Why Admit a Higher Power?

Why is it so important for people to admit that there is a higher power? To me it would be depressing to say this higher power wants to fuck up my life. For me it is liberating to know that I am in charge of what goes on in my life. I really dont understand why AA has to admit there is a higher power. I know that the power doesnt have to be a god, but still. I dont understand how that is helpful. Does that mean you have to let go and say you arent in charge of your disease? I dont get it, but if it helps people than awesome.

Religion in Art

As a person who loves the arts, and hates organized religion, is it strange that I really enjoy religious art work? Particularly dark religious art work? Pieces that show the struggle between man and god, and man questioning god's existence. Even though these works are created by faith filled people, does it joy me to see them struggle with their delusions? But having the education that I have, I also understand that if it weren't for religion, then the arts would not have developed as they had. Maybe I love religious art because of the raw emotion it creates. Even though I don't agree with religious tradition, I do know that they have a place in history and society. Can I bring a piece of artwork with a message of faith and god into my home? I'm not sure. I have not yet. But, I have seen many pieces that could make me cross that line. But for me it is a scary line to cross. What does that make me?

Jesus Comic

A friend showed me this really funny Jesus comic/graphic novel thing. If you haven't seen it you should check it out. Let me know what you think...

http://www.badkarmaproductions.com/jc/

Religious Child Abuse

Okay, so I know that there is the whole separation of church and state right...but should the state interfere when it comes to cult like religions and the well being of small children?  Is it in the best interest of the child to be forced to practice a crazy weird religion when they aren't in the right mindset (age and maturity levels) to decide if this is the religion they want to practice?  In most cases the cults prey on "lost" and vulnerable people, it is a form of brainwashing.  I know there is freedom of speech, and I enjoy that every time I post to this blog.  But when it comes to children I have mixed feelings.  If an adult wants to be in a crazy religion rock on...but when they bring their children into it i feel it is neglect and abusive.  But should the state intervene?

FSM

So I finally got on the Flying Spaghetti Monster boat...you know, the pirate ship and all. I am reading the gospel right now and it is so funny! If they have to teach ID in school as scientifically valid then they must teach FSMish too; it is as simple as that. I can't wait to finish and report back.

rAMEN.

The Fair Tax

Okay okay, I know this is an atheist blog, but I don't feel like posting about lack of belief today. As we speak I am on hold with the fucking IRS. So today I'm going to write about how awesome the Fair Tax would be if we stupid, greedy Americans put it into action. For those of you who do not know what the Fair Tax is, I'll tell you. It would do away with the IRS and the federal income tax. People would no longer be taxes on how much money they make, but how much they spend! That's right, the federal income tax would be replace with a federal sales tax. What turns people off most about this sales tax is that it would be 22%...BUT there is already a 20ish% embedded tax in everything so companies can comply with the IRS tax laws. Well if the Fair Tax was passed, then there would be no embedded tax...thus making everything approximately the same as it is now! The best part is this; you KEEP 100% of your paycheck! You only have to get taxed on new goods and services that you purchase. The other best part is the pre-bate you get every month from the government. That's correct, they'll pay you! You get a predetermined amount of money every month for your family to cover the tax of the necessities such as food and clothing. This seems too good to be true doesn't it? Well it isn't! There will be no more tax evasion. Aliens will be paying taxes, drug dealers, mobsters, hookers, all those who work under the table. That is why they call it the Fair Tax! Everyone pays!!! Okay so the Pros...100% of pay kept; government pre-bate; no evasion by the rich; only taxed on new goods and services; no April tax crunch time; sales tax that equals an embedded tax that will disappear; and you only get taxed on what you buy, so if you don't buy anything, you DON'T pay! Cons..........hmmm....nope, can't think of any. If you are interested in learning more, a really great book to read is Neal Boortz and some other dude's The Fair Tax Book. Or visit http://www.fairtax.org

Community

What is it about the human species that makes us long for community, especially a faith based community. I remember growing up my mother regretted not taking my sister and I to church because we were not part of a youth group where we could meet other kids. Even as an adult, I wonder where people meet each other and the church idea always pops into my head. But I cant go to a place to be singled out by a bunch of believers, I wont meet the kinds of people that I have something in common with. Then I think, "maybe I can join some kind of atheist group." I think that and then I feel like we are stealing the idea of a non-faith based community from the theists. It gets a bit confusing. Can there really be a church for atheists? I know there are groups out there, but are we copying them because we want something they have? I like meeting and talking to other atheists, but amongst ourselves we have so many different beliefs. Would there be service type non-worship? Or would we just sit around talking about how the christians are wrong? That seems so negative. Maybe we could just sit in each others company knowing that we have this one thing in common. I dont know, but being the only person in town with a Darwin Fish on the back of my car makes me feel strange. I do long for a community of atheists, I just have to find the right group.