By now, many of you have probably seen the study that shows that atheists, liberals and sexual exclusive males tend to be more intelligent.

Young adults who subjectively identify themselves as “very liberal” have an average IQ of 106 during adolescence while those who identify themselves as “very conservative” have an average IQ of 95 during adolescence.

Young adults who identify themselves as “not at all religious” have an average IQ of 103 during adolescence, while those who identify themselves as “very religious” have an average IQ of 97 during adolescence.

While I find this interesting, it is important to take this with a grain of salt. It makes sense that many who would declare themselves as atheists tend to be smarter, as most atheists use a system of logistical thinking versus faith based. Remember these are just statistics though. Personally I know many atheists who have shown themselves to be incredibly stupid.I also know many highly intelligent religious folks. You can’t just look at these numbers and begin to judge others. I realize that to say we are “all created equal” is bullshit, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat each other like its true. At least until others give us a reason not to. I’m not trying to say this study isn’t great news, I’m just worried some people will use it as “scientific ammunition” to backup their foolish elitist beliefs.

I’m sure you are familiar with the phrase “One bad apple spoils the bunch”. It seems like we may have another case of this unfolding. Just because somebody is an atheist, doesn’t mean they want to burn down churches. Of course, that won’t stop the media from misrepresenting things and putting atheism and demon worshiping together.

From DallasNews:

One of two East Texas church arson suspects kept books on demon possession and atheism as well as assault rifles and guns, and may have left graffiti offering inside information about one of the attacks in a local store bathroom, according to court records.

Jason Bourque, 19, was under police surveillance on Feb. 13 when he went in the bathroom of a ranch store in Tyler, according to one search warrant affidavit filed in Smith County District Court.

Investigators later found an upside-down cross topped with flames carved onto the store’s bathroom wall, the documents said. Beside the cross were the words “Little Hope was Arson,” an apparent reference to the first of 10 churches burned in the spree that terrorized three East Texas counties.

…

A search of Bourque’s home after his arrest recovered books titled Demon Possession and The Atheist’s Way.

Also seized from Bourque’s residence were a Chinese-made SKS assault rifle, a Ruger 7 mm rifle and two .22-caliber rifles, a GPS and several pairs of brown shoes.

The thing is, it doesn’t even explicitly say the guy is an atheist, but he very well might be. I mean I own a copy of the Bible and a book about alchemy, but that doesn’t make me a Christian Alchemist. Unforutnately, I’m betting the average Bible-Belt American will make that connection. I see this all the time when I’m asked if I “worship Satan” or if I “dabble in dark magic”. Atheism is not connected with any supernatural phenomena. I don’t merely reject Yahweh, I reject his counterpart Satan equally. It is completely unfair to blame the actions of one fool on atheism in general. Personally, I’d never burn down a church or anything like this. Clearly the media is once more trying to make atheists out as the “bad guys” and I fear they may succeed.

I always enjoy reading the different variations of this analogy. Plus it is fun to pull them out when the inevitable “BUT ATHEISM IS A RELIGION!!!!!!!” rant starts. So I thought I would try and list as many as I can find/think of. Please feel free to contribute via the comments!

Atheism is a religion like not collecting stamps is a hobby

Atheism is a religion like health is a type of disease.

Atheism is a religion like off is a TV channel.

Atheism is a religion like abstinence is a type of sex.

Atheism is a religion like a big mac is healthy. (Yea this one is kind of iffy, but laughable.)

Atheism is a religion like bald is a hair color.

Atheism is a religion like clear is a color.

Atheism is a religion like sitting on your ass is a form of exercise.

Atheism is a religion like the way that Fox News is a reputable and balanced news source.

Atheism is a religion like celibacy is a sex life. (Similar to one above, but oh well.)

Atheism is a religion like starvation is just a different kind of eating.

Atheism is a religion like anarchism is just another political theory.

Let me know if you think any of these don’t work, or how they are recieved among others.

Today I have another guest post from frequent commenter, James Smith. As usual, he brings up some excellent points. Enjoy.

There is no substantive evidence for an omnipotent father-figure deity as postulated by the Christian/Jewish/Islamic tradition.  So without religion can there be morality?  Certainly, because true moral behavior is based upon simple self-interest.  The guiding ethic is to truly act in your own best interest.  That would mean treating all people fairly, honestly and, as it says in the Hippocratic Oath, “Cause no harm.”  Religions invent all other “sins” to increase their control over people.

Practitioners such as atheists live in a state of enlightened self-interest.  An individual’s self-interest is best served by doing no harm to others except in defense of themselves or those in their care.  This thinking does not need threats of eternal punishment to follow, It only requires thinking about what will ultimately yield the best results for yourself.  Treating others fairly and generously is always better for yourself, personally, financially, and socially.

For example, robbing a bank may yield temporary wealth, but at the expense of either a prison term or a life of fear, running from the law.  Similarly, cheating others in business dealings may increase profits for a time.  Eventually, your reputation will be so poor that your business may fail.  This is a simple principle that “It’s always cheaper to make a customer happy than it is to make him angry.”  That same idea can pay dividends in ordinary human relations.  For reasons I don’t understand, few businesses or people appreciate this idea.  Maybe it’s because they operate on deist principles?  Everything is forgiven if you repent before you die. Although that wouldn’t seem to help those you cheated, treated badly or even murdered.

So should nothing be discouraged?  Should everything be permitted?  Capable, informed individuals could engage in any activity that interests them even if it puts them personally at risk.

An example would be an automobile race.  It is certainly dangerous to drive at racing speeds and it is equally dangerous to stand near the race course to observe or record this event.  Two people may choose to do these things if they understand and accept the risks involved.

One question that arises from this would be, what if one or both of these people have a spouse and children that depend upon them for financial and emotional support?  Should they still do this knowing that if they are injured or killed it will cause some degree of harm to these dependents?  If they choose to do so, does anyone else have the right to prevent them?

Those are ethical questions that can and should be debated, but each person must be free to choose his own answer.  No other person, religion, or government should have the right to make these choices for us.  You can do what you want if you are prepared for all possible consequences, no matter how remote the possibility.

Yesterday I was using StumbleUpon and I found an incredible site. The site is: TheArrogantAtheist.com. Basically they sell atheist attire. Look at some of the shirts:

“A lie is a lie even if everyone believes it. The truth is the truth even if nobody believes it.”

What would Nessie Do?

The text has the Betrand Russel quote that starts off “I believe that when I die…”

The Jesus Fish meets its match, the barbecue.

Pretty cool stuff if you ask me. And they also have bandannas, pins, and hats. One thing I really liked was they sell feet to put on your Jesus Fish. Could be a fun present to give to a theist friend. They also sell the barbecue image printed on an apron. If you are looking for some sweet atheist gear I would highly suggest taking a look. You will probably be able to find atleast something you like.

People seem to throw around the term “angry atheism” a lot like it is a bad thing. Yet, sitting around doing nothing will not make a change in the world. Religious groups always get attention because they actively seek it. I am not saying we should do the same type of crazy shit they do, but we need to do something.

But first, you’ve gotta get mad!… You’ve got to say, ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!’

If something is bothering you, take action. I applaud the Freedom From Religion Foundation in the efforts it makes. It seems like whenever a major event happens they step up and send out letters and lawsuits.This is a perfect example of what we need more of. Join as many secular groups as you can and get out there and support their efforts.

We probably shouldn’t start whining and bitching about every little thing though. Sure it gets the pastors on the tv, but all they do is look like asses. If you are an atheist, you need to realize that every time you go out into public you represent us. Being blatantly rude and annoying, will only set us back further. It is only through an educated and careful approach we can expect to change the way people think. Yelling out “You’re WRONG!” solves absolutely nothing. Actually, it might reinforce many theists prejudice against atheists. Imagine if someone walked up and called you a fucktard because of your atheism. Did that change your thoughts any?

When I am having discussions with theists, many come into it assuming I am an evil person, close minded, and hellbent on destroying everything they hold dear. It doesn’t matter that it isn’t true, people are already thinking it. Angry atheism is the way to go. Go out in your community and talk with other people, atleast try to understand what they believe and why. When atheism is able to climb out of its considerable stigma, maybe we will be more accepted. That’s all I really want, to be accepted for who I am and feel free to live my life. Humanity needs to work together if we ever want to acheive peace.

Apparently the School Board in Indianapolis has forgotten that the Constitution applies to them. The FFRF has sent a letter to them in complaint of this. And of course here comes the kicker, you can still visit Christian sites.

This policy does not prohibit or even mention religious views such as Christianity. A website like FFRF.org, which educates on freethought and nontheism, would, however, be blocked under this policy. This promotes religion over nonreligion, which is forbidden under the Establishment Clause.

Christianity is obviously the religion of the good, faithful, conservative American. Those evil atheists are unacceptable though. It does block other various sites though. According to the policy, atheistic views, Satanism, Witchcraft, spells and the like all fit into this category. Although as long as you direct your spells to Jesus and call them prayers, it is a OK. I see another flaw in this too. Wouldn’t Christianity be a form of mysticism? Google gave me this definition: “a religion based on mystical communion with an ultimate reality”. I’ll assume you can probably still visit the Methodist Church’s homepage though. For another kick in the crotch, they have also banned all LGBT sites. Hopefully this will be resolved without a trial, but if it goes that far the school will most likely lose. It is a pretty clear violation of the Establishment clause and of freedom of speech. Ridiculous.

I seem to remember reading somewhere an analogy about losing one’s religion that had to do with a switch. This is a pretty perfect symbol for the phenomenon. Personally I never had the switch turned on, so I don’t really know the anagnorisis of finally seeing the truth. I guess I was just very lucky my parents did not indoctrinate me in anything and let me decide for myself. Curious about what it is like, I put out a Tweet on Twitter asking people what it was like. Here are some of their responses:

It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders when I finally admitted it to myself. I realized I could be a good person without religion and that I had already been.