Bus Campaign Hits NZ December 11, 2009
Posted by Ian in Religion.Tags: Atheism, bus campaign
2 comments
The atheist bus campaign has finally made New Zealand after it’s high profile beginnings in the UK and subsequent uptake across the US and other countries. I am in support of the campaign in New Zealand. Many religious opponents claim it is proselytising but it is more about bringing the debate to the surface in a country that is largely secular.
The ad says “There is probably no god. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” (more…)
The Nature of Morality November 25, 2009
Posted by Ian in Morality.Tags: Morality
60 comments
Continuing on from my previous post I thought I’d offer my thoughts on the nature of morality.
Often discussions of morality focus on whether or not morality is objective or subjective but I am starting to realise this discussion is poorly framed. We need to approach morality with a robust understanding of exactly what we are talking about and not just with vague nebulous concepts. (more…)
Why don’t atheists kill? October 17, 2009
Posted by Ian in Morality.8 comments
Wow it has been a chaotic last 2 months! This post has been in the back of my mind since I got back from my trip and that was a long time ago – a lot longer than I thought actually!
In this post I want to address one of the common arguments about morality against the atheistic position.
Travelling August 21, 2009
Posted by Ian in Miscellaneous.5 comments
Hi all
In a couple of weeks (2nd-6th September) I am heading to Hamilton and/or Auckland for 5-6 days and haven’t really planned anything so if anyone in that part of the world wants to catch up for a coffee or beer then let me know!
In other news I have a few half written posts I must get around to finishing which might be next weeks job!
Cheers
Ian
My Personal View of Science July 6, 2009
Posted by Ian in Science.Tags: Science
8 comments
Jonathan on another blog said:
I am also intrigued to find out what you think the limits of science are, and indeed, how you would even define science. If you have some time and inclination, please share. I am genuinely interested in your view on this.
Since this is an issue which I think is very important, I’m happy to oblige. What follows is my personal view of what science is and what its limits are.
I can haz youtube video? June 17, 2009
Posted by Ian in Miscellaneous.Tags: History, youtube
4 comments
Given the growing trend of educational and otherwise interesting videos on youtube I figured I’d have a go at it to see what I could do after I discovered Windows Movie Maker was included with windows. (more…)
Why not why? Language and such. May 22, 2009
Posted by Ian in Miscellaneous.Tags: Language
36 comments
Welcome to my relatively direction-less rant about “why”, definitions and language in general… 
Genesis 1: What does it actually say? April 13, 2009
Posted by Ian in Religion.Tags: Bible, Genesis
16 comments
Christian creationists claim that genesis trumps science for an explanation of origins. While the general claims of genesis are well known it has been a while since I sat down and actually read the thing so today I did just that. All of genesis 1 is repeated below along with my commentary on a verse by verse basis. Since all the versions of the bible seem to say similar things I chose the King James Version (taken from the bible gateway here) as the version to analyse. Some scholars say the original texts are the only relevant ones, while others say that the most recent are the closest to gods intention. The KJV sits right in the middle and seems to be quite commonly referred to. Not being a biblical scholar I don’t have much more basis for my choice than that but ultimately it shouldn’t make much difference – the story is pretty much the same. (more…)
The Paradoxes of God April 10, 2009
Posted by Ian in Religion.21 comments
One of the peculiar things about religion, and specifically about various descriptions of gods, is the number of paradoxes that seem to pop up when trying to have proper discussions about it. This post explores some of the ones I have come across in no particular order. While of course they don’t “prove” anything, they are fascinating to think about and also provide some interesting challenges for theists. (more…)
Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism April 7, 2009
Posted by Ian in Religion, Science.4 comments
This is another excellent video series on youtube by youtube user AronRa along the lines of the Made Easy and Why Do People Laugh at Creationists series I have blogged on earlier. This video series sets out to highlight fundamental falsehoods underlying creationism rather than addressing the specific claims of individuals. (more…)
