Over the years, the Mormon community and its critics from within and without have debated whether Smart's upbringing in the mainstream Mormon (LDS) church--which emphasizes male authority and prophecy and holds the belief in "direct revelation" from God--preconditioned her  …

Sam Harris is a well known "Atheist spokesman" and usually bashes religion in general. (Here's another seed with an excellent discussion about his views on Atheism vs faith: Atheist Sam Harris: Why We Should Ditch Religion).

Among the victims of this senseless tragedy was a little boy named Adam. Three-year-old Adam witnessed the horror of dozens of deaths, including that of his own parents.

"Pakistani authorities have arrested a doctor on suspicion of violating the country's contentious blasphemy laws after he threw away the business card of a man who shared the name of the Prophet.

"Iran's state TV said Friday it will air new footage of an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, the latest in state-orchestrated broadcasts on a case that has raised an international outcry.

On September 11th of 2001, religious zealots attacked The United States. In those attacks, friends and acquaintances of mine were viciously murdered. It is in their memory, speaking on their behalf, that I write this article. I knew these people well.

About the band ("Blurred Vision"): "The band is in the studios with legendary Rock producer Terry Brown, working on the follow up singles to their online hit and remake of Pink Floyd's iconic track- Another Brick In The Wall- dubbed "Hey Ayatollah Leave Those Kids Alone".

Alyssa Lappen spotlights intrepid Rachel Ehrenfeld's battle against speech-squelching Saudi billionaire Khalid Bin Mahfouz:

One of the interesting (and sometimes unpleasant) things about being a blogger (and member of the political commentariat) with a public e-mail address is that I find myself on many different mailing lists.

"But it passed with less support this year than last year, which is good news."