I think this is the most telling part about the Secular Student Alliance’s recent press release to the media: The Secular Student Alliance, a national nonprofit devoted to supporting nonreligious students, announced early success in its expanded efforts to foster groups for secular high school students. In the past month alone, five new high school groups have affiliated with the SSA, after it took four years for the first twelve to join. … “Every teenager deserves a safe space to… Read more
My favorite comedian Louis CK explains why you shouldn’t always tell the truth about science and the world to your seven-year-old daughter (NSFW language): She handled it pretty well, I think 🙂 Read more
Reader Laura and her husband have not attended a Mormon church for years now. After doing quite a bit of research, they finally got around to sending an official “letter of resignation” to the church on behalf of themselves and their son. Dear Sir or Madam, This letter is to inform you that as of January 1, 2011, I and my family have terminated our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Please remove the following names… Read more
I’m happy to say my Governor, Pat Quinn, signed civil unions into law in Illinois yesterday. (He’s a Democrat, in case you couldn’t guess.) It’s not marriage equality yet, but it’s a step in the right direction. The law, which goes into effect on June 1, will provide same sex couples many legal protections now given to married couples, such as emergency medical decision-making powers, inheritance rights, pension benefits, adoption and parental rights, and the ability to share a room… Read more
I love reading Christian magazines like Charisma because it always teaches me something. In the January, 2011 issue, I learned from Bob and Audrey Meisner how to Guard My Marriage Against Infidelity: It’s like God said: “Thou Shalt Not Have Platonic Friends Because You Know You Secretly Want to Fuck Them.” (Are Christians incapable of keeping their pants on when they’re alone with someone of the opposite sex?) Got it, ladies? No makeup with the intention of looking attractive. All… Read more
Watching this video by Spontatheist is like peering into a woman’s (non-existent) soul…: What did I learn from the video? If group leaders simply advertised on paper like this, they would have a hard time keeping the ladies away! And I’m sure there was something important in the last ten seconds of the video, but I had turned it off by then. Oh well. (via Blag Hag) … ***Update***: Lesle Mora created this tongue-in-cheek symbol that is sure to be… Read more
A few weeks ago, Dave Silverman of American Atheists appeared on Bill O’Reilly’s program to talk about AA’s billboard: O’Reilly: I’ll tell you why [religion’s] not a scam. In my opinion, all right? Tide goes in, tide goes out. Never a miscommunication. You can’t explain that. You can explain why the tide goes in… Silverman: Tide goes in, tide goes out…? O’Reilly: Yeah, see, the water — the tide comes in and it goes out, Mr. Silverman. It always goes… Read more
Note: Letter writers’ names are changed to protect their privacy. Dear Richard, I’m 18 years old, and have been an atheist since I was about 13, although back then I certainly wasn’t the confident, unashamed non-believer that I am today. I am fortunate enough to have been raised in a very liberal and open-minded household; my parents are pro-gay marriage, pro-choice, pro-birth control, pro-tolerance, anti-war, the whole 9 yards. During my childhood, however, my mother insisted I attend church (albeit… Read more
The official motto of the United States is “In God We Trust.” It shouldn’t be, but it is. And because Republicans (and a couple Democrats) in Congress apparently have no other priorities, Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) has sponsored legislation to… um… remind everyone that it’s the motto: 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 13 Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in… Read more
The Secular Coalition for America is looking for an intern this summer. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity for someone: SCA is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate junior- or senior-level student with a demonstrated interest in being active in the nontheistic movement. The student must live and attend school more than 50 miles outside of the District of Columbia. SCA is a 501(c)4 advocacy organization whose purpose is to amplify the diverse and growing voice of the nontheistic community in the… Read more
