Spokane Faith & Values

Out with the Old (Testament) and in with the New (Testament)

Jim Downard | Jun 13, 2013

With the passage of some weeks the History Channel’s miniseries “The Bible” begins to fade from the public eye and embark perhaps on a gentle migration (as so many fleetingly popular titles do) to the bargain price video bin at Walmart. I have already delved into some of those aspects of the series that catches the eye of this feisty non-Christian (focusing on Genesis, the Samson Tale and the Exodus), and will conclude with the transition the story took from Old to New Testaments.
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Ask An Atheist: Do you reject all forms of theism?

Jim Downard | May 30, 2013

Atheism comes in as many flavors, just as their are Christians who range from literalist Young Earth creationism believers all the way to those who don't accept biblical miracles or even the divinity of Jesus. But just as one could argue that a "Christian" who doesn't accept the divinity of Jesus is a pretty wishi-washy Christian, so too an "atheist" who has a hankering for some gods is an odd bird indeed.
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Sheep, goats, the pope, and the image of God

Kyle Franklin | May 29, 2013

Several days ago, I read an article in which Pope Francis “declared that everyone was redeemed through Jesus, including atheists.” I clearly expected much backlash as his statements are bold (to say the least) and have the power to rock the foundations of both Roman Catholicism and enrage those who believe Jesus to be the sole way to God.
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29 May

Pope Francis’ Statement on Atheists - What’s the Big Deal?

Submitted by Victor Pap

Cambridge, MA - As the controversy and questions continue to arise around what Pope Francis really said last week regarding Heaven, Hell, atheism and salvation, writers for both secular and Catholic media outlets are still trying to determine whether atheists are destined for Heaven or doomed to H... More

Ask An Atheist: Why atheist and not agnostic?

Jim Downard | May 24, 2013

I often describe myself as a "devout agnostic but a functional atheist." By which I mean that I do not rule out in principle that god(s) might exist (though many a dogmatic atheist does exactly that), though since if asked do I believe in any particular god, as I don't, that makes me a functional atheist.
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BRIEF: Contest held for sermons you’d never hear in church

Kellie Kotraba | May 23, 2013

Calling all atheists: It's time for a sermon contest. Geez magazine, a quarterly that explores social justice and spirituality, is holding a contest for sermons you wouldn't hear in church.
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God’s problem with Professor Bart Ehrman

Bruce Meyer | May 22, 2013

When Professor Bart Ehrman speaks at the Fox Theater this week, I will have a question for him. My question comes from an interview I heard on the radio program Fresh Air several years ago. I distinctly remember I was driving just outside of Ephrata in central Washington when Ehrman discussed his latest book “God’s Problem.”
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Ask An Atheist: Do you celebrate Christmas?

Jim Downard | May 20, 2013

I do indeed celebrate Christmas, though obviously as a secular holiday. So as the mood takes me, Christmas tree and decorations go up, and I play Christmas albums and movies all the rest.
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Humanists find ways to say ‘I do’ without God

Amanda Greene | May 17, 2013

Amanda Holowaty didn’t need God to get married. She just needed her husband Mike. When the Wilmington atheist couple decided to join their lives a year ago, they knew they wanted a secular wedding celebrant, but their families weren’t so sure.
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Bart Ehrman, author of “Misquoting Jesus” coming to Spokane

Tracy Simmons | May 16, 2013

Christian principles are engrained in American society, but the text those values are based are cluttered with mistakes, omissions and intentional changes, says scholar Bart D. Ehrman. Ehrman, author of numerous bestsellers including “Misquoting Jesus” and “Jesus, Interrupted” will be speaking about the inadequacies of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, at 6:30 p.m., May 23 at The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave.
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