ABSTRACT The supernatural has been a topic of sociological study for over a century, and belief in the existence of paranormal phenomena is permeating into various aspects of the media. Although publicly labeled as a deviant group, paranormal believers comprise a majority in the United States. When different supernatural belief systems are combined under… Continue reading Religious Differences in Supernatural Beliefs (My Master’s Thesis)
Category: Sociology of Religion
The True Freedom of Religion
A common meme from anti-Christians is that Christianity is a restrictive religion. Many modern churches have also begun to sing this refrain as they attempt to abandon “legalism,” which they mostly define as rigid rules put in place by churches on music and attire (this is not true legalism, but difference in preference as I… Continue reading The True Freedom of Religion
Social Suicide and Mass Murder
On Valentine’s Day a 19-year-old kid marched into his old high school and opened fire on students who walked out of their classrooms when the killer pulled a fire alarm just before the end of the school day. Reports have come out giving us some insight on his life. The media (both mainstream and social)… Continue reading Social Suicide and Mass Murder
A Masculine Manifesto
The patriarchy is alive and well. Men are the highest paid group in the United States. Over 95% of the Fortune 500 has a man as CEO, and most of the other executive positions are held by guys as well. The richest woman in the world, Liliane Bettencourt, is still only the 14th wealthiest person… Continue reading A Masculine Manifesto
Taking God for Granted
Think of all the things we take for granted in life. The concepts of white privilege and patriarchy are that white males have certain historical advantages that they never actually think about. Things are becoming more egalitarian, for sure. However, Western civilization has been, for better or worse, a product of straight white men exploiting… Continue reading Taking God for Granted
The Triune Self
My name is Alex Simmons, but what does that really mean? Who am “I”? I am a Christian, a husband, the father of four lovely girls, a sociologist, a drummer, a UNLV graduate student, and a UNLV employee. These are roles and statuses, but is that all I am; the sum of roles and statuses?… Continue reading The Triune Self
A Conundrum
Let's pretend that there is an ideology that, if practiced according to its fundamental document, would encourage pedophilia, abuse of women, killing homosexuals, and murder of those who disagree with said ideology. Let's pretend that for 1500 years, those who follow their fundamental document have engaged in violent conquest leaving behind a trail of corpses… Continue reading A Conundrum
The Bias of Unbiased Science
It's fun to think of the scientist as a person seeking empirical knowledge without bias. The belief that science is the superior, or even only, means to gain knowledge IS biased; and flawed. How many of sciences findings have been replaced with updated research? The Earth was flat until it wasn't. The sun revolved… Continue reading The Bias of Unbiased Science
Karl Marx and the Forbidden Fruit
I am about to take a trip down a theoretical rabbit hole. Would you care to join me? Karl Marx is one of the most quoted, inspiring, and powerful men that you probably know very little about. He is blamed for the current progressive movement, some very politically minded films, leftist politics, failed Communist empires,… Continue reading Karl Marx and the Forbidden Fruit
Knowledge or Wisdom?
We are the most technologically advanced civilization in history, but all this knowledge has not improved our lives in any meaningful way. Sure, we have more luxury and leisure, but we are no happier than our ignorant ancestors who simply sought after things like the meaning of life or what our purpose on the planet… Continue reading Knowledge or Wisdom?
Simmons' Opinions 