Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

User:Daniel Scott

2019-11-12T01:23:42Z

Daniel Scott:

Hello! I hope I can do my small part to help improve Conservapedia.

Talk:TheAmazingAtheist

2018-01-05T20:12:42Z

Daniel Scott: /* Article edit request */ new section

== Suggestions ==

Two things:
#Please categorize this page. I would use [[:Category:Atheists‏‎]]
#I know the quote is meant to show people this person's true colors, but if this is to retain any semblance of a family-friendly site, I'm not sure if that should be so prominently displayed.
Cheers! --[[User:DavidB4|David B]] ([[User talk:DavidB4|TALK]]) 17:02, 24 February 2017 (EST)

== Article edit request ==

Could someone with more editing privileges than myself please update the article to give his correct name: Thomas James Kirk. It turns out "Terroja Lee Kinkald" (sic) was a pseudonym. Citation source: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4404522/bio --[[User:Daniel Scott|Daniel Scott]] ([[User talk:Daniel Scott|talk]]) 15:12, 5 January 2018 (EST)

Template:User en-3

2017-07-28T22:15:23Z

Daniel Scott: (Re-)creating userbox which was being transcluded. Uses code based on {{user es-3}}

{{userbox-level
| level = 3
| id = [[English language|en]]
| info = This user can contribute with an '''advanced''' level of '''[[:Category:User en|English]]'''.
| usercategory = User en
| usercategory2 = User en-3
| nocat = {{{nocat|}}}
}}<noinclude>

<noinclude>
[[Category:Userboxes]]
</noinclude>

Presiidential Election 2012

2017-07-28T21:59:44Z

Daniel Scott: eliminating double-redirect

#REDIRECT [[United States presidential election, 2012]]

Incest

2017-07-28T21:46:28Z

Daniel Scott: Added reference to Biblical passages where prohibitions on incest are given.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, '''incest''' is "[[sexual intercourse]] between persons so closely related that they are forbidden by [[law]] to [[marry]]; also: the statutory [[crime]] of such a relationship."<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incest Incest - definition by the online Merriam-Webster dictionary]</ref> [[Sociologist]]s call incest "the universal [[taboo]]", due to the fact that every [[human]] [[society]] condemns it, regardless of their other [[belief]]s. Incest almost always occurs among estranged relatives, due to a [[psychological]] effect called reverse sexual imprinting. Essentially, if someone is raised from [[birth]] around someone they know, instead of becoming sexually attracted to that person, they become protective of that person. Sons tend to be protective of their [[mother]]s, and [[father]]s tend to be protective of their [[daughter]]s for this reason. The reason the incest taboo is embedded so deeply into human [[instinct]] is probably because of the significantly higher risk of birth defects among conception between direct relatives. Between [[cousins]], the probability is double the normal rate (of 4%)- if [[reproduction]] among relatives gets any closer than that, the probability spikes dramatically.

== Biblical prohibitions on incest ==

Sexual relations between closely-related individuals are prohibited in the [[Old Testament]] in the [[Book of Leviticus]]: Leviticus 18:6-16<ref>https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+18%3A6-16&version=KJV</ref> and Leviticus 20:19-22<ref>https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+20%3A19-22&version=KJV</ref>, and in the [[Book of Deuteronomy]]: Deuteronomy 22:30<ref>https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+22%3A30&version=KJV</ref> and Deuteronomy 27:20-23.<ref>https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+27%3A20-23&version=KJV</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Sin]]

CRISPR

2017-07-28T21:19:10Z

Daniel Scott: Linked to other articles.

[[File:Crispr.png|thumb|right|450px|Illustration of process, which starts in the upper left and proceeds clockwise with the single phase representing two invasions by different phages.]]
'''CRISPR''' (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) are segments of naturally-occurring prokaryotic [[Deoxyribonucleic_acid|DNA]] containing short, repetitive base sequences. This makes precise editing of [[bacteria|bacterial]] DNA sequences possible.

==Biology==
These segments are sequences in the DNA of bacteria are copied from invading plasmids and phages, saved in the bacteria's own DNA in a library-like fashion and provide the bacteria with an [[immune system]] as a form of acquired immunity. Different versions of the Cas molecule (CRISPR associated protein) play a role in three steps of the immune system sequences.

In the final step of the immune system sequence, Cas uses the copied DNA sequences to attack later invading DNA from the same invading species to cut the invading DNA. The DNA copy is translated into RNA. The resulting RNA molecule is complexed with the Cas molecule where its is referred to as "guide RNA" (gRNA). The gRNA guides the complex to the target invading DNA, where the Cas molecule cuts invading DNA at a precise point. As of 2017, new variations on this phenomena are continuing to be discovered.

==Technology==
In 2013, Cas9 was complexed with synthetic RNA to create a dramatic improvement in the specificity, speed and cost of DNA editing. This technique is often also called "CRISPR" in the press. The use of CRISPR/Cas9-gRNA complex for genome editing was the American Association for the Advancement of Science's choice for breakthrough of the year in 2015.

CRISPR has been demonstrated to be able to edit the genome of human [[zygote]] cells (fertilized eggs) but all such experiments have a protocol to destroy the developing [[embryo]] after several days.<ref>Ledford H (March 2016). "CRISPR: gene editing is just the beginning". Nature. 531 (7593): 156–9. doi:10.1038/531156a</ref> Anti-CRISPR proteins (that interfere with attempts at CRISPR gene editing) are also being discovered.<ref>http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/47894/title/More-Anti-CRISPR-Proteins-to-Block-Cas9/</ref>

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Elevatorgate

2017-07-28T15:00:49Z

Daniel Scott: sp News Atheism → New Atheism

[[File:Richard Dawkins at the Reason Rally.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|200px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
'''Elevatorgate''' is a term commonly used to describe a controversy involving [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the [[Atheism|atheist]] community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a feminist.<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>

Prior to Elevatorgate, [[Monica Shores]]' ''Ms. Magazine'' article titled ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?'' criticized the New Atheism movement for being [[sexism|sexist]].<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref> She also cited [[Conservapedia]] in her article and indicated: "The lack of lady presence is so visible that Conservapedia commented on it by noting that [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science website|Dawkins’ website]] overwhelmingly attracts male visitors."<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref>

== Rebecca Watson's video about the elevator incident ==

''See also:'' [[Sexual harassment at atheist conferences]]

On June 20, 2011, Rebecca Watson of [[Skepchick]] uploaded a YouTube video in which she complained about a man in an elevator asking her up to his room for coffee at an atheist conference in Dublin, Ireland.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk#t=376 About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes]</ref> The incident occurred at around 4am in the morning.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk#t=376 About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes]</ref> Watson was upset by this incident and subsequently blogged about it.

Watson declared in her June 20, 2011 video:
{{cquote|Um, just a word to wise here, guys, uh, don’t do that. You know, I don’t really know how else to explain how this makes me incredibly uncomfortable, but I’ll just sort of lay it out that I was a single woman, you know, in a foreign country, at 4:00 am, in a hotel elevator, with you, just you, and -- don’t invite me back to your hotel room right after I finish talking about how it creeps me out and makes me uncomfortable when men sexualize me in that manner.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk#t=376 About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes]</ref>}}

The incident occurred at the World [[Atheist conferences|Atheist Convention]] in June 2011.

Rebecca Watson's video which sparked Elevatorgate: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKHwduG1Frk About Mythbusters, Robot Eyes, Feminism, and Jokes]

== Dear Muslima letter ==

=== Richard Dawkins' open letter to Rebecca Watson ===

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments#Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments - Dear Muslima letter|Dear Muslima Elevatorgate letter]]

On July 2, 2011, Richard Dawkins wrote an open letter to a fictitious Muslim woman, satirically equating Rebecca Watson's plight with that of abused Muslim women. The letter was addressed to "Muslima". See: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments#Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments - Dear Muslima letter|Richard Dawkins "Dear Muslima" Elevatorgate letter]]

=== Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments - Dear Muslima letter ===
[[Image:2402173645 c8e6168fe7.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|175px|left|Richard Dawkins]]

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments#Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments - Dear Muslima letter|Richard Dawkins "Dear Muslima" Elevatorgate letter]] and [[Richard Dawkins quotes]]

Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comment at [[PZ Myers]] blog [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]] on July 2, 2011:
{{cquote|Dear [[Muslim]]a,

Stop whining, will you. Yes, yes, I know you had your genitals mutilated with a razor blade, and . . . yawn . . . don't tell me yet again, I know you aren't allowed to drive a car, and you can't leave the house without a male relative, and your husband is allowed to beat you, and you'll be stoned to death if you commit adultery. But stop whining, will you. Think of the suffering your poor American sisters have to put up with.

Only this week I heard of one, she calls herself Skep"chick", and do you know what happened to her? A man in a hotel elevator invited her back to his room for coffee. I am not exaggerating. He really did. He invited her back to his room for coffee. Of course she said no, and of course he didn't lay a finger on her, but even so . . .

And you, Muslima, think you have [[misogyny]] to complain about! For goodness sake grow up, or at least grow a thicker skin.

Richard<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/always_name_names.php Richard Dawkins comments directed at Rebecca Watkins] posted at [[PZ Myers]] blog [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]]</ref><ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Statesman - 06 July 2011]</ref>}}

=== Initial subsequent criticism ===

Subsequently, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the [[Atheist movement|atheist community]] and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about the incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments|Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]</ref>

According to Rebecca Watson atheist women are often punished for being outspoken - particularly when they speak about [[feminism]].<ref>[http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/women-are-afraid-of-atheism/51fae2acfe344467f2000596 Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video]</ref> In August 2013, Watson said the harassment she received from male atheists skyrocketed after Elevatorgate.<ref>[http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/women-are-afraid-of-atheism/51fae2acfe344467f2000596 Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video]</ref>

Furthermore, she said she still receives harassment from male fans of Richard Dawkins.<ref>[http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/women-are-afraid-of-atheism/51fae2acfe344467f2000596 Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video]</ref> The atheist feminist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] concurs with Watson and says that sexual harassment has been institutionalized within the atheist movement and that atheist men have an investment in censoring, controlling and policing women and also have an investment in "male privilege".<ref>[http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/women-are-afraid-of-atheism/51fae2acfe344467f2000596 Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video]</ref>

== New Statesman reporter and fellow skeptic David Allen Green's reaction to Elevatorgate ==

The ''New Statesman'' reporter and fellow [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptic]] [[David Allen Green]] said he believed Dawkins was a [[sexism|misogynist]] and a racist.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> In addition, Green wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref>

== Richard Dawkins explanation of his Elevatorgate comments ==
[[File:David-Allen-Green.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Fellow [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptic]] [[David Allen Green]] wrote in the ''New Statesman'': "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> ]]
When someone posted this comment to Richard Dawkins at [[PZ Myers]] blog [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]] on July 2, 2011:
{{cquote|Richard Dawkins:

Did you just make the argument that, since worse things are happening somewhere else, we have no right to try to fix things closer to home?...<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/always_name_names.php</ref>}}

Richard Dawkins responded:
{{cquote|No I wasn't making that argument. Here's the argument I was making. The man in the elevator didn't physically touch her, didn't attempt to bar her way out of the elevator, didn't even use foul language at her. He spoke some words to her. Just words. She no doubt replied with words. That was that. Words. Only words, and apparently quite polite words at that.

If she felt his behaviour was creepy, that was her privilege, just as it was the Catholics' privilege to feel offended and hurt when PZ nailed the cracker. [[PZ Myers|PZ]] didn't physically strike any Catholics. All he did was nail a wafer, and he was absolutely right to do so because the heightened value of the wafer was a fantasy in the minds of the offended Catholics. Similarly, Rebecca's feeling that the man's proposition was 'creepy' was her own interpretation of his behaviour, presumably not his. She was probably offended to about the same extent as I am offended if a man gets into an elevator with me chewing gum. But he does me no physical damage and I simply grin and bear it until either I or he gets out of the elevator. It would be different if he physically attacked me.

Muslim women suffer physically from misogyny, their lives are substantially damaged by religiously inspired misogyny. Not just words, real deeds, painful, physical deeds, physical privations, legally sanctioned demeanings. The equivalent would be if PZ had nailed not a cracker but a Catholic.

Then they'd have had good reason to complain.

Richard<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/always_name_names.php</ref><ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Statesman - 06 July 2011]</ref>}}

=== Excerpt of David Allen Green's commentary on Dawkins explanation ===

[[David Allen Green]] wrote:
{{cquote|Explanations often can make things worse, and so it did in this case. As Phil Plait correctly states, there is no natural meaning to this other than the fact that Dawkins is comparing the discomfort of a woman propositioned in a lift with him sharing a lift with a man chewing gum.

This is all strange stuff indeed from a man professing to be a promoter of rational thinking. He is making connections which do not exist and positing analogies which do not make any sense. From a person with his supposed intellectual reputation, this is surely a disgrace. This is more what one would expect from Richard Littlejohn than Richard Dawkins.

But it seems part of a possible trend. Those who merely pose as rationalists and promoters of liberal values are being found out.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Statesman - 06 July 2011]</ref>}}

== Elevatorgate and unfavorable press directed at Richard Dawkins ==

''See also:'' [[Elevatorgate news stories]] and [[Atheism and public relations]]

Elevatorgate created negative press for Richard Dawkins in a number of major news outlets (see: [[Elevatorgate news stories]]) and within the atheist movement/atheist population (see: [[Atheist movement]]). As a result of Elevatorgate, Dawkins popularity among atheists and the public at large plunged (see: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).

== Rebecca Watson and Elevatorgate ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and white males]]

[[File:Rebecca watson portrait 2011.jpg|thumbnail|right|225px|A 2011 portrait of [[Rebecca Watson]] ]]

As a result of Elevatorgate, atheist Rebecca Watson wrote concerning Richard Dawkins:
{{cquote|This person who I always admired for his intelligence and compassion does not care about my experience as an atheist woman and therefore will no longer be rewarded with my money, my praise, or my attention. I will no longer recommend his books to others, buy them as presents, or buy them for my own library. I will not attend his lectures or recommend that others do the same. There are so many great scientists and thinkers out there that I don't think my reading list will suffer."<ref>[http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/07/richard-dawkins-draws-feminist-wrath-over-sexual-harassment-comments/39637/ Richard Dawkins Gets into a Comments War with Feminists by Caitlin Dickson - The Atlantic Wire, Jul 06, 2011]</ref>}}

=== Atheist Rebecca Watson and post Elevatorgate claim concerning harassment ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and anger]] and [[New Atheism]]

Post Elevatorgate controversy, at an atheist convention, [[Rebecca Watson]] claimed:
{{cquote|Hundreds of atheists have informed me that either they wanted to rape me, someone should rape me so that I will loosen up or that no one would ever rape me because I am so ugly".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1mLHdTsmPc PZ Myers and the Art of Shameless Dishonesty]</ref>}}

In July 2012, Watson declared: "It get regular rape threats. I get regular rape and murder threats".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96FtpDLi_Vw FreeThought Blogs and PZ Myers]</ref> Furthermore, in August 2013, [[Rebecca Watson]] said that post Elevatorgate she received a flood of rape threats and she continues to receive rape threats (see: [[Atheism and rape]]).<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/08/06/sikivu-ophelia-and-rebecca-who-says-atheism-lacks-women-stars/ Sikivu, Ophelia, and Rebecca — who says atheism lacks women stars?]</ref>

See also:

* [[Atheism and women]]

* [[Atheism and rape]]

*[[Irreligion and domestic violence]]

* [[Atheism and anger]]

* [[Richard Dawkins and women]]

* [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins]]

* [[New Atheism]]

=== Charge of unrestrained attacks on Dawkins by Rebecca Watson and her supporters ===

In a July 2012, article entitled One year after Elevatorgate the skeptic Chris Willett wrote:
{{cquote|Rebecca Watson and her supporters began waging unrestrained warfare on Richard Dawkins...

Certainly I can understand the outrage of Watson and others – no one relishes the idea of having Richard Dawkins sarcastically shout the equivalent of “first world problem!” at your dilemma, especially when a woman has good reason to feel discomfort in the confined space of an elevator – but they lost all of my sympathy when they reacted in a manner far disproportionate to Dawkins’ remarks:

Watson herself referred derisively to Dawkins as a “stinking rich” “wealthy old heterosexual white man,” thus immediately undercutting her own complaint about being perceived and treated according to her own sex and appearance. This was not a good start. Skepchick’s Mindy, who used the terms “misogyny” and “racist” to describe Dawkins’ comments, was more severe: “I look forward to watching your legacy crash and burn,” she wrote, and “you don’t get a second chance,” revealing as hypocrites the very same people who just finished criticizing Dawkins for his tone. And one wonders if any of the people then writing vicious letters had stopped to consider that Dawkins himself was inappropriately fondled as a child, which made it all the more absurd to claim that he is unfamiliar with and unconcerned about harassment and sexual assault.<ref>[http://elevatorgate.wordpress.com/ One year after Elevatorgate]</ref><ref>[https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzoCyyqmp5b5LUdobkxhblpmTDA/edit?pli=1 One year after Elevatorgate]</ref>}}

=== Allegation that Rebecca Watson was behaving hypocritically ===
[[File:Rebecca-watson.jpg|thumbnail|150px|Rebecca Watson]]

Amanda Read wrote in the ''[[Washington Times]]'' that she believed Watson was behaving hypocritically and declared:
{{cquote|The point is that because the issue is [[sexism]] in the atheist movement, perceptions of sexism are not based on absolute principle, but on relative emotion.

Watson speaks out against the sexual objectification of women, but she apparently sees nothing wrong with the pinup calendars that she and her female atheist friends publish. [[PZ Myers|Myers]] defended her views on his blog, but only last year he linked to an interesting interview with Nina Hartley, a feminist atheist who sees nothing wrong with women performing as sex workers.

You see, sexism and the exploitation of women are not immoral to godless women as long as such things are on their terms.<ref>[http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/not-your-average-read/2011/jul/16/sexism-atheism-Dawkins-Watson-feminists-Skepchick/ Of sexism and atheism: Richard Dawkins gets in trouble with feminists, Washington Times, July 16, 2011]</ref>}}
__TOC__

== Previous incident of Richard Dawkins being unkind to a woman ==

In September 2010, Richard Dawkins became nasty towards a woman in an audience he spoke before.<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/richard-dawkins-i-never-meet-people-who-disagree-with-me-2080451.html</ref>

For more information please see: [[Richard Dawkins and women]]

== Aftermath of Elevatorgate ==

[[File:2404429188 ea8f1fc48b.jpg|thumb|250px|Survey data and website tracking data of prominent atheist websites indicate that in the Western World, [[Atheism and women|atheism appears to be significantly less appealing to women]]. According to the website tracking firms [[Alexa]] and Quantcast women frequent the website of richarddawkins.net significantly less than men.<ref>http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/richarddawkins.net</ref><ref>http://www.quantcast.com/richarddawkins.net#demographics</ref>

([http://www.flickr.com/photos/constantweader/2404429188/ Flickr] photo, see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en license agreement]) ]]
Although major press outlets have covered Elevatorgate,<ref>
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]
*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]</ref> most of the commentary surrounding the events of Elevatorgate has been in the atheist blogosphere.

Concerning post Elevatorgate events one atheist blogger wrote:
{{cquote|There was then lots and lots and lots of [[argybargy]], and now it's being said gallons of misogynist men over the net are trying to shout down Rebecca Watson; that is explicitly so presented in this very recent broadcast [http://wearecitizenradio.com/2011/07/11/20110711-rebecca-watson-on-richard-dawkins-sexist-comments-and-the-atheist-community/ on Citizen Radio] featuring an interview of Watson (the part with Watson starts only a bit after 20 minutes into the recording, so skip the first 20 minutes).<ref>[http://heathen-hub.com/blog.php?bt=5857 ElevatorGate: Rebecca Watson & Richard Dawkins are not the droids you're looking for - Heathen Hub]</ref>}}

Subsequent to Elevatorgate there was 3 weeks of infighting within the atheist community.<ref>[http://synapses.co.za/elevatorgate-power-words/ Elevatorgate - the power of words]</ref>

=== Uphill battle of Rebecca Watkins and female atheists combatting atheist misogyny ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and rape]] and [[Atheism and women]]

Another atheist blogger wrote about Rebecca and her fellow female bloggers at the website Skepchick:
{{cquote|The fatal decision was to extend the fight to tackle the greatest problem remaining in modern skepticism – socially awkward male [[nerd]]s.

“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak - [[Sun Tzu]] “

The skepchick army, marshalling their forces, decided to attack the nerds [at] their presumed weakest point – on the internet.

Unfortunately, and apparently a surprise for some, the internet is the perfect natural environment of the socially awkward nerd.<ref>[http://sneerreview.blogspot.com/2011/07/elevatorgate-dawkins-strikes-back.html Elevatorgate: Dawkins strikes back]</ref>}}

=== Thunderf00t and Greg Laden's removal from freethought Blogs.com ===

The atheist [[Thunderf00t]] is the most popular evolutionist at YouTube.

On July 1, 2012, atheist [[Ed Brayton]] declared:
{{cquote|As many of you are no doubt aware, there’s been a lot of strife in this community lately. Some of it has been in public, some of it was in private and some of it may well go from being private to public as a result of all of this. So let me give you the news and clear the air:

We are parting company with two of our bloggers: Thunderf00t and Greg Laden. We wish them both the best but, unfortunately, their behavior towards other members of the community has made it impossible to keep them as part of our network. This is not a matter of a disagreement or difference of opinion, but of behavior that we cannot condone or support.

None of this is a reflection on the worth of the many contributions that both of these people have made to the atheist cause. I hope and am confident that they will both continue to offer a lot of good things to this community.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/07/01/major-changes-at-freethought-blogs/ Major changes at freethoughtblogs - Ed Brayton]</ref>}}

The matter which appeared to spark the contention was how to properly deal with the significant amount of [[misogny]] within the atheist community (see: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]] and Elevatorgate and [[Women's views of Richard Dawkins]] and [[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships|Atheist leaders and immoral relationships]]).<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2012/07/01/thunderf00t-check-your-email/ Thunderf00t, check your email - PZ Myers]</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuKH3trPpgY&list=UUmb8hO2ilV9vRa8cilis88A&index=1&feature=plcp Thunderf00t on how to handle misogny in the atheist community]</ref><ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/thunderf00t/2012/07/01/skepchickcon-and-the-harassment-lol-icy/ SkepchickCON and the Harassment LOL-icy]</ref><ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/thunderf00t/2012/06/29/is-it-freethoughtblogs-or-group-think-blogs/ Is it ‘Freethoughtblogs’ or ‘Group-think-blogs’?]</ref>

[[Vox Day]] wrote that Thunderf00t's removal from [[Freethought Blogs]] exemplified [[PZ Myers]]'s unwillingness to intellectually engage his opponents and his lack of integrity.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/07/free-fascistthoughtblogs.html Vox Fay on Freethought Blogs]</ref>

=== Rebecca Watson response to Thunderf00t and his fans ===

''See also:'' [[Rebecca Watson and Thunderf00t factions of atheism]]

On July 1, 2012 [[Rebecca Watson]] wrote post Elevatorgate controversy:
{{cquote|Skepchick has been exposed for what it is: a totalitarian [[Nazi]] clique who created an anti-harassment policy specifically so that men could harass women in bars and [[Muslim]] could force us to wear burqas. I know it’s true because noted atheist intellectuals Paula Kirby and [[Thunderf00t]] said so!

I debated whether or not to write about this because the recent insults about Skepchick have been so self-evidently ignorant and wrong that I felt it would look like we were picking on tiny, angry babies. And no one likes to see that. I’m relenting only because the sheer amount and absurdity of the insults have reached a level that cannot be ignored, like a large mob of angry babies brandishing pacifiers and blankies as weapons.<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2012/07/hot-gossip-were-all-burqa-wearing-nazis/ Hot Gossip: We’re All Burqa-wearing Nazis]</ref>}}

=== Post Elevatorgate comment about atheist conferences ===

Rebecca Watson post Elevatorgate wrote at ''Slate'' about atheist conferences:
{{cquote|[W]omen started telling me stories about sexism at skeptic events, experiences that made them uncomfortable enough to never return. At first, I wasn’t able to fully understand their feelings as I had never had a problem existing in male-dominated spaces. But after a few years of blogging, podcasting, and speaking at skeptics’ conferences, I began to get emails from strangers who detailed their sexual fantasies about me. I was occasionally grabbed and groped without consent at events.

I started checking out the social media profiles of the people sending me these messages, and learned that they were often adults who were active in the skeptic and atheist communities. They were reading the same blogs as I was and attending the same events. These were “my people,” and they were the worst.<ref>[http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/10/26/sexism-and-the-new-atheism/ Sexism and the New Atheism]</ref>}}

=== TheAmazingAtheist on Elevatorgate ===

On July 12, 2011, the YouTube atheist [[TheAmazingAtheist]], who is known for his [[misogyny]], uploaded a video declaring that Rebecca Watson had overreacted, which had upwards of 300,000 views and 12,400 comments in the first two years.<ref>[http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/elevatorgate Elevatorgate - Know Your Meme]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqU9JFbtucU#t=49 Don't Take This The Wrong Way], video of TheAmazingAtheist, posted on July 12th, 2011</ref>

=== Reason Rally related incident involving David Silverman and Richard Dawkins ===
[[File:David Silverman Reason Rally.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|[[David Silverman]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and anger]] and [[Feminist quotes about Richard Dawkins]]

An article by Sarah posted at Skepchick about a conversation between Richard Dawkins and [[David Silverman]], the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization, which took place during the planning phrase of the [[Reason Rally]]:
{{cquote|Richard was standing behind the podium, and he asked Dave something along the lines of, “What exactly is the Reason Rally?” Dave started explaining it, and as he did, someone who was waiting in the line outside opened the door to peek inside and we could all hear a lot of noise. I rushed up the aisle and made frantic “shut the door” gestures at the people peeking inside, and they did. As I walked the ten feet back, I couldn’t hear everything Dave was saying, but I heard the name “Rebecca Watson.” Richard suddenly had a very angry look on his face and I heard him almost shout, “No, absolutely not! If she’s going to be there, I won’t be there. I don’t want her speaking.” and then Dave immediately replied, “You’re absolutely right, we’ll take her off the roster. It’s done.” Richard huffed for a moment, Dave continued to placate him, and then he made the video.

I was crushed.<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2013/09/my-time-with-richard-dawkins-or-why-you-should-never-meet-your-idols/ My Time With Richard Dawkins (Or, Why You Should Never Meet Your Idols)] by Sarah at [[Skepchick]], September 5, 2013</ref>}}

== Abundance of vitriol and a lack of calm and reasoned discussion post Elevatorgate ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and forgiveness|Atheism and unforgiveness]]

The blog Freethought Kampala described the aftermath of Elevergate thusly:
{{cquote|Elevatorgate is the unprecedented INTERNET WAR that erupted after Rebecca Watson (above) posted a video in which she discussed an ordeal she experienced in an elevator while attending the World Atheist Convention which took place in Dublin, Ireland, from June 3rd to June 5th, 2011.

During the months of July and August 2011, the atheist-skeptic blogosphere was ablaze with accusations, counter-accusations, verbal fights, moral declarations and insults as hundreds of bloggers and millions of their readers tried to determine whose assessment of the events narrated by Watson best represented the facts at hand.<ref>[http://freethoughtkampala.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/elevatorgate/#more-2383 Elevatorgate - Freethought Kampala]</ref>}}

Subsequently, the blog Freethought Kampala wrote in a blog post entitled ''Elevatorgate – Part 2 – The Failure of Skepticism'':
{{cquote|You would think that being skeptics, whatever disagreements arising from how the events surrounding and following from Elevatorgate were to be interpreted would be done calmly, rationally, and above all, skeptically.

But this is not what happened at all.

My concern is not so much about whether someone takes one view or another with regards to Elevatorgate. Indeed, even among the members of Freethought Kampala, there are different opinions on various aspects of the matter. My concern is about how the matter has been handled, the poor quality of arguments that have been advanced, the astounding amounts of hypocrisy on display, and above all the intolerant attitude towards viewpoints that don’t tow the radical gender [[feminism|feminist]] line – all this, among people that call themselves skeptics.<ref>[http://freethoughtkampala.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/elevatorgate-part-2-the-failure-of-skepticism/ Elevatorgate – Part 2 – The Failure of Skepticism]</ref>}}

== The day Elevatorgate occurred has been called the day the atheist movement died ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist movement]] and [[Atheist pessimism about the atheist movement]] and [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]

[[File:Michael Nugent.jpg|thumbnail|right|175px|[[Michael Nugent]] is an Irish atheist.]]
Richard Dawkins is still widely criticized for igniting deep fractures in the atheist movement through his Elevatorgate controversy. For example, on November 26, 2013, the atheist activist and blogger [[Jen McCreight]] posted at Twitter the message: "Did anyone on Dawkins AMA ask how he feels about singlehandedly destroying the [[atheist movement]] with the Dear Muslima yet?"<ref>[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]</ref> In December 2013, atheist Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution called July 2, 2011, which is the day that Elevatorgate occurred, "The day the atheist movement died."<ref>[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution</ref>

=== Many secular leftists strongly criticizing Richard Dawkins post-Elevatorgate ===

[[Leftism|Leftists]] who committed to more gender, feminism and ethnic diversity within the [[Atheist Population|atheist population]], believe that the Elevatorgate incident and subsequent actions by Dawkins gave atheism a bad name and it caused increased dissension among atheists.<ref>
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-atheisms-asset-or-liability/2014/08/07/9f19a7a2-1e58-11e4-9b6c-12e30cbe86a3_story.html Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] by Kimberly Winston, ''Washington Post'', source: ''Religion News Service'', August 7, 2014
*[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]
*[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/downs-syndrome-girl-passes-six-4095031 Down's Syndrome girl passes six GCSEs as dad calls Richard Dawkins 'an ignorant idiot'], Mirror by By Grace Macaskill, Aug 23, 2014 15:41
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/21/the-12-stages-of-a-richard-dawkins-twitter-scandal_n_5698443.html The 12-Stage 'Evolution' Of A Richard Dawkins Twitter Scandal] by Paul Vale, The Huffington Post UK, Posted: 22/08/2014 02:06 BST
*[http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul]
</ref> Women, blacks and Hispanics are less likely to become atheists (see: [[Atheism and women]] and [[Western atheism and race]]).

For example, an atheist commenter on [[Michael Nugent]]'s website wrote in 2014: "The problem, as identified by almost every mainstream outsider-looking-in, [[Atheism and women|is sexism]]; it’s [[Irreligion and domestic violence|harassment of women]]; it’s the tacit support of this by many of [[Atheism and leadership|high profile figures]] in atheism; and it’s the awful comments by Dawkins on twitter regarding rape, disability and feminism. This has discredited the Atheist movement, likely for good. It’s over. Mention of Dawkins in public now induces a pained cringe at best."<ref>An atheist comment about the article [http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/25/pz-myers-unfair-and-hurtful-misrepresentations-of-richard-dawkins-comments-about-being-abused-as-a-child/ PZ Myers’ unfair and hurtful misrepresentations of Richard Dawkins’ comments about being abused as a child] by Michael Nugent on September 25, 2014</ref>

The Irish atheist Michael Nugent insisted in 2014 that Richard Dawkins is being unfairly demonized by various atheists.<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/08/07/the-demonising-of-richard-dawkins-and-the-normalising-of-casual-defamatory-smears/ The demonising of Richard Dawkins, and the normalising of casual defamatory smears] by Michael Nugent on August 7, 2014</ref> On April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced via Michael Nugent's blog, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger [[PZ Myers]]... He said Richard Dawkins ‘seems to have developed a callous indifference to the sexual abuse of children’ and ‘has been eaten by brain parasites’"<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> See also: [[Richard Dawkins and women]] and [[Richard Dawkins on child molestation and so called "gentle pedophiles"]]

== Public announcement of Richard Dawkins and Orphelia Benson ==
[[File:Ophelia Benson.JPG|thumbnail|130px|left|Orphelia Benson
 
 
(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ophelia_Benson_at_CFI_WIS-May_18_2012.JPG Wikimedia Commons], see: [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en license agreement])]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and profanity]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

Ophelia Benson is an American atheist, [[feminism|feminist]], [[author]], editor and blogger. She is known for using the word f*#@wit and she claims the word is not a vulgar word.<ref>[http://www.skepticink.com/avant-garde/2014/07/27/ophelia-benson/ The Ophelia Benson canard]</ref><ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/07/26/joint-statement-by-ophelia-benson-and-richard-dawkins/ Joint statement by Ophelia Benson and Richard Dawkins] (see comment section)</ref> Despite commonly using this vulgar epithet, on July 26, 2014, she published a joint statement with the agnostic and [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] indicating that atheists should behave in a civil manner in disagreements with each other and not engage in uncivil behavior such as the use of vulgar epithets.<ref>[http://www.skepticink.com/avant-garde/2014/07/27/ophelia-benson/ The Ophelia Benson canard]</ref> See also: [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

On July 27, 2014, David Osano at Skeptic Ink Network wrote in response to this public announcement:
{{cquote|I seriously want to know if Ophelia Benson still thinks that calling to the boycott of Dawkins’ books is managing “disagreement ethically, like reasonable adults”. I want to know if she still condones the way '''Rebecca Watson''' [http://phawrongula.wikia.com/wiki/Attacks_on_Stef_McGraw bullied] '''Stef McGraw''' and got her to shut down her blog. What part of that is not “trying to destroy the other”? Remember Michael Payton, whose job was put at jeopardy just because Benson and her pals [http://freethoughtblogs.com/zinniajones/files/2012/08/payton-1.png couldn’t figure out a tweet] and thought he had a different opinion? That’s pretty destroying, if you ask me.<ref>[http://www.skepticink.com/avant-garde/2014/07/27/ophelia-benson/ The Ophelia Benson canard], Posted by Ðavid A. Osorio S on Jul 27, 2014</ref>}}

== Dawkins apologizes three years later for Elevatorgate comment, but later says Rebecca Watson's invitation for coffee was a rather trivial incident ==

On August 6, 2014, three years after Elevatorgate, without mentioning Rebecca Watson's name, Richard Dawkins issued a one sentence apology for his Elevatorgate comments. He posted the apology near the bottom of one of his blog posts.<ref>[https://richarddawkins.net/2014/08/who-is-belittling-what/ Who is “belittling” what?] by Richard Dawkins</ref> In response, Rebecca Watson wrote in Twitter post: "Richard Dawkins did the blog-equivalent of coughing into his hand while mumbling "sorry" to me. Eh I'll take it."<ref>[https://twitter.com/rebeccawatson/status/497087309805027328 Rebecca Watson's Twitter post about Dawkins' apology]</ref>

However, as noted below, on November 18, 2014, Richard Dawkins publicly declared that Rebecca Watson's elevator incident was "rather trivial" compared to some incidents Muslim women experience.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-stands-by-remarks-on-sexism-pedophilia-down-syndrome/2014/11/18/a2915cd8-6f64-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_story.html Richard Dawkins stands by remarks on sexism, pedophilia, Down syndrome], by Kimberly Winston | Religion News Service November 18, 2014</ref> In addition, he complained about "thought police" muzzling his speech.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-stands-by-remarks-on-sexism-pedophilia-down-syndrome/2014/11/18/a2915cd8-6f64-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_story.html Richard Dawkins stands by remarks on sexism, pedophilia, Down syndrome], by Kimberly Winston | Religion News Service November 18, 2014</ref>

(see additional information below)

== Atheists declaring that Richard Dawkins is now a liability to the atheist movement ==

''See also:'' [[Atheist movement]] and [[Atheism and public relations]] and [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]

Although the [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] Richard Dawkins was always known for [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|his abrasiveness]] and [[Atheism and arrogance|arrogance]], post Elevatorgate and subsequent to his various embarrassing Twitter posts, many atheists are now asking if he is a liability to the [[atheist movement]].<ref>
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-atheisms-asset-or-liability/2014/08/07/9f19a7a2-1e58-11e4-9b6c-12e30cbe86a3_story.html Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] by Kimberly Winston, ''Washington Post'', source: ''Religion News Service'', August 7, 2014
*[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray
*[https://twitter.com/jennifurret/status/405391218273554433 Jennifer McCreight on the Twitter about the Elevatorgate scandal]
*[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/downs-syndrome-girl-passes-six-4095031 Down's Syndrome girl passes six GCSEs as dad calls Richard Dawkins 'an ignorant idiot'], Mirror by By Grace Macaskill, Aug 23, 2014 15:41
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/21/the-12-stages-of-a-richard-dawkins-twitter-scandal_n_5698443.html The 12-Stage 'Evolution' Of A Richard Dawkins Twitter Scandal] by Paul Vale, The Huffington Post UK, Posted: 22/08/2014 02:06 BST</ref>

== PZ Myers' prediction that the atheism movement will stagnate or shrink unless atheists change ==
[[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|251px|right|[[PZ Myers]]

(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en license agreement]) ]]
''See also:'' [[Atheist movement]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]] and [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]

On September 27, 2014 in a blog post entitled ''The Atheist Disillusionment'', the prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]] declared:
{{cquote|I will make a prediction, right here and now.... The number of people identifying as [[atheism|atheists]] will stagnate or even shrink, because organized atheism is happily in the process of destroying itself with regressive social attitudes, scandals, and their bizarre focus on irrelevant metaphysical differences that don’t help people...

Unless we change.

I don’t know that we can.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/27/the-atheist-disillusionment/ ''The Atheist Disillusionment''] - PZ Myers, September 27, 2014</ref>}}

== Thunderf00t on the impact of Freethought Blogs and Rebecca Watson ==

In October 2014, the popular YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] indicated that the bloggers at Freethought Blogs accidentally put him on their email list and that they spend a considerable amount of time emailing each other engaging in petty matters. In fact, he indicated that they spent more time emailing each other than engaged in actual blogging. He also questioned the impact of the bloggers of Freethought Blogs on social justice.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref> Furthermore, he indicated that their attempt to make him a pariah within the atheist community had virtually no impact.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref>

He also indicated that the accomplishments of Rebecca Watson are very thin and that she promotes feminism in an offensive manner.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref>

In addition, Thunderf00t commented on how [[Jen McCreight]], the founder of the atheist feminist movement [[Atheism plus]] abandoned her movement within two weeks. And how [[Richard Carrier]] "the intellectual artillery" of the movement, quit promoting the movement within a month.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref>

== Dawkins stands by recent remarks. Says Rebecca Watson's elevator incident was rather trivial ==

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins quotes]]

On November 18, 2014, Richard Dawkins indicated that: he stands by his recent remarks about women/men relations, he feels muzzled by "thought police" and that [[Rebecca Watson]]'s experience in the elevator was "rather trivial" compared to events some Muslim women experience.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-stands-by-remarks-on-sexism-pedophilia-down-syndrome/2014/11/18/a2915cd8-6f64-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_story.html Richard Dawkins stands by remarks on sexism, pedophilia, Down syndrome], by Kimberly Winston | Religion News Service November 18, 2014</ref>

Specifically, the ''Washington Post'' reported on November 18, 2014:
{{cquote|“I don’t take back anything that I’ve said,” Dawkins said from a shady spot in the leafy backyard of one of his Bay Area supporters. “I would not say it again, however, because I am now accustomed to being misunderstood and so I will . “

He trailed off momentarily, gazing at his hands resting on a patio table.

“I feel muzzled, and a lot of other people do as well,” he continued. “There is a climate of bullying, a climate of intransigent thought police which is highly influential in the sense that it suppresses people like me.”

Recent criticism of Dawkins has come from women, many of them within the atheist movement, which has long drawn more men to its ranks. His online remarks, some women say, contribute to a climate they see as unwelcoming to female atheists.

Writing for ''Salon'' last month, atheist activist Amanda Marcotte said: “People like Dawkins . are the public face of atheism. And that public face is one that is defensively and irrationally sexist..."

Some atheist men, too, are unhappy with Dawkins’ most recent remarks.

“There’s no denying that Dawkins played a formative role in the atheist movement, but it’s grown beyond just him,” Adam Lee, a New York-based atheist, wrote in September in ''The Guardian''. “Remarks like these make him a liability at best, a punchline at worst. He may have convinced himself that he’s the Most Rational Man Alive, but if his goal is to persuade everyone else that atheism is a welcoming and attractive option, Richard Dawkins is doing a terrible job.”

Dawkins, however, disagrees. He is, he said, not a misogynist, as some critics have called him, but “a passionate feminist.” The greatest threats to women, in his view, are Islamism and jihadism — and his concern over that sometimes leads him to speak off-the-cuff.

“I concentrate my attention on that menace and I confess I occasionally get a little impatient with American women who complain of being inappropriately touched by the water cooler or invited for coffee or something which I think is, by comparison, relatively trivial,” he said.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/richard-dawkins-stands-by-remarks-on-sexism-pedophilia-down-syndrome/2014/11/18/a2915cd8-6f64-11e4-a2c2-478179fd0489_story.html Richard Dawkins stands by remarks on sexism, pedophilia, Down syndrome], by Kimberly Winston | Religion News Service November 18, 2014 and syndicated to the ''Washington Post''</ref>}}

== Atheist community double standards: Muslim men misogyny vs. atheist men misogyny ==
[[File:Ayaan-Hirsi-Ali.JPG|thumbnail|left|115px|[[Ayaan Hirsi Ali]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

In recent times, atheists have put in a lot of effort and focus into decrying the deplorable treatment of many [[Islam|Muslim]] women by Muslim men, yet the same degree of attention about the high amount of physical abuse atheist women endure at the hands of atheist men via domestic abuse and the other forms of abuse is not given nearly the same amount of import by many in the atheist community. See: [[Irreligion and domestic violence]] and [[Secular Europe and domestic violence]].

For example, [[Ayaan Hirsi Ali]] was chosen to be the keynote speaker of the [[American Atheists]] convention in 2014 and in 2005 the secular left leaning ''Time'' magazine named her one of the most 100 influential people in the world.<ref>
*[http://atheists.org/convention2015 2015 American Atheists National Convention]
*[http://wwsg.com/ayaan-hirsi-ali Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world]</ref> Yet, the women who point out misogyny in [[Western World]] atheism receive torrents of abuse (see: [[Atheism and sexism]]) and are not highly lauded by the atheist community to nearly the same degree.

For more information, please see: [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

== Post-Elevatorgate commentary about sexually related activities at atheist events ==

=== Commentary by Richard Carrier ===
[[File:Richard Carrier.jpg|thumbnail|125px|right|[[Richard Carrier]] ]]
The atheist [[Richard Carrier]], who divorced his wife after committing adultery multiple times and now advocates [[polyamory]], wrote in a 2013 blog post entitled ''Our Mythical Campaign against Sex'':
{{cquote|Polyamory and swinging and even the attending of orgies requires more ethical behavior and more careful attention to boundaries and consent than traditional sexual relationships do. And people who are ethical enough to be accepted in those communities are the very people who get [[Atheism plus|Atheism+]] and why it is needed.

The bottom line is, we are already enthusiastically in favor of people pursuing all kinds of sexual activities, even at [[Atheist conferences|atheist events]]. Many of our most avid supports are wholeheartedly doing this. The only thing we are concerned about is that people do this ethically, that people don’t use their sex drives as an excuse to harass, harm, or cross boundaries.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/carrier/archives/4405 Our Mythical Campaign against Sex], Richard Carrier,</ref>}}

=== Commentary by PZ Myers ===
[[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|220px|left|PZ Myers

(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinzac/4328612187/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en license agreement]) ]]
PZ Myers wrote in 2013:
{{cquote|Except…I was really surprised the first time a woman at a conference offered me her hotel key. I know I’m not personally attractive or otherwise appealing in any physical way, and it was simply that eroticism of intellectual stimulation, as you mentioned, and the impulse to indulge in a fleeting crush. You know speakers get a little edge from that position when I’m getting sexual opportunities!

It felt like cheating, didn’t actually represent my ideal (all of my physical relationships have also been serious emotional relationships), and just generally seemed like something we might all regret when the first brief flush of enthusiasm wore off. So I’ve always gently turned down those offers.

I don’t want to give the impression that I turn them down, so everybody else ought to, too. I’m really just saying that there’s some weird primate psychology going on, and we ought to be wary of it.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterfliesandwheels/2013/08/the-eros-of-the-podium/#comment-612602 The eros of the podium - see comment section below the blog post], PZ Myers, comment section, August 17, 2013 at 5:42 pm</ref>}}

Myers further writes:
{{cquote|As for numbers, it doesn’t happen at every conference, it’s probably happened to me 8? 10? times? Thereabouts. A couple of times a year.

I suspect it’s much more common for younger, handsomer speakers who aren’t geeky bearded weirdos. And I would imagine most of them would also turn down the offers, but I don’t know — maybe I’m a horrible weirdo in another way too.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterfliesandwheels/2013/08/the-eros-of-the-podium/#comment-612602 The eros of the podium - see comment section below the blog post], PZ Myers, comment section, August 17, 2013 at 5:42 pm</ref>}}

==News outlet stories - Chronological order ==

''See also:'' [[Elevatorgate news stories|Elevatorgate news stories - Chronological order]]

*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am

*[http://www.thewire.com/national/2011/07/richard-dawkins-draws-feminist-wrath-over-sexual-harassment-comments/39637/ Richard Dawkins Gets into a Comments War with Feminists] by Caitlin Dickson,'' The Wire'', July 6, 2011

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists] by Remy Stern, ''Gawker'', July 7, 2011

* [http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women?] - ''Salon'', July 8, 2011

*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011

*[http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues] - USA Today, September 15, 2011

=== Rebecca Watson's article appearing in a news outlet ===

*[http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2012/10/sexism_in_the_skeptic_community_i_spoke_out_then_came_the_rape_threats.html It Stands to Reason, Skeptics Can Be Sexist Too] by Rebecca Watson, ''Slate'', October 2012

=== Subsequent articles mentioning Elevatorgate incident ===

*[http://www.religionnews.com/2014/08/07/richard-dawkins/ Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', August 7, 2014

*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015

== Richard Dawkins' loss of influence post Elevatatorgate ==

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]] and [[Alexa rankings of Richard Dawkins' website]] and [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science website]]

As can be seen by the graph below, by means of embedded code on his website from Quantcast, Quantcast directly measures the web traffic of Richard Dawkins' website. Traffic to Dawkins website is significantly down post-Elevatorgate.

Although his following of Dawkian atheist has significantly waned post-Elevatorgate and due to his generally [[Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins|abrasive manner]], he does retain a small cult following (See: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]] and [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality]] and [[Atheist cults]]).

Dawkins is a leading figure in the [[New Atheism]] movement which was called a cult by the [[agnosticism|agnostic]], journalist Bryan Appleyard in a 2012 article in the ''New Statesman'' in which he describes the abusive behavior of New Atheists.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2012/02/neo-atheism-atheists-dawkins ''The God wars'' by Bryan Appleyard], ''New Statesman''</ref> The Dawkian atheists have been able to retain Richard Dawkins being labeled as an atheist in his [[Wikipedia]] article despite Dawkins repeatedly and adamantly declaring that he is an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] and/or flip-flopping his public persona between atheism and agnosticism (See: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).

=== Initial loss of web traffic to Richard Dawkins's website post Elevatorgate ===
[[File:Richard Dawkins web traffic 12-23-12.png|thumbnail|center|775px|According to the web traffic tracking company [[Quantcast]], the web traffic of Richard Dawkins's website fell in 2012.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/12/2012-has-been-bad-year-for-richard.html 2012 has been a very BAD year for Richard Dawkins's website according to Quantcast]</ref> By October 2014, the web traffic for his website fell to a lower level according to Quantcast.<ref>[http://shockawenow.blogspot.com/2014/10/richard-dawkins-loss-of-influence.html Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]</ref>
 
 
In October of 2012, [[Rebecca Watson]] published a story about Elevatorgate and its aftermath in ''Slate'' entitled, ''It Stands to Reason, Skeptics Can Be Sexist Too: I spoke out about sexual harassment among atheists and scientists. Then came the rape threats''.<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2012/10/sexism_in_the_skeptic_community_i_spoke_out_then_came_the_rape_threats.html It Stands to Reason, Skeptics Can Be Sexist Too: I spoke out about sexual harassment among atheists and scientists. Then came the rape threats] by Rebecca Watson, ''Slate'', October 2012</ref>
 
 
The web traffic was measured via [[Quantcast]] which directly measured Dawkins' website traffic via embedded code on his website.<ref name="Quantcast - Quantcast Measure">[https://www.quantcast.com/measure/ Quantcast - Quantcast Measure]</ref>]]

=== Web traffic of Richard Dawkins' website has seen a dramatic drop ===
[[File:Richard Dawkins' website traffic.jpg|500px|thumbnail|center|The above graph shows the monthly website traffic to Richard Dawkins' website as of June 22, 2015 in terms of unique monthly web visitors.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2015/06/web-traffic-of-richard-dawkins-main.html Web traffic of Richard Dawkins' main website]</ref> As you can see above, in 2012, Richard Dawkins saw a very large decrease in web traffic.
 
 
The website traffic is measured via [[Quantcast]] which directly measures Dawkins' website traffic via embedded code on his website.<ref name="Quantcast - Quantcast Measure"/>]]

=== Alexa ranking of Richard Dawkins' website ===

[[File:Richarddawkins.net alexa.png|thumbnail|center|400px|According to [[Alexa]], Richard Dawkins website lost a large amount of its global market share during to period between 2010 and the beginning portion of 2012.]]
{{Clear}}
[[File:Richarddawkins.net alexa 10-2106.png|thumbnail|center|400px|In 2016, Richard Dawkins' website lost a considerable amount of global market share according to the web traffic tracking company [[Alexa]].]]
[[File:Richard Dawkins alexa 2016.png|thumbnail|center|400px|In 2015, Richard Dawkins' website fell in terms of its [[Alexa]] ranking.]]
{{Clear}}
[[File:Richard Dawkins alexa feb 2017.png|thumbnail|center|400px|In 2016 and the in the beginning portion of 2017, the global internet market share of Richard Dawkins' website has been falling according to the web traffic tracking company Alexa.]]
{{Clear}}

== Blog posts on Elevatorgate ==

{{See also|Blog posts on Elevatorgate}}

== Richard Dawkins' recent attempts to have better relations with women. feminists and Muslims ==

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]]

In 2017, ''Sputnik News'' reported:
{{Cquote|Robyn Blumner, Executive Director of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science, said that to suggest that atheists are narrow-minded, prejudiced or supportive of white, male privilege is to ignore the evidence.

Mr. Blumner said that the pro-atheist organization does tremendous good for women's equality and the civil rights of Muslims, as well as spreads humanist values in the United States and abroad.

"In just the last handful of years we have been at the forefront of the major civil justice causes of our time. It is why in 2015 we were the only secularist group to be invited to join the Know Your Neighbor interfaith coalition, launched at the White House. It is why we were a proud and welcome participant in the Women's March on Washington in January," Mr. Blumner told Sputnik.<ref>[https://sputniknews.com/society/201705031053247150-new-atheism-movement-alienation/ Dawkins and Movement 'Lost the Heart of the Cause']</ref>}}

== Research on atheist conferences and related information ==

As noted above, the Elevatorgate incident happened as a result of Rebecca Watson describing an event which occurred between her and a fellow conference attendee which was then followed by Richard Dawkins making commentary of Watson's account of that event.

Below is some research on atheist conferences in terms of speakers at atheist conferences and the audiences of atheist conferences.

*[[Research on atheist conferences]]

*[[Atheist conferences]]

== Elevatorgate, New Atheism/anti-theism, social science data and negative personality traits ==

Richard Dawkins is one of the founders of the [[New Atheism]] movement which is a [[militant atheism|militant form of atheism]] often criticized for its anti-[[theism]]. In addition, Rebecca Watson is allied with the New Atheist [[PZ Myers]].<ref>[https://freethoughtkampala.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/elevatorgate/ Elevatorgate], Freethought Kampala, 11-9-2011</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/07/03/oh-no-not-againonce-more-unto/ Oh, no, not again…once more unto the breach], Posted by PZ Myers on July 3, 2011</ref>

Social science research indicates that anti-theists score the highest among atheists when it comes to personality traits such as [[narcissism]], dogmatism, and anger.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref> Furthermore, they scored lowest when it comes to agreeableness and positive relations with others.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ Science Shows New Atheists to be Mean and Closed-Minded]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]]

== Disharmony, factionalism and global decline of atheism ==
[[File:Hong Kong Christians at Gateway Camp.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|[[Hong Kong]] Christians at Gateway Camp. In 2005, there were four times as many non-Western World Christians as there were [[Western World]] Christians.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=30077 Is Christianity taking over the planet?]</ref> See: [[Global Christianity]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Global atheism statistics]]

Jacques Rousseau wrote in the Daily Maverick concerning Elevatorgate, "Some might observe that we indulge in these squabbles fairly frequently."<ref>[http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul]</ref> An ex-atheist wrote: "As an Atheist for 40 years, I noticed that there is not just a wide variety of Atheist positions, but there exists an actual battle between certain Atheist factions.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/internet-atheism-is-still-hostile.html The atheist community and internet atheism is still a hostile wasteland]</ref>

=== Decline of atheism and the explosive growth of global Christianity ===

See also: [[Global atheism]] and [[Desecularization]] and [[Global Christianity]]

In 2011, the ''American Spectator'' declared concerning research published in the ''International Bulletin of Missionary Research'':
{{cquote|The report estimates about 80,000 new [[Christianity|Christians]] every day, 79,000 new [[Islam|Muslims]] every day, and 300 fewer [[atheism|atheists]] every day. These atheists are presumably disproportionately represented in the [[Western World|West]], while religion is thriving in the Global South, where [[Charismatic movement|charismatic Christianity]] is exploding."<ref>[http://spectator.org/archives/2011/02/28/thriving-christianity Thriving Christianity]</ref>}}

== See also ==

*[[Atheist feminism]]
*[[Errors of Richard Dawkins]]
*[[Atheism and sexuality]]
*[[Atheist movement]]
*[[Atheist scandals]]
*[[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships|Atheist leaders and immoral relationships]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and women]]
*[[Internet atheism]]

== External links ==

*[http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/events/elevatorgate Elevatorgate - Know your meme]
*[http://gretachristina.typepad.com/greta_christinas_weblog/2011/07/why-we-have-to-talk-about-this.html Why We Have to Talk About This: Atheism, Sexism, and Blowing Up The Internet] by [[Greta Christina]]
*[http://on.aol.com/video/rebecca-watson-on-elevatorgate--and-being-harassed-for-atheist-blog-post-517887930 Rebecca Watson On 'Elevatorgate,' And Being Harassed For Atheist Blog Post] - ''Huffington Post'', 08/07/2013 - video
*[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/08/15/finally-more-people-are-waking-up-to-elevatorgates-abuse/ Finally, more people are waking up to @elevatorGATE’s abuse], [[Freethought Blogs]], August 2013
*[http://www.atheistrev.com/2013/12/the-day-atheist-movement-died.html The Day the Atheist Movement Died] by Jack Vance at Atheist Revolution
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/10/will-future-historians-see-mayjune-of.html Will future historians see May through August of 2011 as being a major turning point in the Christianity vs. atheism/Darwinism culture war?]
*[http://www.neontommy.com/news/2014/09/unfollow-richard-dawkins Unfollow Richard Dawkins]

'''Elevatorgate timeline:'''

*[http://freethoughtblogs.com/lousycanuck/2012/07/12/digital-archaeology-of-elevatorgate-a-timeline/ Digital archaeology of Elevatorgate – a timeline], [[Freethought Blogs]], July 12, 2012
*[http://theismatheism.blogspot.com/2011/07/elevatorgate-timeline.html Elevatorgate Timeline]

'''Video:'''

*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXSYrCIYdas The mythology of Elevatorgate]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

[[Category:Elevatorgate]]
[[Category:Richard Dawkins]]
[[Category:New Atheism]]

Liberal Vs. conservative

2017-07-27T17:54:33Z

Daniel Scott: fixing double-redirect

#REDIRECT [[Conservative vs. liberal]]

Conservapedia:Userboxes/Political Figures

2017-07-27T04:51:06Z

Daniel Scott: added userbox for President Trump

'''POLITICAL FIGURES'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|{{UB|Lincoln}}
|-
|{{UB|Trump}}
|-
|{{UB|Bushfan}}
|-
|{{UB|Reagan}}
|-
|{{UB|ronny}}
|-
|{{UB|ClintonFan}}
|-
|{{UB|Clintonlied}}
|-
|{{UB|Clinton}}
|-
|{{UB|not Regan}}
|-
|{{UB|Newt4pres}}
|-
|{{UB|McCain}}
|-
|{{UB|Palin}}
|-
|{{UB|Biden}}
|-
|{{UB|MickeyObama}}
|-
|{{UB|Obama2}}
|-
|{{UB|Not Obama}}
|-
|{{UB|Obama acronym}}
|-
|{{UB|Palin2012}}
|-
|{{UB|RonPaulOK}}
|-
|{{UB|Romney}}

Template:User Trump

2017-07-27T04:50:39Z

Daniel Scott: created userbox for our current president

{{Userbox
| border-c = #000
| border-s = 1
| id-p = 0
| id-c = #000
| id = [[Image:Donald_Trump_(29273256122)_Phoenix.jpg|70px]]
| info-c = #B12
| info-fc = #FFF
| info = <center>This user supports President Donald Trump. '''MAKE AMERICA''' '''GREAT AGAIN!'''</center>}}

[[Category:Userboxes]]

User:Daniel Scott

2017-07-27T03:35:08Z

Daniel Scott: Created page with "{| style="width:100%" |- | Hello! I'm an ex-atheist, ex-Wikipedian, and ex-liberal editor from Poland. I hope..."

{| style="width:100%"
|-
| Hello! I'm an [[ex-atheist]], [[Examples of Bias in Wikipedia|ex-Wikipedian]], and [[Liberal myths|ex-liberal]] editor from [[Poland]]. I hope I can do my small part to help improve Conservapedia. || {{User Catholic}} {{User Republican}} {{Userbox |border-c=#000 |border-s=1 |id-c=#fe9 |id-s=12 |id-fc=#000 |info-c=#fe9 |info-s=8 |info-fc=#000 |id=[[File:Flag_of_Poland.png|93px]]|info=This user is from '''[[Poland]]'''}}
|}

2016 presidential election

2017-07-27T02:33:40Z

Daniel Scott: fixing double-redirect

#REDIRECT [[United States presidential election, 2016]]

Great Flood

2017-07-27T02:18:01Z

Daniel Scott: /* Other ancient references */ Added African account to "Other ancient references"

{{cquote|'''Genesis 6:13''' ...The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.}}
[[Image:Schönfeld The Flood.jpg|thumb|320px|The Flood by Johann Heinrich Schönfeld.]]
The '''Great Flood''' refers to the most catastrophic [[flood]] and the most catastrophic geological event that has ever taken place in human history.

Virtually nothing historical, from writings to civilization to long-living organisms like trees, has survived from before about 3000 or 3300 B.C., when the Great Flood occurred.<ref>''See, e.g.'', http://www.ohtm.org/strut99.pdf</ref> Today 43-60% of Americans accept as truth the Biblical account of the Great Flood,<ref>http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040216-113955-2061r.htm</ref><ref>http://www.gallup.com/poll/155003/hold-creationist-view-human-origins.aspx</ref> and many cultures record a world-destroying flood in their oral or written histories.

The ''Iceman'', an experienced hiker, was frozen by a surprise, massive ice storm in the Italian Alps 5,300 years ago—when the Great Flood likely occurred.<ref>http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/iceman-last-meal.html</ref>

"Among geologists, the concept of a catastrophic flood came to be universally accepted by the late 1950s," after a discovery in the American Northwest of "giant ripple marks, 50 feet high and 200-500 feet apart."<ref>[http://www.iafi.org/floods.html The Ice Age Flood Institute reports on the massive floods in the Northwest.]</ref> This evidence of a massive flood in the Northwest suggests that the Great Flood was not merely a local flood in the Middle East.

== Summary ==

This flood was the means of [[God]]'s judgment on mankind because of the evil in their heart and actions. God warned [[Noah]] that He was going to destroy the world with a flood, because of the wickedness of mankind. Noah was to build an [[Noah's Ark|ark]] and take his family and pairs of each [[baraminology|kind]] of air-breathing animal in it in order to be saved from the flood.

After Noah and his family and all the creatures were on board, God shut the door of the ark. The flood was brought on by the bursting open of the ''fountains of the great deep'' and the opening of ''the floodgates of the sky''. The rain lasted nearly six weeks (40 days and nights). The flood waters apparently continued to rise for 150 days, but it was just over a year before the waters had receded enough for the occupants of the ark to leave.

The ark came to rest on one of the mountains of [[Ararat]]. God used a [[rainbow]] in the clouds as a sign that he would never again destroy the world in a flood.<ref>Genesis does not say that this was the first ever rainbow.</ref>

== Flood accounts ==
[[Image:The Great Deluge - Gustave Dore.jpg|thumb|330px|''The Great Deluge'', by Gustave Doré.]]
One of the strong pieces of evidence in support of a worldwide flood are the many stories that exist among societies all over the world. These stories describe a world-destroying flood, and it seems unlikely that this similarity is accidental. Dr. [[John Morris]] wrote regarding the historicity of the biblical flood:
{{cquote|One of the strongest evidences for the global flood which annihilated all people on [[Earth]] except for [[Noah]] and his family, has been the ubiquitous presence of flood legends in the folklore of people groups from around the world. And the stories are all so similar.<ref>http://www.icr.org/article/570/</ref>}}

=== Gilgamesh Epic ===
The best known of the flood accounts is, firstly, the biblical account in [[Genesis]], and secondly, the one found in the [[Gilgamesh Epic]]. Here is a summary of the Gilgamesh Epic:
:''The council of the gods decided to destroy mankind with a flood, but Utnapishtim was warned by the god who had made man, Ea, to build a boat to take all living beings. The length, width, and height were each 120 cubits (about 180 feet). It had seven stories.
:''The gods got frightened by the flood and retreated to heaven where they cowered and wept.
:''The flood lasted six days and seven nights, and was accompanied by wind and storm.
:''Utnapishtim send out a dove followed by a swallow, but both returned, unable to find land. He then sent a raven, which didn't return.

Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] comments on the Gilgamesh Epic:
{{cquote|It is common to make legends out of historical events, but not history from legends. ... For instance, in Genesis, God’s judgment is just, he is patient with mankind for 120 years (Genesis 6:3), shows mercy to Noah, and is sovereign. Conversely, the gods in the Gilgamesh Epic are capricious and squabbling, cower at the Flood and are famished without humans to feed them sacrifices. That is, the human writers of the Gilgamesh Epic rewrote the true account, and made their gods in their own image.<ref Name="JS_GE" />}}

=== Common Themes in Flood Accounts ===
There are parallel themes going through most of the accounts of the [[Great Flood (cultural traditions)|Great Flood]]. Here are some of them.

==== Cause ====
Many of the accounts say that the flood was caused by God or some equivalent being.
In Genesis, it was Yahweh.<ref>Genesis 6:3</ref>
In the Gilgamesh Epic, it was the council of the gods.<ref Name="JS_GE">[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/3107 Noah’s Flood and the Gilgamesh Epic] by Jonathan Sarfati, ''Creation'', vol. 28 No. 4 pp.12-17</ref>
In the Bundaba (Australian aboriginal) flood story, it was Ngowungu, the Great Father.<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1468 Australian Aboriginal Flood Stories], ''Creation'' Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 6-9.</ref>
The Greeks recorded it as being [[Zeus]].<ref name="Greek">[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/flood-myths.html#Greek Greek], in ''Flood Stories from Around the World'' by Mark Isaak.</ref>

==== Purpose ====
When the cause of the flood is attributed to a god, the reason is frequently said to be for [[mankind]]'s wickedness.
Genesis adds that "every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time".<ref>Genesis 6:5 (NIV)</ref>
The Miao account from China says, in verse, "These did not God's will nor returned His affection. / But fought with each other defying the Godhead. / Their leaders shook fists in the face of the Mighty."<ref>[http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=articles&action=view&ID=341 Genesis According to the Miao People], by Edgar A. Truax, ''Impact'', April 1991</ref>
A Navajo account says that it was because of "their sins of adultery and constant quarreling".<ref>[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/flood-myths.html#Navajo Navajo (Four Corners area)], in ''Flood Stories from Around the World'' by Mark Isaak</ref>

==== What saved the people ====

People were generally saved either by floating out the flood, or fleeing to the top of a mountain. In the former case, the vessel took a variety of forms.
A Hopi Indian story has them surviving in the hollow stems of giant reeds<ref name="Hopi">[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/flood-myths.html#Hopi Hopi], in ''Flood Stories from Around the World'' by Mark Isaak.</ref>
The Greek story has them surviving in a chest.<ref name="Greek" />
In Genesis, [[Noah]] was instructed by God to build an ark to dimensions and other specifications included in the account.

==== Who was saved? ====
The survivors were often a single family.
An Australian aboriginal account has Ngadgja, the Supreme One, telling Gajara to take his wife, his sons, and his sons' wives.<ref name="Wunambal">[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1467 Aboriginal Flood Legend], by Howard Coates, ''Creation'' Vol. 4 No.3, pp.9-12</ref>
The Masai account from East Africa has Tumbainot taking his two wives, his six sons, and their wives.<ref name="Masai">[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/flood-myths.html#Masai Masai (East Africa)], in ''Flood Stories from Around the World'' by Mark Isaak.</ref>
A Hawaiian story has Nuu taking his wife and three sons.<ref name="Hawaii">[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/flood-myths.html#Hawaii Hawaii], in ''Flood Stories from Around the World'' by Mark Isaak.</ref>
Noah took his wife, his three sons, and their wives.<ref>Genesis 7:13</ref>

==== Birds sent out ====
[[Image:Michelangeloflood.jpg|thumb|300px|right|''The Flood'', by Michaelangelo, detail from the Sistine Chapel, 1509.]]
Genesis describes Noah sending out birds to see if there was yet dry land.<ref>Genesis 8:6-12</ref>
Initially this was unsuccessful, but a subsequent attempt was successful when a dove didn't return. In the Hopi account also, they unsuccessfully sent out birds to find land.<ref name="Hopi" />
An Australian aboriginal account has a cuckoo not returning because it found land.<ref name="Wunambal" />
The Masai account has Tumbainot sending out a dove, which returned because it had no place to rest.<ref name="Masai" />

==== A rainbow ====
The Masai account has four rainbows signifying that God's [[wrath]] was over.<ref name="Masai" />
A Hawaiian account has the god Kane leaving a rainbow as a perpetual sign of his forgiveness.<ref name="Hawaii" />
From an Australian aboriginal story comes this account:
:Ngadja, the Supreme Being, put the rainbow in the sky to keep the rain-clouds back. The rainbow lies bent across the sky; he ties up the clouds behind it and the rain does not come. The rainbow keeps the clouds back and protects us so that the rainfall does not rise too high. Our people understand the significance of it. When we see the rainbow we say, ‘There will not be any abnormally heavy rain.’<ref name="Wunambal" />

Genesis says that the rainbow would be a reminder that God would never again destroy the world with a flood.<ref>Genesis 9:12-17</ref>

==== Criticisms ====

:''See more criticisms in the article on [[Noah's Ark#Criticisms|Noah's Ark]] and [[Flood Geology#Controversy|Flood Geology]].''
Critics of the global flood suggest that the flood accounts are unrelated accounts of local floods, or stories influenced by the arrival of missionaries.

However, Nozomi Osanai responds that "''...the detailed nature of the widely spread statements has common elements to the Bible. In fact, even people who live far from the sea or in mountainous areas have flood traditions which are similar to the Genesis account.''"<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/4089/ A comparative study of the flood accounts in the Gilgamesh Epic and Genesis, chapter 7], by Nozomi Osanai.</ref>

And Murray Adamthwaite responds regarding the missionary influence, "''...that explanation fails since in many cases secular anthropologists gathered the stories before missionaries reached these tribes with the Gospel. In other cases missionaries have related how they indeed told the story of Noah, only to find that the tribal folk already had a similar tale in their own legends.''"<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/2538 Animals, a Deluge and Noah’s Ark]</ref>
{{Clear}}

== Other ancient references ==
The Great Flood has left a variety of traditions in many cultures worldwide. In most of them, the stories involve a few survivors and a number of animals in a boat or on a raft; the search for dry land involving a bird; a landing on a mountain, and a sacrifice to the gods after the flood was over.

{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="900" style="margin-left:5px"
|align="center" colspan="6"|
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|European traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Greece
| Deucalion and Pyrrha were warned by Prometheus about the flood and told to build a chest; they survived when the chest landed on a high mountain.<ref>[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0022%3Atext%3DLibrary%3Abook%3D1%3Achapter%3D7%3Asection%3D2 Apollodorus, ''The Library'', book 1]</ref>
| Deucalion
| Mt. Parnassus
| -
| Yes
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|Asian traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Babylonia
| [[Epic of Gilgamesh]]; The god Ea warned Utnapishtim of the imminent destruction of the earth; the ark built was cube-shaped, and held his family, friends, and all animals
| Utnapishtim
| Mt. Nisir
| 8
| Yes; a raven and dove were used to search for dry land as well
|-
| Assyria
| King [[Ashurbanipal]], who lived in the seventh century B.C., recorded, "I have read intricate tablets inscribed with obscure [[Sumerian]] or [[Akkadian]]...inscriptions on stone from before the Flood."
| Utnapishtim; possibly used the same Gilgamesh tales of Babylonia
| Mt. Nisir
| 8
| Yes
|-
| Chaldean
| Xisuthrus was warned of a coming flood by the god Chronos, who ordered him to build a boat in which to carry family, friends, and two of every kind of animal.<ref>[http://rbedrosian.com/euseb2.htm Eusebius, ''Chronicle'', book 1]</ref>
| Xisuthrus
| -
| 8
| Yes; birds were used to find land.
|-
| China
| [[Hihking]]; The Chinese classic record details one family survived a great flood by gathering their sons and sons' wives together in a large boat, whereupon they repopulated the earth afterwards.
| Fuhi
| -
| 8
| Yes
|-
| Sumeria
| [[Eridu Genesis]]: the god [[Enki]] warns Ziudsura to build a large boat due to the coming destruction of the earth. After a flood lasting seven days, Ziudsura sacrifices to the gods.
| Ziudsura
| translation lost
| -
| translation lost
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|Australian traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Wunambal
| Children tormented an owl, whom complained to the god Ngadja. Ngadja then sent a flood to punish them, but he helped one family escape. Ngadja then put a rainbow in the sky to hold back the rain-clouds.<ref name="Wunambal" />
| Gajara
| Numbuzare
| -
| Yes
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|Oceanic Islanders traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Hawaiian
| A man built a boat to escape a great flood. He landed his vessel on top of Mauna Kea on the Big Island. The man accidentally attributed the cause of his safety to the moon god, and made sacrifices to the wrong god. Kane, the actual creator god descended to the man from a rainbow telling him of his error.<ref>http://www.enotes.com/wm-encyclopedia/nuu</ref><ref>"Nu'u" A Dictionary of World Mythology. Arthur Cotterell. Oxford University Press, 1997. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. 30 September 2010 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t73.e525</ref><ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n2/flood-legends</ref><ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/nu-u</ref><ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=FyIEpx1aLXEC&pg=PA290&lpg=PA290&dq=nu'u+flood&source=bl&ots=BDjZOWOLI2&sig=y1I_kYruIhHJ6_UgsqiE5N1oTh8&hl=en&ei=zM0oTpbiC8L50gH6wdCACw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CGEQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=nu'u%20flood&f=false</ref>
| Nu'u
| Mauna Kea
| Unknown
| Unknown
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|African traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Masai
| God resolved to destroy mankind, as the people were sinful. God commanded Tumbainot, the only righteous man, to build an ark and enter it with his two wives, six sons and their wives, and some of animals of every sort. God caused a great flood, and all other men and beasts drowned. When the water receded the ark grounded and its occupants disembarked.<ref>http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/flood-myths.html#Masai</ref>
| Tumbainot
| -
| 9+
| Yes
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|North American traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Chippewa
| A war between Nanabozho and the Great Serpent who lived at the bottom of Lake Superior; the serpent, being wounded in the fight, vowed to destroy the tribe by a flood. The tribe quickly built rafts, gathered their animals, and escaped to the highest mountains, which were quickly covered over except the one on which stood Nanabozho.<ref>[http://www.indians.org/welker/greatflo.htm].</ref>
| Nanabozho
| unknown
| unknown
| Yes
|-
| Choctaw
| The Great Spirit destroyed a corrupt and wicked human race and all life on earth, except a prophet who went in vain to warn the people to repent or die. The prophet survived by building a raft of sassafras logs.<ref>[http://www.tc.umn.edu/~mboucher/mikebouchweb/choctaw/flood1.htm].</ref>
| known only as the prophet.
| unknown
| unknown
| Yes; the bird which led him to land he named "Puchi Yushuba" (lost pigeon)
|-
!colspan="6" align="center" style="color: black; height: 30px; background: tan no-repeat scroll top left;"|South American traditions
|-
! width="100" | Culture or people
! width="500" | Details
! width="150" | Name of Noah
! width="150" | Name of mountain
! width="80" | Number of survivors
! width="80" | Animals involved
|-
| Tamanakis (Carib tribe, Orinoco River basin)
| A man and woman escaped to the highest peak after being warned of a flood. Afterward, the tossed coconuts behind them, which became the next race of man.
| -
| Mt Tapanacu
| -
| -
|-
|}

== Effects of ''the Flood'' ==
=== Natural Effects ===
==== Flood Geology ====
{{Main|Flood Geology}}
Flood geology is the study of the Earth's geology in the search of evidence for the Flood in the [[geology]] of the Earth.

=== Separation of Continents===
Some [[Young Earth Creationists]] point to the flood as the reason for the separation of [[Pangea]], rather than the secular view that the separation was caused by [[plate tectonics]] over millions or even billions of years.

=== Ice Age ===

Some scientists think that the Great Flood caused the Ice Age. Meteorologist Michael J. Oard
states in ''Frozen in Time'' that:

<blockquote>
''The Flood and its aftershocks provide the volcanic dust and gases that bring the summer cooling indispensable for the Ice Age. Water from the “fountains of the great deep” and mixing during the Flood provides a warm ocean. In the mid and high latitudes the warm ocean would cause copious evaporation and produce massive amounts of snow. The two ingredients required for an Ice Age, cool temperatures and tons of snow, were dramatically fulfilled immediately after the Genesis flood. This unique climate would persist for hundreds of years after the Flood as the intensity of the two mechanisms slowly decreased.'' <ref>[http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/fit/chapter7.asp The Genesis flood caused the Ice Age]</ref><ref>Oard, M.J., 1990. An ice age caused by the Genesis Flood, Institute for Creation Research, El Cajón, California.</ref>
</blockquote>

=== Spiritual Effects ===

Interpreting the way Noah obeyed God (Genesis 6:22):

<blockquote>
Noah was faithful for 120 long hard disappointing years. You can be sure, however, he was a happy man the day the rains came and he was safe and dry inside the ark that was the product of his faith and obedience to God...

Noah submitted himself and worshiped God... His strength to live for God was that he chose to walk daily with the Lord. The same power is available to us to believe in God and let God direct our lives.
<ref>[http://www.bible-truth.org/GEN6.HTM THE GREAT WORLD WIDE FLOOD]</ref>
</blockquote>

Consequently, at present we should ask ourselves: What kind of faith do we have?, Does my faith guide me always in my daily decision? ([[Ibidem]])

== Modern explanations ==

[[Image:The building of the ark.jpg|thumb|left|The building of the ark by Bertram of Minden.]]
=== Black Sea theory ===
In 2000, explorers discovered evidence that humans lived where the [[Black Sea]] now is and speculated the sea was created during a great flood.<ref>http://archives.cnn.com/2000/NATURE/09/13/great.flood.finds.ap/</ref> Dr. Robert Ballard expanded on this theory, postulating that the Black Sea was much lower during the [[Ice Age]] (including the finding of a beach thousands of feet underwater), and when the walls holding back the [[Mediterranean Sea]] at the Bosporus broke, the sea rushed in and drowned the inhabitants; those who survived told the tale orally, and according to Ballard this became the basis for the flood accounts of Genesis and Gilgamesh.<ref>http://www.nationalgeographic.com/blacksea/ax/frame.html</ref> This theory is for a local flood, and not the worldwide flood as recorded in Genesis and many other cultural traditions. It also doesn't fit with many other details of the Genesis account.<ref>[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/3392 Proof of Noah's Flood at the Black Sea?] by Creation Ministries International.</ref>

=== Crustal Displacement Theory ===
In ''When the sky fell: In search of Atlantis'' (1996), Rand Flem Ath<ref>http://www.flem-ath.com</ref> expanded on Professor [[Charles Hapgood]]'s theory of crustal displacement whereby the entire earth's crust moved with respect to the core. The suggested date for this was about 10,000 years BC. If a displacement had occurred then it would have caused enormous disruption to the earth's oceans with massive tsunamis and heavy rain. Although the book was nominally about the disappearance of [[Atlantis]], the theory of crustal displacement not only explains the discrepancies in ice thickness in [[Greenland]] and [[Antarctica]] but also the sudden demise of the [[mammoth]]s. This theory could also potentially explain the widespread existence of flood accounts throughout different cultures.

==See also==
*[[Causes of the Great Flood]]
*[[Flood geology]]

==External links==

*[http://creation.com/noahs-flood-questions-and-answers Noah's flood - Questions and answers] by [[Creation Ministries International]]
*[http://www.maicar.com/GML/Flood.html Greek Myths: Deucalion and the Flood]
*[http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/tab11.htm Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet 11 (Flood Story)]
*[http://www.nwcreation.net/geologycolumn.html Geological evidence from Northwest Creation]
*[http://www.searchgodsword.org/enc/isb/view.cgi?number=T2631 DELUGE OF NOAH]
*[http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/AnswersBook/global10.asp Was the Flood Global? Answers in Genesis article]
*[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/blacksea/ax/frame.html Black Sea theory, from Dr. Robert Ballard and National Geographic]
*[http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/lore64.html Native American flood story]
*[http://wovoca.com/myths-flood-1.htm Collection of Flood myths]
*[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/3107 A table comparing specific details in a number of different flood accounts]
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/OT/Law/Genesis/timeline_of_the_flood.htm Timeline of the flood]
*[http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/Bible/Bible/OT/Law/Genesis/NoahsArk/Quotes%20of%20Seeing%20Noah%27s%20Ark.htm Quotes of Seeing Noah's Ark on Mt. Ararat]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Geology]]
[[Category:Natural Disasters]]
[[Category:Disasters]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Ancient History]]
[[Category:Book of Genesis]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]
[[Category:Water]]

Czech Republic

2017-07-20T14:08:07Z

Daniel Scott: New English name: Czechia

{{country
|map=Czech rel94.jpg
|flag=Flag of the Czech Republic.jpg
|arms=Coat of arms of the Czech Republic.svg.png
|map2=Czech location.png
|capital=Prague
|president=Miloš Zeman
|pm=Bohuslav Sobotka
|area=78,866 km2
|pop=10,644,842
|pop-basis=2016
|gdp=$119.1 Billion
|gdp-year=2006
}}
The '''Czech Republic''' (also '''Czechia''' since 2016<ref>http://unterm.un.org/UNTERM/Display/Record/UNHQ/NA/4275087d-4018-4082-899d-95f37efeda65</ref>) is a country in central [[Europe]]. Its capital is [[Prague]]. It was formed in 1993 from the western part of [[Czechoslovakia]].

The Czech Republic is a member of [[NATO]], joining in 1999 and the [[European Union]], joining in 2004. It has become one of the most stable former [[communist]] economies of eastern Europe, because the economy removed price controls, sold many of the publicly owned companies and kept strict fiscal policies to limit deficits.<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ez.html</ref>

==People==
[[File:School children of the Czech Republic.jpg|left|270px]]

The majority of the 10.2 million inhabitants of the Czech Republic are ethnically and linguistically Czech (95%). Other ethnic groups include Germans, [[Gypsies|Roma]], and Poles. After the 1993 division of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, some Slovaks remained in the Czech Republic and comprise roughly 3% of the current population. The border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is open for citizens of the former Czechoslovakia. Laws establishing religious freedom were passed shortly after the revolution of 1989, lifting oppressive regulations enacted by the former communist regime. Major denominations and their estimated percentage populations are Roman Catholic (39%) and Protestant (3%). A large percentage of the Czech population claim to be atheists (40%), and 16% describe themselves as uncertain. The Jewish community numbers a few thousand today; a synagogue in Prague memorializes the names of more than 80,000 Czechoslovak Jews who perished in World War II.

30% of the Czech Republic are [[atheist]]s.<ref>http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue8240.html</ref>

*Population (est.): 10.2 million.
*Annual growth rate: 0.1%.
*Ethnic groups: Czech (90.4% or 9.25 million); Moravian (more than 380,000); Slovak (193,000); Roma (171,000); Silesian (11,000); Polish (52,000); German (39,000); Ukrainian (22,000); and Vietnamese (18,000).
*Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant.
*Language: Czech.
*Education: Literacy—99.8%.
*Health: Life expectancy—males 72.3 yrs., females 78.5 yrs.
*Work force (5.17 million): Industry, construction, and commerce—40%; government and other services—56%; agriculture—4%.

==Government and Political Conditions==
[[Image:Prague PD.jpg|left|200px]]
Vaclav Klaus was from 2003 to 2013 the President of the Czech Republic . He was elected on February 28, 2003 and sworn into office on March 7, 2003. As formal head of state, the president is granted specific powers such as the right to nominate Constitutional Court judges, dissolve parliament under certain conditions, and enact a veto on legislation. Presidents are elected by the parliament for 5-year terms.

The legislature is bicameral, with a Chamber of Deputies (200 seats) and a Senate (81 seats). With the split of the former Czechoslovakia, the powers and responsibilities of the now-defunct federal parliament were transferred to the Czech National Council, which renamed itself the Chamber of Deputies. Chamber delegates are elected from 14 regions—including the capital, Prague—for 4-year terms, on the basis of proportional representation. The Czech Senate is patterned after the U.S. Senate and was first elected in 1996; its members serve for 6-year terms with one-third being elected every 2 years.

The country's highest court of appeal is the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Court, which rules on constitutional issues, is appointed by the president. Its members serve 10-year terms.

The June 2–3, 2006 general election resulted in the Chamber of Deputies' 200 seats being evenly divided 100-100 between three center-right parties and two parties on the left, with neither side able to form a majority government. The impasse led to months of protracted negotiations during which Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek formed a three-party coalition with the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL) and the Greens (SZ). The coalition lost its first vote of confidence 96-99 on October 4, 2006. But some seven months after the election, on January 19, 2007, the coalition succeeded in its second attempt when two renegade parliamentarians from the opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) abstained.

When the [[Berlin Wall]] fell in 1989 it meant that the Soviet Union was no longer in charge. The Communist satellite dictatorships of eastern Europe all fell in a matter of weeks—and Russia's collapsed in 1991. All the Communist parties of eastern Europe transformed themselves after 1989 into more mainstream center-left parties. One exception was in the Czech Republic where the Communist Party refused to undertake a comprehensive overhaul. It gained nearly 13% of the vote in the last parliamentary elections in 2006. Its supporters are mostly those fed up with politics as usual and regime nostalgics, many of them elderly pensioners, for whom life before 1989 seemed better than it does today.

From 2003 to 2013 [[Vaclav Klaus]] was President of the Czech Republic. He knows that belief in "[[global warming]]" is a threat to [[freedom]], [[democracy]], the [[market economy]] and [[prosperity]].<ref>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/e9df7200-19c7-11dc-99c5-000b5df10621.html</ref>

In June 2017, the Czech Parliament voted overwhelmingly to add a constitutional right to bear weapons in the nation's constitution.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 29, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/29/czech-republic-passes-constitutional-right-to-bear-arms/ Czech Republic Parliament Passes Constitutional Right to Bear Arms]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 30, 2017.</ref>

===Principal Government Officials===
*President—Miloš Zeman
*Prime Minister—Bohuslav Sobotka

===Foreign Relations===
From 1948 until 1989, the foreign policy of Czechoslovakia followed that of the Soviet Union. Since independence, the Czechs have made integration into Western institutions their chief foreign policy objective.

The Czech Republic became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, along with Poland and Hungary, on March 12, 1999. The Czech Republic became a full member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Both events are milestones in the country's foreign policy and security orientation. The Czech Republic is scheduled to host the rotating EU Presidency during the first half of 2009.

The Czech Republic is a member of the United Nations and participates in its specialized agencies. It is a member of the World Trade Organization. It maintains diplomatic relations with more than 85 countries, of which 80 have permanent representation in Prague.

==Defense==
The Czech Republic has made a significant contribution to the War on Terrorism relative to its size. It deployed a nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) defense unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and a field hospital in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. When the U.S. intervened in Iraq, the Czechs moved their field hospital from Afghanistan to Basra and deployed an NBC unit to Kuwait. Both the field hospital and the NBC unit have left Iraq. In April 2004, the Czech Government deployed a Special Forces unit to OEF in Afghanistan, and a group of specialists to ISAF. The Special Forces unit returned to the Czech Republic in September 2004. In March 2005, the Czechs deployed military reconnaissance troops to serve with a German-led Provincial Reconstruction Team under ISAF.

The parliament has approved the following 2007 deployments of over 1,000 troops in missions to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Lebanon, as well as additional troops to the [[NATO Response Force]].

'''Iraq:''' 99 soldiers at a multinational force (MNF) base close to the City of Basra where they conduct police training.

Five soldiers are also serving at the International Command of the NATO Training Mission in Baghdad.

'''Afghanistan:''' 148 deployed; roughly 150 more could be deployed in 2007. Sixty-six are in Kabul where the Czechs have command of the International Airport (KAIA), under the NATO-led ISAF. Another 82 soldiers are in Faizabad province serving the multinational Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). At the 2006 NATO summit in Riga, President Klaus announced plans for the deployment of an additional 70 soldiers, including 35 military police for operations in the south, 10 additional chem-bio troops, and 25 reinforcements for the PRT in Faizabad.

In February 2007, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies approved the deployment of a 70-man field hospital, which began deployment in March 2007. They also approved an additional deployment of a specially trained police unit to operate in support of U.K. forces in southern Afghanistan. This deployment occurred in spring 2007.

'''Kosovo:''' The Czech Republic has had troops in Kosovo since 1999. The 10th rotation of troops arrived in January 2007. There are currently 394 soldiers doing peacekeeping under NATO KFOR. The biggest element of this group comes from the 42nd Mechanized Battalion at Tabor.

'''Bosnia and Herzegovina:''' 52 troops under an EU mission: 48 at a base in Tuzla, 4 in Sarajevo.

'''Lebanon:''' Authorization for 10 troops to join the UNIFIL mission.

The Czech Republic became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on March 12, 1999. A major overhaul of the Czechoslovak defense forces began in 1990 and continues in the Czech Republic. Czech forces are being downsized from 200,000 to approximately 35,000, and at the same time reoriented toward a more mobile, deploy-able force structure. The Czechs have made good progress in reforming the military personnel structure, and a strong commitment to English-language training is paying off. Compulsory military service ended in December 2004. Public support for NATO membership remains around 50%-60%. The Czech Government currently spends slightly less than 2% of GDP on defense. This puts Czech defense spending on a par with the European NATO average.

The Czech Republic has good to excellent relations with all of its neighbors, and none of its borders are in question. The Czech Republic is a member of the UN and OSCE and has contributed to numerous peacekeeping operations, including IFOR/SFOR in Bosnia and KFOR in Kosovo, as well as Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom.

==Economy==
Of the former communist countries in central and eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has one of the most developed and industrialized economies. Its strong industrial tradition dates to the 19th century, when Bohemia and Moravia were the industrial heartland of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Czech Republic has a well-educated population and a well-developed infrastructure. The country's strategic location in Europe, low-cost structure, and skilled work force have attracted strong inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). This investment is rapidly modernizing its industrial base and increasing productivity.

The principal industries are motor vehicles, machine-building, iron and steel production, metalworking, chemicals, electronics, transportation equipment, textiles, glass, brewing, china, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. The main agricultural products are sugar beets, fodder roots, potatoes, wheat, and hops. As a small, open economy in the heart of Europe, economic growth is strongly influenced by demand for Czech exports and flows of foreign direct investment.

At the time of the 1948 communist takeover, Czechoslovakia had a balanced economy and one of the higher levels of industrialization on the continent. In 1948, however, the government began to stress heavy industry over agricultural and consumer goods and services. Many basic industries and foreign trade, as well as domestic wholesale trade, had been nationalized before the communists took power. Nationalization of most of the retail trade was completed in 1950-51.

Heavy industry received major economic support during the 1950s, but central planning resulted in waste and inefficient use of industrial resources. Although the labor force was traditionally skilled and efficient, inadequate incentives for labor and management contributed to high labor turnover, low productivity, and poor product quality. Economic failures reached a critical stage in the 1960s, after which various reform measures were sought with no satisfactory results.
*GDP (2006): $141.7 billion.
*Per capital income: $13,710.
*Natural resources: Coal, [[Coke from coal|coke]], timber, lignite, uranium, magnesite.
*Agriculture: Products—wheat, rye, oats, corn, barley, hops, potatoes, sugar beets, hogs, cattle, horses.
*Industry: Types—motor vehicles, machinery and equipment, iron, steel, cement, sheet glass, armaments, chemicals, ceramics, wood, paper products, and footwear.
*Trade (2006): Exports--$94.8 billion (est.): motor vehicles, machinery, iron, steel, chemicals, raw materials, consumer goods. Imports--$92.9 billion (est.). Trading partners—Germany (32%), Slovakia, Poland, France, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, U.K., China, United States.

Hope for wide-ranging economic reform came with Alexander Dubcek's rise in January 1968. Despite renewed efforts, however, Czechoslovakia could not come to grips with inflationary forces, much less begin the immense task of correcting the economy's basic problems.

The economy saw growth during the 1970s but then stagnated between 1978-82. Attempts at revitalizing it in the 1980s with management and worker incentive programs were largely unsuccessful. The economy grew after 1982, achieving an annual average output growth of more than 3% between 1983-85. Imports from the West were curtailed, exports boosted, and hard currency debt reduced substantially. New investment was made in the electronic, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors, which were industry leaders in eastern Europe in the mid-1980s.

The "Velvet Revolution" in 1989 offered a chance for profound and sustained economic reform. Signs of economic resurgence began to appear in the wake of the shock therapy that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) labeled the "big bang" of January 1991. Since then, astute economic management has led to the elimination of 95% of all price controls, large inflows of foreign investment, increasing domestic consumption and industrial production, and a stable exchange rate. Exports to former communist economic bloc markets have shifted to western Europe. Thanks to foreign investment, the country enjoys a positive balance-of-payments position. Despite a general trend over the last 10 years toward rising budget deficits, the Czech Government's domestic and foreign indebtedness remains relatively low.

The Czech koruna (crown) became fully convertible for most business purposes in late 1995. Following a currency crisis and recession in 1998-99, the crown exchange rate was allowed to float. Recently, strong capital inflows have resulted in a steady increase in the value of the crown against the euro and the dollar. The strong crown helped to keep inflation low. In 2004, inflation was about 2.8%, mainly due to increases in value added tax rates and higher fuel costs, and dropped to 1.9% in 2005. It hovered around 2.5% in 2006. The Ministry of Finance forecasts a rate of 2.4% for 2007. The Czech Republic will not adopt the euro earlier than 2012.

The Czech Republic is gradually reducing its dependence on highly polluting low-grade brown coal as a source of energy, in part because of EU environmental requirements. In 2005, according to the Czech Statistical Office, 65.4% of electricity was produced in steam, combined, and combustion power plants; 30% in nuclear plants; and 4.6% from renewable sources, including hydro power. Russia (via pipelines through Ukraine) and, to a lesser extent, Norway (via pipelines through Germany) supply the Czech Republic with liquid and natural gas.

The government has offered investment incentives in order to enhance the Czech Republic's natural advantages, thereby attracting foreign partners and stimulating the economy. Shifting emphasis from the East to the West has necessitated adjustment of commercial laws and accounting practices to fit Western standards. Formerly state-owned banks have all been privatized into the hands of west European banks and oversight by the central bank has improved. The telecommunications infrastructure has been upgraded and the sector is privatized. The Czech Republic has made significant progress toward creating a stable and attractive climate for investment, although continuing reports of corruption are troubling to investors.

Its success allowed the Czech Republic to become the first post-communist country to receive an investment-grade credit rating by international credit institutions. Successive Czech governments have welcomed U.S. investment in addition to the strong economic influence of Western Europe and increasing investment from Asian auto manufacturers. Inflows of foreign direct investment in 2005 were $11.7 billion, more than double the previous year. In 2006, FDI dropped back to previous levels at roughly $6 billion. By U.S. Embassy estimates, the United States is among the top five investors in the Czech Republic since the revolution.

The Czech Republic boasts a flourishing consumer production sector. In the early 1990s most state-owned industries were privatized through a voucher privatization system. Every citizen was given the opportunity to buy, for a moderate price, a book of vouchers that he or she could exchange for shares in state-owned companies. State ownership of businesses was estimated to be about 97% under communism. The non-private sector is less than 20% today.

Unemployment declined to 7.7% in 2006. Rates of unemployment are higher in the coal and steel producing regions of Northern Moravia and Northern Bohemia, and among less-skilled and older workers.

The economy grew 6.1% in 2005 and experienced similar growth in 2006. The current right-of-center coalition government has committed itself to reducing the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2008, from 4.7% in 2006. Planned reforms involving reduction of currently mandatory expenditures to meet Maastricht criteria for adoption of the euro will prepare the Czech Republic for accession to the euro zone in 2012 at the earliest.

The Czech Republic became a European Union (EU) member on May 1, 2004. Most barriers to trade in industrial goods with the EU fell in the course of the accession process. The process of accession had a positive impact on reform in the Czech Republic, and new EU directives and regulations continue to shape the business environment. Free trade in services and agricultural goods, as well as stronger regulation and rising labor costs, will mean tougher competition for Czech producers. Future levels of EU structural funding and agricultural supports were key issues in the accession negotiations. Even before accession, policy set in Brussels had a strong influence on Czech domestic and foreign policy, particularly in the area of trade.

The Czech Republic’s economic transformation is not yet complete. The government still faces serious challenges in completing industrial restructuring, increasing transparency in capital market transactions, transforming the housing sector, reforming the pension and health care systems, and solving serious environmental problems.

==History==
[[Image:Prague.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Prague]]
The Czech Republic was the western part of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. Formed into a common state after World War I (October 28, 1918), the Czechs, Moravians, and Slovaks remained united for almost 75 years. On January 1, 1993, the two republics peacefully split to form two separate states.

The Czechs lost their national independence to the Hapsburg Empire in 1620 at the Battle of White Mountain and for the next 300 years were ruled by the Austrian Monarchy. With the collapse of the monarchy at the end of World War I, the independent country of Czechoslovakia was formed, encouraged by, among others, President Woodrow Wilson.

Despite cultural differences, the Slovaks shared with the Czechs similar aspirations for independence from the Hapsburg state and voluntarily united with the Czechs. For historical reasons, Slovaks were not at the same level of economic and technological development as the Czechs, but the freedom and opportunity found in Czechoslovakia enabled them to make strides toward overcoming these inequalities. However, the gap never was fully bridged, and the discrepancy played a continuing role throughout the 75 years of the union.

Although Czechoslovakia was the only east Central European country to remain a parliamentary democracy from 1918 to 1938, it was plagued with minority problems, the most important of which concerned the country's large immigrant German population. Constituting more than 22% of the interwar state's population and largely concentrated in the Bohemian and Moravian border regions (the Sudetenland), members of this minority, including some who were sympathetic to Nazi Germany, undermined the new Czechoslovak state. Internal and external pressures culminated in September 1938, when France and the United Kingdom yielded to Nazi pressures at Munich and agreed to force Czechoslovakia to cede the Sudetenland to Germany breaking their alliances with it.

Fulfilling Hitler's aggressive designs on all of Czechoslovakia, Germany invaded what remained of Bohemia and Moravia in March 1939, establishing a German "protectorate." By this time, Slovakia had already declared independence and had become a puppet state of the Germans. Hitler’s occupation of the Czech lands was a clear betrayal of the Munich Pact and still stirs passions in modern-day Czech society, but at the time it was met by muted resistance; the brunt of Nazi aggression was felt by Czech Jews and other non-German populations who were rounded up and deported to concentration camps in systematic waves. Over 100,000 Jews lived in the Czech lands in 1939. Only several thousand remained or returned after the Holocaust in 1945.

At the close of World War II, Soviet troops overran all of Slovakia, Moravia, and much of Bohemia, including Prague. In May 1945, U.S. forces liberated the city of Plzen and most of western Bohemia. A civilian uprising against the German garrison took place in Prague in May 1945. Following Germany's surrender, some 2.9 million ethnic Germans were expelled from Czechoslovakia with Allied approval under the Benes Decrees.

Reunited after the war, the Czechs and Slovaks set national elections for the spring of 1946. The democratic elements, led by President Eduard Benes, hoped the Soviet Union would allow Czechoslovakia the freedom to choose its own form of government and aspired to a Czechoslovakia that would act as a bridge between East and West. The Czechoslovak Communist Party, which won 38% of the vote, held most of the key positions in the government and gradually managed to neutralize or silence the anti-communist forces. Although the communist-led government initially intended to participate in the Marshall Plan, it was forced by Moscow to back out. Under the cover of superficial legality, the Communist Party seized power through a coup in February 1948.

After extensive purges modeled on the Stalinist pattern in other east European states, the Communist Party tried 14 of its former leaders in November 1952 and sentenced 11 to death. For more than a decade thereafter, the Czechoslovak communist political structure was characterized by the orthodoxy of the leadership of party chief Antonin Novotny.

====The 1968 Soviet Invasion====
The communist leadership allowed token reforms in the early 1960s, but discontent arose within the ranks of the Communist Party central committee, stemming from dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the economic reforms, resistance to cultural liberalization, and the desire of the Slovaks within the leadership for greater autonomy for their republic. This discontent expressed itself with the removal of Novotny from party leadership in January 1968 and from the presidency in March. He was replaced as party leader by a Slovak, Alexander Dubcek.

After January 1968, the Dubcek leadership took practical steps toward political, social, and economic reforms. In addition, it called for politico-military changes in the Soviet-dominated [[Warsaw Pact]] and Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. The leadership affirmed its loyalty to socialism and the Warsaw Pact but also expressed the desire to improve relations with all countries of the world regardless of their social systems.

A program adopted in April 1968 set guidelines for a modern, humanistic socialist democracy that would guarantee, among other things, freedom of religion, press, assembly, speech, and travel; a program that, in Dubcek's words, would give socialism "a human face." After 20 years of little public participation, the population gradually started to take interest in the government, and Dubcek became a truly popular national figure.

The internal reforms and foreign policy statements of the Dubcek leadership created great concern among some other Warsaw Pact governments. On the night of August 20, 1968, Soviet, Hungarian, Bulgarian, East German, and Polish troops invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovak Government immediately declared that the troops had not been invited into the country and that their invasion was a violation of socialist principles, international law, and the UN Charter.

The principal Czechoslovak reformers were forcibly and secretly taken to the Soviet Union. Under obvious Soviet duress, they were compelled to sign a treaty that provided for the "temporary stationing" of an unspecified number of Soviet troops in Czechoslovakia. Dubcek was removed as party First Secretary on April 17, 1969, and replaced by another Slovak, Gustav Husak. Later, Dubcek and many of his allies within the party were stripped of their party positions in a purge that lasted until 1971 and reduced party membership by almost one-third.

The 1970s and 1980s became known as the period of "normalization," in which the apologists for the 1968 Soviet invasion prevented, as best they could, any opposition to their conservative regime. Political, social, and economic life stagnated. The population, cowed by the "normalization," was quiet.

====The Velvet Revolution====
The roots of the 1989 Civic Forum movement that came to power during the "Velvet Revolution" lie in human rights activism. On January 1, 1977, more than 250 human rights activists signed a manifesto called the Charter 77, which criticized the government for failing to implement human rights provisions of documents it had signed, including the state's own constitution; international covenants on political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights; and the Final Act of the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Although not organized in any real sense, the signatories of Charter 77 constituted a citizens' initiative aimed at inducing the Czechoslovak Government to observe formal obligations to respect the human rights of its citizens.

On November 17, 1989, the communist police violently broke up a peaceful pro-democracy demonstration and brutally beat many student participants. In the days that followed, Charter 77 and other groups united to become the Civic Forum, an umbrella group championing bureaucratic reform and civil liberties. Its leader was the dissident playwright Vaclav Havel. Intentionally eschewing the label "party," a word given a negative connotation during the previous regime, Civic Forum quickly gained the support of millions of Czechs, as did its Slovak counterpart, Public Against Violence.

Faced with an overwhelming popular repudiation, the Communist Party all but collapsed. Its leaders, Husak and party chief Milos Jakes, resigned in December 1989, and Havel was elected President of Czechoslovakia on December 29. The astonishing quickness of these events was in part due to the unpopularity of the communist regime and changes in the policies of its Soviet guarantor as well as to the rapid, effective organization of these public initiatives into a viable opposition.

A coalition government, in which the Communist Party had a minority of ministerial positions, was formed in December 1989. The first free elections in Czechoslovakia since 1946 took place in June 1990 without incident and with more than 95% of the population voting. As anticipated, Civic Forum and Public Against Violence won landslide victories in their respective republics and gained a comfortable majority in the federal parliament. The parliament undertook substantial steps toward securing the democratic evolution of Czechoslovakia. It successfully moved toward fair local elections in November 1990, ensuring fundamental change at the county and town level.

Civic Forum found, however, that although it had successfully completed its primary objective—the overthrow of the communist regime—it was ineffectual as a governing party. The demise of Civic Forum was viewed by most as necessary and inevitable.

By the end of 1990, unofficial parliamentary "clubs" had evolved with distinct political agendas. Most influential was the Civic Democratic Party, headed by Vaclav Klaus, who later became Prime Minister. Other notable parties that came to the fore after the split were the Czech Social Democratic Party, Civic Movement, and Civic Democratic Alliance.

By 1992, Slovak calls for greater autonomy effectively blocked the daily functioning of the federal government. In the election of June 1992, Klaus's Civic Democratic Party won handily in the Czech lands on a platform of economic reform. Vladimir Meciar's Movement for a Democratic Slovakia emerged as the leading party in Slovakia, basing its appeal on fairness to Slovak demands for autonomy. Federalists, like Havel, were unable to contain the trend toward the split. In July 1992, President Havel resigned. In the latter half of 1992, Klaus and Meciar hammered out an agreement that the two republics would go their separate ways by the end of the year.

Members of the federal parliament, divided along national lines, barely cooperated enough to pass the law officially separating the two nations. The law was passed on December 27, 1992. On January 1, 1993, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic were simultaneously and peacefully founded.

Relationships between the two states, despite occasional disputes about the division of federal property and governing of the border, have been peaceful. Both states attained immediate recognition from the U.S. and their European neighbors.

==See also==
* [[Atheistic Czech Republic and alcoholism]]
* [[Atheistic Czech Republic and child pornography]]
* [[Czech Republic and obesity]]

==References==
<References/>

==Further reading==
* Jiri Hochman. ''Historical Dictionary of the Czech State.'' (1998). 242 pp.
* Vladimir Brych, ed. ''A Thousand Years of Czech Culture: Riches from the National Museum in Prague.'' (1996) 180pp [http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=825 online review]

{| style="width: 100%; background:transparent; border: 2px solid #000099;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"
!colspan=2 style="width: 100%; text-align: center; background-color: #000088; color: white; "|'''Copyright Details'''
|-
!style="background-color: #000088; color:white;"|License:
|style=" background-color: none;"| This work is in the [[Public Domain]] in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the U.S. Code
|-
!style=" background-color: #000088; color:white;"|Source:
|style="background-color: none;border-top: 2px solid black"| File available from the {{{1|[[United States Federal Government]] [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3237.htm]}}}.
|}

{{European Union}}

[[Category:Czech Republic]]
[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:Landlocked Countries]]
[[Category:Central Europe]]
[[Category:Christian-Majority Countries]]

Creativity

2017-07-20T13:43:00Z

Daniel Scott: Added info about the myth that drugs can increase creativity.

'''Creativity''' is the God-given faculty of coming up with new ideas, new music, new inventions and stories, new ways of doing things. It generally involves combining two things together, especially in a novel way.

Along with individual initiative, creativity is one of the two outstanding characteristics of Americans. More patented inventions, such as the telephone and [[atomic bomb]], were invented by Americans than by people of any other country, although sometimes people of other countries have been able to put the finishing touches on them or market them better. For example, the [[fax machine]], [[Gunpowder]], [[paper]], [[radio]], the [[printing press]], the [[steam engine]], and [[open heart surgery]], are examples of creativity originating in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Unfortunately, many young artists are under the false assumption that alcohol and drugs can be used to enhance their creativity. Poets, writers, composers, painters, musicians, etc. get caught up in this self-defeating misconception. Part of it has to do with the pleasure center of the brain that the drugs impact - making one falsely believe they are more creative due to a temporary increase of dopamine.<ref>https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/recovery-life/201007/myth-about-alcohol-drugs-and-creativity</ref> If people have trouble driving a car on alcohol or other drugs, it stands to reason it might be harder to play an instrument, coordinate a paintbrush, or mold a lump of clay as well. The most celebrated artists of the past, such as [[Shakespeare]], [[Bach]] and [[Michelangelo]] achieved their fame without the use of drugs.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Psychology]]

Taqiyya

2017-07-12T00:22:20Z

Daniel Scott: Spelling

'''Taqiyya''' (al-Taqiyya, also spelled Al-Takeyya) is a concept in [[Shia]] [[Islam]]<ref>"Taqiyah" Oxford Dictionary of Islam. John L. Esposito, Ed. Oxford University Press. 2003. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Accessed 9 June 2006.</ref> which encourages "disguising one's beliefs, intentions, convictions, ideas, feelings, opinions or strategies,"<ref name="Islam watch">http://www.islam-watch.org/Warner/Taqiyya-Islamic-Principle-Lying-for-Allah.htm</ref> especially when failing to do so may put the believer at risk.<ref name="islamtoday.com">IslamToday.com, ''Rulings Regarding the Concealment of Faith'', retrieved 10/16/08 [http://www.islamtoday.com/showme_beta.cfm?cat_id=2&sub_cat_id=653]</ref> It is authorized under the Qur'an and Sunna.{{fact}}

Taqiyya allows a [[Shia]] Muslim even "to deny or denounce his faith if, in so doing, he protects or furthers the interests of Islam, so long as he remains faithful to Islam in his heart."<ref name="Islam watch"/> Taqiyya further permits "lying under oath in testimony before a court, deceiving by making distorted statements to the media such as the claim that Islam is a 'religion of peace.'"<ref name="Islam watch"/> Most Muslim scholars teach that this should only be done when necessary.<ref name="islamtoday.com"/>

Sunni [[Muslim]]s typically denounce Taqqiya as hypocrisy.{{fact}}

Islamic Review states, "The Arabic word, "Takeyya", means "to prevent," or guard against. The principle of Al Takeyya conveys the understanding that Muslims are permitted to lie as a preventive measure against anticipated harm to one's self or fellow Muslims. This principle gives Muslims the liberty to lie under certain circumstances. They can even deny the faith, if they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-Takeyya is based on the following Quranic verse: ''Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do'' ''that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution (prevention), that'' ''ye may Guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.) But Allah cautions you (To'' ''remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah''. Surah 3: 28" <ref>Islamic Review, Lying in Islam, by Abdullah Al Araby [http://www.islamreview.com/articles/lying.shtml] The mission statement for Islamic Review, a Christian organization, states, "Muslim activists, in their attempt to spread their religion in the West, have been deliberately hiding a certain side of their religion. They carefully avoid, obscure and omit any negative teachings of Islam in order to lure converts. Our mission is to expose these teachings that are withheld from seekers in order to help people gain a more realistic insight of what it is like to live under Islam."</ref>

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Islam]]