While some form of nontheism is a necessary condition of humanism, it isn’t sufficient. And for a long time Bill Gates’s putative nontheistic personal philosophy hasn’t seemed sufficient in the light of a number of... Read More

After hearing reports of the explosion in Manchester last night, like many people my reaction was “not again.” No doubt extensive media coverage would focus on the “responsibility” of moderate Muslims to contribute more to... Read More

There may be no more dishonest political debate in the country right now than the one over “net neutrality.” And, like most dishonest political debates, the lying with fingers plugged in ears and scaremongering with... Read More

On January 5, 1477, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, was pulled from his horse and his head was cleaved in two by a Swiss peasant. The weapon that peasant used was called a halberd.... Read More

Have you felt a gentle Gallic breeze with a hint of wine and cheese wafting in from the East? That was France’s collective sigh of relief (OK, 66 percent collective). And the breeze with hints... Read More

Scotland considers a change to organ donation policy The government of Scotland is considering adopting an “opt-out” organ donation policy, and the Catholic Church isn’t pleased. Under opt-out programs, also called “presumed consent,” a person... Read More

When I read that legislation was under consideration in three states (Texas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota) that would allow for legal discrimination against non-Christian, non-heterosexual couples in their pursuit of adoption, I was incensed. Texas... Read More