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RONALD A. LINDSAY: Humanism and Politics

CELEBRATING REASON AND HUMANITY August/September 2012 Vol. 32 No.5

SECULAR HUMANISM WITH A PULSE: The New Activism From Confrontation to Community Service, Finding Ways to Engage

CHRIS MOONEY | ARTHUR CAPLAN | KATRINA VOSS P Z MYERS | SIKIVU HUTCHINSON

09 TOM FLYNN: Are LGBTs Saving Marriage?

Published by the Council for Secular Humanism 7725274 74957 FI Aug Sept CUT_FI 6/27/12 4:54 PM Page 3

August/September 2012 Vol. 32 No. 5

CELEBRATING REASON AND HUMANITY

20 Secular Humanism With A Pulse: 30 Grief Beyond Belief The New Activists Rebecca Hensler Introduction Lauren Becker 32 Humanists Care about Humans! Bob Stevenson 22 Sparking a Fire in the Humanist Heart James Croft 34 Not Enough Marthas Reba Boyd Wooden 24 Secular Service in Michigan Mindy Miner 35 The Making of an Angry Atheist Advocate EllenBeth Wachs 25 Campus Service Work Franklin Kramer and Derek Miller 37 Taking Care of Our Own Hemant Mehta 27 Diversity and Secular Activism Alix Jules 39 A Tale of Two Tomes Michael B. Paulkovich 29 Live Well and Help Others Live Well Bill Cooke

EDITORIAL 15 Who Cares What Happens 56 The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: 4 Humanism and Politics to Dropouts? Enjoying Life without Illusions Ronald A. Lindsay Nat Hentoff by Alex Rosenberg Reviewed by Jean Kazez LEADING QUESTIONS 16 CFI Gives Women a Voice with 7 The Rise of Islamic Creationism, Part 1 ‘Women in Secularism’ Conference 58 What Jesus Didn’t Say A Conversation with Johan Braeckman Julia Lavarnway by Gerd Lüdemann Reviewed by Robert M. Price 18 Relaunching the International LETTERS Academy of Humanism 59 Letters from an Atheist Nation: Stephen Law 13 Godless Voices of America in 1903 edited by Thomas Lawson DEPARTMENTS Reviewed by Tom Flynn OP-EDS 50 Church-State Update 8 Are LGBTs Saving Marriage? Vaginas and Vouchers: 60 Hannah Arendt: Tom Flynn On to November Radical Conservative Edd Doerr edited by Irving Louis Horowitz 9 Gag Me with a Spoon Reviewed by Brooke Horvath Arthur L. Caplan 51 African American Humanism Slaves Like Us POEMS 11 Atheism’s Third Wave Sikivu Hutchinson 61 Sideshow P Z Myers by Philip Appleman REVIEWS 12 The State and the Marriage Business Passport Application Russell Blackford 53 Religion for Atheists: by Maryann Corbett A Non-believer’s Guide to the 14 Sloppy-Seconds Atheists Uses of Religion Katrina Voss by Alain de Botton Reviewed by John Shook FI Aug Sept CUT_FI 6/27/12 4:54 PM Page 4

Editorial Staff

Editor Thomas W. Flynn Ronald A. Lindsay Associate Editors John R. Shook, Lauren Becker Editorial Managing Editor Andrea Szalanski Columnists Ophelia Benson, Russell Blackford, Arthur Caplan, Greta Christina, Edd Doerr, Shadia B. Drury, Nat Hentoff, Tibor R. Machan, P Z Myers, Tom Rees, Katrina Voss Senior Editors Bill Cooke, Richard Dawkins, Edd Doerr, James A. Haught, Jim Herrick, Gerald A. Larue, Humanism and Politics Ronald A. Lindsay, Taslima Nasrin Contributing Editors Roy P. Fairfield, Charles Faulkner, Levi Fragell, Adolf Grünbaum, Marvin Kohl, Thelma Lavine, Lee Nisbet, J.J.C. Smart, Thomas Szasz Literary Editor Austin MacRae n the United States, politics dominates Most humanists are atheists, but they Assistant Editors Julia Lavarnway Brittany Muscarella the news as we gear up for the fall elec- are not merely atheists. As the Council for Permissions Editor Julia Lavarnway Itions. Not only will we have to decide Secular Humanism proclaims, humanism Art Director Christopher S. Fix on a president, but there are contests for is “beyond atheism, beyond agnosti- Production Paul E. Loynes Sr. Congress and most state legislatures, as cism.” In other words, being a humanist well as state referenda on numerous implies not only rejection of deities and Council for Secular Humanism issues, some of which have important spirits but also acceptance of certain fun-

Chair Dan Kelleher public policy implications. It’s at times like damental principles. Board of Directors Kendrick Frazier these when I often hear discussed the Prominent among these principles are Dan Kelleher question of whether being a humanist commitments to critical thinking, respect Barry Kosmin Angie McAllister commits one to certain political positions. for individual autonomy, and an ethics Richard K. Schroeder For example, given some of the positions that is broadly consequentialist in nature. Edward Tabash of the Republican Party on social issues, is Moreover, we humanists are firmly com- Jonathan Tobert Leonard Tramiel it inconsistent to be both a Republican mitted to a strict separation of church and Lawrence Krauss (Honorary) and a humanist? state; among other reasons, we value Chief Executive Officer Ronald A. Lindsay First, let me make clear that I am not individual liberty, and religious dogma Executive Director Thomas W. Flynn asking whether it is inconsistent to be an has proven harmful to human interests Director, Campus and Community Programs (CFI) Lauren Becker atheist and a Republican or a nontheist when it has been allowed to influence Director, Secular Organizations and a Republican. Those questions would public policy. for Sobriety Jim Christopher be easy to answer. There is no inconsis- For these reasons, it would be difficult Director, African Americans for Humanism Debbie Goddard tency. Atheism does not entail accept- to reconcile an embrace of humanism Director of ance of any political position. (Aside: this with opposition to, for example, contra- Development (CFI) Alan Kinniburgh Director of Libraries (CFI) Timothy Binga is one reason I find the existence of the ception, same-sex marriage, cohabitation Communications Director Paul Fidalgo National Atheist Party more than a little without marriage, laws and regulations Legal Director (CFI) Steven Fox curious.) One can even reject the separa- that protect and promote racial and gen- Database Manager (CFI) Jacalyn Mohr tion of church and state and be an athe- der equality, freedom of expression, and Webmaster Matthew Licata ist. As one (cynical) atheist once remarked universal suffrage. If we truly respect indi- Staff Pat Beauchamp, Ed Beck, Melissa Braun, Shirley to me, “Just because there is no God does- vidual autonomy, we must allow individu- Brown, Cheryl Catania, n’t mean people don’t need religion.” I als the freedom to give shape and direc- Eric Chinchón, Matt suspect many of the Wall Street financiers tion to their own lives, especially with Cravatta, Roe Giambrone, Jason Gross, Adam Isaak, who donate generously to presidential respect to critical, life-altering choices, Lisa Nolan, Paul Paulin, campaigns of candidates supported by such as whether and whom to marry and Anthony Santa Lucia, John Sullivan, Diane Tobin, the religious Right have an attitude simi- whether or not to bear children. We also Vance Vigrass lar to this: “Of course, religion is just must ensure that individuals have the Executive Director Emerita Jean Millholland mumbo-jumbo, but we need it to keep opportunity to pursue a livelihood with- the 99 percent under control.” out restrictions based on characteristics

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such as race or sex. It is also important that enced by the religious Right and has every adult have the right to participate in adopted policies antithetical to human-

political life and have a role in deciding ism. If we limited our examination of FREE INQUIRY (ISSN 0272-0701) is published bimonthly by who our legislators and chief executive Republican Party positions to its stance the Council for Secular Humanism, a nonprofit educational corporation, P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. Phone should be. on certain key social issues and the (716) 636-7571. Fax (716) 636-1733. Copyright ©2012 by There are also issues on which most extent to which government can support the Council for Secular Humanism. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without permission humanists agree and with respect to re ligious institutions, then we might be of the publisher. Periodicals postage paid at Buffalo, N.Y., and which there is at least a strong presump- tempted to conclude that there is a severe at additional mailing offices. National distribution by Disticor. FREE INQUIRY is indexed in Philosophers’ Index. Printed in tion in favor of a certain position. Legal- tension between being a Republican and the United States. Postmaster: Send address changes to FREE ization of physician assistance in dying for being a humanist. INQUIRY, P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors the terminally ill, aka physician-assisted However, the Republican Party’s or publisher. No one speaks on behalf of the Council for suicide, is one such issue. Cer tainly, a position on social issues, such as abortion Secular Humanism unless expressly stated.

humanist cannot oppose legalization and same-sex marriage, represent only a TO SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW based on a quasi-religious notion such as fraction of the entire Republican Party Call TOLL-FREE 800-458-1366 (have credit card handy). the sanctity of life. However, I have platform. The 2012 platform was not Internet: www.secularhumanism.org. known humanists who oppose legaliza- completed and approved as of the time Mail: FREE INQUIRY, P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. Subscription rates: $35.00 for one year, $58.00 for two tion based on speculation about the of this writing, but a review of the 2008 years, $84.00 for three years. Foreign orders add $10 per harms that might follow legalization, Republican platform (available online at year for surface mail. Foreign orders send U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank; American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or such as pressure on patients to Visa are preferred. request assistance in dying or a Single issues: $5.95 each. Shipping is by surface mail in decline in the quality of health care U.S. (included). For single issues outside U.S.: Canada for those with terminal illnesses. The 1–$2.07; 2–3 $4.81; 4–6 $7.00. Other foreign: 1–$4.60; 2–3 $10.56; 4–6 $13.95. evidence from Oregon and Wash - ington (the two states where assis- CHANGE OF ADDRESS Mail changes to FREE INQUIRY, ATTN: Change of Address, tance in dying is currently legal) indi- “. . . Given some of the positions P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. cates that these concerns are proba- of the Republican Party on Call Customer Service: 716-636-7571, ext. 200. bly unwarranted, but it would not E-mail: [email protected]. be irrational for a humanist to social issues, is it inconsistent BACK ISSUES oppose legalization as the evidence to be both a Republican Back issues through Vol. 23, No. 3 are $6.95 each. Back issues Vol. 23, No. 4 and later are $5.95 each. 20% discount cannot be said to preclude com- and a humanist?” on orders of 10 or more. Call 800-458-1366 to order or to pletely the possibility of significant ask for a complete listing of back issues. harm. REPRINTS/PERMISSIONS Effectively, that is the key to To request permission to use any part of FREE INQUIRY, write to FREE INQUIRY, ATTN: Julia Lavarnway, Permissions Editor, determining whether a policy posi- P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. tion—call it position A—is consistent WHERE TO BUY FREE INQUIRY with humanism: Is position A sup- FREE INQUIRY is available from selected book and magazine ported by evidence-based reason- sellers nationwide. ing? To be more precise: Is there an ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS argument supported by some plausible www.gop.com/2008Platform/2008platf Complete submission guidelines can be found on the web at www.secularhumanism.org/fi/details.html. set of facts and sound, secular, evidence- orm.pdf) reveals that only about five of Requests for mailed guidelines and article submissions should based reasoning that position A will its fifty-five pages were devoted to poli- be addressed to: Article Submissions, ATTN: Tom Flynn, FREE INQUIRY, P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. cause less harm than position B, and is cies on “Pre serving Our Values.” The rest position A as respectful of fundamental of the platform dealt with national LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send submissions to Letters Editor, FREE INQUIRY, P.O. Box freedoms and individual autonomy as defense, foreign policy, the budget 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664 or e-mail aszalanski@center possible? As humanists may disagree process, fiscal policy, entitlement fund- forinquiry.net. about the facts relevant to resolution of a ing, taxation, government regulation, For letters intended for publication, please include name, address (including city and state), and daytime telephone num- particular issue, it’s not only possible but energy policy, immigra tion, health care, ber (for verification purposes only). Letters should be 300 words inevitable that there will be a number of and about a dozen other issues, includ- or fewer and pertain to previous FREE INQUIRY articles. issues on which humanists differ. ing relatively narrow questions such as The mission of the Council for Secular Humanism is to advo- This brings me back to my initial ques- governance in U.S. territories. cate and defend a nonreligious life stance rooted in science, naturalistic philosophy, and humanist ethics and to serve and tion about the consistency of being a Because humanists place great support adherents of that life stance. humanist and being a Republican. In weight on individual autonomy, it is not answering this question, it must be surprising that there is a tendency to admitted that in recent decades the focus on policies that restrict our ability to Republican Party has been heavily influ- make our own decisions about children

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and marriage and seek to impose reli- organizations, we do not make that can lose one’s life by merely suggesting gious dogma on us. We don’t like assertion solely to placate the Internal that its blasphemy laws should be theocrats in our bedrooms. But precisely Revenue Service. We really mean it. reformed, and both Saudi Arabia and how much weight one should give to Humanism is a life stance, but it does not Kuwait have reacted harshly to “tweets” these social issues is not something come accompanied by a detailed plat- that were alleged to have defamed “the addressed by humanism. Some human- form specifying positions on all the issues Prophet.” In Indonesia, a so-called “mod- ists might view policies relating to that a national political party is expected erate” Muslim country, Alex ander Aan national defense, entitlement funding, to address. was attacked and beaten by a mob and and taxation as being relatively more That’s not to say humanism is devoid then placed under arrest on a charge of important than policies relating to same- of public policy implications. To the con- blasphemy after he declared he was an sex marriage or the availability of contra- trary, both the Council, through the atheist on Facebook. (The outcome of his ception. It would not be irrational to Secular Coalition for America, and CFI, trial is not known at this time.) And just a come to such a conclusion. In other through its own lobbying arm, the Office couple of days before I started to write of Public Policy, have advo- this editorial, it was announced that a cated vigorously (and some- new book by Muslim author and activist times effectively) for certain Irshad Manji was banned in Malaysia for specific policies. In doing so, being blasphemous and for causing “dis- we believe that we have turbance to the public.” “If we limited our examination of adopted positions that re- Some CFI branches will be holding Republican Party positions to its flect humanist principles and events to commemorate IBRD (look for e- stance on certain key social issues with which most of our sup- mail alerts). In addition, we expect to porters would agree. We meet with State Department officials this and the extent to which government regard this advocacy work as summer to discuss problems relating to can support religious institutions, an important part of our mis- international religious freedom. then we might be tempted to conclude sion, and we also regard the What can you do? First, if you are not that there is a severe tension between issues that engage us to be already “out” as an atheist or agnostic, important. How these issues there’s no better time to do it than on being a Republican and ultimately affect an individ- IBRD. You may have heard: in most being a humanist.” ual humanist’s vote, how- Western countries, it’s no longer a crime ever, is something for that to be an atheist. Sure, you may risk some individual to determine. ostracism, but if people in other countries Humanism has no party line. are willing to risk jail or death to make an honest statement about their beliefs, you * * * can risk a cold shoulder from a neighbor. words, one can be a humanist and a Let me turn briefly from domestic politics Second, keep informed about the per- Republican—although presumably a to a question of international human secution of people like Aan. If his case is Republican not altogether pleased with rights. Again this year, the Center for still pending, or if he has been convicted the party’s stance on some significant Inquiry and its affiliates will be commem- and sentenced, contact the Asian Human social issues. orating International Blas phemy Rights Rights Commission or some other respon- I have spent some time on this ques- Day (IBRD) on September 30. When CFI sible body to protest the government’s tion because, in my discussions with indi- and its affiliates first started to commem- action. (See CFI’s previous news an - viduals about the work of the Council orate IBRD in 2009, some tried to trivialize nouncement on his case: http://www.cen and the Center for Inquiry, it is not infre- this effort, suggesting that it was worse terforinquiry.net/news/urgent_add_your quently assumed—especially during a than pointless (and some of this criticism _voice_to_support_jailed_atheist_in_indo presidential election year—that human- came from so-called humanists!). Actually, nesia/.) People everywhere should have ists constitute a subset of the Democratic it was very important to call attention to the right to express their views about any Party. As a factual matter, most human- the continuing suppression of speech crit- religious belief. That’s what IBRD is all ists probably do support Democratic can- ical of religion. Events in the last several about. didates more often than not. But human- months have underscored ism does not compel them to do that, if anything, this problem Ronald A. Lindsay is the president and CEO of the Center for so. When we say that CFI and the Council is worse than it was three Inquiry, and he has voted for a Republican once in his life. for Secular Humanism are nonpartisan years ago. In Pakistan, one

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Leading Questions The Rise of Islamic Creationism, Part 1 A Conversation with Johan Braeckman

Last May, science journalist Chris Mooney attended the 2012 World Skeptics Con- gress in Berlin, where he heard disturbing reports of a new form of creationism— namely, Islamic creationism—gaining trac- tion in Europe. There he spoke with Johan Braeck man, who has been following this development closely. Braeckman is a pro- fessor of philosophy of science at Ghent University in Belgium, where his research focuses on philosophical issues in the life sciences, particularly evolution and neuro- science. He’s the author of a number of books and papers, including most recently, Doubting Thomas Has a Point: A Guide to Critical Thinking, coauthored with Maarten Boudry.—EDS. Photo: Mike Chase CHRIS MOONEY: Islamic creationism is something that you’ve studied a lot. to your friends, who are also Muslim, be in the several hundreds of thousands What is the state of affairs? Would you because it’s like supporting the other all over the world—nobody really knows. say it’s growing in Europe in particular? team. So I’m cracking my head on how to Also, nobody knows where the money JOHAN BRAECKMAN: We don’t have handle this. It’s sad to see smart young comes from. It must have cost a huge for- exact data yet, although research is going people who might go to a university or tune to produce, print, and ship it. on right now. It’s fair to say that it’s defi- college to study science or medicine or so The book contains thousands of pic- nitely growing. More and more people— on—that’s not going to happen, because tures of fossils. On every page, you’ll see a especially young people, fifteen-, sixteen-, they’re turning themselves into scientific fossil and then another picture of an seventeen-year-olds with a Muslim back- illiterates. organism of contemporary species. The ground but already third or fourth gener- MOONEY: This sounds like many forms argumentation is always very short and ation living in Europe—identify them- of science denial, where it’s really about a always the same. It says, “Well, if you look selves with the Muslim community and belief system. But surely they must put at these two pictures of the fossil and the Islam. A particular form of creationism is forward “scientific arguments.” Do the contemporary organism, you’re going to very popular among these young people. arguments sound the same as what you see no difference, so evolution just didn’t For them the really important thing is hear in, say, the intelligent design move- happen.” It’s full of mistakes and inconsis- that it’s giving them a group identity. You ment in the United States? tencies. Apparently the authors weren’t have to defend your colors, and evolu- BRAECKMAN: They’ll pick whatever they able to catch a real fly to make a point tionary theory belongs to the colors of think is usable to support their ideas. about the non-evolution of flies, so they the other team. You can explain the sci- Nevertheless, there is a brand of Muslim used an artificial fishing fly with a hook. ence all you want. It’s not going to work creationism, and in Europe it’s coming If you ask Muslims in Europe whether there’s some scientific background for because it’s not about the science for from a man called Harun Yahya. That’s their belief system, they’ll point to Harun them; it’s about who they are or the way not his real name; this man is actually Yahya. Now of course this is quite weak, they think they should look at themselves working with a whole group of people and some of them do realize this, so then and each other. This is what I’ve encoun- who have been pouring out huge num- they’ll skip to other arguments that you tered quite a few times: say you’re a bers of books, leaflets, pamphlets, DVDs, are familiar with in the United States. young European Muslim. You know the and other materials. Especially famous, or They’re going to tell you that what they science of evolutionary theory is good infamous, is The Atlas of Creationism. It is call “Darwinism” was invented by West - and decent and sound, and there’s no a huge book—it weighs something like ern Freemasons to attack Islam. way that creationism can be considered six kilograms (13.2 pounds!) and is full of to be correct. But it’s very hard to tell that beautiful pictures. Distributed copies may (Continued on page 46)

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Tom Flynn OP-ED

Are LGBTs Saving Marriage?

t was the best of times, it was the matrimony has lost its hammerlock on our run through much atheist and, later, secu- worst of times. ...” That Dickensian culture. “Single parenthood has skyrock- lar-humanist activism. “Ichestnut sums up the state of tradi- eted” and has lost most of its social stigma, So, is traditional marriage taking its tional marriage today. Surveys confirm she noted, though the economic and final blindfolded random walk through that Americans have less use for the insti- developmental challenges dogging one- a potter’s field of open graves, the lawn tution than ever. More of us are now sin- parent families remain. In one 2010 Pew between them thickly strewn with ba - gle than married. Few progressives get Research Center Study, four in ten respon- nana peels? Surprisingly, probably not. excited about weddings unless they are dents said they already considered mar- And the institution’s rescue may come between two men or two women—in riage obsolete. from the unlikeliest of quarters: the LGBT which case they’re not merely exciting Increasingly, matrimony has lost its community. but at the spear’s point of social reform. power as the default state/religious However clumsy its timing, however Which leads me to an ironic predic- apparatus for sanctioning pair-bonds. guarded its language, President Barack tion. Before long, cultural conservatives “The institution is dying—for the poor,” Obama’s May 9 declaration that he favors may wind up forced to hail same-sex mar- Streshinsky declared, while for wealthier same-sex marriage underscored how far riage. LGBTs’ new zest for matrimony may Americans it has come to serve less as a the marriage-equality movement has be all that rescues this antediluvian cus- normative rite than a design platform for progressed. As several pundits noted, no tom from extinction.* celebratory excess. expansion of rights championed by a sit- As I’ve often written, ting president has ultimately failed to secular humanists—in- become the law of the land. “Before long, cultural conservatives may deed, Enlightenment in- Fifteen years ago, no LGBT advocate dividualists generally— could have imagined that we would be wind up forced to hail same-sex marriage. should hail these devel- where we are today. Back then, gay LGBTs’ new zest for matrimony may be opments. There’s some- activists hoped not to reform marriage all that rescues this antediluvian thing deeply wrong with but to respond to its presumably irre- the idea that free individ- deemable bigotry and narrowness by custom from extinction.” uals should require the supplanting it. They dreamed not of public sanction of the same-sex marriage but of civil unions. state—or even of their To be frank, civil unions had much to In its May-June issue, the Pacific families and friends—to make their choice recommend them. Given time and Standard—a West Coast thinkpiece maga- of a life-partner “legitimate.” And we focused activism, it is likely that they zine formerly known as Miller-McCune— should be no less queasy with matrimony’s would have grown to confer most or all inaugurated its new Obituary department, historic cargo. At its roots it’s a disturbing of the same rights granted by traditional devoted to chronicling the demise of for- amalgam of state and religion, a separa- matrimony: parental rights, sickroom visi- merly relevant societal ideas. Its headline: tionist’s nightmare entangled in its pedi- tation, health-care decision-making, com- “Traditional Marriage: 1600–2011?” Editor gree as a sacrament of the church. Anyone munity property, the right to inherit, and Maria Streshinsky summarized a Niagara who views women as men’s equals should so on. What secular humanists especially of survey data showing to what degree recoil from marriage’s origins as an liked about civil unions was that they arrangement for transferring property would represent a brand-new institution *This represents partial fulfillment of predic- rights in the bride from her father to her constructed entirely within the domain of tions I made in two past FI op-eds: “Mixed husband. (Which is why the father tradi- secular law. Civil unions would be as free Blessings,” December 2003/January 2004; tionally “gives away” the bride.) For all of matrimony’s tangled roots as they and “Two Cheers for Same-sex Marriage,” August/September 2009. Part of this essay these reasons, since the nineteenth-cen- were of its historical negatives. The appeared as my Center for Inquiry blog tury Golden Age of Freethought, a strain activists of fifteen years ago dared to “What We’ve Gained—and What We’ve of dogged resistance to matrimony has (Continued on page 47) Lost,” May 10, 2012.

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Arthur L. Caplan OP-ED Gag Me with a Spoon

or doctors, the old saw “Gag me with law made it illegal for physicians to ask inducing drugs to be sued by if they fail to a spoon” no longer applies. Today it patients whether there were guns in their follow state law that requires that ultra- Fis “Gag me with a (a) toxic chemical, homes. This despite the fact that pedi- sound imaging and heart-monitoring be (b) gun, or (c) transvaginal ultrasound atrics groups recommend that physicians done before an abortion is performed, probe.” This appears to be the new ethics ask patients whether they keep guns at accompanied by the mandatory informed of medicine for doctors in America. Why home and discuss gun safety with those consent speech about the fetus. So even if are we letting state legislators, religious who do, in order to prevent shootings the woman does not want either the test zealots, and big business tell doctors what involving children. In 2009, according to or the speech, the solons of the Sooner they can and cannot talk about with the CDC, almost four hundred children State know better than her. patients and with other doctors? Since younger than fifteen years old were killed Such third-party intrusions on the when is a government official welcome to by the mishandling of firearms. sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship dictate the nature of the conversation This muzzle on doctor speech was bode ill for both the trust patients have in that goes on between you and your doc- challenged in court, and a federal tor? Since the past few years, which have judge in Miami ruled the law uncon- seen an explosion in both legislative stitutional, but the governor and restrictions and mandates on what your legislature have vowed to pass “. . . The past few years ... have doctor can say. another law. So the legislature and A new law in Pennsylvania, modeled the gun lobby are in charge of tell- seen an explosion in both legislative after existing laws in Texas and Colorado, ing your doctor what to say about restrictions and mandates on what restricts what doctors can say about how best to protect children’s your doctor can say.” chemicals used in natural gas drilling or health in Florida. fracking that might be making people And let us not forget about the sick. Let’s say you think you or your child is endless stream of efforts to make sick because of exposure to chemicals in doctors do invasive tests and report the water or soil near a fracking opera- the results to women seeking abortions. their doctors and for doctors’ ability to do tion. And let’s say some of those chemi- Republican majorities in both chambers in what they deem is best for their patients. cals being used are trade secrets. The law Virginia’s legislature last February passed The exam room is too small to fit greedy says your doctor can, with some effort, one of the strictest mandatory pre-abor- corporate titans, gun nuts, religious zanies, get access to information about the iden- tion ultrasound bills in the nation—a and state officials alongside the doctor tity of these trade-secret chemicals but measure that would require women seek- and patient. Allowing them to dictate can’t tell anyone else—you, your family, ing early-stage abortions to submit to medical practice is simply bad medicine for or even other doctors—about what he or being vaginally penetrated by a condom- all of us. she thinks it is that might be making you covered electronic probe and hear a sick! So business, not your doctor, is dic- speech about the fetus before tating what is best for your health. an abortion is al lowed to pro- Arthur L. Caplan is the Sidney D. Caplan Professor of Bioethics Last year, the Florida legislature ceed. Okla homa passed a bill and the director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of passed, and Governor Rick Scott signed, allowing abortion providers or Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. the Firearms Owners’ Privacy Act. That those prescribing abortion-

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“It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.” – Thomas Paine You are invited to join the Center for Inquiry to Act, Combat, and Promote…

Since 1976, three remarkable organizations have been in the forefront of efforts to promote and defend critical thinking and freedom of inquiry. The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (founded in 1976), the Council for Secular Humanism (1980), Center for Inquiry and the For thirty years, the Council for Secular Humanism has advocated for a nontheistic worldview (1991) have advocated, based on reason, education, and compassion in place of fear or unquestioning religious belief. championed, and, when necessary, defended the freedom to inquire … while Your Help Is a Necessity! ACT, COMBAT, and PROMOTE demonstrating how the fruits We are currently focused on three of objective inquiry can be Each year, magazine goals central to our core objectives: used to understand reality, subscriptions fund a smaller refute false beliefs, and percentage of this work, even Act to end the stigma achieve results that benefit as the need for activism attached to being humanity. increases and the population nonreligious. we serve grows. In many ways, our organiza- Combat religion’s tions have been ahead of More than ever, CFI and its privileges and its influence on public policy. their time. Now, they are affiliates depend on the truly 3 For Tomorrow. generosity of our supporters Promote science-based Through education, advocacy, both to fund daily operations skepticism and critical thinking. publishing, legal activism, and to build capital and its network of regional for the future. Make your most generous gift branches, CFI and its affiliate today . . . or request information

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P Z Myers OP-ED

Atheism’s Third Wave

he gods are all dead. Science killed If gods and religion are dead issues, equality, and we need a deeper apprecia- them. When beliefs are tissues of then the activist atheist might wonder, tion of diversity. We need everyone to Tfantasy papering over ignorance, all “Well, what are we going to argue about participate in building a stronger, more it takes is honest inquiry to destroy them now?” The old arguments will still be use- peaceful, more progressive culture—one ... and what we’re seeing now in the cen- ful and important as long as there are that recognizes that all of us should have turies after the Enlightenment is an ero- believers. Which, I fear, means that the equal opportunities. sion of god-belief. As a scientist, it’s hard fight will go on forever . . . and it’s a good I know from experience that such a to avoid bursting out in laughter at the fight, one that steadily exposes people to suggestion will be opposed—“atheism is absurdities of sacrificial gods, gods that the unreason of faith and the strength of only about the denial of the existence of wobble between interfering prudes who reason. But there are also new battles to gods,” some will say, and they will insist fuss over your sex life and benign cosmic be fought, and I want to argue here that that atheism should not be involved in forces that helpfully hold your atoms atheists should take these battles seri- anything beyond opposing god-belief, as together. Every public debate on the exis- ously and engage in the struggle for if atheism has no deeper implications of tence of gods that I’ve seen is a great joke, social justice—not just as an avocation any kind. Atheism is treated as a kind of consisting of one side sensibly arguing for but as part of our identity as the obvious, that there is no evidence for freethinking, rational human divine beings, while the other cavorts beings. entertainingly in twisty flights of convo- Classical atheism is a nar- rowly defined style—we focus luted rhetoric and naked appeals to hoary “I want to argue here that atheists traditions and wishful thinking. It would on the logic of religion and be hilarious if it weren’t for the sad spec- argue in a very bounded way should ... engage in the struggle tacle of so many believers taking bad about, for instance, biblical exe- for social justice—not just as an gesis or internal contradictions logic so seriously. avocation but as part of our identity as Religion is ridiculous and corrupt. of dogma. The “new atheism” Beyond the concept of a god, the institu- (which isn’t actually new) in - freethinking, rational human beings.” tions supporting god-belief seem to be vokes science heavily, not just imploding in embarrassing ways. The to demonstrate that religious Catholic Church has been exposed as a beliefs are wrong but also in a monstrous organ of depravity that culti- positive, celebratory way—who vates child rapists. The Protestants have needs myths when we’ve got splintered into a thousand sects, most of an awesome reality to enjoy? The new abstract philosophical exercise, a form to which seem Elmer Gantryish, dedicated atheists also added strong public advo- be followed, a debating society where the to fleecing the flock and reinforcing their cacy to our tactics: religious beliefs mat- reward is entirely to be found in demon- own privileges. Islam spends its time try- ter, they do harm to our culture, and we strating that you are right and the other ing to wind the clock back to medieval must oppose them. person is wrong. (It’s curious how, right ignorance, trying to prove that it can be I propose that we adopt a third wave now, many atheists simultaneously want to claim that they are good without gods more barbarous than the West, then lash- of atheism, a socially conscious, activist atheism that combines humanism with while also asserting that atheism is noth- ing out violently every time someone the assertiveness of new atheism, that ing but a simple answer to one question.) points out that it has a habit of lashing joyfully embraces science and reason and Well, those kinds of atheists are out violently. All religions seem focused uses them to advance society. And by wrong. Atheism is profound in its mean- on enforcing the morality of a century advancing society, I mean much more ing. How can your life not be affected by ago, railing against the morality of the than the material advancement of sci- now and insisting that they are in charge ence and technology—we need greater (Continued on page 46) of morality.

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Russell Blackford OP-ED

The State and the Marriage Business

ere in Australia, as in many other extend the same legal rights to de facto recent centuries—largely a matter of inti- parts of the world, there is an ongo- opposite-sex and same-sex couples. This macy and companionship—it is now diffi- Hing public debate about proposals takes some of the sting from political cult to make a rational distinction based to extend marriage to same-sex couples. leaders’ unwillingness to recognize same- on purely secular reasoning. The equation As marriage falls within the federal juris- sex partnerships as marriages, but still, changes when we start to talk about diction under the Australian Constitution, something smells bad about having a polygyny. this has led to public consultation pro- double standard even if all legal rights The state should be very wary about cesses involving the federal houses of end up being the same. recognizing relationships that tend to Parliament (the House of Representatives Thus, I support moves for liberal de- involve arranged relationships and patriar- and the Senate, not unlike the structure moc racies to recognize same-sex marriages chal notions of authority, with little of the U.S. Congress). Predictably, reli- for those who want them. In our current emphasis on romantic love or intimacy or gious organizations have been active in historical circumstances, the case seems the sort of long-term one-to-one compan- opposing any extension of the concept of very strong. ionship that many of us hope for when we marriage to same-sex partnerships, but At the same time, the current debates marry. While I don’t argue that polygy- they do not appear to have popular sen- have been raising more general questions nous arrangements in themselves, as timent on their side. about the role of the state in the area of opposed to the more obvious abuses that marriage and family. Even as I are often associated with them (child write this, some news coverage brides, coercion, and outright rape), is being given to a submission to should be illegal, there is an important dis- the Australian Senate by Re - tinction between mere legality and official becca and James Dominguez, recognition. After all, same-sex partner- “Predictably, religious organizations supposedly the “power couple” ships are not actually illegal in countries of the polyamory community in have been active in opposing any such as Australia and the United States (in Australia. They argue for state extension of the concept of marriage the latter, this would actually be unconsti- recognition of same-sex mar- tutional); nor, however, are they usually to same-sex partnerships, but they riage but also, in the longer recognized as marriages. While we have do not appear to have popular term (perhaps over a period of reached a point where it is anomalous for decades), for increasing social sentiment on their side.” the state to give its recognition and (secu- and perhaps legal recognition lar) blessing to opposite-sex couples who of relationships involving multi- want it but not to same-sex couples, there ple parties. is no such anomaly in refusing to recog- Even before we get to this possibility, there is a lurking nize arrangements that go beyond cou- During this debate, I have consistently question about traditional polygynous ples to involve three or more people. argued in favor of same-sex marriage, as, marriages, such as those permitted by Indeed, the state has every reason to be indeed, I do in my new book, Freedom of Islam or those originally authorized by suspicious that women are pressured into Religion and the Secular State. Under cur- nineteenth-century Mormons (and still polygynous arrangements by families and rent circumstances, the issue of same-sex by some breakaway Mormon groups). communities. Public policy should lean marriage is an obvious and urgent focus Should these marital arrangements be toward the protection of women from for political attention. In the American recognized by the state? Not obviously, to abuses and unconscion able pressures. context, the urgency is even greater than say the least. One powerful reason for rec- Still, do Rebecca and James Domin - in Australia, since many important legal ognizing same-sex marriages is that they guez have a point? Apparently this cou- rights hinge on the presence of a valid are likely to resemble the kinds of hetero- ple is actually part of a happy and stable marriage. Industrially advanced countries sexual partnerships that are celebrated in group of four or five people (I’m not sure other than the United States—Australia the contemporary practice of marriage. I understand, from the media reports, among them—have been quicker to Given what marriage has become in (Continued on page 48)

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Letters

Tom Flynn lets confirmation bias run wild tion. Typically the divergence is so large as in contriving his far-fetched interpretation to beggar belief that religious “posing” by of incomplete data supplied by prison advantage-seeking convicts, however chaplains seeking to “measure” inmate widespread, could account all of it. The religiosity. He follows a line of reasoning same was true during the early twentieth that goes something like this: chaplains century, when outside polling regarding have ob served that inmates are almost prisoners’ religions was still permitted. certainly more religious than the general Despite divergent methodologies, those population. By implication, religion seems studies too found levels of piety far in to ap peal more strongly to the “criminal” excess of then-current norms. Obviously mind than to the “normal” mind and pre- the ethnic makeup of the inmate pool was sumably “proves problematic for religious far different then, which may or may not conservatives . . . who claim that faith is speak to reader Jim Valentine’s objection. necessary for morality.” Curiously omitted from the discussion is any foundational data that fleshes out Humanists on Death the demographic profile of the actual inmate population in the United States. Greta Christina is spot on when she asks This population is 70 percent nonwhite “Do we concede the ground of death too Faith Behind Bars and 40 percent black; only 40 percent easily?” (FI, June/July 2012). While I agree have a high-school diploma while 60 per- with what she says it seems her argu- In “Triple Play: Faith Behind Bars, cent are deemed functionally illiterate. ments are unnecessarily complicated and Measure ment in Chains” (FI, June/July Since the early 1970s, the prison popu- she misses a much simpler point. My ques- 2012), Tom Flynn writes that there may lation has quintupled to become the tion is: What do you do in an eternal be greater than expected religious affilia- largest among world nations because law afterlife? To spend eternity wanting to do tion reported in the prison inmate popu- enforcement has targeted disproportion- something but not having eyes, ears, lation. Much as I would find a wry satisfac- ate numbers of African Americans and nose, mouth, and hands to see, hear, tion in evidence that religious affiliation Latinos for drug offenses committed in smell, taste, and feel so that I can change correlates positively with crime rates, or at low-income, high-unemployment, inner- things seems like the worst possible least with conviction rates, I fear that city neighborhoods. It seems more reason- nightmare. On the other hand, if I had no there is a simpler explanation for the able to correlate religious orientations desire to do anything I might as well be apparent religiosity of our incarcerated expressed by incarcerated populations dead. brethren. Prisoners are as aware as any- with the high levels of religious belief con- Vic Arnold one else that the establishment still sistently recorded by pollsters within the Westerly, Rhode Island equates religious affiliation with “good deprived, dysfunctional and often racially guy” status. It is a simple assumption that oppressed underclass from which they the prison administration will look posi- emerge. Support for a Nuclear Iran tively upon prisoners who “find God” Jim Valentine Apparently, in Shadia Drury’s eyes (“Amer - while incarcerated. Many prisoners sign Woodland Hills, California FI up for religious affiliation, services, prayer ican Conceit: The Case of Iran,” , 2012), it meetings, etc., just to look good to their is OK for Iran to possess nuclear weapons Tom Flynn replies: keepers with the expectation of more because the United States has thousands favorable treatment, better progress There is no question that many prisoners of them and apparently Israel has two to reviews, earlier parole, etc. In short, it is affect religious zeal in the hope of secur- three hundred of them. It would be ”suici- unfair to expect our prison population to ing better treatment or winning parole. dal” for Iran to attack Israel because of be any less hypocritical about religious Still, in the small number of surveys that Israeli retaliation. Furthermore, Ahmadine - membership than the population at have been able to measure religious jad “Hasn’t threatened to wipe out Israel, large. belief/affiliation among prisoners, the only to put an end to the Zionist state.” Ronald Ventola number of declared believers has been Furthermore, she alleges that he has not Flushing, New York vastly larger than in the general popula- (Continued on page 62)

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Katrina Voss OP-ED

Sloppy-Seconds Atheists

ometimes evolution seems to be - contact with her abdomen, and eventu- less child was bound for social decay, that stow a sort of karmic recompense ally copulating (and risking becoming her even nontheist parents were better off Supon certain hard-working mem- next meal, depending on her mood)—the accepting a church’s kind offer to serve as bers of a species. Sometimes the individ- lazy sex thief can pop in for sloppy seconds moral babysitter. Now, later generations ual who demonstrates the greatest with the previously warmed-up female. have been brave enough not only to Protestant work ethic will, in fact, reap Not only does he spare himself the eschew religion but to criticize it openly the greatest reward. A male Australian lengthy courtship dance, he avoids being and publicly among family members and redback spider who courts a female for eaten, despite the brevity of his flattery. work colleagues. Despite what may seem fewer than one hundred minutes may Well into my fourth decade of life and like frustrating setbacks (anti-evolution get a chance to enjoy a tryst with the having experienced relatively little harass- bills continue to pop up across the coun- object of his affection. However, as pun- ment for daring to admit and even flaunt try; the word atheist continues to be syn- ishment for his lackluster foreplay, his my godlessness, I am much like the sloppy- onymous with immoral among religious paramour likely will gobble him up as her seconds spider—happily satisfied and yet laypeople; a godless politician still has little next meal as soon as he gets his penis-like guiltily free from having had to do any real chance at a successful career), atheism is organ into the required spot. On the work for the privilege I enjoy. Great strides flourishing. The Four Horse men’s books in civil liberties have been sold in record numbers, and we even have accomplished in just this way. a president who makes the occasional Cam paigners for a worthy kind remark about “non believers.” We cause expend vast energy and can pat ourselves on the back for these vic- “. . . Having experienced relatively take enormous risks, some- tories all we like. But were it not for the little harassment for daring to admit times living long enough to long-dead-and-forgotten trailblazers— and even flaunt my godlessness, I am ... delight in the fruits of their those assiduous spiders who groomed the labor, sometimes not. Then, web for our arrival—we might, for our happily satisfied and yet guiltily free like the spider sex-thieves, own survival, still be hiding in the prover- from having had to do any real work later generations reap the real bial closet. for the privilege I enjoy.” reward—at worst, a slightly This is not to say that my generation or more accepting and comfort- those to come can afford to relax. The able world; at best, a world Western world may be drastically more wholly changed. Thanks to tolerant, indeed more intellectually the work of gay-rights activists sophisticated, than it was even twenty other hand, if he puts just a little more before him, Harvey Bernard Milk (1930– years ago. Still, changes don’t always stick. effort into the courtship, if he spends just 1978) became the first openly gay man to Like chronic illnesses, belief in creationism, a bit more time on the “date,” the female be elected to a public office. Like wise, Milk school prayer, and discrimination against is likely to show her appreciation by spar- advanced the cause of gay rights for atheists are conditions that are never truly ing him the cannibalistic finale. future generations with his bravery, while cured, only temporarily suppressed. After Sometimes, however, one’s good for- not living long enough to fully enjoy the all, even the shrewdest sloppy-seconds tune is more a matter of stealth than per- slightly less homophobic world he helped spider knows he risks getting his head severance. Some Australian redback males to create. ripped off. Who is to say when the spider have figured out a very clever trick: how to Similarly, we in the nontheist commu- queen will wake up with a renewed ap - get “free” sex—that is, how to get it not nity are descended from a long line of petite or simply be in a bad mood? only safely but cheaply, taking advantage brave rule-breakers. Those Katrina Voss worked for ten years as a bilingual meteoroligist at of the set-up work of their more industri- of my parents’ generation Weather Channel Latin America and AccuWeather. She is now ous fellows. After a more diligent male has (including my parents them- a science and research writer at Penn State’s Eberly College of spent the requisite time schmoozing the selves) dared to question the Science. female—plucking on her web, making tired maxim that a church-

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Nat Hentoff OP-ED Who Cares What Happens to Dropouts?

n all the continuing debates, pledges, sage about IPS and attempt to keep the tion of those increasingly thinking of leav- and dead ends involved in education kids we have and seek out those we have ing. If the reclaimed seem more comfort- Ireform, the many ever-present school lost and those who have dropped out able and more engaged in class, other dropouts are seldom urgently dealt with. years ago.” White added: “Based on feed- out-of-step students could begin to see a What happens to those youngsters? back, we also had a number of students wasteland rather than a promised land When I cover the imprisonment of who [since] came back to school. They outside of school. youth ful offenders, I find one answer. also have gotten people to come back to Across America, more parents are The majority are dropouts. The others? basic education programs.” organizing to turn public schools into more Who knows or cares, except maybe their Significantly, in view of the still shad- welcoming places for their kids by protest- families? owy prognosis for the Indiana and ing—and increasingly boycot ting—stand - In a few school systems, however, national economy, the project offers ardized testing. Students learn much more troubled administrators and teachers do economic as well as educational give a damn. One notable program has benefit, notes reporter Guerra: been launched in the Indianapolis Public “Reclaiming lost students means Schools (“IPS Initiative to ‘Reclaim’ Former recovering lost money. Over the Students Draws Nearly 100 Back to past few years, IPS has lost millions School,” (Indian apolis Star, August 9, of dollars in state funding—about “. . . How many of the evaluation 2011). “These students,” re ported Indian - $8,000 per student—because of procedures being discussed ... apolis Star reporter Kristine Guerra, “are declining enrollment.” identify the teachers who get their part of a new and ambitious ‘reclama- Enter the Superintendent again: tion’ campaign the district launched in “When we lose money, we lose pro- students debating and arguing early July.” grams and people. And we can’t among themselves about what I wish one of the popular television have the kind of district we want if more they want to find out “reality shows” had covered this story. we cut our programs.” Writes Guerra: “Every day for a month, Reporter Guerra then brought now that they’ve been turned about 40 district staff and volunteers, a re claimed student into the con- on to learning?” wearing blue shirts with ‘Reclaim Your versation: twenty-year-old Darryl Future, It’s Not Too Late to Graduate’ Chapman, who said he’s glad the scrawled on the back, swarmed neigh- campaign workers came to his borhoods and knocked on doors. Their house as he was pulling up in his goal: persuade dropouts and former stu- driveway. Chapman’s story is typi- dents to come back to school.” cal: school just didn’t seem ap- This first rescue sweep was intended pealing to him. He was unmotivated. So from those tests about dealing with stress to reach five thousand people. After he dropped out of Tech High School after than how to become lifelong learners. 4,212 were contacted, ninety-one agreed ninth grade. And more parents—especially in low- to come back in the fall. According to “Years later,” Guerra noted, “he had income neighborhoods of color whose school officials, this start was a “huge suc- no stable job and no high school diploma. public schools are noted for their “racial cess.” But, commented Guerra, the num- But he does have a 1-year-old daughter. gap” in achievement—are lining up to ber of returning students “certainly does He wants to go back to school. Then, more compete for seats in more flexible charter little to improve IPS’s plummeting enroll- school. He’s doing this for his daughter.” schools. ment rate.” Added student Chapman: “There’s Parents whose children remain in reg- Ah, but Guerra went on to reclaim her nothing really out here without an educa- ular schools could usefully expend some story’s significance by quoting School tion. I want her to be better than I was.” reformist energy by welcoming back the Superintendent Eugene White: “The ex - The fact that students are coming pec tation was to get out and get the mes- back to school may well attract the atten- (Continued on page 49)

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Julia Lavarnway OP-ED

CFI Gives Women a Voice with ‘Women in Secularism’ Conference

ttending the Center for Inquiry and the late Christopher Hitchens is not of women in between. It really brought (CFI)’s “Women in Secularism” con- the Holy Ghost!” she quipped after noting home the point that women have always A ference in Arlington, Virginia, May that some women seem to be turned off made contributions, big and small, to the 18–20, 2012, was an inspiring experience. by the idea of trading in religious patri- secular movement. It’s just that they Having worked for CFI for six years, I have archy for a secular one. haven’t been recognized in the same way become used to the male-dominated cul- Another highlight on Saturday was a that many men’s contributions have been. ture that is prevalent in secularism. It was lively panel discussion on the intersection Another very memorable moment of therefore refreshing to hear so many between nontheism and feminism mod- the conference came during the “Why women speaking one after the other on erated by Annie Laurie Gaylor, cofounder Women need Freedom from Religion” why more women are not involved in the of the Freedom from Religion Founda - panel, moderated by Jacoby with FREE secular movement. The subject has felt tion, with FREE InquIRy columnist Ophelia InquIRy columnist Greta Christina, human like the elephant in the room for years— Ben son, Blackfemlens.org editor Sikivu rights activist Wafa Sultan, Gaylor, and Hutchin son, Blag Hag blog- executive director of the Richard Dawkins ger Jennifer McCreight, Foundation for Reason and Science u.S., and Skepchick.org founder Elisabeth Cornwell. During the q and A Rebecca Watson. The gen- portion of the session, an audience mem- “It was refreshing to hear so many eral discussion seemed to ber asked the panelists how they respond women speaking one after the other focus on the observation to the claim that spreading secularism on why more women are not involved that both religious belief among op pressed religious women, like and sexism are so en - those under sharia law in Islamic countries, in the secular movement.” trenched in our society that is being imperialist. Christina responded, people take them com- “Tell that to the girl who had her clitoris cut pletely for granted for the off, or to the girl with the acid thrown in most part. noted Mc - her face. And all I have to say to them talked about among feminists in the Creight, rather astutely, “religious belief [those who say we shouldn’t spread secu- movement, sure, but not at major meet- and sexist belief are alike in a lot of ways: larism because it’s not re spectful of that ings. The website for the event so suc- it’s the little things that matter.” While culture] is fuck you!,” which she accentu- cinctly hit the nail on the head: “until people may realize that the big things, say ated with a double flip of the bird. What now.” CFI’s “Women in Secularism” con- the murder of someone for their lack of I loved about that moment was it seemed ference was the very first national one religious belief or the rape of a woman, to embody a lot of what the “Women dedicated to the subject—a historic are definitely bad, they’re less likely to in Secularism” conference was about. event. As Ronald A. Lindsay, CFI president think that smaller infractions, such as Women are passionate about secularism and CEO, put it during his opening posting the Ten Commandments on pub- and the rights of our fellow human beings, remarks, “Some say it’s about time that lic school grounds or saying “ran away like and that passion does not need to be we have a secular conference dedicated a little girl” as an insult, are a big deal. But expressed in a demure and “ladylike” fash- to women. I say it’s past time.” it is the little stuff that adds up and keeps ion. The harm that religious oppression can One of the highlights of the confer- sexist and religious beliefs so pervasive in do really pisses us off. ence was the very first talk, given by Susan our society. Sunday was dedicated to the future Jacoby, author of Freethinkers: A History of Gaylor presented an appealing and of women in secularism. The highlight of American Secularism, on Saturday morn- informative PowerPoint on “The History the day was the panel discussion on the ing bright and early at 8:30 A.M. Jacoby of Women in Freethought.” Her presenta- topic moderated by Jennifer Michael was funny, passionate, and engaging tion spanned from Anne Hutchinson in Hecht, author of Doubt: A History, and right out of the gate. “Richard Dawkins is the seventeenth century to high-school not the pope, Sam Harris is not a cardinal, activist Jessica Ahlquist today and dozens (Continued on page 48)

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Stephen Law OP-ED

Relaunching the International Academy of Humanism

n the United States, atheists and human- present Laureates include world-leading ment in support of those working to pro- ists are among its most vilified and dis- philosophers such as Daniel C. Dennett, mote progressive secular thought and atti- Itrusted citizens. One of the most effective W.V.O. Quine, Ernest Nagel, Jürgen tudes across the Middle East. The resulting ways of countering this prejudice is to offer Habermas, Peter Singer, Isaiah Berlin, and statement, ap proved by the Academy, was a vivid reminder that some of the world’s Richard Rorty. Business figures such as announced at the joint Council for Secular leading moral, cultural, and scientific George Soros and Miramax founder Humanism/Center for Inquiry conference figures are indeed humanists. A good place Harvey Weinstein are also represented, “Moving Secularism For ward,” held in to start is with the past and present mem- as are biblical scholars, including G.A. Orlando, Florida, in March 2012. The state- bers of the International Academy of Wells and Elaine Pagels. And then there’s ment appears in the text box on the next Humanism (IAH). comedian Steve Allen, the creator and page. The Academy should be better known first host of The Tonight Show. Given that At the Orlando conference, the Acad - than it is. An honorary body comprising up the Acad emy comprises such incandes- to eighty Humanist Laureates, the IAH was cent individuals—including my boyhood emy sponsored a three-hour session during founded in 1980 by Paul Kurtz to recognize hero Carl Sagan—I was baffled but of which Laureates could speak about their and honor distinguished humanists and to course delighted to find myself made a work. Anthropologist Lionel Tiger gave a disseminate humanistic ideals. Once member last year. provocative lecture on the subject of “Male elected, members retain their status for life. The Academy has not been a particu- Original Sin.” Nobel Prize-winning chemist Currently there are sixty-six Laureates, and larly active body: its role, to date, has Sir Harold Kroto, armed with one of the steps are being taken to bring the member- been almost entirely honorary. The most eye-catching PowerPoint presenta- ship roster back to full strength. The mem- Council for Secular Humanism and the tions I’ve ever seen, gave a rousing talk on bers of the Academy themselves decide Center for Inquiry, recognizing the religious belief. To open the session, I pre- who should be invited to join their ranks. valuable re source that such an extraordi- sented a succinct version of my philosophy What qualifies someone to be a nary body offers, have relaunched the paper “The Evil God Challenge” (published Academy with an eye toward revitalizing Laureate of the IAH? Laureates must have in 2010 in Religious Studies), which has made an important contribution to schol- it and giving it a more prominent posi- received quite a bit of attention recently, arship or to the production of work of out- tion in humanist life. To get things mov- not least because of the use I made of it in standing artistic or literary merit or have ing, a set of bylaws has been drawn up a debate with Christian apologist and other significant achievements. In addition, and a Secretariat established to take care philosopher William Lane Craig. (It also Laureates should (1) be de voted to free of the running of the Academy. The inquiry in all fields of human en deavor, (2) Secretariat comprises myself, Steven appears in my Very Short Introduction to be committed to a scientific outlook and Pinker, Ann Druyan, and Elizabeth Loftus. Human ism [Oxford University Press, 2011].) the use of the scientific method in acquir- I have agreed to act as chair for the time Given the range and depth of talent ing knowledge, and (3) uphold humanist being. A new Secretariat, elected by the the Academy has to offer, it presents ethical values and principles. Laureates themselves, will be appointed humanists with a valuable and largely Cast an eye down the list of current every three years. unexploited resource, including role and previous members of the IAH and One of the few stated functions of the models for future generations of human- you cannot help but be impressed. Academy is to issue occasional public state- ists—and also the potential to inform, Laureates past and present include some ments on matters of particular significance and perhaps even influence, public opin- extraordinary individuals. You will find to its members. Among the first actions we ion around the world. My hope is that the the writers Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, took was to explore the possibility of the International Academy of Humanism will IAH issuing a statement on the popular Kurt Von negut, Salman Rushdie, Gore develop into one of the better-known Vidal, Christopher Hitchens, Umberto uprisings across the Middle East. The upris- jewels in the crown of the global human- Eco, and Ann Druyan. There are leading ings and their aftermath are obviously of ist movement. scientists such as Francis Crick, Richard great concern to many human- Dawkins, Stephen Jay Gould, Carl Sagan, ists and secularists around the International Academy of Humanism Secretary Stephen Law is Steven Pinker, Elizabeth Loftus, Lionel world, and the Academy also senior lecturer at Heythrop College, University of London Tiger, and Harry Kroto. Other past and decided to issue a public state- and editor of the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal Think.

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Laureates of the International Academy of Humanism

1. Pieter Admiraal (MD—Netherlands) 41. Elaine Pagels (Harrington Spear Paine Recently Deceased 2. Shulamit Aloni (Minister of Education— Professor of Religion, Princeton Univ.— Kurt Baier (Univ. of Pittsburgh—USA) Israel) USA) d. 2010 3. Ruben Ardila (Univ. de Colombia— 42. Jean-Claude Pecker (Collège de France— Sir Hermann Bondi (Churchill College—UK) d. Colombia) France) 2005 4. Margaret Atwood (author—Canada) 43. Steven Pinker (Harvard Univ.—USA) Elena Bonner (human rights advocate—Russia) 5. Etienne Baulieu (French Inst. of Health & 44. Dennis Razis (MD—Greece) d. 2011 Medical Research—France) 45. Salman Rushdie (author, MIT—USA) Vern Bullough (Univ. of Southern California— 6. Baruj Benacerraf (Dana-Farber Cancer 46. Fernando Savater (philosophy educator— USA) d. 2005 Institute—USA) Spain) Arthur C. Clarke (author, Sri Lanka) 7. Jacques Bouveresse (Collège de France— 47. Peter Singer (Princeton Univ.—USA) d. 2008 France) 48. Jens C. Skou (Univ. of Aarhus—Denmark) Bernard Crick (Univ. of London—UK) 8. Paul D. Boyer (Univ. of California, Los 49. J.J.C. Smart (Australian National Univ.— d. 2008 Angeles—USA) Australia) Antony Flew (Reading Univ.—UK) d. 2010 9. Mario Bunge (McGill Univ.—Canada) 50. Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate, author— Betty Friedan (founder, NOW—USA) d. 2006 10. Jean-Pierre Changeux (Collège de France— Nigeria) Vitaly Ginzburg (Moscow State University— France) 51. Barbara Stanosz (Inst. Ksia˛z·ka i Prasa— Russia) d. 2009 11. Patricia Smith Churchland (Univ. of Poland) Herbert Hauptman (Nobel Laureate, State Univ. California, San Diego—USA) 52. Jack Steinberger (physicist—Switzerland) of New York—USA) d. 2011 12. Richard Dawkins (Oxford Univ.—UK) 53. Thomas S. Szasz (State Univ. of New York— Christopher Hitchens (author, 13. José M. R. Delgado (Univ. of Madrid—Spain) USA) lecturer—USA) d. 2011 14. Daniel C. Dennett (Tufts University—USA) 54. Sir Keith Thomas (Oxford Univ.—UK) Thelma Lavine (George Mason 15. Jean Dommanget (Royal Observatory— 55. Rob Tielman (Univ. of Utrecht— Univ.—USA) d. 2011 Belgium) Netherlands) José Leite Lopes (Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas 16. Ann Druyan (author, lecturer, 56. Lionel Tiger (Rutgers Univ.—USA) Fisicas—Brazil) d. 2006 producer—USA) 57. Neil deGrasse Tyson (scientist, Hayden Paul MacCready (AeroVironment—USA) 17. Umberto Eco (Univ. of Bologna—Italy) Planetarium—USA) d. 2007 18. Luc Ferry (Sorbonne—France) 58. Mario Vargas Llosa (author—Perú) Conor Cruise O’Brien (Univ. of 19. Yves Galifret (Union Rationaliste—France) 59. Simone Veil (former president, European Dublin—Ireland) d. 2008 20. Johan Galtung (Univ. of Oslo—Norway) Parliament—France) Marcel Roche (Inst. de Investigaciones 21. Murray Gell-Mann (Nobel Laureate, Sante 60. Gore Vidal (author—USA) Científicas—Venezuela) d. 2003 Fe Inst.—USA) 61. Mourad Wahba (Univ. of Ain Shams— Richard Rorty (Univ. of Virginia—USA) d. 2007 22. Rebecca Goldstein (philosopher and Egypt) Arthur Schlesinger Jr. (City Univ.—USA) d. 2007 author—USA) 62. James D. Watson (author, Svetozar Stojanovi´c (Univ. of Belgrade— 23. Adolf Grünbaum (Univ. of Pittsburgh—USA) biologist—USA) Yugoslavia) d. 2010 24. Jürgen Habermas (Univ. of Frankfurt— 63. Steven Weinberg (Univ. of Texas, Austin— Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (author—USA) d. 2007 Germany) USA) 25. Margherita Hack (astronomer, 64. Harvey Weinstein (cofounder of Miramax— Institutions listed for identification only. astrophysicist—Italy) USA) 26. Alberto Hidalgo Tuñón (Univ. de Oviedo— 65. G.A. Wells (Univ. of London—UK) Spain) 66. Edward O. Wilson (Harvard 27. Donald Johanson (Inst. of Human Origins— Univ.—USA) USA) 28. Sergei˘ Kapitza (Moscow Inst. of Physics and Technology—Russia) 29. George Klein (Karolinska Statement from the International Academy of Humanism Inst.—Sweden) 30. György Konrád (author—Hungary) The recent uprisings across the Middle East (often referred to as “the Arab Spring”) are of 31. Sir Harold W. Kroto (University of Sussex— immense significance. Will the states involved come to embrace progressive, secular (that is UK) to say, religiously neutral), liberal values and democracy, or has the removal of the old polit- 32. Ioanna Kuçuradi (FISP—Turkey) ical regimes paved the way for religiously conservative and authoritarian movements to 33. Valerií A. Kuvakin (Moscow State Univ.— gain control? Will we see a flourishing of freedom of speech, or growing religious intimida- Russia) 34. Gerald A. Larue (Univ. of Southern tion and oppression, including an erosion of those rights and freedoms that women have California—USA) previously enjoyed in countries such as Tunisia? 35. Richard Leakey (activist and This is a pivotal moment. The outcome of these uprisings will not only affect the lives of conservationist—Kenya) the millions of people living in the countries experiencing revolutionary transformation but 36. Jean-Marie Lehn (Université Louis Pasteur— also affect relations between East and West for generations to come. It is of utmost impor- France) tance that fundamental freedoms, in cluding freedom of speech and conscience, be recog- 37. Elizabeth Loftus (professor, Univ. of nized and respected by the new regimes. The International Academy of Humanism wishes California/Irvine—USA) wholeheartedly to voice its support for, and forge constructive relationships with, those 38. Adam Michnik (author—Poland) working to promote progressive, secular thought and attitudes across the Middle East. 39. Jonathan Miller (OBE, MD, author—UK) —Issued at the “Moving Secularism Forward” Conference, March 2012 40. Taslima Nasrin (MD, author—Bangladesh)

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists Introduction

Lauren Becker

very two months, subscribers to FREE INQUIRY magazine Wach’s story on page 35), but it’s important to remember that enjoy reading a new issue filled with enlightening articles winning an argument is not necessarily the same thing as chang- Eabout secular humanism and related topics. As the director ing someone’s mind. Simply being right doesn’t necessarily right of outreach for the Council for Secular Humanism’s supporting a wrong. organization, the Center for Inquiry, I am fortunate to encounter To the extent that secular humanists are concerned with people every day who are living the values of secular humanism, humanity—to the extent that we have compassion for others people for whom secular humanism is much more than a maga- and a desire to make this life, our only life, the best it can be— zine, a philosophy, or an academic position. For these individuals, many activists feel that we need to be more in the business of secular humanism is a way of living that compels them to stand helping people win with us and less in the business of beating up and become part of their communities, encourages them to them. The challenge to those of us who want to see a more secu- offer their hands to strangers, and inspires them to do what they lar and humane world is to find an effective way to diminish errant can to improve the lives of their fellow human beings. and dangerous beliefs and ideologies without diminishing the people who hold them. Secular humanism should not be about defeating one’s fellow humans. Yes, of course we need to win arguments, but the point of winning the argument should be winning the person, holding onto the person while he or she lets go of the harmful beliefs. One of the most proven and effective ways to do this is “If our goal is to educate and advocate for to translate our good arguments into good actions, which can often speak louder than words. The way we live and a secular and more humane world, the default to treat one another can be one of the best arguments for argument can sometimes be a problem.” our worldview. For the times when our words aren’t effec- tive, we ourselves can be the best evidence for the value of secular humanism.

he authors in this section are not professional writers, Tjournalists, or academics. They are a small sample of thousands of secular humanist activists who in many ways exemplify secular humanism. All of them have found a Secular humanists, skeptics, freethinkers, and the like are way to put their secular humanist values into practice; they trans- famously fond of evidence and facts. This is admirable and valu- late their life stance into action to become ambassadors and pro- able, of course, but this predilection often expresses itself in argu- moters of the secular humanist worldview. mentation, confrontation, and lots and lots of words. If our goal Though some secular humanists blanch at the idea of getting is to educate and advocate for a secular and more humane together with other secular humanists to do service work, others world, the default to argument can sometimes be a problem. As enjoy the camaraderie and effectiveness of working as a team. secular humanists, we have compassion and respect for our fel- Also, sometimes it’s simply safer to act in numbers. James Croft low human beings, but most people don’t interpret an argument spends a lot of time bringing good people together to do good as an expression of compassion. There is most definitely a time things, and he explains how this can induce and spread humanist and place for disagreement, or even all-out battle (see EllenBeth values. Mindy Miner and other CFI–Michigan Secular Service

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

Program members gather regularly to contribute to their local family of sorts. Together we are working to give expression and community, from making sandwiches for needy school kids to par- life to a positive and hopefully world-changing philosophy, so we ticipating in local environmental cleanup and restoration projects. need to extend to each other the same compassion and concern In addition to many other service activities, Franklin Kramer and that we profess for humankind in general. After all, when one of other members of his campus group found a way to raise money us wins, we all win. This is secular humanism with a heart; this is for a secular adoption agency when a local Catholic agency chose secular humanism with a pulse. to shut down rather than place children with gay couples. Alix Jules has taken the lead in founding the Dallas–Fort Worth Coalition of Lauren Becker is vice president and director of Outreach at the Center for reason’s Diversity Council to help make his local atheist group Inquiry, and an associate editor of FREE INQUIRY. more responsive to the broader community. And Bill Cooke describes brave groups affiliated with the Center for Inquiry who are working in Kenya, uganda, India, and egypt to counteract dan- gerous superstitious beliefs with sound science and secularism. Other authors saw a need and took it upon themselves to fill it. A Note from the Editor rebecca Hensler created Grief Beyond Belief to provide a place for Several articles in this section take a strong position in favor nonreligious people to find support and comfort after the death of of shared charitable or social-service work as a platform for a loved one. Bob Stevenson realized that his Daytona Beach neigh- secular humanist activism. It is not the intent of Free InquIry bors were struggling with addiction and has spent the past seven- or the Council for Secular Humanism to advocate this vari- teen years hosting secular recovery meetings to provide an alterna- ety of activism for all. We recognize that some readers will tive to higher-power-oriented twelve-step programs. view the idea of bringing together secular humanists as sec- Sometimes helping one’s community is defined by lobbying ular humanists for charitable service with distaste. For some, to change it. reba Boyd Wooden describes how she and the it will be uncomfortably reminiscent of activities in the members of CFI–Indiana have joined coalitions to advocate at the churches they abandoned with relief. Others will find the Indiana State House for public policy based on science, reason, idea at odds with their understanding of secularism as an and secular values. individualistic and cosmopolitan framework that encour- Occasionally, however, all the compassion and respect in the ages men and women to connect to the highest levels of society as directly as possible, relying on their community of world won’t win the argument or the person. ellenBeth Wachs belief for nothing that does not immediately concern their has risked personal safety and property to challenge the blatant life stance. Other secular humanists, of course, will find harassment and unconstitutional actions of her local police and these essays stirring, even empowering. government. Her story is a perfect illustration of a situation in The reader is invited to view these articles as a cluster of which it is imperative to not only win the argument but also bold statements on one side of what is recognized as a vital defeat the people and their beliefs. and ongoing debate. your comments are welcome in our Finally, Hemant Mehta reminds us that while we work to Letters column. Please address Andrea Szalanski, Letters improve our broader communities, we should not forget to look editor, P.O. Box 664, Amherst ny 14226-0664, or e-mail after the people in our own humanist, freethought, skeptic, and [email protected]. atheist communities. Like all values, secular humanist values —Tom Flynn begin in the home, where they can be demonstrated, practiced, and absorbed. The people in our movement are an extended

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Sparking a Fire in the Humanist Heart

James Croft

n 1877 at the age of twenty-six, Felix Adler founded the Ethical books, we must rely on [ourselves]. [People] who are them- Culture Society, a humanistic congregational social movement selves aflame with the desire for the good can kindle in others the same desire. What a [woman] feels [she] can make others dedicated to ethical practice. His founding address spoke of the I feel; what [she] sees [she] can make others see; when [she] need for communities dedicated to moral action and ethical supremely wills the right [she] can make others will it. Ethics is improvement—congregations that, without reference to God, propagated just as art is. The artist is a man who loves the would work together to solve the social ills of the late nineteenth beautiful, and loves it so much that he can make others love it; who sees the beautiful and can open the eyes of others to see century. Adler knew how to get freethinking hearts pumping: he it. So morality is propagated. [Gender language has been mod- used to sell out Carnegie Hall with his lectures, and the press spilt ernized by this essay’s author.] ink liberally whenever he spoke. In a few decades he built a social Adler’s insight was a powerful one and is borne out by contem- movement that, although small, had an enormous impact in the porary research. Sociologists Robert D. Putnam and David service of humanistic goals. The Ethical Culture movement he E. Campbell, in the enormous study of American religion detailed launched founded the Visiting Nurse Association (which still pro- in their book Amer ican Grace (2010), discovered that religious peo- vides home health and hospice services to people around the ple are indeed more socially engaged than non religious people: country), the Child Study Association, and the Encampment for they vote more, give more money to charity, volunteer more of Citizenship and played a role in establishing the Legal Aid Soci - their time, and run more often for civic office. ety, the National Associa tion for the Advancement of Colored However, this didn’t seem to be related to the intensity of a People, and the American Civil Liberties Union. believer’s faith. Rather, higher levels of civic engagement were related to engagement with a religious com- munity. Thus, they found, someone who isn’t so in tensely religious will tend to show the same civic-mindedness if, for whatever reason, “Ethical Culturists, although always few in number he or she is engaged in a religious community (it is estimated there were never more than a as much as someone who has greater religious few thousand members), had a big social impact.” conviction. Conversely, a deeply religious per- son who is not a member of a church commu- nity doesn’t display the same level of engage- ment. Therefore, Putnam and Campbell sug- gest, “close, morally intense, but nonreligious social networks could have a similarly powerful effect [on civic Ethical Culturists, although always few in number (it is esti- engagement].” mated there were never more than a few thousand members), Adler would not have been surprised. He understood that had a big social impact. Their humanism had a pulse, and putting people “in the midst of crowds” and surrounding them the pulse beat strongly. How did they achieve this, and how with others “aflame with the desire for the good” would work to might today’s humanists achieve similar feats today? In his 1905 reinforce and deepen their commitment to ethical action. He book The Religion of Duty (he considered his form of organized knew that for humanism to have a pulse, you first need to set a humanism a religion), Adler wondered how we might motivate fire in the heart, and that begins with community. At the people to act absent the books and creeds of traditional religions Humanist Community at Harvard—the humanist community and gave us a clue to the answer: that I am a member of—we take Adler’s insight (and Putnam and ... How is it possible to induce [people] to make the effort [to Campbell’s research) seriously and even created a Humanist be ethical], there being no authority of book or creed to lean upon? The answer to that is that the method we must pursue Community Project to help build moral social networks. is to put [people] in the midst of crowds. We may not rely on I myself have felt the power of a strong moral community. For

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

the past three years I’ve spent my spring break (a precious March ples that you endorse in theory and express through your deeds. week that serves as a respite from studying) on a service trip with It means getting up every morning and thinking, “How can I be a other humanists, flying to New Orleans; Eagle Butte, South better person, a better humanist, and what can I do to help oth- Dakota; and Los Angeles to put humanist principles into practice. ers?” It means making the high words of the Humanist Mani- I’ve filled potholes in Louisiana roads, thrown Frisbees with Lakota festos a reality in your everyday life. It means that humanism runs children, and handed out food packets to homeless kids on the through everything you do, that it pulses through the veins of L. A. beaches. Closer to home, I’ve exchanged old light bulbs for your life. newer, more efficient ones in the suburbs of Boston (an initiative Sometimes when I’m asked what a humanist is, I give the we called “Green Without God”) and cooked food for our local American Humanist Association’s fifty-word definition. I say it is food bank. As I type, my feet are still throbbing from the twenty- being “good without God” or refer the questioner to the third mile Walk for Hunger, which saw a team of Harvard humanists dragging themselves around Boston to raise almost two thousand dollars for Project Bread. I like to think of myself as a good person, but I certainly would not have done all “...Someone who isn’t so intensely religious will tend to this—and I definitely wouldn’t have done it all so show the same civic-mindedness if, for whatever reason, cheerfully—without the encouragement and organization my moral community provides. he or she is engaged in a religious communitiy as much I’ve also grown as a person. Adler, an educa- as someone who has greater religious conviction.” tor as well as an orator and activist (he founded a school and was influential in the school- reform debates of his time) hoped that Ethical Culture communities would serve to develop individuals in their understanding of, and appreciation for, the Humanist Manifesto—I refer them to our “creed.” Adler had a dif- ethical life. He hoped that the spark humanist communities ferent idea. The motto of Ethical Culture is “Deed before Creed,” would light in the hearts of their members would grow into a placing the emphasis on ethical action rather than beliefs. So raging roar. And it has in me. The humanist community at here’s a challenge: next time someone asks you what a humanist Harvard has been central to my development as a humanist and is, tell them to spend some time with you as you live your life. If as a person. I understand more about my own beliefs and com- your humanism truly has a pulse, he or she won’t need to read a mitments as a humanist (you could say I’ve “grown in non-faith”), manifesto—your deeds will describe the fire in your heart. but I have also been affected more personally: it was in the lov- ing embrace of my humanist community that I was able to come out of the closet and accept myself as a gay man. This community has given me much. And, as a result, I am James Croft is the Research and Education Fellow at the Humanist more committed to it—I want to give something back. It’s no Community at Harvard and has worked on the Humanist Community stretch to say that my activism on behalf of humanism (I now Project since its inception. He is a Cambridge and Harvard graduate and travel all over the country talking about building humanist com- is currently studying for his doctorate in the philosophy of education at the munities) is a direct result of the growth I have experienced at my Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was raised on Shakespeare, Harvard humanist home. I am aflame with desire for the good. Sagan, and Star Trek and is a proud, gay humanist. To me, this is what humanism with a pulse means: it means a vital humanism, a lifelong commitment to a set of noble princi-

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Secular Service in Michigan

Mindy Miner

ho cares? We do! “The happiest people I have known ment: “The CFI–Michigan Secular Service Program provides oppor- have been those who gave themselves no concern about tunities to support the mission of the Center for Inquiry by translat- Wtheir own souls, but did their uttermost to mitigate the ing humanist values into action for the common good of human- miseries of others.” These words, spoken by social activist Elizabeth ity. The Secular Service Program is working to provide opportuni- Cady Stanton around the turn of the twentieth century, still ring ties for members to engage in community service and outreach true today. It is exactly this sentiment that inspired the Michigan throughout the year.” branch of Center for Inquiry to form a Secular Service Program. To better manage the workload, we divided into subcommit- After years of discussion about how we would like to “give back,” tees. Each subcommittee had a theme: Health, Children and “get involved,” “socialize,” and “strengthen our presence as a Education, and Environment. These topics were chosen because group,” we put our good intentions into action in 2010. group members felt we could find plenty of suitable volunteer To get our endeavors underway, a committee of interested activities in these categories that fit CFI’s mission. We also felt we individuals was formed and drafted the following vision state- could involve a larger number of members by exploring a wide range of activities. Our first service adventure was in the Health category, for which we organized a “After years of discussion about how we would like CFI–Michigan team to participate in a to ‘give back,’ ‘get involved,’ ‘socialize,’ and community walk for multiple sclerosis. We ‘strengthen our presence as a group,’ also hosted a successful Red Cross blood drive, which we continue to hold annually. we put our good intentions into action in 2010.” One of our most successful projects fell into the category of Children and Ed - ucation. In 2010 we packed sandwiches for an organization called Kids’ Food Basket, which works to provide sack din- ners daily to over 4,800 children who live in poverty. We spent two hours making hundreds of sandwiches to help achieve their mission: “that lunch is not the last meal of the day” for these children. It was a CFI family affair, with parents bringing their children for a day of service, and a good time was had by all. We had such a good turnout that this has become an annual CFI service event. The Environment category has of - fered plenty of opportunities for volun- teering. Our group has twice participated in the Grand River Cleanup with good member participation. A smaller group spent a day at Saul Lake Bog, a local nature preserve, helping pull invasive plants for a prairie restoration project. We also spread mulch at a county park for a children’s playground, and we’ve Photo by Cathy Seaver CFI—Michigan Secular Service Program volunteers worked on the playground at Millennium Park hosted a work day at the Long Lake in Grand Rapids. Outdoor Center for several years to help

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

restore and maintain the historic campground for the benefit of and support that our group is so good at providing. This is the type numerous community organizations. of outreach I am proud to be a part of.” All in all, in two and a half short years, we have participated in Organizing atheists is often likened to “herding cats” because at least twenty-five projects involving over three hundred volun- we aren’t inherently united by a belief system. Consequently, a teers who have put in more than one thousand volunteer hours of strong, social network of caring, like-minded people often seems service. These projects have reaped many benefits, both planned missing in atheist organizations. For me, this was one of the most and unintended. Aside from “doing good for goodness’s sake” compelling reasons to become part of the Secular Service Program. and having fun in the process, we have become stronger as an It affords me a sense of belonging and an opportunity to grow as organization. We wear our CFI T-shirts when we work and often an individual by helping others. The focus surrounding an atheist have the opportunity to explain to others what we’re about, which organization is often about what we don’t believe. I feel strongly has led to new memberships and increased awareness of that if we spend more time focusing on what we do believe, we CFI–Michigan. The Service Program has also allowed us to engage can present a more positive face to the general public and unify entire families in more events, not just the adults who attend the ourselves as a group. regular meetings. We often gather for breakfast or lunch before or I believe in the power of human kindness and compassion to after an event, which helps us develop a sense of community change the world. The CFI–Michigan Service Program gives me a among our members. place to begin. It’s a small beginning in a small corner of the world, It is this feeling of becoming a family that spurred our most but just as Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s efforts blossomed into a recent and ongoing project, Food for Comfort. This is a central woman’s right to vote, I hope our efforts will perhaps prompt database created by one of our members designed to support our other atheist groups to show the world that there is a real heart to CFI community with meals during times of life change, such as the secular humanism. birth of a child, an illness, or the death of a loved one. Any member may sign up to receive one or more meals during a time of need. One of our members recently lost his wife to a lengthy illness. Mindy Miner lives in Rockland, Michigan, with her husband, Jon. Raising their two Phone calls were made, lists were organized, and fresh food was children has been her primary occupation, although in addition to being a prepared and personally delivered by some of our Service Program CFI–Michigan Secular Service Program committee member, she has held both volunteers to the memorial service. Afterward, Cathy Seaver, one paid and unpaid positions with various local nonprofits. In her free time, she pur- of our member-volunteers, summed it up best: “I believe we made sues her passion of gardening and restoring native habitats. today a little less painful for the family by showing them the love

Campus Service Work

Franklin Kramer and Derek Miller

s atheists and skeptics, we face a unique problem in that Atheist and secular groups have been pushing the “Good we are among the least-liked and least-trusted minority without God” message for some time now, and we think that’s A groups in America. You’re probably familiar with the statis- great. Perhaps we need a direct attack on the frequently held tics, but it is worth reviewing a few of the more startling ones. A notion that the nonreligious are somehow inherently less moral study from the University of British Columbia suggests that than their religious counterparts. But unfortunately, in terms of Americans find atheists less trustworthy than rapists. According raw numbers, we still fall behind. When it comes to actually to a Gallup poll from last year, half of all Americans would not doing good work, empirical evidence tells us that religious indi- vote for an atheist candidate for president under any circum- viduals, on average, are more engaged in their local communi- stances. A study by the University of Minnesota shows that athe- ties, give more to charity, and are more active in volunteering ists are considered the group “least likely to embrace common (see the 2010 book American Grace by Robert D. Putnam and values and a shared vision of society.” It goes without saying that David E. Campbell). if you’re looking to change the way people feel about atheists, If you ask us, the most obvious reason for these good acts can you have your work cut out for you. But what is the most effec- be summed up in one word: community. Religious people are active tive means of actually achieving that goal? in communities that encourage (or even mandate) doing good

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work, and the nonreligious currently do not have that. If we as a do to improve the image of atheists in society, giving up your pre- movement want to stand by the words we display on highways cious life fluids to potentially save the life of a stranger has got to across the country, we’re going to have to start in our communities. be high on the list. If there’s one place for atheists to start to organize and do If you’re looking for more ideas, we encourage you to get in good work, it is on our college campuses. In terms of communities, touch with your local churches or any organization that pro- student groups are way ahead of their more “adult” counterparts motes some kind of interfaith work. We know the idea of atheist and understandably so, because college is a time in our lives where or humanist organizations involving themselves with interfaith community comes naturally. Your next question might be, “How organizations is controversial, but we’ve had a lot of success by can student groups do good?” To answer that, we’ll give a couple breaking into their preexisting model for service projects. We examples of things our group, the Illini Secular Student Alliance, were also lucky enough to have an Interfaith in Action chapter has done in this past year. on our campus that was open to critical debate and discussion, so we didn’t run into the kind of problems that other groups have reportedly had. Regardless, if that kind of structure is not available to you, go out of your way to find other ways to improve your com- munity. “Perhaps we need a direct attack on the frequently This is just a very small sample of the kinds of held notion that the nonreligious are somehow things we have done, but many student groups across the country have been doing other awe- inherently less moral than their religious counterparts.” some things too. Our secular friends on the campus of Indiana University turned their blood drive into a protest against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy not to allow blood donations from homosexuals. The University of Northern Iowa Freethinkers and Inquirers We had our first big service project of the year in October 2011. recently organized a 24/7 Service Week to run alongside their After reading a post on Hemant Mehta’s blog The Friendly Atheist religious community’s 24/7 Prayer Week. The opportunities are about Catholic adoption agencies shutting down to avoid placing endless, and you should never underestimate the power your col- children with gay couples, we were moved to support a secular lege group has. It is up to us, as college students, to be role mod- agency that was stepping up to care for hundreds of kids who had els for the atheism movement as a whole. We are at an amazing been left behind. We went out to an intersection in the heart of point where the things we do, as atheist student groups, will per- our campus night life scene and started selling hot dogs to the hard manently shape the future of the movement as a whole. partiers, and in just a couple nights we managed to raise about two When you serve your local community, you have the great- hundred dollars. We were amazed at how easy this was to do. As est opportunity to change the way people view you because can you might imagine, hot dogs practically sell themselves. show them with your actions that you are committed to social Then, in December, we teamed up with our local Interfaith in justice. And once they see that, maybe they’ll stick up for you Action affiliate and the biggest Catholic group on campus to next time someone makes an offhand comment about what make the holidays brighter for some families in need. The church atheists are like and what they believe. We are convinced that had a list of families that were going through rough times, along we will win respect, not by working to make a better world for with the ages and interests of their children. From there, it took ourselves but by working ardently to build a better world for only a quick trip to Walmart and a hundred dollars to make these everyone—and we hope that you’re willing to join us to make kids feel really special. Seeing their faces when we arrived with that happen. presents was by far the most meaningful experience we’ve had doing any service project. Once per semester (for about two years now), we host a Red Cross blood drive on campus and encourage all of our members Franklin Kramer is a graduate student studying library and information sci- to donate. This project is feasible for most groups to carry out ence at the University of Illinois. He is a former president of the Illini because the Red Cross has local branches almost everywhere, Secular Student Alliance. Derek Miller is a junior studying political science and it doesn’t cost the groups a dime to organize. It’s also an easy at the University of Illinois. He will be serving as the president of the Illini event to coordinate with other campus groups to improve Secular Student Alliance in the 2012–2013 school year. turnout and make some new friends. Of all the things you could

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

Diversity and Secular Activism

Alix Jules

love the beauty of stained-glass cathedrals. They evoke fond did not share many of my cultural experiences. I was a minority memories of smiling family during my First Communion. Unlike within a minority. My story is not unique; many atheists and sec- Imany of my black friends who were Baptist, I don’t have the sto- ular humanists of color share similar stories. ries of revival and rebirth. I had ritual. It was tied to a repeated nar- In 2008 I went to my first secular Meetup. I was terrified and rative of freedom through suffering, a familiar tale. Although I felt alone. The lack of diversity didn’t help much either. My chil- wasn’t Jewish, I too was promised a Messiah whose incarnations I dren had begun feeling ostracized for not belonging to any of saw in the civil rights movements and various social-justice causes. the local Dallas churches. At that time there was very little to do Though I occasionally questioned the goodness of a god who with children at these Meetup events, yet I kept bringing them would allow the numerous atrocities aimed at a people because along hoping they’d find children their ages. Eventually, other they were different, clergy and family were quick to remind me local atheists and families befriended us and went out of their that “you just have gotta believe.” As one of the many victims of way to make us feel welcome. As the need continued to present “spare the rod, spoil the child” doctrine, I knew not to press. In the African-American community, regardless of denomination, being religious and accepting Jesus is almost a prerequisite to being black. It’s more than pigmen- tation. It’s a shared cultural experience that often comes “In the African-American community, regardless with a religious test. Religion and cultural identity are nearly of denomination, being religious and accepting inextricable from one another. Though African Americans will reluctantly accept separation of church and state, they Jesus is almost a prerequisite to being black.... will not willingly accept separation of church and race. It’s a shared cultural experience that often It wasn’t until I became hell-bent on disproving secular- comes with a religious test.” ists’ claims of moral equity and relativism—on addressing the challenges to my scripture—that I came to understand the fallacies of my own arguments. My very journey to vali- date my faith undid it. By the end of my exploration, I found I had given up my faith but also unwittingly signed over my “black card.” I went from being a Doubting Thomas to also being itself, many of our families created an organization (the Fellow- an Uncle Tom. ship of Freethought Dallas) that would grow to become the I remember the feeling of abandonment when grappling largest atheist group in North Texas. Its primary focus was on with the realization that it was my belief (or lack of it) that caused building a strong, diverse secular community based on family, the rift in my relationships. I recall receiving a text: “write back outreach, and education. More important, my children found when you’ve found Jesus.” There’s no more belittling feeling friends they needn’t hide their disbelief from. My son, who hap- than being told that your lifelong congregation had been asked pens to be autistic, often reminds me how hard it was to “pre- to pray for your safe passage and deliverance from Satan, yet tend to believe” among his peer group. He no longer has to. My watch the church say nothing to condemn priestly pedophilia. I daughters got to play and explore, at an age where everything had to come to grips with the harsh truth that because my wed- was and is a testable hypothesis, all without deferring to a god ding was nonreligious, many of my friends would refuse to for explanation. attend. A marriage without God, I was told, is invalid in the eyes In 2010, after attending the African Americans for Humanism of the Lord. conference hosted by the Center for Inquiry–Washington, D.C., I Eventually, I set my grief aside and set out to find other non- set my sights on addressing the greater problem of diversity in believers. When I did, I noticed that most didn’t look like me and my secular home while also setting out to build new levels of

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understanding of secular humanism and atheism within the believers, which garnered support from across the country. African–American community. That year I asked the leaders of We’ve seen upticks everywhere in interest and group affiliation, the Dallas–Fort Worth Coalition of Reason to stand up and live and online discussion groups regarding minorities and religion diversity with me. We implemented a Diversity Council, where are emerging. minority voices and issues would always be heard and always At March’s Reason Rally in the nation’s capital, we experi- have a spot at the local table. Our coalition billboards, advertise- enced unparalleled diverse representation from the likes of ments, and messages shifted from ideas to faces—all showing Jamila Bey, Ronnelle Adams, Victor Harris, and Indra Zuno. Many the diversity we knew existed. We featured a wide array of eth- of our national groups are beginning to take notice and are nicity, race, gender, and sexuality. Our local coalition ballooned themselves becoming more diverse. to over two thousand members (represented by over a dozen In Atlanta, Mandisa Thomas, AAH activist and cofounder of organizations), nearly 20 percent ethnically diverse and over 40 Black Non-Believers, is challenging the atheist stereotype of aca- percent female (we’re still working on that). We continue to see demic elitism and working to reshape the local image of an open a steady increase in diversity interests at the local level, as well as secular humanist movement—with a human face. Her AAH bill- increased secular activism on behalf of food banks, book drives, board was well received, and she continues promoting discourse and school-supply drives for minority communities. Many of us in the South. Other AAH activists are steadily pounding the pave- ment at conferences and local Meetups, increasing visibility to a growing but some- times overlooked segment of the popula- tion. In Chicago, Kimberly Veal, spokesper- son for the AAH Chicago billboard cam- “There’s no more belittling feeling than being told paign and cohost of Black Freethinker that your lifelong congregation had been asked to pray Radio, dares to take on even more challeng- for your safe passage and deliverance from Satan, ing topics of faith and diversity, often spot- lighting black humanists nationwide, con- yet watch the church say nothing to necting those that need connecting, and condemn priestly pedophilia.” challenging the black religious standard. And in Dallas, we recently launched another billboard and movie theater ad campaign featuring images of secular families and tak- ing back the phrase “family values.” Through heightened outreach and visi- volunteer at women’s health clinics. We’ve taken the sanguine bility, we hope to address the growing cluster of issues that many challenge (blood drives). We literally donate by the busload, and of our colleagues in academia tend to overlook. The problems we jokingly wonder how many of the pious are walking around that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of unknowingly with atheist blood pounding through their evan- thinking that created them, so we’re hoping to bridge the gap gelical veins. between secular scholarship and secular activism, bringing solu- In February 2012, through the generosity of the Stiefel tions to our communities wherever we can. Many of us believe in Freethought Foundation and the extraordinary hard work of the same things that our best and brightest do. We also put edu- Debbie Goddard and the CFI staff, the African Americans for cation first, but translating that into a daily plan or purpose that Humanism (AAH) campaign launched a new awareness initiative is relevant to people’s lives remains somewhat elusive. The during Black History Month. It showcased historical and modern human experience for the secular activist is not defined by how African-American secular humanists on billboards. “Doubts many debates are won but rather by how many lives we’ve about Religion? You’re One of Many” was the theme. Our mes- touched and changed. sage was aimed nationally, yet we got responses from around the globe. The initiative allowed us to take the discussion in the minority community to a new level, from whispered taboo to Alix Jules is the chair and founder of the Dallas–Fort Worth Coalition of (sometimes) verbal assault and denunciation from the pulpit. But Reason’s Diversity Council, founded with the mission of addressing the we are talking. Social media has allowed countless segregated or role of diversity in the local atheist community. He is also executive direc- displaced minority atheists to connect, and they are doing it as tor for the Fellowship of Freethought Dallas, an organization based on pro- never before. viding community-building opportunities to freethinkers and secular fami- In Houston, AAH contributor, author, and former Baptist dea- lies in North Texas. con Donald Wright launched a Day of Solidarity for black non-

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

Live Well and Help Others Live Well

Bill Cooke

he key insight that comes from being an atheist is that this poor, particularly in the countryside. The Center for Inquiry–India life is the only one we have. We don’t have religious peo- arranged for some re spected medical and scientific personnel to T ple’s luxury of explaining away real-time misery as a test of speak to the nurses about the shabby tricks the godmen play on eligibility for a comfortable afterlife or as just retribution for an vulnerable people in the hope that the villagers will not fall for ignoble previous incarnation. This life is all we have. From that their tricks the next time one comes to the village. key moral insight of atheism comes the practical commitment of I have seen this phenomenon firsthand, both in India and humanism. Mario Bunge rewrote the Golden Rule into the even Africa. In Uganda I heard from a man who had been a witch doc- simpler maxim, “Live well and help others live well.” At first tor for fifteen years. He went around the villages and, so long as glance this might sound like a bland thing to say. Nothing could they paid, fed, and housed him—and ministered to whatever be further from the truth. If we care to look hard enough, the call other needs he had—he would ensure that the rains came and to live well and help others live well has pulse-quickening impli- would protect them and their crops from evil spirits. Eventually cations. Consider these examples. he tired of living this life of lies, threats, and extortion. He turned Across Africa, many infants are left as orphans because their to help CFI show how the tricks are done and to warn people not parents have died prematurely of HIV-AIDS. The attitude of the to fall for them. In India, science teachers do this sort of work on churches in this matter is shameful. Incredibly, rather than being their holidays. They go to the villages and show people the cheap brought before the International Criminal Court for crimes tricks the godmen use to persuade them of their holiness. against humanity, the church leaders responsi- ble are promoted to archbishop and praised as moral examplars. The Vatican’s anathema against contraception is the single most impor- tant impediment to bringing the HIV-AIDS epi- “The next time you hear someone dismissing the demic under control. What becomes of the most vulnerable victims, the children? Some battle against superstition as ‘intolerant’ or ‘so are taken away by criminal gangs and brought twentieth century,’ you will know that person is up as pickpockets, beggars, or prostitutes. Some more interested in parading postmodern sophistication are purposely disfigured to make their begging seem all the more urgent. Others are sold over- than in understanding and alleviating the suffering seas to childless couples. A few find their way to of millions of vulnerable people.” local orphanages. Quite a lot are simply left to fend for themselves as best they can. George Ongere from the Center for Inquiry–Kenya has decided to do something about it. He started up a humanist adoption program and is in the process of getting official recognition from The next time you hear someone dismissing the battle against the government. Under this program, infants are housed safely superstition as “intolerant” or “so twentieth century,” you will before being adopted by selected local families. In this way, know that person is more interested in parading postmodern the children have as good a chance of a normal life within their sophistication than in understanding and alleviating the suffering own society as they would have had before the deaths of their of millions of vulnerable people. Superstition is a real danger that parents. can scar people’s lives. It can even kill people. The Atheist Centre Then there’s the problem of superstition. In India recently, in India has been involved, at the request of the Andhra Pradesh the Center for Inquiry arranged a series of talks for nursing stu- state government, in helping to damp down periodic witch dents so they might be equipped to deal with the legion of crazes, during which innocent people suspected of witchcraft fraudulent gurus and “godmen” who so bedevil the lives of the have been murdered. There’s nothing “intolerant” or “twentieth

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century” about being incensed at such unnecessary suffering. serve of their faith. Around the world there are courageous Sometimes living well and helping others live well revolves humanists, many of them in the various Centers for Inquiry, who around what one is thinking and saying. As Egypt slowly emerges are doing incredible things with little or no money. These are from dictatorship following the Arab Spring, many young people good people doing good things. It’s that simple—there is no have become disillusioned with the primitive Islamism being need for lengthy philosophical disquisition. Live well and help touted as the only alternative to the former government. Ideas of others live well. What a call to arms that is, if only we look far this sort are dangerous in Egypt, as they are in most Middle East enough. countries. But that’s not stopping the Center for Inquiry–Cairo from pushing them as far as they can within the limits of their Bill Cooke is director of International Programs at the Center for Inquiry resources. Ideas have consequences, and CFI is doing its best to and a senior editor of FREE INQUIRY. His most recent book is A Wealth of ensure those consequences involve freedom and democracy. Insights: Humanist Thought Since the Enlighten ment (Prometheus Books, It’s imperative we don’t let the religionists walk off with the 2011). presumption that living a purpose-driven life is the exclusive pre-

Grief Beyond Belief

Rebecca Hensler

aretaking, the most traditionally feminine of roles, was not return to faith when I learned at almost five months that Jude was the way I expected to enter a movement. I’ve been an growing inside me with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a birth Cactivist my entire adult life. And yet, I find myself joining the defect that left him with a one-in-ten chance of survival. uprising of unbelievers not as a firebrand or organizer but as Friends and family offered to pray for him, and I let them—to founder of a community of comfort and compassion. a wide variety of deities: Christian, Jewish, Hindu, pagan. But I Grief Beyond Belief (GBB) is an online grief-support net- knew that if my son survived it would be due to the extraordinary work—currently simply a Facebook page—for those who do not medical care he received and his innate will to live, not to the believe in any god or any form of life after death. Within this intercession of any supernatural power. community, members share the struggle of mourning the death Doctors, nurses, and medical technology gave us ninety days of a loved one without the false comforts of heaven or spiritual- with our son. Those days were filled with terror but also with the joys of feeling my baby’s hand holding my finger, seeing curiosity in his eyes, watching him recognize cause and “I found myself alienated by other grieving parents’ effect in the swaying of his favorite toy constant talk of being reunited with their children someday. above his hospital bed. Then, on September 7, 2009, his tiny lungs I had no patience with credulous stories of signs unable to supply his growing body from beloved sons and daughters.” with oxygen, Jude died in my arms. I don’t remember much about the weeks that followed. Our family held a secular memorial with the friends who ism—and safe from the intrusion of other people’s religious had fed us and supported us and rooted for Jude throughout his beliefs. Had GBB existed in the fall of 2009, it would have been short life. I returned to my job as a school counselor. I worked just what I needed. through the days and I cried at night. I was raised a secular Jew, interpreting the Torah as mythology Three months later, I discovered online grief support. It was, so rather than gospel. In my teens and twenties I developed my own to speak, a mixed blessing. A daily Facebook post from The cobbled-together brand of spirituality; in my late thirties I dis- Compassionate Friends, a mainstream parental grief-support missed it for lack of evidence. By the time I became pregnant with organization, gave me a few minutes every day to be with my my son Jude, I had let go of spirituality entirely. I made no move to own grief, to write about my sorrow, and to discover how many

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bereaved parents shared my feelings—from my dread of the tual” who feel equally unserved by mainstream grief support, drugstore baby aisle to the soothing warmth of hearing Jude’s GBB remains free of mysticism as well as mythology. More diffi- name spoken. At the same time, I found myself alienated by other cult are the moments in which the needs of those struggling with grieving parents’ constant talk of being reunited with their chil- the temptation to believe in some sort of afterlife conflict with dren someday. I had no patience with credulous stories of signs the needs of those who require the absolute absence of such from beloved sons and daughters. Every time a mother referred to ideas in order to feel safe. the day her child died as his or her “angelday” brought me one When GBB began, the majority of members, having learned step closer to the obvious conclusion: what I really needed would about the page through atheist and humanist websites, identi- not be found through mainstream grief support. fied strongly as nonbelievers. When an article about the page ran “I’m thinking,” I told my friend Greta Christina one evening, in USA Today, awareness of faith-free grief support spread to a “that maybe I should start an online group just for grieving athe- much wider range of people. ist parents.” She said it was a good idea. Atheist bloggers had Following its publication, a painful situation arose. A father, been writing recently about the question of how to support in agony at the death of his beloved son, began posting about his those in the atheist community who were mourning. She sug- obsession with a theory of quantum physics he believed might gested that I think about expanding the idea beyond parents to allow for his son to still exist somewhere in the multiverse, an other grieving nonbelievers. idea both scientific-seeming and comforting. However, for a While I knew that made sense, I also remember thinking, “I’m widow who had been participating on the page for months, this not trying to serve a community. I just want a place that doesn’t man’s posts verged on evangelism; at GBB, she sought complete exist. I want it badly enough to build it myself.” But I recognized the need, and not just in people who already identified as atheists. If any- thing, it was even more raw in those who had been believers until the death of a loved one— often a particularly unjust-feeling death, such as “Every time a mother referred to the day her child died the death of a child or a death by homicide— as his or her ‘angelday’ brought me one step closer compelled the rejection of faith. For those new to the obvious conclusion: what I really needed would nonbelievers, especially those surrounded by religious friends and family members, the sup- not be found through mainstream grief support.” port of other grieving nonbelievers might ease the transition to rational thought despite the overwhelming pain of bereavement. A year passed before I had healed enough to help others. I spent the spring of 2011 wres - tling with the details of creating a space that would welcome a freedom from any concept of life-after-death. Had the conflict range of nonbelievers, from lifelong atheists irritated by the been about anything other than the most painful experience in slightest intimation of an afterlife to lifelong Christians strug- either of their lives, they might have engaged in an interesting gling to let go of long-held faith in God and heaven. debate about the border between belief and science. As it was, On June 19, 2011, with invaluable support from atheist blog- even with my best efforts at mediation, neither felt the sense of gers, GBB went online as a Facebook page. In eight days, over solace and safety that GBB was created to provide. one thousand people had “liked” the page, some simply to show Under the best of conditions, mutual grief support still has its encouragement but many to seek support. They posted moving limitations. Ultimately if our community is to address the “compli- tributes to dead loved ones and frustrated rants about the ways cated grief” of some losses, trained secular grief counselors will believers made grieving harder for them. Commenters re - be required. Not just counselors who leave questions about faith sponded to the former with prayer-free sympathy and to the lat- out of their practice, but counselors who incorporate research- ter with sympathetic anger. People were actually using the space based knowledge, secular humanism, and the successful grief- for the purpose for which it was built: to take care of each other. management strategies of other nonbelievers into their practice. One year and 3,800 “likes” later, they still are. If secular grief counselors are not available outside of certain But building a sound structure without blueprints isn’t easy; I urban centers, we must find ways to make sure that training in never know where cracks will occur. Abuse and evangelism are secular grief counseling is available. At the very least, we can the easy problems, solved with the “Delete” button. Sometimes it increase awareness of the needs of the growing secular popula- must be explained that faith-free means no reincarnation, no tion at hospital and hospice-based counseling programs. psychic communication, and no spirits as well as no heaven or One of the future goals of GBB is to help those who are griev- angels. While I feel compassion for the “not religious but spiri- ing find professional support by providing a directory of secular

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therapists as well as secular support groups and secular funeral And something new is happening at Grief Beyond Belief. In officiants. Thus, in the future, GBB will grow beyond Facebook to the past two months, members have started posting links to new establishing its own independent website, including discussion Facebook pages and groups they have formed. “If you’re tired of boards and a blog, as well as this directory. being told ‘It’s God’s plan!’ then this page is for you,” states Coping In the meantime, we will take care of each other, learning With Illness & Disability, Without Faith. Another page offers along the way that the growing secular support movement “Secular Support for victims of domestic abuse.” And a grieving requires not merely the absence of comforting mythology but mother has founded a warm, empathetic network in the group the presence of rational compassion. Baby Loss Support for Agnostic & Atheist Moms. Atheist and skeptical writers, speakers, and scientists already It’s just what I needed. excel at making logical arguments and pointing out fallacies. Now we must learn to listen as well as we speak, to comfort as Rebecca Hensler majored in political activism at Brown University and earned her well as we dispute. In this way, as a community, we are beginning master’s degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University. She works as a both to better address the emotional needs of those within the middle-school counselor in the Bay Area. Following the death of her infant son, atheist world and to provide what Greta Christina calls a “safe Jude, in 2009, Hensler founded the online secular grief-support network Grief place to land” for those leaving religion, including those whose Beyond Belief. rejection of religion involved death or loss.

Humanists Care about Humans!

Bob Stevenson

ne of the greatest pleasures in life is to be able to help in Winter Park and decided to go. One of the presentations was those we care about, even if it’s a stranger on the street or about Rational Recovery (RR), and for the first time we realized Oa stray cat. And conversely, one of the greatest torments is there was an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the to be unable to help those we care about—we may lack the other twelve-step religious recovery programs. We were deter- knowledge, talent, money, or opportunity to step in. It’s an expe- mined to ensure that our community was offered a secular alter- rience common to all. native for addiction recovery from alcohol and other drugs. Many years ago, after I retired and moved to Daytona Beach, After that meeting, we established Rational Recovery of Florida, I was very happy to enjoy the sun, sand, and leisure and Daytona Beach. Our work immediately gained credibility by to travel a bit. But I soon discovered that Daytona Beach—with its being associated with an international organization. Later, when auto races, bike weeks, and spring breaks—was a party town, the founder of Rational Recovery, Jack Trimpey, decided to elim- and “party” was defined as getting drunk or high or both. I was inate RR groups, we changed our affiliation to SOS (Secular also amazed to find that even many of the locals (not just the Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves), which was founded tourists) believed that the point of life was to party. by James Christopher and is affiliated with the Council for Secular Of course, there is a downside to hedonism, and many of Humanism. Now, seventeen years later, we still meet weekly— these people were in serious trouble—they had lost jobs and currently at the City Island Library in downtown Daytona Beach. families, had been convicted of DUIs and served jail time, and had SOS is a nonprofit network of autonomous, nonprofessional health problems and suffered emotional vacuums. So to find local groups dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and some purpose for myself, I began working with people with maintain sobriety. SOS is not a spin-off of any religious group; addiction problems. there is no hidden “higher power” agenda. We are concerned A few years later, in 1995, local activists Jim Strayer and Mimi with sobriety, not religiosity. Cerniglia and I attended a secular humanist group monthly lunch Most of the “experts” on addiction believe that the most meeting in Winter Park, Florida. The group was affiliated with important factor for recovery is motivation. Does the person the Council for Secular Humanism and led by André Spuhler. We want to overcome the compulsion? “Want” comes from the were told about a humanist meeting to be held at Rollins College emotional part of the brain, not the intellect, and is very power-

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

ful. Statistically, most who overcome an addiction are approach- offer some suggestions that may be helpful. We stress the biol- ing middle age, and although the addictive behavior was fun and ogy of addiction and the fact that each individual is unique exciting in the beginning, it now causes serious problems and genetically and in the experiences that he or she has had. pain, and they want to quit. We try to remember that it’s impos- Therefore, every individual must craft a unique solution. If one sible to change someone’s mind—only he or she can do that. The solution fails, he or she is encouraged to try another. most we can do is to offer some verifiable facts and hope to VCCF is a valuable venue for us. Outside of penal settings, encourage an “Aha!” moment. many SOS attendees are still using and fear the discomfort of dis- In 2003, we began weekly meetings at the Volusia County continuing their drug of choice. At VCCF all attendees are drug- Correctional Facility (VCCF), and the results have been phenome- free and not currently addicted. For them the challenge is to nal. Our classroom has only twenty-five chairs, and from the remain that way after release. This takes planning and commit- beginning we’ve had to turn people away for lack of space. Unlike other recovery groups where most people are forced to attend (by judges, probation officers, em - ployers, spouses, etc.), all those taking part in our SOS meetings are there by choice. “SOS is a nonprofit network of autonomous, In both SOS and Rational Recovery, the nonprofessional local groups dedicated solely to groups are independent. Program presenta- helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. tion can vary significantly from group to group. The addiction program we present is SOS is not a spin-off of any religious group; there is unique in many respects. It covers all addic- no hidden ‘higher power’ agenda. We are concerned tive behaviors and is not restricted to just with sobriety, not religiosity.” alcohol or drugs. It is not based on old books or “sure-cure” formulas but rather on the lat- est scientific information. The materials we bring to the jail each week consist of numer- ous books and periodicals and seven folios of current reports and articles relating to different aspects of addic- ment; we hope they can gain some of the skills they will need tion, from cigarettes and alcohol to cannabis, meth, and prescrip- while participating in our SOS meetings. tion pills. Other resources range from Albert Ellis and his rational- SOS is about achieving and maintaining sobriety through per- emotive psychology to Ronald A. Ruden, whose 2000 book The sonal responsibility and self-reliance. Those of us who present the Craving Brain details the results of his research with functional SOS program are not experts: we simply attempt to deliver facts magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). about addiction and let the members arrive at their own conclu- DVDs are shown (in part) at meetings. They include Hidden sions. We try to avoid discussing any of our personal views, and we Motives from Scientific American; SOS–Save Our Selves by SOS encourage healthy skepticism. We can’t take responsibility for the founder James Christopher; Brains, Rewards and Addiction recovery of others, but SOS is a very satisfying endeavor for me from the University of California at San Diego; Addiction, a four- because we give people the facts and help them recognize that hour HBO documentary; a four-hour documentary from A&E, only they can craft a meaningful plan and carry it out. Hooked—Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way; the Nova For more information on SOS, please visit www.sossobriety.org. episode “Search for a Safe Cigarette”; the ABC News feature “The —EDS. War on Drugs,” and more. We begin each session by stating that SOS presenters do not claim to be experts on any subject—especially addiction. Those who write the books and articles we recommend claim to be experts but still should be read skeptically. At each meeting we Bob Stevenson is the volunteer coordinator of CFI–Daytona Beach and the present a short overview of SOS for the benefit of those who founder of Rational Recovery of Daytona Beach, now affiliated with SOS (Secular have not attended before. We also tailor the meetings to the Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves). He shared his sophomore year at needs of those who attend, which currently seem to center on the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce with Warren Buffet. Noam prescription medications, meth, and pot. Chomsky attended Pennsylvania State University at the same time; Stevenson We never tell anyone to quit any substance, but if they have regrets that he does not remember meeting either of them. reached the point where they wish to overcome an addiction, we

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Not Enough Marthas

Reba Boyd Wooden

n my years of attending church services, I heard the following is raising the profile of our group by networking with other local story many times: organizations that share specific goals. By joining coalitions and I the boards of other organizations, I have been able to put a face Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, on CFI–Indiana. We are recognized, known to the people in these where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. organizations. We are involved in supporting each other, and we She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and lis- work together to achieve our public policy goals. tened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her I was especially proud of the participation of other organiza- many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell tions in our first Indiana Civic Day at the Indiana State House in her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, February of this year. CFI–Indiana organized this event, and we Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there impressed those in other organizations by illustrating what we is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, could achieve. We invited the local chapter of Americans United which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42) for Separation of Church and State (AU) to cosponsor with us. I always thought that Jesus had it backward. I identified more Barry Lynn, AU’s executive director, was one of the speakers. We with Martha and thought she was doing the right thing by being also had presenters from Planned Parenthood of Indiana, Jewish the action person rather than just sitting around and listening. Community Relations Council, Indiana Equality Action, and Coalition for Public Education. We have worked with all these groups on issues for which we share a common goal, and we are now recognized by all of them as a major ally and sup- “I was especially proud of the participation of porter. The purpose of Indiana Civic Day was to edu- other organizations in our first Indiana Civic Day cate our members and others about the public pol- at the Indiana State House in February of this year.” icy issues we face in Indiana and encourage them to be active in trying to influence the political climate in our state. CFI–Indiana is a member of the Health Access and Privacy Alliance (HAPA), a coalition concerned I first discovered secular humanism about fifteen years ago. I principally with reproductive issues. Certain lawmakers introduce attended some national events and learned that there were local many bills every year that would curb the rights of women to groups in some communities but none in Indiana. So I started the make choices about their own health care. Members of Humanist Friendship Group (a secular humanist group affiliated CFI–Indiana and I have attended hearings on these bills and have with the Council for Secular Humanism), which has since evolved written e-mails and letters expressing our point of view. into the Center for Inquiry–Indiana. A proposed amendment to the Indiana Constitution would Discussions about philosophy, religion, skepticism, books, outlaw same-sex marriage in the state, even though an existing magazines, blogs, national conferences, and billboards are law already does so. Indiana has one of the most extensive school important in order to define and promote our mission and our voucher laws in the country; predictably, most of the money goes ideals. However, if we are going to promote science, reason, and to private religious schools. In addition, this year an Indiana sen- freedom of inquiry to the general public—to the average voter, ator introduced a bill to allow the teaching of “creation science” to those who elect our officials and shape the tone of our coun- in public school classrooms. try’s public opinion—we must continue to develop local groups, I testified before the Senate Education Committee against communities, and centers. We must take the proactive approach the creation-science bill and before the House Education and show the world that we have something positive to offer. Committee against a bill that would extend the already problem- To this end, CFI–Indiana, like many other CFI branches, offers atic school-voucher program. CFI’s Public Policy Director Michael a full roster of programming for our diverse membership. One De Dora, CFI President and CEO Ronald A. Lindsay, and I drafted aspect on which I have worked hard over the past thirteen years a letter that was sent to the members of the Senate Education

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

Committee opposing the creation science bill. Many of our CFI hailed as the New Enlightenment. Only a few brave people have members also wrote letters and e-mails. Other organizations in the courage to lead the charge, to be an active and vocal part of Indiana, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, spoke out the minority. Soon there will be a critical mass; on that day, oth- against it. One senator acknowledged that he had received a lot ers who were not courageous enough to be in the minority will of e-mail opposing the bill and that he even received a letter move our way, and we will become the majority. from an “atheist organization.” The bill passed the Senate, but All we need are more Marthas. the speaker of the House, now aware of potential lawsuits that might be filed because of it, refused to hear it in the House. I consider our Indiana Civic Day at the statehouse a high point, as was our work against the creation science bill. At the Reba Boyd Wooden is executive director of CFI–Indiana as well as the international level, the recent Reason Rally attended by twenty director of the Center for Inquiry’s Secular Celebrant Program. In 2005, thousand people in Washington, D.C., in March was a real mile- she retired after thirty-seven years in public education, having taught stone. I think our time has come. People not affiliated with any mostly psychology and U.S. history in addition to serving thirteen years as religion are the fastest growing demographic according to poll- a guidance counselor. sters. We need to be there for these people. This time has been The Making of an Angry Atheist Advocate

EllenBeth Wachs

’m sorry, Your Honor, but I haven’t been sworn in yet.” As I from God” and keeps a Bible prominently displayed on his depart- stood in the courtroom in Bartow, Polk County, Florida, in ment’s office desk. “IAugust of 2011, the judge looked at me in utter confusion. I was arrested on the first felony in March 2011 for “practic- His clerk had administered the typical religious oath to the mass ing law without a license.” The charge stemmed from my use of of defendants awaiting their turn at the bench. My attorney “Esq.” (an honorific used by practicing and retired attorneys) with interrupted, “My client would like to affirm, Your Honor.” With my signature on public records requests to Judd, which asked for that out of the way, the trumped-up criminal charges that had information about the jail sports equipment transfers. I discov- been brought against me were dismissed. The state attorney for ered that the basketball equipment that was taken from the jail the Tenth Judicial Circuit sought a quick resolution of the non- was not the same equipment that was given to the churches. sense, because he realized that it was not in the state’s best inter- Judd whipped out the sheriff’s department credit card and pur- est to move forward to trial. Instead, he offered a settlement chased new equipment to give to religious facilities, all as a pub- agreement that dismissed the felony charges against me and licity stunt for himself. He saw that I was not going away and was averted convictions on all charges. I had to plead no contest to a making quite the news story about this issue. paraphernalia charge, but adjudication would be withheld. I had Sheriff Judd dispatched over a dozen deputies in SWAT attire turned the offer down flat the first time it was made, but after to arrest me at home and to conduct a search of my residence two more months, thousands of dollars more in legal fees, and while deputies held my two part-time employees at gunpoint. my life on hold, it seemed silly not to accept. I had been facing They left my house in shambles with furniture overturned, car twenty-two years in prison if convicted on all the charges. doors left open, every single light and fan left on, and my under- The arrests were part of a retaliatory strategy by the evangel- wear drawer pulled out and obviously rifled through. (I under- ical Christian sheriff of Polk County, Grady Judd, to suppress my stand lawyers are known for their briefs, but this was taking it too activism in church-state separation matters: specifically, my inves- seriously.) They seized all of my business computers, my cell tigation into Judd’s transfer of jail basketball goals to eight area phone, my driver’s license and, ridiculously, my iPod and Buns of churches. Sheriff Judd has proudly stated that he is on a “mission Steel workout video. Most telling, they seized all of the docu-

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ments that I received in response to my records requests about the affiants in the arrest warrant were Mayor Gow Fields, the the jail basketball transfers. These documents revealed a more defendant in my lawsuit, anne Gibson, Grady Judd’s legal affairs serious church-state violation that was occurring within Sheriff coordinator, and Stacy Butterfield, who works for the county Judd’s department. I had discussed this violation with members clerk, used to work for Gibson, and is treasurer of my home- of my organization, and strategy about this was on my computer owner’s association. My next-door neighbor, who was responsi- that had been seized. ble for the second arrest, works for Mayor Fields and the City of In May, I was again arrested at my home. Obviously, I was a Lakeland as a firefighter, and his brother is a Lakeland police offi- threat. Based on a neighbor’s report that he and his child had cer. The players in this drama are so intertwined, a flowchart allegedly heard a sexual sound coming from the privacy of my would be necessary to keep them all straight. For brevity and, to home forty-eight days prior, I was charged with “lewd and lasciv- some degree, clarity I have left a few conspirators out. ious conduct within the vicinity of a minor” (emphasis added), a It later came to light that prior to my first arrest, a large prayer felony. Can you imagine the ramifications of this charge if I had event had been held in Lakeland called Polk Under Prayer (PUP), in been convicted? Parents would have had nightmares figuring which Grady Judd, Gow Fields, and Sherrie Nickell, the superin- out how to have sex. My bail from my previous arrest was tendent of the Polk County School District, participated. Two revoked and I was detained in solitary confinement in Sheriff weeks prior to this, I had been at a Polk County School Board meet- Judd’s jail for six days without my multiple sclerosis medication, ing and protested the board giving Christian prayers there. Nickell until a bail hearing determined I would be released under certain and Kay Fields, the board chair and Gow Field’s wife, were respon- conditions. I had to call in to the county twice a week and had an sible for having me thrown out and given a trespass warning. 8:00 P.M.–9:00 a.M. curfew. Because I work from home, I was basi- PUP was organized by Richard Geringswald, a man who has cally under house arrest. been hounding me since I appeared on the scene as an activist. He has come to every event I have put on, even going so far as to put up a blockade at a planned photo shoot of my “One Nation Indivisible” bill- board. at one meeting in which I participated, he “Obviously, I was a threat. Based on a neighbor’s informed the Lakeland City Commission that “athe- report that he and his child had allegedly heard a ists have no right to speak” and slammed his fist for emphasis as he declared “this is our house,” mean- sexual sound coming from the privacy of my home ing that the City Commission meeting belonged to forty-eight days prior, I was charged with ‘lewd and its Christian residents and not to atheists. lascivious conduct within the vicinity of a During PUP, participants went to multiple county borders with the following purpose: “a strip minor’ (emphasis added), a felony.” of anointed oil has been placed over all lanes of highway at the county line and a prayer has been given at each location asking God to bring them to have angels inspect every vehicle that travels into or out of this county and to bring under conviction to Most members of the local community were outraged. I had those who seek evil and we asked God to bring them to a state support from the local paper, which published multiple editorials of submission and repentance. If they will not submit to God’s lambasting government officials for their persecution of me. The way of living, then the prayer is to have them incarcerated or atheist/humanist community rallied support fairly quickly as well. removed from the county” (emphasis added). I was arrested two Bloggers chimed in from around the world. Some were rather days later. amusing, some not so much. Of course, there was the predictable To stop any further religiously motivated persecution against response from those that didn’t bother to gather any facts but me, I sued Sheriff Judd in Federal District Court in June, seeking jumped to conclusions. When this happened within the secular an injunction and asserting that his actions, which included the community, I was the most disappointed. a petition was started two arrests and a search of my home, violated my civil rights. on my behalf and close to five thousand people from around the Immediately after this lawsuit was filed, the state attorney world signed it within months. as to be expected, the hate mail approached my attorney seeking a resolution. When the charges poured in. The support mail came as well. were dropped, I voluntarily ended my lawsuit. If Judd harasses My arrests were very curiously timed. I am the lead plaintiff in me again, I can reinstate it. ongoing civil litigation against the City of Lakeland seeking to In March 2012, after hearing about PUP from my talk at the stop Christian prayers at City Commission meetings. Each arrest joint conference of the Center for Inquiry and the Council for came right before I was to testify in my deposition. Furthermore, Secular Humanism in Orlando, an outraged supporter and friend

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Secular Humanism with a Pulse: The New Activists

organized the “Un-Anointing of Polk.” Representatives from “delusions” and the ruinous effects of religious beliefs. This may multiple atheist/humanist groups went to a Polk County line to work in some areas of the country, but it is misguided to think it symbolically “wash” away the anointed oil and open the county is possible everywhere. The hostility that atheists face is not to all. The response was immediate and outrageous. The story always caused by the tone the atheists take. I wasn’t really an went viral and was picked up by news outlets around the coun- angry atheist until the Christians of Polk County started persecut- try and even overseas. The Christian community was horrified ing me. Now I’m damn near apoplectic, and I will continue to that their sacred spot had been desecrated. The salient point lost fight back—angrily. on them was that the spot in the road had been picked at ran- dom, since there was no way to know where the oil had been placed previously. So much for symbolism! What is the moral of my story? Atheists and secular human- ists sometimes lament the effect of people they call “angry athe- EllenBeth Wachs is a retired attorney, the president of Humanists of ists.” They assume that we’d be more effective as a movement if Florida Association, and the acting president of Atheists of Florida, Inc. Her we’d all put on a happy face and work with religious people in personal philosophy can be summarized as “Treat cats like gods.” support of our common goals and values rather than focusing on Taking Care of Our Own

Hemant Mehta

ast October, the thirty-member-strong Mid Ohio Atheists Commenters denounced the lack of professional design, call- decided to run a billboard campaign in the city of Mansfield ing the signs “tacky,” “hideous,” and “low-rent.” Adams was L in order to let other atheists know they weren’t alone. stunned—his group had already raised over $2,000 to put the Director of Communications Michael Adams posted a message billboards up, and getting to that point already represented sev- on both the group’s blog and Facebook page asking for design eral months’ worth of work. The last thing he was going to do submissions but received no responses. While members were was ask members for an additional $500 to hire a professional quick to suggest the wording for the sign, no one had the skills designer. It’s not like any of the critics were offering to hand over necessary to design the actual billboard. the money! Where were they when he had asked for help? he That didn’t deter Adams from giving it a shot himself. After wondered. And why weren’t people appreciative of the effort to all, what was more important: the message or the way it looked? simply get the message out? Eager for his group to make its mark, he created a design himself, Other people barraged with that kind of criticism might very modeling it after one frequently used by the United Coalition of well decide never to manage such a campaign again. Or worse, Reason—with a cloud background, a Scarlet A, and the message, eager activists subjected to such vilification could end up leaving “Don’t believe in God? Neither do we!” At the bottom of the bill- the movement altogether. After all, why bother with activism board was the group’s web address. Adams was proud of what when your best efforts aren’t supported by the people who are he had accomplished and hoped others (especially closet atheists supposed to be on your side? in the area) would take notice. This isn’t just a case of some people lacking thick skins. This is The group then faced the difficult task of raising $2,200 to a case of people who likely believe themselves to be kind and put up the billboard (plus additional boards that had already compassionate to others—but put them in front of a computer been planned in advance). Incredibly, they raised the money. The and they are anything but humanistic to people with whom they idea of letting the community know atheists were a part of it was find fault. Make an honest mistake, and they’ll come after you. too good to pass up. Everyone in the group seemed excited It seems like this is a common occurrence in the online secu- about the signs. lar community these days—and since that’s the area I’m most After the contracts were signed—but before the billboards familiar with, I’ll limit my comments to that. As soon as there’s a went up—I posted an image of the design on my website. And disagreement with other atheists—over sociopolitical views, the then the criticism began. There weren’t suggestions about how way we interact with religious people, activism methods, or even to make the sign look better or how an alternative message the nature of elevators—we turn on the “demonize” switch with- might have been more effective but rather just unhelpful attacks out a second thought. It’s true that atheists are alike only in the on the group’s best attempt. fact that we don’t believe in God, but one would hope more of

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us would treat each other with respect when we disagree. It’s not “gone off the deep end” or called Rogers a “despicable right- enough, it seems, to use reason and logic to pick apart another wing political hack.” All that before she ever took any significant person’s argument. We also have to resort to name-calling or actions in her new role. imply that the person is a traitor to our cause. I’ve heard atheist Where’s the humanism in all this? Where’s the compassion? “firebrands” say that they support having more diverse voices in Where’s the respectful disagreement based on evidence and rea- the conversation only to throw those attempting an alternative son? Why must every critique be laced with sarcasm and mock- approach under the bus. Forget any potential merits to the alter- ery? Why are some atheists resorting to the very tactics we abhor natives; the battle is won only when you’ve made yourself feel in our cultural enemies? superior. No doubt there are legitimate reasons to criticize others within our movement. For example, blogger Greta Christina’s criticism of Rogers’s state- ments indicating ignorance of the GOP’s hard- Right stance on social issues such as abortion and gay rights were specific and measured. I’m not opposed to calling out atheists when they say something wrong. When Sam Harris said “After the contracts were signed—but before the on his website that we ought to profile billboards went up—I posted an image of the design Muslims (somehow) at the airport because on my website. And then the criticism began.” they are the most likely terrorist suspects, many critics explained the flaws in his logic in a calm, rational way. It was an actual debate on the merits of a politically incorrect idea. (And, in my view, Harris was on the losing end of it.) But, as you can imagine, many atheists immediately filed Harris under their mental list of bigots without actually disputing any of his claims. When atheist philosopher Alain de Botton suggested that We’re supposed to be better than that. We have a “post first, atheists could benefit from co-opting traditions that religious ask questions later” mentality when we could (in many cases) just groups had mastered over the centuries (like eating together at write the other person an e-mail or call them to hash out dis- communal tables), blogger P Z Myers explained why he had agreements. But part of being in an Internet-based community is problems with some of de Botton’s ideas—but not without also that we air our dirty laundry for the world to see even when it letting everyone know they could “take a moment to retch” after hurts us all in the long run. hearing them (“Oh, Please,” Pharyngula, January 26) and not Is that an exaggeration? Perhaps. But the symptoms of that without tossing in a “fuck you very much” to de Botton (“I Am mentality are all over the place. We end up with Pyrrhic victories, Officially Disgusted with Alain de Botton,” Pharyngula, February alienating many people who are still on the fence and who are 28). I guess that’s how reasonable, respectful discourse works. hesitant to speak up lest someone tear them down for making an Not everyone does this, of course, but it’s prevalent enough unwitting mistake. There’s no reason we can’t point out the in the blogging community to be a serious problem. (I’m sure problems in others’ arguments in a gentle, helpful way. So why readers who disagree with me are already plotting out how do so many of us choose a different path? they’ll call me a “tone troll.”) After the first billboard campaign ended (abruptly, after bill- Republican strategist Edwina Rogers’s selection as the new board owner Lind Outdoor found the statements to be “offen- executive director of the Secular Coalition for America was obvi- sive to much of the community”), the Mid Ohio Atheists decided ously an unorthodox choice. But there was also a notable advan- to hold a contest for their next one. They would accept designs tage to having a nontheistic Republican as the face of the “athe- from anyone, hold a vote, and pay for the winner’s submission to ist lobby”—she knew the very people the SCA had struggled for be featured on a billboard. They received twenty-nine entries. I years to make inroads with, and she felt she had the potential to posted some of my favorites on my website. get them on our side regarding issues concerning atheists. I As soon as I did, the first comment came in: “Graphically, they expected to hear people say, “Let’s wait and see what she’ll do,” all look terrible. ...” or “Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt.” Some did, but even many of those comments seemed like they were made with grit- Hemant Mehta is a blogger at FriendlyAtheist.com and the chair of the ted teeth and a subtext of “I can’t believe the SCA did that.” Some Foundation Beyond Belief. He is also a high-school math teacher. didn’t even wait for results and suggested that the SCA had

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A Tale of Two Tomes

Michael B. Paulkovich

he original Catholic Encyclopedia (which I shall hereafter virtue of religion and the theological virtue of hope.” refer to as CE1907) was published in fifteen volumes over Missing from CE1986 is any article specifically on witches, Tthe period 1907–1913. It is an impressive, respectable pro- wizards, or sorcerers. Yet millions were caught up in the Christian duction. Largely, I cannot argue with its introductory claim, to be maelstrom over the centuries, accused of witchcraft or sorcery, a work of “the foremost Catholic scholars in every part of the then tortured and murdered with full papal precedent and sanc- world . . . with the accuracy that satisfies the scholar” (Preface, tion. The reason for all this, throughout the centuries, lies prima- v–vi). The list of esteemed contributors is more than just impres- rily in Exodus 22:18, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Yet, sive. Yet one surprising thing (perhaps) is that the Encyclopedia, Exodus is not the only biblical authority promoting hatred of the while hopelessly dogmatic, is so intellectually honest that its ven- fictional entity called the “witch” (or wizard or sorcerer, depending erable volumes often (seemingly unwittingly) shoot the Christian upon which of the many Bible versions you might choose). You will magisterium directly in its own faithful foot, reducing Jesus sto- find the same malignant beliefs promoted in Deuteronomy ries to mere myths and conceding their plagiarisms from other 18:10–12, Leviticus 20:27, 2 Chronicles 33:6, Micah 5:12, and 1 belief systems with exhaustive research and unimpeachable cita- Samuel 28:3. tions. Paul, in Galatians 5:19–21, joins the Old Testament anti- CE1907 offers both ends of the spectrum, from mythical to witchcraft credo. But let’s face it, Paul was a pious Hebrew full of historical. It admits to dozens of diabolical church-begat forger- credulity and misogyny. Paul will also “suffer not a woman to ies. It confesses many Christian-led atrocities wherein thousands, teach.” Neither would St. Cyril, it seems—torture and death being even millions, of innocent people were murdered by religious Hypatia’s punishment for teaching science, math, and philoso- forces, including by burning at the stake. (Note that the 1907 set phy, as discussed later. was updated and republished in 1967. We shall, as we must, touch upon the reworked volumes later.)* Then there is a modern namesake, largely unrelated, edited by Robert C. Broderick and first issued in 1986 by Thomas Nelson Publishers “The original Catholic Encyclopedia ... while hopelessly (CE1986). It is subtitled Revised and Updated but dogmatic, is so intellectually honest that its venerable is of kinship to CE1907 in name only, comprising one shameless volume. I acquired a barely worn volumes often (seemingly unwittingly) shoot the Christian paperback copy secondhand for about the price magisterium directly in its own faithful foot.” of a bag of kitty litter. Surely, eighty years after CE1907, and in less credulous times, a book appropriating such a lofty moniker would have progressed to the point of even more enlighten- ment and historical and scientific accuracy. Let us explore some articles in the original multivolume work, compare it to CE1986, and see how each stands up regarding CE1907 on Witchcraft scholarship, honesty, and verity. “It is not easy to draw a clear distinction between magic and witchcraft. Both are concerned with the producing of effects Sorcerers beyond the natural powers of man by agencies other than the “Jesus,” proclaims CE1986, “empowered the Apostles to drive out Divine,” our CE1907 admits (vol. 15, 674), “but in witchcraft, as devils” (161); in addition, the Israelites practiced “magical arts” commonly understood, there is involved the idea of a diabolical (366), citing Jeremiah 27:9, Micah 5:11, and Malachai 3:5. Accord - pact or at least an appeal to the intervention of the spirits of evil.” ing to CE1986, “Christ has the power over the devil and evil spirits It claims that “witches or wizards . . . entered into a compact with and can free souls and bodies from their domination.” Yet CE1986 Satan” and “paid Divine honour to the Prince of Darkness.” refers to magic as “superstition” and says that it is “contrary to the CE1907 hypothesizes that magical powers of witches must really exist, simply because the Bible does not state otherwise. It *Sixty years after its publication, CE1907 was vastly updated and issued as the New Catholic Encyclopedia, first published in 1967 in is honest (and naïve) in its admission: “Supposing that the belief fifteen volumes, with a second edition in 2002. in witchcraft were an idle superstition, it would be strange that

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the suggestion should nowhere [in the Bible] be made that the deadly peril of their own souls, whereby they outrage the Divine evil of these practices only lay in the pretending to the possession Majesty and are a cause of scandal and danger to very many.” of powers which did not really exist “(vol. 15, 674). You may be wondering: “But witch hunts ended long ago, CE1907 confesses many witch-related atrocities performed didn’t they?” According to the humanitarian news service IRIN, in by the church throughout history, as in volume 15 (675): “In the places such as Indonesia, Tanzania, the Congo, and Ghana, fun- third century, the punishment of burning alive was enacted by damentalist Christians still pursue and execute “witches.” They the State against witches who compassed another person’s even murder child “sorcerers.” To this day in Malawi, accused death through their enchantments.” The Council of Ancyra (314 witches are routinely jailed. C.), in canon XXIV “imposes five years of penance upon those Like many Christians, a born-again friend told me that “Jesus who consult magicians.” came along and changed everything.” Only a very selective read- The church’s mad and genocidal oppression of the Cathars is ing of the New Testament can adduce this assertion. I must point alluded to here: “At Toulouse, the hot-bed of Catharan infection out that Jesus believed in a number of unlikely biblical events: ... we meet in 1275 the earliest example of a witch burned to Noah’s ark (Matt. 24:37 and Luke 17:27); Adam and Eve (Luke death after judicial sentence of an inquisitor.” The woman was 3:38); Jonah living in a fish or whale (Matt. 12:40); and Lot’s wife “probably half crazy,” and she confessed to “having brought turning into salt (Luke 17:31–32). Jesus even bought into the forth a monster after intercourse with an evil spirit,” claims our absurd notion (John 3:14) that a magical pole proffered in the 1907 work. It is honest again in admitting that the “possibility of Old Testament (Num 21:9) could cure snakebites merely by one such carnal intercourse between human beings and demons was gazing upon it. Was Jesus no smarter than a fifth grader?

Virgin Birth Prophecy CE1986 insists that Mary “did not lose her vir- ginity, either physical or spiritual” (601). It “CE1986 insists that Mary ‘did not lose her virginity, claims “rationalists and others” attack the either physical or spiritual.’ ... Thus, it not only claims virginity story “because of reference in the Jesus was born of virgin mother but that Mary never gospel to the ‘brethren’ of our Lord.” Thus, it not only claims Jesus was born of a virgin had sex with her husband even after the birth of Jesus, mother but that Mary never had sex with her their firstborn. It proposes that any reference in the husband even after the birth of Jesus, their New Testament to Jesus’s brothers actually meant firstborn. It proposes that any reference in the New Testament to Jesus’s brothers actu- cousins ... what a frustrated and confused ally meant cousins; yet no evidence is given husband Joseph must have been!” to support that claim. Mary “had no other children after the virginal birth,” we are told. One must wonder, then, who “James the Lord’s brother” might be (Gal 1:19); and, especially, what a frustrated and confused husband Joseph must have been! Moreover, unfortunately accepted by some of the great schoolmen, even, Matthew 1:25 implies that after Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary for example, by St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure.” It lays did, in fact, get it on. much of the blame for witch-hunts on Heinrich Kramer and Fortunately, our CE1907 contains a wealth of material Jakob Sprenger: “Probably the most disastrous episode was the regarding the origins of the Virgin Birth “prophecy.” In its lengthy publication . . . by [Kramer and Sprenger], of the book Malleus treatise on the sources of the Old Testament, it exposes— Malificarum.... There can be no doubt that the book, owing to its almost—this prediction as being based on ancient forgeries. The reproduction by the printing press, exercised great influence . .. CE1907 must, of course, stop short to remain true to its faithful professed (in part fraudulently) to have been approved by the target audience. It claims, for example, that it is “probable that University of Cologne, and it was sensational in the stigma it God should have chosen for Mary a name suitable to her high attached to witchcraft as a worse crime than heresy and in its dignity” (vol. 15, 464–464A) and enumerates several supposed notable animus against the female sex “(CE1907 vol. 15, 676). prophecies for the Virgin Mother of the Divine Prophet.* It thus Note that Kramer and Sprenger attached the papal bull shows its true colors. Summis desiderantes affectibus to the front of their Malleus, indi- Yet its exposition on the cobbling of the Christian Old cating the church’s approval of witch-killing. Wrote Pope Innocent Testament is brutally honest. As you will see, its investigation is VIII therein: “many persons of both sexes . . . have abandoned extraordinarily detailed but suddenly trails off at the would-be themselves to devils, incubi and succubi, and by their incantations, spells, conjurations . . . [witches] have slain infants yet in the *CE1907 notes that the meaning of Mary is derived “from Egyptian Mery, Meryt (cherished, beloved).” It then goes on at mother’s womb . . . they do not shrink from committing and per- great lengths about other possible meanings and origins of the petrating the foulest abominations and filthiest excesses to the blessed name.

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climax—a rude candor interruptus. This is where the truly objec- well as its monotheistic (later, triune) dogmas. The original tive observer must take over the wheel and navigate around just Hebrew text, in Isaiah (7:14), reads (in transliteration): Hinneh ha- one more corner. almah harah ve-yeldeth ben ve-karath shem-o immanuel. This may translate as “a young woman is with child, and bears a son Modifying Mythology naming him Immanuel.” It was altered in three important ways, Around 250 BCE, after Alexander’s conquests, thousands of Jews concocting three lies. settled in Alexandria, the intellectual center of the Western Lie number one: virgin. The word almah means young girl/ world. Greek was the universal language; Hebrew had lapsed woman who has reached puberty (if virgin, in the physical sense). into a lingua mortua, a language dead even in synagogues. As “Virginity/virgin” in Hebrew is bethulah (the social condition of our CE1907 (vol. 13, 723) avers, Alexandrian Hebrews desperately viriginity; under her guardianship of her ba’al). The Septuagint desired a Greek version of their holy laws and “histories.” Various changed almah to the Greek παρθeνος (parthenos, virgin) and resident Jews, fluent in both tongues, translated the Torah (itself, changed the definite article ha (English: the) to the indefinite a. of course, a book of myths) into the new lingua franca. The They thus changed “the young woman” to “a virgin.” Why would results: unofficial scrap-versions rendered in Greek. They were they alter their holy texts in such a way? It seems the Septuagint rogue and ordinary—merely translations from Hebrew. forgers (as well as later New Testament writers) were forlorn in You may well ask: “merely” translations—what is wrong with their need for a messiah to match up against so many previously that? Well, in those times and among those peoples, only the revered sons of God, also born of virgins: Attis, Dionysus, Pro- mystical could truly impress. You know: a talking donkey, a burn- metheus, Horus, Hercules, Buddha, and Krishna, for example.* ing bush, Yahweh handing Moses a tablet. Even earthquakes, Thus they might concoct a story of the newest messiah that is droughts, and rainbows were, to them, “signs of God.” Ordinary more believable if the mother of their savior had procreative men translating a sacred book: that bordered on blasphemy! plumbing that was somehow “one-way.” Later, around 200 BCE, an anonymous Jew came to this realization and forged a let- ter supposedly from an Alexandrian official, Aristeas, to the Greek king of Egypt. It claimed that religious leaders had commis- “[CE1907’s] exposition on the cobbling of the Christian sioned a Torah translation by seventy-two men (thus the Septuagint: “sept” from “sev- Old Testament is brutally honest. As you will see, enty”). The letter alleged that a Greek Torah its investigation is extraordinary detailed but suddenly translation was proven divine, reviewed by trails off at the would-be climax.... This is where the truly priests, princes, and laity, all agreeing perfect conformity with the Hebrew original. All this objective observer must take over the wheel and is admitted by CE1907 (vol. 13, 722–723). navigate around just one more corner.” This (untrue) story was related as if factual by Flavius Josephus late in the first century in his Antiquities of the Jews (Bk. XII, ch. 2). This is a momentous pivot-point. The Septuagint, 250 years before Christ, sabo- tages the future Jesus concept, the immaculate maternity, and Lie number two: prophecy. Isaiah spoke in the present partici- magical paternity, as it is all later discovered to be a fakery. This is ple—not future tense—of “ha-almah” (the young woman) who is Christianity’s vatic fount, its mainspring, broken long before the (not “would become”) with child; she later named him cult even poked its haloed head out of its mythical manger. The “Emmanuel.” In this fiasco of forgeries, we cannot ignore the fact Septuagint version—not the Torah—was incorporated into our that Jesus was not named “Emmanuel.” It seems Jesus was named Bible as the Old Testament, as conceded in CE1907 (vol. 13, “Jesus.” Christian apologists navigate through the craziest of hoops 722–723). and labyrinths in attempt to square both the false prophecy and How accurate was the translation of the Hebrew Torah into the obvious moniker mistake. (See CE1986, 187 [mendacious Greek, presenting the world with the sacrosanct Septuagint? about “alma”]; and CE1907, vol. 15, 464C and vol. 5, 404.) Harshly honest with itself to this point, CE1907 abruptly aborts its Lie number three: monotheism. It seems that ancient analysis. Within this narrative, it dare not continue to the next, Hebrews had become suspect of their worship of more than one obvious step: claiming that the Christian Old Testament, derived deity. Perhaps the “real” God was mad at them, they thought. from the Septuagint forgery, offers a falsified prophecy, the sup- posed savior born of a virgin. Over the many centuries, linguists *In its “Virgin Birth” article (vol. 15, 448–451), CE1907 professes and Bible scholars have compared the original Hebrew to the Catholic dogma holds Christ “incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Greek translation; CE1907 largely ignores the unfortunate con- Virgin Mary” but later admits Isaiah does not contain a “real prophesy” of the virgin birth; that “Jesus was really the son of flicts these comparisons reveal. Joseph and Mary”; and that there are theories that the Christ/vir- The Septuagint altered the Hebrew tales in several prime con- gin claims came from pagan fables and “extraordinary births of the victions, forming the bogus basis for Christianity’s Virgin Mary, as heroes of other nations.”

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The Septuagint forger(s) attempted to “fix” Hebrew polytheism. mother and father . . . the stars were like his brethren, since they When the word elohim (plural, god) was used in their Torah, they were eleven in number, as were the stars that receive their power changed it to Θεος (Theos, God; plural would be Θεοι). The origi- from the sun and moon” (see Gen 37:9). Genesis 6 relates stories nal Genesis 1:1, in Hebrew, reads: Bereshith bara elohim et of “sons of God” who copulated with mere mortal females hashamayim ve’et ha’arets (In beginning gods created the heav- (apparently this is where “giants” came from). And, of course, we ens and the earth). cannot ignore the supernatural being called “Satan”—a name These pseudo-septuaginters were not 100 percent successful ubiquitous in the KJV. Just how many gods, god-sons, and god- in washing away polytheism, however. Their revamped scripture like demiurges are there, for Christ’s sake? retains traces of the Hebrew God referring to himself in the plural (all examples from KJV). Genesis 1:26: “And God said, Let us make Mendacities, Uninterrupted man in our image, after our likeness” (emphasis added) Genesis Early Christian fathers accepted the Septuagint forgery when they 3:5: “and ye shall be as gods.” Genesis 11:7: “let us go down, and were too ignorant to know better; later, clerical leaders remained there confound their language.” Exodus 15:11: “O Lord, among unscrupulous, concealing the truth from the masses after they the gods.” Exodus 18:11: “the Lord is greater than all gods.” themselves had finally discovered it. Around 390 CE, St. Jerome Deuteronomy 10:17: “For the Lord your God is God of gods,” et translated the Torah into Latin (the Vulgate), as affirmed by our cetera. The Old Testament is thus a poly-monotheist blend. CE1907 (vol. 8, 341), promulgating the Septuagint virgin forgery. Remnants of pagan polytheism and celestial deification are So, another pivot-point: if Jerome is instead honest, he ignores the evident—even rampant—in Genesis, later interpreted by Jose - Greek forgery, stays true to the Hebrew original, and nullifies the phus in Antiquities (Bk. 2, II:3). In a “vision” supposedly sent by God virgin birth (restoring the original “young woman” and present to Joseph, son of Jacob, “the sun took with him the moon,” writes indicative phrasing); thus rendering Christianity null, mythical, and Josephus, “and the rest of the stars, and came down to the earth, void and exposing it as the Bronze Age fiction that it was. and bowed down [to Joseph] . . . the moon and sun were like his Jerome knew he must propagate the lies, else the cult of

Three Books, Three Very Different Treatments of the Same Subject

From the original Catholic Encyclo - centuries B.C. and sixth and seventh cen- From the 1967 New Catholic Encyclo - pedia, published in fifteen volumes turies of our era; the MSS. therefore which pedia, second edition 2002. Again, fif- from 1907–1913. The authors were the Seventy had at their disposal, many in teen volumes but less depth than in leading Catholic scholars. The excerpt places have been better than the Massoretic the original. printed below is from a three-page MSS. B. The Septuagint Version accepted entry on the Septuagint. first by the Alexandrian Jews, and afterwards SEPTUAGINT, the ancient Greek OT. by all the Greek-speaking countries, helped The term is derived from the Latin Septuagint Version, the first translation of to spread among the Gentiles the idea and word septuaginta (seventy) and the Hebrew Old Testament, made into the expectation of the Messias, and to intro- based on the legend that is given in popular Greek before the Christian era. duce into Greek the theological terminology the Letter of Aristeas according to This article will treat of: I. Its Importance; and concepts that made it a most suitable which the Greek translation of the II. Its Origin: A. Accord ing to tradition; B. instrument for the propagation of the Hebrew Pentateuch was the work of According to the commonly accepted view; III. Gospel of Christ.... ITS SUBSEQUENT HISTORY, RECENSIONS, 70 (or rather, 72) translators. The MANUSCRIPTS, AND EDITIONS; IV. ITS CRITI- From a 1986 rewrite of the Catholic term Septuagint was then extended CAL VALUE; LANGUAGE. Encyclopedia, edited by Robert C. to include the Greek translations of I. HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE Broderick and issued by Thomas all the other books of the Hebrew SEPTUAGINT.—The importance of the Nelson Publishers. A subtitle, Revised and Aramaic OT and even the OT Septu agint Version is shown by the follow- and Up dated, was added, but the books that were written originally in ing considerations: A. The Septuagint is the entries were considerably scaled back Greek. Together with the original most ancient translation of the Old to fit within one volume. Greek books of the NT, the Testament and consequently is invaluable to Septuagint is still the official Bible of critics for understanding and correcting the Septuagint Hebrew text, the latter, such as it has come Translated from the Hebrew into both the Greek Orthodox Church down to us., being the test established by the Greek by seventy Jewish scholars and and Catholic Church of the Greek Massoretes in the sixth century A.D. Many called the Alexandrian version, this Bible rite. On the origin, history, nature, textual corruptions additions, omissions, or text was most widely used in the early and bibliography of the Septu agint, transpositions must have crept into the Church. It is commonly referred to see BIBLE, IV (TEXTS AND VERSIONS), 5. Hebrew text between the third and second among scholars as LXX. [L.F. HARTMAN]

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Christ would fall like a palace built of parchment, leaving all further used as authentic” (vol. 5, 118–119). Christian soldiers Christian clerics jobless and homeless. The church continued, sup- under papal command thus seized Rome in the ninth century, ported, and covered up all such unethical and self-promoting and the city was not returned to Italy until the nineteenth cen- behaviors for all centuries that followed. Regarding Jerome, tury (vol. 8, 234). As stated in CE1907, “Not until 20 Sep - CE1907 states merely that “it is doubtful whether he revised the tember, 1870, was Rome taken from the popes and made the entire version of the Old Testament according to the Greek of the actual capital of the Kingdom of Italy” (vol. 13, 169). Septuagint” (vol. 8, 341). We know, by comparing the original False Decretals. Around 850 CE, the False Decretals were cre- Hebrew Torah against the Septuagint and against Jerome’s ated. These are papal letters that the church used to claim unlim- Vulgate translation, that he retained Matthew 1:22–23, perhaps ited authority in all matters and to attain selfish goals via unfair parroting the faked prophecy in the New Testament in order to and violent means. Our CE1907 admits their fraudulence (vol. 5, shore it up with (the Septuagint version of) the Old Testament. 773–780). At this point in history, the Jesus myths became turbocharged The Myth That Was Made into Law with the aid of numerous fraudulent texts clearly forged by men In 391 CE, the Roman Emperor Theodosius I declared Christianity in search of power and wealth. Christian leadership would the only “legitimate” religion of the world, under penalty of indeed gain immeasurable influence, global puissance, and vast death. The myth was rendered law. This decision by Theodosius is treasures almost beyond belief. I offer Vatican City as proof. possibly the worst ever made in human history: what followed were centuries of torture and murder in the name of this false, Falseness Discovered faked, voted-upon “prophesied savior.” Within a year after the From our CE1907 we learn that the fakery of the Donation of decree by Theodosius, the crazed Christian monks of Nitria Constantine was first shown by Lorenzo Valla in 1440 CE and destroyed the majestic Alexandrian Library. Why? Because philos- the “donation” proven a forgery. Church hierarchs neverthe- ophy and science—not the Bible—were taught there. Christianity less continued to use the document as if authentic for centuries began to flex its muscles. (vol. 5, 119 and vol. 12, 768). Who could blame them? Their liveli- As CE1907 discloses, over the centuries that followed many hoods were bettered by fraud and obscurantism, which ren- documents were created by Christian leaders solely to empower dered their church merely morally and ethically bankrupt, not the church, such as the Abgar forgeries, the Apostolic Canons, the financially so. Donatio Constantini, False Decretals, and many others. Let us take One must ask: Is it likely that modern Bible scholars in the a peek. Vatican are aware of CE1907 and the plethora of forgeries per- Abgar forgeries. Early in the fourth century, some shifty petrated by their monstrous machine in the claimed service of a Christian forged letters supposedly originating in the first cen- fictional, reforged, and further falsified Deus? tury, claiming to be from King Abgar and sent to “Jesus,” then Now, what does CE1986 have to say on all of this? The book from “Jesus” to Abgar, Abgar to Emperor Tiberius, and provides a brief article on the False Decretals but is utterly men- Tiberius to Abgar, attesting to the “healing powers” of Jesus. dacious regarding their purpose, claiming they were “chiefly Honest about this matter, our CE1907 uses the words leg- issued as an attack on the authority of the pope” (155). As endary and imaginary to describe the letters (vol. 1, 42–43). attested by any clear-thinking individual, as well as CE1907, the Apostolic Canons. The CE1907 concedes that these “canons” opposite is true. (CE1986 has no articles on the other aforemen- were “a collection of ancient ecclesiastical decrees . . . concerning tioned forgeries.) the government and discipline of the Church . . . in a word, they are a handy summary of the statutory legislation of the primitive Obscurantism Church . . . they claim to be the very legislation of the Apostles Many Christian atrocities are either omitted from or obfuscated by themselves, at least as promulgated by their great disciple CE1986. Elisions, whether intentional or not, include the following. Clement. Nevertheless . . . their claim to genuine Apostolic origin Cathars. CE1986 states (29) that the Councils of the Church “con- is quite false and untenable.” CE1907 further concedes that the demned” the Cathars of France. It does not elaborate upon what Canons could not have been composed before the year 341 CE condemned means. Chastised? Poked fun at? Excom municated? (vol. 3, 279–280), concluding that the “strikingly characteristic CE1986 then casually mentions that Cathars “disappeared” by the style . . . makes it evident” that it is “the work of one individual” fourteenth century. Ever wonder where all those Cathars went when (vol. 1, 637). CE1907 admits church authorities forged them to they disappeared? If you know your history, you know that in 1209 gain power and wealth. CE Pope Innocent III ordered a genocidal attack against them. In a Donatio Constantini. Somewhere between 750 and 850 CE, vile fit of calumny, the pope depicted the Cathars as witches; of being the Donatio Constantini (“Donation of Constantine”) was “a cannibals; of desecrating the cross; and of having “sexual orgies.” forged document [claimed to be] of Emperor Constantine the Was the pope on to something? Witches?* Great, by which large privileges and rich possessions were con- ferred on the pope and the Roman Church. ... It is addressed by *This same pope, Innocent III, declared himself to be the divinely Constantine to Pope Sylvester I (314–335).” The CE1907 affirms appointed ruler of the world. Innocent III claimed authority to annul the Magna Carta of 1215, calling it “contrary to moral law.” This is the “this document is without doubt a forgery. ... As early as the same revered creed upon which American founders based the 15th century its falsity was known and demonstrated ... its gen- Constitution, the infallible pope quashing both, from across the sea uineness was yet occasionally defended, and the document still and across time.

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Malefic sounds of sibilance emanated only from the Vatican, The Emperor Frederick II placed the rebels under the ban not from its contrived enemies living peacefully in France. The of the empire, and on 9 Oct., 1232, Gregory IX issued a Bull commanding the Bishops of Lübeck, Minden, and Ratzeburg church murdered over a million innocent Cathars over the next to preach a crusade against them. An army was collected and thirty-five years—men, women, and children. It wiped them from advanced against the Stedingers. the face of the planet. The Cathars did not merely “disappear” as After considerable carnage, a few Stedingers were permitted to CE1986 claims. In an early faith-based initiative, the Christian live if they converted to Catholicism “after performing penance.” colossus exterminated them, then annexed much of the beauti- This Vicar of Christ, Gregory IX, was just one of many supersti- ful Languedoc region of France. The extravagant Palais de la tious popes. Among other odd practices, Gregory gave his visitors Berbie (construction began in 1228) and the Catholic fortress- a kind of good-luck charm in the form of a magical talisman to be cathedral Sainte Cécile (began 1282) are just two examples that worn around the neck—he claimed that this apotropaic relic remain to this day. would neutralize all sins. To one Vatican visitor, exalted Gregory In contrast, CE1907 (vol. 4, 543) at least mentions the “exter- wrote: “We have sent you a small key from the most sacred body mination of the Cathars” in its article on the Crusades, using the of the blessed apostle Peter to convey his blessing, containing iron term Albigensian heresy (vol. 4, 543 and 550). I make perhaps a from his chains, that what had bound his neck for martyrdom may small point here, but clearly this extermination is more closely loose yours from all sins. We have given also to the bearer of these associated with “witch hunts” as well as immoral papal decrees— presents, to be offered to you, a cross in which there is some of the not “Crusades.” wood of the Lord’s cross, and hairs of the blessed John the Baptist, In its article on the Albigenses, our CE1907 refers to them as from which you may ever have the succour of our Saviour through “a Neo-Manichaean sect,” disclosing that the other name for the intercession of His forerunner.”* these peoples, “Catharists,” means “pure.” CE1907 recognizes Library of Alexandria. On page 29 of CE1986, after its article that between the 1148 CE Council of Reims and the 1163 Council about the Albigenses, one might expect a piece on the of Tours, the church excommunicated the “heretics of Gascony Alexandrian library; but there is none. CE1986 has placed an arti- and Provence,” declaring that all Albigenses “should be impris- cle there about the “church of Alexandria”—but nowhere does it oned and their property confiscated” (vol. 1, 268). That cam- cover the majestic library. paign, of course, is what Pope Innocent III would embark upon in As you probably are aware, the original library, holding 1209, first in a siege against the town of Béziers. The genocide of almost a million books, was a center of ancient scholarship and the Cathars, as divulged by CE1907, “spared neither age nor sex” knowledge. It burned accidentally around 48–47 BCE. After a and degenerated “into a war of conquest.” move to the neighboring Serapeum, Alexandrian scholars quickly “The death penalty was, indeed, inflicted too freely on the began to recover their collection, copying every written scroll or Albigenses, but . . . excesses were sometimes provoked,” admits book they came across to build up their new repository. The CE1907. Honest at great length about the corruption and mas- CE1907 indicates that some two hundred thousand volumes sacres, our original CE, like CE1986, sums it up simply, vaguely, were gifted to the library by Mark Antony (as a favor to and innocently, saying, “The heresy disappeared about the end Cleopatra) in 41 BCE (vol. 1, 303). of the fourteenth century.” In 391 CE, furious Christian leaders stormed the library ziggu- Stedingers. There is no article on the Stedingers in CE1986. No rats (the Mithraeum and the Serapeum), toppling statues, slash- surprise: maniacal Christians nearly wiped them out. In the thir- ing artwork, and burning every library text they found—hundreds teenth century, the Vatican proclaimed that German Stedingers of thousands of scrolls and books. They razed the most venerable were in cahoots with Satan. “The devil appears to them in different temple of learning and knowledge of their day like drunken soc- shapes,” wrote Pope Gregory IX, “sometimes as a goose or a duck cer hooligans after losing (or winning) the World Cup. ... the Devil presides at their Sabbaths.” Christian soldiers almost Our CE1907 attests: “Much havoc was wrought among its eradicated the Stedingers, who either died defending themselves treasures when Bishop Theophilus made his attack upon pagan or were burnt alive by Christian monks after lost battles. This atroc- worship at Alexandria . . . and whatever remained of the library ity—as one would expect from a papally dictated hostility of this must have perished after the incursion of the Arabs in 641” (vol. period—involved executing everyone who could be found and 9, 228); Theophilus had a Christian church erected on the didn’t repent: innocent men, women, and children. The main dif- destroyed Serapeum (vol. 14, 625). ference between the extermination of Cathars and extermination Even our oft-honest and apologetic CE1907 seems to ignore of Stedingers is the numbers involved. The church murdered only the writings of Socrates Scholasticus from his Historia Ecclesiastica about thirty thousand Stedingers. (Bk V, XVI), written c. 435 CE, not long after the siege. Remember CE1907 (vol. 14, 283–284) admits to the intolerance and to translate the word heathen into non-Christian. Such “heathens” draconian doctrine of the church: were typically intellectuals, freethinkers, and leading philosophers: The Stedingers refused to pay tithes and to perform forced labour as serfs. These duties were demanded of them with At the solicitation of Theophilus bishop of Alexandria the considerable severity, and Archbishop Gerhard II of Bremen emperor issued an order at this time for the demolition of (1219–58) sent troops against them. His army, however, was the heathen temples in that city; commanding also that it defeated in 1229, whereupon the Stedingers destroyed should be put in execution under the direction of Theo - churches and monasteries, and ill-treated and killed priests. A philus. Seizing this opportunity, Theophilus exerted himself synod . . . accused them . . . of contempt for the authority of the to the utmost to expose the pagan mysteries to contempt. Church and for the sacraments, as well as of superstitious prac- tices; it also excommunicated them. *Epistles of St. Gregory the Great, Book IX, Letter 122

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And to begin with, he caused the Mithreum to be cleaned Another key difference from Christianity: CE1907 admits that the out.... Then he destroyed the Serapeum [which held the polytheistic Mithraism was “tolerant of every other cult.” library] ... These were therefore razed to the ground, and the images of their gods molten into pots and other con- Conclusion venient utensils for the use of the Alexandrian church.... All the images were accordingly broken to pieces, except Clearly the publishers of CE1986 would prefer that you are one statue of the god before mentioned, which Theophilus unaware of CE1907—as well as of actual history. Both the 1907 preserved and set up in a public place; “Lest,” said he, “at a future time the heathens should deny that they had ever and the 1986 are rife with unctuous, bullheaded denial. At least worshiped such gods.” ... Helladius however boasted in the CE1907 is comprehensive, often scientific, and oft-times quite presence of some that he had slain in that desperate onset honest, especially regarding crimes of its legacy church over the nine men with his own hand. ages. Yet CE1907 still claims the Christ as son of God and savior. Hypatia, the beautiful and brilliant head librarian, mathe- As it must. matician, and philosopher, continued teaching well after her Now, as promised, a word on the 1967 overhaul of CE1907, library’s destruction. In 415, Saint Cyril, pope of Alexandria, con- producing the New Catholic Encyclopedia. The editors removed cocted vituperative lies and depicted Hypatia as a “sorceress” almost all mention of resemblances to Christianity in the article able to cast “magic spells.” Cyril played the proverbial witch card, on Mithra. There is nothing on the Alexandrian Library, but they the Christian ace in the hole. agree that “pagan teacher” Hypatia “was killed by a Christian Fanatical monks eventually caught up with Hypatia when she mob” and continue to concede the forgeries of the Donation, was about sixty years old. They ambushed her chariot on her trek Abgar, and Decretals. Of the Cathars (Albigenses), the “New” CE homeward, dragged her through dusty streets, and tortured her sticks to the original claim: “nothing was heard from them after to death by skinning her alive. Those Christian leaders then the close of the 14th century.” Most egregiously, the honest and chopped up her body and burned her limbs, torso, and her very revealing three-page CE1907 article on the Septuagint was recently detached cranium, flowing with lush locks, plopping all reduced in the New CE to three sentences, being for the most onto their pious bonfire—all this to make sure, I suppose, that part merely an etymology. not only was she merely dead but really most sincerely dead. So, there we have the Catholic Encyclopedias: I have read them so you don’t have to. The back cover of my green paper- Pious Plagiarism back CE1986 advertises that it “contains more than 4,000 com- I mentioned in the introduction to this article that CE1907 prehensive articles clarifying Catholic beliefs.” It was a pleasure reduced Jesus stories to plagiarisms from other belief systems. discovering, exposing, and putting those into context, as well as It’s worth appreciating another example: its disarmingly hon- bouncing them against the scholarly predecessor. Oscar Wilde est article on Mithraism (vol. 10, 402–404). Our revered encyclo- precisely expresses my closing thoughts: “Truth, in matters of reli- pedia admits that ancient Mithraists (centuries before Christ) gion, is simply the opinion that has survived.” believed in, for example: the principle of heaven and hell; that I believe that the day will come when the “Jesus” character “shepherds watched [Mithra’s] birth”; and that the sun becomes will be consigned to the same pious pile of other mythical, smol- his double, or father, but Mithra “is one god.” It narrates a story dering gods, all such deities worthy of little more than quotation of mankind subjected to droughts and deluges but “saved by marks around their appellations: “Zeus,” “Mithra,” “Thor,” Mithra”; Mithra “returns to heaven” when mankind is well estab- “Wotan.” Next, the fabled “Christ” person. Unfortunately, I doubt lished on earth. that this brave, freethinking new world we envision will arrive Our CE1907 writes that Mithra “celebrates a last supper” with during my time. his companions and “now in heaven protects his followers” as Further Reading “the struggle between good and evil continues.” It avows that Costen, M.D. 1997. The Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade. Manchester: followers believed “Mithra is the mediator . . . between God and Manchester University Press. man” and also, that “Christ, being God and man, is by nature the Levack, Brian 1995. The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe. New York: Mediator between God and man.” Longman. Marcus, Jacob Rader, and Marc Saperstein. 1999. The Jew in the Medieval About fourteen centuries before Christianity, followers of World: A Source Book, 315–1791. Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College Mithra “believed in the immortality of the soul, sinners after Press. death were dragged to hell”—and upon the end of the world, Russell, Jeffrey Burton. 1984. Witchcraft in the Middle Ages. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. “Mithra will descend to earth” and “make all drink the beverage Smith, Homer W. 1957. Man and His Gods. New York: Grosset & Dunlap. of immortality. He will thus have proved himself . . . never con- Victor, Jeffrey S. 1993. Satanic Panic: the Creation of a Contemporary quered.” Our CE1907 acknowledges that “a sacred meal was cel- Legend. Chicago: Open Court. City and School in Late Antique Athens and haoma Watts, Edward Jay. 2008. ebrated of bread and juice for which in the West wine Alexandria. Berkeley: University of California Press. was substituted.” And, “Mithraism had a Eucharist”; “Mithra saved the world.” Yet CE1907 laughs at the notion of Mithraism’s supposed “similarity to Christianity” (vol. 10, 402), insisting that it “bears no Michael B. Paulkovich is an engineer at the National Aeronautics and similarity to the religion of Christ” (vol. 10, 404) because it appar- Space Administration and a freelance writer frequently published in ently excluded women, unlike Christianity. (Christian women American Atheist magazine. could become members even though they had to stay silent.)

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Leading Questions The Rise of Islamic Creationism, Part 1 A Conversation with Johan Braeckman continued from p. 7

I’ve discussed this with several imams ism is all about is that there has been no that is not to be found in the Quran, then who were very kind people but not very such thing as evolution, period. Muslim it cannot be true. So that’s why they don’t sophisticated. They don’t know much creationists like it, of course, that there’s a have a problem with some contemporary about science and so on. But they do fall Christian brand of creationism, because scientific findings, because somehow for the arguments of the Harun Yahya they feel supported by that. But they’re they will find a line in the Qur’an and read books and articles that say Darwinism has not really tapping into Christian creation- the science into that. You know how that been used to defend racism. Now, in a cer- ism’s so-called scientific arguments. works; you see meaning in random pat- tain sense, this is complicated issue, MOONEY: Is there a particular part of terns. These are very old texts, of course, because that did happen in the 1920s and the Qur’an that they refer to? U.S. young- and you can give an interpretation to 1930s. But of course no evolutionary biol- Earth creationism is actually based on par- them; you can stretch it, right? ogists nowadays working at universities ticular ways of reading Genesis. But it’s different with evolutionary looks at evolutionary theory as a way to BRAECKMAN: There are lines or parts in theory. There are a few lines, and some defend racism. the Qur’an that make it possible for people in the Muslim world argue that MOONEY: Are they getting some of Muslims to accept that the Earth and life the idea of evolution is already in the their ideas from the “intellectuals,” the is really old, that Allah created life and the Qur’an. But the huge majority doesn’t “scientists” in the United States who universe a long time ago. They don’t believe that, and they feel supported by make these arguments? Harun Yahya’s want to have anything to do with young- the argument that Allah created man in beliefs seem very different from what we Earth creationism. But apart from that, the form that he is now. This is also a are used to here. the problem is that in their belief system, Christian argument; if you believe that BRAECKMAN: Yes, Harun Yahya’s ideas when science says something is right, it people evolved from apelike creatures, it’s are much less sophisticated than what you must be already in the Qur’an because degrading to humanity—like turning will find in, say, the writings of Michael the Qur’an contains all the knowledge humans into beasts or just animals. Behe or other intelligent design authors in that you can possibly have as a human the United States. What Muslim creation- being. If something in science appears To be concluded next issue.—EDS.

P Z Myers Atheism’s Third Wave continued from p. 11

the knowledge that this life is your one denied a good education because their texts—I’m appalled at economic in - life, your only chance, and that there will district hasn’t budgeted for new school- equities. When I see children turned be no others? How can you realize that books in ten years—while the affluent away from science careers because they every single person on the planet is in suburban district next door has the latest are told that “girls can’t do math,” I’m exactly the same position as you are and appalled at gender inequity. When our not want everyone to have the same shot government bombs poorer nations to at happiness you have? quiet the populace, when children starve Children are raised with a fear of hell or suffer from treatable diseases and par- and eternal punishment. Women are told “Atheism sensu stricto may asites, when young girls are sold in the their purpose is to serve their husbands as be a specific assertion about sex trade, when boys are given guns and their god and to raise more children to told to kill and be killed in civil wars, when serve as arrows in the quiver of the Lord. a fact of the universe, but so many live lives of desperate scrabbling People are told to reject science and atheism as practiced is a for basic sustenance, I cannot be con- “Man’s reason” because it contradicts defining idea in a mind and soled by dreams of amends made in an God’s word. We are right to oppose these afterlife or the karmic futility of arguing abuses, and in part it is my atheism that a powerful foundation for that people get what they deserve—I’m informs my opposition. a human community.” an atheist. There is no benign, paternal But there are so many injustices in source to which I can appeal to take on the world, and they are not all driven by the responsibility of caring for the unfor- religion. When poor urban children are tunate—I’m an atheist, and only we

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Tom Flynn Are LGBTs Saving Marriage? continued from p. 8

hope for a future, perhaps a couple of ular, historically untainted way for any expansion of human rights, a worthy suc- decades ahead, when robust civil unions couple, gay or straight, to seal shared cessor to women’s suffrage, the legaliza- might be available to same-sex couples commitment. tion of interracial marriage, and the civil across the land. That’s the future many activists ex - rights movement. Yet it’s also a victory for What was wrong with that vision? pected . . . that matrimony might be traditional matrimony that is in many ways Today, civil unions are widely derided as replaced rather than reformed. As realiza- regrettable. LGBTs having taken up this insufficient, as a second-class “gay ghetto” tion spread that the grand prize—genuine, institution so eagerly before straights could institution that divides same-sex couples bona fide marriage for all—might be quite finish discarding it, marriage’s from more favored opposite-sex couples. attainable, LGBT activists switched gears. monopoly over the authentication of pair- But don’t judge so quickly. Let’s turn back With stunning speed they went from being bonds remains intact. to the past and consider what many civil- matrimony’s most formidable enemies to This leads, of course, to the greatest union supporters (myself included, in its most enthusiastic advocates. irony of all. The LGBT movement was the those days) expected to happen next. And so it is the best of times and the only social reform movement powerful Once robust civil unions were the law of worst of times for traditional matrimony. enough to have shattered matrimony’s the land for same-sex couples, this think- Straights have less use for marriage than monopoly, and it essentially co-opted ing went, there would follow legal ever. Increasingly, only more prosperous itself. As a result, traditional marriage— activism by opposite-sex couples seeking couples go through its motions, yet it hoary old church-entwined man-buys- to give their unions the protection of law serves them less as sacrament than pot- woman institution that it is—ducked a without having to resort to marriage. latch. The groups that now take marriage bullet. Decades from now, cultural con- When that was accomplished, civil unions most seriously are LGBTs—for them- servatives will still have matrimony would be available to all. They would selves—and progressives who champion around, and they’ll have the LGBT com- stop being a gay-ghetto phenomenon. primarily its availability to others. munity to thank for it. And traditional matrimony’s centuries- It now seems all but inevitable that long monopoly over the authentication same-sex marriage will be - Tom Flynn is the editor of FREE INQUIRY and the executive direc- of romantic bonding would be shattered. come legal across the nation. tor of the Council for Secular Humanism. At last there would be a new, wholly sec- Of course this is a triumphant

humans have the power to act. appropriate uses of science. Science with- for equality for all, economic security for So when I hear atheists and skeptics try out humanist moral standards leads to all, and universally available health and to delimit our responsibilities, to claim Mengele or the Hiroshima bombing or education services. Peace is the only these disciplines only deal with very nar- the Tuskegee syphilis experiments. answer; extinguishing a precious human row and specific issues, and that political Similarly, atheism may be value-neu- life ought to be unthinkable in all but the and social concerns are beyond our tral, but atheists and atheist organizations most dire situations of self-defense. Ours purview, I want to rage and tell them that should not be. Atheism sensu stricto may should be a movement that welcomes all ideas have meaning and power beyond be a specific assertion about a fact of the sexes, races, ages, and abilities and their simplest definitions. Because we are universe, but atheism as practiced is a encourages an appreciation of human atheists, we have to take care of each other defining idea in a mind and a powerful richness. Atheism ought to be a progres- —we know there is no one else to do it. foundation for a human community. It has sive social movement in addition to being I hear the same thing about science. meanings and implications that we must a philosophical and scientific position, Science is neutral on moral concerns; it heed and use for achieving our goals. because living in a godless universe only describes what is, not how it ought And what should those goals be? means something to humanity. to be. And this is true; science is a tool Because I am an atheist and share com- And now we have something else to that can be used equally well for curing mon cause with every other human argue about. diseases or building bombs. But scientists being on the planet in desir- are not and should not be morally neu- ing to live my one life with PZ Myers is associate professor of biology at the University of tral, nor should scientific organizations or equal opportunity, I suggest Minnesota, Morris. He writes the science blog Pharyngula. culture be excluded from defining the that atheists ought to fight

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Russell Blackford The State and the Marriage Business continued from p. 12

exactly how it works!), confirming, per- could recognize a wider range of rela- ical party while marriage remains a socially haps, that one size does not fit all when it tionships. Or perhaps not! Perhaps the glorified institution. Very well—as long comes to intimate relationships. Should best approach, long-term, is for the state as that continues, I see no good secular this happy gang be able to gain state to withdraw from the marriage business ground to deny recognition as marriage to recognition as a marriage? Well, I have no altogether. Surely we can agree that the any loving, intimate relationship between objection to their arrangement. There is governments of modern pluralistic democ- two people, irrespective of their sex. no suggestion that it is patriarchal, racies ought not to try to enforce a reli- All that said, will it be so bad if a time involves any kind of coercion, or is in any gious morality or to determine the one comes one day when marriage no longer other way undesirable from a viewpoint true way to lead a good life. So why are seems needed as a legal institution? Here grounded in secular values. Apparently it they still so active in the marriage busi- in Australia, Senator Eric Abetz has com- suits the desires of the parties involved, so ness, giving a special imprimatur to one plained that the provision of same-sex good luck to them. way of life over others? marriage will lead to “the complete All the same, I can’t see the state The meaning, importance, and pres- deconstruction of the institution that is entering this field, even over a period of tige of marriage have changed over time marriage.” But why should it? I would decades. There is no easy way to establish and will probably keep changing. Even have thought that it might even help a legal template for what is potentially a now, marriage has ceased functioning as a shore up the institution if same-sex cou- bewildering variety of intimate arrange- means of allocating who may legally have ples, or many of them, value it so much ments. Nor are the parties involved in the sex with whom—most modern countries and start to take part in it. Dominguez household seeking state make no attempt to maintain or enforce But if, probably for quite other rea- recognition—and this will surely be typi- laws relating to fornication and adultery. I sons, a time does come when the institu- cal. People involved in such nontradi- expect that modern societies could func- tion of marriage no longer seems need- tional relationships are not likely to press tion quite smoothly if a time came, down ed, and when many combinations of for the same sort of legal recognition as is the track, when nobody at all opts for a people can join in workable and socially sought by many same-sex couples. It formal, legally recognized marriage. valued relationships, why shouldn’t we might, admittedly, be troublesome for As I’ve stated elsewhere, I don’t argue welcome it? them to make the exact legal arrange- for the state’s full with- ments they want, but that is an almost drawal from the marriage Russell Blackford is a conjoint lecturer in the School of Humani - inevitable outcome of entering into non- business—not as a priority, ties and Social Science, Uni versity of Newcastle, Australia. He is standard and uncommon arrangements and, indeed, not at this point coeditor of 50 Voices of Disbelief: Why We Are Atheists and that don’t fit a particular template. in history. That would not be author of Freedom of Religion and the Secular State. In the longer term, perhaps the state a realistic policy for any polit-

Julia Lavarnway CFI Gives Women a Voice with ‘Women in Secularism’ Conference continued from p. 16

featuring journalist and activist Jamila women: “As the scope of the movement as the only female Muslim to tell an imam Bey, Christina, McCreight, and Debbie expands, we can influence people a lot by on TV to be quiet. I did not tell him to be God dard, executive director of the looking at things like inner-city educa- quiet. I told him to shut up!” Sultan Council for Secular Humanism’s African tion.” She continued, “People who have recounted some of the atrocities she wit- Americans for Humanism. The general three kids and two jobs don’t have the nessed during her thirty-two years in Syria consensus seemed to be that the future luxury of sitting around for two hours under sharia law, including her niece’s of women’s involvement in the move- listening to forty-seven reasons God marriage at age eleven to a man well into ment lies with students, Internet activism, doesn’t exist.” his forties who abused her horribly. When and creating a secular humanist commu- I’d dare to say that the high point of Sultan’s niece went to her family for help, nity that is welcoming to women as well the conference was Wafa Sultan’s her own father turned her away so that as men. Goddard mentioned that in order Saturday afternoon address on women in she would not bring dishonor to her to get more women in secularism and Islam. Powerful is the best word I can household. When Sultan told her rapt skepticism, we need to broaden our focus think of to sum it up. On her earlier panel, audience that her niece committed sui- to practical matters that will appeal to she said of herself, “I was once introduced cide when she was twenty-eight, there

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Nat Hentoff Who Cares What Happens to Dropouts? continued from p. 15

dropouts and joining their parents in teaching and beyond. holding these schools accountable for Currently, there’s much bitter strife ensuring that all students there are concerning teacher evaluation, but how focused on as individual learners. The many of the evaluation procedures being increasing attention in some classes and “Evaluating teachers by the discussed are designed to identify the schools to “the whole child” makes it less scores their students get teachers who get their students debating likely that students not understood as in collective standardized and arguing among themselves about individuals will be adrift and unmotivated. tests can’t reveal which what more they want to find out now that Furthermore, the president of the they’ve been turned on to learning? United States—whether it be Mitt Rom- teachers galvanize their Evaluating teachers by the scores their stu- ney or Barack Obama—should be come a students to keep learning dents get in collective standardized tests motivator to school boards, principals, more about their world can’t reveal which teachers galvanize their and teachers by encouraging the reclaim- students to keep learning more about ing of dropouts into learning environ- and themselves.” their world and themselves. ments that will ensure—by their achieve- But I wouldn’t be surprised if students ments—that they’ll have no reason to who keep getting low scores on stan- leave again. As a result, the entire school dardized tests are among those who will be energized. more than a touch of continuing surprise, eventually drop out of school because Over the years, having reported inside “know my name. They know who I am.” they figure that they’re dumb when it schools around the country, I can tell I haven’t seen each of his teachers in comes to that academic stuff. But they’re pretty soon after visiting a new one—by action, but I expect most of them know not without interests and curiosity. How walking the corridors, listening to conver- what gets him going. Through all my years can we persuade them to stay? sations in lunchrooms, and spending time of schooling in Boston— in classrooms—whether the kids are the William Lloyd Garrison Nat Hentoff is a United Media syndicated columnist, a senior fel- being surprised and intrigued by what elementary school, Boston low at the Cato Institute, and the author of, among other books, they’re learning and are eager to find out Public Latin School, and Living the Bill of Rights (University of California Press, 1999) and more of what they didn’t know. North eastern Univer sity—I The War on the Bill of Rights and the Gathering Resistance In one such school, an eighth-grader had very few teachers like (Seven Stories Press, 2004). His latest book is At the Jazz Band was telling me how different this place that. But those are the ones Ball: Sixty Years on the Jazz Scene (University of California was from a previous school he’d been in. I remember. They got me Press, 2010). “All the teachers I have,” he said with going in what they were

was hardly a dry eye in the entire room. ognize the oppression under which they only standing ovation of the conference. Sultan attributes much of Islamic live. “The worst form of slavery is when That is a sentiment that everyone in the oppression to the vicious cycle perpetu- the slave believes he is free. This is how secular movement—man, woman, or ated generation to generation: “A child women under Islam feel,” Sultan ex - genderqueer—can agree with. In one who sees his mother abused his entire plained. Once they see how people in free sound bite, Sultan captured what CFI’s life, how could he have any other view of countries live—something that is impossi- “Women in Secularism” conference was how things are supposed to be?” But ble to keep from happening with the all about. Sultan holds hope that the cycle can be Internet around—women will begin to broken from an unlikely quarter: ten reject sharia law. years ago, when the Internet came to her Sultan ended her talk by country of Syria, she said to her husband, asserting that “a culture Julia Lavarnway is assistant editor at FREE INQUIRY, a columnist for “this is the beginning of the end of Islam.” that doesn’t respect half its the Secular Humanist Bulletin, and the managing editor of The Internet may also be instrumental in population will never pros- Skeptical Inquirer magazine. getting women in Islamic countries to rec- per,” and she received the

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Church-State Update

Vaginas and Vouchers: On to November Edd Doerr

agina. The passage leading from Recent years have seen a sharp escala- who have consolidated their control over the uterus to the vulva.” So says tion of the drive to divert public funds to the once-respected party of Abraham “Vthe 1998 Webster’s American private church-related schools in Con - Lincoln to make war on women, reproduc- Family Dictionary, a “family” reference gress and state legislatures through tive choice, religiously neutral public edu- work “to record the standard vocabulary vouchers or tax-code vouchers—despite cation, religious freedom, and the funda- of American English in a way that reflects the fact that in twenty-six statewide refer- mental American principle of separation of the common ethical, moral, religious, enda, tens of millions of voters from coast church and state. These campaigns are social, and civic values of mainstream to coast have rejected vouchers or their offensive and threatening not only to the Americans.” This 1,124-page volume is so increasingly secular portions of our society prissy that it does not include any of the but also to most mainstream Catholics, common four-letter verbs, nouns, and Protestants, Jews, and others. Church- expletives that are all too often used on related schools are the tools of the myrmi- cable television. Yet vagina made the cut. “Recent years have seen a What, then, are we to make of the sharp escalation of the drive dons of misogyny. Recent years have seen a drastic mid-June flap in the Michigan House of to divert public funds to Representatives when Rep. Lisa Brown (D- upswing in the well-organized, well- West Bloomfield) actually uttered the private church-related schools funded ultraconservative efforts in Con- word vagina in a floor debate on Repub - in Congress and state gress and the states. Myriads of clever, lican efforts to further restrict women’s legislatures through intricate gimmicks have been devised to reproductive rights of conscience? GOP shrink women’s rights—to chip away at Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas decreed vouchers or tax-code the remarkable level of access to contra- that Brown could not address that august vouchers.” ception and abortion acknowledged (not body of solons. Brown, ten other lawmak- created) by the Supreme Court in 1973 in ers, and several actresses then performed Roe v. Wade and earlier in Griswold v. Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues on Connecticut and Baird v. Eisenstadt. the Michigan statehouse steps before This November’s elections could be thousands. the most important in our lifetimes. If the “Voucher. A form authorizing a dis- analogues by the average landslide mar- Republicans win the White House, Con - bursement of cash or a credit against a gin of 2 to 1. A 2011 Gallup education gress, and even more statehouses, gov- future expenditure or expense.” This from poll registered opposition to vouchers at ernment will be in the hands of extremists the same dictionary. In today’s politics, 65 to 34 percent, the opposite of what who will accelerate the privatization of voucher means a school voucher for the one might expect given the unrelenting education, shred religious freedom, and transfer of funds from the public treasury conservative propaganda assault on pub- to pay for education services at a private, lic education. strangle women’s rights. generally religious school operated by a Vagina and voucher: two V words that “The Great School Voucher Fraud” is church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. A symbolize the coordinated campaigns of the title of my 8,500-word position paper variant of the voucher idea is the tuition the religious Right, Catholic bishops, fun- available on the Center for Inquiry web- tax credit, also known as a tax-code damentalist preachers, piranha pundits, site. Check it out. voucher or back-door voucher.* and other ultraconservative extremists

*See Stephanie Saul, “Public Money Finds Back Door to Private Schools,” New York Edd Doerr is president of Americans for Religious Liberty and a Times, May 22, 2012; and Sean Cavanaugh, “Tax Credit Strategy Fuels Private School past president of the American Humanist Association. Choice Push,” Education Week, June 1, 2012.

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African American Humanism

Slaves Like Us Sikivu Hutchinson

he black body has always been an bly still means them. (who claimed he was acting in self- object of deep and abiding obses- In the 2002 documentary Race—The defense) was not immediately charged. T sion in the American imagination. Power of an Illusion, Harvard science his- According to Trayvon’s family, he was Be it cavorting with “funky” abandon on torian Evelynn Hammonds discusses how found with candy and iced tea on his a dance floor, vaulting off a basketball much of nineteenth-century scientific body. Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground court in dunk mode, suckling apple- inquiry on racial difference revolved law, people who believe they are being cheeked white babies, trotted out in a around black bodies: threatened can use deadly force to defend themselves without retreating police lineup, or greased down, poked, If we just take African Americans as prodded, and displayed on a slave auc- an example, there’s not a single body first. Trayvon’s killing is an all too familiar tion block, the black body occupies that part that hasn’t been subjected to outrage in a nation where black men mystical place between corporeality and this kind of analysis. You’ll find arti- cles in the medical literature about supernaturalism. the Negro ear, and the Negro nose, Recently, Ernest Perce V, the Pennsyl- and the Negro leg, and the Negro vania state director for American Athe - heart, and the Negro eye, and the ists—a predominantly white group with a Negro foot—and it’s every single body part. And they’re constantly largely white leadership—slapped up a bill- looking for some organ that might “All those churches . . . in the board in a Harrisburg, Pennsyl vania, neigh- be so fundamentally different in size segregated black neighborhoods borhood featuring a picture of a shackled, and character that you can say this is naked black slave and a Bible quote that something specific to the Negro ver- ... aren’t there because blacks sus whites and other groups. Scien- said “slaves obey your masters.” The ad was tists are part of their social context. are ignorant, backward intended to protest Pennsylvania’s bone- Their ideas about what race is are not neo-slaves; they’re there in part headed declaration of 2012 as the so-called simply scientific ones, are not simply Year of the Bible. Much to the “astonish- driven by the data that they are because urban retail, working with. That it’s also in formed ment” of the organization’s representa- by the societies in which they live. commercial, and green space tives, the billboard was reviled, defaced, development is moribund and labeled a hate crime by some in the Hammonds underscores the political African American community. A com- “invention” of the black body through in the so-called ghetto.” plaint was filed with the Pennsylvania the lens of scientific objectivity. The lega- Human Relations Com mission. According cies of slavery and scientific research to the Patriot-News, Harrisburg resident dovetailed with the popular display of Aaron Selvey said, “If this had been black bodies as the ultimate sites of racial Detroit, there would have been a riot.” otherness. These legacies shape the expe- Apparently offended black folk just rience of walking, driving, and breathing from Los Angeles to New York have his- weren’t intelligent enough to grasp the “while black.” They inform the terror of torically been victimized by racist police sage lesson that American Atheists, being a carefree teenager out for a casual who shoot first and ask questions later. prominent champion of anti racist social stroll in the kind of private gated commu- Black bodies have always been politi- justice, was trying to teach them. Instead, nity where seventeen-year-old Trayvon cal texts violently bound by secular laws. some “misconstrued” the message as Martin was shot and killed in February by Thus the ahistorical, paternalistic ap - racist, concluding that, in a country where a white Hispanic neighborhood watch proach to “secular” public-service mes- white nationalists have issued a clarion captain in Orlando, Florida. The case saging seen in the Harrisburg billboard call to take back the nation from the made national headlines due to the “curi- case is one of the main reasons “new Negro savage/illegal alien in the White ous” fact that three weeks after the mur- atheism” is still racially segregated and House, “slaves obey your masters” proba- der, the shooter, George Zimmerman lily-white. Clearly the atheists behind it

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don’t give a damn about the reality of when white folk, ignorant of these urban communities of color in the United historical traditions, swaggeringly insist that atheist discourse is States vis-à-vis the institutional role of implicitly anti-racist, anti-sexist and organized religion in a white supremacist anti-heterosexist because one, we capitalist context. In my book Moral white people say so, and, two, hier- Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics, archy is something only those knuckle-dragging supernaturalists and the Values Wars, I ground my critique do. It’s paint-by-the-numbers enti- of American religiosity in the social his- tlement time when the so-called tory of residential segregation and the new atheist “movement” is resist- cultural context of actual black communi- ant to the charge that racial and gender politics just might inform ties. Northern and Midwestern cities like who achieves visibility and which Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Cleve- issues are privileged in the broader land, Detroit, and Milwaukee rank a - context of skeptical discourse. It’s mong the top ten most segregated cities not PC to point out that traditions of scientific racism, secularism, and in the United States. All those churches Judeo Christian religiosity went that white folk have the luxury of not see- gleefully hand in hand for much of ing because they’re in the segregated the West’s enlightened history. black neighborhoods they bypass on the In the Narrative of the Life of Frederick expressway aren’t there because blacks Douglass, Douglass contended that are ignorant, backward neo-slaves; “revivals of religion and revivals in the CAll for SubmiSSionS they’re there in part because urban retail, slave trade go hand in hand together.” “35mm Closer to Reality” commercial, and green space develop- Douglass prefaced his critique by con- ment is moribund in the so-called ghetto. trasting the corrupt Chris tian ity of a slave- The Portland Humanist Film Take a ten-minute drive from “South holding nation and the so-called benevo- Festival was established in 2010 to be Central” Los Angeles (a racist misnomer lent “Christianity of Christ” practiced by a provocative and enlightening cultural used to ghettoize any predominantly African slaves in the liberation struggle. black neighborhood in Los Angeles Yet he was also critical of the hypocrisy of experience for the rapidly growing regardless of geographic location) to pre- a nation that rationalized slavery based secular humanist movement in dominantly white West Los Angeles. The on secular Enlightenment ideologies the Pacific Northwest. storefront churches, liquor stores, check- of individual liberty and democratic cashing places, and bail-bond offices van- citizenship for white men. Slaves and This year’s festival runs September ish while parks, schools, grocery stores, the descendants of slaves gathered, 21-23, 2012. It celebrates independent businesses, office parks, and retail centers organized, mobilized, and resisted white film and will be juried. Categories proliferate. supremacy in church communities be - include documentary, narrative, So is American Atheists on the front cause they were and continue to be some lines of providing prisoner reentry re - and animation, each in both of the only socioeconomic, political, and short and feature length. sources—the real regime of twenty-first cultural spaces widely available to black century “enslavement” for millions of people. Post-racialists say that’s past his- Submissions may explore themes such African Americans—to families and com- tory, pimping the delusion that “we” can munities that are permanently locked out all lock arms in Kumbaya and move on, as Reason, Critical Thinking & of the so-called American dream due to slamming by on the expressway out of Skepticism, Cultivating Compassion the legal disenfranchisement of former the “inner city.” & Ethics, Science & the Natural World, convicted felons in employment, housing, It’s a travesty that Douglass, one of the Freedom of Thought, Speech & and voting? Did they even deign to con- greatest philosophers of the criminaliza- Critical Inquiry, and Challenging the sult with local interfaith and secular, tion of the black body, would have Claims & Value of Religion. humanist, or atheist people of color chewed up and spit out—but of course about the cultural and psychological Douglass wasn’t on that billboard. For more information, including all impact of the legacy of slavery in a nation where black bodies are still deadlines and entry fees, please visit www.humanistfest.com. the primary targets of violent Sikivu Hutchinson is the author of Moral Combat: Black police suppression, racist Atheists, Gender Politics, and the Values Wars (Infidel Books, criminal sentencing and capi- 2011) and the forthcoming Godless Americana: Race and Deadline for submissions: tal punishment? Of course Religious Rebels (Infidel Books). She is the founder of Black August 15, 2012 not. As I wrote in my 2009 Skeptics Los Angeles. A previous version of this article ap - article “The White Stuff”: peared on Freethought Blogs. visit humanistfest.com It’s cartoonishly pro forma

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Reviews

Trains for Astronauts John Shook

lain de Botton doesn’t think God exists, but he regards thinking A about God as only one among many things religion is good for. Sub- tracting God-belief from religion, in fact, Religion for Atheists: A Non-believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion, removes something dividing us, and what by Alain de Botton (New York: Pantheon Books, 2012, ISBN 978-0- remains has important cultural and per- 307-37910-8) 320 pp. Hardcover, $26.95. sonal value. Of course nonbelievers have never been culturally impoverished; they have enjoyed the same secular educa- tions, public museums, and scientific insti- tutions as believers. But de Botton’s heart is uneasy and discontented at the specta- cle of so many who have walked away Tearing out de Botton’s root fallacy is learned if you had stayed back home. If from religion looking contented with going to take some effort. Let’s try a sim- you have a day to spend before getting their civilized and materialistic lives. To de ple rephrasing of his core tenet: religion back on the train, walk around and see Botton, cultural flabbiness and shabbi- for atheists is like trains for astronauts. If the sights. Every town, big or small, ness are making the twenty-first century you are an astronaut, you must like to enshrines its hopes and dreams in beauti- look much less vibrant and wholesome travel a lot and at high speeds, too. If you ful art and impressive architecture that is than preceding centuries. A culprit must want to travel at very high speeds, you entirely novel and native to that particu- be identified and quick. He raises his fin- really want trains. Can’t do without them, lar soil. ger and points . . . at atheism! in fact. Astronauts are human, and like every- In the space of a few opening pages What would an “Astronaut’s Guide to one else they need such vital things as in his book Religion for Atheists: A Non- the Uses of Trains” look like? From an community, variety, perspective, and en - believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion, de examination of de Botton’s manual for riching experiences that are only available Botton charges atheism with the crime of atheists, we could easily guess. First, from traveling around to see the world. If discarding everything religious in culture. assuming all astronauts are quite sociable you want all that out of life—and every He then equates secularism with a vapid, folks, seeking community and easy com- sensible person does—then no one could anticultural atheism and speedily faults munication would naturally be top priori- possibly do without trains. this new nihilistic secularism for so much ties. And if you want more intercon- Now you see the fallacy: are trains the nasty cultural decay. Where is this atheis- nected community and cheap communi- only way to travel? tic self-hatred coming from? cation, then you want railroads. I dare say Similarly, de Botton is wrong about Pausing just a moment to mention that until railroads came along, only the what atheists really need, and his under- how religion does terrible things too, de thinnest of ties stretched between vil- standing of what religion is really all Botton next accuses atheism of judging lages, towns, and cities—why, until the about shows us why. He is quite right to religion too harshly. He places on exhibi- railroads, you could hardly say that a gen- treat religion as a cultural phenomenon tion all the valuable things that atheism- uine nation was possible! that has a major role in enhancing other secularism has allegedly ignored to death: And what a thing to be traveling on social technologies that provide things community, kindness, education, toler- those railroads, seeing the incredible that people need. The crucial point is that ance, perspective, art, and architecture. All sights inaccessible to ordinary folks. After on this view, religion itself does not those wonderful things are dying in the you’ve traveled around visiting different directly supply the experiential goods thin, dry air of secular society, and the only places and meeting the local inhabitants people value. Com munal practices and thing that can save them is a return to reli- along the way, warm feelings of common special public spaces, art forms and gion’s warm atmosphere. Atheists need humanity well up in your breast. Why, if dances, ceremonial rituals and learned religion most urgently, according to de you let your guard down and soak up the treatises, moral codes and revered eld- Botton, since they are the most de prived of kindness of those strangers, you could sit ers—these (and many more) are actually personal and cultural enrichment, and a spell, tasting a little of their food and the direct “forms of life” through which their seditious secularizing is killing society hearing a lot of their stories. They are fine religiosity flows. Art can be religious or for everyone else besides. stories, too—things you could have never not; ceremonies can be religious or not;

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ethics and wisdom can be religion-based entirely new food group. For example, not forever stuck with religion. That we or not; gazing up at the stars can be a reli- religion enhances tribal morality and in- need the arts doesn’t mean we still need gious experience or not; attitudes toward group obedience and relieves severe anx- religion any more than wanting to travel death can be religious or not; the reason ieties that result from strains in social life. means that we still need trains. for eating unleavened bread can be reli- But morality, obedience, anxiety, and gious or not. Even religious concepts social fractures are not especially reli- will happily let religious humanists judge especially prominent in Western thinking gious, nor did they come into existence Iprecisely how de Botton’s urgings fit needn’t be so. For example, suppose I because of religion. Religion makes peo- into that long tradition, but to my inde- think that something is responsible for ple think and act differently when they pendent eyes, it appears that in this book the big bang that started off our universe. deal with morality, loyalty, anxiety, and de Botton has composed a revised Re - It needn’t be religion-based—many athe- disconnection. Religion can heighten ligious Humanism 6.311 rather than an ist cosmologists are pondering theories moral devotion, strengthen in-group loy- original Atheism 2.0. Of greater interest is about what triggered the big bang with- alty, console the inconsolable, and re- the question of whether humanists have out having any religious notions involved forge community. No question about it. to take de Botton seriously—beyond his at all. Approaches to studying the laws Trains can get you places fast. But the ample evidence borrowed from the social of nature can be religious or not. Per- invention of the railroad was not responsi- sciences, I should hasten to add. Is the spectives on life’s incredible diversity can ble for arousing a desire to travel and brightly optimistic and oh-so-civilized ver- be religious or not. commune with distant strangers, learn sion of humanism proffered here the It all depends: whether something we new things, or feel the exhilaration of right direction for humanism? do or something we think about is gen- fresh sights. And trains are no longer the I don’t mean to be questioning the uinely religious depends on how individ- only way, or often even the best way, to arts, education, or all that fine culture—of ual people do it and think about it. do those valuable things. Similarly, it never course we need those things and more of Cultural anthropologists have long been was the case that religion was necessary them, please. But humanism was de - far more comfortable studying “the reli- for beauty, morality, community, educa- signed to be a social enhancer for better gious” as dynamically symbolic than as tion, or exhilaration. Religion has been a supplying a few vital needs of life, many statically dogmatic. And creeds can be supplementary social technology, no needs earlier having been attended to by religious or not—well, you see the point, I doubt. But all technologies have their religion. Now, clever intellectuals have hope. Religion never was some separate proper place and time, and all technolo- been simply redefining “religious” as any- matter alongside all the other kinds of gies evolve and eventually disappear, to thing attending to those vital needs, seek- cultural activities that engage humans. be replaced by other technologies across ing a permanent victory for religion and Only our modern secularized lenses could the millennia as humanity bravely ven- all its priests. However, that verbal trick perceive religion as a discrete phase or tures further afield. Only a failure of intel- wouldn’t fool people for long, just as sector of society, reflecting secular hopes ligence or surrender to terror could freeze renaming all rocket ships “sky trains” that religion could be isolated from cen- a culture into rigid stupidity. couldn’t save the jobs of railway conduc- tral concerns of civic life. But along the All-too-human needs and desires tors. Religious humanism instead (prop- way, two different things got conflated. were responsible for the invention of the erly) looked to human experiences, label- The possibility that religion could be dis- chariot, the sailboat, the train, the auto- ing as “religious” or “spiritual” those spe- entangled from some public matters (like mobile, the rocket ship, and who knows cial experiences that possessed that spice education systems or political constitu- what next. Astronauts may enjoy riding of religious quality—experiences arising tions) got confused with the notion that trains once in a while, like I do myself, not from our gazing into the depths of religion had always been an add-on, for anything intrinsic to railroading but nature, the pursuit of cherished ideals, or a separate institution supplying distinc- just because the experience can thrill the the struggle for preserving humanity in tively “religious” things, that somehow heart. Like myself: many people can enjoy the face of fear. Existentialists and prag- sprang up long ago. (Hence the mis- the arts, improve our ethics, and make matists have explored the emotional guided search for some extravagant our societies more livable and just with- depths of pathos and despair, along with causal factor responsible for religion, like out participating in a religion. Sorry: hope and exultation, from Kierkegaard to the “god meme” or “terror at lightning” there’s just no use for religion here, not Dewey and Tillich. It’s ultimately not or a hyperactive agency detector.) No sin- for us. More important things are hap- about some distant God but only our own gle thing, or even combination of things, pening—for one thing, we are doing humanity, in all its blood, guts, and glory. could have really been responsible for the these things because they are right to do, I hesitate to place de Botton with that “invention of the first religion,” as mythi- not because some tradition or God sort of emotional humanism. Not because cal a beast as anything in fairy tales. demands it from us. Telling us that we are he isn’t interested in emotion—emotions The social sciences have never been quite wrong, that engaging in those drip off the pages of every chapter—but able to accept that odd theory, and cur- important things for emotional and prac- be cause of the emotions he chooses to pri- rent scientific research into religion con- tical benefit is still conducting one’s self oritize and the way he keeps accusing sec- curs: religions always were supplemen- religiously, is just factually false. We are ularity of emotionless aridity. De Botton is tary-like spices to a cuisine and not an not forever stuck with trains, and we are so obsessed with crediting religion with

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sustaining core human values that he can chances again in the big outside hu man ism. I deeply admire and respect only portray the secular life as devoid of worldly wilderness with all its sins and that tradition, and I have learned much sufferings.... anything serious and meaningful. He from it, as radical freethinkers, rationalists, seems to continually say that secular soci- In James’s view, any ethical culture agnostics, and atheists have before me. I ety is deficient in high spiritual aspiration worth the name must make room for the love colleges and museums and regular and practical moral guidance. He can’t be entire width and depth of human emo- gatherings, and I’d even pay for admit- looking at the same society that I see. tional experience. It must offer staunch tance to de Botton’s envisioned temples From human rights and civil liberties moral guidance for directly grappling once in a while. But nobody lives in the enshrined in secular constitutions around with the darkest and vilest corners, where nineteenth century anymore, and nonbe- the world, to the secular colleges and uni- vice and evil preys on the human spirit at lievers presently look like anyone any- versities spreading the light of knowl- its weakest. where in society—we are numerous, and edge, and on to all the (church-free) arts When we turn our gaze back to de we come from all walks of life. We don’t and sciences benefitting humanity in Botton’s bright and cheery museums and want exalted religion and we rarely need countless ways, I’d say that those worldly temples for upright, clean atheists, they elevated ideas. Ordinary folks can get institutions and their secular values have do look like lovely places to visit. But no everything to instruction on art to basic elevated human existence during the one could really live there. education straight from the Internet. Yes, past four hundred years far more than What sort of humanism is de Botton it’s nurturing relationships and vibrant the last forty thousand years of religious ad vocating? Sociologists chart the in - sociality that we really need to truly sustain domination. If de Botton can’t agree, I evitable divides enlivening any denomina- viable communities. But give me low- dare him to publicly say so. tion, divides that typically widen and split church humanism, a full-blooded moralis- Furthermore, I think his high-minded churches when the role of the emotional tic humanism ready for sharing and sacri- vision for cultured religious humanism is life is disputed. Reformers bringing people fice, eager to help repair the messy and instead a shallow and uninspired version back to the raw experiences aroused by broken lives that real people have to live of atheism unable to lead us forward. I’m religion, reviving deep emotions to run on a planet itself tearing apart at its seams. reminded of William James, the early them through the creedal veins and invig- Until that low-church humanism walks twentieth-century pragmatist and human- orate all the religious “organs” in sympa- abroad the whole land and settles deeply ist, and his abhorrence of too much high thetic response, always run into ecclesias- into the fabric of cities and towns every- culture. A cultured man himself, he never- tical obstacles erected by cooler conserva- where, we shall not have the humanism theless knew that refined, sterilized, and tive heads. If a denomination can avoid that all nonbelievers deserve. What are the prepackaged culture by itself was a sweet schism across the centuries and revivalists realistic alternatives, in the long run? A cake that could never sustain the masses. can be continually domesticated with low-church, pop-psychology Christianity His essay “What Makes a Life Significant” offers of their own churches, a distinctive sounds more and more humanistic, justify- (1899) relates his perspective: “high church” and “low church” compro- ing its spirituality by elevating high hopes A few summers ago I spent a happy mise can flourish. Preserving grand tradi- for this life. When life gets tough and non- week at the famous Assembly tion and intellectual system, the high believers are tempted to drift back into Grounds on the borders of Chautau - church is the very model of stability and that cozy embrace, who else is looking qua Lake. The moment one treads reliability. It commands respect for its abil- after their personal emotional needs? that sacred enclosure, one feels one’s self in an atmosphere of success. ity to instruct generation after generation Mere atheism has long been scorned for Sobriety and industry, intelligence in the same answers to the same ques- thin intellectualism and often rightly so; a and goodness, orderliness and ideal- tions. In contrast, the low-church version is low-church atheism has emerged to aim ity, prosperity and cheerfulness, per- emotional energies back at the conserva- vade the air. It is a serious and stu- in constant flux, in a state where fresh, dious picnic on a gigantic scale.... charismatic leadership blossoms from tive religions from which many apostates And yet what was my own aston- unexpected directions, psychologically have recently come. Recom mending reli- ishment, on emerging into the dark nimble enough to meet the common folks gion for atheists at least places the individ- and wicked world again, to catch myself quite unexpectedly and invol- where they need to be met, arms full of ual flourishing of nonbelievers at the fore- untarily saying: “Ouf! what a relief! worries and troubles amid chaos and dis- front of concern. Yet it is too late for reli- Now for something primordial and aster. From this sociological angle, high gion and its surrogates. New times deserve savage, even though it were as bad as church/low church gaps can happen to new technologies. an Armenian massacre, to set the bal- ance straight again. This order is too any ideology or “ism”—not just to reli- tame, this culture too second-rate, gious churches—because it is always real this goodness too uninspiring. This people that any movement must recruit. human drama without a villain or a pang; this community so refined that De Botton, imitating much of Anglo- ice-cream soda-water is the utmost American religious humanism (and follow- offering it can make to the brute ani- ing the example of intellectu- mal in man; this city simmering in the ally liberal Christianity before John Shook is director of education and senior research fellow tepid lakeside sun; this atrocious harmlessness of all things,—I cannot that), has redrawn the famil- at the Center for Inquiry. abide with them. Let me take my iar blueprints for high-church

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Atheist ‘Guide’ Goes Down Wrong Path Jean Kazez

ost-millennial atheist writers seem to have moved from stage one to Pstage two. The nonexistence of God was dealt with by Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and others in the 2000s. Now in The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life without Illusions, by the 2010s, atheists are tackling the nature Alex Rosenberg (New York: W. W. Norton, 2011, ISBN 978-0- of morality, free will, the self, and Every - 393-08023-0) 352 pp. Hard cover, $25.95. thing Else. While Sam Harris has devoted one book apiece to religion, morality, and free will (will the self be next?), philoso- pher of science Alex Rosen berg offers to be our guide to all of the persistent ques- tions, as he calls them, in his new book The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life facts too, as long as they rest securely on be serious about this gloss on what it without Illusions. His answers add up to a the physical (i.e., physics-revealed) facts. means for the physical facts to fix all the stance you might call “nonchalant The operative slogan in the book is “The genuine facts? I wonder, since that will nihilism.” It says, “No God, no morality, no physical facts fix all the facts.” Purported lead us to some very strange conclusions. free will, no self, no meaning, no purpose facts that aren’t properly fixed by physical In this world, it may be that I shot the sher- ... no big deal.” Rosenberg isn’t troubled facts are just illusions to be committed to iff—Sheriff Dan, let’s suppose. On Twin by giving up so much of our ordinary the flames (to steal an image from Hume). Earth, Twin JK did not shoot Sheriff Dan. understanding of the world. So: fixed by the physical facts or She shot Twin Sheriff Dan. Are we really to unfixed? That is the question that decides think that these facts about who shot the fate of all sorts of apparent facts, so whom are illusory just because they aren’t you’d want the distinction to be crystal the same? Surely not. All signs are that clear. Rosenberg starts simply: “the physi- Rosenberg is not completely serious about “. . . In the 2010s, atheists cal facts constitute or determine or bring this account of what it means for the phys- are tackling the nature of about all the rest of the facts.” By way of ical facts to fix all the facts, because it’s elucidation, he asks us to suppose that presented at the outset but not used in morality, free will, the self, our corner of the universe has a perfect the rest of the book. and Every thing Else.” duplicate in some very remote region of In fact, there are separate arguments space. Every thing that physics cares about for each extirpation, none related to Twin is exactly the same in the two regions. If Earth thought experiments and many that were so, he claims, all further bona rather slapdash. One extirpation stands fide facts would have to be the same, too. out both because it is so surprising and Anything not the same would be spuri- because Rosenberg works hard on it. This Atheism doesn’t so much lead to all ous, illusory, fictional, and destined for is the whole business about “aboutness” these nihilistic positions, according to the flames. that spans chapters 8 to 12. Rosenberg, as it shares a parent with This lets us acknowledge some higher- One of our many illusions, Rosenberg them—that parent being “scientism,” the than-physics level facts. Being alive, for writes, is that our thoughts are about view (here wearing a white hat) that “sci- example, is grounded by physics in the things. Rosenberg thinks it’s impossible to ence provides all the significant truths right way to be a reality: if I am alive on see aboutness as wholesomely ensconced about reality, and knowing such truths is Earth, Twin JK is alive on Twin Earth and in a world made of physical stuff. Thus, it’s what real understanding is all about.” vice versa. Ruled out are spurious facts illusory and should be thrown out when When Rosenberg says “science,” he does such as my being a witch, since there’s we’re being serious about what’s really mean science (as in what people teach and nothing to guarantee that Twin JK would real and what’s not. What’s so problem- do in the science departments of universi- have witchhood on Twin Earth if I had it atic here? Rosenberg takes us on a jour- ties), not reason more broadly. Physics is on Earth. Witchhood isn’t constituted by ney into the brain and finds brain stuff preeminent among the sciences, he the physical components of the world in lacking—i.e., lacking the ability to support thinks—it describes the rock-bottom com- the way it needs to be for it to be robustly aboutness. When you get in there, all you ponents of reality. That doesn’t rule out real. Get thee to the flames! find is neurons, neural connections, there being other sorts of facts: there can So far, so good. We want witchhood input-output circuits, and such. Circuits be, for example, biological or geological to fall by the wayside. But can Rosenberg are all there is, just about, in the brain of a

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sea slug, a rat, or a human being, and cir- mind a semantic notion—a notion that self instead of dismissing it altogether. The cuits just respond to electrical inputs with involves aboutness. notion that there is no aboutness is a rare electrical outputs. “That’s why they are Rosenberg gives the reader a glimpse stance that philosophers typically treat not about anything. Piling up a lot of neu- of some of the debates at the frontiers of with derision. There are two possible ral circuits that are not about anything at the philosophy of mind, and it’s not his explanations for the divergence: philoso- all can’t turn them into a thought about fault that intentionality and mental con- phers don’t come by atheism from the stuff out there in the world.” tent appear to be fraught with difficulty. premise of scientism (there are certainly Now, that’s not very convincing. You They are elusive, and there are real issues many other routes), or philosophers mostly may as well say that the tiniest bits of my about exactly how best to think about don’t think scientism leads to the various body are not alive, so I’m not alive. Or the mental content so that it can do serious forms of nihilism that Rosenberg so non- tiniest bits of a red crayon aren’t red, so work in scientific psychology. But Rosen- chalantly embraces. Or both. the crayon isn’t red. It may be weird that berg has given no good argument here Whatever the explanation, Rosen - brains made of circuits have thoughts why aboutness is out, no matter how berg’s nonchalance is also singular. He about things, but Rosenberg doesn’t carefully crafted or reconfigured, as far as doesn’t make a convincing case that we’ll make much of a case that it’s physically science goes. all be fine after we get rid of morality, free impossible. will, the self, etc. We’ll particularly not be Rosenberg claims that a generation of fine without the notion that our thoughts philosophers (including Jerry Fodor, Ruth are about things and that we can have Millikan, and many others) has failed to plans and purposes. A news story I heard reveal how aboutness is physically realiz- “[Rosenberg’s] answers add just after finishing Rosenberg’s book able, but he keeps to himself what the brought this home vividly. It was about various ingredients are that have gone up to a stance you might call Purpose Over Pain, an organization of into proposed recipes. Nobody thinks ‘nonchalant nihilism.’ It says, parents of murdered children. The par- intentionality exudes from individual ‘No God, no morality, no free ents get in volved in social activism as a neurons or circuits. One proposal is that way of coping with the death of their chil- intentionality is constituted by a combi- will, no self, no meaning, no dren. The organization was profiled on nation of the very complex role that a purpose . . . no big deal.’” National Public Radio in connection with type of neural state plays in the brain and the tragic death of Tray von Martin, the the relationship between that neural seventeen-year-old Florida boy who was state and the outside world. shot down by a neighborhood patroller. Psychology would be an austere and Now, if grieving parents really can’t unilluminating science if shorn of all talk think about their children, they can’t have of mental content. We couldn’t do the purpose over pain. Rosenberg flippantly simplest things, such as explain that I suc- One of my frustrations with this book is suggests Prozac for all our problems, but ceeded in landing at Charles de Gaulle air- that Rosenberg comes across as an emis- (despite his allegiance to science) he port by citing the various thoughts that sary from the arcane world of philosophy, ig nores recent research that suggests anti- went into my buying tickets, getting into but he says little about what a singular depressants are no more effective than the car at the right time, etc. Without emissary he is. A fascinating survey pub- placebos. In fact, the solution to our prob- mental content, we’d be forced to an lished at PhilPapers (philpapers.org.sur- lems is often not to descend immediately explanatory level that’s too “low,” like veys) shows that while most philosophers to the lowest level—to work on our atoms and the void are too low-level to are atheists (72.8 percent), they do not neurons or our bosons and fermions. explain why a square peg won’t go generally em brace the nihilistic positions Instead, it involves deliberately thinking through a round hole. Rosenberg appar- that Rosenberg sees as sisters of the same about our problems in new ways—adopt- ently sees this and so fudges on what psy- strict parent—scientism. Rosenberg rejects ing new purposes. Fortunately for us, chology is going to be like after intention- ob jective morality, saying that our moraliz- Rosenberg does not make a convincing ality goes up in flames. Never fear; we’re ing is a mere adaptation, but the majority case that this aspect of our self-under- going to keep talking about the brain as of philosophers accept or lean toward an “information” processor. (“Don’t mis- moral realism, the view that there are standing is defective. understand, no one denies that the brain objective truths about mo - receives, stores, and transmits informa- rality (56.3 percent); only Jean Kazez is the reviews editor at The Philosophers Magazine tion.”) Yes, but information tends to be 12.2 percent of philosophers and the author of The Weight of Things: Philosophy and the information about something. And when think, accept, or lean toward Good Life (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007) and Animalkind: What We philosophers (such as Fred Dretske) have there being no free will; and Owe to Animals (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010). She teaches philoso- tried to elucidate mental content using 63.8 percent accept or lean phy at Southern Methodist University. the concept of information, they’ve had in toward some theory of the

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Analyzing Jesus’s Words Robert M. Price

hen the members of the Jesus Seminar finished sifting through Wthe sayings and stories of the Gospels, their goal was to construct a database from which one might recon- What Jesus Didn’t Say, by Gerd Lüdemann (Salem, Oregon: struct the career and teaching of the his- Polebridge Press, 2011. ISBN 978-1-59815-030-8). IV + 133 torical Jesus. And after they finished that, pp. Paper, $18.00. there was some talk about focusing on the many texts and stories deemed prob- ably or definitely inauthentic. Where did they come from? What can they tell us about the evolution of early Christianity, since it must be early Christians, not Jesus himself, who coined these sayings and spun these tales? What Jesus Didn’t Say by taken out of context and thus misrepre- This is all very helpful for readers curi- longtime Jesus Seminar Fellow Gerd sented. Again, compared to the basic ous about the methods and results of Lüdemann is a first step toward that goal. Gospel scenario of Jesus as a wandering Gospel critics. Lüdemann is, as always, ad- The author aims to demonstrate not so prophet and faith healer (assuming we can mirably clear and sharp-eyed. His books much the criteria of authenticity in Jesus take that much for granted), it does not are always goldmines of information and tradition but rather the criteria of inau- make sense for him to be warning his audi- insight. It is a bit surprising, however, that thenticity. What do scholars look for as ence to be ready for persecution and to he is not more critical than he is. For in- telltale signs of a post-Jesus fabrication? turn the other cheek when they are excom- stance, I find it astonishing in view of the municated, arrested, and martyred. All that arguments of Walter Schmithals and presupposes a situation that could not then Günter Klein, that Lüdemann still thinks have existed, namely, one in which Jesus ap pointed a body of twelve disci- Christianity had separated off from Juda - ples. Surely that is a post-Easter develop- “The author aims to ism and become an outlaw movement. ment, since the twelve are never men- demonstrate not so much Likewise, for Jesus to be explaining the sig- tioned as such in any Jesus saying except in the criteria of authenticity in nificance of his death when the Gospels the nonhistorical John 6:70 and the make clear even his disciples had no idea it Matthean redaction (20:28) of the Q say- Jesus tradition but rather would happen marks a saying as a piece of ing preserved in Luke 22:30. Only Matthew the criteria of inauthenticity. subsequent Christian preaching. If a saying specifies that the disciples will one day What do scholars look for as presupposes the resurrection of Jesus (“All occupy twelve thrones. Lüdemann accepts things have been delivered to me by my the denials of Peter as historical, although I telltale signs of a post-Jesus Father,” etc.), we must be dealing with the think Alfred Loisy was right in dismissing fabrication?” utterance of some Christian prophet, as the story as pro-Paul, anti-Peter propa- when we read letters dictated by the son of ganda. Lüdemann thinks not, since Peter, God whose eyes are as a flame of fire in the the leader of the early Christians, would first three chapters of the Book of Revela - not have been be smirched in this fashion. tion. When sayings have Jesus adjudicate And here arises a broader issue. Lüde - For one thing, if a saying has the edito- issues debated first in the early church but mann deals briefly with the generally rial fingerprints of one of the evangelists anachronistic for the earthly Jesus—e.g., accepted criteria of authenticity, and one (Gospel writers) on it—e.g., his distinctive the propriety of preaching to non-Jews, of them is the “criterion of embarrass- motifs and vocabulary not found in other whether circumcision is incumbent, ment” (or “offensiveness,” as he calls it). Gospels—that’s a sure sign that a saying (or whether fasting ought to be continued, Some thing that would have embarrassed story) has at least been reworked by the and especially when there are two or three “the” early Christians, such as Jesus being evangelist if not created out of whole cloth. different views ascribed to Jesus—well, we baptized by John or the vilification of And even if it is just a matter of alteration, know we are dealing with people using Simon Peter, must have been true, for that is already enough to say that the fin- him as a ventriloquist dummy to win an who would have invented it? Here Lüde- ished product is spurious. It has been argument. If Jesus had actually settled the mann, like most supposed critics, remains retooled and made to say something else, issue, why was it still being debated in the stuck in the old orthodox paradigm as when a politician claims he has been early church? whereby all the earliest Christians were

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one big happy family who were at one in Unjust Steward (16:1–7) with his shady chapters 13 through 17, though you will matters of doctrine or practice. Of course, but re sourceful tactics. The idea seems to need to refer to your Bible to keep up with if you put it that way, he rejects it, and be that Jesus would have been hip, not him. Let me recommend that you read this elsewhere he shows himself fully cog- pious and stuck up like subsequent and Bart Ehrman’s book Forged together. nizant that the earliest Chris tians were a Christian leaders. But this is like Joachim They are somewhat different approaches to diverse and bickering lot (e.g., his discus- Jeremias (The Parables of Jesus) declaring spurious materials in the Bible, a topic that sion of the fasting sayings). But he is incon- that sayings that seem to be Greek trans- makes many people uncomfortable but sistent, as elsewhere in his books on Paul lations from an Aramaic original must go probably not readers of this magazine. and the early church in which he explicitly back to Jesus. What? Was Jesus the only rejects the historical accuracy of the Book one who spoke Aramaic? And was he the of Acts yet then, inexplicably, proceeds to only smart-ass in first-cen- use its basic picture of church history as his tury Galilee? Robert M. Price is professor of theology and scriptural studies at default model. Lüdemann’s book is very Colemon Theological Seminary and a research fellow at the Speaking of offensiveness, Lüdemann helpful, not to mention fasci- Center for Inquiry, for which he is hosting its new podcast, The accepts as authentic those parables and nating. One of the best parts Human Bible. His latest book is Secret Scrolls: Revelations from sayings in which “Jesus” uses rogues as is his scalpel dissection of the the Lost Gospels (Wipf and Stock, 2010). heroes and examples, such as Luke’s Farewell Discourses in John

The More Things Change … Tom Flynn

n 1903, the Blue Grass Blade—after The Truth Seeker and The Boston Investi - Igator, perhaps America’s most success- ful national freethought newspaper dur- ing the Golden Age of Free thought— Letters from an Atheist Nation: Godless Voices of America in solicited letters from its readers on the 1903, edited by Thomas Lawson (Langley, B.C.: Thomas Lawson topic of “Why I Am an Atheist.” The cam- Books, 2011, ISBN13 9781466397354) 347 pp. Paper, $16.95; paign was conceived by ex-rabbi Morris e-book for Amazon Kindle only, $7.99. Sachs of Cincinnati and enthusiastically supported by the Blade’s indefatigable Kentucky-based editor, Charles C. Moore. Dozens of replies were received from more than half of the states of the union and published in the pages of the Blade. writers (Ingersoll, D. M. Bennett, Moore, Self-described “part time writer and and others). A few celebrated free- full time dad” Thomas Lawson collected thinkers contributed (notably suffragist many of these letters, working from the and sex radical Josephine K. Henry, birth- Library of Congress Chronicling America control pioneer E. B. Foote, and move- website, a huge American-newspaper ment activist Otto Wettstein), but the vast archive. The resulting e-book became a “Most writers rejected majority included here are “plain folks” Kindle best seller; it is now in paperback their childhood religions who may never have published a word Blade. for the rest of us. and faced the disapproval aside from their letter to the In Letters from an Atheist Nation: Much of what they offer sounds sur- Godless Voices of America in 1903, Law son of family, friends, prisingly contemporary. Most writers re - supplies an excellent, even scholarly intro- and employers, just as still jected their childhood religions and faced duction placing both Sachs and Moore occurs today.” the disapproval of family, friends, and firmly in their Golden Age contexts, then employers, just as still occurs today. turns the book over to the atheists, agnos- Whether closeted or open, many ex - tics, freethinkers, and other doubters of pressed a fierce pride in their unbelief nearly 110 years ago. It’s a bracing portrait that also sounds fresh. “Truth is better of grassroots unbelief during a period we than Christianity,” quipped Mrs. M. A. Lee know better from the works of “elite” of Blue Earth, Minnesota (123).

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Where there are differences, they pany. (See my entry on Ingersoll in S. T. was forced to omit some entries. Pre - speak to the period: several writers argue Joshi, ed., Icons of Unbelief [Westport, sumably some of the missing issues exist (based on the scientific orthodoxy of the Conn.: Greenwood, 2008] for a discussion on microform at the physical Library of day) that because the universe is eternal, of Ingersoll’s scientific errors and their Congress, or in microform or even in the the concept of a creator god is not only nineteenth-century foundations.) original print at the Center for Inquiry foolish but unnecessary. “I hold that the Lawson’s remarkable work demon- Libraries. Some old-fashioned travel could universe is eternal, boundless, self-exist- strates both the power and the limits of have made this collection more complete, ing, and everlasting, and was not created online research. He was able to peruse but the gaps are minor. What Lawson in six days about six thousand years ago by most issues of the Blade from his home completed without leaving home is truly an orthodox God,” declared Henry Kaiser near Vancouver using the Chronicling impressive. of Penryn, California (118). Inger soll made America website. Yet where the same case, so Kaiser is in good com- that site is missing issues, he Tom Flynn is the editor of FREE INQUIRY.

A Knight at Evening Brooke Horvath

y the end of this year, Hannah Arendt will have been the subject of Bat least five books devoted entirely to her thought, including Steve Buckler’s Hannah Arendt and Political Theory, Hannah Arendt: Radical Conservative, by Irving Louis Horowitz Marco Goldoni and Christopher McCorkin- (New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction, 2012, ISBN 978-1-4128- dale’s Hannah Arendt and the Law, Valerie 4602-8) xii +100 pp. Hardcover, $29.95. Hartouni’s Visualizing Atrocity: Arendt, Evil, and the Optics of Thoughtlessness, and Ronald Arnett’s Communication Ethics in Dark Times: Hannah Arendt’s Rhetoric of Warning and Hope. Arendt will have fig- ured prominently as well in three other studies—Keith Breen’s Under Weber’s been subjected here to “modest cosmetic Heidegger or exploring her ideas about Shadow, which examines Arendt along surgery,” but no effort has been made to totalitarianism, revolution, or open soci- with Jürgen Habermas and Alasdair transform them into a sustained argu- eties. Although not uncritical of Arendt’s MacIntyre; Lars Rensmann and Samir ment. “They may not add up to a full-bod- work, Horowitz is motivated, he tells us, by Gandesha’s Arendt and Adorno; and ied effort at critical analysis or intellectual a desire to defend Arendt from the “pyg- William Spanos’s Exiles in the City: Hannah biography,” Horo witz admits in the Ac - mies” (his word) who wish to cut her down Arendt and Edward W. Said in Counter - knowledg ments, “but they provide a per- to their size, from the “bitter and at times point—and her ideas will have been cited spective on the work of Hannah Arendt highly emotive response to Arendt’s leben passingly in several dozen other books (I from political science or, if preferred, a nor- even more than her werke by serious schol- speak here only of books published in mative or philosophical standpoint.” ars” (I can almost see the quotation marks English), from Andrea Karin Muehlebach’s The sentence just quoted suggests a Horowitz almost placed around “serious”). The Moral Neoliberal to Bassam Tibi’s problem the general reader may confront: One may question Horowitz’s politics, Islamism and Islam. Arendt’s work, in short, Horowitz often presumes an audience disagree with his conclusions, or groan remains vital. conversant with the language and con- over the frequently infelicitous sentences Irving Louis Horowitz’s Hannah Arendt: cerns of sociology and/or the disciplines he and sometimes turgid development. One Radical Conservative is one of these new names. (The reader desiring a brief, “nor- should, however, applaud Horowitz’s gal- studies, although it is new only in the trivial mative” introduction to Arendt might start lant motivation in this final effort compiled sense of having just been published, the with the Stanford Encyclopedia of Phil - in the evening of his own leben. last of Horowitz’s books prepared by him osophy or the Jewish Virtual Library, both before his death last March. Its eight chap- accessible online.) To raise this ters have all seen print before as articles or complaint is not, of course, Brooke Horvath is professor of English at Kent State University book reviews in sundry periodicals, the ear- to imply that what Horowitz and the author of The Lecture on Dust (Bottom Dog Press, liest as long ago as 1964 and the most has to say is not worth read- 2007) and Understanding Nelson Algren (University of South recent in the current issue of Horowitz’s ing, whether he is discussing Carolina Press, 2005). journal Culture and Civilization. They have Arendt’s connection to Martin

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Poems

Sideshow Passport Application Philip Appleman Maryann Corbett

OK, Life, you with the grinning clown face, Prove to you who I am? I know I’m not the main attraction here, You ask as if I’d know. and of course you’ve slapped me around, This ID shot, slapped down whacked me with bladders, indefinite years ago? booted my behind— If it’s all a matter of Matter, but I want you to know no cell of me, no atom that after all those pratfalls, of this old face is the same I’ve finally got used to your jabs, as that; if Form, the former your tweaks, your pinches, and— has rather more than the latter. are you ready for this? And look: a different name I forgive you. than the birth certificate shows, Because sometimes on hazy afternoons I’ll hear stamped in a stiffer time the terrible keening of houseflies, by the force of love and laws. and a tragic crow will conjure up So in a sense I’m a scam. all those broken stones in Rome, The flimflam woman who and maybe once played seductress, vixen, someone special will glance at me wetnurse and char is now and look quickly away— a Being no being knows. and in that one dagger-deep moment, Yet you sweep a clerical eye Life, you sadistic old joker, I realize in a swipe like a squeegee blade how much I’d miss you across uncertainty if you turned up missing. and Bureaucracy’s awful shade

Philip Appleman has published ten volumes of poetry, including New withdraws, clutching its fee. and Selected Poems, l956–l996 (University of Arkansas Press, l996); three novels, including Apes and Angels (Putnam, l989); and half a dozen nonfiction books, including the widely used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin and the Norton Critical Edition of Malthus’s Essay on the Principle of Population. His poetry and fiction have won many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of America, the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education, and the Humanist Arts Award of the American Humanist Association. Maryann Corbett lives in St. Paul, Min ne sota, and They have appeared in scores of publications, including FREE INQUIRY, works for the Min ne sota legislature. Her book Breath Harper’s Magazine, The Nation, New Republic, New York Times, Paris Con trol is just out from David Robert Books. Her work Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, Sewanee Review, and Yale Review. He has ap peared in many journals in print and online, as has given readings of his poetry at the Library of Congress, the Guggen - well as in several anthologies. Her poems have been heim Museum, the Huntington Library, and many universities. Distin - short listed for Best of the Net, the Morton Marr Prize guished Professor Emeritus at Indiana University, he is a founding mem- ber of the Poets Advisory Committee of Poets House, New York, a for- competition, and the Able Muse Book Prize and have mer member of the governing board of the Poetry Society of America, won the Lyric Memorial Award and the Willis Barnstone and a member of the Academy of American Poets, PEN American Translation Prize. Center, Poets & Writers, Inc., and the Authors Guild of America.

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Letters continued from p. 13

denied the Holocaust but merely denies reality of the Holocaust, just that it hap- trated by the mutual disinclination to die. that the Muslims had anything to do with it. pened in his neighborhood. Here is This mindset provided a stabilizing force As a citizen of the “Zionist” state, per- Ahma dinejad speaking in a 2005 Al-Alam that mitigated the risk of either side mit me to put Drury right on a few points. interview: “Some European countries in - launching an attack; neither would have Ahmadinajad threatened to wipe out sist on saying that during World War II, won anything but a decimated planet Israel from the podium of the General Hitler burned millions of Jews and put and societies in chaos and both sides Assembly of the United Nations in front them in concentration camps. Any histo- were rational enough to realize it. of the entire world (incidentally, the first rian, commentator, or scientist who As far as I can tell, the United States is and only time anyone has done some- doubts that is taken to prison or gets con- still a secular democracy that has no inten- thing like that). Furthermore, he hosted a demned. Al though we don’t accept this tion of nuking anyone out of a religiously Holocaust Denial conference in Teheran claim [of the Holocaust]. ...” based ideology. This is why it is vital that to which he invited all the well-known Drury also states that Ahmadinejad has the role evangelical Christianity plays in Holocaust denial champions of Europe. never threatened to wipe Israel off the determining public policy diminish. On Iran funds and trains Hezbollah in map, just expressed a desire to end the the other hand, Iran is an Islamic theocracy Lebanon and has armed them with thou- Zionist state. Here is Ahmadinejad speaking in which the real power lies not with the sands of short- and medium-range rockets on the nineteenth anniversary of the president but with the clergy, who harbor capable of reaching every point in Israel. Ayatollah Khomeini’s death in 2008: “You their own dangerous eschatology. If the Iran is eighty times the size of Israel. should know that the criminal and terrorist greatest use of one’s life (or the life of a One nuclear bomb on the area of Tel Aviv Zionist regime which has sixty years of plun- nation called by God) is to sacrifice it in would be sufficient to effectively destroy dering, aggression, and crimes in its file has defense of the faith, then all bets are off. Israel. reached the end of its work and will soon The Muslim world is currently shot As a member of a people who have disappear off the geographical scene.” through with beliefs in martyrdom and been “guests” of Christian and Muslim A shaft of perfect acuity descended jihad and thus the concept of MAD no countries for over 1,800 years, culminat- from the Iranian storm cloud in May 2012, longer applies. If the other side wants to ing in the Holocaust in Europe, actively when Iran’s military chief of staff said: “The die so it can fulfill its imagined historical en couraged by Hitler’s personal friend, Iranian nation is standing for its cause and and religious destiny and attain paradise, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin that is the full annihilation of Israel.” and it has the means to do so, that is a al-Husseini, I claim the right to a piece of Drury whitewashes Iran’s intentions danger that free people everywhere must territory of my own, not subject to the and so becomes a propagandist. In a mag- resist. whims of other citizens of the “One State” azine for atheists, perhaps she feels that Matt Millsap that Drury seems to be so keen on. Unlike she can get away with it. But to allow Iran Lander, Wyoming some of my countrymen, I do not base a nuclear deterrent, in some kind of MAD this claim on divine promises but on the (mutual assured destruction) scheme, is simple fact that there is a mass of archeo- just what the acronym implies. Perhaps As usual, Shadia Drury is spot-on with her logical evidence that a group of people someday a citizen of Iran will be able to op-eds. After reading her June/July arti- known as “Israelites” or “Judeans,” from criticize the Prophet or openly burn a copy cle, I was very moved. At the age of whom I claim to be descended, occupied of the Qur’an without facing execution. eighty-three, I remember the days when parts of the area now covered by Unfor tunately, I suspect that the repeal of the Defense Department was called the Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and the Golan blasphemy laws is at least one civil war War Department—much more appropri- for over one thousand years, until they away. ate, don’t you think? were forcibly expelled by the Romans in Scott Schad Arthur Howard 135 CE. Tulsa, Oklahoma Jacksonville, Oregon I am quite willing to recognize the rights of Palestinians to a share of this Shadia B. Drury responds: area. Unfortunately they are not ready to I find it strange that Shadia Drury thinks recognize mine. And the idea of a nuclear that “the world would be better off if Iran The quotations from Mahmoud Ahma - Iran scares me to death. had a nuclear weapon” or that she would dine jad referred to by the readers above Neil Schwartz compare the tension between the United were a subject of controversy, and their Ra’anana, Israel States and a nuclear-armed Iran with the translations were in dispute. So, when Larry tension between the United States and King interviewed Ahmadinejad on CNN, he Russia during the Cold War. Two secular asked him bluntly if he did not believe that Shadia B. Drury states that Iranian Pres - nations engaged in a nuclear standoff the Holo caust really happened and if he ident Ahmadinejad has not denied the have their desires for domination frus- wanted to push Israel into the sea. I based

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what I said about Ahmadinejad on his also descendants of Abraham.” It was a rea- response to Larry King—through an inter- sonable idea because, unlike Christianity, preter. Just because I am no friend of Islam does not demonize the Jews. It does Zionism, does not mean that I am a propa- not consider them deicides—i.e., the killers gandist for theocratic thugs. I’m all for a of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. In contrast, post-Zionist Israel. It is inevitable, but it will Islam considers the Jews as the “people of take time. the book.” It is that book and its monothe- My heart goes out to Neil Schwartz, istic message to which Islam is dedicated who lives in Zionist Israel. Unfortunately, and from which Christianity has strayed— the Zionist ideology has turned Israel into a because no matter how you slice it, three military garrison that is besieged on all (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) can never fronts. In one of its earliest incarnations, equal one. So, the Jews certainly belong in Zionism was a very good idea. Having Palestine and have every right to be there. endured hundreds of years of persecution The trouble set in when Zionism mor- at the hands of the Catholic Church, and phed into a European-style nationalist finding themselves persecuted by the movement. Nationalism is the claim that nation states that followed in the wake of every “people” with a distinctive language, the French Revolution, some Jews rightly religion, culture, and ethnicity should have a said: “Enough! Let’s leave Europe and sovereign country of its own that allows cit- return to the land of our ancestors and live izens to act as one self-determining entity. with people like ourselves who are more Once this idea emerged, Jew-hatred in likely to accept us, since most of them are Europe was no longer based on the Jews

An Irreverent look at Our Language

“One should put it down, chew it over and rest. Otherwise the brain starts to unravel. What a wonderful idea for a book.”

So says a reader of Let’s Romp in the Field of Words, a 136-page paperback with slices of wry that skewer our wayword lexicon of oddities and audities, sound traps and Morphey’s Law, weeds and of-alanches. LOLs abound.

Available from Amazon.com or send $12.50 to Sheldon at the University of Notre Dame Harper, 17322 Otani Ct., Strongsville, OH 44136. E-mail: [email protected]

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Letters

being deicides but on being a foreign ele- As long as Zionism remains a nationalist liberated the Jews, who had been in cap- ment that contaminates the purity of movement, it will continue to contribute to tivity there for generations—a debt that European nation states. the ethnic hatreds in the region. A national- the Jews owe to Persia (i.e., Iran). Israel A few hundred thousand Jews went to ist movement is not interested in safety but now owns the West Bank, and it should live in Palestine at the end of the nineteenth only in the defense of the purity, authentic- just take it with all the people in it without century when Palestine was part of the ity, and exclusivity of the nation state. As trying to cleanse it settlement by settle- Ottoman Empire. The latter deprived all its long as Zionism remains a nationalist move- ment. Another lesson from Cyrus is that subjects of political freedom but gave them ment, Israel will have to live with endless once you conquer a land and its people, religious and cultural freedom under the war. you have to dispense justice—it’s an obliga- Millett system. But when the Ottoman If Israel would like to be a safe haven tion and a privilege. Israel needs equitable Empire was dismantled by the European for Jews, then here is my advice. Forget laws that are justly administered on all the powers in World War I, the modus vivendi Joshua; forget God’s command to slaugh- inhabitants of its territories. And here is in which Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived ter all the inhabitants of the Promised where it will need the Hebrew prophets for together was replaced with nationalist ide- Land; forget European nationalism, its inspiration about social justice. ology. The latter is particularly deadly when racial exclusivity, and its genocidal ways; In short, my advice to Israel is this: Stop introduced to parts of the world where abandon all pretense to democracy. In - living in fear. Stop getting the United there is a great diversity of people with dif- stead, learn from two other sources: Cyrus States to fight your battles. Learn to con- fering religions and languages living in the the Great (founder of the Persian Empire) quer like a great empire—conquer as same vicinity. The dreadful effects of nation- and the Hebrew prophets. Cyrus was the much land as you can get your hands on. alism are still with us—witness the turmoil first conqueror not to slaughter the people Your military superiority will ensure suc- in Syria, Egypt, and Israel. For the nationalist he conquered. He was the greatest con- cess. Be quick about it, while the Arabs are mind-set the only relevant political ques- queror in history because he was also a lib- still living under dreadful tyrannies. Re- tion is: To whom does the nation belong? erator. When he conquered Babylon, he member, it is easier to conquer people liv-

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ing under tyranny if you offer them justice. ing center every Thursday over several ior, my oversimplification alarm clamors. Look to the prophets for inspiration in that weeks. Our sanctuary seated three hun- Ac cording to Martin Jaffe’s “On Gods and department. There is no time to waste; the dred, but two Sunday services accommo- Placebos” (FI, June/July 2012), “The desire Arab Spring is kicking in, and conquering dated attendance of 150 percent capacity. to feel secure is the basis for human emo- free peoples will not be easy. With two other congregations joining us, I tion and behavior. ... Jaffe qualifies his Meanwhile, if you would like a safe expected standing room only as those sweeping thesis by noting that “security is place to live, Neil, come to Canada—we’d with conviction flocked to this chance to the goal of all rational human behavior” love to have you. It is our policy to give asy- stand up for Jesus, to throw out a lifeline, (my italics). But surely he must know that lum to people who live in dangerous and to rescue the perishing, which we much human emotion and behavior is places. sang about week after week. We could caused by unconscious processes that are answer the call, demonstrate Christian not controlled by rational thinking. Is the U.S. a Christian Nation? love, and experience the joy we often for- Jaffe contends that the desire to feel feit. secure “is the reason humans have be - In any discussion of the Christian-nation The training provided an eye-opening lieved in gods since the beginning of myth, two things get left out (“Once and lesson on the hypocrisy and self-decep- known history.” There are at least several for All, Is America a Christian Nation?,” FI, tion rampant in our congregation. Three- other reasons, including our tendency to June/July 2012). The first is Romans 13, quarters of the sanctuary sat empty the see agency in natural phenomena, our which says that government is ordained by first session, and attendance diminished love of ritual, religion’s contribution to God. Government maintains order and from there. What our congregation group solidarity, and its answering with punishes wrongdoing, and good citizens rejected in practice were the very pre- myths our curiosity about the world and need not fear the authorities. The second is cepts our brand of belief espoused. universe before the advent of science. 1 Peter 2, which says we must honor the Gary Zimmerman Jaffe dismisses religion by saying it pro- king. No where does the Bible teach rights Klamath Falls, Oregon vides “a false sense of security due to a and democracy, and it certainly does not placebo effect.” That’s true to an extent, teach revolution. America is founded on but I doubt that people feel very secure multiple and egregious violations of Re “How Secular Humanists (and Everyone when they fear hell or take part in holy Scripture and is certainly not a Christian Else Subsidize Religion in the U.S.” by Ryan wars. country. T. Cragun, Stephanie Yeager, and Des - Walter Balcerak Ryan Pelsy mond Vega: there is no question that Brooklyn, New York Francesville, Indiana churches—especially the mega churches— are exploiting their tax exemption to an Martin Jaffe responds: unethical degree. Here in the Houston Walter Balcerak is concerned that I over- Re “Our UnChristian Nation” by Hector area there are two mega-churches that simplify the explanation of complex hu- Avalos: in the late 1960s, a Billy Graham offer business consultation, marriage man behavior by a one-size-fits-all ex - crusade came to Angel Stadium giving counseling, vocational counseling, rock planation (based on security). But can’t a Christians around Orange County the concerts, exercise spas, and every kind of similar claim be made for evolution by nat- chance to exercise their faith. The golden recreation imaginable all in the tax- ural selection, an idea that security and opportunity for believers was the role of exempt name of Christian service. I do not security feelings are patterned after? That counselor: people who sat in the back of deny that these are good services. But, as it is, security predisposes to increased sur- stadium sections waiting to follow sinners now stands, because of their tax exemp- vival, while natural selection selects on the down to the field during the invitation. tion, they’re in unfair competition with pri- basis of enhanced survivability. Both bio- There, in front of Billy’s pulpit, counselors vate enterprise. This is an act of bad faith in logical evolution by natural selection and led converts in the prayer of salvation. a democratic society sporting separation psychological evolution on the basis of This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gave of church and state. security are simple, foundational, far- timid believers a low-risk, highly reward- John L. Indo reaching, one-size-fits-all ideas that pro- ing opportunity to serve God as he com- Houston, Texas duce paradigm shifts. Biological and psy- manded: to go into the world and preach chological evolutionary paradigms open the gospel (Mark 15:16), to confess Jesus new understandings of biology and psy- to men on earth so he will acknowledge ‘On Gods and Placebos’ chology, respectively. us to his father in heaven (Matthew Simplifies Complexity Balcerak rightfully questions the use of 10:32), and to be hot for God or be the term rational human behavior. By that spewed from his mouth (Rev. 3:15–16). When someone offers a one-size-fits-all I mean behavior whose origin is free from Our church served as a counselor train- explanation for complex human behav- mental derangement, such as occurs with

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mental disease or when opioids or meth - political support at Congress’s doorstep Seeger (1965) is that the belief must be a amphetamine hijack the mental reward rather than a brickbat for participating “meaningful belief occupying in the life of system thereby resulting in behavior that is Senator Tom Harkin’s affiliation with the possessor a place parallel to that filled not based on the desire to feel secure. Also, quack medicine (which played no role in by the God of those admittedly qualified in response to Balcerak, love of ritual and the proceedings). Theist orthodoxy, like its for the exemption.” That is a bit ambigu- group solidarity are social aspects of reli- kissin’ cousin religious orthodoxy, holds ous, but looking at the specifics of the gion and of minor importance to a belief in that disagreement on a single point of cases adjudicated in that opinion con- God. In addition, hell is a nocebo, and by rationalist thought is, dare we say it, vinces me that a “humanistic conscience” trying to avoid it people increase their “heresy.” For some, this has led to dismissal cited in the letter could qualify. security. Finally, people fight holy wars on of comedian Bill Maher for his anti-vacci- Jerry Schwarz behalf of their god, who (they wrongly nation stance, popular video blogger Pat Palo Alto, California believe) is the source of their security. Condell for his occasional rationality impaired opinions, and Dr. Phil Mason The Reason Rally (Thunderf00t) for straying from science David K. Clark’s article “Ought America to with blanket condemnations of Islam. All Be a Christian Nation?” opens with a Re (“Unreasonable Rally,” Josh Bunting have been victims of backlash from ortho- quote by Anne Graham Lotz and identi- and Ian Murphy, FI, June/July 2012): Sam dox atheists who are ever-ready to toss out fies her as the wife of Billy Graham Jr. In Harris, in calling attention to the self- ideologically impure babies with the bath- fact, she’s the second daughter of Billy defeating role of orthodoxy among athe- water. Graham the evangelist and his wife, Ruth. ists, likens it to our critics having drawn a My plea to FI is to eschew orthodox She looks young for her age. I think David chalk body-outline that these atheists are atheism’s exclusionary tendencies. Political Gregory of Meet the Press, the program all too ready to drop down and fill. The progress, which compares better to sau - from which the quote is taken, also erred Reason Rally deserves praise for rallying sage-making than the hypothetical de - when he referred to Billy Graham as her lights of pure reason, demands that we grandfather. Anne Graham Lotz is married embrace sound, if ideologically incorrect, to a dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Billy What Your Preacher people like Senator Harkin to advance our Graham Jr. is the evangelist Billy Graham, Didn’t Tell You cause. though he is seldom referred to as junior. Jose Segue Richard Follet Some preachers like to debate the existance of San Francisco, California Palm Bay, Florida God — becuase God’s existence can neither be proven nor disproven. What they don’t want to debate is whether Jesus believed that he was God’s son. John Windsor’s book demonstrates New Type that, according to the gospels, Jesus expected to rule a new “Kingdom of Heaven” that Yahweh The new typeface and improved inking in would establish right here “on earth as it is in your June/July issue are substantial im - WRITE TO heaven.” He and his disciples expected the king- provements. Thank you. Nevertheless, I dom come during their liftimes. suspect that most people who believe The evidence is “hiding in plain sight” that serif and sans serif fonts are “by most in the gospels. measures equally readable” (“From the Editor,” p. 63) have 20/20 vision. Send submissions to Hoyt Mathews Andrea Szalanski, Letters Editor, Riverwoods, Illinois FREE INQUIRY, P.O. Box 664, Amherst, NY 14226-0664. Clarification and Correction Fax: (716) 636-1733. E-mail: [email protected]. In the June/July 2012 issue you published In letters intended for a letter from Lee Simon who wrote (in a publication, please include name, comment upon Shadia Drury’s “Is Free - ad dress, city and state, zip code, dom of Religion a Mistake?” in FI, and daytime phone number April/May 2012): “. . . the state will not (for verification purposes only). Available Now in Bookstores grant me the status of conscientious Letters should be 300 words or fewer and Online objector unless it stems from a religious and pertain to previous www.no-gods.com belief.” In fact, the rule promulgated by FREE INQUIRY articles. the Supreme Court in United States v.

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We are committed to the application of reason and science We believe in the cultivation of moral excellence. to the understanding of the universe and to the solving We respect the right to privacy. Mature adults should be of human problems. allowed to fulfill their aspirations, to express their sexual We deplore efforts to denigrate human intelligence, preferences, to exercise reproductive freedom, to have to seek to explain the world in supernatural terms, access to comprehensive and informed health care, and to look outside nature for salvation. and to die with dignity.

We believe that scientific discovery and technology We believe in the common moral decencies: altruism, can contribute to the betterment of human life. integrity, honesty, truthfulness, responsibility. Humanist ethics is amenable to critical, rational guidance. There are normative We believe in an open and pluralistic society and that standards that we discover together. Moral principles are democracy is the best guarantee of protecting human rights tested by their consequences. from authoritarian elites and repressive majorities. We are deeply concerned with the moral education We are committed to the principle of the of our children. We want to nourish reason and compassion. separation of church and state. We are engaged by the arts no less than by the sciences. We cultivate the arts of negotiation and compromise as a means of resolving differences and achieving mutual We are citizens of the universe and are excited by understanding. discoveries still to be made in the cosmos.

We are concerned with securing justice and fairness We are skeptical of untested claims to knowledge, in society and with eliminating discrimination and we are open to novel ideas and seek new and intolerance. departures in our thinking.

We believe in supporting the disadvantaged and the We affirm humanism as a realistic alternative to disabled so that they will be able to help themselves. theologies of despair and ideologies of violence and as a source of rich per sonal significance and genuine satisfaction We attempt to transcend divisive parochial loyalties based in the service to others. on race, religion, gender, nationality, creed, class, sexual orientation, or ethnicity and strive to work together for We believe in optimism rather than pessimism, hope rather the common good of humanity. than despair, learning in the place of dogma, truth instead of ignorance, joy rather than guilt or sin, tolerance in the place We want to protect and enhance Earth, to preserve of fear, love instead of hatred, compassion over selfishness, it for future generations, and to avoid inflicting needless beauty instead of ugliness, and reason rather than blind suffering on other species. faith or irrationality.

We believe in enjoying life here and now and in We believe in the fullest realization of the best and noblest developing our creative talents to their fullest. that we are capable of as human beings.

*by Paul Kurtz

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