Comments for Homo economicus' Weblog

Comment on Putting childhood things away as a child because of religion by muggleinconverse

muggleinconverse — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:50:56 +0000

That video makes my skin crawl. When I think of all the books and CDs I was made to throw away…
I remember not being allowed to watch ‘Scooby Doo’ which confused me as the “ghosts” and villains always ended up being people, never actually supernatural. It wasn’t until much later that I realized that I was being taught that magic and witches and the whole lot were supposed to be real when I had always accepted them as fantasy. Ugh.

Comment on Tony Blair Islamophobic? by kpspong

kpspong — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:54:48 +0000

True, but I do think there is a case to be made that TB and NL were so busy proving what funky, feng shuied, re-birthed kinda guys they were that they patronized all kinds of religious & New Age mysticism, thus helping legitimize them. Mr Ansar, along with other nonsense mongers have benefited from this. Blair and NL were hardly the first, or last to do this (how many in our current govt support homeopathy, or have cozied up to right wing Christian groups?). It’s a central problem for our system of government. With our (unelected) head of state also being the head of a church, mysticism is hardwired into our nation’s (unwritten) constitution.

Comment on Tony Blair Islamophobic? by John Sargeant

John Sargeant — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:47:36 +0000

Misses that the ideology problem within Islam is global, and with modern travel and communication the issue of how to prevent radicalisation to violent jihad runs much deeper than just central government. A key role in organising, but not the main player by any means on the issue.

Reason I am so critical of Ansar’s response. As a spokesman in the media he has a platform to take on the ideology. He would rather defend Islam, deny there is a problem caused internally, and slur people who point out there is an issue that needs challenging.

Labour did try responses (tagging, house arrest, long detention periods etc) but it is not just about government. It is about faith leaders, and the rest of us, speaking up for pluralism, religious freedom and democracy.

Apathy and disillusionment is something we can challenge, and civil society provides outlets for dissent which can make a difference.The evidence for that is the political process.

It works far more effectively than terrorism does.

Comment on Tony Blair Islamophobic? by kpspong

kpspong — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 23:15:41 +0000

Saw this response by Damian Thompson
http://soa.li/E47nxwP Not totaly fair, but bit about new labour’s “flatulent platitudes” has, something to it.

Comment on CFI Women in Secularism opening remarks controversy by Women in Secularism 2: Breaking News: Even at WiS, we have to defend the purpose of WiS! | Dissent of a Woman

Fri, 31 May 2013 03:33:03 +0000

[…] Homo economicus’ Weblog: CFI Women in Secularism opening remarks controversy […]

Comment on The Critical Thinker Gives No One a Free Ride by mistertricker

mistertricker — Wed, 29 May 2013 21:38:27 +0000

I think you and I are on the same page when it comes to Dawkins. Maybe I should also write a piece about his influence on my life which began with the 1991 Christmas Lectures.

Comment on Homophobia has no natural rights by hannahraphy

hannahraphy — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:19:44 +0000

I’m straight, but homophobia angers me. Good post!

Comment on Pope woos Atheists, do not fall for it by Francis Philip

Francis Philip — Mon, 27 May 2013 17:11:23 +0000

I did not orient my comment based upon how Hitchens died. I apologize for causing you grief in this way – certainly not intended to disrespect Hitchens’ suffering or your suffering with him in his illness. I’m very sorry.

Comment on Pope woos Atheists, do not fall for it by Francis Philip

Francis Philip — Mon, 27 May 2013 17:08:47 +0000

No sir, we’re all affected by concupiscence – not just atheists; we’re all “ill.” But Hitchens was very loud – screaming out in opposition to the beliefs of many more peaceful and tranquil people who seem to have adjusted better to the idea of One greater than themselves.

Indeed, we are living in a more serious time – one which calls, very seriously, for self-reflection and humility.

Comment on Pope woos Atheists, do not fall for it by John Sargeant

John Sargeant — Mon, 27 May 2013 16:54:40 +0000

You made up a fictions quote from Hitchens inner self which given he died of cancer was in bad taste. You remark atheists are ill.

Condescending that you think you can read anyone’s inner self, and obnoxious what you made up.

Then again theism has that affect on some people.