Articles written by Rob Drew

What is Helium

About me - Rob Drew

Earth is a mystery to me, spinning quietly amidst so much empty space and yet humming with internet traffic. Life is a brief opportunity, though not entirely for one's own benefit.

I owe a shrine to the goddess Fortune and much gratitude to my Dad for the easy

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Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Should the Bible continue to be used for swearing-in ceremonies and in courtrooms?: 19 of 254
It's time to set the old Bible aside for swearing-in ceremonies and courtrooms. America is a special country. It has a wonderful history based on freedom and justice, and the noble deeds of American heroes. We, as Americans, have special ceremonies and rituals that dignify our government and our institutions. We can attend an... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Pagan & Earth-Based Religions Ceremonies and symbols that are pagan in origin: 2 of 9
I love holidays, and celebrate most with great enthusiasm! Each is a unique mix of traditions and symbols, many retaining hints of memories from our remote pagan ancestors. What makes these days truly special is an understanding their ancient roots. In Western culture, many festivals have been assumed and somewhat repurposed ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Atheism & Agnosticism Reflections: Why God deniers must repent and believe: 5 of 13
Some people believe fervently in God; others firmly deny that God exists. The Almighty, in His wisdom, chose to relieve me of my faith many years ago. Since then I've spent a lot of time trying to learn about life and to understand the world. I've encountered many sincere Christians and others, who generously offer to share t... More..
Sciences > Astronomy Could there be life on other planets?: 19 of 42
The best way to find out if there is life on other planets is to go looking for it. This is an important motivation behind JPL's Mars Rover missions. Another way is to listen for inter-stellar radio broadcasts, like the SETI project does. A third simple and enjoyable way is just to think about it, a "mind experiment" like tho... More..
Sciences > Astronomy Astronomical determination of Passover date: 1 of 2
Easter is an interesting holiday for astronomical reasons. The Christian Church didn't pick the date out of thin air. It is based on an ancient lunar calendar using the Jewish calculation for Passover, the 14th day of Nisan, the month Spring begins. Jewish months start with a new moon. 14 days later is the full moon. The Nisa... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religious Concepts (Other) Do you place more trust in people or God?: 8 of 12
Trust in people or trust in God? This should be an easy decision for a non-believer, but it isn't. In fact it quickly becomes very complicated. Which people? Which God? Let's start with people. There are evil people, selfish people, and greedy people, all not to be trusted. Then there are nice people who are simply unreliable... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Atheism & Agnosticism Atheist belief versus Christian belief: 12 of 16
To those who believe in God, atheists must seem very strange. Yet we all ultimately have to answer the same major questions about "life". One of life's most delightful mysteries is how two equally intelligent people can reach totally different, sincere conclusions, based on much the same evidence. On the chance that it might ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Which is more important: Freedom of religion or women's rights?: 3 of 4
This is a remarkable question. It could only be asked by someone who is seeking to create a sensational argument, or who is ignorant of what freedom of religion is.In America women's rights can never come into conflict with "freedom of religion". There is never a need to choose between these rights. American is a country of l... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Islam Are Islamic punishments just or harsh?: 11 of 14
There is a perception in the West that Islamic Law is unjust and harsh, especially when we perceive that women are treated with less compassion than men, for the same crime. However, I would argue that Islamic Law is just within its own context. That is, the rules and punishments are spelled out in a book, and generally admin... More..
Sciences > Astronomy Is the big bang a cosmic blunder: 7 of 7
Few scientific theories are as astonishing as "The Big Bang". The idea that the universe started out as a tiny ball and grew to the unimaginable size we observe today seems almost impossible to believe. Yet tens of thousands of physicists and astronomers, who study the universe every day, are convinced the "Big Bang" is actua... More..