FI Feb-Mar 2006 Pages 12/27/05 11:06 AM Page 25

toward proponents of Intelligent De- how prophetic the magazine’s founding Council’s sign—among them, President George W. statement has turned out to be. Drafted Bush. At one point, Dawkins displayed a by Kurtz, “A Secular Humanist Declar- 25th Anniversary slide that read simply “intellectually ation” (1980) attempted to defend the World Congress a lazy.” “The argument [is] that because Enlightenment and secular-humanist living things appear to be so statistical- values and virtues; it pointed out the Resounding ly improbable, so fantastically com- dangers of the rapid growth and popu- plex, therefore, they must have been larity of the Christian fundamentalist Success designed,” Dawkins observed. “I shall Right and its attempts to seize political show, on the contrary . . . the more sta- The Council for Secular Humanism, tistically improbable and complex some- the International Academy of Humanism, thing is, the less likely it is to be and the –Trans- designed. The only thing that can con- national hosted the Council’s Twenty- ceivably, as far as we know, explain the fifth Anniversary World Congress, titled illusion of design in living things is “Toward a New Enlightenment,” in Darwinian natural selection.” Amherst, New York, from October 27 to On Friday morning, conference par- 30, 2005. The congress attracted well over ticipants packed the main ballroom at eight hundred attendees, making this one the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo of the Council’s best-attended conference for a day of exciting sessions. David events ever. About a third of the atten- Koepsell, the executive director of the dees came from overseas. Conference Council, chaired the opening panel titled organizers brought together some forty- “ and the Threat of Fundamen- one speakers—including two Nobel lau- talism.” Papers were delivered by as- reates—from twenty-two countries, rep- tronomer Jean-Claude Pecker, philo- resenting a broad array of fields and dis- sopher Ioanna Kuçuradi, anthropologist ciplines. Lionel Tiger, and physicist Lawrence The conference began Thursday Krauss. Krauss devoted his presentation afternoon with an exciting opening cer- to showing that Intelligent Design is sim- emony. This included special welcoming ply a red herring to disguise a concerted remarks from William Greiner, former effort by a variety of groups—including president of the State University of New the White House—to attack and margin- York at Buffalo, and Arnold Gardner, a alize science. member of the New York State Board of The Friday luncheon panel was Richard Dawkins addresses reporters at a pre-Congress Regents. Council for Secular Humanism chaired by former Council executive press conference. All photos by: Andrew Skolnick Chair Paul Kurtz gave the opening director Ed Buckner. Presentations were address, in which he called for a New delivered by Richard Dawkins, Margaret Enlightenment. There was a surprise Downey of the Greater Philadelphia appearance from Charles Darwin, Freethought Society, and Scottish psy- played by Clyde “Kipp” Herreid, a dis- chologist R. Elisabeth Cornwell. The tinguished professor of biology at the afternoon session on “Science and University at Buffalo. Of special signifi- Fundamentalism” was moderated by cance was a multimedia retrospective of Center for Inquiry–Metro New York humanism’s heroes and heroines, titled chair Austin Dacey. Chris Mooney, “In Praise of Free Inquiry.” At the con- author of the new book, The Republican clusion of the opening ceremony, confer- War on Science (excerpted in FREE ence-goers were treated to Mozart’s INQUIRY, December 2005/January 2006), Sonata in D Major for Two Pianos, detailed the rise of the conservative performed by Buffalo’s own world-class think tanks in America and the often- pianists Frieda and Stephen Manes. bogus science they sponsor. Dr. Etienne- After an opening panel chaired by Emile Baulieu from France, moderate Paul Kurtz, called “Secularism, Human- Muslim activist Fatemolla from Bangla- ism, and Democracy,” the Thursday night desh, and psychiatrist Thomas Szasz keynote address was delivered by evolu- were also part of the panel. tionary biologist Richard Dawkins. In Paul Kurtz hosted the Friday night addition to the registered conference reception and banquet at the Buffalo- audience, many from the local commu- Niagara Marriott Hotel in Amherst. nity came out to hear Dawkins speak. Kurtz began the banquet with a few Dawkins enthralled the crowd with his words reflecting on the founding of FREE University at Buffalo professor Clyde Herreid take-no-prisoners approach and often INQUIRY magazine and the Council twen- “channels” Charles Darwin to greet Congress par- cutting, but witty, remarks directed ty-five years ago. He pointed out just ticipants.

25 http://www.secularhumanism.org February/March 2006 FI Feb-Mar 2006 Pages 12/27/05 11:06 AM Page 26

power. Here we are, a quarter-century Chemistry, delivered the second keynote Web site, www.vega.org.uk, and shared later, and the political right-wing has address of the Congress on Friday night. stories from his many adventures bring- become thoroughly entrenched in the Amid expressions of serious concern ing buckyballs and soccer balls to chil- political process and gained enormous about the fundamentalist war on sci- dren everywhere. Kroto’s inspiring work power. Immediately following his open- ence, he reminded everyone that bring- brought the guests to their feet and left ing remarks, Kurtz surprised everyone ing science education to young people is most feeling ready to go out and change with a cake celebrating the Council’s not only an important task but a joyful the world. twenty-fifth anniversary and an im- endeavor full of value and purpose. He During the special awards ceremony, promptu version of “Happy Birthday.” highlighted the power of the Internet to Paul Kurtz bestowed awards upon Sir Harold Kroto, Nobel Laureate in reach the public, played videos from his Kroto, Kuçuradi, , Mona

The New Enlightenment in the Islamic World

A panel of experts from across the Islamic world met at the West but failed to subject Iranian culture to the scrutiny Council for Secular Humanism’s World Congress “Toward that was necessary for Iran to come out of its decline. a New Enlightenment” on Sunday, October 30, 2005. The Mona Abousenna, Secretary General of the Afro-Asiatic session was moderated by Ibn Warraq, who began by Philosophy Association and Secretary General of the lamenting the fact that most humanists still do not “get it” International Ibn Rushd and Enlightenment Association, where Islam is concerned—too many still erroneously read a paper by Mourad Wahba. Mourad, professor emeri- attribute Islamic terrorism to U.S. foreign policy, poverty, tus of philosophy at the University of Ain Shams in Cairo, or the Israel/Palestine conflict. Humanists are pathologi- Egypt, and the founder and honorary president of the Afro- cally nice, Warraq charged, and they refuse to accept that Asian Philosophy Association and the International they are confronted by a totalitarian ideology. Instead of Averröes and the Enlightenment Association, was unable to reading apologists for Islam (Warraq singled out religion attend because of ill health. writer Karen Armstrong), Warraq counseled secular Wahba’s paper gave a historical survey of the roots of humanists to listen to voices like those of the panelists. modern Islamic fundamentalism, identifying the influence Three speakers from the Arab subcontinent spoke and of the Hanbali theologian Ibn Tayymiyya (who died in 1328 were followed by a break and question period. Tasbih C.E.) and his modern interpreter, Abd-al-Wahhab Sayyed, editor of Pakistan Today, began by explaining (1703–1787); Hassan al-Banna, founder of the fascist that the Islamic world is dominated by an unscientific Muslim Brotherhood; and Sayyid Qutb (1906–1966). worldview in which natural disasters like the Indian Ocean Islamic fundamentalism rejects modernity, but modern tsunami last December and the recent Pakistan earthquake Islamic societies need to find ways to accommodate it. can be attributed to God’s retribution for man’s sins. Islam Finally, Mona Abousenna described the goals and needs a Reformation and an Enlightenment, Sayyed principles of Islamic fundamentalism, with its literal declared; this will come about only by allowing debate and reading of religious texts. She thought the only way for- discussion in Islamic societies. ward was to de-dogmatize reason through education, Fatemolla, originally from Bangladesh, talked about his especially by teaching creativity, rationality, and toler- successful campaign against the introduction of the ance. That would require a free and critical interpreta- (Islamic law) in Canada, while Shahriar Kabir, also from tion of the religious texts, which have to be seen in a non- Bangladesh, explained that neither the Qur’an nor the literal way. The Qur’an and Hadith have to be reinter- Hadith (Islamic traditions) recognize democracy. Though preted metaphorically. Bangladesh has, in principle, a secular constitution, there During the question period, the panel and the modera- are now more than seventy militant Islamist organizations tor were given an ovation for their courage in pursuing bent on destroying the last vestiges of a secular civil soci- their work. Sir Harold Kroto asked if there were any rea- ety in that land. Kabir described how he himself had been sons for being optimistic. Zand-Bonazzi thought not. imprisoned, physically attacked, and vilified for his work, Others wondered if a reinterpretation of the Qur’an is real- especially his efforts on behalf of the country’s belea- ly possible. Paul Kurtz closed the session, thanking the guered minorities. panel and moderator for their efforts and pointing out how Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi, activist, writer, and filmmak- especially important it is at the present time. er, has personally experienced the barbarities of the —Ibn Warraq Iranian regime, since it initially imprisoned her father and still keeps him under house arrest in Tehran. Zand- Bonazzi gave a short history of several Iranian intellectu- Ibn Warraq is the author of Why I Am Not a Muslim and als, focusing in particular on Ali Shari’ati, who had a the editor of The Origins of the Koran, The Quest for the Manichaean view of the world and saw the West as uni- Historical Muhammad, and the forthcoming What the formly evil. Like Edward Said, Shari’ati demonized the Koran Really Says.

free inquiry http://www.secularhumanism.org 26 FI Feb-Mar 2006 Pages 12/27/05 11:06 AM Page 27

Abousenna, and, in absentia, Mourad Wahba (who was ill and could not attend) for their courage and persis- tence in furthering the aims of science, humanism, and secularism worldwide. Following the ceremony, the evening was capped off with a performance by Max Maven, world-renowned “mind reader,” who dazzled the audience with his displays of psychological subterfuge and razor-sharp wit. Saturday morning began, once again at the University at Buffalo, with a panel chaired by Richard Hull. This panel focused on the intersection of reason, ethics, morals, and values. Distinguish- Richard Dawkins, Ann Druyan, and Paul Kurtz address revelers at the gala opening of the newest wing of ed philosopher Antony Flew delivered a the Center for Inquiry–Transnational. paper tilted “A Syllabus for Moral Education.” Flew—a strong conserva- tive—tried to defend traditional morali- ty, grounded in secular values. Philo- sopher John Novak from Brock Uni- versity in Ontario, Canada, delivered a talk on “Values and Educational Living,” grounded firmly in the tradition of John Dewey. Other papers were presented by Michael Ardon from Israel and Dennis Razis from Greece. The afternoon panel, “The Scientific Examination of Religion” (see sidebar) was moderated by R. Joseph Hoffmann, professor of religion at Wells College in Aurora, New York, and director of the The opening panel: (left to right) , Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Hauptman, Paul Kurtz, Committee for the Scientific Exam- , Andrzej Dominiczak, Jean-Claude Pecker. ination of Religion (CSER). One of the truly magnificent events of chaired by Vern Bullough on “What Is grand success, sparking an abundance the conference came on Saturday night, Necessary to Achieve a New En- of enthusiasm and a shared desire to when a group of conference attendees lightenment?” This latter panel was continue the dialogue amongst the eight and speakers gathered at the Center for truly transnational in scope: taking part hundred or so participants. We have Inquiry for a semiformal, black-tie- in the discussions were members of the already developed a “New Enlighten- optional gala to celebrate the grand International Academy of Humanism, ment” listserv where members can opening of CFI’s $2.5 million expansion including Rubén Ardila of Columbia, exchange ideas and join the battle. (To at its transnational headquarters in Professor Valerii Kuvakin of Russia, sign up, go to http://www.secularism.org Amherst. Partygoers were joined by spe- Svetozar Stojanovic of the former and click on “Stay informed about con- cial guests of honor Richard Dawkins Yugoslavia, and Innaiah Narasetti of ferences, news, and advocacy efforts! and Ann Druyan, a Committee for the India. Join the Council for Secular Human- Scientific Investigation of Claims of the The session concluded the confer- ism’s E-mail list.” Then choose “Sub- Paranormal Fellow and the widow of the ence, but not the weekend. Skeptical scription Management.”) late Carl Sagan. The champagne was Inquirer Managing Editor Benjamin ‘TOWARD A NEW flowing and the hors d’oeuvres were in Radford and Center for Inquiry Director abundance as all were entertained by an of Grants and Special Projects Sherry ENLIGHTENMENT’ elegant string quartet. (Richard Dawkins Rook led a group of conference attendees IN THE MEDIA was particularly entranced by them, at on a bus excursion to the glory of This year’s World Congress garnered one point uttering in his indomitable Western New York, Niagara Falls. Trip- quite a bit of media attention. On British style, “The string quartet is goers enjoyed a dramatic view of the Thursday, October 27, the Council hosted absolutely superb!”) Falls at night, illuminated by an ever- a press conference in the new wing of the On Sunday morning, attendees split changing spectrum of colors, and got to Center for Inquiry–Transnational. The up for two concurrent sessions: “The experience an IMAX theatre presenta- conference featured Paul Kurtz, Council New Enlightenment in the Islamic tion on the history and legends of executive director David Koepsell, Center World,” chaired by the distinguished Ibn Niagara Falls. for Inquiry–West Chair Eddie Tabash, Warraq (see sidebar) and a panel All in all, the World Congress was a author Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins.

27 http://www.secularhumanism.org February/March 2006 FI Feb-Mar 2006 Pages 12/27/05 11:07 AM Page 28

tudes and the danger they pose to America’s future as the preeminent scien- tific and technological nation. The conference attracted media attention from as far away as London, though that was an attack on the Enlightenment by Christian apologist Alister McGrath. The Buffalo affiliate of NPR ran a special two-part profile on the Center for Inquiry, highlighting the World Congress and featuring inter- views with Paul Kurtz, Richard Daw- kins, Antony Flew, Sam Harris, and R. Joseph Hoffmann. Kurtz was inter- viewed by ABC Radio in New York about the Congress. Carolyn Thompson of the Associated Press wrote a story called “Skeptics Converge to Take on Religion and Morality,” and The Buffalo News ran an excellent profile of CFI and the Congress titled, “Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Skeptics.” Paul Kurtz, left, and Kendrick Frazier, right, present the Science and the Public Award to Nobel Laureate Sir Harold Kroto. —Nathan Bupp In attendance were members of the local Press, Science and Theology News, media, including the Toronto Globe and National Public Radio, and BeliefNet. Paul Nathan Bupp is Director of Commun- Mail and Rochester, New York’s City Kurtz opened the press conference with a ications for the Center for Inquiry– newspaper, as well as the Associated statement regarding antiscientific atti- Transnational.

Scientifically Examining Religion

The Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion ture of misery.” Richard Hull, a professor emeritus of phi- (CSER) met on Saturday, October 29, alongside personnel losophy of the University at Buffalo, continued the session from other Council for Secular Humanism and Center for with a paper demonstrating the statistical case against the Inquiry projects to celebrate the former organization’s “personhood” and “ensoulment” arguments against abor- twenty-fifth anniversary. CSER is one of two Center for tion of the Religious Right. The session concluded with a Inquiry bodies exclusively dedicated to the scholarly and contribution from Professor Peter Atkins of Oxford, who critical examination of religion and religious truth claims; reasserted the conference theme that “Good science is it has pursued this agenda since 1983. Its fellowship incompatible with most forms of religious belief.” includes distinguished historians, scientists, philosophers, CSER Chair R. Joseph Hoffmann underscored the cen- writers, anthropologists, and theologians. tral message of the session: “CSER does not scoff at wo- The CSER session was divided into three parts; the first men and men of the distant past who believed that ancient dealt with the current “end of faith” controversy, signaled by biblical and equivalent creation myths are true, any more Sam Harris’s New York Times best-selling book by the same than we scoff at our human ancestors who used flint title. Harris, a columnist for FREE INQUIRY, gave an informal knives because there was no stainless steel. But if there presentation, which was answered by Professor Van Harvey are better stories—those provided by science—and better of Stanford University. Harvey questioned Harris’s criticism knives, it is our duty to call the alternatives to the attention of religious moderates and his apparent indifference toward of the public. CSER exists to provide the critical and cut- advances in the critical, academic study of religion. ting edge that equips the public to be skeptical of the logic The session included two significant presentations in of the religious establishment.” the field of bioethics. Professor Laura Purdy, formerly of the —R. Joseph Hoffmann University of Toronto and now Koch Professor of Ethics at Wells College, demonstrated inconsistencies in the Catholic and evangelical Right’s so-called culture of life. She sug- R. Joseph Hoffmann is Campbell Professor of Religion gested that the social consequences of the moral agenda of and Human Values at Wells College and the director of the the Catholic-evangelical alliance produced instead a “cul- Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion.

free inquiry http://www.secularhumanism.org 28