law
Sunday’s Sermon
Though we can’t prove the existence of one (or many) god(s), we can provide evidence for the power of religion. For good or for evil, faith factors into our everyday lives in one way or another. We’ve evolved to believe. But it is also clear that extremist beliefs can have terrible consequences.
I won’t go through a list of the evils that religion can support or contribute to, for all you need to look at for a history of evil is most any “holy scripture” describing “holy” wars and destruction (the one I am most familiar with is “The Book of Judges” in the Hebrew Bible). Or, your daily newspaper or twitter feed.
Here are several articles: (Yes, there will be a quiz! 
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- Religion and Science
- Church and State
- Imagine no religion
- Insults?
- Short history of evil
- Appeasing Islam – video
- Ethics without religion – video lecture
Plan Ahead: Doctor-Assisted Suicide – A Two-Part Lecture Series on the Ethical Foundations
There is a very timely two-part lecture series coming up at the Institute of Practical Philosophy at Vancouver Island University in April:
- Is Doctor Assisted Suicide Acceptable? Thursday, April 7th, 4-5:30pm, Bldg. 200, Rm. 203 (Theatre), VIU
- How Should We Move Forward? Thursday, April 21st, 4-5:30, Bldg. 200, Rm. 203 (Theatre), VIU
For more information, see the Institute of Practical Philosophy Events page.
Sunday’s Sermon
Muslims and Islam are in the news everyday. Most of the commentary is thoughtless and fear driven. Two works that have actually helped me to understand the complexity of the conflict raging between the fundamentalists (Islamic) and the fundamentalists (Christian) are presented here for your consideration. First a link to my review of Heretic, a book that argues for reformation of Islam, and more interestingly, that such a reformation is possible.
And second, an important article by Zena Ryder, a PhD student in philosophy. Her article, “Secular Values can be Islamic Values” was published in the Humanist Perspectives magazine, Issue 193, Summer 2015, and is published here with the kind permission of the editor and the author.
If you are not a subscriber you may want to go here to purchase the issue, “Speaking of Humanism” or to subscribe.
“Secular Values can be Islamic Values” by Zena Ryder
I had a profound experience last night. You know that feeling when you skip the small talk and you feel a deep connection with another human being, as a human being? That’s what happened. But it was between what is perhaps an unlikely pair: on the one hand, myself, an outspoken atheist and, on the other hand, a teacher of Islam, whom I will call Hassan.
Click on this link to read the article: ZenaRyder
Comments are most welcome!
Related articles
Big data and C-51
As you know, dear readers, Bill C-51 is in the Senate now, waiting to become the law of the land. Some time ago the Institute of Practical Philosophy at Vancouver Island University hosted an important talk by Dr. Nik Richers, a philosopher working in the field of data collection. The talk was important and well received and he has agreed to publish an edited version of it here over the next three days, May 26, 27, 28.
Comments are welcome. Join the discussion please.
Go to Open Media.
Below is the poster for the IPP sponsored talk:
Episyllogism 
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