freeinfidel

There are many assertions that the religious make - either in defence of their faith or as an attack against atheism - that have been so thoroughly discredited that they amount to bald-faced lies. This random and sporadic series of posts will look at some of the most popular.

One of the problems with those infected by religion is that their faith often takes the place of research, a willingness to learn and - yes, it has to be said - intellect. That’s why many of these untruths remain in circulation. The faithful never question them, never learn the truth, because religion deals in unquestioning belief, not logical debate or rational enquiry. And so the same old platitudes and myths get trotted out time after time.

I thought I would collect together responses to these lies as a resource for atheists and rationalists. Some of those I intend to deal with over the next few months include:

• Darwin embraced Jesus and recanted evolution on his deathbed.
• Atheism is a religion.
• Only religion can provide a basis for morality.
• Evolution is just a theory.
• Atheists are believers in denial.
• The worst wars and acts of genocide were caused by atheism.
• Atheism is the cause of social decline.

I would greatly welcome suggestions for other subjects, other myths. I will also update each post in the light of any suggestions or comments. Stay tuned…

Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee might just be the perfect candidate. With a preference for myth over truth and a willingness to publicly parade his ignorance, he’ll fit right in at the White House.

Standing before a crowd in the small town of Newton, Iowa, Huckabee summed up his election hopes with a familiar quip. “It’s scientifically impossible for the bumblebee to fly,” he said. “But the bumblebee, being unaware of these scientific facts, flies anyway.”

It was the perfect statement for Huckabee, an evangelical christian who is not shy about his dismissal of evolution and his desire to see creationism (in the dishonest disguise of ‘intelligent design’) taught in schools.

It was perfect because it so ably demonstrates Huckabee’s own qualities. For a start, it’s a lie.

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