Ministers should be denied the power to fire advisers who publicly disagree with official policy.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Putting God Out of the Ethics Business 
Nov 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
When we act ethically, our reasons are usually nothing transcendental, just respect and compassion for others.… Read the rest
Wendy Grossman on Climate Change as ‘Belief’
Nov 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Making issues that should be settled on the scientific evidence into philosophical discussions is nothing new.… Read the rest
The New Theists
Nov 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Having lost the power of the gun, apologists of religion have a new weapon: being offended.… Read the rest
Baseej Women Beaters
Nov 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
This is what they do in public, just imagine what they do inside the prisons.… Read the rest
Ibn Warraq on Muslim Reformers
Nov 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There are some, and they risk their lives. Here is the first of three Kuwaiti secularists.… Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Are Worried About Scientology
Nov 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In the information age, religions can no longer hide the failings of their founders. Uh oh.… Read the rest
Atheism Itself is not a Movement
Nov 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
My contribution to the CisF question about an atheist schism.… Read the rest
Catholic Vice-chancellor on Infestation of Atheists
Nov 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Unwelcome and unlovely, here in bulk, a plague, reminiscent of blowflies, likely to piss themselves.… Read the rest
AN Wilson Explains About Science
Nov 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The worship of science is the great superstition of our age.’… Read the rest
Seth Kalichman: How to Spot an Aids Denialist
Nov 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Denialism uses rhetorical tactics to give the impression of a legitimate debate among experts.… Read the rest
European Court Rules Crucifex is Religious
Nov 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Not a bit, says Vatican, it’s a symbol of unity and welcoming for all of humanity.… Read the rest
Austin Dacey Asks: Why Replace Religion?
Nov 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The social space vacated by religion could be filled by a patchwork of independent institutions.… Read the rest
Austin Dacey on Atheism 3.0
Nov 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Today we should ask, what is the proper context of the current conversation about atheism and religion?… Read the rest
Azerbaijan: Government Closes Some Mosques
Nov 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In adopting new law on religion, Azerbaijan says it has had to react to the growing threat of Wahhabism.… Read the rest
We All Hates Them Bad Atheists
Nov 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The New Atheist movement is being led by several egomaniac intolerant fundamentalists.’… Read the rest
Climate Change Is a Legally Protected Belief
Nov 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Capable, if genuinely held, of being a philosophical belief for the purpose of the 2003 Religion and Belief Regulations.’… Read the rest
Michael Ruse Scolds The Atheists
Nov 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He’s not quite as careful as he might be…… Read the rest
Coyne on Sullivan on Scientology
Nov 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He’s right that Scientology is absurd, but…there’s another thing…… Read the rest
