Hemant Mehta's Blog, page 1682

U.S. Air Force Officials Reminded of Flag-Folding Methods, One of Which is Full of Christian Symbolism

Commander’s Call Topics is an email publication going out to high-ranking Air Force personnel, and a recent issue reminded them of the symbolism behind two different flag-folding ceremonies. One of them was non-religious but the other one — which can be used at “personal ceremonies as long as the participants are volunteers” — is explicitly Christian:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second symbolizes our belief in eternal life.

The third is made in honor and remembrance of th...

“Did I Just Transubstantiate That Out Loud?”

(Note: Go read Leviticus 19, better known as “The Thirty-Seven Commandments.” It’s very entertaining, especially the naughty bits.)

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Moses: “Next on the list, Lord, Rule Twenty: Should a man be punished for having sex with female slaves?”

God: “Dude! Please! This is going in the Bible! I mean, kids are gonna read this thing!”

Moses: “Trust me, not this part they won’t. And yet, the people desperately need your guidance in such matters, Lord.”

God: “That is so true, Moses. Th...

This is How Brigham Young University’s Honor Code Hurts Mormons Who May Question Their Faith

This is a guest post written by Justin, a blogger at Secular-Reality.com.

…

Brigham Young University is a private institution owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a.k.a “Mormons”). Unlike some other religiously-operated schools, BYU is a fully accredited and well-respected academic institution. (They even teach evolution!) They also willingly admit both Mormon and non-Mormon students, though the latter pay a much higher tuition rate.

All students attending BYU,...

Someone Set Fire to Coffee Shop Owned by Jesus-Loving Mayor; Guess Who He Blamed?

Earlier Wednesday morning, the Will Rogers Coffee Company in Texas caught on fire, damaging part of the exterior wall and melting some freezers inside the building.

Security footage — not yet public — supposedly revealed someone driving up near the building and throwing something at it (in an act of arson).

As it turns out, Will Rogers also doubles as Mayor of Hawkins, Texas, a city I’ve posted about in recent weeks because of the giant “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins” sign greeting visitors:

So,...

Is the “Relentlessly Gay” Yard a Giant Hoax?

Last week, we all heard about the colorful solar lamps in Julie Baker‘s yard spelling out the words “Love” and “Ohana” (the Hawaiian word for “family”).

As the story went, one of her neighbors sent Baker a note about how her yard was becoming “Relentlessly Gay” and how that was bad for children.

Your yard is becoming Relentlessly Gay! Myself and Others in the neighborhood ask that you Tone It Down. This is a Christian area and there are Children. Keep it up and I will be Forced to call the Poli...

Pat Robertson Tells Woman to Avoid Her Wiccan Neighbors Because “They’ll Destroy Your Children”

Giver of all wisdom Pat Robertson was asked on The 700 Club about how a woman should respond to her new Wiccan neighbors. Should they be friends? Should she allow her son to befriend their daughter?

Robertson, as expected, responded with the love of Christ: By telling the woman to avoid them at all costs before they ruin her family.

They’ll corrupt you. You know, these people… they say, these are white witches versus black witches. There’s no such thing as “good witch.” It’s all demonic and you...

Popular YouTube Atheist Jaclyn Glenn Featured in Playboy Photo Shoot

It’s not often you see a potentially-NSFW post on Friendly Atheist, so gather around.

The other day, popular atheist YouTuber Jaclyn Glenn shared a link to her risqué Playboy photo shoot, part of a series covering (err… uncovering?) top YouTube starlets.

My initial reaction was… well, first it was to click and see (so what if I’m a straight female?), but a close second was my anticipation of the responses regarding sexism in atheism. It’s a source of friction in the community, no doubt. But the...

Who Knew There Was a Connection Between Bibles and the Slinky?

True story: The inventor of the Slinky used his wealth to translate the Bible into little-known languages.

Andy Warner tells the full story at Backchannel:

(via Boing Boing)

Because Terrorist Groups Need to Stop Being So Damn Intolerant

Finally, the terrorists are realizing they need to be a little more open-minded…:

Saying its doors were open to anyone with hate in their heart, sources at non-denominational terrorist group Universal Soldiers of Vengeance told reporters Friday that the organization welcomes radicals of all faiths.

(via The Onion)

Judge Asked to Remove “An Appeal to Heaven” Flag from Arkansas County Courthouse

While everyone is talking about flags that shouldn’t be on government property, the Bradley County Courthouse in Warren, Arkansas is being called out for flying a flag reading “An Appeal to Heaven”:

It’s unclear how long that flag has been up, but that’s irrelevant. It’s clearly a promotion of religion even when you ignore the fact that it comes from a group that wants Christians (and only Christians) in public office.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter recently to Judge Keith N...