The Parable Of The Parrots

There once was a person who wanted a parrot for a pet. He visited a local pet store and saw a pretty parrot that could speak 10 words. The person asked the store clerk "How much for the parrot?" The store clerk answered "$100." The person next saw an even prettier parrot and it could speak 100 words. Again, the person asked the store clerk "How much for that parrot?" The store clerk answered "$500." Over in a far corner of the store was a dull brownish parrot that could not speak a word. The person asked the store clerk "How much for that parrot?" The store clerk answered "$100,000." The person's jaw dropped and he was almost speechless. He asked the store clerk "Why is such a plain and speechless parrot so expensive?" The store clerk replied, "Because he thinks." ~paraphrased from Lawrence Krauss (on the Point of Inquiry podcast, 3/28/2011)

Why this image "I think, therefore I am an atheist?" After all, this blog discusses more than theological matters and I am much more than an atheist (About Me).

Please consider the following: By many observers, 85-90% of people believe in a god. By contrast, approximately 50% deny evolution, global warming and believe in some form of pseudoscience.  Thus, you will find the most posts on this blog on the most prevalent irrationality.

I am unapologetically proud to be an atheist and perceive major problems with how theism negatively effects human well-being and society at large. It is my opinion that critical and free thinking about the question of god, with access to necessary information, leads to the conclusion that there probably is no personal deity. You have the right to disagree with this opinion, but you don't have the right to treat me, and others like me, as less than full members of society based on rejection of this opinion.

Atheists are the most hated minority in our society. The reasons for this attitude are flawed. Theists need to have their consciousness raised on this matter so that all of us may live more peaceful, respectful and fulfilling lives. In essence, this is a civil rights issue and I want to be a part of it.

Please enjoy the rest of this blog and feel free to offer comments or suggestions in a respectful manner. Thank you.

Click on Evolution Of My Worldview next.