Three Atheists

Atheism is getting a lot of attention these days. Even Bill O'Reilly, a professed believer, is jumping on the bandwagon to generate some ratings, and undoubtedly, some outrage. Here are three video clips that have come my way in the last twelve hours.

The first clip is Richard Dawkins appearing on the O'Reilly Factor Monday night. Big bad Bill was more civil than usual, perhaps knowing he could not win a match of wits with Dawkins (since Bill lacks wits to begin with).


Via: VideoSift

The second clip is Dan Dennet on "Religion as a Natural Phenomenon." Of all the current atheists, Dennett seems the most level-headed and interesting to me. This was a 2006 TED talk.

In a direct rebuttal to Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, Tufts philosophy professor Dan Dennet presents the idea of religion as a natural phenomenon -- one that has evolved over millennia to meet humanity's changing needs. While acknowledging that this idea stirs up anxiety, Dennett asserts the importance of studying religions rigorously, even proposing that children be required to study world religions along with reading and math. Dennett, who followed Warren on stage at TED2006, goes on to criticize The Purpose-Driven Life for several claims -- among them a belief that in order to be moral, one must deny evolution.

Via: VideoSift

The final clip is NSFW -- it's Penn & Teller debunking the Bible. Penn Gillette is the funny atheist who is more frequently getting into the conversation.


Via: VideoSift

Tags: atheism, culture, Religion, Science, Richard Dawkins, Bill O'Reilly, Dan Dennet, Penn and Teller, TED talks