Why?In this book, I argue that the root of the problem is America’s religiosity. A crisis that only science could meet threatened to expose the impotence of religious claims, and religious leaders and institutions went on the attack. Any hope of a rational, scientifically informed response was crippled by a presidential administration elected by religious zealots, staffed by religious zealots, and beholden to religious zealots. But their malfeasance was not limited to the political arena.From churches ignoring state lock downs, to televangelists declaring the disease miraculously eradicated, to pastors suing their governors for enforcing public safety measures, religion was at the forefront of virtually every misguided step towards catastrophe that the nation took.When science eventually solves this problem, religions will be quick to thank their gods for the scientist’s labor and forgive themselves their trespasses. We cannot afford to give them such easy absolution. Their disastrous contributions to our national pandemic response are a potent reminder that a nation in the twenty-first century can ill afford to let anyone compete with science in the realm of truth.

    Traditionally, when in need of guidance, comfort or inspiration, many people turn to religion. But there has been another way to learn how to live well - the humanist way - and in today's more secular world, it is more relevant than ever.In The Little Book of Humanism, Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson share over two thousand years of humanist wisdom through an uplifting collection of stories, quotes and meditations on how to live an ethical and fulfilling life, grounded in reason and humanity.With universal insights and beautiful original illustrations, The Little Book of Humanism is a perfect introduction to and a timeless anthology of humanist thought from some of history and today's greatest thinkers.

    He listened to Glenn Beck. He read Ann Coulter. He watched Fox News. He was an evangelical Christian once tethered to right-wing media, which constantly warned of an attack on American values by liberals and secular humanists. Today, Seth is a liberal and secular humanist. This book explores the Fox News culture, which both reflects and informs American conservatism, shaping public opinion on important issues like religion, government, race, foreign policy, war, protest, LGBT rights, and the Constitution. It's an exposé of conservative media's "closed systems" which constantly feed on (and feed into) public outrage, ignorance, bigotry, and fear. It's also the story of one man's personal journey into a larger and better world.

    In this book, author Jakub Ferencik shows how ideological opponents can understand one another, seek compromise, and effectively challenge the global problems of the 21st century. Up in the Air is about how two large ideological opponents, Christians and atheists, will have to battle out some of what are the biggest problems of this century from the "Age of Unreason" to moral ambivalence, to human rights violations, factory-farming and man-made climate change, to nuclear war, and nihilism. In today's discourse about everyday moral and political issues, from abortion to animal rights or the legalization of gay marriage, we tend to jump to conclusions instead of fully understanding what the "opposition" is saying. In this book, Ferencik argues that it is more effective to listen and properly understand our differences to resolve them instead of misrepresenting them due to ignorance or harmful intent. Social issues are complex and multi-faceted, which is why well-meaning citizens will come to drastically different conclusions with similar backgrounds and resources. In order to come up with solutions, Ferencik argues, we have to first understand each other, where we are coming from, and where we want to go. It is only then that we will be able to effectively challenge the problems of this coming century.

    This is completely contrary to the Founding Fathers’ original vision of America; it was designed by them to be a secular democratic republic built on evidence-based Enlightenment values, emphatically not religious faith.Indeed, the Founders purposefully intended that a high, strong “wall of separation” keep church and state apart in the new nation, while allowing individual religious freedom untrammeled by government—and vice versa. But Christians with theocratic dreams keep trying to breach the wall. Through their efforts, God is now in evidence everywhere in the country—on our money, in our schools, even in high-level-government officials’ speeches. Freedom of — and from — religion is the American promise to all its people whatever their belief—or disbelief. This is how the Founding Fathers wanted it to be, not the undemocratic theocracy zealous evangelicals are trying to force on American society.

    The first step equips you with the intellectual virtues and conversational virtues necessary for critical thinking.The second step on our journey equips you with a variety of methods and tools for critical thinking and philosophical reasoning. Through tangible suggestions, lively and engaging examples, and a bit of technical jargon, you'll come away a better thinker and – ideally – a better human being.Critical thinking, like mastering a musical instrument, requires practice. That's why the next three steps on our journey will apply the methods and tools previously explored to central issues in philosophy of science and philosophy mind: scientism, laws of nature, and the nature of the mind. With a depth of insight, a breadth of coverage, and a touch of humor, this book will engage both beginner and advanced readers in the field of philosophy. This book is the beginning of your journey of discovery. The treasure of truth awaits.