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Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

I believe in free money, also.  Catholic taxpayers could fund my education!

Atheist or Religious?  I'm Buddhist - God is what I make it.

I am a bit dismayed that you seem so much to want to fight the ignorant. Most all of you logical pleadings are in vain. You cannot eliminate the basis for fear (existential aloneness vs. consensual identity) to be overcome by battling religions essentially on their own level. There exists however a psychological state of acceptance that perceived evil must first begin with one's own knowledge of it (self-hate). How are you going to convince the religious right that they really hate themselves and project that hate onto others?  I suggest you go into ages before the Bible's writing to the complete history of religion (our era beginning with the Aryan folk gods, precursors to all modern religions). Psychological security in tribal identity is exactly the reason we are not all one. And of course those "terrible" animalistic impulses that the religious falsely disavow themselves from. But do you really believe that you can get someone to understand anthopology psychology and neurochemistry when its so much easier to believe in fairy tales?

Atheist or Religious?  Religious

Hi, I think Jerry Falwell is the DEVIL INCARNATE. The people of America are a loving and kind lot and this EVIL MAN is trying to spread HATRED instead of LOVE. He is a SLUR on the society of HUMANITY.  He has maligned every religion beginning from Christianity to Islam. I hope the government of America takes necessary steps to stop this MAD MAN before he causes more chaos.  May the spirit of the good LORD remove this DEVIL from our vicinity.  Praise the Lord! Thanks!
 

Response from the Ethical Atheist:  We agree with you completely.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

You should read and add THE LUCIFER PRINCIPLE (Bloom) to your reading list. It is a must for any free thinking individual.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

Excellent site! Great articles, keep up the good work!

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

I'd be very grateful if you'd pass my email address on to Kenneth Brown  - I'd like to ask him more about Steven Layfield, Head of Science at Emmanuel.  For Ken's consumption - I'm the guy who broke the story about Emmanuel this year. Need some background on Layfield. Please mail me. Thanks. Lots of people still interested.
 

Response from the Ethical Atheist: We forwarded your email to Kenneth Brown.  We can't provide his email to you because he asked that it be kept private.

Atheist or Religious?  Agnostic/Atheist

Looks like somebody is peddling a new belief system, even proposing that the earth might explode! I think this would be a good one for review at EthicalAtheist. Enjoy!

 http://www.thiaoouba.com/

 http://bioresonant.com/cgi-bin/start.cgi/tp/ulog.html

Atheist or Religious?  Agnostic/Atheist

I just found your site from atheists-for-jesus.com and thought you might like to add these articles and consider my quotes from and about them after reading your article on religion evolving. Your site is very well done, thanks for creating it. I have added it to my website of share bookmarks as well.  Paste this into your browser, long couple of articles, keep scrolling. Not too difficult for me to see that what my Great Grandmother Mary said that "Religion is just to keep the little people "in line." and I might add, "In line for political and power/money purposes."

http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/interviews/int2002-09-12.htm  ..."I sometimes say that God has a very grim sense of humor, because so many of the areas on these religious fault-lines are also the key oil-producing regions. So, religious politics are oil politics. I'm not sure how much we've taken that fact aboard.

Let's imagine another situation, which is not too hard to contemplate, in which you had a full-scale war break out in Nigeria between Christians and Muslims, with the prospect of millions being killed. The potential there for drawing in regional powers, or powers concerned about oil wealth, is enormous."

MORE LINKS and there are more links to great articles within once you get to each article!
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/96aug/nxtchrch/nxtchrch.htm
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2002/02/lester.htm
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2000/10/wolfe.htm
 

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Thank you for writing and providing these great references.  It is scary to realize the Catholicism of the Southern Hemisphere going 'backwards' to superstition and lack of 'reform', as mentioned in the article you referenced.  We will probably add a new page on Religious Evolution or revise the existing one.  This phenomenon totally escaped me until you mentioned it.  I've actually traveled in Bolivia and Peru and was shocked at what I saw.  It's highly Catholic and seems to be the Church of the 1600's.  It never evolved down there and everyone believes in mysticism and the supernatural.  There is a booming business in palm reading, tarot cards, witchcraft and spells and miracles.  Very scary stuff.  Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

Looks to be a great site, with some funny and informative articles.  Keep up the great work.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

I've been an atheist for 21 years. Went to catholic school for 12 years. I was in grade school when things didnt click. I thought I'd throw this at you - There was a man, named Jesus.  We know pilot didnt wan't to kill him.  Back when they crusified you.  They put the spike in the wrist not in the palm of the hand as they did with Jesus.  He didn't rise from the dead.  Pilot mended him but told him first that he's been causing an uproar with the townspeople to leave and never come back or he will have to kill him.  There you have why the rock was moved and no body was found.  They say your body dies but your soul lives in heaven.  How come jesus's body also went to heaven.  Just a thought I figured I'd share.  maureen

Dear Mr. Atheist,

Can you please tell me why the following are happening even though we have a right-wing conservative administration in the White House?  Are they not praying enough or how about this one,"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GOD".
 

• WTC destruction and all the people to go with it.
• Anthrax
• West Nile Virus
• Record Wildfires
• Record Drought
• Record Bear Market
• Removal of "Under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance (9th circuit court).
• Greedy corporate executives destroying shareholder and employee's lives.
• Missionaries getting beheaded.
• Child kidnappings and murders.
• "Thou shall not kill" commandment being violated (war in Afghanistan, soon to be Iraq).
• Intense hatred of the people of the US by most of the world (they should love us since we are a Christian nation).
• Catholic priests molesting children.
• Global warming.

 

 

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Dear "Looking for Mr. Godbar" - Ah, grasshopper - you see, as the religious people tell us, we do not know God's plan.  We should not attempt to understand the divine nature of what God has in store for us.  With the WTC, maybe God needed 3000 more angels and enlisted the evil devil to help restock his angels?  Or, as Jerry Falwell claims, we brought this all on ourselves because of our actions.  The record wildfires could be due to sodomy by elk and deer.  God took care of this evil sexual activity by demonstrating his wrath in the form of fire. Drought is God's way of telling us we shouldn't be living in certain places. Bear market:  The bull had his day and the bear is just being given a little time in the spotlight.  Of course, all of this is just conjecture by a feeble human, fore we cannot expect to truly know his plan.  Another claim made by religious people is that God only intervenes in the beginning and end of human's time on earth.  It is 'free will' that allows us to do all these things that bring the wrath of God to us.  But, wait a minute.  If he's not intervening, then whose wrath is it?  And what about all those miracles that supposedly happened?  If it wasn't God, who was it?  Or were they even miracles?  There was a great 2-hour special on PBS - Frontline last night called "Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero" that had much of these "Where was God?" questions about 9/11.  I highly recommend visiting the site and watching the next airing of the show or see the Transcript.  Most of those questioning "Where was God?" were priests, ministers and rabbis.  If they don't know... who does?!

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

Definitely B Group....  [Refering to our survey in "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words".]

Atheist or Religious?  Fanatical Atheist

An excellent site you have here.  It must never be stopped.  Only when we as a people move beyond religion, will we truly be free.  It may not be in my lifetime, but I am sure going to give it a giant push.  My faith rests with you my fellow man, now and to the end of my time.  See the light of LOGIC.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Thank you for the kind words on the site.  We plan to keep it alive and growing forever.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

For a long time, I never believed in God, but wanted to explore my options in terms of choosing a faith.  I went to the Anglican church with friends and also to mass at a Catholic church - and it didn't take me long to realise I DIDN'T believe in ANY religion, nor did I want to.  The evidence from science regarding evolution and other natural phenomen far outways the myths contained in the bible.  The bible was written by people who could have never fathomed what would be discovered thousands of years into the future, that would prove their beliefs in creation and their creator to be overwhelmingly false.

As a woman, I could never believe in a God that advocated the 'hatred' and discrimination of women, treating them as subservient to men.  I could never put my faith in an organisation that denied me my right to choose, and that is so hypocritical in it's views.  I can't understand how women of these faiths could either.  Lastly, I just can't understand how people believe in religion of any denomination, when the scientific proof is there to offer the most credible explanation for our creation, and continues to prove the bible and scriptures of every faith to be WRONG.  How can people believe the world was created 6000 years ago, when we have found dinosaur skeletons, indicating that the world has been around for millions of years at least.  Some of the stories in the bible are so far-fetched, that one would think if you believed in them then you would have to believe in fairy tales such as Rapunzel and Snow White!!  (Which actually happen to be more believable!!)  I have kept an open mind, but to me it defies all logic to believe in a god and religion.

I would also like to congratulate you on your website - I read many of the articles and links and think it is a very useful resource.

Thank-you!!

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Sorry it took so long to reply to your kind email.  We, too, am amazed at how religions discriminate against women.  It never makes sense that there are so many women willing to follow this nonsense.  It's as if they are willing to be subservient.  In most cases, we think they just do not read the Bible.  In other countries, like those in the Middle East, it is far worse.  But, there they have "laws" to 'keep the women in line".  We wonder if the religious in the human race will ever see the light....  Thank you for the kind email.  It gives us energy to continue our work.

Your section on the flat-earths maps was very interesting.  However, I think it is very important to note that the last map shown had the caption stating that Robert Schadewald was the Flat Earth Society's President.  Actually, that was Charles Johnson, who passed away last year. Robert Schadewald was the president of the National Center for Science Education.  He passed away in 2000 and is probably turning in his grave from the error you have printed.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Wow.  That was a mistake!  Thanks for pointing it out - it's been corrected, so Mr. Schadewald may now rest in peace again.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

Being raised roman catholic, and going to a catholic school.  I have seen first hand the hypocrisy of the church (the world's oldest franchise).
   -give us your money
   -give us your time
   -give us your mind
   -give us your children
   or you and your children are sure to burn.

Why do you have to be baptized at birth?
  Because it's the best way to get new members to join the club.

Why must you go to church each week?
  Because you must pay your tax and sit for an hour to get your weekly brain washing.

And what should happen to you if you want to leave the club, you will burn.

I have looked long and hard at religion.  Only to find it had to be man who wrote the book.  Because so much of the information given is wrong.  It is little more then a control, something to keep the people in line.

I do think that Jesus had a good message, but as one man to another.
Just as men like Martin Luther King had a good message.  One that should be shard with the world.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Well said!  We agree.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

I have a question I hope you could answer for me.  Once I read a bible verse that said something like... "God and his men defeated this town and God had said to the men they could each take a women that had not yet seen a man and to save so many for him."  Have you heard of this verse and do you know where it is in the bible?  I would love to be able to quote it.  Thanks for your help.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Ah, yes, that great moral story is in Numbers, Chapter 31.  You can find it at: http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/num/31.html#1

31:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
31:3 And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.
31:4 Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.
31:5 So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
31:6 And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.
31:7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
31:9 And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
31:10 And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
31:11 And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.
31:12 And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near
Jericho.
31:13 And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.
31:14 And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.
31:15 And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?
31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
31:17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
31:18 But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

Atheist or Religious? Atheist

I live in north India, and was born in a Hindu family.  In this part of the world, we have muslims, hindus, sikhs jains, buddhists and innumerable local sects-all preaching their own mumbo jumbo.  Majority of the people are religious and follow the rituals.  Religious conflict has taken millions of lives in this part of the world.  In 1947, when Pakistan was created, an estimated 1 million muslims and hindus/sikhs killed, maimed and burnt each others property.  My family was a victim of the carnage in 1947.  I am 54years old, and what I have seen in this world, compels me to state that as long as human beings are insecure, illiterate, poor, hungry, unsure of the future, dissatified etc., they will try to seek refuge in religious mumbo jumbo of all types, and these fears will be constantly exploited by those who benefit from this.  More on this another time.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Thank you for writing.  We will add this to a new India page in the World Index of our site.  (And any other info you may provide in the future.

Atheist or Religious?  Very Atheist

In god we'd rust.

Atheist or Religious?  Religious LDS

I saw a meteorite fall to the ground.  It was large, about the size of a small car.  It rolled down the side of a mountain.  Need money and help to recover it.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: David, Are you serious?  Where did you see this?

Yes, I'm serious!  I was deer hunting and hiking on a trail just before dawn.  Suddenly, I noticed my shadow and it was moving rapidly.  I looked up to see were the light was coming from just in time to see a large fire ball passing over head.  The fire ball died out an a large red hot boulder tumbled across the sky with a swishing sound.  The meteor hit the side of a mountain about a mile away and rolled down the side.  It was still red hot, and cooled rapidly.  Some small pieces broke off when it hit.  But, the largest piece just bounced down the mountain   Regards, Dave

Response from the Ethical Atheist:  Good luck in your search and recovery efforts, but we don't have funding to support such efforts.

Dear - Ethical Atheists,

My free eBook titled: Marriage of Mind and Body" will not only complements all religions but will also  help atheists come to terms with God.  The reader will Learn, who we are, what we are, why we are here and how we all relate to the Universe.  For the past 21 years since 1981 - I have researched with a pendulum and have discovered many things that will give the reader of my eBook, food for thought.  I also disclose a physical experience I received between the years 1981 to 1984.  I know my ebook will offend many people that have strong religious belief but the truth of my words can be verified when reading the 12 short chapters.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

The picture of the guy getting his palm nailed is especially ridiculous because crucifixion requires nails through the wrists to hold the weight of the body.

Atheist or Religious?  Epicurean

I think you should include what is possibly the single most compelling argument put forth by Epicurus.  If God is willing to defeat evil and not able, then he is impotent. If God is able and not willing, then he is malevolent. If he is both willing and able, whence then is evil?

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Thanks, we've added it to our quotes page at:  http://www.ethicalatheist.com/docs/quotes.html

Atheist or Religious? Religious

I just read some of the comments from Pat Robertson (or whatever the guy who runs the Christian Coalition is called) and he sounds like a fairly scary guy. Even though I am a deeply religious person I believe that the separation of church and state is necessary and should be total. Simply because of people like him who believe that perpetual and absolute Christianity can be achieved by legislation based on biblical law. This is basically saying that the entire nation of the United States can earn god's favour by voting for his party. Seeings as this is an atheistic site I won't waste my time giving scriptural refutations of this idea. safe to say there are plenty and guys like this are to be feared and attacked by both Christian and secular society, lest their views catch on and drag us back to the dark ages. For this very same reason I do not vote for the Australian equivalent of the Christian Coalition, Call to Australia. I simply refuse to vote for a party who's main selling point is their own religious beliefs.

Response from the Ethical Atheist: Brett, Thanks for writing us.  It is very refreshing to hear from a religious individual who believes that the "separation of church and state is necessary and should be total".  We do not run into this view often in the U.S.  We fully respect your right to have religious views and it sounds like you respect our right to have secular views.  This is how it should be, right?  Unfortunately, we are witnessing a conflict here in the U.S. between the two sides which is damaging to the cohesiveness of our nation.  Our founding fathers were fully aware that mixing religion and politics can produce a volatile nation which may result in a premature demise.  But, we are digressing with the likes of Pat Robertson (scary he got so many votes!); the addition of "Under God" to our Pledge of Allegiance; prayer and the attempts to get the Ten Commandments displayed in gov't funded schools; etc, etc.

We wish that both sides could respect each others rights and stay out of government, as our Constitution & Bill of Rights mandates.  We are concerned with the religious conflicts that are increasing on a national level.  At a time when we are facing outside terrorist threats, one would think the nation would be more cohesive.  Instead, religious views are dividing us.

Also, referring to 'voting for God's party', you stated "Seeings as this is an atheistic site I won't waste my time giving scriptural refutations of this idea."  We constantly strive to be open minded and would love to hear from you on this topic.  It may help us both in countering the Christian Coalitions & Call to Australias of the world.

Atheist or Religious?  atheist/humanist

Hi, like your site a lot. 1st. i'm looking for an essay (my server got reset, lost my bk mrks)the essay's title (i think) "the morality of an atheist" atheist named eve going before god on judgment day. ends with eve choosing oblivion over eternity with a monster like him. if you know where it's at, i'd appreicate it. 2nd. the hubble piture that shows thousands of galaxys, when correlated with the o.t.(bible) we have a god that created billons of galaxys, each with hundreds of billons of stars, spread across billons of light years of space. AND he lived in a tent carried around by a group nomands in the desert 3500 years ago, also he finds the smell of burning goat flesh pleasing. (some this is from a couple of different quotes from the "atheist fortune cookie" file. thaxs, david, member freethought assoc. of west mich.

Response from the Ethical Atheist:  Did a Google search and found this on Eve, morality, heaven, etc.  Looks like what you were looking for: "An atheist on Judgment Day."  http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/judgmentday.html

Atheist or Religious? Atheist

My boyfriend is religious, but I'm not, and he wants to get married.  I want to marry him, but I really don't feel like it's right, or want to, get married in a church.  I'm not sure what to do or if there is a way to get married without involving religion.  I guess I'm mainly just looking for advice or ideas, and came across this website.  Thanks for anything you can help with be it ideas or otherwise.

Response from the Ethical Atheist:  Meredith,  Many apologies in the delayed response.  The Ethical Atheist has been very busy lately!  Forgive us if the following sounds like a "Dear Abby" article. We would caution you to take your time and carefully evaluate your situation.  You may be thinking that you want to continue to marry this person if he agrees to a non-religious wedding.  HOWEVER, the feelings you have now will be significantly magnified when and if you ever have children! We have first hand experience with this and also know many, many others facing the same dilemma with their kids and spouse.  It can easily destroy a marriage which is a horrible outcome for everyone involved.  We also know of conflicts between different religions in a marriage such as a Judeo-Christian mix.  One side gave in and agreed to a wedding in the other's church with their customs.  But, as soon as kids entered the picture, the conflicts began....  "I don't want our kids to learn that!  I don't believe that and don't want them being taught that."......  or, "You can teach them your religion too if you want to, but I'm taking them to my church because that's the only thing I know."  Believe us when we warn you that these conflicts can be severe - To a religious person, they are a matter of life and death... or should we say "life and afterlife".  They may feel that their children will not be joining them in the afterlife if they are taught the opposing religion - and this is enough to shatter the marriage.  You may also run into conflict with your new in-laws.  If they are religious too and know that you are not, they may purposefully attempt to drive a wedge between you and their beloved son - they too want their son and grandkids to join them in the afterlife.

Well, enough of the long-term warning and back to the wedding.  There are plenty of ways to get married without a religious ceremony.  You can use a justice of the peace and get married on top of a mountain if you want.  You can write your own ceremony and vows that make no mention of religion. However, our feeling is that you will run into resistance from your boyfriend if you do this.  If you agree to get married in your boyfriend's church, beware of the consequences.  For example, a Catholic church may require you to "convert" to Catholicism and sign a statement that you promise to raise your kids Catholic!  Another option in common-law states is just to announce that you are married... and your done!

Our suggestion: Carefully evaluate this and discuss it thoroughly with your boyfriend prior to any wedding plans.  Make sure you get a firm commitment from him on how you will raise your children too and what any in-laws will be told about religious beliefs are lack thereof.  Best wishes in your discussions and decision.
 

Atheist or Religious?  Does the pope have a tail?

The Hebrews grew out of Caananite region, about 900 BC; the rest is myth according to university scholars.  See jeromekahn123.tripod.com/webrings.  I am commenting on your page about Abraham.  The Bible is a very poor source for history.  Please don't spread lies.  Feel free to use what I published.  I like your page on bible law, and will publish, if its OK, an edited version of it.

Atheist or Religious? Atheist

On your pledge page, you said it's the wrong time to bring this up. In a way it's the perfect time. After 9/11, people started turning to God or whatever. People started singing 'God Bless America' on the steps of court houses, etc. I've heard 'God Bless the USA' so many times I think I'm gonna explode. The point is when god is mixed with any word meaning patriotism, it likes math, adding two things to equal one. People automatically get this idea that God is with our country even though hundreds upon hundreds of people either burned to death, were crushed to death, or fell to their death. People think in order to love this country, you must love the [Christian] god mentioned in the pledge, songs, etc.

Response from the Ethical Atheist:  Thanks for writing - we appreciate hearing the views of others.  This is a difficult issue for us - one which we have wavered on frequently.  At the present time, we are swinging back to a position similar to yours that "now is the time" and we'll post your message in our Pledge of Allegiance page.  Our only concern was that it would do additional harm the image of atheists (e.g. being unpatriotic, etc).  However, those out to attack atheists already claim this - so what's the difference, right?  Your message and our reply will be posted on the Pledge of Allegiance page shortly - also expect a rewrite of the page to say that "now is the time", with a cautionary note about possible damage to the atheist image.

Atheist or Religious? Atheist

On your Pledge page you say that this isn't the right time to fight this battle. But Michael Newdow has been fighting this battle for several years (the original lawsuit referred to Clinton as president). Would you have him drop the lawsuit and waste all the time and money he'd spent because it wasn't likely to be well received? There will never be a perfect time for a battle like this. As such, NOW IS THE TIME. When you're talking about defending our rights, it's ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME.

Response from the Ethical Atheist:  Thanks for contacting us.  We appreciate conflicting views and intend to make your view known to readers of our site.  This is a difficult issue for us - one which we have wavered on frequently.  At times, we agree with your position that "now is the time" and we'll post your message in our Pledge of Allegiance page.

Atheist or Religious? Atheist

I stumbled across your web page and really enjoyed poking around here.  I'm an engineering major (formerly biology).  My study of evolution was the first thing that made me realize that humans have the ability to figure out the universe and faith is just a shortcut to knowledge.  I'd like to suggest a book added to your suggested reading list...   'The Blind Watchmaker' by Richard Dawkins.  I think this book is a must for anyone who wants to know why and how human beings came to be.  It also gives an atheist extremely powerful arguments for evolution and against our 'conscious designer'.  I also think 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand is a must for any atheist seeking a higher purpose for life.  I believe the only way a person can follow religious dogma successfully is to deny their own ability to reason.  The only hope for this world lies in education.  I think kids should be taught evolution and world religions from an unbiased and factual base.  Young people should be encouraged to 'think' rather than 'follow'.  The number of kids is growing while the number of good parents is declining.  If our future holds a world of peace and enlightenment there will be no room for religion or intolerance of other's beliefs.  I don't think we as atheists should persuade others to follow us.  However, we should encourage people to think for themselves.  If every human being reasoned for themselves there wouldn't be millions of people belonging to one particular church.  When I was 17 I realized that the only reason I was Christian was because my family told me to be Christian.  People usually don't choose their religion, they inherit them.  Churches gain more and more followers because their leaders and missionaries target people that have emotional problems.  No happy person who is content with their life could possibly be converted.  People tend to join churches and religions because they are lost and insecure and seeking an answer or guidance.  Or, maybe they are lonely and just want to belong.  People should accept each other's religions rather than try to persuade others to be a part of their group.  Many religions and churches desire to gain more and more members, which gains them more and more power.  Their power comes from the fact that they have a huge influence on the way their members think and believe. Power is the greatest evil on the planet.  Hatred towards people because they believe something different than yourself stems from your own insecurity about your beliefs.  Knowledge is the only defense that people need in order to not be brainwashed by power seekers.

Other than that, my best words of advice to all people are "Lighten Up !!!".  The greatest mind of the past
century said that success in life is having a sense of humor.

have a nice day  :- )

Response from Ethical Atheist: Thanks for writing and providing the book recommendations.  We will put these on our list of "Books to Read".  We don't like to recommend books we haven't yet read, so we will read them first prior to recommending them on the Ethical Atheist site.  We appreciate your recommendations because we're always looking for good reads.  We agree with many of your thoughts on religion, education, reasons for people being attracted to churches, etc.

To the Editor,

Press Release / Book Review

By Jermon L. Carter
2063 Main Street, PMB 160
Oakley, CA 94561
925-625-5818

Title: The Great Christian Hoaxes  07-01-2002

Millions of people believe the ecclesiastics myth that Jesus is the Son of God. My parents believe it. So did their fore-parents, and so on for generations.

Without suggesting they had rocks for brains, I will say the myth of Gods having babies by humans went out with Hercules.

So who was the real father of Jesus? Where did the Genesis version of the Creation come from? Who was Noah really? And Moses—was he simply pieced together from existing Egyptian and Mesopotamian legends?

Is Christianity an original religion, or was it patchworked from the then popular and widespread Mithra religion?

This highly researched book, six years in the making, looks under the myriad of smoke thrown up by those who have the most to gain by perpetuating the hoax: By those who tried diligently to destroy every thread of evidence of their scam by burning every book they could find: Burned at the stake people whose views differed from theirs.

Self professed “holy men” raping boys: Men who, over the centuries, have tried every possible means to keep us ignorant of the facts — even to determining the books we are allowed to read. Consider Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903), “The books of apostates, heretics, schismatics, and all writers whatsoever, defending heresy or schism, or in anyway attacking the foundation of religion, are altogether prohibited.”

Up his! This is the twenty-first century.

This very informative book is available at www.asgayle.com/christ.html. Download text version in PDF format for $3, or order book with pictures and maps, $14.95 including shipping.

NOTE: Editor, If you care to review the text version of the book, email me and I will send the download address.

Response from Ethical Atheist: Thanks for letting us know of your book.  It sounds interesting and along the lines of topics on our site.  We would like to read it in the future, but at present, we have a stack about 3 1/2 feet tall of "to read" books.  We will try to get to it someday.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

I like your website.  Please contact me.  I'd like to get more info via e-mail.  Thanks.

Response from Ethical Atheist: Thanks for the kind comments.  What additional information are you seeking.

More info on creationist Steven Layfield, the "Head of science" at Emmanuel College,Gateshead since Jan 01:
Before that he was "Head of science" at St Bede's Roman Catholic school in Bradford, West Yorkshire.  Also chaiman of Bradford Creation Science Group!

Ken Brown

(It's ok to display my name if you wish,but please do not show my e-mail address, thanks).

I realized that i sent you to the wrong website-though i don't agree with everything foundingfathers.com says, it in no way compares to the absurdity of foundingfathers.org.  Please check THAT website out.  It will blow your mind.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

As for the howling going on this morning about the oath of allegiance, nothing could be more wrongheaded than the comments of the christian majority who complain that the minority are "leading them around by the nose".  Tyranny of the majority is exactly what the constitution was designed to prevent.  If these people spent more time reading the constitution rather than the bible they might know how wrong they are.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

If we are to sustain a secular and restrained government in the US we MUST help the electorate understand the difference between "One nation - UNDER GOD" as a phrase which offers submission to theist views....and can be differentiated  from the voluntary askance of "God Save (or bless) the US" by those of belief.

It is not the expression of belief that offends me -- it is the requirement that we must place our nation "under God" (or really someone's interpretation of a diety) instead of a common reasoned government which by constitution, is supposed to be respectful of all views, which places me in terror.

In 1954 -- as a seventh grader --I started keeping silent during the new portion of the pledge.  Today I still get questions of why I fall silent on those words.  Today those who question me actually think the founders wrote those words to the pledge with a sincere "Christian" belief.

Even those years I tested personal membership and sincerely tried to "believe" in several organized religions, I maintained that practice in saying the pledge.  Government and theology MUST be separate!

And I am concerned that this ruling, in its correctness, could trigger the start of an American Inquisition and a further thrust by the Christianian fundies to place those of us who reject a supreme being as a rational acceptability into the same category as those who bring mindless terror to us for religious reasons. This is a broad category that says  that we are "obviously not Christian" and not even worthy of existance.

The real question. at this instant, then becomes, how do we who are rational Atheists enter this discussion? How do we have a  real effect -- and find the strength to bear the disdain and abuse we will receive for expressing our beliefs.

We must not submit to ancient mindless and well funded superstitions, but how do we successfully do that under a government that is so ready to subvert civility for its own purposes -- even cloaking those purposes in religious terms.

Gregg Chmara
Tucson, AZ

Response from Ethical Atheist:  We share all of your concerns on this issue of the Pledge of Allegiance and are constantly amazed how little Americans know about our own history.  We, too, hear from that this part of the Pledge proves America is based on, and founded as, a religious & Christian nation.  The issue of rational Atheists countering these arguments is a VERY difficult one indeed.  We too fear a strong backlash reminiscent of the McCarthy era if we attempt to support the decision. But, in the end, that is what we must do.  Religions in America will always find ways to make Atheists look bad, immoral, unethical, unpatriotic, demon-possessed, etc.  The only thing we can do is stand by our positions, remain rational and publicly express our views.  Thank you for writing and sharing your concerns.

I recently wrote you concerning the website www.foundingfathers.com.  I wrote this because of my problem with people not fully understanding how the founding fathers actually felt about religion. NOW the fed courts have declared the pledge of allegiance to be unconstitutional.  The back lash from christians has included [you've guessed it] the faith of the founding fathers and how this country was founded by men of faith.  REALLY?  I don't claim to be more intelligent than everyone else-but i can read and what i have read about the founding fathers proves to me  that any argument against this recent ruling that concerns the "faith" of the founding fathers is a blatant disregard for the actual beliefs of these men.

Followup Email from William:  I'm dying here guys, I need another human to experiance the insanity of www.foundingfathers.com.  I want to make sure i am not crazy and this website actually exists.

Response from Ethical Atheist: Regarding the argument with the Pledge of Allegiance, we couldn't agree with you more.  There is a lot of false statements made regarding our founding fathers by religious organizations.  The site you referenced is another example of this.  In the summary of Chapter 11 of the book they are selling, they state that they will "clearly establish that America was founded by Christians, and its government was framed upon Christian principles of law and order based on the Ten commandments."  This couldn't be further from the truth.  There are many web sites with articles correcting the false assumptions made by Christians.  They provide quotes from the founding fathers and many other influential individuals during this time.  The list is endless.  Here's a few sites:

Our Founding Fathers were not Christians
  http://www.mbdojo.com/~rssl/foundingfathers.html

The Founding Fathers Were Not Christians
  http://www.dimensional.com/~randl/founders.htm

Ethical Atheist - QUOTES PAGE
  http://www.ethicalatheist.com/docs/quotes.html

The Faith of our Founding Fathers.
  http://www.postfun.com/pfp/worbois.html

Debunking the Christian Democracy Myth:
  http://monotheism.us/

The Founding Fathers Were Not Christians
  http://www.ffrf.org/fttoday/march96/morris.html

Words of our Founding Fathers:  Refuting the notion the US was founded on Christianity:
  http://www.freethought-web.org/ctrl/quotes_appendix.html
 

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

Hi! I've just discovered your website and am enjoying it quite a bit. The hate mail section is pretty amusing. I love the e-mails from Fuious Furious at veryfurious@yahoo.com (I'm sure all of his fury is of a good Christian nature.) Creationist nonsense is always hilarious.  I guess by "the 'Baby' chart," Brainiac there is referring to Haeckel's drawings of embryos to show pharyngeal arches. Haeckel did exaggerate them in support of a pet theory of his own -- a theory that was rejected by all other scientists long, long ago; it has nothing to do with evolution theory. Creationists love to say that his drawings are used in textbooks, but they never actually name any textbooks that do this. Textbooks do, however, show photographs of embryos, and those arches are plain to see. They exist, no matter how much creationists hate them. If you're a vertebrate embryo, you have pharyngeal arches, and that's that.  Methods of dating the Earth do not contradict each other. The very reason scientists are so confident in their results is that all those methods yield the same result. This is another area where creationists refuse to be specific, but that's because not a one of them understands radiometric dating to begin with. They have a handful of  standard lies regarding clams 'n' lava flows, but as always they have no clue what they're talking about.  The $250,000 offer in question is that of Kent Hovind, who is a slimeball even by creationist standards. His challenge is a sham. For starters, he misdefines evolution and then insists that someone prove *his* definition rather than that of biologists. He wants someone to prove that life evolves from rocks even though science doesn't say life evolved from rocks; and he wants the Big Bang to be proven beyond all doubt. What astrophysics has to do with biology is anyone's guess.  Creationists can't tell the sciences apart. To them, all of science is defined as, "Stuff that's hard to understand and that makes Baby Jesus cry." Oh, well. At least this guy left out the standard "it's just a theory" canard. Among scientists, "theory" doesn't imply uncertainty.  Creationists should ask anyone who's ever seen a nuke explode whether he thinks of atomic theory as "just a theory." Or ask a doctor whether she thinks germ theory is "just a theory."

Blah, blah, blah.
Anyway, excellent site. Keep up the good work!

Response from Ethical Atheist: Excellent points.  Wasn't aware that Kent Hovind's $250,000 offer requires you to prove *his* definition rather than that of biologists.  Figures.  How much evidence does it take to turn the Creationists around?  Eventually they will right?  We can only hope.  But, there were a lot of religious people that insisted everything orbited the earth.  They eventually had to acknowledge their error.

Atheist or Religious?  Atheist

After reading through a large portion of this site, I've become very pleased and amused. Everythings said so logically and truthfully, and as stated several times, I certainly cannot comprehend how some deem the bible, or any religious scripture to be the truth.  In responce to "Your site is rabidly anti-Christian, with little or no mention of other religions (which in itself is a testimony to the truth of Christianity)."  I see no logic in that, and :in itself is a testimony: of how willing to believe Christians are. By pinpointing the flaws of Christianity you are doing nothing but disproving any validity the bible or religion may have had.  A top of this, my boyfriend and I were wondering how Star Jones can say "Everything that I have ever accomplished has been with god's help." when it was a doctor, a medical proffesional who removed her tumour. Not god, but Science saved her. 2,000 years ago god could have done NOTHING to save her if she had been in the same situation since they didn't have Scientific measures. *I capitalize Science since that is what I deem far more important than god.

Response from Ethical Atheist:  Thank you for the favorable comments on our site.  And, yes, Star Jones' letter is a "piece of work" isn't it?  Typical religious logic.  Please read a response we received from one of our readers.  It is a reply to Star Jones using the same format as her letter.  It is very well written and takes the side of a Scientist, not a Christian.  It will be on the site shortly and will be referenced in the next E.A. newsletter.

Atheist or Religious?  Religious

I enjoy your site!! One thing:  The fact you may find some church fathers speaking of a spherical earth does not mean they actually endorsed such a notion. Augustine really thinks the idea stinks.  However, just in case it does work, well, you saw it first on his web site, so to speak.

Response from Ethical Atheist: Thank you for your comments.  It is always refreshing when we can place comments from religious people in the "Favorable Comments" page.  You may be right about some of the church fathers like Augustine.  Through our own research we have found accurate history to be very difficult to obtain.  The evidence of the Church's blunders in other areas of science like planetary motion, earth-centric universe, origin and nature of stars, etc. is extremely damning of the Church.  Though they may have existed, it is not so easy to find significant numbers of flat-earthers in history.

I'd like to say thank you! The EA website is excellent.

Now, please tell me you've read this crap... If not, please do!  http://www.chick.com/bc/2002/snake.asp

Oh, did I mention that I had a "vacation bible school" invitation hanging on my door this afternoon? I wasn't able to get to the door in time to be able to accept the invitation in person. Oh, what a treat that would have been.

I don't think there will be any problem being excused from that school.

Keep up the great work EA!

Kelly

Response from Ethical Atheist:  Thanks for the kind comments!  As a child, we too had to withstand the mythological lies and brainwashing of vacation bible school.  By the way, these three words, "Vacation Bible School" are probably three of the most conflicting terms ever put together!  Yes, the article you refer to ("Two-Headed Snake Makes Monkeys of Evolutionists") is "crap" as you mentioned (as is everything published by Jack Chick - the originator of "Chick Tracts").  Personally, we've never seen a two-headed snake.  But, mutations do occur in nature.  The author of this article is very confused.  He claims that this is "proof" of the fallacy of natural selection in evolution.  Actually, it is proof of its TRUTH.  There are many experimental variations of species that can be studied throughout paleontological time.  Natural selection weeds out the unsuccessful variations.  The article is correct that we don't see many two-headed snakes.  They also correctly point out that these snakes would likely fight or have mobility problems in escaping predators like a hawk.  This is natural selection in action and the reason we don't see evolutionary iterations producing large numbers of two-headed snakes.  Thanks for writing and informing us of their ridiculous conclusions.

Subject: CATHOLIC SEX ABUSE PROBLEM WAS SYSTEMIC www.mapdot.info/soapbox8.htm Bioethics of Church Sexual Problem: A Process-Systems Approach

May I respectfully submit that you put  "the phenomenon of randy religious vocation and attendant biological confusions" on your agenda as a bioethical issue for discussion.

Have you seen my satirical "pamphlet", "Celibate_Bioethics.pdf" you can ask for it. Or, better, now see a version of the text at www.mapdot.info/soapbox8.htm

Bill Helem ( I told them so! )
Revisiting a little campaign some 30 yr ago.

Response from Ethical Atheist:  You have some interesting points.  To say that we are disturbed and angry about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church (and elsewhere) would be the understatement of the century.  Good luck in your work!  And "G'Day" as you say down under.

Subject: People Fly Planes into Buildings because....

US global power and its track record of military interventions (currently over 400) give the IMF and the World Bank immense power over indebted countries. Developing countries are forced to divert funds to debt repayments and focus their economies on industries that can earn foreign exchange, primarily resource extraction. Western standards of living are consequently sustained at the expense of health, education and social services in developing nations.

Radical terrorist groups in part fill this vacuum in social services. Hamas in Palestine, Madrassas (religious schools) in Pakistan and Hezbollah in Lebanon are three Muslim examples. Without alternatives grateful civilian populations adopt these organisations ideology and hatred of the west. Providing a steady stream of suicide bombers.

This hatred is reinforced by the central goal of US foreign policy, the preservation of its disproportionate consumption of world resources. In the Middle East this resource is oil, a commodity that with only 5% of the world's population the US consumes a quarter of the world's output. America has systematically denied the people of the Middle East the right of self-determination that it pretends to so treasure. Repressive and brutal regimes have been financially supported while democracies have been undermined. Aid to Yemen was cut off within months of the newly unified country's first democratic election in 1990. US support was instead directed to its "twin towers", Saudi Arabia and Iran (later replaced by Iraq). Support for each has backfired dramatically with first the Iranian Revolution, then the Gulf War and finally September 11 (the majority of the hijackers were Saudi's).

Why? These regimes served only to enrich themselves and their Western corporate backers leaving the majority of the region's people dispossessed and destitute. Denied human and democratic rights, living in poverty and excluded from any share of the immense wealth that gulf oil generates these people have generated an intense hatred of the west. A hatred that makes death for what they see as a good cause a welcome relief.

We have the power to stop this cycle by changing our foreign policies and transforming our selfish and exploitative consumer based societies. Start today by distributing this message and by altering your lifestyle.

Response from Ethical Atheist:  Unfortunately, we do not dictate U.S. foreign policy.  We are often in disagreement with U.S. actions in other countries and have frequently made our views known through the proper channels (e.g. with letters to our representatives in Congress and the Senate; and letters to the President).  We are not in the IMF or World Bank, so we cannot influence decisions on foreign lending.  We are not representatives of foreign governments requesting the funds and we obviously didn't have any role in deciding how the money was spent.

We, as atheists, do not find ourselves conflict with Muslims, except in their promotion of intolerance; promotion of violence; and restricting the rights of man - three traits which are not unique to Muslims, but are found in all religions in one form or another.  We do not agree with your position that the violent acts of Hamas & Hezbollah are in any way justified, or O.K., because of any U.S. action.  We do not subscribe to the theory of an eye for an eye - or two wrongs make a right.

You are correct that America is an extremely consumeristic society which consumes more than its share of the world's resources.  However, consumerism and use of natural resources is not limited to America.  All developed and developing countries are guilty.  However, this is a difficult problem to address because everyone wants the luxuries of technology, energy, etc.  We don't know how to solve this insatiable desire.  Do you?

Regarding us personally, we drive fuel efficient vehicles, conserve electricity wherever possible and recycle any materials someone is willing to take such as newspapers, bottles, cans, etc. So, thank you for writing, but we feel we are doing our part.  Why don't you take your concerns to your representatives in government.  They aren't always responsive, but they are driven by reelection concerns.  So, if enough of their constituents share these concerns, they must act or face leaving office.

I mentioned Reinhard Krueger to you.  I discovered that he published, in 2000, two volumes of a work called Eine Welt ohne Amerika (A world without America, with 866 (yes 866) pages on the shape of the earth from 60 BCE to 1080 CE.  I am going to order it from the publishers.

Response from Ethical Atheist:  Thank you for the info on the recent book.

Hi,

I was just looking at the Jesus statues - it occurred to me that they really only represent a small part of life. I have some suggestions for more statues and I wanted to know what you think of them.

1. Young women going to the gynecologist for the first time are often nervous. I really think that if they saw a statue showing that Jesus was with them and actually helping the doctor that they would be comforted.  Perhaps the statue could depict a young woman "in the stirrups" with a sheet tastefully draped over them. Of course you wouldn't want to encourage pedophiles so perhaps only the doctor and Jesus could actually see under the sheet. Maybe Jesus could be handing the "salad spoons" to the doctor.

2. My husband tells me he has his most religious moments in the bathroom. However, he is concerned because a lot of men have heart attacks in the bathroom. So I think that if he could see a statue to remind him that Jesus was with him he would be comforted. The statue could depict a man sitting on the toilet but again you wouldn't want to show "certain things" so maybe the man could be reading the newspaper. Jesus could be sitting close by perhaps with his arm around the man's waist helping him have his "moment" safely.

3. The one time I really want Jesus near is when my husband and I are intimate. I think that if I could see a statue showing that Jesus was actually there helping us I would be comforted. I was really impressed with the baseball statue. Jesus was actually standing behind and helping that little kid to swing the bat. That is so sweet. I thought perhaps the statue for intimacy could show Jesus with the man's "bat" helping him get a "home run". Of course, this statue would only be for married adults so you would have to clearly show their wedding bands. Perhaps those could actually be made out of gold. That would be a good selling point.

Those are my ideas so far. What do you think? If I send these to the manufacturer do you think they would make them?

Peace,
Jan

Response from Ethical Atheist:  Thank you for writing.  Please accept our apologies for taking so long to respond.  The Ethical Atheist was on another extended trip through the desert southwest.

1. Jesus at the gynecologist sounds good.  Maybe Jesus could hand the "salad spoons" to the doctor in a crossed position?

2. Maybe Jesus could end the need to even go to the bathroom?  It represents the body's ridding itself of "waste" products.  Since all food and water is here for God's children to gain nourishment from - why is there waste in it at all.  Surely, it would be easy to correct this little oversight.  God just needs to give us more pure food, resulting in no waste.  Then, the whole issue of heart attacks in the bathroom would be gone.

3. Maybe the "Jesus in the Bedroom" statue could even come with an instruction manual to make sure you get the deed done - but without having any enjoyment.  Surely, we aren't supposed to have any fun during the process, right?  (But, then why did God put all that highly sensitive tissue there??)

Ironically, I'm sure you would get sales should you market any of these.  We're convinced that ANY type of religious merchandise sells, especially if the salesperson makes you feel guilty and unfaithful if you don't buy it.

Atheist or Religious?  Agnostic, man

It really pisses me off to see religous peeps wine about all the war and hatred going on in the world, when it just might be religion that is causing most of it in the first place (go figure).  I commend you for your reason and understanding of the issues you addressed.  After the recent child molestations by Catholic priests, I'm thinking of staying away from my local church.  I might have more respect for the pope if he wasn't such a rich old fart.  :P

Subject: Flat earth and babylonians?

Hi!

I am writing an article about flat earth myths for the culture section at Dagens Nyheter, which is the leading morning paper in Sweden. I started with the thesis that no one really in the whole history seriously have thought that the earth is flat. Either they didn´t ask the question, or they knew it was round.  After reading your e-book, and according to Prof. Russell who I have interviewed, I am sure that is the truth for the western civilisation since 500 BC.

But how about the other civilisations? You write that it is clear that the Sumer and Babylonians thought the earth was flat. How do we know that? Specially the babylonians were very skilled astronomers. That should have made them aware of the sphericity of earth. I think. The same for Chineses.

I would be very happy if you could answer my questions as quick as possible, I have a deadline on Thursday, and I would really much like to know your answer.

Your organization seems very interesting I think, but why are you so anonomus? I don´t see any of your names. Who are you?

Best Regards,
Ulrika Engstrom
***
Ulrika Engstrom
Free lance science reporter
c/o
Internationella Byran
Hogbergsg. 60nb
S-118 54 Stockholm

Sweden
Phone: +46-8-642 3390
Cell: +46-704-673891

Response from Ethical Atheist: According to information we have read, the Sumerians and Babylonians did believe the earth was flat.  It's impossible to say what percentage of them believed this, but this is one area that really doesn't seem to be disputed by anyone, so we didn't research it as thoroughly as we did Europe.  Many believe that their flat-earth views were incorporated into the Bible.  Sorry that we didn't meet your deadline for printing, but we were on an extended vacation.

The reason we are anonymous is due to discrimination in America against atheists.  This discrimination comes from government, neighbors, co-workers and even relatives.  At this point in our lives, we do not need this type of discrimination and want to maintain our close family ties - even if we don't believe in their religion.

I forgot one of my questions,  In your chapter in the e-book about 7000 years history you write about the astrolobes, and that they implies understanding of a spherical earth. It also says that the astrolobes history begins more then two thousand years ago.  Where did people for the first time use astrolobes? The astrolobes were invented by who? They were not invented by the greeks, so far I now, and therefore must someone else have found out this about spherical earth?

Best Regards, Ulrika

Response from Ethical Atheist: Sorry for the long delay in responding.  I've been on an extended vacation.  The information I found is in "Astrolabe History" at http://www.astrolabes.org/HISTORY.HTM.  It discusses the origins of the astrolabe being from classical Greece.   It refers to Apollonius (ca. 225 BC), Hipparchus (180 BC), Vitruvius (ca. 88 - ca. 26 BC), Claudius Ptolemy (ca. AD 150), etc.  Then, it proceeds into later Greek times, Islam, Europe and modern times.  Hope this answers your question.

Ethical Atheist,

I just enjoyed reading your “An Update from the Netherlands”-page, but thought it could do with some cold hard statistics. These numbers come from the Dutch Social and Cultural Planning Office (a government agency which does independent scientific research), and were recorded in 1998. I found them in a study called “Secularization in the nineties,” written in Dutch (not surprisingly), but with an English summary @ Secularization in the Nineties (http://www.scp.nl/boeken/titels/2000-3/uk/summary.htm.)

religious orientation
atheist                                            17%
agnost                                            12%
believes in a higher power                 18%
believes in God but has doubts          26%
has an absolute belief in God            26%

considers themselves
non-religious                                   27%
neither religious, nor non-religious     19%
somewhat religious                           37%
very religious                                   17%

- 37% of the people questioned were members of a church,
     - 18% Roman Catholic
     - 8% Dutch Reformed
     - 7% Orthodox Calvinist
     - 4% other

- About 10% of the people questioned attend church at least once every fortnight (14% of the Roman Catholic church members, 30% of the Dutch Reformed and 51% of the Orthodox Calvinists, the “others” weren’t mentioned)

- Belief in certain aspects of religion has risen over the years spanning from 1991 to 1998, this is probably related to the growing popularity of New Age-type beliefs, of which Ben has already made mention. The first number represents the percentage from 1991, the second 1998.

   - Life after death        53   60
   - Heaven                   49   55
   - Hell                        18   26
   - Religious miracles    32   40

I look forward to reading more on your website, and perhaps some of it in Dutch in the future.

Sincerely,
  Arjan Dedden

Response from Ethical Atheist:  Excellent info.  Thanks for the "cold hard statistics".  They are very useful in getting an