The Problem with Atheism

The point is not that a coherent morality requires theism, but that the moral language taken for granted by liberal modernity is a fragmented ruin: It rejects metaphysics but exists only because of prior metaphysical commitments. A coherent atheism would understand this, because it would be aware of its own history. Instead, trendy atheism of the Dawkins variety has learned as little from its forebears as from Thomas Aquinas, preferring to advance a bland version of secular humanism. Spencer quotes John Gray, a not-New atheist: “Humanism is not an alternative to religious belief, but rather a degenerate and unwitting version of it.” How refreshing would be a popular atheism that did not shy from this insight and its consequences.

-- Michael Robbins reviewing "Atheists: The Origin of the Species" by Nick Spencer at Slate.com

Britney Nostalgia

Britney serving you body like it's 2001

That is the headline of an ONTD post this morning, featuring some pictures of a slimmed down Britney. (Or is that another photoshopped Britney?) I dwell on it, because it reminds me of my first blogging years. Part of my shtick was to be a huge Britney fan, my dream girl of dream girls, the ultimate blonde, the gateway to heaven and happiness. I miss those years. Those years feel young and innocent as my forties slip away from my grasping, aging fingers.

Celebrities and Stuff

"John Legend - You & I (Nobody In The World)" (Watch on YouTube)

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