Hemant Mehta is the founder and editor of FriendlyAtheist.com, a YouTube creator, and podcast co-host. He is a former National Board Certified math teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. He has appeared on CNN and FOX News and served on the board of directors for Foundation Beyond Belief and the Secular Student Alliance. He has written multiple books, including I Sold My Soul on eBay and The Young Atheist's Survival Guide. He also edited the book Queer Disbelief.
David Hayward points out — and rightfully so, I say — that atheists can often be no better than Christians when it comes to how we treat people with whom we disagree. It’s important to criticize ideas instead of individuals. Too bad a lot of our “attacks” are just mean-spirited, not helpful to anybody: Read more
Two of the larger atheist organizations in the state, Boston Atheists and the Secular Coalition for Massachusetts, just released this statement: We know that we’re not alone among atheists and other secular people in wanting to show sympathy and support in response to today’s tragedy. Although prayer isn’t for us an option, we are ready to help by working with the Red Cross and other emergency and community organizations in any way possible. Leaders of local secular organizations like the Boston Atheists and the Secular Coalition for Massachusetts have been diligently monitoring communications for any opportunity to respond constructively to the tragic events of the day. We may have a different religious perspective, but on days like today, those differences pale in comparison to what brings us all together as members of the community. Our thanks go to the first responders and other support staff have came to the aid of the victims in Copley Square today, and who have been working since then to protect our safety. Above all, our thoughts and compassion are with the victims and their families. Zachary Bos, Co-chair, Secular Coalition for Massachusetts Massachusetts State Director, American Atheists Immediate Past President, Boston Atheists Ellery Schempp, Co-chair, Secular Coalition for Massachusetts Mr. Josiah Van Vliet, President, Boston Atheists [Click headline for more…] Read more
The usual suspects haven’t weighed in yet, but Twitter is full of ignorant people quick to blame atheists (or at least the secularizing of our country) for the awful bombings that took place in Boston today: I’m sickened to hear an eight year old child was killed in Boston today.All I can say is it’s a godless person… fb.me/2mu8YFDvN— Cupcake Delights (@mtdoracupcakes) April 16, 2013 [Click headline for more…] Read more
Obviously, most of the information we have is premature right now, but American Atheists just released this statement: American Atheists President David Silverman said, “As a native of the Boston area, I am terribly upset about this news. Our hearts go out to the families of the two people who died today, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured runners and spectators… We call upon those in the area as well as anyone else who wants to help to donate blood and hope investigators are able to find out what happened quickly and safely.” You can donate blood or funds to the Red Cross by going here. Read more