It is true that Robert Latimer was suffering, and he suffered so much because someone he loved was suffering.… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
The bishop of Phoenix is “defined by dedication” 
Dec 27th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In other words, he’s a myopic zealot dedicated to murderous authoritarian dogma.… Read the rest
A Catholic theologian explains
Dec 27th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
“The Magisterium definitively teaches that intrinsically evil acts are always immoral, regardless of intention and circumstances.”… Read the rest
Rust belt philosopher on the bishop of Phoenix
Dec 27th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Olmsted’s own citations require him to look into the issue more seriously than he did.… Read the rest
Eric MacDonald on the bishop of Phoenix
Dec 27th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
For Catholic morality the abortion of a fetus in order to save the life of a woman who already has children who need her is tantamount to murder.… Read the rest
ACLU: Catholic hospitals must provide emergency care
Dec 26th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The bishop ordered the hospital to sign a pledge that it would never again provide an emergency abortion, even to save a woman’s life.… Read the rest
What about that pope then eh?
Dec 26th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Catherine Pepinster and Keith Porteous Wood discuss.… Read the rest
New violence in Jos, Nigeria
Dec 26th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Previous violence between Christian and Muslim “ethnic groups” in the region has killed hundreds.… Read the rest
“Don’t laugh like a whore, this is Karachi”
Dec 26th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Mahim Maher on reporting rape in Pakistan, saying “penis” in Pakistan, laughing aloud in Pakistan.… Read the rest
Dawkins on Ratzinger’s Thought for the Day
Dec 25th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ratzinger is guilty of promoting one of the most repugnant ideas ever to occur to a human mind: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).… Read the rest
Dan Fincke on theistic evolution
Dec 25th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
To look at evolution scientifically is to recognize that even if there is a God, God does not intelligently guide evolution.… Read the rest
“Spiritual Fitness” is code for mandatory Christianity
Dec 25th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There are spiritual fitness centers, spiritual fitness programs, spiritual fitness concerts, spiritual fitness runs and walks.… Read the rest
US Army: atheists unfit to serve
Dec 25th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The US Army has taken the position that a soldier who does not feel connected to a deity is an incomplete person.… Read the rest
Pakistan: bomber kills people queuing for food
Dec 25th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Pakistan’s Taliban said they were responsible for the attack on the distribution centre, used by the WFP and other aid agencies.… Read the rest
Breaking news: pope does Xmas eve homily
Dec 25th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Calls for peace. Is 83. Kisses babies. Lit candle earlier. Will do lunch later.… Read the rest
Americans claim to be more religious than they are
Dec 24th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If the data raise serious questions about self-reported church attendance, they ought to raise red flags about all aspects of self-reported religiosity.… Read the rest
Jafar Panahi’s reward for bringing cinematic glory to Iran
Dec 24th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
6 years in prison and a 20 year ban on making films, writing scripts, attending foreign festivals, giving interviews.… Read the rest
Jesus and Mo argue about epistemology
Dec 24th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A piece of a story isn’t evidence for the veracity of the story. Meanwhile: nominate J and M for best comic.… Read the rest
NY Times has a vision of The Virgin Mary
Dec 24th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
It’s really really really true, the bishops said so.… Read the rest
Traditional medicine endangers Afghan lives
Dec 23rd, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Their “treatments” often result in serious injury, further illness or even death, especially among pregnant women.… Read the rest
