Blasphemous Blogging: The Blog of Edwin Kagin

Blasphemy is the crime of making fun of ridiculous beliefs others hold sacred. This blog is about satire, truth, inquiry, and critical thinking. It is about enjoying life before death. It is about how some try to control many through their notions about a make believe supernatural world and imaginary rewards and punishments after death. This blog says that blasphemy is a good thing, a healthy thing, and a good antidote to harmful superstition. This blog is about freedom. Edwin.

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Location: Union, Kentucky, United States

Kentucky State Director for American Atheists. Originator of Camp Quest. Co-Author of "The Fundamentals of Extremism; the Christian Right in America." Author of "Baubles of Blasphemy."

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Answers in Atheism Features Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation

“Answers in Atheism,” the Northern Kentucky based Internet radio call-in talk show, is pleased and honored to have attorney Mikey Weinstein, Founder and President of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, as our guest this Thursday, November 1, 2007, at 7:00 pm. Eastern Time.

Here is some information on attorney Weinstein:

http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/press-releases/jeremy_hall_harassed.html

Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein is Founder and President of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org). He is an attorney and businessman who spent over three years as a White House counsel in the Reagan White House. He was formerly General Counsel for H. Ross Perot and Perot Systems Corporation. An Honor Graduate from the USAF Academy, he served on active duty in the USAF as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) for ten years. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is also author of the book With God on Our Side: One Man's War Against an Evangelical Coup in America's Military with Davin Seay."

Here is some information on the very high level activism being undertaken by Mikey and his organization:

http://militaryreligiousfreedom.org/urgent_issues.html

“Answers in Atheism” can be heard live on the Internet every Thursday from www.answersinathism.net at 7:00 pm. Eastern Time.

Earlier shows are archived.

Our toll free call-in number is: 877.814.9287

See you on the radio.

Edwin.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Answers in Atheism Features Blair Scott; Coral Ridge Ministries Christianity in Action

AMERICAN ATHEISTS

http://www.atheists.org

BLAIR SCOTT ON ANSWERSINATHEISM.NET

THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007

Blair Scott, Alabama State Director for American Atheists will be the guest this Thursday, October 25 on the ANSWERSINATHEISM.NET internet radio program.

Mr. Scott is working on a number of Atheist and First Amendment-related projects, including OPERATION FOXHOLE ATHEISTS. Read more about his activities and sound off at his blog at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=127588169 .

ANSWERSINATHEISM.NET is a new internet-based radio outreach hosted by attorney Edwin Kagin, and airs every Thursday beginning at 7:00 PM ET. The show will be upgrading to a new server shortly to allow many more listeners; but if you can't sign on, you can enjoy all of the programming by clicking on the "Archives" section at http://www.answersinatheism.net .

The free call-in number is 859.384.7000

WHO & WHAT: Blair Scott, Alabama State Director for American Atheists discussing Operation Foxhole Atheists and more.

WHEN: This Thursday, October 27, 2007 beginning at 7:00 PM ET

WHERE: http://www.answersinatheism.net. If unable to connect, listen to the show when it is archived.

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

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Traditional Family Values Department:

Look here. How wonderful! An assault upon Camp Quest, although those making such are too cowardly to say so.

The bible quote they cite, from the cleaned up NKJV version, is more correctly translated in the King James Version as: "[42] And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."

Those priests are in a world of hurt, huh?

This calls for some activism.

So, you have now been informed.

Edwin.

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From Coral Ridge Ministries of Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

Atheism is nothing new, we all know about it. But in the past 12 months there have been disturbing developments in this country. There is a new breed of atheists on the scene. They are skilled men and women mounting an aggressive crusade to "evangelize" America.

Atheists are a minority of the population, but they have made startling inroads into centers of national influence: the media, the education system, movies and television, and more. Famed market researcher George Barna ominously warns Christians: "The new evangelists are atheists."

Just this summer, while our children and grandchildren were away at Bible camp, hundreds of other children were attending a new, nationwide network of camps designed as training grounds for young atheists. These camps feature talks on famous "free thinkers" such as Isaac Asimov and Ted Turner . . . and games such as the "invisible unicorn exercise" where campers must try to prove that imaginary unicorns, used as a metaphor for God, don't exist.

Jesus said, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42 NKJV).

Countless people—young and old—wrestle with doubt. For their sake, you and I must respond to the challenge of the New Atheists. Coral Ridge Ministries is dedicated to combating atheist attacks on Christianity through our media ministry. Media is activism and media is influence. We are going to fight back against the attacks of the "new atheists" by growing Coral Ridge Ministries into a media powerhouse to spread the gospel and expose the lies of atheism with greater force, innovation, and effect than ever before, but we can't do it without your help.

That's why, for your gift today; I will send you a copy of Dr. Kennedy's classic book Skeptics Answered. On any given day, you could encounter someone who has doubts . . . has difficult questions . . . or harbors hostility to the Truth. This book will arm you with intelligent answers to the most common arguments and questions that skeptics use.

Thank you in advance for your gift to help spread the Truth to the world and counter the attacks of the "New Atheists."

Please Click Here to order your copy of 'Skeptics Answered'


In His Grace,

Brian Fisher
President and CEO,
Coral Ridge Ministries

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You can learn more about these self proclaimed good Christians here:

http://www.coralridge.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._James_Kennedy

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?pid=871

http://www.mediatransparency.org/story.php?storyID=1

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Edwin.

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Here are a few responses to this outrage. More will be welcomed. Camp Quest staff and campers are particularly invited to comment.

Edwin.

I love that we're the latest Evangelical boogyman; it shows we're doing our job. They should give us a cut of the profits they make from this latest scaremongering...

-DF

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Hmmm... This is interesting. They are using us as a fundraising pitch. I wonder if we could use their fundraising pitch as a fundraising pitch...

A.

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In response to my inquiry, “Do you reckon we can, in fairness, use them to raise funds for us?”

Sure. Why not.

We can start by accusing them of using children to promote their agenda of propaganda -- rather than maintaining debate as a matter for adults who are better equipped. They want to use children as pawns, after all. We simply want to send our kids to a summer camp of our choice.

I say use them like a dog uses a hydrant.

-Z

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When I read this, I didn't think it was one bit funny. I was extremely angry & upset. I wondered why you didn't send it out immediately in your regular AA news alert. It deserves to be in every major newspaper, magazine, radio & TV network in the country. And it needs to be done before they consider it old news. We put it on (redacted) immediately but not prominently enough. I'm sick of hearing about how Jesus & Christianity are all about love. This is proof - biblical & in practice - that they're not about love. This is incitement to murder specific people made by a wealthy, major, well-respected ministry with a huge audience. It's an ongoing threat. It doesn't matter that CRM doesn't mention CQ. It's easy for any follower of the ministry to determine that it can't mean anything but CQ & its administrators. And the only result of tying millstones to a person & casting him into the sea can be death. This needs to be brought to the major media's attention in a big way. Answers in Atheism isn't enough. Perhaps start with Air America. Maybe you should get a restraining order against Brian Fisher. Make the big deal out of this that it really is.

K

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Answers in Atheism. October 18, 2007 Show

“Answers in Atheism.” Internet Radio call-in talk show.

The show airs live every Thursday, at 7:00 pm. Eastern time.

You can tune in here: www.answersinatheism.net. Note that you can only tune in to the live show when the live show is on.

Previous shows, and related materials, are archived on the web site and can be heard at any time. Our last show featured Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists. The response was so overwhelming that our server could not handle all of the calls. We are looking into getting a new server. The show is now archived, along with other materials, on www.answersinatheism.net and is ready for you to listen at your convenience.

New servers and such cost money. Contributions are sought, and will be willingly accepted. You may send any such to:

Answers in Atheism

P.O. Box 666

Union, KY 41091

NOTE: This week’s radio show will not be a call in show. For various reasons, it has been prerecorded and will be played as recorded at the appointed time. The show is an excellent discussion on the mythology of “Creationism,” the “Creation Museum” and the science of evolution that the pseudo scientists are trying to discredit. Guests are Dr. Robin Cooper and Dr. James Krupa of the biology department of the University of Kentucky at Lexington, Kentucky. Also appearing as guests are two brilliant and beautiful young women, Ashley and Barbara, from the Rational Response Squad of Columbus, Ohio. Truly, our cup runneth over.

Others involved in the production are Frank Bicknel, Engineer, John & Fran Welte, producers, Helen Kagin, commentator, and host Edwin Kagin.

The webmaster of our web site is Len Zanger.

Next show:

Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:00 pm Eastern. Topic: Creationism, the mythology.

See you on the radio!

Edwin.

Ans

The big news is the advent of our new, and wildly successful, Internet radio call-in show, “Answers in Atheism.”

The show airs live every Thursday, at 7:00 pm. Eastern time.

You can tune in here: www.answersinatheism.net. Note that you can only tune in to the live show when the live show is on.

Previous shows, and related materials, are archived on the web site and can be heard at any time. Our last show featured Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists. The response was so overwhelming that our server could not handle all of the calls. We are looking into getting a new server. The show is now archived, along with other materials, on www.answersinatheism.net and is ready for you to listen at your convenience.

New servers and such cost money. Contributions are sought, and will be willingly accepted. You may send any such to:

Answers in Atheism

P.O. Box 666

Union, KY 41091

NOTE: This week’s radio show will not be a call in show. For various reasons, it has been prerecorded and will be played as recorded at the appointed time. The show is an excellent discussion on the mythology of “Creationism,” the “Creation Museum” and the science of evolution that the pseudo scientists are trying to discredit. Guests are Dr. Robin Cooper and Dr. James Krupa of the biology department of the University of Kentucky at Lexington, Kentucky. Also appearing as guests are two brilliant and beautiful young women, Ashley and Barbara, from the Rational Response Squad of Columbus, Ohio. Truly, our cup runneth over.

Others involved in the production are Frank Bicknel, Engineer, John & Fran Welte, producers, Helen Kagin, commentator, and host Edwin Kagin.

The webmaster of our web site is Len Zanger.

Next show:

Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:00 pm Eastern. Topic: Creationism, the mythology.

See you on the radio!

Edwin.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Ellen Johnson Intrerview Now Archived on Answers in Atheism

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org
October 13, 2007

JOHNSON & HARRIS & THE A-WORD
& "ATHEIST CLEANSING," OH MY!
Interview now archived at http://www.answersinatheism.net

The server was glutted, the phone lines were jammed ... but if you weren't able to log on to the show, you can now hear last Thursday's interview with American Atheists President Ellen Johnson over the controversy about using "the A-word."

The program was hosted by attorney and First Amendment activist Edwin Kagin on the new answersinaatheism.net web site. Ellen Johnson was responding to recent statements made by author Sam Harris that Atheists -- and even Freethinkers, Humanists, Secularists and other non-believers -- need to stop using "negative" labels to describe themselves. Visit http://humaniststudies.org/enews/ for more background on this story.

You can hear the Johnson interview, and other archived material at http://www.answersinatheism.net . Then visit the NoGodBlog (http://www.nogodblog.com) to join the conversation over this burgeoning debate. Mr. Kagin interviews other guests every Thursday at 7:00 PM ET on the new answersinatheism.net internet radio web site.

WHO & WHAT: Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists -- response to Sam Harris

WHERE: http://www.answersinatheism.net

American Atheists is a nationwide movement which defends the civil rights of nonbelievers, works for the separation of church and state, and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Answers in Atheism Now Has A National Toll Free Number

I am pleased to announce that the call-in Internet Radio Show “Answers in Atheism” now has a national toll free call-in number.

Listen to the show at 7:00 pm. Eastern Time each Thursday at www.answersinatheism.net

Call in and rant or rave or both.

Toll free number: 877.814.9287.

The next show is Thursday October 11, 2007 at 7:00 pm. See www.answersinatheism.net for details.

Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists will be the featured guest. She will discuss certain remarks by author Sam Harris suggesting that use of the word Atheist be discontinued.

This toll free number also works for the office of Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists.

Edwin.

Monday, October 08, 2007

Ellen Johnson to be Featured on "Answers in Atheism," Thursday, October 11, 2007

AMERICAN ATHEISTS

http://www.atheists.org

Media Announcement

ELLEN JOHNSON ON HARRIS, "ATHEIST CLEANSING,"

MORE THIS WEEK ON ANSWERS-IN-ATHEISM INTERNET RADIO

Thursday, October 11, 2007 ~ 7:00 PM ET

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists, will be the guest on this week's live call-in broadcast from the new answersinatheism.net radio program.

Hosted by attorney, Freethought activist and writer Edwin Kagin, answersinatheism.net is a new outreach to counter religious obfuscation, distortion and obscurantism. The show is archived and can be accessed at http://www.answersinatheism.net .

Ms. Johnson will be talking about efforts to "cleanse" Atheists and Atheism from public discourse, and a recent proposal by Mr. Sam Harris that we avoid the use of the "A-word" (Atheism), and even terms like Humanist, Freethinker or Rationalist. Harris made this suggestion at a recent Atheist gathering. Check out the exchange of views between Sam Harris and Ellen Johnson at http://humaniststudies.org/enews/ .

So, be sure to tune-in this Thursday, October 11, 7:00 PM ET You can call in with your questions and opinions at 859-384-7000. There may be a toll-free number installed by air time, so visit http://www.answersinatheism.net .

WHO & WHAT: Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists discussing "Atheist Cleansing," the "A-word" and Atheist Activism.

WHERE: Answers-in-Atheism internet radio at http://www.answersinatheism.net .

WHEN: This Thursday, October 11, 7:00 PM -- check your time zone.

MORE INFO: http://www.answersinatheism.net

American Atheists is a nationwide movement which defends the civil rights of nonbelievers, works for the separation of church and state, and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.