't create the hate that many christians have for those who are trying to better their lives. I mean, at worst, they could buy a couple of latino children, what's wrong with that?

The bible is a teaching of opposing views that cannot be reconciled, which is why the whole religious leaning bunch in this country should be certified insane. You cannot listen to the teachings of the bible and be without internal conflict.

Then the next bumper stickers I see do kind of explain how christians lose to contradiction, always.

A young family member from the lovely state of Wisconsin proudly exhibits, "How's that hopey changey thing going for you," and, "Walker for Governor." I think I understand. This is a young person who thinks destroying safety nets that will enable her to live a comfortable and healthy life in the future are bad things. No need for social security or medicare, she's got it handled; not. 

The only possible reason I can see for this type of acceptance is that god is such a confusing dick that confusion reigns supreme; they cannot reason. The person looks at a message that tries to instill hope and change and instead sees, "How's that rapey and pillaging thingy working for you." 

They cannot define meanings. They lose to what makes discussion possible. If I say apple, they think orange.

Strange thoughts indeed.

Christianity embraces a corrupt morality, one that makes it seemingly impossible for its followers to make sensible decisions.

Idolatry

The theist bane on pornography appears to rest on this one thought; idolatry. Hard to understand, unless you look at the basic thought; the worship of a physical object as a god.

I know there are, what many might find to be, extreme examples of pornography, and my points are not to condone or refute what has become an industry. I'm looking at the basic religious propaganda that surrounds the thought.

Engaging in pornography is as simple as admiring a photo of a beautiful physical specimen that happens to be sans clothes. Looking at this from my own perspective, I can see the problem. If I'm admiring the female body, I'm admiring, well, the root of all evil. (shameless hussies all). 

If I look at this lovely lady, admire the physical characteristics that I find appealing, I have, by theist standards, warped my understanding of human sexuality. Though this is possibly not even thought of as porn by many, it's where it all starts for the theist.

Keeping this point short, pornography doesn't limit itself to one man and one woman, or anything else. To the theist, this is a perversion of nature, (apparently they do not know much about nature). For the religious, adultery, homosexuality and incest are all the products of pornography. 

Lying bastards, if that was true why were god's royal families always screwing each other? Were they watching Shakespearean porn theater?

The religious right's militant anti-abortionist Neal Horsley admitted to screwing mules. This guy runs for governor in GA on anti-abortion and anti-pornography causes. Apparently if you don't watch pornography, you'll only fuck the livestock.

Because of the hypocrisy involved, the entire idolatry thought needs to be discarded. Ministers are adulterers, priests are pedophiles, pastors love them some man. 

Sexuality if taught to a child would rid the world of the stupidity that claims if a person loves another person it is shameful. Education and embracing sex could possibly rid the world of many evils. 

Physorg reports that porn does have an effect on sex crimes, porn might actually reduce the occurrence. 

Maybe if we could get all the ministry to watch, they'd leave our kids alone.

Fair Lilith

Before happily dead terrorist Jerry Falwell died in 2007, one of his disgusting comments on current events regarded Lilith Fair. He decried that the fair was about, well, demons. 

Yes, demons at the turn of the century. His spokesperson, Beth Bragg, stated he had not read or written the article for the National Liberty Journal, but that he also had the highest regard and confidence in the senior editor of the paper. I would think that says that, whether he wrote it or not, he endorsed the thought.

I enjoyed several of the quotes from the old article. One stated that, "Many young people no doubt attend the Lilith Fair concerts not knowing the demonic legend of the mystical woman whose name the series manifests." Another stated, "According to pagan legend, Lilith dwelled with demons after leaving Eden and went mad after witnessing the execution of her children. As a result, she went on a killing spree, seducing and murdering her own demonic male offspring and then slaying their children."

Sure.

Six months before the turn of the century and people still mention the ridiculous with a straight face. Amazing, but of course they still do it every sunday in every city and town in the entire country. 

Think about that for a second.

Lilith Fair was the brainchild of Sarah McLachlan. During the first three year run it raised ten million dollars for women's charities, and we know that doesn't set well with the christian masters. It was revived last year, still gets a lot of attention. Great acts, great purpose; all the components of hellfire sin? 

Lilith's history is about equality. One story claims she was created for Adam first, but when she wouldn't obey the limp dick bastard's orders, she was tossed out to make room for Eve, a hopefully more subservient creature. She didn't want to be on bottom all the time. Another godly screwup ignored.

The reason the Fair was named Lilith was to promote gender equality, nothing more. 

The Reverend found it blasphemous that the fair was named Lilith, since Lilith wanted equality with man, and you know that's just not happening in the home of a christian cock.

Though this happened a decade ago, I think we shouldn't forget the absurdity that religion brings us every day, every month and every year of our lives.

Crime vs. Hate

Laws have been written to protect minority lifestyles, or minorities, from being the object of attacks from those with either racist or religious mindsets, by creating harsher penalties. I've heard conservatives argue against hate crimes because they say if a person kills or hurts another, it's probably derived from hate. They miss the entire point.

So, what's the difference?

Bigotry or bias would seem to be the key thoughts. Hate crimes are acts committed against someone because of a characteristic that can not be changed. Either ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion; probably could add more to the list.

So where does an atheist stand? We're not a religion, we're not any of the above. I have never seen anywhere that atheists are recognized as a minority group.

What about crimes committed by a christian? If a priest molests a boy, if he ever gets to sentencing, will it be harsher? Being young is a characteristic that can only be changed with time, but I've never heard it called a hate crime. How about the killing or injuring of someone who works in an abortion clinic? I guess since you could find other work, possibly the case could be made that the job is not an intrinsic characteristic.

If you look at the most recent case, Dr. Tiller's assassination, was the suspect charged with a hate crime? Is a far right religious entity the same as the KKK? I say they are. The prosecution made the case during the trial that the act committed was a hate crime and that the sentence should reflect the act. The sentencing did not.

Just food for thought, does religion, because of the unwarranted respect given, get a free pass?

The most vocal opponents of the Hate Crimes Prevention act of 2009 were the Traditional Values Coalition and the American Family Association. They do not want anyone to muzzle their hatred, even though the bill doesn't strip their freedom of stupid speech. Priests have to talk badly about homosexuality, it's one of their favorite parts of the bible.

Conservative politicians also tried to warp the bill by saying it would effect the religious expression and religious freedom of millions of americans. I guess talking shit is what freedom means to a theist.

I wonder if all the dissent is a smokescreen to protect religiously produced hate.

famine

bloated bellies,
pleading eyes,
gangly limbs,
twitch then die.

dirty brown water,
diseased throughout,
brick hard earth,
breaking picks.

scorching sun,
temperatures rising,
science sees a problem,
money says no.

christians peddling misery,
praying equals hope,
hope dwindles fast,
god doesn't answer.

kill thy neighbor,
resources dwindling,
owned by few,
jealously guarded.

mansions lit,
gardens watered,
could feed thousands,
instead of two.

clean their houses,
get some water,
mow the lawns
for a cup of grain.

stinking bodies,
never washed,
hold them closer,
comforts all you've got.

Cultural Isolation

Being an outspoken, or at least out of the closet, atheist, can have a definite downside; isolation from your local community. Sure, you might find one or two fellow atheists to converse with, but for the most part, you're on your own.

It's definitely not for the weak, takes strength to be the person you are. More than likely, there are many more atheists in the area, but they would rather be hypocrites than live in seclusion. Again, to be honest with what you think, perhaps know, to be true, takes heart; lots of heart.

I met a couple a few weeks ago. He was a programmer, she a hospital administrator. We have gotten together a few times now, very enjoyable. Our discussions were great. Talked about work, about politics, about music and about the community; we talked about life. The last time I talked to them religion was brought up. He is a catholic, she is spiritual. I, being of sound mind and body, replied, "I am an atheist."

I sure am going to miss the hugs from that pretty lady.

Hopefully we will get together again and discuss our thoughts on religion. This is the risk you take when you identify yourself as an atheist, but one that must be taken. I'd rather not see those two again then pretend to be what I am not.

That is the dilemma atheists face in this country. We know the statistics; atheists are the least trusted segment of the American population. This problem will remain as long as atheists stay silent, (here comes the usual rant). If you are an atheist, don't hide that fact. We are neighbors, coworkers and friends of the religious. Don't let them intimidate your thoughts, don't hide.

I wonder if the isolation is more self imposed than real. Is it easier than being on guard all the time? I have no longing for the company of idiots. That is the only thing to be gained by being an atheist in the closet. You get to socialize with people who think you are insane, how nice. You get to be part of a community that despises your thoughts.

Are the mundane parts of life those that should be chased? Are the inconsequential meanderings of the local village idiot something we should strive to attain? Are these atheist goals? Not.

I understand we are social animals and that for the most part, we need to interact with society. I'm just not sure if that need should undermine our ability to be honest with ourselves.

I will not pretend to live my life based on a moral code that only survives because of fear, simple as that.

I'd rather have isolation than foolishness.