Karen Armstrong on the Case for God Oct 20, 2009
" This is extremely distressing in my opinion, and a danger to our democracy, which she insists is compatible with religion. How can one have freedom if some insist on laws based on their particular religious views that apply to all? Maybe God is here to stay, but that is not necessarily the best thing for the world's security, freedom and contentment. ERIC 5:43 PM ET October 19, 2009 Believing in God, immortality, transcendent meaning would be wonderful, if only there were a particle of... (Slate)
Is the Social Function of Religion Changing? by Tom Rees, Epiphenom Aug 27, 2009
In theory, atheists should have low death anxiety since, to paraphrase Epicurus, what do you have to fear from non-existence. However, I wonder whether this cognitive rationalisation is enough to overcome the innate psychological instinct. (Harper's Magazine)
Will, we hardly knew ye - and still don't Jun 21, 2009
The impact of the plague on London and its theater scene; English county and nationalist identities; the flowers, plants, and herbs of rural England - a favorite line of imagery in the plays - the curriculum of the grammar school, especially in Latin; Ovid, Plutarch, Seneca, Epicurus, Montaigne, and other authors whom Shakespeare studied or with whom his work can be compared; laws and court cases involving sex, marriage, adultery, and divorce; the earl of Essex s failed rebellion in early 1601... (Boston Globe)
Neubauers had it wrong May 24, 2009
Thomas thought he found a problem with Christianity in an old quote by Epicurus, but all he showed is that mortal man does not understand the immortal, almighty God. God is both willing and able to prevent evil, and he has already solved the problem of evil through Jesus sacrifice. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Nurturing nonbelief: Parents gather to talk about raising kids without religion May 23, 2009
"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?" -- Epicurus. "And if there were a God, I think it very unlikely that He would have such an uneasy vanity as to be offended by those who doubt His existence." -- Bertrand Russell. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Shakespeare: Soul of the age Apr 7, 2009
On balance, Mr Bate suggests, the humane realism of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, whose pliableness and variety of mind Shakespeare would have encountered indirectly through the essays of Montaigne, is a good place to start. Readers' comments. (The Economist)
