Maybe you were born to Christian parents and raised as a Christian. Or maybe you are just a part of a Christian nation. You might have attended church regularly, or maybe just on special occasions. If asked, you say that you believe in God, but you really never thought about what that means exactly. You are a well-educated person who accepts the idea of Biblical miracles, but only the more "reasonable" ones. You have read some of the Bible, mostly just parts of the New Testament, but never committed to reading the Bible cover to cover. You are a good person who admires the many "Christian values" as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. But something does not feel right. * Science tells us that the universe is 13.7 billion years old, but the Bible tells us it's 6,000 years old. * Science tells us life is the result of emergent properties in combined molecules, and we have evolved from a very primitive life form, but the Bible says that God made us, as is, from dust, and blew life in our noses. * You see a world where little bunnies burn to death in forest fires, and wonder why an all-good and loving God would allow such a thing to happen. * You pray to God and you realize that sometimes your prayers are answered, and sometimes they aren't just as if you didn't pray at all. * You hear about other religions and wonder why your religion is right and every other religion on the planet is wrong. * You have a real problem with the idea of all your non-Jesus-believing friends and family spending eternity in Hell.? In fact, the more you look around, the more you see a world absent of this perfect image of a perfect God. As much as you want to avoid critical thinking and "just let go and have faith," you find that you cannot believe in something contrary to your logic and reason no matter how much you want to. This might lead to feelings of guilt, insincerity, and/or hypocrisy. Yet you just can't imagine living life without God, and you don't have to. When you start asking serious questions about God and religion, you begin to see through the stories of people living inside the stomachs of big fish, 900-year-old men, and bodies coming back to life after three days, and understand how man created God, and not the other way around. By daring to question "sacred" religion, challenging your childhood beliefs, and risking eternal damnation (okay, so there might be a minor side effect to reading this book), you will discover an appreciation for religion on a new level, as well as a renewed appreciation for the human race. Through a unique blend of science, philosophy, theology, and a touch of humor, you will see how you can trust your logic and reason, be true to yourself, and embrace God -- not as a being, but as a concept -- The Concept.

Freethinkers Directory is a listing of groups, organizations, stores, newspapers, magazines, publishers, blogs, podcasts, family services and more for atheists, agnostics, rationalists, naturalists, humanists and all freethinkers from around the world. Table of Contents Darwin Day ...12 Stores that sell products ...15 Businesses that sponsor groups and organizations ...17 Marriage and Family Services ...20 Radio broadcasts/podcasts/TV shows ...21 Newspapers and Magazines ...25 Blogs and Forums...28 Publishers ...30 Online Resources dating, celebrities, info] ...32 Groups and Organizations ...34 - USA - National ...34 - USA - Local ...45 - USA - College, University & High School(SSA) ...130 - Afganistan ...243 - Argentina ...244 - Australia ...245 - Austria ...248 - Belgium ...249 - Brazil ...251 - Cameroon ...252 - Canada ...253 - Columbia ...258 - Cuba ...259 - Denmark ...260 - Finland ...261 - France ...262 - Gambia ...264 - Germany ...265 - Iceland ...267 - India ...268 - Indonesia ...269 - Ireland ...270 - Israel ...271 - Italy ...272 - Kenya ...273 - Luxembourg ...274 - Malawi ...275 - Mexico ...276 - Nepal ...277 - Netherlands ...278 - New Zealand ...280 - Nigeria ...281 - Norway ...282 - Pakistan ...283 - Peru ...284 - Philippines ...285 - Poland ...286 - Portugal ...287 - Russia ...288 - Scotland ...289 - Slovakia ...290 - South Africa ...291 - Spain ...292 - Sweden ...293 - Tanzania ...294 - Turkey ...295 - Uganda ...296 - United Kingdom ...297

An atheist drawn to religion, Soffin shows how to conceptualize a "God" who is in and of the cosmos rather than also beyond it as theists affirm. This allows Soffin and those who see value in the path he blazes to embrace and value the treasures of religion even while not being theistic. Says Soffin, "For those who sense in modern life an underlying absence of fundamental meaning--yet fear self-deception in pursuing "God"--there may be no recourse but to shoulder the burdens of reflection and begin the ancient journey anew." In their comments in the responses chapter, a number of respondents offer a rich range of perspectives. Daniel Liechty, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Illinois, thinks that "From his discussion contrasting God as Creator with that of cosmic first cause, to his highly stimulating presentation of knowledge as true incarnation, and much more, this has been a book worth reading. . . . I feel it is at least part of my assignment as a respondent here to voice some criticism. So, to begin with, I am inclined to think that Soffin overly stresses the role of rationality in human existence. . . ." Sharon L. Baker, who teaches theology and religion at Messiah College, observes that "Soffin's text brought to mind John D. Caputo's seminal and provocative thought. . . . Although they stare at each other from across the chasm separating analytical from continental philosophical traditions, both authors seek a move into the 'beyond'-beyond scientific materialism, beyond superstition, beyond religion (as institutionalized strictures), and even beyond the classical God himself (gendered language intended)."Herbert W. Simons, Emeritus Professor of Communication, Temple University, reports that "Soffin and I have been back and forth on philosophy for fifty years. I've called him every nasty philosophical name I could think of--essentialist, rationalist, objectivist, foundationalist, anti-relativist--to no avail. Still he continues to pursue his quest for Truth and, in recent years, to encompass theology within the orbit of that quest. Thank goodness for that because Rethinking Religion repays careful examination of its unfolding arguments and bursts forth repeatedly with powerful, memorable prose."

THIS 34 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Biography of Satan, by Kersey Graves. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564593290.

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

2012 Reprint of 1930 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Founder of the Ancient and Mystic Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), a modern revival Rosicrucian order headquartered at San Jose, California. Lewis was born in Frenchtown, New Jersey, November 25, 1883, of Welsh ancestry. In 1904 Lewis founded and served as president of the New York Institute for Psychical Research. The institute specialized in occult studies with emphasis on Rosicrucian teachings. The AMORC was organized in several stages over the next years, and by 1917 held its first national convention in Pittsburgh, at which Lewis established his plan to develop correspondence courses. AMORC taught philosophical and mystical practices in order to develop the latent faculties of man, and it sold literature by mail order. Lewis himself authored the basic set of correspondence lessons and a number of the books published by AMORC. This is the authors and the orders view on the subject of the soul and reincarnation

THIS 48 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: American Thought: From Puritanism to Pragmatism, by Woodbridge Riley. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766105679.

2012 Reprint of 1930 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Theurgy means "the science or art of divine works." In alchemy, this process is called the "Great Work," which is the purification and exaltation of our "lower" nature by the proper application of esoteric principles, so that it may become united with its higher counterparts, whereby we may attain spiritual, and ultimately divine, consciousness. Drawing on the teachings of the Egyptian, Greek, and Hebrew mystery schools and quoting extensively from important alchemic writers, Garstin details this process of purification. Students who are curious about alchemy but daunted by the body of its literature and its strange allegories will find this book to be an excellent introduction. Garstin discusses source alchemic works and clearly explains what their esoteric symbolism means. With the information in this book, students of alchemy can then proceed to make a more informed exploration of the alchemical works and other writings of the Western Mystery Tradition.

Can atheists be moral? Religion and morality are closely linked in the minds of many people. It is widely believed you can't have one without the other. And if morality needs religion, then what does that say about atheists? Can they be moral? Can there be a morality without God? This book takes on the myth that atheists can't be moral. It looks at what morality is, the different kinds of moralities that already exist, and what a secular morality would look like. Along the way it challenges beliefs about the nature of morality and misconceptions that lead to the belief that atheists can't be moral.

THIS 232 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Bible of Bibles, by Kersey Graves. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564592952.

The nativity of Jesus is an event that carries much cultural recognition. However, is it a narrative which commands much support in the academic world? Is it a story which holds much historical truth? Or were the two biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus an opportunity for the authors to impart a theological truth or otherwise? These are the sort of questions that are often asked of the nativity accounts and questions which are answered in this concise and yet well-researched and informative book. Some twenty arguments are looked at and presented in a clear and detailed manner, building a cumulative case for the objection to the historical nature of the Gospel accounts. The author also questions what purpose these stories do serve if indeed they do carry little or no historical truth. With reference to a wide array of contemporary and iconic works on the subject, Pearce has created a compendium of critical arguments against the historicity of a story which still remains a vital piece of our collective cultural and religious tapestry. "For anyone beginning to doubt the reliability of the gospels as eyewitness accounts, Pearce's "The Nativity" will teach you everything you need to know to move past the limitations of biblical infallibility and explore the complicated process that went into the gospel narratives of Jesus Christ." - Derek Murphy, author of Jesus Potter Harry Christ

Why am I an agnostic? Because I don't believe some of the things that other people say they believe. Where do you get your religion, anyway? I won't bother to discuss just what religion is, but I think a fair definition of religion could take account of two things, at least, immortality and God, and that both of them are based on some book, so practically all of it is a book. As I have neither the time nor the learning to discuss every religious book on earth, and as I live in Chicago, I am interested in the Christian religion. So I will discuss the book that deals with the Christian religion. Is the Bible the work of anything but man? Of course, there is no such book as the Bible. The Bible to made up of 66 books, some of them written by various authors at various times, covering a period of about 1,000 years -- all the literature that they could find over a period longer than the time that has elapsed since the discovery of America down to the present time. Is the Bible anything but a human book? Of course those who are believers take both sides of it. If there is anything that troubles them, "We don't believe this." Anything that doesn't trouble them they do believe.

African Americans, Blacks, have long been associated with religious faith.Since the dawn of our time in America from 1619 to the present day. Do we see this.The Black Church has long been, and is still, seen as a bastian of hope in the Black Community.And for good reason: many of our Civil Rights champions came from the church.This fact, while brilliant and admirable, does not dismiss the evils associated with the church.Some of these evils include Jonestown, Waco, and 911. The appalling actions done "in the name of god" are highly capable of ruining lives on an epidemic scale.Not only can lives be lost but, lifestyles can be ruined as well. Entire fortunes have been squandered as well as childhood innosence all in the name of god.What is being done about this? Much of the ill-begotten deeds of religions squalid past are conveniently swept under the rug.From the pope to the small time country preacher, are the dirty deals kept hidden from the masses.Members are encouraged to "play along" and do everything the spiritual leader tells them to do.Members that seek answers are shunned by the spiritual leader and his/her brainwashed flock(maintaining that the will of god demands absolute trust and faith).This naturally sets the stage for confusion and betrayal.The pastor/preist is given a free pass to commit all kinds of bad things while the congregation looks on in confusion.And this same pastor/preist grants "special favors" to those who played along in a fitting and proper way in his eyes.All of this is done to achieve salvation and go to heaven when one dies.The time for change has come."The Black Atheist in America" by Jason Winn represents that change.Jason Winn, a former Christian himself, has seen the limited horizons and dirty deals done inside of the church.He struggled with faith for 34 years until he said,"enough is enough " The Black Church is seen as a haven of hope to most in the Black Community but, this is only a half thuth.The other half of truth regarding the Black Church is lack luster at best.The Black Community is still #1 in crime, AIDS, and low education but, the Black Church is still going strong.This is due to the Black Church not taking a stand against the negative elements within its community.The time, energy, and money used to build and support the church could be redirected to assist in supporting the community.Both the church and community are made up of people.And these people are needed to get things done."The Black Atheist in America" exposes this very basic truth along with many others.The reader will see the violent history of religion from The Crusades to the present day ethnic cleansings taking place in Africa.The reader will see the glaring hypocrisy running rampant in the church: faith healers and mega churches. The reader will also see how the church uses children(the most innocent among us)to fuel its turbo charged-high energy message to swell its membership.And finally, the reader shall see how a reason filled mind will triumph over a faith filled mind.A reason driven mind will be progressive in its function (forward moving). A religious driven mind will be retrogressive in its function(backwards moving). Jason Winn provides a simple example of this dynamic by explaining the passing of time.He states that, "Time is progessive and moves forward." He further states that this progression can be seen in technology throughout the ages: Stone to Bronze and Industry to Information.

C.S. Lewis' classic The Screwtape Letters is full of keen wit and wise counsel--if one is a Christian believer. Such a reader will find much to ponder in its pages. But suppose one begins to question whether it is the voice of mature reason that Lewis portrays as the wiles of Satan? The Needletoe Letters takes the other side, depicting the letters of advice and guidance from a veteran angel to his inexperienced nephew. Their common task? To keep Christian believers hoodwinked and flummoxed Read this book, and see if you don't begin to have second thoughts about your faith

As one accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior and begins the spiritual new birth, they would be faced with many situations and circumstances that cannot be handled by any human hands or flesh. These situations and circumstances are to be placed on the Lord, and ask him, to handle these circumstances for you. As a child of God Christians are admonish to cast their cares, circumstances and burdens upon the one and only person that is able to handle it and carry them through. A child of God must not trust in the arm of flesh, but fully trust in God, by faith and hope in God only. This book is written to shed light of some of the things that Christians go through, possible encouragements and spiritual enlistment. One is encourage to read this book thought fully, as in it, are words of wisdom and inspiration that will help you in your daily Christian walk in order that you can remain faithful to God. The birth of this book was a burden of my heart from God's Holy Spirit, who was with me in every step of the way in writing this book. This book was written; first of all to help sinners turn their heart to Christ, and to help and encourage Christians, significantly those who are struggling through their Christian life, to shed enlightenment on some of the persecutions, struggles, abuses, and accuses that one might encounter on their day to day living. I am persuaded that in this book, a sinner's heart will be geared towards serving God and a child of God heart would be stirred up to walk righteously and uprightly before him. For all its readers, this book will be a comfort to the hurting, a source of strength to the weak, healing for the sick, joy for those who are mourning and a garment of praise for those with a heavy heart. The words of wisdom that is shed in this book, is a must have and a must needed option. Be blessed. From the heart of God, to my heart, and transferred to your heart. -God's servant -Francine Lewis

Jesus Cries When You Touch Yourself is a comic monologue written in tribute to the late George Carlin on the topic of religious bullshit in America. Influenced by Carlin, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bill Maher, Monty Python, and the writers of South Park, the author uses constant mockery and absurdist humor on a tour of ridiculous beliefs in America. With devastating logic, Jesus, the most beloved character in all of history, is revealed to be the world's greatest pedophile. After all, if Jesus is God, then everyday he watches billions of children take off their clothes and hundreds of millions of others go poop. Well, the great Poop Inspector would be a pedophile, if only he wasn't merely our imaginary friend. From an invisible man in the sky that watches millions of people masturbate each day, to Jesus ascending into heaven and becoming an astronaut, to Catholics eating Jesus' penis every Sunday, Jesus Cries When You Touch Yourself contrasts intense realism with comical religious absurdity in the most ambitious ridicule of religion ever written.

Humanists are Atheists and Freethinkers are too is a book that discusses the issues facing the godless peoples of the world and the need for unity amongst us. Topics & persons mentioned in this book: Gene Roddenberry & Star Trek, Vashti McCollum V. Board of Education, CBN & the 700 Club, Ray Kurzweil's Theory of Accelerating Returns, Green technologies, Harold Camping & his May 21, 2011 Rapture Prediction and more.

Red Neck, Blue Collar, Atheist - Simple Thoughts About Reason, Gods and Faith follows in the footsteps of recent best-sellers such as Christopher Hitchens' God is Not Great, Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion, and Sam Harris' The End of Faith. Whereas Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris have written mainly about the rational basis, the WHY of atheism, this book looks at the HOW - how it feels, how it works, from the inside. Coming from a writer who grew up in Texas and worked as a real cowboy and draft horse teamster (the cover picture even shows the author riding a bull ), as well as a carpenter, roofer and truck driver, the book is based on decades of examining the process in his own mind as he moved from Christianity to atheism. Putting it simply, here are some of the things an atheist might think, and the way he or she might think them. More than once called a master of metaphor in the blogosphere, author Hank Fox tackles the subject of atheism with subtle humor and a friendly, informal tone, in two dozen chapters with names like Sundae Worship, The Parable of the M&Ms, Batman Almighty, The Wellspring of the Gods, Sucking Up to the Virgin Mary, The Evidence of True Things, The Headwaters of Reality, Hello Mr. Death, and Saying Goodbye to Gods. Primarily aimed at young adults, especially those from religious backgrounds and new to thinking about atheism and freethought, this book will also provide ammunition for those of a more intellectual bent faced with the necessity of explaining atheism in simple terms to friends and relatives. Best of all, the book focuses not just on the negatives of religion, but on the positives of atheism - the freedom and mental clarity for individuals, but also the hopeful future for our entire world as we proceed with a social revolution already in progress.

M. P. Cushing's scholarly study of the life and works of Paul Heinrich Dietrich, Baron d'Holbach, the noted eighteenth century Prussian-French polymath, includes the events of his life, his many and varied publications, many of which were published pseudonymously to avoid scandal, the controversies stirred up by has forthright atheism, examples of his correspondence and an extensive bibliography. The text of this new edition from Benediction Classics has been carefully hand-edited, and to assist the reader, translations of the many French quotations, and the long German passage from Goethe, have been added.