So there’s a week to go before the Reason Rally and the complaining is already in full stride. As if all the organizers and volunteers don’t give a damn about reason and are just letting anyone with a pulse onstage… Since I’ve been helping organize the event (mostly on the Internet end of things), here’s what it sounds like from my end. I should add that I speak only for myself here: Everyone: Why aren’t there any politicians speaking to… Read more
Debbie Walker urges everyone to become a “Capital A” Atheist and — Grammar Nazi issues notwithstanding — I couldn’t agree with her more: I think there are a lot more little “a” atheists out there than we realize. People who don’t have anything to do with any religion yet haven’t made a stand, a commitment to Atheism. Since I’ve “come out” loud and clear, I’ve had a few friends tell me they’re thinking of coming out too. I’ve had several… Read more
In case you missed it this morning, here’s the video of American Atheists president Dave Silverman talking about the Reason Rally on CNN: It’s a quick and appropriate dismissal of what the critics have said about the Hebrew and Arabic billboards. Also, the host asks Dave about Alain de Botton’s idea of an “Atheist Temple” and Dave says — very calmly, I might add — that it’s probably not something he would go to, but if it helps someone who’s… Read more
Here’s an interesting question from a reader… It begins with some assumptions and a conclusion. Yes, the assumptions are generalized (obviously, there are exceptions), but I hope you find it worth discussing. Feel free to poke holes in the argument. Assumption 1) Christians are opposed to abortions. Assumption 2) According to Christians, if a baby (or fetus) is aborted, then surely Jesus would allow it to go to heaven. Assumption 3) If an atheist couple raises a child, there’s a… Read more
Last week, the Freedom From Religion Foundation ran this ad in the New York Times, encouraging people to leave the Catholic Church: It’s time to quit the Roman Catholic Church. Will it be reproductive freedom, or back to the Dark Ages? Do you choose women and their rights, or Bishops and their wrongs? Whose side are you on? In light of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops’ war again women’s right to contraception… Why are you aiding and abetting a… Read more
The tentative schedule for the day is now up on the Reason Rally website! (Notice that Bill Maher is listed as addressing the crowd via video — nifty! A lot of people have been asking about him and it’s nice to be able to say “Yes, he’ll address the crowd” even if he won’t be there in person.) … In addition, there’s an excellent list of tips you ought to pay attention to if you’re planning on coming: Arrive early… Read more
It was Red Bull, everyone. Red Bull. Somehow, that ad is controversial… I still prefer Family Guy’s version of Jesus’ miracles: (via Joe. My. God.) Read more
It’s once again time for A Week! ‘A’ Week is an online event that runs 18-24 March 2012. The idea of ‘A’ Week is simple — to raise awareness of how many people are ‘Good without Gods’ and don’t need religions to influence their lives. You take part by changing your Facebook profile picture to an ‘A’ for one week. This isn’t about insulting or criticizing faith. It’s not about mocking religious friends. This is simply a chance to express… Read more
The Reason Rally is next Saturday and it’ll feature rock stars in our movement as well as actual rock stars. Nearly ten years ago, we tried to do something similar. The Godless Americans March on Washington — yep, that was the actual name of it — took place on the National Mall on November 2nd, 2002. There weren’t any “celebrities” but there were a lot of people who have poured their hearts into this type of activism. Many of them… Read more
Christian Piatt at Red Letter Christians has a list of “Seven Reasons Why Young Adults Quit Church.” He goes into more depth for each point, but here are his theories as to why young adults (“we”) turn away from the faith: We’ve Been Hurt Adult Life/College and Church Don’t Seem to Mix There’s No Natural Bridge to Church We’re Distracted We’re Skeptical We’re Exhausted I Don’t Get It Even though he’s speaking to a mostly Christian audience, he makes some… Read more
