‘Unbelief among young people is part of a fashionable “new atheism” every bit as intolerant as Christian fundamentalism.’… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Why Do Nonbelievers Baptise Their Children? 
Oct 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Because they don’t believe in limbo, yet it still worries them. ‘Why take the risk? It made me uneasy.’… Read the rest
Catholic Missionary Priest Defends Condom Policy
Oct 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Wear a tooth-guard before reading.… Read the rest
The Demographics of Atheism
Oct 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Nick Spencer of ‘Theos’ says that as atheism goes down-market it becomes more like religion.… Read the rest
Shirin Ebadi: Iran’s Women Are Not Afraid
Oct 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Women are well aware that they will obtain equality only within a truly democratic political order.… Read the rest
Saudi King Boots Powerful Cleric
Oct 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Member of the Council of Religious Scholars
said mixing male and female students was a great sin.… Read the rest
The Emptiness of the Supernatural Hypothesis
Oct 7th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Tom Clark reviews a Biola University philosopher’s book defending supernaturalism. … Read the rest
How to Make a Turin Shroud
Oct 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
First, heat your oven to 450 degrees; next, place a linen sheet over a volunteer and rub it with a pigment.… Read the rest
Court Reviewing Berlusconi’s Immunity Law
Oct 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Berlusconi says immunity allows him to govern without being ‘distracted’ by the judiciary. … Read the rest
Meet the ‘Quiverfull’ Families
Oct 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
No, on second thought, don’t.… Read the rest
Italian Scientists: Turin Shroud is Medieval Fake
Oct 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Scientists couldn’t explain how the image was left on the cloth; now the trick has been duplicated.… Read the rest
The Dumbest Education Policy In Australia?
Oct 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Students who don’t want to study scripture must not be allowed to study anything else instead!… Read the rest
Church Loses Fight to Keep its Records Sealed
Oct 6th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Mumbles something about its First Amendment rights.… Read the rest
Dawkins Believes People Can Change Their Minds
Oct 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There are lots of people who think they are creationists who are just beginning to question what they were taught. … Read the rest
‘Compassionate’ Bishop Charged in Child Porn
Oct 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Until women find a little bit more of their place in the church, and until we get rid of the men’s club, we’re in trouble.’… Read the rest
Ahmadinejad is…shh…Jewish!
Oct 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Experts suggested his track record for hate-filled attacks on Jews could be a ploy to hide his past. … Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Celebrate Blasphemy Day
Oct 5th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Atheists squirm in agony.… Read the rest
Publisher Drops Novel Over Fear of Muslim Rage
Oct 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A German publisher has cancelled plans to publish a mass-market novel for fear it might face violent protests.… Read the rest
Australia: Religious Schools Discriminate
Oct 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
And the Attorney-General says go right ahead.… Read the rest
Jerry Coyne Reports From the Atheist Shindig
Oct 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Dan Dennett talked about ‘deepities’ such as Karen Armstrong’s ‘God behind God.’… Read the rest
