still here

I apologise to those who like to read my blog, for not posting anything for some weeks.  I just haven't felt in a communicative mood.

I've been reading a lot recently. Trashy science fantasy stuff, plus polemical anti-religious writings by David Fitzgerald, Sam Harris and others.  Fitzgerald's book on the Mormons is hilarious but telling a deeply tragic tale of lies, deception and murder by the founders and other officials of the Mormon church.  What amazes me most is how anyone could follow the "teachings" of someone like Joseph Smith or Brigham Young, criminals as they were. I have only a moderate reasoning ability, but I like to use it, and, it seems to me, I should use it.

I am continually exercised in my mind about one of my sons who converted to Islam probably in order to marry the girl of his choice, herself a Muslim convert, and has become something of a leader in his local mosque in Cape Town.  He is a good father, generous son and devoted husband and has four articulate and beautiful children; he is very intelligent, dropped out of Oxford University in revolt after only a few weeks, then made himself a career in translating and writing.  Years ago he sent me a copy of the Koran. I read some of it, enough to realise how it can be used to justify killing of innocent people by fanatics.  Would it be better for him to realise the sham of religion?  Perhaps not; but I am thinking of asking him just what is this "Allah" Muslims are so interested in?  I want to spend the next few days trying to get to the bottom of the origins of the Koran, who was Muhammad, was he a real person and where did the writings in the Koran really come from?

Guns in America

I am impressed by Sam Harris's cogent arguments with respect to gun ownership in USA.  Much ill-thought-out talk has been published since the murders at Sandy Hook School, and not all of it came from the National Rifle Association and its backers.  This article does greatly help to clarify the issues.

Here is the link to his blog article: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/the-riddle-of-the-gun

Everyone who is interested in the pros and cons of gun control laws should read this.

Incidentally, Sam Harris is the author of two books I possess: "Lying"; and  "Freewill", both entertaining reads.