Turtle Dance

Saw these two snapping turtles dancing around the pond. Fighting? Mating? Shellgame?

Bad Apples of Faith

We learn as children that “one bad apple can ruin the bunch.” This is true for faith as well. It’s upsetting to see people who say they “Know God” making it their self-appointed mission to whine, pass legislation or even do violence to others. One spoiled “religious nut” can spoil the whole bowl. . .or […]

Prayer vs. Guns: Who Wins?

It’s clear that prayer is helpful to millions. People feel comforted in the belief that Someone hears them and cares about them. I would not try to take prayer away from those who need it. But I’m troubled about something, so, if you pray, maybe you can explain. Every time there’s a tragedy, for instance, […]

Fuzzbuzzers

I’ve been known to “pet” these little buzzers. They’re so busy with business they never seem to notice how close I am. Buzzing Beauty on the Blooming Rhododendrons.

Blue Ridge Mountain High

Black and Whites on a colorful spring day.

When a Representative doesn’t Represent

After writing to one of our “Representatives” about his support for an awful “First Amendment Defense” Act, he responded with these words, “Thank you for contacting my office regarding traditional marriage. I appreciate having the benefit of your thoughts. In 2015, the Supreme Court issued their decision on Obergefell v. Hodges, a court case in which […]

Freethinker’s Scripture

A view from our daily walk in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Saving Jesus. . .again

Poor Guy. This essay I wrote a while back continues to have relevance for me, maybe for others as well. Saving Jesus

Let’s End Invocations

This is getting very tiring. It happens all across the “land of the free.” This shouldn’t be happening in a Secular Nation with a Secular Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion–No, not just for certain kinds of Christians–but freedom to choose to believe in any god, or not. Invocational prayers, or prayers of any kind, are […]

In Common Sense We Trust

Another great moment from Friendly Atheist: Minnesota Senator John Marty, who believes in God, schools his colleagues why the “motto” “In God We Trust” shouldn’t be plastered all over money, schools, etc. Marty Speech Excellent, and I wrote to thank him for his voice of common sense and reason. We need much, much more of this.