I spent the early half of  Saturday, May 10th at an annual conference sponsored by The Humanists of Florida Association. This event was co-sponsored by the Sarasota Congregation for Humanistic Judaism; The Gulf Coast Humanist Association and The Humanists of Sarasota Bay.

My chief focus of interest that morning was a presentation on "The Neurological Basis of Spirituality" delivered by Alan Grindal, M.D.  Dr. Grindal, who was previously a Professor of Neurology, is now retired and with retirement freed time has been enhancing his knowledge of the neurobiology of human spirituality.

You are invited to stimulate some of your brain synapses, pro or con as you read below the fold...

With Pastordan hot for online Bible Study on the other side of todays Front Page I find my self un-innitiated about that microcosm.

A Christian friend said she doesn't go to services but does enjoy attending Bible Study.

Just what is a run of the mill Bible Study like in the various churches
that so indulge?

Sticks & Stones May Break my Bones but Names Will Never Harm me!

Well, thats not completely true is it?

I am confident that most who read this will be knowledgeable about the potential for harm that lies in the selective use of words. The "N" word being an outstanding example.

It seems to me that the words that can evoke harm  are often those that apply a name.

<Please follow in extended entry.>

 
 [ The quoted data is from an article By Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Associated Press, February 17, 2007.]

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania --" Seven conservative Anglican leaders refused to take Holy Communion with the head of the U.S. branch of the church, who supports ordaining gays and blessing same-sex unions."

[ As stated by Sam Harris in  "Letter To A Christian Nation" ]
So many Religionists, as I read on the Net, voice indignation over any challenge or criticism of their religion.

Yes, it can be felt as hurtfull to experience criticism, but is that a legitimate reason to try
to stem honestly intended criticism?

Keep in mind that the question here is criticism of religious faith not of what is written in any
ones holy book.

"Unfortunately, expressing such criticism places the nonbeliever at the margins of society."
[Sam Harris]

I agree that we should all be respectful of all persons, including those professing to a religion,
 but is there any good reason that respect must be extended to the tenents of their religion?

Your thoughts on the matter .

 emanuel

The following is excerpted from a NewsMax.com staff article on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007, headed:" Mitt Romney: Roe v. Wade Cheapens Human Life"
Romney said for years he was "effectively pro-choice" because a family member died in an illegal abortion in the 1960s.