Wednesday Godbytes

So apparently the music director at an Alabama church had to be let go. Sad, yes? Equally sad is the way he reportedly handled it: by pulling out a Taser and starting a massive brawl that put several people (including his momma) in the hospital. “‘The deacons and myself said we were not going to […]

So apparently the music director at an Alabama church had to be let go. Sad, yes? Equally sad is the way he reportedly handled it: by pulling out a Taser and starting a massive brawl that put several people (including his momma) in the hospital.

“‘The deacons and myself said we were not going to pay him because this Sunday was supposed to be his last. Once you are terminated, we are no longer under any obligation for any other funds to be paid to an employee,’ Riley said.

‘At that point, he pointed the Taser at me.’

Speaking of unnecessary violence, apparently some people are having a hard time recalling that whole “do unto others” thing Jesus used to talk about. Allfacebook.com reports that folks are being a bit overzealous on Facebook after an atheist leader appeared on Fox News to talk about his opposition to the 9/11 cross.

“The Fox News Facebook page got over 8,000 death threats posted on its wall after the Communications Director for the American Atheists, Blair Scott, appeared on the network’s ‘America Live’ discussing the group’s lawsuit hoping to stop the erection of a crucifix at the World Trade Center Memorial.”

Meanwhile, The Wild Hunt blog discusses how being a Pagan can make custody battles tricky:


“A common fear among adherents to minority faiths in the United States is that our beliefs will be used against us in child custody hearings. This is not an imaginary fear, as several modern Pagans have struggled with having their faith being made an issue of in court. I’ve covered this issue periodically almost since this blog started. From a Wiccan couple barred from teaching their child about Paganism, to the harrowing and bizarre story of Subgenius member Rachel Bevilacqua (aka Rev. Magdalen). Even the mere accusation of adherence to Wicca or modern Paganism is sometimes enough to affect a custody case.”

Finally, a guest columnist over at The Friendly Atheist gives a report about Kirk Cameron‘s Marriage-Strengthening event, complete with “Mancards”:

“Kirk Cameron came up on stage while Barfield strummed and sang part of the ‘Growing Pains’ theme. A bit of fanfare ensued. Warren introduced him as a ‘Granola’ because he comes from California, ‘the land of fruits and nuts’ (the audience laughed again). Cameron gave a little introduction, talked at length about ‘Seaver Fever’ and finally spoke of his atheist past. He dismissed evolution by stating that he knew he was more than the product of some chemical reactions or a cockroach waiting to be crushed. He reminisced out loud about pondering, ‘Is there something other than my blind faith in evolution and atheism?’ Later in the evening, he made a reference to Creationism: ‘The same guy who designed our universe also designed our marriages. And I’ve read his manual. And his word trumps Oprah’s every time.’ (‘Amens’ from the audience.)”

The Tweet of the Day comes from Stephen Colbert, who offers a more positive take on the prospect of Global Climate Change:

@Stephenathome – If the Earth’s getting warmer, maybe it’s because God’s giving us a tan so we look great when we get to Heaven.

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