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.
A new study released by The Chronicle of Philanthropy seems to suggest that the most religious states (especially in the South) are also the most charitable: Donors in Southern states, for instance, give roughly 5.2 percent of their discretionary income to charity — both to religious and to secular groups — compared with donors in the Northeast, who give 4.0 percent. But take a look at that wording: “Both to religious and to secular groups”… In other words, church counts… Read more
Kirk Cameron. “He clearly is a pro-life advocate, and for that, I respect him,” said the former “Growing Pains” star, speaking on CNN’s “Starting Point.” “He said that he misspoke and that he misphrased something and that he apologized.” … “I’m the kind of person that believes that I would like to be evaluated by my entire career and my entire life, not two words that I would misspeak and then later apologize for,” he said. “So he’s in a… Read more
The ACLU of South Carolina has launched a “Religious Freedom Goes to School” campaign in the state by sending this letter (PDF) to every district: … the campaign seeks to ensure that schools do not impose or promote religion. Unfortunately, based on complaints received by the ACLU, many school districts are failing to honor this vital constitutional mandate. We have received a growing number of reports from students, parents, teachers, and others detailing clear constitutional violations in South Carolina’s public… Read more
Last week, the High Court ruled that Tony Nicklinson, a paralyzed man, could not be euthanized: Today, just days after the ruling, his family informed the world that Nicklinson died of pneumonia late last night: Police said they would not be investigating Nicklinson’s death. “We can confirm he passed away,” a police spokesman said on customary condition of anonymity. “His death certificate has been signed by a doctor, so it is not a matter for Wiltshire Police or the coroner.”… Read more