Observations and inanities by a second-shift assistant supervisor in the Puppy-Grinding division of the Evil Atheist Conspiracy® (our motto: "Sure it's cruel, but think of the jobs!"), your host, Brent Rasmussen.
Gimme that old-time religion...
I'm not sure this story from the AP is progress, but it sure is funny:
ATHENS, Greece - After all these centuries, Zeus may have a few thunderbolts left. A tiny group of worshippers plans a rare ceremony Sunday to honor the ancient Greek gods, at Athens' 1,800-year-old Temple of Olympian Zeus. Greece's Culture Ministry has declared the central Athens site off-limits, but worshippers say they will defy the decision.
"These are our temples and they should be used by followers of our religion," said Doreta Peppa, head of the Athens-based Ellinais, a group campaigning to revive the ancient religion.
Of course, they're getting resistance from the Greek Orthodox Church. And like any good religion, there's arguments over dogma:
Those who seek to revive the ancient Greek religion are split into rival organizations which trade insults over the Internet. Peppa's group is at odds with ultra-nationalists who view a revival as a way to protect Greek identity from foreign influences.
They can't even agree on a name for the religion: One camp calls it Ancient-Religion, another Hellenic Religion.
So I guess we're going to have to re-think that whole definition of atheism as having just "given up one more god..."
Jim Downey
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No True Scottsman
Maybe we could get that one to fall too!
I see a Great Debate
I would love to see the two sides in a debate on why people should follow their chosen deities. If they were both fully convinced, it could put a huge dent in the Pascal's wager crowd.
Sweeeeet....
Oh yeah, baby, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
But see, the Christians would all say that the pagans weren't *real* believers...
Jim Downey
"Sometimes I think we're alone. Sometimes I think we're not. In either case, the thought is staggering."
- R. Buckminster Fuller
My Big Fat Greek Smackdown
Why do I want to be a fly on that ancient wall?
It's your quintessential "old religion" versus "new religion" fracas. Old God versus New God. :) BWA HA HA HA HA! Love it.
God(s), v. 2.0
But "Old God" worshippers with the full power of them thar interwebs!
Hey, Possummomma, good to see you round these parts - loved the link to your blog, and the comments of #1 daughter.
Jim Downey
"Sometimes I think we're alone. Sometimes I think we're not. In either case, the thought is staggering."
- R. Buckminster Fuller