Richmond Area Free Thinkers Society

Disease is commonly thought to be a strictly bad phenomenon. Even the word itself has an “icky” sound to it. In this book, Moalem presents an alternate view: that today’s diseases were yesterday’s cures. Covering a variety of ailments that range from internally rusting to death (hemochromatosis) to diabetes to parasitic infections, the author synthesizes the work of researchers and scientists throughout history to support his thesis: surviving long enough to reproduce is key to the longevity of our species, even if our individual longevity suffers. (Read More »)

Is it good to tell your kids the Santa myth? The Easter Bunny myth? How about religious mythology? In Parenting Beyond Belief, McGowan presents a collection essays from many different sources (including Dan Barker, Julia Sweeney, Penn Jillette, Richard Dawkins, Margaret Downey, McGowan himself, and many others) discussing the virtues and the importance of encouraging freethinking children. The book itself does not give definitive answers, but rather illustrates the experiences of many other secular and freethinking families, so that the reader may decide what is best for their own family. (Read More »)

Darwin’s flagship work is a brilliant snapshot of a world when the notions of natural selection, common ancestry, and evolution were all merely just glimmers in Darwin, Wallace, and a few other relatively unknown biologists’ eyes. The book, having never been out of print in 149 years (as of 2008), shows a younger Darwin tenaciously considering over a rather revolutionary idea, ruminating over both its scientific implications, but with a definite sense that he is remorsefully aware of the controversial nature of what is being proposed. (Read More »)

I really hoped to learn a lot about the history of the church/state separation and lack thereof from reading this book and I wasn’t disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised at how honest, straightforward and unbiased the writer was. For example, Noah explains why the state allowed religious groups to gain footholds into federal and state arenas instead of simple denying it all together or claiming it was the religious controlling the government. (Read More »)

While I did enjoy this book I didn’t learn as much new information or new ideas as I would have liked. Much of it was re-used from older books or other writers and philosophers. However I understand that in a society like the US we have to keep moving these things to the forefront because they will tend to get pushed to the side or lost among the jumble of religions and fast paced living. I would heartily suggest this book for those just starting to question their faith or philosophy. (Read More »)

After a joke that went through the list, I decided to have some fun in Photoshop with a picture of a member. Click it to see a larger version. Is it a miracle? No, it’s 10 minutes with a $1200 computer program.

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