Wailing Into The Void

Joe Carter outs Obama as a phony Christian.  A spirited debate ensues in the comments section.  My take?  Some people take religion way too seriously.

Kid, I can’t speak for other fields, but if you’re putting off sex to become a software engineer I can tell you right now that it’s not worth it.

I imagine the whole concept of virginity emanates from that same place in our minds that spawns all the wild superstitions, religious beliefs and various types of magical thinking that plague us to no end as a species.  I suppose prior to the advent of paternity tests it did have a practical aspect, but nowadays it seems that it’s mainly used by parents and religious leaders to shame and stigmatize young women who don’t conform to some set of sexual mores.  Most of these parents and religious leaders probably feel their behavior is justified because, after all, they’re saving young, pure, innocent women from sin, or the Devil, or giving birth to crack babies with SuperAIDS or whatever.  Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, it’s all part of God’s intricate plan.

According to Gallup 44% of Americans and 60% of Republicans generally agree with the statment “God created humans as is within the last 10,000 years.” As a devout Last Thursdayist I believe, of course, that the universe was created last Thursday. I also believe last Thursday was more than 10,000 years ago because I believe God froze the universe in suspended animation for over 500,000 years sometime last Sunday afternoon.

Whenever a scientific discovery contradicts some of the tenets of your religion, you can be sure that one of your clever coreligionsists will co-opt the new findings (or not-so-new in some cases) and retrofit them into your existing belief system, thus giving you the soothing impression that the new findings should actually affirm your religious faith rather than challenge it.

Ethan Zuckerman suggests it could be, but before you go off convinced that homphily is a bad thing just remember that while it may make you stupid it will also make you feel really smart.

You’re not special.  You’re not unique.  There are probably millions of people who are more or less just like you.  You are easily replaceable.  You don’t have unlimited potential waiting to be unlocked.  Chances are you are probably doing pretty close to the best you can. Get over yourself and start enjoying life a little before it’s over.  Stop reading this right now and go for a walk and get some fresh air.  It’ll help you feel better about things.