Science Versus Religion: Which Has Contributed More to Mankind?

Click image to enlarge

In follow up to the last post which looked at the evils done by "godly Christian" folk, a piece at Why Evolution is True does a comparative analysis of the benefits to mankind provided by science versus religion.  Here are some highlights:

As a direct result of the inbuilt progress limitations inherent in religion, what religious progress we have seen over the last 50 years broadly falls into 2 camps.

Firstly there is the recognition that mainstream religion needs to catch up with modern views on items such as the equality of women and homosexuals. Despite lagging behind the rest of society, many progressive people within mainstream religious organizations recognize the need for equality beyond that originally foreseen by their religions’ founders and the need to upgrade their religion accordingly.

Alas, the second type of religious progress highlighted by the diagram [above shows an ugly form of religious progress that is becoming more and more familiar. When modern society is seen at odds with religious teachings many look to progress their faith towards a more literal interpretation of their scripture. Many faiths have regrettably progressed over recent years by branching out at the fringes to a more fundamentalist stance. Hence the chart below is littered with progress in the form of new creation museums, opposition to life saving medical procedures and numerous landmark cases of bigotry and discrimination. Not the sort of progress to be proud of.

What will it be, ladies and gentlemen: the eradication of smallpox or The Creation Museum?

 Readers really need to click and enlarge the image above to compare and contrast the contributions of science versus religion.  It's safe to say that the may "contributions" of religion are hate, the embrace of ignorance, violence against non-believers, and bigotry. 

Washington State's Governor Makes a Strong Statement for Marriage Equality

There are days when living in Virginia is beyond depressing. Today is one such day. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled by the passage of marriage equality in Washington State and the amazing comments made by Governor Christine Gregorie before she signed the legislation (see the video clip below). I honestly believe that she is correct when she describes LGBT equality as the defining civil rights issue of today - especially in the eyes of the younger generation - and that history will judge states based on how they treated their LGBT citizens. Right now, Virginia seems set on a course to rival the negative images associated with Mississippi and Alabama.

The Advocate has more details on the momentous events in Olympia - my oldest daughter's new home town - and what actions the Christofascists may endeavor to take to block the legislation's effective date.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to not to contrast the surge toward the future and equality in Washington State with the situation here in Virginia where the Republican controlled General Assembly has the state hurtling backwards in time as it passes laws legalizing anti-LGBT discrimination, disenfranchising minorities, passing anti-women bills, granting special rights to religious extremists, and pushing forward a "personhood" bill that would in effect outlaw all abortion and many current forms of contraception. WTF happened to this state that in the founding days of the nation was a fountain of enlightenment? I can't help but wonder how much linger before I feel compelled to leave. Being treated as less than human by one's home state is soul killing and I fear for what many young LGBT Virginians must be feeling. I can only hope that they will have hope for the future - a future that most likely, if they are lucky, included leaving Virginia as soon as practicable.

Watch the video of Governor Gregorie and then contrast her leadership with that of Bob "Taliban Bob" McDonnell. And ask yourself who is the real Christian and who is the modern day Pharisee. Congratulations to Washington State. Virginia desperately needs to be saved from the haters and modern day Pharisees like Mr. McDonnell and Victoria Cobb, the princess of hate at The Family Foundation.

Anti-Gay Bill Circulating In Uganda

Like many nations in Africa Uganda has many problems that need attention and coordinated efforts between the country's government and liberal outside agencies that can provide needed services and funding. Abject poverty is one such problem. All too typically, however, the national government and Christian extremists within the country are focused on demonizing gays and working on punitive anti-gay legislation. Actions that will only give the country a bad name and likely discourage some sources of aid to look to different countries in which to concentrate their efforts. Just as in backwards areas of the USA - e.g., Southwest Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, etc. - this type of governmental action only makes Uganda LESS attractive for foreign investment and activities that will promote education and jobs. This, of course is fine with Christianist religious leaders because an ignorant populace is key to their continued power and control. It is truly a sick situation and personally, other than a pro-gay organization, I would not give even a dime to an organization that would spend my money in Uganda. Here are highlights from Box Turtle Bulletin:

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Uganda appears to be inching closer to “strengthening” its already draconian anti-gay laws which already provide for a possible life sentence for those convicted of homosexuality. A draft of the proposed bill obtained by Box Turtle Bulletin indicates that Ugandan lawmakers intend to go much further.

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In a draft dated April 20, 2009 and being circulated surreptitiously, the proposed bill creates an offense of “aggravated homosexuality” and provides for the death penalty under specific circumstances. It also provides for at least five years imprisonment (and no apparent maximum) for advocating on behalf of LGBT people. This extends not just to activists and organizations, but to individuals as well, including bloggers or anyone else using the internet or mobile phones — as well as anyone who makes a donation or offers a safe refuge for LGBT people. Furthermore, if anyone is “aware of the commission of any offense under this Act” and fails to report it to the police, they will be liable of up to six months imprisonment.

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The accompanying memorandum calls on the Uganda government to withdraw from any international obligations or treaties which the government interprests as running counter to the country’s anti-gay policies.

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In July, Uganda’s Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity James Nsaba Buturo confirmed their intention to eliminate free speech for and on behalf of LGBT people. Meanwhile, a full-fledged public vigilante campaign was released on Uganda’s gay community, leading to several reports of arrests and reports.

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A full copy of the proposed bill can be found at Box Turtle Bulletin. Candidly, the country is going to Hell in a hand basket and the anti-gay jihad appears to be yet one more way for the national government to distract people from its failed rule. Likewise, the Christianist extremist once again are using LGBT lives to further their own goals and thirst for power. I find it all sickening.