Monday, October 05, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ex-Muslims in U.S. want civil rights assurances
Ex-Muslims in U.S. want civil rights assurances
One of my friends, Amil Imani, is a co-founder of an important new organization, Former Muslims United. Please support our fellow human beings in their struggles to ensure that apostasy from Islam is no longer a death sentence.
Please read, comment there and pass around!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Why debunk atheism?
Why debunk atheism?
http:
"These days, we often see the battle raging in news items, on websites and in forums between theists and atheists, as one tries to outwit the other, etc., ad infinitum. Each side takes great glee in providing a more clever or morally superior position than the other. The question is why? Why does one side or the other care?"
Please read, comment there and pass around.
Enjoy!
Acharya
P.S. Here's a terrific message I received on MySpace in response to my Examiner article that truly gets at the heart of the matter.
i loved your article. it seems to me that in the crossfire between theist vs atheist there has to, ironically, be a voice of pure *practical* reason to keep things in perspective, so neither side loses sight of the goal, which ultimately is the expansion of intellectual boundaries. on the other hand, for me, living in the south and being subject to irreligious persecution, i equate the validation of arguments from the atheist side roughly to the Civil Rights Movement. each time we make headway in establishing atheism as something that must be accepted as a valid meta-ethical or religious position, atheists come closer to being true citizens and human beings in more than a merely "technical", de facto sense. i hope Dr. Dawkins will read and absorb what you've written to avoid future outbursts like the ones you describe in your article. ....you rock.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Is atheism the answer? Part 3
Is atheism often the result of a reaction against human abuse by religion? So it seems to be, at least in significant part, as opined by both theists and atheists. Therefore, it is to this debasement of humanity in general by religion that we may look for the cause of much turmoil, including that of the past century, which is held up as a black mark against atheism because of such figures as Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot. A common argument against atheism is that these individuals were all atheists who wrought horrendous atrocities against vast numbers of people. While this latter contention of these individuals committing infamy is certainly true and should never be forgotten or whitewashed, is it true that they were all atheists or were motivated by atheism, such that it is to be blamed? Was their lack of belief in a God behind their actions, which led to the deaths many millions?
Please read, comment there and pass it around!Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Freethought Nation
Freethought Nation
Monday, September 14, 2009
'The Christ Conspiracy' in the Huffington Post
My friend Dr. Robert Eisenman, a well-known Bible scholar, has just scored a major coup—albeit one that may not be immediately recognized—in his article for the Huffington Post entitled, "Redemonizing Judas: Gospel Fiction or Gospel Truth?"
Posted using ShareThis
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Islam and the Media: Terrorism Pays
Islam and the Media: Terrorism Pays
"The media and the entire world simply must call a spade a spade and stop verifying by their cowardice and coddling that terrorism pays. Otherwise, we humans as a whole can no longer call ourselves ethical and moral. And our future will be dire indeed."
Please read, comment and pass around!
Friday, September 11, 2009
'"Who Was Jesus?" is an important and enlightening book!'
An important and enlightening book
5.0 out of 5 stars (September 10, 2009)
By Donovan Haagensen (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Sacred allegories historical events?
"Murdock reveals the obvious erroneousness and fictional nature of the Gospels in a very rational and objective manner."Not only has she revealed the obvious erroneousness and fictional nature of the Gospels, but she has "dismantled" and carefully laid out all the essential elements and clues on the table, so to speak, focusing on each individual component, and plainly demonstrating, in a very rational and objective manner, the indisputable facts, as well as highlighting the evident flaws. Even if the information she divulges seems obvious to anyone who has long been suspicious or sceptical of the content contained within the "Good Book", it is nevertheless a riveting and enjoyable read – uncomplicated and coherent, and free of condescension and convolution. Furthermore, she does not express personal opinions, make speculative judgments, or attempt to sway anyone to a particular school of thought, but instead applies the same acumen and impartialness that any scholar or scientist would be expected to employ in the investigation of any subject under examination. In short, Ms. Murdock’s conclusions, which are reached by use of logical deduction and rationale, appear to be incontrovertible.
"Murdock’s conclusions, which are reached by use of logical deduction and rationale, appear to be incontrovertible."
If the same people who are convinced that these bizarre tales are inerrant truths are also capable of accepting the fact that children’s fairytales are clearly made up fantasies, then perhaps it’s about time that they apply the same logic when examining the Bible. And although this would normally be apparent simply by reading the Bible with an open mind, Ms. Murdock has gone the extra mile by not only stating the obvious, but also showing, in meticulous detail, how things just don’t quite add up (or, conversely, how certain things DO add up).
Regrettably, in this modern age, faith is just no longer an acceptable justification, when common sense and methodical enquiry demonstrate otherwise. And this is why it is important, if not essential, that more people read books by authors like D.M. Murdock, in the hope that these outdated and primitive notions will be appropriately seen for what they really are, that the "penny will drop", just as the Flat Earth was eventually rightfully "corrected".
Who Was Jesus? is an important book, essential in the ongoing enterprise of exposing the truth and enlightening the world, so that we may have a future where morals, ethics, integrity, and simple goodness are the order of the day.
D. Haagensen
Johannesburg, South Africa
For more information about this "important and enlightening book," please go to Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of The Christ.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
The Real ZEITGEIST Challenge
The Real ZEITGEIST Challenge
http://stellarhousepublishing.com/zeitgeist-challenge.html
Here is a pertinent excerpts:
"...once more I step into the fray to demonstrate — as I have already done many times over the past decades — that a number of salient 'modern' religious notions are in fact very ancient, that Christianity is largely a rehash of earlier religions and mythologies, and that acknowledging this past, without all the brainwashing and conditioning that causes intellectual dishonesty, blindness and hysteria, represents the real 'ZEITGEIST Challenge.'"
This article is also available as a free 20+-page ebook for immediate download. If you are interested in the truth behind "ZEITGEIST," Part 1, you will want to read this article/ebook.
I believe this subject is very important, as I am convinced that proper understanding of humanity's religions are a major key to establishing a functional human family.
Here is how I end this article:
"For the sake of justice and mankind's magnificent legacy - this information actually represents the best of humanity - we must not let the cover up of this crime against humanity stand and the burial of our heritage occur again. We have the tools and freedoms at last to reconstruct the past to a greater extent, to restore the ancient cultures to their proper place, and to delve into religious origins in a way never before enjoyed. Let us not allow this amazing opportunity to slip away based on the same blind belief, calumny and specious contentions that buried this legacy in the first place. This awakening towards our collective past and call to preserve it in the face of continued censorial onslaught represents the real challenge of ZEITGEIST."
The Real ZEITGEIST Challenge article
The Real ZEITGEIST Challenge ebook
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
The Religion of Environmentalism?
The Religion of Environmentalism?
Please read, comment there and pass it around!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Pacific garbage patch and religious fanaticism
Pacific garbage patch and religious fanaticism
"By now, many may be wondering if I will be tracing every human ill to religious fanaticism, mania, pathology and psychosis. On a global scale, there is much to be said for the notion that religious delusion has created a tremendous amount of suffering, including and significantly as concerns environmental degradation...."
Please read, comment there and pass it around!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Is atheism the answer? Part 2
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-17009-Freethought-Examiner~y2009m8d24-Is-atheism-the-answer-Part-2
"Last week in the first part of this series, I made the case for atheistic thinking as a natural part of the healthy human mind. I did not, however, draw any firm conclusions as to whether or not atheism as a worldview is a solution to many of society's ills, including and especially religious fanaticism. Indeed, the question remains, is atheism even a worldview?...
"I have sifted through some 200-300 comments on my article both here and elsewhere, remarks running the gamut from glorious to grotesque, encouraging to insulting. Mostly, however, these comments have been thoughtful, rational and profound...."
For the full discussion of this debate, be sure to go to my article:
Is atheism the answer? Part 2
Please read, comment there and pass it around! Your support is very important in getting the word out. Thank you, and enjoy!Acharya S/D.M. Murdock
Friday, August 21, 2009
"The Gospel According to Acharya S" Reviews!
I wanted to let you know about the great things people are saying about my new book The Gospel According to Acharya S. First of all, just so you know, this book is not about "the" gospel, i.e., the New Testament story of Jesus Christ. It's about MY "good news," which is one meaning of the word "gospel."In The Gospel, I discuss many of the major religious and spiritual issues that humankind encounters, from a freethinker perspective. That means I don't either mindlessly believe or simply dismiss these concepts. Rather, I explore them and attempt to reconcile them with reality. To read about The Gospel, go here:
http://StellarHousePublishing.com/gospel.html
Following are some of the great reviews The Gospel has been getting:
"I received your book yesterday, and fell asleep in it last night...in a good way 'cause I couldn't put it down! Devoured most of it!
"THE MOST liberating book I've read...ever! My eyes are open wide now!
"Thank You for your Gospel, aka: GOOD NEWS, no...GREAT NEWS!
"You are very intelligent, bold yet subtle, and I love your sense of humor!
"Also, it's obvious—your love for true humanity, and passion, and truth, and well, pretty much all things that pertain to taking one's mind permanently out of the box that we ourselves, with society's help, have huddled in and under for far too long!
"Ok...back to gobble up the rest! :) good day to you."
Joni, United Kingdom
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5.0 out of 5 stars
By Wayne Mayfield (Chicago)
"Having read two of her other works, Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of the Christ, and The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold, I expected another scholarly in depth book. Turns out it is exactly that, but with a bit of a new twist.
"Acharya takes off the gloves in this book.... In the aforementioned books her approach is a bit more clinical, relying on facts and extremely well done research. She surely hasn't abandoned that set of skills in this book.
"However, I think she is a bit more casual in her writing.... She also offers her view on life and living, hence the title the Gospel According to Acharya S.
"Overall, I'd say this book is going to be a best seller for her. It's loaded with pictures, (perhaps to keep the attention of the less intelligent among us) and loaded with a lot of the relatively obscure words related to the subject matter. Notwithstanding the verbage, this book is an easy read and a real hard hitting, take no prisoners approach to exposing religion for what it truly is. Bravo. 5 Stars."
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These are just a couple of the reviews The Gospel has received. If you would like to know more, please go here:
http://StellarHousePublishing.com/gospel.html
Don't forget that "The Gospel" is now available globally through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, both of which are linked at my page.
Enjoy!
Acharya S/D.M. Murdock
P.S. For those who already own a copy of The Gospel, please see this "Notice of Errata":
http://stellarhousepublishing.com/gospelerrata.html
Monday, August 17, 2009
Is atheism the answer?
There has been a great deal of debate in the media lately concerning the "New Atheism" as led by "atheist gods" such as Richard Dawkins, P.Z. Myers, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. This notoriety has been enhanced by Dawkins & Co.'s infamous "bus ads," as well as the "Imagine No Religion" billboards by the Freedom from Religion Foundation headed by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. Then there is the little chat between famous atheists Bill Maher and Brad Pitt that is kicking up controversy, along with a number of other "stars" expressing their unbelief. We also read reports that atheism is on the rise in the United States, reaching percentages never recorded before. Truly, atheism is out of the closet.For the rest, please go to:
Is atheism the answer?
Please read the article, comment there and pass it around! Digging, Facebooking, Twittering all helps to spread the word.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Beating up Women for Allah
A New York Time op-ed piece by Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahaway demonstrates just how great Islam is for women. Pointing out that 164 women in Muslim countries were sentenced in the past month to the cruel punishment of flogging, for the most inane and unfair "offenses," Eltahaway sensibly asks, where is the outrage?The fact is that Islam gets a pass because it is a "religion," it has so many adherents, and its "radicals" and "extremists" (i.e., devout Muslims) have been blowing up, beheading, slaughtering and terrorizing much of the world. People are frankly terrified to speak out against this atrocity because the "religion of peace" has never been anything of the kind. As Eltahaway says concerning the women of Sudan, for example:
They have served as the whipping girls for the Sudanese regime’s cheap game of flogging women to show off its “Islamic principles.”There it is in a nutshell: Brutal and vicious rape, beheading, stoning, acid attacks, "honor killings" - none of these horrors and indecencies sully the name of Islam, but a woman wearing trousers does.
The International Criminal Court has indicted President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. His janjaweed allies in Darfur have been accused of rape. Trousers are “indecent” but rape is just another reminder of how useful women’s bodies are in conveying the message.
Abusing Women and Islam
Women's Rights in Islam
Yale Cowtows to Islamic Terrorism
As is obvious from all the appeasing, terrorism pays off. If you blow up a bunch of things, slaughtering tons of people, and there's enough of you, you will get your way. Violence pays, if the horde is big enough. Now, rather than fighting back by sensibly pointing out how barbaric and savage is this "sensibility" being coddled, entire nations are falling to their knees in capitulation, which is exactly the point of terrorism.
Like so many others, including almost entire European governments, Yale's actions have proved once again that the "religion of peace" is no such thing and that terrorism pays.
Publisher bans images of Muhammad in new book
Danish Cartoon ArchiveYale University Press has decided against reprinting the Danish cartoons of the prophet Muhammad in a book examining the controversy, after being advised by Islam and counterterrorism experts that doing so could incite violence.
As well as leaving out the 12 cartoons which provoked riots across the Islamic world in 2006, Yale also bowed to recommendations not to include any other illustrations of Muhammad, including a 19th century sketch by Gustave Doré of Muhammad in Hell from Dante's Inferno, in the book, The Cartoons That Shook the World.
Author Jytte Klausen said the book had been ready to go to print when the illustrations were pulled, after Yale received some "quite alarmist" statements from experts to whom it had sent the title. A professor of politics at a Massachusetts university, Klausen argued for inclusion of the cartoons in the book, which is due out in November in the US and January in the UK. "People think they know the cartoons and actually, by printing the cartoons, I'm arguing that some of them are Islamophobic, and in the tradition of anti-Semitism. If we can't look at them, how can we discuss this?" she said today.
The Prophet of Doom
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Iranian women imprisoned for converting to Christianity
Iranian women imprisoned for converting to Christianity
As usual, please read, comment there and pass around!
Social bookmarking like Digg, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Facebook and so on is a great idea as well.
Thanks. :)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Ohio teen: 'My Muslim father wants to kill me!'
West's conflict with Islam coming to a head?
Recent incidents in France, Germany, the U.S. and Great Britain serve to highlight an ongoing problem with the rampantly open-ended immigration of the...
Runaway Ohio teen: 'My Muslim father wants to kill me!'
The clash between cultures is becoming ever more obvious in headlines in the U.S. and other Western countries, such as this one about a young girl...
Please read, comment there and pass around!
Friday, August 07, 2009
'My mother is a religious fanatic - what can I do?' Part 2
"My mother is a religious fanatic - what can I do?" Part 2
I have included suggestions I've encountered a number of times over the years during which so many people have asked me the same or similar question. I have also provided approaches I have used in other arenas, such as "going native."
Please go read my article and pass it around to anyone you feel would benefit! Also, be sure to comment - it's easy to comment there, no account needed.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
What is a mythicist?
What is a Mythicist?
The History of Mythicism
These articles deal with the third option in the believing versus non-believing debate as concerns various religious traditions, specifically Christianity and bibliolatry in this case.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
'My mother is a religious fanatic - what can I do?'
'My mother is a religious fanatic - what can I do?'
Over the nearly 15 years I've been online, I've received many emails asking me for advice as concerns religious fanaticism by family members and friends that is detrimental to healthy relationships. As this fanaticism often produces hurtful and disheartening exchanges, these inquirers have asked how they could get their friends and family members either to let go of it or to stop proselytizing and pushing it on others....
Friday, July 31, 2009
Madonna as Religious Guru?
Madonna as Religious Guru?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
"The Gospel According to Acharya S" Available Internationally!
http://stellarhousepublishing.com/gospel.html
I've also added some more excerpts, such as the following from the "Prologue":
If you are atheistically prone and do not enjoy discussions or definitions of God or spirituality, you may still wish to read my colorful essays and rants--consider them not as doctrine but as "mystical poetry" addressing some of the most important and profound concepts to face humanity. It is my experience that most people enjoy these mystical or spiritual subjects and that the notion of God will not disappear from the human psyche, so let us at least drag it out of the Stone Age and redefine it.I should add that there is also much fascinating factual material as I present in my other books but which is unique to "The Gospel," including a short but succinct discussion of the founders of Communism and Nazism, and their relationship to religion. Fully cited from respectable sources, of course! In fact, for a book of this size, the bibliography is significant, with over 160 sources.
The Gospel also has over 130 inline illustrations, which means they are right next to the relevant text.
Don't forget -
This "Purple Bible" is the antidote to the world's insanity-producing "holy scriptures!"
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hinduism in America on the rise
Hinduism in America on the rise
Festivities in a new temple dedicated to the Indian monkey god Hanuman in Frisco, Texas, earlier this month remind us that a minority of religions exists within the shores of the United States that is relatively silent. The faith that is the subject here, of course, is Hinduism, which in that North Texas town, at least, is enjoying an "expanding population," according to the Dallas Morning News. Despite the fact that Indians have been quietly enriching the American melting pot for decades to centuries, few non-Indians know much about the colorful religion of Hinduism....
Monotheism in America will simply need to become accustomed to the fact that this country is inhabited by polytheists such as the Hindus as well as atheists, humanists and secularists, and to stop being so aggressive and insistent upon its own way. That's America under the U.S. Constitution, a fact that freedom lovers everywhere will appreciate.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Does the Old Testament foster corruption?
Jimmy Carter: 'Stop abusing women in the name of God'
and
Does the Old Testament foster corruption?
Please go read my articles, subscribe, favorite, share and social bookmark, using Digg, Reddit, StumbleUpon and so on!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Islamist Assault on the U.S. Constitution
Islamist Assault on the U.S. Constitution
Makes the blood boil. Of course, these knuckledraggers believe that the First Amendment protects their rights to call for treason against the U.S. Constitution.
Why in the 21st century of the common era are we having to do battle with people over the right to exist without being enslaved by demented religious dogma?
Please go to my article, comment, subscribe, favorite, send to your friends and social bookmark it!!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
"The Gospel According to Acharya S" is Here!
You can get your copy right now by going here -
http://stellarhousepublishing.com/gospel.html
The Gospel tackles some of the most interesting and important aspects of human consciousness, such as:
What is God? Is belief in God righteous? Should we praise God? Who speaks for God? Is the Bible "God's Word?" Does prayer work? Are we born in sin? What is the original of good and evil? Who is the Devil? Is the Bible prophetic? Do we have free will? What is the purpose in life?
Some kind words about The Gospel:
"I just read your essay titled, 'What is God?' and I'd like to tell you that I found it the most truthful piece of spiritual writing I have ever read. So concise, a real stimulation unhindered by myth, parable and occult symbolism."
Steve R., Australia
This "Purple Bible" is the antidote to the world's insanity-producing "holy scriptures!"
If you obtain your copy of The Gospel through my website, I will throw in a free bonus -
Acharya's Religion 101 for Seekers, a 20-page ebook made up of some of my spiciest writings!
The Gospel According to Acharya S
Grab your copy of the "Purple Bible" today!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Acharya S: Freethought Examiner
Science versus religion: the debate comes to the NIH
My work will now reach a new audience. PLEASE read my article and comment on it! And share it with all your friends. :)
Be sure to subscribe to my page and add me as a "Favorite Examiner!" A strong show of support will send a great message to Examiner.com that the Freethought perspective is very popular and that they made the right decision in welcoming me as the Freethought Examiner.
Also, if you would like to apply as a writer to Examiner.com, please include my name and ID code in your application in the Referral Details, where it asks "How did you hear about becoming an Examiner?"
D.M. Murdock
17009
Thanks!
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Chronicles of Acharya S
I particularly enjoy appearing on Miguel's program and have done so several times now. The shows are listed here -
http://www.thegodabovegod.com/shop/index.php?cat=5
Like me, Miguel works very hard on a shoestring budget to bring everybody the best material he can find. If you are looking for something interesting to do, and you enjoy my work, please go to Miguel's site and listen to our programs together. I'm certain that Miguel will be very grateful for your attention and patronage.
It's because of the support and appreciation of all the great folks that we can continue to bring to light this fascinating information, so thank you!
Enjoy - and check out the rest of Miguel's massive audio library as well.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
"Your book 'Who Was Jesus?' is phenomenal!"
From: Sandy FeltonIam now making a special offer to anyone who gets a copy of my book Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of The Christ through my website. If you obtain the book directly from me, I will throw in three ebooks for free, including:
Subject: Your book "Who Was Jesus" is phenomenal!
To: Acharya S
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hi Acharya or Ms. Murdock:
I got the book "Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of The Christ" from the library, and I wanted to start underlining very quickly into it, so I bought it.
Fantastic book, what a research job!
The last chapter, where you try to decipher the politics of why such and such passage is in which gospel was amazingly insightful.
It is so great to have a scholar of this area who isn't so biased in favor of the "accuracy" of these documents.
Thank you so much.
Mr. Sandy Felton
The Acharya Articles Collection
The Companion Guide to ZEITGEIST, Part 1
Jesus as the Sun throughout History
Here's the URL for the book, with the special offer:
http://www.stellarhousepublishing.com/whowasjesus1.html
Here's what others are saying about WWJ:
"Who Was Jesus? is a fine work, characterized by your unique ability to spot neglected implications and aspects of debates..."See what the buzz is all about - go to my website to read much more about Who Was Jesus? Watch the great video about it there as well!
Robert M. Price, PhD
"I've known people with triple Ph.D's who haven't come close to the scholarship here."
Pastor David Bruce, M.Div
"D.M. Murdock, aka 'Acharya S,' has written a really fine introduction to the problem of the Historical Jesus."
Robert H. Eisenman, PhD
"D.M. Murdock's Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of The Christ is unquestionably one of the finest and most enjoyable books I've ever read."
David Mills
"Who Was Jesus? Fingerprints of the Christ just might be the best short introduction to Biblical scholarship yet."
David Bergland
"Probably the best of this genre..."
Ex-Priest Bob Semes
"I wish every member of every Christian congregation could be made to read it through, slowly and carefully."
Barbara Walker
http://www.stellarhousepublishing.com/whowasjesus1.html
And be sure to get your copy with the special offer of three free ebooks.
Enjoy!
