Philosopher, secular humanist and religion skeptic Paul Kurtz dies at 86 in New York

Fox News ^ | Oct 22, 2012

[Joseph Harrolds]

Paul Kurtz, who sought to debunk psychics, astrologers and anything related to the paranormal, has died. He was 86.

The secular humanist philosopher died Saturday at his home in the Buffalo suburb of Amherst. His death was announced Monday by the Center for Inquiry, which he founded. His family isn't releasing the cause.

Kurtz founded the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and The Skeptical Inquirer magazine, which advocates relying on science and reason to examine everything from alien sightings to homeopathic remedies.

He also was a well-known voice for the idea that decisions and behavior should be guided by science and reason over religion.

A World War II veteran, Kurtz earned a doctorate in philosophy at Columbia University and taught philosophy at several colleges.

[Joseph Harrolds]

I've enjoyed reading The Skeptical Inquirer & Skeptic magazine for many years. His work to debunk pseudoscience will be missed.

[US Navy Vet]

Too bad for “Ole” Paul, he will NOW answer @ the GREAT WHITE THRONE Judgement of ALMIGHTY G*D!

[Gay State Conservative]

It’s one thing to debunk the claims of psychics and astrologers but “secular humanist” usually means atheist.

[conservativeinbflo.]

I knew someone who was a friend of his; it’s my understanding that he was quite liberal and yes, also an atheist. Is it bad that my first thought was, “One less vote for Obama?” I don’t mean to make light of the dead, but I can’t control my thought process when it comes to my hate of this administration!

[elcid1970]

He is a skeptic no more, but a believer.

As in, “I believe I’m in a world of s**t!!”

[matt1234]

Mistah Kurtz-he dead

[whiterhino]

“... where am I? ... it’s getting hot in here! Wait, what the... ahhh!”

[ari-freedom]

True, but you know there are all kinds of psychic ‘friends’ who try to turn people towards New Age style paganism.

[TangoLimaSierra]

Me, too. Sad.

[Salvey]

Wonder if he made a death bed conversion. (If he did, we’ll never be told)

[SJSAMPLE]

Philosopher, secular humanist and former religion skeptic Paul Kurtz dies at 86 in New York

Fixed it.

[jonascord]

At least he got his questions answered...

[Vigilanteman]

God is dead . . . Paul Kurtz

Paul Kurtz is dead . . . God

[James C. Bennett]

The real tragedy is the fools on here gleeful in the certainty of an outcome they have no evidence for, that they know more than their god of choice.

[MNDude]

Say Hi to Andre the Giant for me!

[Oztrich Boy]

الله أكبر

[jboot]

[M]y first thought was, “One less vote for Obama?”

Heh, that was my first thought, too. I'm still thinking it, actually. Let him vote for Obama from hell, if he can.

[Snickering Hound]

[subterfuge]

Science damn-it!!

[wardaddy]

Kurtz was born a Jew

He rejected Jehovah

And was a communist at first and garden variety lefty later

Nothing to celebrate about his life to me other than his WWII service

I pity his soul

Anyone thinks mankind is the Godhead must be depressed and have one bigassed ego