50 Years of Progress - Science vs Religion

A comparative timeline of progress in science and religion over the last 50 years, brought to you by Crispian Jago on The Reason Stick:

Habeant papam - they have a new pope

Our sources at the (other) Holy Office transmitted us the otherwise classified information that the new Pope chose his name in sign of appreciation and reverence for a historical character which inspired him in his youth. Some are talking about a certain Saint Francis of Assisi, but this is obviously a ploy intended to distract from finding the true source. It stands to reason that a Jesuit like the ex-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio wouldn't even begin to think about using the name of the founder of a competing religious order! And if that isn't enough, we are proud to present a copy of the top secret first sketch of the poster announcing the election of the new Pope, drafted on the very table where the pope elect sat during the conclave. It gives  certain subtle hints as to his secret muse, but we'll leave to you, dear reader, the pleasure to discover them:

Richard Dawkins' Speech at "Protest the Pope" March

This is the full speech by Richard Dawkins at the "Protest The Pope" rally, 18th September 2010.
Thanks to TheNewsauce for uploading it on Youtube.

The Trouble with the Pope by Peter Tatchell

From the programme's synopsis:

Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell scrutinises the beliefs and policies of Pope Benedict XVI, airing shortly before the Pontiff's state visit to Britain.
Tatchell looks at how many of his proclamations and decisions are in conflict with the values of modern day Britain and western societies. Tatchell examines the impact that Benedict XVI's pronouncements have had on both the developing and western world, with filming in the Philippines, Italy, Germany and the UK.
He questions the Pope's policies on a range of issues including his opposition to contraception, condom use and embryonic stem cell research as well as the Pontiff's handling of the child sex abuse scandal.
The film examines the Pope's plans for the beatification of Cardinal Newman, a 19th-century theologian and writer who lived for nearly 30 years with a fellow priest, and the controversial readmission to the church of Holocaust denier Bishop Richard Williamson.
Interviewing both critics and supporters of the Pope, many of them Catholics, Tatchell explores Benedict's personal, religious and political journey since the 1930s, from liberal to conservative theologian.

The programme's page on the Channel four website: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-trouble-with-the-pope
The programme can of course be watched on its Channel 4 webpage, but it's accessible only from certain locations (the UK, I presume).

Part 1 -- Intro


Part 2 -- Child Rape Cover-Up


Part 3 -- Holocaust Denial


Part 4 -- Stem Cell Research


Part 5 -- Contraceptives, Poverty, Women