Religion

Can the Existence of God be Proven (or At Least Be Made a Reasonable Hypothesis)? [new Theist vs. Atheist series column]

The opening of John C. Wright’s latest column in the Theist vs. Atheist series debate at EveryJoe: “This column needs must be thrice the normal length, for I must answer two columns by Mr. Hicks, and address the subject matter of this week’s question. “First things first: “There is nothing in the opening salvo of

Can the Existence of God be Proven (or At Least Be Made a Reasonable Hypothesis)? [new Theist vs. Atheist series column] Read More »

St. Augustine on “Righteous Persecution”

Some quotations and brief glosses on Augustine’s views on the use of persecution and torture in order to save souls. “No salvation outside the church.” (418 CE) “[M]any must first be recalled to their Lord by the stripes of temporal scourging, like evil slaves, and in some degree like good-for-nothing fugitives.” Augustine had defended toleration

St. Augustine on “Righteous Persecution” Read More »

Is Religion Worth Arguing About? [new Theist vs. Atheist series column]

The opening of my first column in the Theist vs. Atheist series debate at EveryJoe: “My answer is: Absolutely, yes, religion is worth arguing about. “We have all heard that in polite company we should not discuss sex, politics, business, or religion. Those topics are too troublesome, so we should stick to safer topics. “Of course such topics are inappropriate

Is Religion Worth Arguing About? [new Theist vs. Atheist series column] Read More »

Update on new debate series on Religion, True or False?

The series of back-and-forth articles debating key issues in religion will begin tomorrow, Thursday, June 11. Our online host is EveryJoe.com, and my civil and friendly debate partner is John C. Wright, who has written widely on religion and related matters. My first article in the “Theist vs Atheist: What Should You Believe?” series will

Update on new debate series on Religion, True or False? Read More »

Spinoza as cautionary tale about asking the wrong questions

An example of using social fear to intimidate students who might ask the “wrong questions.” From a review of Rebecca Goldstein’s Betraying Spinoza: Goldstein tells of “the particularly Jewish way in which Spinoza entered her life. It initially happened, she tells us, in a yeshiva high school for girls. Her favorite teacher, Mrs. Schoenfeld, told

Spinoza as cautionary tale about asking the wrong questions Read More »