Download or read book How to Defeat Religion in 10 Easy Steps written by Ryan T. Cragun and published by Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA). This book was released on 2015-05-01 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Do you want the greatest challenges of the day to be addressed with thoughtful, reality-based solutions rather than with cherry-picked quotations from scripture? Do you want to shrink religion—especially fundamentalist religion—to the point that it plays no noticeable role in American public life? Do you want right-wing religious leaders to be so unpopular that politicians avoid them rather than pander to them for endorsements? Drawing on the latest social-scientific research on religion to help interested nonbelievers—and even progressive believers—weaken the influence of fundamentalist religion in society at large, How to Defeat Religion in 10 Easy Steps illustrates specific, actionable steps we all can take to facilitate fundamentalist religion's decline. It covers topics as far ranging as education, welfare, sex, science, capitalism, and Christmas, and each of the 10 chapters focuses on a specific action that research has shown can weaken religion, detailing why and how, and concluding with specific recommendations for individuals, local groups, and national organizations.
Download or read book Unapologetic written by John W. Loftus and published by Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA). This book was released on 2016-11-01 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Just as intelligent design is not a legitimate branch of biology in public educational institutions, nor should the philosophy of religion be a legitimate branch of philosophy. So argues acclaimed author John W. Loftus in this forceful takedown of the very discipline in which he was trained. In his call for ending the philosophy of religion, he argues that, as it is presently being practiced, the main reason the discipline exists is to serve the faith claims of Christianity. Most of philosophy of religion has become little more than an effort to defend and rationalize preexisting Christian beliefs. If subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and geology are all taught without reference to faith-based supernatural forces as explanations, faith-based teachings should not be acceptable in this discipline either. While the book offers a fascinating study of the fallacies and flaws on which one whole field of study rests, it speaks to something much larger in the ongoing culture wars. By highlighting the stark differences between faith-based reasoning and evidence-based reasoning, Loftus presents vital arguments and lessons about the importance of critical thinking not only in all aspects of study but also in life. His conclusions and recommendations thus resonate far beyond the ivory towers and ivy-covered walls of academic institutions.
Download or read book Goodbye Religion written by Ryan T. Cragun and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 2024-10-08 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Through careful analysis of the best empirical data, this book helps make sense of one of the most important questions regarding social change in the United States in recent decades-how and why are so many people leaving religion, and what does (and will) this mean for American society"--
Download or read book Christianity and the Limits of Minority Acceptance in America written by J. E. Sumerau and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the ways Christian women in college make sense of bisexual, transgender, polyamorous, and atheist others. Specifically, it explores the ways they express tolerance for some sexual groups, such as lesbian and gay people, while maintaining condemnation of other sexual, gendered, or religious groups. In so doing, this book highlights the limits of Christian tolerance for the advancement of minority rights.
Download or read book Organized Secularism in the United States written by Ryan T. Cragun and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2017-11-07 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There has been a dramatic increase in the percentage of the US population that is not religious. However, there is, to date, very little research on the social movement that is organizing to serve the needs of and advocate for the nonreligious in the US. This is a book about the rise and structure of organized secularism in the United States. By organized secularism we mean the efforts of nonreligious individuals to build institutions, networks, and ultimately a movement that serves their interests in a predominantly religious society. Researchers from various fields address questions such as: What secularist organizations exist? Who are the members of these organizations? What kinds of organizations do they create? What functions do these organizations provide for their members? How do the secularist organizations of today compare to those of the past? And what is their likely impact on the future of secularism? For anyone trying to understand the rise of the nonreligious in the US, this book will provide valuable insights into organized efforts to normalize their worldview and advocate for their equal treatment in society.
Download or read book Queer Sites in Global Contexts written by Regner Ramos and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-12-29 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Queer Sites in Global Contexts showcases a variety of cross-cultural perspectives that foreground the physical and online experiences of LGBTQ+ people living in the Caribbean, South and North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The individual chapters—a collection of research-based texts by scholars around the world—provide twelve compelling case studies: queer sites that include buildings, digital networks, natural landscapes, urban spaces, and non-normative bodies. By prioritizing divergent histories and practices of queer life in geographies that are often othered by dominant queer studies in the West—female sex workers, people of color, indigenous populations, Latinx communities, trans identities, migrants—the book constructs thoroughly situated, nuanced discussions on queerness through a variety of research methods. The book presents tangible examples of empirical research and practice-based work in the fields of queer and gender studies; geography, architectural, and urban theory; and media and digital culture. Responding to the critical absence surrounding experiences of non-White queer folk in Western academia, Queer Sites in Global Contexts acts as a timely resource for scholars, activists, and thinkers interested in queer placemaking practices—both spatial and digital—of diverse cultures.
Download or read book Values and Identities in Europe written by Michael J. Breen and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-01-20 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contrary to what is suggested in media and popular discourses, Europe is neither a monolithic entity nor simply a collection of nation states. It is, rather, a union of millions of individuals who differ from one another in a variety of ways while also sharing many characteristics associated with their ethnic, social, political, economic, religious or national characteristics. This book explores differences and similarities that exist in attitudes, beliefs and opinions on a range of issues across Europe. Drawing on the extensive data of the European Social Survey, it presents insightful analyses of social attitudes, organised around the themes of religious identity, political identity, family identity and social identity, together with a section on methodological issues. A collection of rigorously analysed studies on national, comparative and pan-European levels, Values and Identities in Europe offers insight into the heart and soul of Europe at a time of unprecedented change. As such, it will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in social attitudes, social change in Europe, demographics and survey methods.
Download or read book Discovering Our World written by Paul Singh and published by Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA). This book was released on 2015-04-01 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Where did everything come from? Why are humans so biologically similar, and why do we let small differences divide us? What shall determine our destiny? Paul Singh and John R. Shook draw on the latest findings from the physical and biological sciences, astronomy and cosmology, geology and genetics, and prehistory and archeology in search of answers. As they lucidly and engagingly demonstrate, the answers science gives about ourselves and the universe in which we live are incomparably more surprising and interesting than any mythical tale about some clash of titans or calculating creator. Indeed, science's proud journey of exploration and discovery is humanity's finest narrative yet, about how we trusted our intelligence to find out what we really are and who we can be—intrepidly going wherever the evidence led. Even though science reveals that humanity may have no special place in the universe, humanity is truly special because of our ability to comprehend our universe. Thus, this inspiring story of exploration and discovery is a celebration not only of science—of science's knowledge of the world, and of science's own journeys to gain that knowledge—but also of ourselves.
Download or read book Outwitting the Devil written by Napoleon Hill and published by Sharon Lechter. This book was released on 2011 with total page 30 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Originally written in 1938 but never published due to its controversial nature, an insightful guide reveals the seven principles of good that will allow anyone to triumph over the obstacles that must be faced in reaching personal goals.
Download or read book What You Don t Know about Religion but Should written by Ryan T. Cragun and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Studying religion as a social phenomenon, Cragun follows the scientific data to answers questions about the nature and state of religion (and nonreligion) across populations. If you've ever wondered whether religion helps or hurts society, Cragun argues, our world needs a new way of thinking about religion.
Download or read book How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps written by Ben Shapiro and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2020-07-21 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A growing number of Americans want to tear down what it’s taken us 250 years to build—and they’ll start by canceling our shared history, ideals, and culture. Traditional areas of civic agreement are vanishing. We can’t agree on what makes America special. We can’t even agree that America is special. We’re coming to the point that we can’t even agree what the word America itself means. “Disintegrationists” say we’re stronger together, but their assault on America’s history, philosophy, and culture will only tear us apart. Who are the disintegrationists? From Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States to the New York Times’ 1619 project, many modern analyses view American history through the lens of competing oppressions, a racist and corrupt experiment from the very beginning. They see American philosophy as a lie – beautiful words pasted over a thoroughly rotted system. They see America’s culture of rights as a façade that merely reinforces traditional hierarchies of power, instead of being the only culture that guarantees freedom for individuals. Disintegrationist attacks on the values that built our nation are insidious because they replace each foundational belief, from the rights to free speech and self-defense to the importance of marriage and faith communities, with nothing more than an increased reliance on the government. This twisted disintegrationist vision replaces the traditional “unionist” understanding that all Americans are united in a shared striving toward the perfection of universal ideals. How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps shows that to be a cohesive nation we have to uphold foundational truths about ourselves, our history, and reality itself—to be unionists instead of disintegrationists. Shapiro offers a vital warning that if we don’t recover these shared truths, our future—our union—as a great country is threatened with destruction.
Download or read book From Your Lips to God s Ear written by Randy Connolly and published by 2LAKES PUBLISHING. This book was released on 2005 with total page 165 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Singles on a quest for the right mate will discover the insight they need to live the life they want and find their ideal partner in this practical guide. Using their amazing story of how they found one another, this husband-and-wife team encourages singles to skip the dating scene and put a personal advert in god's newspaper -- to align their conscious and unconscious minds with the energies of the universe to bring them together with their ideal love. Point-by-point, their 10-step plan shows readers how to break through the beliefs that hinder the attainment of what they most want, send the message they intend to send, and discover the direct route to the partner they desire.
Download or read book How to Start Your Own Religion written by Philip Athans and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2012-05-18 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Yes, world domination and eternal adoration can be yours! "The way to make a million dollars is to start a religion." —Attributed to L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology Wouldn't you like to control countless worshippers with a single word? To call forth bountiful offerings of gold and silver? Wouldn't you love to make your acolytes bow in awe of your greatness? Starting a new religion can be fun and profitable. You'll laugh along with Philip Athans (founder, leader, and sole member of the Church of Phil), as he shows you how to: Gather the flock and keep 'em coming back for more Organize mysterious and complex rituals Interrogate (or just ridicule) the hell out of nonbelievers Recruit celebrity spokespeople, from Tom Cruise to Uma Thurman If you've ever felt the need to sacrifice on an altar beneath a blood-red moon, or just make Friday a holy day (three-day weekend, anyone?), this is the only sacred creed you need. Live long and prosper.
Download or read book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life written by Karen Armstrong and published by Anchor. This book was released on 2010-12-28 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most original thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world—author of such acclaimed books as A History of God, Islam, and Buddha—now gives us an impassioned and practical book that can help us make the world a more compassionate place. Karen Armstrong believes that while compassion is intrinsic in all human beings, each of us needs to work diligently to cultivate and expand our capacity for compassion. Here, in this straightforward, thoughtful, and thought-provoking book, she sets out a program that can lead us toward a more compassionate life. The twelve steps Armstrong suggests begin with “Learn About Compassion” and close with “Love Your Enemies.” In between, she takes up “compassion for yourself,” mindfulness, suffering, sympathetic joy, the limits of our knowledge of others, and “concern for everybody.” She suggests concrete ways of enhancing our compassion and putting it into action in our everyday lives, and provides, as well, a reading list to encourage us to “hear one another’s narratives.” Throughout, Armstrong makes clear that a compassionate life is not a matter of only heart or mind but a deliberate and often life-altering commingling of the two.
Download or read book Keeping Faith written by Jodi Picoult and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-06 with total page 450 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A triumph. This novel’s haunting strength will hold the reader until the very end and make Faith and her story impossible to forget.” —Richmond Times Dispatch “Extraordinary.” —Orlando Sentinel From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult (Nineteen Minutes, Change of Heart, Handle with Care) comes Keeping Faith: an “addictively readable” (Entertainment Weekly) novel that “makes you wonder about God. And that is a rare moment, indeed, in modern fiction” (USA Today).
Download or read book 12 Rules for Life written by Jordan B. Peterson and published by Random House Canada. This book was released on 2018-01-23 with total page 450 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research. Humorous, surprising and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street. What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant and vengeful? Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith and human nature, while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its readers.
Download or read book I Am Not Defeated written by Doug Robins and published by . This book was released on 2021-02 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is the problem mental health or spiritual warfare? Most people recognize the challenges of trauma, depression, and anxiety, and some are willing to explore what the Bible says about finding hope and healing from these dark forces. But is the source of these things physical or spiritual? And what tools are available to all people for healing and help? Doug Robins is the Senior Pastor of City Tribe Church in San Antonio, Texas. He's led the church to grow with irreligious and unchurched people. In addition, Doug has grown a church that is ethnically, generationally, and economically diverse. His sweet spot is inspiring broken people to be transformed by Christ. Doug often says, "God has a lot of jacked-up kids, and City Tribe is where we all found each other." Whether or not you can attend City Tribe, you can be encouraged by Doug's inspirational messages on YouTube at City Tribe Media, or on the City Tribe Podcast on iTunes or Sound Cloud. With compassion and clarity, Pastor Doug shares from his own story of rising above debilitating depression and uncontrolled lust in order to help others evaluate, understand, and overcome their areas of brokenness. In this practical and insightful book, you will discover the power of: Utilizing the biblical tools God has already provided for your healing Exploring counterintuitive ways to experience spiritual and emotional health Taking a fearless inventory of the thoughts that are mapping your brain Cleansing your life of past or current demonic influence Guided prayers, thought-provoking questions, and a suggested activity for each chapter will help you take the knowledge you are learning and apply it to your life. Are you ready to take the next step in your journey toward spiritual and emotional healing? No matter where you are in your faith or the trials you've endured, I Am Not Defeated: 10 Ways to Demolish Mental Demons is sure to arm you with the tools you need to begin your healing journey.
