Gregory Paul’s research suggests that popular religious belief is caused by dysfunctional social conditions.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Bishop of Limerick Resigns Over Abuse Scandal 
Dec 10th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He was a professor of moral theology with a particular expertise in ethics; the report said he acted ‘inexcusably.’… Read the rest
Irish Abortion Law in the Dock
Dec 10th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ireland’s AG pleaded with judges to accept that Ireland’s abortion laws sprang from ‘profound moral values.’… Read the rest
Women Challenge Irish Abortion Ban in Court
Dec 10th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Lawyers argue that the ban breaches several articles of the European convention on human rights.… Read the rest
Robert Talisse on the Simple Truth Thesis
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
For any Big Question, there are several defensible positions; it is precisely this feature that makes them big.… Read the rest
Anti-discrimination Principles v Religious Freedom
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
UC allows student groups to use facilities provided they agree to open membership; Xian group wants to exclude.… Read the rest
Stephen Prothero: More Women Atheists
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Because women are nice and men are mean.… Read the rest
PZ Responds to Stephen Prothero
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There are a fair number of outspoken women active in atheism, and none of them are genteel belles.… Read the rest
The Parliament of Religions
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Pagans, Zoroastrians, and even atheists make up the rich mix of perspectives.’… Read the rest
Hotel ‘Religious Abuse’ Case Dismissed
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We had to consider whether there was any evidence that the defendants had caused harassment, alarm or distress.’ … Read the rest
Women in Bags Present News on Saudi TV
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Another great stride for feminism!… Read the rest
Ukpabio Sues Igwe in Attempt to Quell Criticism
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The suit seeks an injunction preventing humanist groups from educating about the dangers of belief in witchcraft.… Read the rest
Marcotte on Sexism and Atheist-baiting Combined
Dec 9th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Whether or not there is a god is not a matter of personal preference or inherent tendencies.… Read the rest
Chagnon, Tierney, Dreger, the AAA
Dec 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Forms of scholarship that deny evidence, truth, the importance of facts, are dangerous.… Read the rest
Ayaan Hirsi Ali on the Swiss Minaret Ban
Dec 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Some symbols represent a collectivist political theory of supremacy by one group over all others. … Read the rest
Uganda’s Homophobic Bill a Problem for Archbish
Dec 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He can no longer be seen to be doing nothing, any more than he can be seen to be acting against it. … Read the rest
Ugandan Bishop Explains About Homosexuality
Dec 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Gayism can be fought like any other disease against the people and the Word of God.’… Read the rest
Should Health Insurance Pay for Prayer?
Dec 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
And ‘spiritual treatment of the sick’?… Read the rest
Egypt, Islamism and the Niqab
Dec 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Women fight for the right to blot themselves out.… Read the rest
Brown Wants More ‘Faith Leaders’ in Lords
Dec 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Gordon Brown wants to make the House of Lords ‘more representative of the nation’s religious diversity.’… Read the rest
