Sunday, February 24, 2008

Progress?



Over half of Britons claim no religion

I'm not sure. Sounds good, but the possible rising tide of intolerance is a little worrying.

Atheistic Children's Book Facing Ban in Germany

4 comments:

Dan said...

Man, Calvin and Hobbes continues to impress.

I can't believe Dawkins would go for God Delusion for Kidz after his long rant against indoctrination. And based on the sample pages I saw in the link you posted, the children's book certainly qualifies as attempted indoctrination.

Jay said...

I think you realize this, but just to be sure, Dawkins has nothing to do with the children's book.

But yeah, the indoctrination vibe is a little unsettling. I find the 'equal time' theory a little attractive (There are a TON of children books like this that are pro-religion, let's at least have one that's on the other side) but still, I think I'd prefer a more nuanced take on the subject matter.

Or maybe it's best to hold off on the discussion until kids are older. I don't know.

Dan said...

Well I assumed he wasn't, but I've got to think he's got some kind of copywrite over that title, if that is in fact the title.

I see where you're coming from, but the fight fire with fire mentality would seam to cost the anti-theists the moral high ground. I think a much better tactic is Dennett's proposal to teach all the major religions in school from a strictly academic perspective. Maybe include a caveat about how there are many in the world who reject all these belief systems or form one of their own. How can anyone go wrong with that information?

Jay said...

"God Delusion for Kids" is just a journalistic hook. The book's title translates to "How do I get to God, asked the small piglet"