Vol. 33 No. 8 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. October 2016 FFRF objects to university football team chaplaincies

By PJ Slinger

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is re- newing its objection to several public university foot- ball chaplaincies. FFRF initially contacted the schools in August of last year to complain about their respective chaplain- cy programs as part of a broad national report titled “Pray to Play.” This August, FFRF contacted five major universi- ties still not in compliance with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Those schools are Georgia Tech, the University of Wisconsin, Virginia Pretty as a picture Tech, the University of Missouri and the University This new rendering of the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s office building in downtown Madison, of South Carolina. FFRF plans to contact more non- Wis., is by artist Kathleen Parr McKenna, who had created a painting of FFRF’s original building many compliant universities throughout the fall. years ago. A renovation and five-story addition was completed last year — thanks to many generous Most of the schools involved try to get around the FFRF members. unconstitutionality argument by claiming that any religious services or activities are purely voluntary. But the idea that such religious activities are truly op- tional is questionable, at best. Final call for FFRF convention FFRF’s “Pray to Play” report concluded that “ath- letes do not view coaches’ suggestions as optional.” We’re just days away from the 2016 FFRF annual personal battles or fighting state/church separation. Moreover, “coaches add to this pressure by sending national convention in Pittsburgh the weekend of You’ll learn a lot and be entertained. What more can chaplains to talk with players going through difficult Oct. 7-9! you ask for? times, instead of allowing players to seek out their If you haven’t registered already, you may still sign Because of the popularity of this year’s convention own religious or professional counseling.” up at the door, although you cannot order meals. (and the fact that’s there’s a Steelers game in town “Courts have summarily rejected arguments that Join us for a weekend of great speakers, food, mu- that Sunday), hotel rooms at the Wyndham Grand voluntariness excuses a constitutional violation,” sic and more! FFRF has pulled together an excep- Downtown, site of the convention, are now sold out FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie tional lineup of speakers, including Daniel Dennett, for that weekend. To find a place to stay nearby, go to Gaylor wrote in a letter to Georgia Tech President Lawrence Krauss, Susan Jacoby and Jerry Coyne. hotels.com or your favorite online booking site. G.P. Peterson. Many of the other speakers have intriguing, interest- We hope to see you in Pittsburgh! For more infor- See Universities on page 2 ing and/or heartbreaking stories to tell about their mation, go to ffrf.org/outreach/convention. Inside This Issue Nonbelief Relief aids threatened atheist

The problem Bangladeshi writer finds asylum in Canada of voting in By PJ Slinger on Saturday, Oct. 8. churches On May 12, 2015, Abir’s book edi- page 3 tor and friend, Ananta Bijoy Das, had stepped out of his home for the daily R aihan Abir lived in a constant commute to his job when men wearing state of fear that he would be killed. masks and carrying machetes chased And for good reason. Which was for him and killed him. Is diversity bad reasons. “When he was killed, I said there is making U.S. Abir is co-author of Philosophy of Dis- no way I’m not next,” Abir told the To- less religious? belief, a book promoting atheism that ronto Globe and Mail. “They will target page 6 became a bestseller in Bangladesh me, of course.” in 2011. He is now the latest Bangla- Three people involved in the pub- deshi nonbeliever aided by Nonbelief lishing of the book have been brutally Relief, which serves as the charitable murdered. Three others have been se- arm of the Freedom From Religion Photo by Samiul Alam Anik riously injured, as religious extremists College Essay Foundation. Raihan Abir holds his baby Sophia in Bangladesh target atheist and sec- Contest Abir’s co-author, Avijit Roy, was after escaping from Bangladesh. ular writers. Since 2013, religious ex- winners hacked to death in February 2015 on a tremists have killed more than 50 blog- page 12 street in Dhaka by religious extremists. United Nations, calling on the Bangla- gers, secularists and LGBT activists, Rafida Bonya Ahmed, Avijit Roy’s deshi government to do more to pro- according to Human Rights Watch. wife, survived the assault and is a prom- tect atheist writers. She will be speak- “Whenever we started out of the inent voice at global forums and the ing at FFRF’s convention in Pittsburgh See Abir finds asylum on page 5 Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

Universities Virginia Tech Virginia Tech’s Director of Athletics Whit Bab- Continued from front page Pray cock’s response to our letter, dated Oct. 15, 2015, in- Additionally, these schools employ only Christian TO dicated that Virginia Tech has taken positive steps re- chaplains, showing an unconstitutional preference garding its chaplain, but that the program continues. for Christianity. This is in spite of the fact that 44 Following FFRF’s exposé, money was repaid to percent of college-aged Americans are non-Christian Play the university after team Chaplain Dave Gittings and and fully a third of millennials identify as nonreli- Christian coaches and chaplains are converting his family traveled with the team and stayed in team gious, according to the Pew Research Center. football fields into mission fields hotels, received per diem payments for bowl games, In order to aid these universities in protecting and received complimentary season tickets. their students from religious discrimination, FFRF is However, Virginia Tech appears to have retained also recommending the adoption of a model policy, its chaplaincy program as a whole. Gittings contin- which includes the maintenance of complete offi- ues to serve as the team chaplain, and he apparently cial neutrality in matters of religion. If adopted, this provides “weekly large group meetings open to the model policy would not only bring the schools into student athletes, small group team bible studies, one compliance with the law, but would send the message on one discipleship, coaches bible studies and a min- that the universities value the right of every student istry to the ladies who love and support the coach athlete to hold his or her own religious or nonreli- called Behind The Bench.” gious views, free from direct or indirect coercion or According to Virginia Tech’s Gobbler Connect contrary endorsement. Organizations Directory, there are more than 60 re- ligious organizations for students to choose from. Georgia Tech © Chris Szagola/NewSport/Corbis There is no need for the Virginia Tech football pro- At Georgia Tech, it appears that Derrick Moore gram to provide Christian chaplains in order for the continues to serve as its football chaplain and re- student-athletes to freely exercise their religions. ceives compensation from the school for his religious services. Moore prays with the team before games FFRF released a “Pray to Play” exposé last year, Wisconsin while wielding a sledgehammer at times. condemning more than 25 public universities for “Apparently, we need to sledgehammer Georgia letting football coaches impose their personal FFRF has been badgering the University of Wis- Tech officials in order to get any meaningful re- religion on players by hiring Christian chaplains. consin about its chaplaincy program for many years, sponse,” Barker adds. however, it has yet to issue a formal response to South Carolina FFRF’s newest concerns. Missouri FFRF is pleased to report the departure of Chap- Father Michael Burke, a Catholic priest, continues The University of Missouri last year quickly re- lain Adrian Despres, about whom it complained last to serve as the UW football chaplain. For decades, plied to FFRF’s letter, stating that it had no intention year. Burke has traveled with the team, led team prayers to change its program. However, it appears that the new University of and provided religious services, among other chap- As with the other schools, it contended that Miz- South Carolina football head coach, Will Mus- lain duties. He has access to team facilities and has zou’s football chaplaincy is acceptable because it is champ, has decided that he wants “multiple voices even participated in recruiting. voluntary. Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin wrote that “in- available to assist with the spiritual development Burke has a history of leading the team in pre- teraction with the chaplain and attendance at these of student-athletes,” as he was quoted in an official game prayers. These prayers are coercive. A former services is strictly voluntary.” But former coach Gary statement on Despres’ exit. Furthermore, he told a Jewish player told a reporter that he had to opt to sit Pinkel invited a chaplain to deliver prayers for the Rotary Club meeting earlier this year, “There’s no with the group while it was praying and listen silently whole team in the locker room. question being a Christian is very important to me. so as to not appear socially out of place. Also, chaplains Shay Roush and Nathan Tiemey- . . . That’s not something I push on our players. It’s FFRF is particularly concerned that the UW foot- er are not uncompensated or purely “volunteer.” As something I make readily available for our players.” ball program has been subsidizing Burke’s travel with FFRF’s report details, both have received per diem As an initial matter, it is improper for a public the team. FFRF first exposed the subsidization in the payments for their services, as well as Mizzou-spon- university program to “assist with the spiritual de- early 1990s. Recent public records that FFRF request- sored flights for themselves and their families to bowl velopment” of students. This cannot be a task of ed revealed that in the past couple of years UW again games. Such benefits send a clear message to players the government under the First Amendment, which paid for Burke’s hotel rooms for bowl games, which and the community that these chaplains are working excludes government entities from sponsoring reli- totaled nearly $2,500. Following FFRF’s request for for Mizzou. gious activity. Whether or not to engage in religious records of Burke’s reimbursement, UW belatedly activity is squarely left to private individuals. submitted an invoice to Burke for such travel. 14 new Life Members welcomed Seniors: A way to help FFRF FFRF is happy to announce and wel- States represented are Alabama, Cal- come our 14 new Lifetime Members. ifornia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Mas- If you are age 70 1/2 or older, The IRA rollover became perma- Warmest thanks to Dean R. Brown, sachusetts, Ohio, Utah, Washington you may now donate up to $100,000 nent in December 2015, which is Roger Busse, John Fantz, Maggie and Wisconsin. Lifetime memberships to FFRF as a qualifying 501(c)(3) very good news for senior citizens. Freespirit, Yair Harel, Dave Huntsman, are $1,000, designated as membership charitable organization directly from The donation benefit had been al- Caroline Markfield, Paul Mueller, or membership renewal and are de- your Individual Retirement Account lowed to expire in 2008 and then re- Dr. Kathryn Pettit, Robert Phelan, Jr., ductible for income tax purposes, as (IRA). The distribution will not be newed, temporarily by Congress sev- Sherry L. Smith, Stephen Strickler, Co- are all dues and donations to FFRF, a treated as taxable income, provided eral times at the last minute, creating lette Wendt and Marian Wiggins. 501(c)(3) nonprofit. the distribution is made directly. uncertainty and confusion. To qualify, contributions must Because it is available to taxpay- come from a traditional IRA or Roth ers whether or not they itemize their Donate now to FFRF through CFC IRA, and they must be made directly tax returns, the rollover helps older If you are a federal employee, you the official workplace giving campaign to a public charity. Additionally, the Americans, who are more likely not may now make donations to FFRF of the federal government. The mis- donor may not receive goods or ser- to file itemized returns. though the CFC (Combined Federal sion of the CFC is to promote and sup- vices in exchange for the donation, FFRF will send a “non-tax” letter Campaign) until Dec. 15. port philanthropy through a program and they must retain a receipt from receipt that documents your lovely If you wish to help FFRF through that is employee focused, cost-efficient each charity to which a donation is charitable rollover gift! Thank you so this campaign, please use EIN number and effective.” made. much. 1302520. FFRF thanks you for your continued From the CFC website: “The CFC is support!

Freethought Today A Note to Members Notify Us of Your published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your address label shows the expiration ADDRESS CHANGE [email protected] • FFRF.org date of your membership in FFRF, P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 which includes your subscription to Promptly! (608)256-8900 • FAX (608)204-0422 Freethought Today and “Private Line.” If it says October or earlier please EMAIL [email protected] Editor: PJ Slinger, [email protected] renew! Your prompt renewal ($40-single Editor Emeritus: Bill Dunn Don’t miss a single issue! If membership; $50-household; $100 you move, notify us directly Executive Publisher: Annie Laurie Gaylor gung-ho; $250-sustaining) saves us and promptly. The Post Graphic Designers: Jake Swenson & Roger Daleiden time and postage, and is tax-deductible. O ce does not forward Contributors: Freethought Today is published 10 times a year, with combined issues in third-class mail. FFRF Philip Appleman, Dan Barker, Daniel Cox, Paul Davis, cannot be responsible for James A. Haught, Chris Line, Rebecca Markert, Amit Pal, January/February and June/July. replacing back issues if we Lauryn Seering, Andrew Seidel, Lisa Treu, Maddy Ziegler Send membership or renewal to: have not been notifi ed prior October 2016 FFRF • P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 to your move. The only freethought newspaper in the United States  rf.org/donate October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 The problem of voting in churches

By Rebecca S. Markert affect how you vote. In a 2008 study, “Contextual Priming: Where people vote affects how they vote,” professors Jonah Berger, Marc Meredith and S. We’re only Christian Wheeler found that those weeks away from voting in a school were more likely to the November support a measure that increased sales election and this tax to fund education. A similar study means many of us in 2010, “Deus ex machine: The influ- are finalizing our ence of polling place on voting behav- voter registrations ior,” by Abraham Rutchick, found that and pinning down Rebecca Markert 83% of those voting in churches sup- where we’re sup- ported a measure defining marriage posed to go to vote. You may be sur- Jesus laughingly watched voters at this Brown Deer, Wis., church polling as between one man and one woman, prised to find that your polling loca- location in 2011. After receiving a complaint from FFRF and one of its while 81.5% of voters in secular loca- tion is in a church. Every election year, members, the Village Board approved moving the voting site to a newly built tions supported the same measure. FFRF receives questions about the le- community center in 2013. gality of houses of worship being used Take action! as polling places. foot of an 8-foot tall Christian cross. Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by the If you have to vote in a church, com- Only three courts in the entire Wisconsin has same-day registration, church. Following a letter of complaint plain! Usually your city or county rep- country have spoken on this issue, and allowing voters to register on Election by FFRF, the Monroe County director resentative has the authority to suggest those three have found it to be a per- Day. Our complainant described his of elections indicated they would not changes to polling places. A local rep is missible practice so long as there are experience as “disconcerting, as if that use the Shawnee Tabernacle as a poll- more apt than a bureaucrat to respond reasonable alternatives available for was the focus of the event, instead of ing location in the future. to a citizen complaint. Suggest secular those who object to voting in a church, the primary election.” As our coun- Just this year, FFRF sent a complaint alternatives (particularly those with ac- such as early voting or absentee voting. try becomes more religiously diverse, to Lehigh County, Pa., over its use of cess to persons with disabilities): librar- However, because only a minority of Christian images and iconography are churches as polling places. Voters re- ies, public schools (it’s educational for courts have deemed the practice per- seen by many as symbols of political ported that, along with religious imag- students to witness Election Day), fire missible, it’s not well-settled law. intimidation. ery, there were tables with displays of stations, malls, etc. In many places, one-third to one- At a minimum, if churches are go- church activities. In a partial victory, If you are forced to vote in a church, half of all polling locations are church- ing to be used as polling locations, re- the county agreed to place portable take notes or photographs (if allowed es. In Rockford, Ill., churches consti- ligious imagery should be removed or walls and dividers to cover up some by law), especially if you are forced tute an incredible 80% of the city’s covered in voting areas. of the religious images voters encoun- to walk by signs, brochures or posters polling locations. In Eau Claire, Wis., Furthermore, there are numerous tered in the polling area. which would influence voters on issues 53 of 66 wards use houses of worship. cases across the country of church- such as gay rights or abortion. You have In Fayetteville, Ark., churches are used es exploiting their position as poll- No proselytizing the right to vote in an auditorium or for 16 of the 17 polling places! ing sites to promote their churches The takeaway from these stories is hall free of religious messages, crucifix- or causes. We’ve received reports of this: churches should not be able to ex- es, etc. Document such violations when Objectionable practice churches handing out literature about ploit their positions as a polling place you complain to local officials. FFRF takes the position that this their services and posting sign-ups for in order to advertise themselves and FFRF members have been success- practice is objectionable on many their bible studies. distribute proselytizing materials. ful in getting officials to choose secular grounds. In the 2008 election, Shawnee Tab- The most egregious abuses, howev- over religious sites. Being a “squeaky There are a whole host of problems ernacle Christian Church in Tobyhan- er, come when churches used as poll- wheel,” doing homework about avail- with churches being used as polling na, Pa., used its status as a polling place ing places also take the opportunity to able alternatives, and working with sites. First, many of these sites are uti- to hand out “goodie bags” for voters. speak out on ballot initiatives at issue local government representatives can lized for Christian worship. Religious These bags were distributed to voters in the election, or take the time to yield results. imagery is pervasive in a lot of these ven- as they were entering or exiting the endorse or oppose a candidate. This FFRF does not have the resources to ues and oftentimes are in direct view of polling place. Bags contains religious came up frequently in the past as same- complain about every church used as voters. FFRF receives complaints of vot- literature included a “Welcome” pam- sex marriage bans were considered in a polling site, but if the circumstances ing booths being underneath paintings phlet that listed worship services and states across the U.S. you encounter are extreme, we can do of Jesus, large Christian crosses and prayer meeting times, a magazine Using houses of worship as polling a backup complaint. nearby bibles and posters with biblical entitled “PoconoParent,” which de- places is particularly problematic know- Rebecca S. Markert is FFRF senior staff verses on them. A church in Eau Claire scribed a charter school opened and ing the psychological consequences of and managing attorney. put the voter registration table at the run by the pastor; and an invitation to voting in a church. Where you vote can Overheard

I’m going to tell you what my religion you allow them to talk in their own is. Do unto others as you would have words, that they are bringing up things them do unto you. Period. Terminato. that are related to science and a need Finito. I have no other religion. I feel for evidence and a need for proof. very Jewish and I feel very grateful to Mark Gray, a senior research associate be Jewish. But I don’t believe in God or at the Center for Applied Research in anything to do with the Jewish religion. the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown Actor Gene Wilder, who died on Aug. University 29, in the book Stars of David: Promi- National Catholic Register, 9-6-16 nent Jews Talk About Being Jewish Patheos.com, 8-30-16 It creates an atmosphere where it is ex- pected from everybody to say a prayer After years of dealing with the ho- regardless of their faith or no faith. It’s mophobic comments aimed at me by like me as the superintendent of the the preacher, I felt I needed to stand Corps of Cadets saying, ‘Let’s take a up against these false prophets spew- knee and say a prayer together.’ I don’t ing bigotry. I am a gay bagpiper and have the authority to do that. I cannot I’m proud. use my position of authority — my pub- Brice Ehmig, who played bagpipes to lic position of authority — to direct my drown out the homophobic rants of subordinates to do something that is a university preacher at Florida Gulf inconsistent with their rights. So, that’s Coast University probably where we crossed the line. The Daily Mail, 8-30-16 Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, the top gen- eral at West Point Military Academy, Those [young Catholics] that are leav- after Army football coach Jeff Monken ing for no religion — and a pretty big was shown in a video directing a mem- component of them saying they are ber of his staff to lead a prayer after an atheist or agnostic — it turns out that upset victory over Temple on Sept. 2 when you probe a bit more deeply and Washington Post, 9-10-16 Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

Heads Up Meet a member A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

S*X AFTER S*XTY

Forget about flowers that bloom in the spring and hillocky bulls in the swelter of summer, this is no skittish April day, this is ripe October, flashing its crimson and gold over vistas of voluptuous hills; Bernard Barwick poses with “Musing,” his sculpture originally commissioned this is the endless sea, the tempting waves for the garden of Rose Zerwick by her son, Jim, FFRF Board Member. “Musing” appropriately now lives in Freethought Hall, also home to the Rose swelling to climax on the shore, Zerwick Memorial Garden and Courtyard. Name: Bernard (Ben) Barwick. ums, galleries and exhibitions. I got the wreath of the long-distance runner, Where I live: Madison, Wis. to be a pretty good sculptor of various Where and when I was born: Mil- materials. When I turned 50, and be- the ultimate marathon, flood tide waukee, Wis., 1945. lieved that I was financially OK, I quit Family: Wife, Marie Barwick. accounting and became a professional of the Ninth Symphony, Ulysses Education: Finance degree, self- sculptor. I could not wait to get up in taught sculptor. the morning and often worked late Occupation: Accountant for 27 into the night, seven days per week. come at last to the Happy Isles, years, sculptor for 15 years, and took By this time, I was tired of lifting stone more than 100 volunteers to teach spo- and breathing stone dust, so I switched Paradise Regained! ken English in China for 11 summers from stone sculpture to clay sculpture between 2002 and 2013. and cast my work in bronze and high You kids in your fifties, listen, Military service: Three years in the tech resins. During the course of my Army as records clerk in Alaska and sculpture career I obtained relative Colorado. success, won many awards, exhibited if you think it’s perfect now, just hang around: How I got where I am today: It was and sold in several countries. It was a 90% luck and 10% perspiration. great journey. the best is yet to come. Where I’m headed: A long and ad- These are not: Arrogance, igno- venturous retirement. rance and procrastination. © Philip Appleman. Person in history I admire and why: My doubts about religion started: I From the book Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie. Lord Bertrand Russell. He was instru- was raised a strict Catholic. When I was mental in clarifying my thinking on re- 20 years old, I was confined to a hos- ligion and the purpose of life. He was pital bed for 1 1/2 years. I had a lot of Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Professor­ Emeri­tus at In­dia­na also one the most brilliant and prolific time to read and learn. When I left the Univer­ ­si­ty. His published volumes of poetry in­clude Perfidious Prov- writers in history, on everything from hospital, I was an atheist. I had ques- erbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), Dar- mathematics and science to philoso- tions about my faith before that, but win’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie phy and ethics and morals. this was an opportunity to really study (2009). His nonfiction work in­cludes the widely used Norton Critical Quotations I like: “Live to experi- and challenge what was taught to me. Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of Malthus’ Essay ence, experience to live.” — myself Before I die: Experience, experi- on Pop­ulation. His newest book is The Labyrinth: God, Darwin and “To love oneself is the beginning of ence, experience! I have had a very the Meaning of Life. His poetry and fiction have won many awards, a lifelong romance.” — Oscar Wilde fortunate and wonderful life. I expe- including a fellowship in poetry from the Na­tional En­dow­ment for “There is no sin except stupidity.” — rienced and accomplished a thousand the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of America, Oscar Wilde times more then I ever thought that I the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association and the Friend of These are a few of my favorite would. But there is so much more to Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education. His work has appeared­ in things: Non-material things: love, expe- experience and challenge and enjoy. Harper’s­ Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Paris rience and knowledge. Material things: Ways I promote freethought: I’m a Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review. art. I practiced sculpture as a hobby for Life Member of FFRF. I live my beliefs, about 28 years. I was passionate about defend them and support FFRF. He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “After-Life” Members of the it. I read many books, studied many I wish you’d have asked me: Am I Freedom From Religion Foundation. Phil’s books: ffrf.org/shop. styles and went to very many muse- afraid to die? Absolutely not! Meet a staffer

Name: Timothy Nott. use technology to allow our members to make a big- Where and when I was born: Milwaukee, Gen X. ger impact on their communities. Education: UW-Madison, B.A. in English with an I spend little if any time thinking about: Wonder- emphasis in creative writing. ing whether I might be drinking too much coffee. Family: Wife Michelle and daughter Violet. My religious upbringing was: A fairly liberal — and How I came to work at FFRF: I was looking for a therefore conflicted — brand of Catholicism. change in career when I heard about an opportuni- My doubts about religion started: I started to ty for a technologist at FFRF. Days later, evangelist question religion as a child once I realized all people Franklin Graham came through town on his “Deci- didn’t believe the same thing. How could we all be sion America” tour. I don’t believe his speech had the right in our methods of telling others that they are desired effect where I am concerned. wrong? What I do here: I’m here to make sure our digital Things I like: Science fiction — I need a break efforts are as effective as our legal team, our support from hard data once in a while. Coffee. My wife. My of community activists and our print publication. daughter. My pets. In no particular order. What I like best about it: I believe strongly in mak- Things I smite: Things that beep. Why does every ing decisions based on data and feel very at home electronic device have to beep and have LEDs that at an organization brimming with people who favor don’t turn off when not in use? proof over fantasy. In my golden years: I intend to be an unappreci- What gets old about it: Stairs. This place is riddled ated artist of some sort. Retirement seems like the with stairs. optimal time to do something that pays nothing. I spend a lot of time thinking about: How we can Tim Nott October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5

Help FFRF help others Nonbelief Relief aids bloggers, flood victims Nonbelief Relief, a charity established Aid for flood relief last year by the Freedom From Religion On behalf of nonbelievers, Nonbelief Foundation, recently gave a $5,000 sti- Relief gave $10,000 in flood relief to a pend to a prominent Bangladeshi writer hard-hit school district in Louisiana. who has found asylum in Canada. (See FFRF has asked that it be used for the story on front page.) repair or rebuilding of Livingston Parish Nonbelief Relief’s aid will tide over Public Schools infrastructure or buses. Raihan Abir and his family as they estab- On the same day $10,000 was funneled lish themselves in Canada and obtain vi- to help the Livingston public school dis- sas for study and work. He received pre- trict, which suffered loss of many school vious aid from the Center for Inquiry to buses and other major flooding damage, help in his first year in Canada. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor Abir is the 11th Bangladeshi nonbe- The website for the Livingston Parish Public Schools showed that flooding also sent a polite but pointed letter to liever or blogger aided to date by Non- forced the closure of the schools in the district. Nonbelief Relief donated Superintendent Rick Wentzel. belief Relief in the face of hit lists going $10,000 to help get the district back up and running. The letter says, “It has come to our after atheists. Most of them are still in attention that the parish public schools transition and cannot be named. The Is- lief, secular activism or blasphemy. website has a banner message reading lamic State and al-Qaida have claimed credit for recent The charity this year has now spent about $50,000 in part, ‘Praying for all of our Livingston Parish peo- vicious executions of those targeted for nonbelief. in grants to individuals whose lives have been imper- ple – Superintendent Rick Wentzel.’” FFRF, extending Nonbelief Relief is working with a loose interna- iled because of public atheist activism. “sincerest sympathies for the tragedy facing the school tional coalition, including Center for Inquiry and Ra- To help Nonbelief Relief help others in the name district” and greater area, notes that the school district fida Bonya Ahmed, to vet those needing assistance. of the community of nonbelievers and replenish its has an obligation to concentrate on secular, not reli- Nonbelief Relief exists as a humanitarian agency coffers, please make tax-deductible donations to Non- gious, needs. for atheists, agnostics, freethinkers and their support- belief Relief via FFRF. Indicate “Nonbelief Relief” in “A famous freethinker of the 19th century, Robert ers to improve this world — our only world. Nonbelief the memo of your check payable to FFRF (mailed to Green Ingersoll, once wrote, ‘The hands that help are Relief seeks to remediate conditions of human suffer- FFRF, PO Box 750, Madison WI 53701) or use the better far than lips that pray,’” Gaylor adds. “To that ing and injustice on a global scale, whether the result handy drop-down designation on FFRF’s website do- end, Nonbelief Relief is very pleased to provide the of natural disasters, human actions or adherence to nation page (ffrf.org/donate), to ensure your gift goes practical assistance of $10,000 in flood relief to the religious dogma. Such relief is not limited to, but in- to the charity. (If you wish, you may further designate Livingston Parish Public Schools.” cludes, assistance for individuals targeted for nonbe- your gift for endangered nonbelievers in Bangladesh.)

Abir finds asylum But, in recent years, Islamic extrem- ists began targeting those writers and, Continued from front page in 2015, the violence increased dramat- house, he used to ride the motorcycle ically. Abir would get death threats by and I used to look backward all the text message and email. time to make sure no one’s following “It’s not uncommon for Islamic ex- us or going to do anything to us,” his tremists to attack writers and secular wife Samia Hossain said. people, so I was keeping myself away Even as he got off the bike and from going to public meetings and ral- walked to his job at the university, Abir lies so people don’t track me,” he told would leave his helmet on because he Michael Petrou of Maclean’s magazine. feared an attacker would target his “I was taking these kind of precautions head with a machete. because we have to. But in 2015, it got “At least I’ll survive the first attack,” out of control.” Abir told the Globe and Mail. It was so bad that Abir decided he had to get out of the country. Mukto-Mona What got Abir into this dangerous Leaving for Canada predicament began in 2007, when he Abir went to Canada in June of 2015 found comfort in the online world with to attend a biomedical engineering places like Mukto-Mona — meaning conference, leaving behind his wife, “free thinking” — a website started by who was six months pregnant. Neither Avijit Roy that became a gathering spot had any idea when they would see each for atheist and secular writers. other again. “I knew that I might not The people he met through Muk- be able to see her for three or four to-Mona became his co-authors, pub- years,” Abir told The Guardian. lishers, editors and fellow bloggers. But, according to The Guardian, He and others tried to debunk parts Hossain was pleased to see him leave of the Quran, bible and Hindu sacred Bangladesh. “When the plane left and texts. They said religion was a virus was in the air, I knew he would be alive. Photo by Samiul Alam Anik that breeds extremism and threatens I was so happy,” she said. With his life in danger, Raihan Abir fled from Bangladesh to Canada. His wife freedom. It wasn’t long before she was able to Samia Hossain eventually followed, and days later she gave birth to their join Abir in Canada. She applied for a daughter Sophia. visa to attend an architect’s conference and within two months — by then ka, I used to wear a helmet all the time hiding and fearing for their lives. eight months pregnant — she was on and look back while walking forward, “We’re trying to make connections a plane to Toronto. but here I don’t do that.” with the outer world and get them to “I thought it would be the happiest safe places,” he told The Guardian. day of my life,” Abir told The Guardian. Won’t give up the fight “We don’t have any resources, we’re But while his wife was traveling to He continues to write and edit just trying to do what we can. But it Canada, he learned that another of his Mukto-Mona from his Toronto home. is really difficult to fight off machetes friends, blogger Niloy Neel, had been He plans to complete his Ph.D. in with a pen.” hacked to death in his home on Aug. biomedical engineering. He says he The goal of getting back to Bangla- 14, 2015. won’t give up the fight for secularizing desh is on Abir and Hossain’s minds. “It was a really stressful time,” Abir Bangladesh. But they know it won’t be soon. Abir said. “We were losing the brightest “Because this dark side, this kind hopes to go back in two years, while minds of Bangladesh one by one.” of thing, never [wins],” he told Ma- Hossain thinks it will be closer to five Then, shortly after finding a home clean’s. “Maybe they do atrocities, may- years. But they both agree that the to live in, their daughter Sophie was be they will kill us. But they won’t be murders will have to end before they born. His family was then given refu- winning in the long run. So we’ll have go back. gee status in November. to keep on doing what we do — keep “It’s not over yet,” Abir recently told Photo by Samiul Alam Anik “I kept it very secret that I was in informing people about science, about the Globe and Mail. “Because with- Raihan Abir received threatening texts Canada, but somehow they knew,” he reason, about humanism.” in this month we’ll wake up one day and emails while living as a blogger in told Maclean’s. “I can’t say 100 percent Abir also is focused on helping the in the morning and say, ‘That’s our Bangladesh. that I am safe. But I feel safe. In Dha- many Bangladeshi writers who are still friend. He has been killed.’ ” Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016 Is diversity making U.S. less religious? This article was first published by Americans to ideas and views that cans who have religiously diverse social FiveThirtyEight.com on Aug. 23 and has could challenge their religious beliefs. networks say they seldom or never at- been reprinted with permission. This weakening of America’s religious tend religious services, compared with consensus means there is far less so- only about one-third (32 percent) of By Daniel Cox cial pressure to conform to religious those who count coreligionists as their norms. For young people coming of closest friends and family members. age today, America’s Christian heritage This is true for religious Americans as is no longer a given, and being Chris- well. In fact, even when controlling for In the United States, diversity has tian is not viewed as a critical compo- different demographic attributes, in- generally been considered an asset. It nent of national identity. cluding religious identity, Americans is frequently cited by public figures as Geographically, states with greater with more religiously diverse social net- both a source of national pride and religious variety tend to exhibit lower works demonstrate lower rates of reli- a worthy ambition. It is an oft-stated levels of overall religiosity. No state is gious participation and are less apt to goal of Fortune 500 companies, private more religiously uniform than Missis- say religion is important in their lives colleges and entire sectors of the U.S. sippi. Half of the state’s population than other Americans. Daniel Cox economy. And even if Americans don’t identifies as Baptist and 54 percent are Religious diversity could even sub- claim much diversity in their own so- evangelical Protestant. It’s probably vert our initial exposure to religion. first place. Religiously diverse states cial networks, few believe that our dif- no coincidence that Mississippi is also Religiously mixed marriages are more might attract more secular residents ferences are not something to be cele- one of the few states common than ever, because they offer a more accepting brated. At one point it was even argued with constitutions that and Americans raised and tolerant religious climate. And yet, that America’s religious vitality hinged prohibit atheists from by parents of differ- it is difficult to imagine that weakening on its diversity — greater competition serving in elected of- [Religious ent faiths report much social pressure and greater exposure to between places of worship would con- fice. According to Gal- diversity] may lower levels of religious diverse religious perspectives, includ- tribute to a more vibrant religious cul- lup’s 2016 rankings of also make atheists activity in childhood ing those that are critical of religion, ture. However, new evidence suggests the most and least reli- than those raised in re- would have no effect on the decisions that religious pluralism could work in gious states, Mississippi more willing ligiously unified house- we make about our own religious lives. the opposite direction — undermin- has the honor of be- to “come out,” holds. Nearly 6 in 10 Diversity is now simply a fact of ing the vitality of America’s religious ing the most religious (58 percent) Ameri- American religious life. It does not communities. state in the country. something that cans raised by parents signal the end of religion, but it may The American religious landscape In contrast, Oregon can be exceedingly who shared the same make it easier for Americans to ab- is transforming rapidly. At one time, ranks high in terms of difficult. religious background stain from religious involvement and religious diversity meant Baptist, Meth- religious diversity — no say they attended reli- encourage other types of spiritual and odist and Episcopalian. Today, it en- one religious tradition gious services weekly philosophical explorations. It may also compasses a multiplicity of religious makes up more than or more often. Only make atheists more willing to “come traditions such as Sikhism, Buddhism, 20 percent of the state’s population 40 percent of Americans raised in re- out,” something that can be exceeding- Islam and Hinduism, as well as an in- — and falls near the bottom in Gal- ligiously mixed households report at- ly difficult, especially in very religious creasing variety of noninstitutional lup’s ranking. Only four states are less tending services regularly as children. communities. belief systems such as humanism, skep- religious. Americans raised in mixed religious Organized religion has never been ticism, atheism and subjective spiritu- Diversity within our immediate so- households are also less likely to have in jeopardy of dying out due to a single ality. Racial and ethnic shifts have also cial networks may also serve to weak- prayed regularly with their family and traumatic event. Instead, it is a cumu- changed the face of Christianity. The en our ties to a religious community to have attended Sunday school. lative series of unanswered challenges U.S. was once a predominantly white or strengthen our resolve to remain Of course, it is possible that reli- that pose the greatest risk. Religious di- Christian country, but fewer than half unattached. Americans who report gious diversity is not directly precip- versity might not represent a dramatic of Americans (45 percent) identify as greater religious diversity in their so- itating a decline in religious identity threat to religion, but it may represent white Christian today. cial networks demonstrate much less and engagement. Parents of different another small hole in an already sink- We don’t know for sure that Amer- regular religious involvement. A new faith backgrounds might de-empha- ing ship. ica’s religious pluralism is causing a analysis based on a Public Religion size religious activities in an effort to Daniel Cox writes for Public Religion drop in religious vitality — there are Research Institute study of Americans’ reduce conflict in the home — a phe- Research Institute and specializes in survey reasons to think the two might simply social networks found that Americans nomenon supported by social network research, youth politics and religion. He has be related — but there are a number who report greater religious diversity theory — but it might also be that peo- co-authored several academic book chapters of different ways diversity might erode among their close friends and family ple who marry outside their particular on topics relating to religious polarization commitment. The practical effect of are less likely to engage in religious denomination or tradition care less and gay and lesbian issues in the black rising religious diversity is to expose activities. Sixty-three percent of Ameri- about their religious identity in the church. Religious ‘nones’ may decide election This article first appeared in the Spar- Romney’s opponent, then-Democratic evolve. tanburg (S.C.) Herald-Journal on Sept. 5 presidential nominee Barack Obama, When I became a young reporter in and is reprinted with permission. in 2012 by these huge margins: Virgin- Charleston, W.Va., during the 1950s, ia, 78 percent to 22; Pennsylvania, 74 Appalachian Bible Belt taboos were By James A. Haught to 25; Florida, 72 to 26; Wisconsin, 73 locked into law. It was a felony to be to 25; etc. gay. It was a felony for a desperate girl “It is safe to say that the Godless Gap to end a pregnancy. It was a crime for cost Mitt Romney the election,” Shef- stores to open on the Sabbath. Mixed- Western civilization has entered field concluded. race marriage was against the law. the long-predicted Secular Age, when Young “nones” generally are tol- It was a crime to sell a cocktail, lot- the power of religion over society grad- James A. Haught erant and humane. They support the tery ticket or anything akin to a Play- ually recedes. right of gays to marry. They support boy magazine. Schools had mandatory Europe started the shift after World ues. The “none” segment may decide women’s right to choose to end preg- teacher-led prayer. It was a crime for an War II. Churchgoing diminished until the Nov. 8 national election. nancies. They would halt the death unwed couple to live together or even only a fringe of Europeans attend wor- “The Decline of Religion is the penalty. They would legalize marijua- share a bedroom. ship services today — fewer than 10 GOP’s Real Demographic Crisis” is the na. They support universal health care. All those religion-based laws slowly percent in some nations. The young title of a research report by journalist They reject most of the Puritanism vanished as society turned more secu- especially ignore faith. Matthew Sheffield, who is writing a embraced by many within the GOP lar. Few people noticed because we all The secularizing trend spread to book on the trend. He points out that and its fundamentalist wing. They in- were too busy with daily life — but mo- Canada, Australia, Japan and other Republican Mitt Romney clearly won stead embrace Democratic values. rality gradually flip-flopped. Former democracies. the 2012 presidential election, as far White evangelicals vote Republican crimes became legal. Now it’s occurring in America. Peo- as U.S. churchgoers are concerned — as forcefully as “nones” vote Democrat- The secularizing trend seems un- ple who tell pollsters that their reli- but churchless voters killed Romney in ic. Currently, both segments are evenly stoppable. It gradually bolsters pro- gion is “none” have increased rapidly state after state. balanced — each comprising one-fifth gressive values of the Democratic Party. to one-fourth of the U.S. population. Sheffield wrote: “In seven key states to one-fourth of U.S. voters. White evangelicals remain the heart of They’re expected to continue rising — Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia, Wis- But here’s a crucial difference: the GOP — but they’re losing ground because one-third of Americans under consin, Michigan, Iowa and New Hamp- White evangelicals are shrinking, while as “nones” slowly outnumber them. 30 have ceased worshipping. shire — Mitt Romney won the majority the churchless grow relentlessly. The James A. Haught is editor emeritus This trend has political significance of the Christian vote but ended up los- trend bodes a brighter future for lib- of West Virginia’s largest newspaper, the because those who don’t attend church ing overall because he was defeated so eral politics (although many “nones” Charleston Gazette-Mail. often tend to be strongly liberal, pro- soundly among non-Christians.” don’t bother to vote). FFRF does not endorse or promote any gressive and Democratic in their val- Polls show that “none” voters backed It’s fascinating to watch the culture candidates for public office. October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7

A critical analysis Christian foundation crumbles under scrutiny By Paul Davis entire region for hours. Christians have always claimed that the events in Jesus’ life were the best-at- tested events in human history. And, Today’s major additionally, the first century is known religions — Chris- as one of the best-documented histor- tianity and Islam ical periods. Yet we have no texts of — make absolutely anyone who says anything whatsoever contradictory and ir- about the “incredibly famous events” reconcilable claims. declared in the gospels.. Each faith believes Eyewitnesses to Jesus its holy book is the Paul Davis literal “word of Jesus supposedly lived from about 4 God,” accepted on BCE (Before the Common Era) to 30 faith that everything in it is historical CE. Yet there is not a single mention fact infallibly written by scribes in- of him by his contemporaries — not spired by God. by Romans or Jews — during his entire Christianity says Jesus is a god; Islam lifetime. any non-biblical source. He is never dis- sephus, a respected Jewish historian states Jesus is not a god. This means For instance, Seneca the Younger, cussed, challenged or talked about in from Judea, published his Antiquities that one of them is dead wrong. Worst in his book On Superstition (where he any surviving Roman or Greek source of the Jews. Josephus lived in the same of all is the claim by both Islam and criticizes every known cult and reli- of the period. area where Jesus allegedly lived and Christianity that those who believe in gion) makes no mention whatsoever of Not until 112 CE, when the author taught. Antiquities contains a disputed the wrong god will be condemned to Jesus or Christianity. And Gallio, Sene- Pliny the Younger, governor of a Ro- paragraph many Christians believe as hell. Such idiocy. ca’s older brother, also never heard of man province, in a letter to his emper- historical evidence for Jesus. The short The Christian tale has always been Jesus or Christians. Yet this makes no or, asked how to handle secret meet- passage, three sentences long, presents difficult to swallow by other religions, sense, since he was the magistrate who ings of a group called “Christians.” a glowing summary of Jesus’ miracu- just as the dogmas of other religions heard Paul’s case (Acts 18:12-17). And And in 115 CE, Tacitus, in writing his lous career. This paragraph is obvious- can’t be accepted by Christians. So let’s there is the Jewish historian Justus of history of Rome, mentions a “Christus” ly a Christian fabrication inserted into look at Christianity critically from the Tiberias, who lived in Galilee not far who was executed at the hands of Pon- the text where it is totally out of con- perspective of other faiths and see if from Jesus’ hometown and wrote a his- tius Pilate. However, the word “Chris- text, and is so blatantly counterfeit that their skepticism is justified. tory of the kingdom of Judah, covering tians” in Pliny’s letter is believed to no historian today can deny it as a later the entire time when supposedly Jesus have originally been “Essenes,” and lat- Christian forgery. Paul’s writings lived. But there was not one mention er changed by Christian forgers. And The major giveaway is that the Jesus The earliest writings known in the of Jesus. the passage by Tacitus is also believed passage does not appear in Josephus’ New Testament are letters believed by And, finally there was Philo-Judae- by Christian scholars to be a forgery works until the fourth century. There Christian scholars to have been written us, one of the most prolific writers and is not quoted by ancient historians was absolutely no reference to the Je- by the apostle Paul between about 50 in the ancient world, most of whose until the 15th century. Everything else sus passage anywhere for the first 200 and 70 CE (Common Era), which is a works were preserved. He lived before, referring to Jesus outside of the bible years of Josephus’ works, in spite of few decades after Jesus’ alleged death during and after the alleged time of dates later than 120 CE, long after any the fact that Josephus’ histories were around 30 CE. Paul traveled extensive- Christ, and was in or near Jerusalem eyewitness would have died. immensely popular by ancient scholars ly between Jerusalem and Rome from when Christ reportedly made his tri- and their writings are filled with refer- 5-67 CE, and authored the “Pauline umphal entry and when the crucifix- Biblical fraud ences to him. The passage could not Letters,” or epistles — seven books in ion and resurrection occurred, and Literary fraud was rampant in the be referenced, obviously, as it did not the New Testament. during the alleged earthquakes and early years of the Old and New Testa- exist. What is absolutely remarkable about supernatural darkness. It is astonishing ments. After about 120 CE, the quan- The Jesus passage is first quoted re- them is they do not portray Jesus as a he never once mentioned Jesus, the tity of bogus literature about Jesus and peatedly by the notorious Bishop Eu- historical person. All of Paul’s sources crucifixion, resurrection or the mirac- early Christianity exploded to an im- sebius of Caesarea — known to have are divine — no human sources what- ulous events associated with him. mense scale, making the task of sorting been responsible for many revisions soever. Paul only mentions his source This pervasive silence of Jesus oc- truth from fiction almost impossible. and blatant forgeries. The bishop was of knowledge of Jesus as God or God’s curred in spite of the fact that the And, beginning about the second cen- an advocate of what he called “holy ly- revelation, or indirectly from the Old Christian church doggedly preserved tury and continuing for hundreds of ing.” Over two dozen complaints from Testament. every scrap of documentation that years, almost any literature that disput- his contemporaries still survive. Euse- In the more than 300 references to mentioned him or Christianity. Many ed the existence of Jesus or Christianity bius apparently altered and doctored Jesus in Paul’s seven authentic letters, ancient Christian scholars, such as was methodically destroyed or deleted the facts constantly, and is believed by Paul does not mention even one sin- Origen and Eusebius, were near fanat- from references by church officials. many Christian scholars today to have gle fact that “connects Jesus with an ical in referencing or quoting authors One of the greatest crimes in hu- inserted the entire Jesus passage. earthly life.” We hear nothing about who attested to Jesus or Christianity. man history was the total destruction his virgin birth, the date he was born Any mention of Jesus in first- or sec- of the library at Alexandria in 391 CE, Mythical, invented Jesus or died, whether he was married or ond-century literature would therefore perpetrated by Christian fanatics. They The earliest writings in the New single. Nothing about Mary, Joseph, have had the highest probability of destroyed absolutely priceless scrolls Testament by Paul portray a celestial, Bethlehem, his sermons, his miracles preservation. and documents that hid the truth mythical Jesus rather than a real and or anything about his personal appear- Thus, we can be certain that Philo about the pagan origin of their reli- historic one. The only reason people ance. Paul’s silence on Jesus’ history or any other first- or early second-cen- gion and its alleged founder. As many believe that Jesus really existed as a and earthly accomplishments is un- tury author never spoke of him. Yet the as 700,000 hand-written manuscripts historical person lies in the contents thinkable. The simplest explanation is same writers had much to say about were lost, and it is believed to have set of the New Testament that were writ- that there never was a historical Jesus. other less interesting messiahs — but back civilization at least 1,000 years. ten decades after Paul, when Chris- nothing about Jesus. Presenting myth as fact became pop- tian apologists had time to embellish Historical Jesus It is inconceivable that all tens of ular under the Roman Empire. Thus, a his story with earthly characteristics. The heart and soul of Christian- thousands of Romans and Jews living large part of faith literature is fabricat- There were no eyewitnesses and no ity is the belief in a supernatural and in Judea during the first century could ed, yet passed off as true. Letters were other source, document or otherwise, historical Jesus. The New Testament have missed everything about Jesus’ similarly forged. This was the norm, that independently corroborates the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and life and his miracles. And if you assume not the exception. In fact, based on all historical reality of Jesus. John — believed to have been writ- Jesus was the son of God and therefore of the references cited, most Christian So we are left with two choices: Ei- ten anonymously between about 70 “the most important historical person faith literature in its first three centu- ther much or all of the New Testament and 110 CE — all insist that Jesus was to walk the Earth,” the complete omis- ries is fabricated. The phrase “pious was fabricated to grossly exaggerate well-known throughout Jerusalem and sion by all his contemporary writers is fraud” was coined to describe what Jesus’ fame and accomplishments — the Mediterranean world. And his un- deafening. We simply have no eyewit- Christian fathers deemed a pious act to which went completely unnoticed by precedented miracles were allegedly ness record of Jesus ever existing. employ deception and fraud. Tom Har- society — or he was an outright myth- “witnessed by multitudes.” The entire pur, an ordained priest and professor ical character that the gospels clearly city of Jerusalem reportedly went wild Non-biblical mentions of New Testament studies, said, “The succeeded in inventing. acclaiming him as he entered trium- Aside from having no proven eye- great world religion actually rests on a We can now more easily understand phantly. He was dramatically arrested witness of Jesus, there is absolutely foundation of falsehood and forgery.” why billions of people in other reli- and placed on trial before the whole nothing written outside of the bible to gions believe Jesus was mythical, and, city of Jerusalem. His death and resur- confirm Jesus’ life, death and return Josephus’ Jesus reference with it, the foundation of Christianity. rection were supposedly accompanied from the dead during the first century Embarrassingly for Christians, the FFRF member Paul Davis is an engineer- by spectacular supernatural events: an- and most of the second century. From closest historical support for the bible ing geologist in southern California, spe- gelic appearances, earthquakes and a Jesus’ death until at least 112 CE, not in all of the first century is an outright cializing in earthquake fault and landslide supernatural darkness that covered an a single word of Jesus is mentioned in forgery. In the year 93 CE, Flavius Jo- investigations. Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016 Mt. Soledad cross case ends after 27 years After more than a quarter century The controversial case began in property, but the courts wouldn’t al- of legal battles, the lawsuit over the 1989 when the city of San Diego and low that, stating that the terms of the Mount Soledad cross in La Jolla, Calif., the federal government were first in- sale were unconstitutional because has come to an end. volved. It traveled throughout the they gave a preference to buyers who The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Ap- court systems several times, including planned to keep it as a religious symbol. peals on Sept. 7 ruled an end to the twice to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2006, the U.S. Congress inter- case because the issue is now moot — Opponents of the cross said that it vened and took the property by emi- the 29-foot-tall cross (43 feet with the violated the Establishment Clause of nent domain, then turning it over to base) is no longer on public grounds the First Amendment prohibiting the the Defense Department for use as a after a private organization purchased government from endorsing one re- war memorial. the land. ligion over another. Proponents said More litigation followed, including “Once again, courts have definitive- that the cross is a local landmark and by Trunk, who replaced Paulson after ly ruled that the government may not a secular sign of service and sacrifice his death in 2006. Then, in 2008, U.S. place permanent Christian crosses on by veterans. District Judge Larry Burns in San Diego public land,” said FFRF Co-President “I think this now resolves the case,” ruled that the cross was not a religious Annie Laurie Gaylor. “That’s a major said David Loy, the legal director for symbol, but one of service and sacri- victory. But taxpayers have been cheat- the American Civil Liberties Union of fice. So again that ruling was appealed, ed of their view, and prime real estate, San Diego & Imperial Counties. “The and in 2011 the 9th Circuit ruled in by nearly three decades of machina- government doesn’t own the cross or favor of Trunk, saying the cross was a tions by the city of San Diego, mem- the land underneath it any more. The “distinctively Christian symbol.” Trunk bers of Congress and even the Penta- government is no longer in the busi- earned FFRF’s third Atheist in Foxhole gon, interceding to ‘save the cross.’” ness of endorsing religion.” award for his work on this case. In July 2015, the Mount Soledad Me- The cross site initially was on land Another appeal followed before morial Association agreed to pay $1.4 owned for decades by the city of San last year’s sale of the property went million to buy the cross and the land Diego. And it was the city that was the through. beneath it from the Department of De- FFRF Life Member and California first defendant in the initial suit in Jim McElroy, the lawyer for Trunk fense. It took more than a year from State Representative Steven Trunk 1989 filed by Vietnam War veteran and who has been involved in the case for that point for the plaintiffs, which in- stands near the Mt. Soledad cross in atheist Philip K. Paulson, who earned two decades, said the long battle was cluded FFRF Life Member and Califor- La Jolla, Calif., in this 2011 photo. FFRF’s premiere Atheist in Foxhole worth it. nia State Representative Steven Trunk, Trunk was a plaintiff in the case to award. “From our perspective, I think I can to review the sale and other details. have it removed from public property. In 1991, U.S. District Judge Gordon say that after 25 years we finally got the Trunk testified that he was “a vet- Thompson ruled that the cross was un- message through, that a 40-foot, 20-ton eran who served his country during very clear message to me that the gov- constitutional and had to be moved off ubiquitous symbol of Christianity on the Vietnam conflict [but] I am not ernment is honoring Christian war vet- public land. public property is not constitutional,” a Christian and the memorial sends a erans and not nonChristians.” After that, the city tried to sell the he told the Los Angeles Times. Ten Commandments mural covered by flag at school A Ten Commandments mural at sponse on what steps it will take next. O’Donnell (Texas) High School was “By displaying a religious message in its covered with dark paper after the entryway, O’Donnell ISD infringes on school got a letter from FFRF chal- its students’ constitutionally protect- lenging the constitutionality of the ed religious freedom,” he wrote in the painting. letter. Shortly thereafter, the paper cov- “The whole point is to educate the ering was torn down by the students. school district on why this is illegal and School staff then placed an American ask that they voluntarily remove the flag over the mural, hoping no one display,” Grover said. “At this point, would rip that down. So far the flag re- we’re very hopeful the school district mains up, but students have been post- will do the right thing.” Screen shot from NBC4i ing sticky notes around the flag with But Amonett isn’t sure yet what the An American flag rests over a mural of the Ten Commandments at O’Donnell bible verses and faith-based messages. school will do. (Texas) High School. O’Donnell School District Superin- “The next step is I’m going to do tendent Cathy Amonett even went so some more investigation,” she said, that are standing up for their faith and 13, all of the speakers (students and far as holding a school assembly that “and get with the school leadership, starting a movement to save the Ten residents) were in favor of keeping the day so she could explain that the cover- and the community, and the students, Commandments at their school. Our mural up. But, as Grover points out, ing was due to fear of a lawsuit by FFRF. and we will decide what we need to do office is working to ensure the school “Everyone’s not happy with it. First of While a lawsuit is an option, it’s is to protect the school, while also hon- is in touch with the necessary experts all, because someone locally contact- not the preferred choice and is nor- oring it.” to explain their rights and determine a ed us . . . Our constitutional rights in mally a last resort. FFRF Staff Attorney Texas state Sen. Charles Perry even plan of action.” this country are not subject to majority Sam Grover sent the letter Sept. 7 to got involved, stating, “I am proud of So far, the school is not taking fur- rule. The Constitution protects from the school, asking for a written re- the hundreds of students at O’Donnell ther action. At a public forum on Sept. the tyranny of majority rule.” Judge rules school’s non-live nativity OK While pleased that a live nativity pageant in an In- The district responded to the lawsuit by adding to the plaintiffs observing the concerts. diana public school has stopped for now, the Free- one Chanukah song and one Kwanzaa song to its pro- FFRF and the ACLU note that staging a nativity dom From Religion Foundation is disappointed fol- gram. After the preliminary injunction, it replaced scene, live or otherwise, during a school event has no lowing a federal ruling Sept. 14 saying a school may the student actors in its nativity scene with manne- secular or educational purpose. employ mannequins in a Christian manger scene quins, but kept the usual 20 minutes of devotional “The nativity scene and the concert’s heavy focus during a Christmas celebration. Christmas songs performed by students during four on the religious aspects of Christmas send an exclu- U.S. District Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for the North- public concerts. sionary message to our clients and others that the ern District of Indiana issued the 37-page ruling in a The decision held that the 2015 change from a school prefers Christians over nontheists and people case brought by FFRF and the American Civil Liber- live nativity enactment to a static nativity display did of other faiths,” noted ACLU Senior Staff Attorney ties Union, with parent and student plaintiffs. The not violate the Establishment Clause. The ruling left Heather Weaver. federal suit challenged a live student tableau of stu- untouched the court’s earlier decision enjoining the The case is still ongoing. Judge DeGuilio has dents as part of Concord Community Schools’ annu- live nativity. asked the parties to submit supplemental briefing on al “Christmas Spectacular.” The court’s ruling was predicated on what it saw as how to remedy the violations to plaintiffs’ rights oc- The ACLU and FFRF won a preliminary injunc- significant changes to the school district’s program, curring in 2014 and earlier. Those issues should be tion Dec. 2, 2015, against the live nativity. The near- brought on by the litigation. The judge called the fully briefed by the end of October. ly 50-year violation involved students reenacting the changes sufficient to avoid any constitutional prob- FFRF thanks its local plaintiffs, who are under a supposed birth of the Christian savior, as school of- lem with the 2015 concert. protective order, for their willingness to challenge ficials read passages from the New Testament and FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said, to this longstanding violation despite community up- devotional Christmas hymns dominated the musical the contrary, that in fact the unannounced inclusion roar and threats delivered against anyone perceived program. of a manger scene was a disturbing shock and offense to be involved in the case. October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

In the news

Burkini ban overturned Catholic hospitals’ docs secreted against his will, or whether he floor with a large crucifix on her chest. experienced the miracle of rapture is Geneva was pronounced dead at the by French court may not refer women unknown to counsel,” Kathryn Nester scene. A court in Nice suspended the city’s According to interviews with U.S. wrote. Juanita, Geneva’s mother, told inves- burkini ban, citing insufficient grounds physicians, some Roman Catholic hos- Nester, who appeared to be kidding tigators Geneva “was possessed by the to justify the controversial decree. pitals not only refuse to provide some in the filing, told the judge she did not devil.” In the ruling Sept. 8, judges from women’s health services such as abor- have an objection to delaying the trial. Court documents claim she admit- Nice’s administrative tribunal court tion, but may also prevent doctors Jeffs vanished from home confine- ted to punching Geneva repeatedly said the full-length swimsuit worn by from referring women to facilities that ment in June, perhaps using olive oil “and forced a crucifix and religious some Muslim women did not pose a would provide them. to slip out of a GPS monitoring device. medallion down her throat until blood risk to public order on the French Riv- Services including sterilization, con- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Utah came out of her daughter’s mouth. iera city’s beaches. traception and fertility services can be conceded that Jeffs cannot be found. Juanita saw her daughter die and then The case was brought by the Collec- similarly prohibited, according to the placed her body in the shape of a tive Against Islamophobia — a group study. Insurer won’t pay cross.” of human rights activists who have Catholic health care institutions been helping a number of women make up 15 percent of acute care after ‘act of God’ Prayer Caucus founder challenge fines. They argued that the hospitals in the U.S., and clinicians ban is discriminatory, unconstitutional employed in them are bound by the Forbes loses in primary and that there has been no evidence to Ethical and Religious Directives for Scott W. Taylor stunned Rep. J. Ran- suggest that wearing a burkini has con- Catholic Health Care Services issued dy Forbes on Aug. 7 in Virginia’s 2nd tributed to any acts of public disorder. by the U.S. Conference of Catholic District Republican primary, thwarting More than 30 towns — largely situ- Bishops. the 15-year representative’s effort to ated along France’s southeast coastline Professional ethics guidelines from stay in Congress by switching to a more — initially imposed a ban on the divi- the American College of Obstetricians favorable district. sive swimwear. and Gynecologists recommend that cli- In an ironic twist, an insurance Forbes created the Congressional nicians who deny patients reproductive company refuses to pay for floodwa- Prayer Caucus in 2005, which includes ‘8THEIST’ license plate services for moral or religious reasons ter damages at a Pennsylvania church, about 90 members of the House (near- provide a timely referral to prevent pa- claiming the damage is considered an ly all Republicans), one U.S. senator OK’d in settlement tient harm, but whether physicians at “act of God.” and one paid staff member. Catholic facilities actually make these Connellsville Church of God Rev. Two years after Dave Brat shocked referrals is unclear, the authors write in Nelson Confer said he was denied cov- House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproduc- erage by Church Mutual Insurance be- a 2014 GOP primary in the 7th District, tive Health. cause of God’s hand in the devastation. another senior member of the Virginia The church’s basement was destroyed congressional delegation went down to Man fired after after water destroyed an outside wall, an upstart rival. flooding the basement with four feet ‘anointing’ office of water. Charity shuns atheist’s A New Jersey woman, whose request A man was fired from his job for “Act of God” is a common term in for a license plate reading “8THEIST” putting cross-shaped oil smears ev- insurance contracts seeking to lessen $28,000 donation was denied two years ago when state of- erywhere in his place of employment, the liability of insurance companies to ficials said it might be considered offen- including on the “walls, doorways, pay customers for unavoidable events sive, will now be allowed to display it. and cubicles.” The department even stemming from natural causes. A settlement filed in federal court had to shut down so authorities could on Aug. 12 resolves a lawsuit filed in investigate. Mother quotes bible in 2014 by Shannon Morgan. As part of Eric Cheeley, a Pentecostal em- the settlement, the state Motor Ve- ployee of the city of Miami’s Capital defense of striking son hicle Commission also will issue the Improvements Program (CIP) depart- An Indianapolis woman who beat following vanity plates or “combina- ment, admitted that he was the one her 7-year-old son with a coat hanger is Atheist Matt Wilbourn wanted to tions that are substantially similar”: who did it. He was fired the next day. citing Indiana’s religious freedom law donate $100 to the Baptist-run Murrow SECULAR, RATIONL, HUMANST, Cheeley argued in court that he was as a defense against felony child abuse Indian Children’s Home in Muskogee, ATHEISM, GODLESS, HEATHEN, a victim of religious discrimination, charges, saying her choice of discipline Okla., because he appreciated the HERETIC, SKEPTIC, BLASFMR, REA- but U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola comes straight from her evangelical work they did. SON, EVOLVE, TRANS, LGBTR.TS, Jr. said he had no case. Christian beliefs. After he gave the money and filled LGBTQ, PRIDE, QUEER, GAYPOWR, “Cheeley’s application of the oily The woman quoted biblical Scrip- out the form, saying the donation LGBTALY, FEMINISM, FEMINST, substance caused actual damage to his ture in court documents. She said that would be made on behalf of the Musk- EQUALITY and 4WOMEN. employer’s property and disrupted its a parent who “spares the rod, spoils ogee Atheist Community, he received Morgan’s lawsuit said the Motor business,” Scola wrote in his decision. the child,” and: “Do not withhold dis- a call from the charity group saying it Vehicle Commission violated her First “These facts are undisputed.” cipline from a child; if you strike him couldn’t accept his money because “it Amendment rights when its website re- with a rod, he will not die. If you strike would go against everything they be- jected the 8THEIST vanity plate. Mor- Did FLDS leader get him with the rod, you will save his soul lieve in.” gan said she then filled out the online from Sheol.” So he started a GoFundMe cam- application using the phrase BAPTIST, taken in the Rapture? The state Religious Freedom Res- paign to see how much he could raise, which the website accepted. toration Act, enacted in 2015, says and to see if the charity would still re- the government cannot intrude on a fuse it. The fund gathered more than Judge rules firing person’s religious liberty unless it can $28,000 in donations, but the charity prove a compelling interest in impos- still refused it because it was offered in transgender worker OK ing that burden, and can do so in the the name of atheists. A federal judge ruled on Aug. 18 least restrictive way. So Wilbourn plans to give almost all that a Detroit funeral home that “op- A doctor at Riley Hospital for Chil- of it to Camp Quest Oklahoma, a camp erates as a ministry” was exempt from a dren at IU Health found 36 bruises for children of atheist parents. He said law protecting transgender employees A lawyer for Fundamentalist Latter across the boy’s back, thigh and left he would hold $5,000 back to attempt because of its owner’s Christian beliefs. Day Saints Church leader Lyle Jeffs arm. Three photographs submitted to to get the children’s home to accept it, U.S. District Judge Sean Cox dis- says the fugitive may not have escaped the court show deep purple lines strip- perhaps by sending it anonymously. missed a 2014 lawsuit by the Equal from home confinement, but perhaps ing the boy’s back and several welts on Employment Opportunity Commis- “experienced the miracle of rapture.” his arm. Transgender bathroom sion that said RG & GR Harris Funeral In a filing about whether to contin- Homes unlawfully fired funeral direc- ue the food stamp fraud trial for 11 Mom accused of killing rules blocked tor Aimee Stephens when she told her members of the FLDS Church, Jeffs’ A federal judge in Texas has sid- bosses she would transition from male defense attorney said she can’t reach ‘possessed’ daughter ed with school districts opposing the to female. him to ask his input, and then slyly of- Juanita Gomez, 49, was arrested on Obama administration’s directive on The EEOC said Harris violated Ti- fered some alternative ideas to explain one count of murder related to the transgender bathrooms, temporarily tle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, his fugitive status. death of her daughter. blocking the directive just before the which prohibits employment discrimi- “As this Court is well aware, Mr. Jeffs On Aug. 27, officers were called to first day of school in Texas on Aug. 22. nation on the basis of gender stereo- is currently not available to inform a home in Oklahoma City after callers The ruling prevents the U.S. Depart- typing. Harris said it had a religious his counsel whether or not he agrees asked officers to check on the welfare ment of Education from implement- right to fire Stephens and that she was to the Continuance. Whether his ab- of a woman inside the house. ing guidance that required school also biologically male and violated a sence is based on absconding, as oft According to court documents, of- districts to allow transgender students dress code requiring men to wear suits. alleged by the Government in their ficers arrived at the home and found to choose which restroom and locker Cox agreed with Harris on both points. filings, or whether he was taken and 33-year-old Geneva Gomez lying on the facilities to use. Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

FFRF state/church victories

Unconstitutional tie-up that this sort of collaboration was providing you said assurance that in tions were against New York City De- unconstitutional. the future, charges for facility usage partment of Education regulations. in preschool ends “It is a well-settled principle of Es- will be applied to Mission of Hope as it Staple said the prohibition had been tablishment Clause jurisprudence that would any other outside organization.” discussed with the school’s administra- public schools may not advance, pre- tive staff, who understood the invoca- fer or promote religion,” FFRF Legal Prayer discontinued tion could not recur. Fellow Madeline Ziegler wrote to Brea Olinda Unified School District Super- at N.D. graduations Principal won’t pray intendent Brad Mason back in March. After including multiple prayers to After reviewing school records ob- Jesus at its 2016 graduation ceremony, with students tained through an open records re- Watford City High School in North Da- Bakersfield High School Principal quest, including over 2,500 pages of kota has assured FFRF that the consti- Connie Grumling will not pray with stu- emails about Club Monarch going tutional violation will not be repeated. dents in the future. Grumling had met back only two years, FFRF wrote a fol- “High school graduations must with students to pray at the flagpole. low-up letter in May stating that its ap- be secular to protect the freedom of FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel prehensions had been confirmed. conscience of all students,” FFRF Staff lodged a complaint with the Kern High FFRF has now received confirma- Attorney Patrick Elliot wrote to McK- School District in Bakersfield, Calif., in tion that its advice has been followed. enzie County School District Super- August 2015. “Federal courts have held “Club Monarch has ceased to operate intendent Steven Holden. “It makes it is unconstitutional for public school at Mariposa Elementary School and no difference how many students employees to participate in the reli- does not operate at any other district wouldn’t want prayer or wouldn’t be gious activities of their students,” he school sites,” the school district’s legal offended by prayer at their graduation said. This is “to avoid any perception of firm has written to FFRF. ceremony. As the Supreme Court has government endorsement of religion.” said, ‘Fundamental rights may not be On Aug. 9, Seidel spoke with the FFRF ends religious submitted to vote; they depend on the district’s general counsel, who said outcome of no elections.’ ” that the prayer was an “isolated inci- An unconstitutional tie-up between film screenings Holden responded on Aug. 2, ex- dent” that had been addressed by the a Wisconsin school district and a paro- The Christian movie “Facing the Gi- plaining that, after consulting with the administration. chial preschool has been nixed follow- ants” won’t be shown to Medina Mid- school board and school district attor- ing an FFRF complaint. dle School’s seventh-graders in the fu- ney, the district would ensure prayer FFRF downs religious In Beaver Dam Unified School Dis- ture, FFRF has ensured. would not be part of future ceremo- trict, 3-year-old public school students A parent of a student at the Dyer, nies or other school-sponsored events. signs at Florida school with developmental delays were often Tenn., school brought the issue to The Osceola County School District being sent to private preschools. FFRF’s FFRF’s attention. The film follows a No more pastors at is now limiting church advertising on complainant, who has an eligible child, struggling high school football coach its property. was offered only one choice: a Catho- who inspires his team to believe in the school bible club The My Grace Fellowship Church lic school, St. Katharine’s, whose pre- God and to use faith to win football holds its services at the Westside K-8 school is named God’s Little Miracles. games. School, and previously was permitted To quote the school itself, its “program Showing “Facing the Giants” in a to leave lawn signs promoting the ser- is based on the theme ‘Thank you, public school “promotes Christianity vices on the school’s grounds. FFRF God.’ ” over all other religions and nonreli- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel objected “It is wildly inappropriate for the gion and violates the Establishment to this practice in a June 13. “Advanc- School District to send 3-year-old pub- Clause of the First Amendment,” ing, preferring, and promoting reli- lic school students to private schools FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert A bible club at a Nevada middle gion is exactly what a school does when for religious instruction,” FFRF Legal informed the Gibson County Special school will no longer be led by pastors, it allows a church to prominently place Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote in June to School District. thanks to FFRF. A parent of a Bob Mill- a permanent advertisement for stu- Stephen Vessey, superintendent of the Eddie Pruett, the district’s director er Middle School student contacted dents, parents, school employees, and Beaver Dam Unified School District. of schools, replied that the teacher was FFRF after reading the club’s descrip- anyone passing by to see,” said Seidel. The School District investigated the reminded that multimedia must be ap- tion in the yearbook: “Pastors come “[The church] must put up the signs situation and told St. Katharine’s what proved by the principal, and was told to the club every Tuesday and teach no earlier than when the rental time it would have to do to comply with the that “Facing the Giants” was not an ap- the students morals mentioned in the begins and take them down when the law and district policy. St. Katharine’s propriate movie to show the class. bible.” rental time ends.” decided to stop participating altogeth- “It is illegal for public schools to An attorney for the school district er in the 3K program rather than make FFRF gets religious allow adults to lead religious instruc- reported the matter resolved on Aug. any changes, revealing that religious tion on school property during the 24. instruction was its primary goal. group to pay fees school day,” wrote FFRF Legal Fellow “After being advised of the changes Madeline Ziegler in a July 21 letter to Softball coaches that would have to be made to the the Clark County School District. The 3K program, [St. Katharine Drexel] Equal Access Act forbids adult partici- leave prayer circle School indicated it no longer wished pation in student religious clubs. to provide the Early Childhood (3K) General Counsel Carlos L. McDade program to district students, and the told FFRF on Aug. 2 that administra- district has accepted the school’s with- tors were “reminded that the bible drawal from participating in the pro- club must be student-led and that the gram,” Vessey recently replied. “Any club must not be directed, conducted, students who were enrolled in the controlled, or regularly attended by school’s Early Childhood program by FFRF has made certain that a Wis- nonschool persons.” the district for the coming school year consin religious organization will pay have since been moved to a program full rental fees at local public schools. Teacher instructed After receiving a letter from FFRF offered at a different site.” Mission of Hope has held several last year, West Virginia’s Putnam Coun- events at public schools in Waupaca, to stop praying ty Schools has finally instructed softball Elementary school Wis. Among other activities, the events The Academy for Scholarship and coaches at Buffalo High School to stop include a prayer tent staffed by local Entrepreneurship in the Bronx, N.Y., praying with students. A photo from bible club shut down church members to “pray with and for” will stop including teacher-led invoca- the state championship game showed FFRF has caused a religious club to visitors. Records that FFRF obtained tions in its graduation ceremonies. players, coaches and fans holding be disbanded at a California elementa- revealed that the School District of The decision was prompted by a July hands in a circle around the field for a ry school. Waupaca forgave Mission of Hope the 14 letter from FFRF Staff Attorney Re- post-game prayer. Club Monarch, an afterschool bible $180 facility fees and $100 nonprofit becca Markert, who pointed out that “While students may engage in club, was run in part by teachers and kitchen use fees for past such events at the Supreme Court has specifically prayer on their own, school staff, in- routinely given preferential treatment the Waupaca Learning Center Elemen- struck down prayers at public school cluding coaches, cannot lead, direct or at Mariposa Elementary School in tary School. graduations. “The district has a duty participate in such religious activities,” Brea, Calif. The club was mentioned FFRF Legal Fellow Ryan Jayne wrote to remain neutral toward religion,” FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert in the weekly newsletter and listed in earlier this month to Waupaca School Markert wrote. “By scheduling prayers reminded the district in June 2015. the school calendar. There were post- District Superintendent Greg Nyen. at graduation, the district abridges that After FFRF followed up several ers around the school exclusively ad- FFRF’s complaint was taken seriously duty and alienates the 35% of young times, the district replied on Aug. 11 vertising the club. At a back-to-school and received an appropriate response. Americans who are not religious.” that the incident was addressed by ad- night, the principal effusively praised “I understand your concern regard- Carron Staple, superintendent of ministrators and that the district was and recommended the club. ing the need for separation of church Bronx High School Districts 8, 9 and obtaining legal training on the Estab- FFRF reminded the school and state,” wrote Nyen. “I am hereby 11, responded that the teacher’s ac- lishment Clause. October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

FFRF state/church victories

Elementary school conducting prayer for the time being. Michael Gauch responded. majority.” graduations secularized Sweat concluded by expressing his “Following the school board’s di- Gregory Belfour, the school’s attor- hope that the Supreme Court would rective, school administration instruct- ney, responded just a few days later soon extend the Greece v. Galloway ed the local minister that he would this time. He said the superintendent decision approving of some prayers at no longer be allowed to come onto would communicate the “constitution- meetings of legislative bodies. school property and meet with stu- al limitations” on government-spon- dents during the lunchtime or anytime sored prayer to the Vinton principal, School district cuts during the instructional day,” Gauch and school administrators at Westlake wrote. had been advised to stop promoting religious presenter prayers at football games. Staff in the Little Rock (Ark.) School Ohio commissioners to District won’t be subjected to religious Florida police prayer lessons at staff meetings in the future. find secular inspiration At Mabelvale Middle School’s Aug. The Lorain County Board of Com- event canceled 9 teaching staff meeting, the school missioners in Ohio is replacing invo- The Ocoee, Fla., Police Department invited a Baptist pastor to give a pre- cations with secular quotations at its will no longer host a “Prayers for Po- sentation, which included retelling meetings after hearing from FFRF. lice” event after FFRF sent a letter of biblical stories and other religious Christian prayers and bible read- complaint. remarks. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick ings by the commissioners were prior The department put on the event Elliott called out this unconstitutional staples of the meetings. “It is coercive, in May at a church, listing the pur- presentation in an Aug. 18 letter. “By embarrassing, and intimidating for pose on a flier as “a period of unity imposing religious messages on its em- nonreligious citizens to be required to as police chaplains, community lead- ployees at district-sponsored events, make a public showing of their nonbe- ers and members of the community the district is violating constitutional lief (by not rising or praying) or else join together to pray for the police limits on government religious en- to display deference toward a religious profession.” The event was advertised FFRF has put a stop to several egre- dorsement,” he wrote. sentiment in which they do not believe, on social media and hosted on police gious constitutional violations at a kin- Replying promptly on Aug. 23, an at- but which their Board of Commission- property. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew dergarten graduation ceremony at Val- torney for the school district acknowl- ers members clearly do,” FFRF Staff At- Seidel notified the department that ley Elementary School in Pikeville, Ky. edged that part of the presentation torney Rebecca Markert said in a letter this entanglement with religion was The school’s 2016 ceremony includ- could be perceived as an endorsement to the board. unconstitutional. “Although we fully ed a teacher-led prayer and the stu- of religion, and said the superinten- Markert explained that unlike the support remembering fallen police of- dents singing, “Jesus Loves Me,” which dent would send a written notice to all prayers by outside religious leaders ap- ficers, it is OPD’s constitutional obliga- they had reportedly been singing in district principals “to remind them not proved by the Supreme Court in Greece tion to find a religiously neutral means their music classes for most of the to allow presentations at mandatory v. Galloway, federal courts have struck of doing so,” said Seidel. school year. “It is coercive and inappro- teacher meetings or in-service training down prayers led by commissioners An Ocoee City Attorney responded priate for a teacher to lead a prayer at a which endorse a particular religious themselves. on Aug. 2, saying the city would no lon- school function, and then to order the position or message.” A county attorney said the board ger host the event. performance of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ by disagreed with FFRF’s position, but the students,” wrote FFRF Staff Attor- Lunchtime religious had decided to discontinue the prayers FFRF stops school’s ney Rebecca Markert in a June 9 letter anyway, replacing them with a secular to the Pike County Schools. school group disbanded “quote of the day.” Christian music General Counsel Neal Smith wrote Students in the weight room at Te- back to FFRF on Aug. 23, saying he FFRF ends Louisiana cumseh High School in Tecumseh, “cautioned our administration that Mich., won’t be forced to listen to open prayer at school-sponsored events prayer violations Christian music, thanks to FFRF. should not take place and that facul- Thanks to FFRF, the Calcasieu Par- FFRF received a report from a lo- ty-led singing of hymns, such as ‘Jesus ish Public Schools have resolved two cal resident that a physical education Loves Me,’ should also be avoided.” constitutional violations. Westlake teacher played the religious music High School will no longer broadcast during workout sessions in the weight FFRF quashes Utah prayers at football games. Vinton Ele- room during the summer. “Playing mentary School will not repeat an in- Christian music to an audience of stu- school board prayer cident that occurred on Aug. 7, when dents using the weight room is a vio- The Wasatch County Schools in the community was invited to come to lation of student and parental rights,” Heber City, Utah, have reluctantly FFRF has gotten an outsider-led the school for prayer and a tour of the wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca agreed to stop praying at School Board lunchtime religious group at an Illinois facilities. Markert in a letter to the Tecumseh meetings. public school disbanded. FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover first Public Schools superintendent. “It is Previously, meetings regularly in- School administrators at Harrisburg wrote to the school district in Septem- illegal for a district employee to pro- cluded Mormon-style prayers delivered Middle School were allowing a Bap- ber 2015 about the football prayers, re- mote Christianity through religious by the superintendent, School Board tist minister to lead a religious session ceiving no response despite several fol- music while acting in his or her official members, and other district employ- during lunch hour. He offered free piz- low up letters. Grover wrote again on capacity.” ees. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel za and soda to students who joined the Aug. 26 about the elementary prayer Superintendent Kelly M. Coffin wrote to Superintendent Terry Shoe- group. event. “Hosting a prayer event at a thanked Markert for bringing the mat- maker and School Board President It was inappropriate and unconstitu- public school alienates non-religious ter to the school district’s attention and Mark Davis on May 3. “Federal courts tional for the district to offer religious students and families, as well as those said that the school principal remind- have struck down school board prac- leaders access to befriend and prosely- who practice a minority religion,” he ed the teacher of “his constitutional tices that include this religious ritual,” tize students during the school day on said. “A public school district should duty to remain neutral toward religion he said, citing several cases, including school property, FFRF stressed. No out- seek to be inclusive of all students and while in a public school setting.” FFRF’s recent victory against the Chino side adults should be provided carte families, not just those in the religious Valley (Calif.) Unified School District’s blanche access to minors — a captive praying school board. audience — in a public school. Superintendent Paul A. Sweat re- After waiting for months for a re- plied Aug. 23 that he believed the sponse, FFRF Legal Fellow Jayne sent cases FFRF cited were “wrongly decid- a reminder letter, and this time Harris- ed,” but said the board had stopped burg School District Superintendent

Freedom from Religion Foundation P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • FFRF.org What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. The Foundation’s email address is info@ rf.org. Please include your name and physical mailing address with all email correspondence. Photo by Sue Schuetz Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” That’s why we worry! and “Freethought of the Day” should contact info@ rf.org. FFRF member Sue Schuetz saw this marquee in Mercer, Wis., recently. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

FFRF AWARDS $11,450 College Essay Contest winners announced The Freedom From Religion Aiden Sorge, 20, Arizona State University Foundation is delighted to announce Elizabeth Turovsky, 19, Barnard College the 2016 Michael Hakeem Memorial College Essay Contest winners. Manon von Mil, 24, Queen’s University The list of awardees has seven top Camille Sanchez, 19, Pomona College places and 13 honorable mentions from Alexis Serra, 20, Drexel University colleges located all over the country. Next to be announced will be Students were asked to write 700 to the winners of FFRF’s graduate 900 words on the topic of “Why I am student essay competition. a freethinker.” FFRF has offered essay competitions to college students since The college contest is named 1979, high school students since 1994 for the late Michael Hakeem, a and graduate students since 2010. sociology professor who was an of Minnesota ($1,000) HONORABLE MENTIONS ($200 EACH) FFRF officer and active atheist The winners of the competition are known by generations of University FOURTH PLACE Cheyenne Barger, 19, Gannon University listed below and include the award of Wisconsin-Madison students for Leah Kennedy, 22, New Savannah Flusche, 23, Texas amount, age and college or university fine-tuning their reasoning abilities. they are attending. Students who York University ($750) Woman’s University of Denton FFRF also thanks Dean and Dorea are a member of a secular student FIFTH PLACE (TIE) William Gardner, 24, Schramm of Florida for providing group received $100 bonuses. Karl Yee, 19, University University of Delaware the $100 bonus to students who are of Maryland ($500) FIRST PLACE Syd Gettier, 21, Notre Dame members of a secular student club Adam Simmons, 19, University FIFTH PLACE (TIE) of Maryland University or the Secular Student Alliance. The of Tennessee ($3,000) Elias Rodriguez, 22, University James Harder, 23, Athabasca University total of $11,450 reflects bonuses. SECOND PLACE of Texas-Dallas ($500) Camille Kaiser, 19, University FFRF congratulates the 20 college Alex Reamy, 21, Arizona State SIXTH PLACE of New Mexico students who won this year’s essay University ($2,000) Adrick Tench, 21, Northwestern competition and wishes them all the Jonathan Ortiz, 18, University of Florida THIRD PLACE University ($400) best for their future endeavors. Katherine Gramling, 19, University Fallon Rowe, 19, Utah State University

FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE Cathedral Arguments flame grows for God just dimmer by not credible FFRF awarded Alex $2,000. the day BY ALEX REAMY FFRF awarded Adam $3,000. Religious believers like to pretend BY ADAM SIMMONS that atheism is the result of personal trauma orfrustration with God, but I remember staring at it. The moon this was not the case with me. I have lay shrouded behind a trail of clouds, had heterodox opinions concerning which cast streaks across the grey religion for as long as I can remember. Alex Reamy stone as they passed. On either side, towers loomed over the face of the Adam Simmons When I was 7, I decided that Christ was the evidence for this design? courtyard. I remember looking up at was most likely an ordinary rabbi if I continued to question The Almighty. and not a god in human form. My Most of the universe is indifferent, its broad, Gothic windows and fixing if not hostile, to human life. my attention on what appeared to be So, with the threat of hell always reasoning was as follows: “Jesus said a single candle that flickered on one at my side, I took it upon myself to he was the son of God, but he also Yet we are expected to believe of the upper floors. It reminded me of understand the bible. Sure, my parents said that we are all God’s children. So, that this vast cosmos was created my youth — the days where I would had me read through all 66 books of maybe Jesus was not the literal son for the sole purpose of fostering sit quietly in church, listening to the the Old and New Testaments by the of God; maybe he was just a mortal human life? If God exists, he must be pastor deliver his sermon on the grace time I was 9, but I had yet to learn of man.” The next year, I discarded the extremely wasteful or indifferent. of God and crucifixion of his son. the philosophy. In consequence, I read doctrine of hell, since I could not There is also the First Cause argument, everything from Aquinas to Kierkegaard, believe in a just God who sentenced I never liked church as a boy; I could which states that everything in the still driven by Pascal’s Wager to elude his creations to eternal damnation. never wrap my head around the concept universe has a cause, therefore my fate. Yet even this was not enough of salvation. In truth, there was little to Gradually, my criticisms of religion there must be a first cause, which to convince me. The arguments were nothing I could wrap my head around. became more refined. I observed that we label God. There are two unsound, and the evidence was as It all seemed so foreign and complex. thousands of religions have existed objections to this line of reasoning. solid as the communion wine. God creating man, setting up the throughout history, each with its own First, particle physics has shown that perfect scenario for him to sin, then A few weeks later, as the pastor began pantheon and set of moral teachings. “nothingness” is unstable, therefore condemning all of his progeny to eternal one of his polished sermons that I had While studying history, I learned that it is plausible to imagine a universe in damnation, saving only those few heard at least 20 times before, I came the bible, which Christians consider which “something” arose from nothing whom he had predestined. Why punish to a realization. I recognized that even a divinely inspired text, contained due to purely mechanical processes. if I spent my whole life going to the them for something they had no control passages that condone slavery and Second, the argument is obviously seminary and the most prestigious over? Better yet, why create a hell in the subjection of women. I wondered self-contradictory. You cannot start from divinity school in the United States the first place and why make it eternal? why a loving and all-powerful God the assumption that everything has a trying to rationalize a belief in God, But as the mind of a child is vulnerable would allow millions of innocent cause and obtain the result that there it would always be just that — a to the slightest impressions, I became people to die of disease and natural exists an uncaused cause (i.e., God). If it rationalization stemming from nothing the mold of my parents’ desires. disasters. If God created human is true that everything has a cause, then more than a fear of hell. It would be I was sent to a Christian “school,” where beings knowing in advance that they God must also have a cause. If there is a life founded upon confirmation I was limited to Christian “science” would commit evil actions, is he not something without a cause, then there bias and voluntary ignorance. and was forced to attend daily chapel partly responsible for that evil? are no logical grounds for believing services and take bible classes. Like I realized that even if I “devoted my life In my junior year of high school, I that this so-called “First Cause” is the a rat in a glorified Skinner box, I was to Him” and at the end of it all I still felt examined all the common arguments vengeful, jealous God described in taught what to say, what to do, and, that I didn’t actually believe — that the for the existence of God, and saw that the bible. It is equally likely that the most importantly, what to think. And holy spirit had never entered me — then they all contain serious faults. Religious universe had multiple first causes, or when the evil demon of rationality came I would just end up in hell anyway. After apologists claimed that only God could that the universe was set in motion in to “test my faith,” I was warned of the relating these thoughts to my pastor, be responsible for the elegant design by some impersonal, natural force. fire and brimstone that was to face me of the universe; but where, I thought, Continued on the next page Continued on the next page October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13

THIRD PLACE FOURTH PLACE Following My wishes the path of have changed my moral for the better FFRF awarded Leah $750. compass BY LEAH KENNEDY FFRF awarded Katherine $1,000. Katherine Gramling When I was in second grade, my BY KATHERINE GRAMLING teacher gave the class the following Leah Kennedy When I look at our world today, I see journal prompt: “If you had three stronger than before. No signs ever Growing up in the Deep South, I a world in which religious affiliation wishes, what would you do?” was expected to be an observing, merely serves to divide our people appeared to me, however, and I have unquestioning Christian. As a young and extend modes of power and I wrote that I would use the wishes now been an atheist for six years. freethinker, I was criticized for historical conflicts. Because of this to ask for more wishes until I had as In truth, I like myself better as an atheist my nonbelief. This social norm of destructive legacy, it was important many wishes as there are people in than I ever did as a Christian. As a Christianity is a large reason I traveled for me to find a moral compass that the world. Then, I would wish for each Christian, I constantly felt inadequate. north and went to college in Minnesota. does not carry thousands of years of individual person to be “saved,” I stated. I was raised to be humble, but this When my family moved to Georgia in hurt. I found that moral code within In other words, as a 7-year-old, I wanted translated to denying any sense of 2006, we started attending church, myself. Many religious people ask us to make the entire world Christian. self-esteem as pride. My straight-A which was something we had never atheists how we can be moral humans As I was in a conservative Christian report cards and artistic achievements regularly done before. I became very without a religious canon to abide school located in the South, my teacher were brushed aside as gifts from God involved in the Methodist church, by. I always answer that it is quite wrote a note on the assignment about rather than the result of my hard work. eventually attending multiple Christian simple: We are rational beings who are how sweet my thoughts were. In the specific brand of Christianity in youth groups a week, participating in able to distinguish right from wrong. I was raised as a nondenominational which I was raised, there was a sense a Christian club at my high school, and Even when there are infinite shades evangelical Christian, and prior to the of impending doom that seemed even working in the church nursery of grey in the moral spectra, each age of 16, I never would have imagined to justify inaction. Although I felt for two years. This intense exposure person learns through both nature that one day I might question the beliefs passionate about many issues of social to the Christian faith was at first and nurture how to act in society, that I had been taught. I considered justice, I rarely took action because fulfilling, but as I grew older I started regardless of religious affiliation. my faith to be the foundation of I thought that Jesus would soon questioning the things I once accepted Religious concern for morality everything I knew. It was my duty to return and end this “broken” world. as truth. I began on a freethinking culminates in another common bring nonbelievers to the light of Christ. As an atheist, however, I have journey that would end in atheism, question, this one regarding the I’m embarrassed to admit that each assumed the responsibility all the while finding more certainty afterlife. As an atheist, I don’t atheist, agnostic and gay person I to fight for social justice. and happiness along the way. believe in an afterlife. As a person of knew was put on a list that I read in science, I know chemistry answers In college, finally away from my Since I had been very involved with my prayers every night. My intentions family, I took on projects to fight the church in my younger years, our questions on eventuality. Our were never evil; I simply hated the very beings decompose to replenish human trafficking, labor rights I had ample exposure to modern idea of any person going to hell and violations, sexism and homophobia. I Christian theory. As I got older, I started the Earth in a natural cycle that wanted to prevent it through prayer. allows humanity to sustain itself. became empowered and passionate questioning several biblical themes Midway through high school, my about empowering others. that preached misogyny, genocide and Yet many will ask how I operate without perspective unexpectedly shifted. Because I am all too familiar with slavery. I could not rationalize these hope for an afterlife. I do not need I was struggling with depression, atrocities. Christians are supposed the looming promise of an afterlife evangelical mindsets, I do not try to and rather than finding me the help convert those around me to atheism. I to love and rejoice in the fellowship in paradise to be a good person. I I needed, my mother insisted that of all people, yet I often felt there do not need the threat of eternal do, however, try to set a good example it was a spiritual problem and told of what an atheist is by working with was an undercurrent of distaste and damnation to act humanely. I also do me I was influenced by demons. misunderstanding toward nonbelievers. not need either of these promises to people of diverse beliefs in order My feelings were greatly intensified ease my fears of death. When nothing My relationship with my parents began to bring about social change. as I started to identify less with the is there, there is nothing to be afraid to crumble, and during a philosophy I have met Christians who are church and more with nonbelief. of, and that’s a freeing feeling. class, I found myself faced with empowered by their faith. I have also alternate ways of thinking for the first There were several times throughout Despite the comfort I have found in met atheists who do harm to the label time. As I began to think more critically, through their rudeness to those who my high school experience when I felt atheism, atheists are labeled as one however, I realized that I did not know ostracized for being a freethinker. At one of the most distrusted minorities in are religious. Although my experiences for certain that God existed. I struggled led me to atheism, I ultimately believe point, I was completely excluded from America. As a happy freethinker, this with my doubts for months, until my high school swim team for declining is a sobering thought. Therefore, that a person’s worldview, whether finally, I began to call myself agnostic, secular or religious, should empower to pray with them before a meet. It was my goal is to enlighten others so first in private and then publicly. an extremely public display. Bleachers that they may see that we are not them. That is my only wish. of parents and friends watched as one immoral beings, but simply those At first, I thought this was a temporary Leah, 22, was born in Baton Rouge, La., girl sat alone, apart from her team, who have found a moral compass “crisis of faith.” I had realized that my and attended the University of Oklahoma, while everyone else participated in outside the divisive reigns of religion. beliefs came solely from indoctrination. where she graduated as the Outstanding a communal prayer that blurred the Surely God was real, and by wiping Senior of the Weitzenhoffer Family Katherine, 19, grew up in Warner Robins, my slate clean and entering the world line between church and state. These Ga., and is a student at the University of College of Fine Arts. She is now studying exclusionary practices repel not only with no beliefs, I was giving God a at NYU’s prestigious Graduate Musical Minnesota. She is a member of Campus chance to reveal himself to me. I figured nonbelievers, but everyone who is not Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists (CASH) Theatre Writing Program. She is active a Christian, and therein lies a huge that God would send me a sign that in labor rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti- at the U of M and enjoys walking, movies, would lead me back into the faith problem with religion in general. swimming and science. human trafficking and women’s rights.

First place essay The flame had grown a little dimmer Second place essay hatred and suffering in the world. Continued from the previous page now in the cathedral, and I wondered Continued from the previous page In order to guarantee the survival if it would ever die out. What has of the human race in a postnuclear he told me that I simply had to wait The First Cause argument has kept it alive for so long? After years age, we must be willing to confront for the Lord to reveal himself to me. several other fallacies, but of thought, we are no closer to hard truths, instead of surrounding these are the most blatant. “So,” I said, “all I have to do is wait until proving the existence of God. All ourselves with comfortable lies. We I am so desperate that I begin to tell the arguments — cosmological, Casting aside my religious belief was must abandon ancient superstitions, myself that he has shown himself to me teleological, ontological, moral — not a slow or painful process, as it is for and rely on our own intelligence in and eventually, through self-fulfilling merely derive God as a necessity from someatheists. I was raised in a secular creating a more rational, humane world. prophecy, become so deranged that I false premises and circular claims. Yet household, so I was not punished for Alex, 20, lives in Hilton Head Island, S.C., actually come to believe it.” I broke out the flame burns on a brittle wick. questioning the validity of a 2,000-year- but spends most of the year in Tempe, in a loud laugh and continued. “And old sacred text. If children were taught Adam, 19, was born in Nashville and where he is studying mathematics at even if I could convince myself through to value logic and skepticism rather attends the University of Tennessee in Arizona State University. He is a member years of self-abuse and conditioning, than obedience and blind credulity, Knoxville. He enjoys reading and writing of the ASU chapter of the Secular Student the faith would still be false and I would religion would quickly become poetry, short stories, aphorisms, novels Alliance and enjoys reading classic still be destined for hell.” The laugh obsolete. This is a goal we should and philosophical treatises. literature and swimming with the local turned into a cathartic cry. I had finally strive toward, since dogmatic religious masters team. disencumbered myself of religion. belief is one of the primary causes of Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

FIFTH PLACE (TIE) When it comes to beliefs, it’s a parent who decides FFRF awarded Karl $500. of religions — there were Christian, is no credible evidence supporting Hindu, Muslim and Mormon students. supernatural events that happen in BY KARL YEE Ironically, the exposure to many the bible. Some theists try to shift I was raised by parents who, different religions is what caused me the burden of proof on atheists, but during my childhood, were trying to question the entire institution. I atheists, by definition, do not make any to find their religious identity. could not help but to wonder why there claims about the existence of deities. A were so many religions and different common misconception and important They were both born in China and deities. Mormons believe in their distinction to make is that atheism is exposed to some Buddhist teachings, worldview just as much as Catholics not the belief that deities do not exist, although not enough for them to believe in theirs. What makes one but rather the lack of belief in deities. declare themselves Buddhists. religion more likely to be true or valid Theists, conversely, claim the existence Eventually, they immigrated to than the other? Is there evidence to of a deity and are thus responsible Maryland. Moving to America, a largely support the claims theists make? for satisfying the burden of proof. Christian nation, was a major culture shock for my parents; they did not I asked my middle school friends why No religion is more valid than another, expect religion to be so influential here. they believed in their religions, but as no theist has provided the necessary Given the ubiquity of Christian churches their answers were unsatisfactory. The evidence to substantiate his or her in America, it is no surprise that my Karl Yee most common answer was a reference claims. Despite the lack of evidence, parents began exploring Christianity. to a religious text, like the bible or religion remains a powerful force rarely find religion on their own; their the Quran. Children are taught to throughout the world. Unfortunately, As a child, I had no choice but to parents introduce them to religion. believe extraordinary claims — such many children are born into their follow my parents’ religious journey. According to research by the National as turning water into wine — without parents’ religion and are taught that At the height of their involvement Study of Youth and Religion, 82 percent any concrete evidence, leaving them questioning their faith is a sin, creating with Christianity, I was enrolled in a of children raised by highly religious unable to justify their “beliefs.” an endless cycle of credulous believers. Sunday school. My enrollment was parents were religiously active as young short-lived, as my parents decided to adults. In contrast, only 1 percent of The problem with teaching children The primary mechanism through turn back to Buddhism. While I did not teens raised by nonreligious parents religion is that they are taught what to which religion continues to survive understand the concept of religion, were religiously active as young think instead of how to think. Using a is indoctrination. If religion were I knew that they made a change and adults. Parents are authority figures, religious text as evidence is nonsensical as infallible as some theists claim, chose one thing over another. I simply and children do not know any better because theists try to support claims there would be no need to involve could not rationalize their decision; but to listen and follow their parents made in a book with the same book, a children with religion while they I could only follow in their footsteps. uncritically. If my parents stayed with prime example of circular reasoning. are still impressionable. Despite choosing Buddhism, my Christianity, I have little doubt that Religious texts are not accepted as Karl, 19, was born in Silver Spring, parents did not become religiously I would have become a Christian. credible or authoritative because theists Md., and is attending the University of active and only practiced quietly. My confusion with religion continued have yet to satisfy the burden of proof. Maryland, College Park. His interests Parents are undeniably the major force to grow throughout middle school. For example, many of the stories in the include solar energy, control systems and behind spreading religion. Children My middle school was a melting pot bible are purely fantastical, and there electrophysics. FIFTH PLACE (TIE) SIXTH PLACE Education Time to put led to my away childish deconversion things FFRF awarded Elias $500. FFRF awarded Adrick $400.

BY ELIAS RODRIGUEZ BY ADRICK TENCH “All I know is that I know nothing.” My deconversion from religion was Adrick Tench This phrase encompasses how gradual, creeping in like that process I felt during my deconversion by which a man looks into the mirror I doubt now that if I had not been from Catholicism to atheism. one day with the sad realization predisposed by my parents’ teachings As an immigrant from Mexico, I did that he has left his youth behind to believe in the words of the bible that Elias Rodriguez not have any choice in the religion him, though he knows not when. I ever should have taken them seriously. that I would be brought up in, but I I became enamored with philosophy In my case, the realization was indeed To my mind, the most important did have a choice about whether to once I entered high school. It was a sad and painful one. Believing argument for atheism is simply the continue believing in it. Although my during this time that I learned of that the creator of the universe is lack of a good argument for theism. deconversion happened slowly and many philosophical arguments that just and merciful, that he loves you, What is difficult for many believers is over the course of a couple of years, would help with my deconversion. that your death will not be the end simply realizing that the burden of proof there were three main stages to it: The most notable was Pascal’s Wager. but that you will live happily again lies with them, and they have none. breaking away from the church; moving Ironically, this argument is used by with those you love in a world free of What would impress me most would away from a theistic mindset; and theists to highlight the supposed pain, is no small thing to part with. be to find believers who were dragged embracing the agnostic-atheist position. pitfalls of atheism. However, I did not While I cannot remember when kicking and screaming into belief in the As a child in Mexico, I went to church see it that way. Pascal’s Wager states precisely I lost my faith, I can at least same way so many of us are dragged every Sunday with my family. Church that it is better to hedge your bets remember the answer I gave to one into unbelief. There could be no surer was such an integral part of my and pray to God because if he does of my friends who was curious how test that they had tried their hardest upbringing that I was actually allowed exist, then you won’t go to hell. This I had gone from being so devoted to to disprove their religion, but were to deliver part of the sermons during argument helped push me toward Christianity to being so completely in the end still taken in by the force Mass. It was around the age of 15, atheism for two reasons. First, this separated from it. “Well, I had my of its arguments and its evidence. now living in the United States and wager states subtly that God is more doubts,” I said, “and I suppose when Where might I find such a person? Surely working on my education toward concerned about how much praise you have doubts, you can either stifle only among the ranks of freethinkers. Confirmation, that I began having a is given to him rather than the good them, or follow them wherever they I have come to look back on crisis of faith. Until that point, I had deeds performed by people. Second, lead you. And I followed mine.” it commits the fallacy of assuming the religion as a slave looks back on a been raised to believe that the church Follow them I did. From the writings Judeo-Christian god is the only possible set of manacles. What was at one was a beacon of morality and that the of the “Four Horsemen” (Richard god to exist, but does not take into time so uplifting became, with pope, the central figure of the church, Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris account that this very argument could time and reflection, horrid. was infallible as God’s spokesperson. and Christopher Hitchens), the be used for a myriad of other deities. For every beautiful thought that religion As I learned more about history, I countless debates and videos to be gives to the readily faithful mind of a discovered many of the atrocities that My final step toward deconversion came found on YouTube, and the online rants child, it must first give far more untruth, had been committed by the church in when I read Richard Dawkins’ The God of “militant atheists,” I flooded myself far more aversion to the true freedom of the past, including the Inquisition and Delusion. I had always had a deep love with the thoughts and arguments of the mind, and, in all too many cases, far the imprisonment of Galileo. These for science, but it was after reading freethinkers. It became remarkable how more fundamental misanthropy. Some facts, along with evidence of systematic this book that I understood just how little water the arguments of Christian people are told that their judgments are cover-ups of pedophilia by priests, led apologetics held in comparison. me to abandon the church completely. Continued on page 17 Continued on page 17 October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15 College essay honorable mentions

The following college essays earned honorable mention tinkered with every other story he came across. status. Each author was awarded $200 by FFRF. These This boy put the Lord of the Rings’ hobbits into his Atheism, deep in essays have been edited for space. notebook with the Star Wars’ Jedi, and his teachers applauded his cleverness. But when he detailed how Frodo met the zombie-god named Jesus, the the heart of Texas I’m an atheist at a teachers scolded. I knew something was wrong. BY SAVANNAH FLUSCHE If a god were a truth, why the panicked defensiveness? Catholic university If his messages of love were so important, why As an atheist and was there so much hate in the world, so many freethinker, life in people terrorizing each other in his name? And BY CHEYENNE BARGER the trenches of the if god is the one true god, why do people who Bible Belt has been an When I was a child, raised call him by different names hate each other? intimate journey in an in conservative rural Humanity is a delicate, complex creature, but you are abrasive environment. Pennsylvania, my mother just like me. You don’t deserve a god, dear neighbor, My first introduction to taught me the basics of simply because you hope for one, but you do religion and God was Wicca. I was raised to deserve, and have earned, my admiration and love. through the Christian be attuned to nature, We all want to reach out and be connected, especially day care I began celebrating holidays in this modern era when it’s harder and harder to attending at the age based upon the turn of deny the evidence that there isn’t anything more. of 5. I came to realize Savannah Flusche the seasons and believing I love you because you try, you need to hold onto that these stories were in two gods. These something. I love you despite Zombie Jesus. taken literally by many, beliefs did not sit well and were “not ALL literally true, but mostly” for William, 24, attends the University of Delaware and with my predominantly many others. I’ve come to understand biblical plans- to earn a degree in linguistics. Christian classmates, interpretation as the art of cherry picking. and, in second grade, my best friend told me that Cheyenne Barger I then attended public schools, yet the teachers were she would never speak The reality of unashamedly religious and the student body mostly to me again because I wasn’t Christian. This was my aggressively Christian. An experience I still remember first negative experience with religion, and was the clearly was during the fifth grade when my best first event marking my progression to atheism. believing the friend, a rare bird and fellow atheist, was casually talking about how she did not attend church. A As I got older and learned more about how scientists classmate was utterly disturbed and began to explain believe life as we know it came to be, my belief in imaginary how bad it was that she was absent on Sunday. As gods and infallible creation diminished. By ninth this exchange unfolded, I found a disturbing new grade, I had completely abandoned any belief in gods. BY SYD GETTIER wrinkle to the loneliness that blanketed me. I did However, I rarely spoke of my nonbelief, fearing more not feel safe or comfortable in my community. reactions like the one I received in second grade. My questioning of organized religion started As an atheist, it is important to me that other Despite being an atheist, I decided to attend a private relatively young and like-minded atheist, secular, or agnostic thinkers Catholic university, determining that the opportunities was likely a response understand that they are not alone. Books, it could give me as a biology major overrode my to my deeply religious podcasts, public interviews, even the perhaps trepidation about being in a religious environment. grandmother. counterproductive debate format offer those who Interestingly enough, while at this university, my are unsure of where and how to step next to know atheism flourished. I was surrounded by people who My grandmother and her friends believe that there that they welcome. We must reduce the stigma and seemed genuinely interested in my nonbelief. I had show that a freethinker’s arms are wide open, that many intellectually stimulating conversations with my are certain people who are “seers,” meaning that they you don’t have to be afraid of someone because Catholic classmates, my resident ministers, and other they do not accept Bronze Age ethics as infallible. religious people about how my views differed from can see and communicate theirs, and how they were at times quite similar. In one the wishes of angels. For a time, we are borrowing this planet from Syd Gettier of my classes, we discussed “new atheism,” and I was My grandmother claims those who will come later. Let us make sure we are introduced to the ideas of Richard Dawkins and Daniel to speak in tongues. returning it better than we received. We speak for Dennett. These conversations and my research into When we were children, we periodically helped Earth. I implore that we must be able to think freely. these famous atheists helped develop my convictions, my grandmother empty and then refill dozens Savannah, 23, grew up in Dallas and attends Texas and I feel they have made me a better atheist. of water jugs with which she lined her basement Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Her interests Cheyenne, 19, is from Parker, Pa., and attends Gannon stairs. I always assumed that it was preparation for include science, animals and animal rescue, roller University, where she is a member of the Secular a hurricane or some other sort of natural disaster, skating, history, podcasts and reading. Student Alliance. She enjoys writing short stories, but my father later told me that she did this to playing fantasy video games, and restoring furniture. be ready for the apocalypse when Jesus Christ inevitably decided to wreak havoc upon the sinners Empathetic and nonbelievers. Even as a middle schooler, these things seemed pretty wacky to me. After all, I had Loving despite witnessed a group of adults elatedly bathing in a skepticism nonexistent fountain in my grandmother’s living Zombie Jesus room because their god compelled them to do so. BY CAMILLE SANCHEZ Now, as a college student, I major in psychology As a child in a Filipino BY WILLIAM M. GARDNER and have taken a few sociology and philosophy Catholic household, I classes. I like to think about cognition and what I am an atheist, despite unquestioningly accepted motivates people to behave in the ways they do. the harshness that Catholicism as truth. I From this perspective, I am able to understand word inspires, because I did not know there were religion’s appeal. It is in our nature to want answers. have always been more other ways of living. attached to people Religion is, above all, a social tool and humans In fifth grade, I transferred than ideas. I am a crave social interaction. I can see the appeal that from my Christian school skeptic because I love; religious groups offer to those who are young to a public school, where and when I love I don’t and impressionable, or those of any age who are I was exposed to people need a god to inform looking for a place to belong. The desire for human of different walks of my desire to be good connection is one of the most powerful psychological life and different belief Camille Sanchez to my fellow humans. drives known to humankind, and when you consider systems. As I made the continued popularity of organized religion A novelist by hobby, friends who were neutral from this perspective, maybe it isn’t so difficult I tell stories and William M. Gardner toward religion, Catholicism became more and to understand why otherwise intelligent people understand the telling more unappealing. When I studied philosophy are willing to jump into imaginary fountains. of them; in this understanding can be unraveled in high school, I began to confront my beliefs. the biology of the fantastical and the mythic. Syd, 21, lives in Darlington, Md., and attends Notre I learned that in contemporary times, religion is not Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. She is A good little Catholic boy, I went to Sunday school so much a source of truth as it is a source of social interested in social justice issues such as gender and religion class where they would delight me interaction; religious ritual is identical with social equality, LGBTQ rights and the Black Lives Matter with tales of a boy who slew a giant and a kindly ritual. This is especially true for Filipinos in America. movement. man who overcame death. An undying god was a The common sentiment is: If you are Filipino and you fascinating tale to a quizzical mind that toyed and don’t go to church, what kind of Filipino are you? Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

However, I do not consider religion necessary to of humankind, religion was often a catalyst of much be a good person. I believe that religious morals Embracing strife. From the Crusades to the Spanish Inquisition, are simply outward manifestations of something to more modern conflicts in the Middle East, religious that is innate to people. Followers of Christianity, differences often led to death and destruction. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and many other complexity of If God were an omnipotent and a just being religions strive for the same ideals — peace and concerned about the fate of individual humans, it’s love. And more often than not, these ideals are thought unfathomable to me how God could allow such evils attained by relinquishing selfish desires, by serving as the Holocaust to occur. If God is not concerned others, by being empathetic and compassionate, BY MANON VAN MIL with the trials and tribulations of individual human and by living modestly rather than excessively. beings, then organized religion is irrelevant. I read a lot. I read the Additionally, all the meaningful things I have done did I believe that as long as people behave in an news. I have read Terry not require religion; rather, they required empathy. I ethical and moral fashion they fulfill their social Pratchett’s Small Gods. did not volunteer at homeless shelters because God contract with fellow humans, and don’t need to I even read into the called me to do so — I volunteered because I knew seek approval of the supernatural, as their reward patriarchal structure of what it was like to be hungry. I did not create art is self-fulfillment and inner peace here on Earth. dealing with topics of body image and mental health Catholicism. And when because of God — I created art because I knew what I read, my vocabulary Elizabeth, 19, grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y., and attends it was like to suffer alone and wanted to reach out to grows so that I can call Barnard College. She is interested in books, politics and others. Sometimes, followers of religion forget to be the problems I notice by women’s rights. empathetic and exert their subjective perspectives name: racism, sexism, onto others without considering different perspectives. misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and Sometimes, followers are blinded by their religion’s Manon van Mil Choosing reason teachings. At least I question — perhaps I suffer unsound arguments, because of the uncertainty and insecurity, but that is willful ignorance, better than to thoughtlessly accept whatever I am told. corruption, conspiracy. over religion Camille, 19, was born in Rockford, Ill., and attends It took me longer to realize that dogmatic thinking BY CAMILLE KAISER Pomona College. She is interested in illustration, comes in shapes and sizes other than organized community service, social justice, blogging and writing religion, and that confirmation bias is real, big As a scientist, my mother about her thoughts. and scary. For example, I am studying to become served as a definitive an educator, so I was interested to learn that figure in my avoidance teachers’ expectations of students significantly and of the organized religion Standing up for importantly impact their achievement. Being aware that so many of my of confirmation bias means that we nonbelievers friends fell into. must mind our thinking in order to call ourselves My mother would often freethinking freethinkers; otherwise, we support our theories explain things to me in on the same shaky grounds as religious folk ways I could understand. BY FALLON ROWE compiling so-called evidence of the supernatural. When I asked about “Oh, you’re an atheist? Furthermore, a worldview that is responsive bible stories, she would Camille Kaiser I hate atheists.” to diversity and complexity must be shaped start off by saying “Well, by one’s consideration of evidence. honey, Christians believe I stood speechless in . . .” and then she would go on to tell me some crazy- the university cafeteria. I graduated high school devoutly atheist, but not yet a freethinker, a reaction to my circumstances in a sounding story. The disclaimer preceding the story I hardly knew my dorm didn’t affect the “morals” that some take from these neighbor who had Catholic institution instead of a thoughtful response. When well-intentioned, well-read folks argued for stories, but I recognized evolutionary impossibilities joined me for lunch, and felt shock at the violence in some of stories. yet he already made a religion, I shut down their arguments with more sweeping generalization strength than flexibility. Thankfully, I have learned When I started high school, my mother and I began of my entire community. how to challenge others’ dogmatism and my own. participating in a community of freethinkers. It was my first semester Although I did not consciously decide to become The crowd was a bit older than at a lot of the at Utah State University, Fallon Rowe a freethinker, I choose to be proud of that identity churches I’d been to, but I recognized the same an overwhelmingly every day. It is an honest, open-minded way of sense of community. At the same time, I began religious public university made up mostly of honing a worldview that affords many benefits volunteering for various service projects, and these Mormons. Although I grew up as an atheist in a and costs me nothing — least of all my curiosity. situations also promoted a sense of community. Mormon-dominated environment in Idaho, I was Manon, 24, grew up in Ontario and attends Queen’s With growing numbers of people who are unaccustomed to the exclusion and judgment I University in Kingston, Ontario. She is an avid reader, unaffiliated with religion, the opportunity to would, and still do, experience in Utah. (To clarify, writer, knitter and powerlifter, and is also passionate participate in secular communities to improve not every Mormon treated me this way, and some about popular education and cognitive science. people’s lives could attract people of all ages. devout members would become my best friends.) While the religious may suffer through sacrifice For as long as I’ve identified as an atheist, I’ve or take comfort in imagining untold riches or tried to stand up for freethinking principles. It’s Living by the happiness in their “next life,” I believe we should tough to remember a moment when I realized I help others, and take and spread joy in this was atheist because my father raised me to come life — the only one we have. If we make positive to my own conclusions about the world and Golden Rule influences in bettering the world and those in it, religion. I was “Fallon Rowe: Secular Scientist,” then the world will be a better place even after thrust into no church, indoctrinated with no BY ELIZABETH TUROVSKY our lives are over. Indeed, there cannot be a more religion, and given freedom to decide on my “heavenly” feeling than being part of a community I have been a nonbeliever own, something for which I’m forever grateful. that is working to make the world a better place. for as long as I can Growing up, I refused to say “under God” during remember, as I was raised Camille, 19, grew up in Mesa, Ariz., and attends the the Pledge of Allegiance. I participated in a by parents who are also University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She enjoys movement in high school to distribute a banned nonbelievers. From a very family, baking, her 1970s music collection and speaking book after a student’s relative called it “anti- young age, my father, Spanish. Christian.” In my college English class, I chose who is an avid reader, atheism as my writing topic for the semester, took me to the library continually surprising my Mormon-dominated on weekends to pick My faith was built on peers with my alternative perspectives. These out books to borrow. experiences as a young nonbeliever have My mother often joked made me the young woman I am today. circular reasoning that instead of going To those who frown on atheism, such as my neighbor to church or temple on BY JAMES HARDER that first semester of college, I advocate that they weekends, like many of Elizabeth Turovsky open their minds and examine where their negative our friends, our weekly Growing up as a conservative Christian, most of my views of atheism are rooted. I argue that atheists pilgrimage to the library served as a place of spiritual ideas were not really my own, but rather statements rarely, if ever, incite violence, and note how most renewal. Instead of worshipping a supernatural by people who could ardently defend what was atheists are tolerant and educated individuals with being, knowledge for the sake of knowledge was already deemed as the “right” way of thinking. valuable perspectives. Those who dislike atheism the essence of what was revered in our home. The change came about later in my young adulthood, should take the time to get to know an atheist; Similarly, the idea that one should live a good after watching a documentary on the Kitzmiller v. they may be pleasantly surprised by the intelligent and moral life, not because God commanded it, Dover trial. When I saw the real arguments for and discussion and meaningful ideas we share with them. but because it’s the right thing to do, was very against my previous position of intelligent design put Fallon, 19, lives in Meridian, Idaho, and is attends much espoused. I was brought up on the Golden forward in a honest and objective trial, I immediately Utah State University. She enjoys rock climbing, Rule, as paraphrased by Hillel the Elder: “What came to recognize that my whole system of thinking mountaineering, hiking, playing the fiddle and reading. is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” had been built on a deference to authority. But it is not so with religion. Throughout the history After my rejection of fundamentalism, I became more October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 curious as to the grounds that my faith in God stood to hurt and control others. The vatican is filled with It was not in God’s plan for me to be in college, on. My beliefs were further eroded after a group of obscenely expensive art and objects covered in gold. it was my plan. I put myself here through Mormons visited my Christian non-Mormon friends. Why not liquidate and help the poor? Televangelists studying and taking on leadership roles. I am I accepted a copy of the book of Mormon and went con others out of their hard-earned money in the where I am today because of my hard work. through it, hoping to prove the ridiculousness of name of god. Religion speaks of helping the poor and Alexis, 20, attends Drexel University and works as a the Mormon faith to the missionaries the next time downtrodden, while fighting equality, condemning marketing assistant at Morgan Lewis & Bockius. She is we should meet. Going through the book, though, I the different, using loopholes in the law to avoid a member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and noticed a disturbing pattern. The entire faith was built prosecution for abuse and killing in the name of god. enjoys coffee, running and reading about American on circular reasoning. The holy book is true because Sagan once said, “When Kepler found his history. its God says so. God says so, because it is revealed long-cherished belief did not agree with the in the holy book. My own faith was no different. most precise observation, he accepted the Eventually I had to ask myself, what sort of evidence uncomfortable fact. He preferred the hard truth to Questions are the would lead me to believe in my own religion, if I hadn’t his dearest illusions, that is the heart of science.” been raised with any assumptions. This process of Unfortunately, for many, the loss of the comfortable examination eliminated the Old Testament from lie would be too painful for them to face. cure for religion being able to stand on its own proof. All I had left was Aidan, 20, lives in Albuquerque, N.M., and attends BY JONATHAN ORTIZ the occurrence of the resurrection. And my inquiry Arizona State University. He enjoys the interaction of into that “miracle” was the final nail in the coffin. No science and technology with society and its ethical Growing up as a Catholic, Christian apologist could made a good enough case implications. He is also interested in martial arts. I remember how shocked for the resurrection without circular reasoning or I was when I first learned probability methods that would make any professional that there are more than statistician or historian cringe. My religion was founded 50,000 sects of Christianity upon grounds which were no more impressive than Stopped believing alone, and that there are the dozens of religions that I believed were false. hundreds of religions. James, 23, was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, but in Santa, then God I started asking myself, spent most of his childhood in Hamilton, Mont. He is why is it that I am a enrolled in Athabasca University’s online program. He BY ALEXIS SERRA Roman Catholic and not enjoys reading and strength training When I was 9, I noticed a Protestant? Why is it the handwriting on the that I am a Christian and Christmas presents was not a Muslim? Why is it Jonathan Ortiz Comfortable lie the same as my mother’s. that I so readily reject I said something, and she Aega, a Greek goddess made up a lie, “Santa asks of war, Corus, a Roman god of the wind, and so doesn’t beat truth me to help him with the many others, but make an exception for mine? BY AIDAN SORGE presents sometimes.” What convinced me, in due time, was something It was then that I Richard Dawkins once said: “We are all atheists Author’s note: The lack of became fed up with about most of the gods that societies have ever capitalization of religious the silly answers my believed in. Some of us just go one god further.” terms is deliberate. parents were giving Eventually I took my crucifix off for the last time and I have always been a logical me about this mystical Alexis Serra ever since then I have been an agnostic atheist. person. As a toddler, man who lives in the All religion is — and ever was — is our attempt I got into a shouting coldest place on Earth. I was scared not to believe to explain what we do not understand. argument with a fellow in Santa because I was worried I wouldn’t get any It is only human nature, but just because it is our preschooler over the fact more presents. But my parents loved me, and I was nature does not mean it is right to conjure up that he was playing with a good kid, they weren’t going to stop giving me falsehoods. When I encounter theists who ask dinosaurs and toy people presents because I knew the truth. So I outright told me about what happens after death, or how the at the same time. I found Aidan Sorge them that I didn’t believe in Santa Claus anymore. universe began, it is this point that I raise: We may that to be offensive as It was also when I was 9, raised as a Catholic Latina, not understand something now, and perhaps we it was not the “truth.” that I stopped believing in God, too. Growing up, never will, but that does not exclude a natural In elementary school, my best friends were living with my parents and my grandma, I was made explanation, and if our past is any indication, members of a charismatic church, so I attended to be scared of not believing in God. I received my things we think to be unexplainable — supernatural some youth groups with them. I liked to go there First Communion, and I had absolutely no idea — always end up with natural explanations. with them, the music and games were fun and, what was going on, just that if I didn’t do it, and if There is another important argument that I think most importantly, there were always great snacks. I didn’t pray every night, God would hate me. many theists do not often encounter, and it is But then, one day, the priest started to mock Then I just stopped praying, and nothing that they almost always have the same religion as Carl Sagan. I became really uncomfortable and happened. I did not believe in God anymore, their parents. Humans are not born with a belief wondered if anyone was thinking about what the just like I did not believe in Santa. But I went in God: They must learn it, and they do so from priest was saying. I no longer went with them to years pretending that I did believe because I their parents, so if you were born to different church. Mocking Sagan meant ignoring the truth. was worried what my family would say or do. parents you would believe different things. I ask And then there was a history class: the Crusades I worked hard for my grades, and when school became them: Would you be a Christian if you were born and the Dark Ages. I learned that scientific tough, it boggled me when my peers said, “I have to in 3,000 B.C. in the time of the Egyptians? If you progress was banned by the catholic church. Truth pray to get an A in this class.” I never understood this would not be one back then, why should you be again was being squashed and I began to evolve because I took pride in myself for getting that “A” one today? I asked myself this very same question, away from a nonchalant attitude about religion because I didn’t waste my time praying; I was studying and I’m freer and happier today because of it. towards seriously considering its drawbacks. instead. With the exception of the support of my Jonathan, 18, was born in Birkenfeld, Germany, and The final straw that moved me from apathy to atheism parents and friends, my accomplishments are thanks spent most of his life in that country. He attends the was observing the ways power in the church is used to me, not because they were handed to me by God. University of Florida.

Fifth place essay My road to deconversion was long Sixth place essay University in Evanston, Ill. He enjoys Continued from page 14 and mentally arduous, but I would Continued from page 14 philosophy, music and tabletop RPGs not trade this experience for anything (role-playing games). useful and powerful science and the in the world. I have learned more in inadequate, that they must not doubt, scientific method could be. Removing the past couple of years than I could and therefore they esteem blind faith feelings and biases and relying on have ever thought possible. However, as a virtue; others are told that they are RECRUIT A MEMBER testable evidence was the best way all I know is that I know nothing. My wretched and much in need of saving, to find the truth. I also learned more experiences as a nonbeliever have led and therefore they esteem God’s mercy. Sample copies for $2 about genetics and evolution and I me to look at my life and the world If, in weaker moments, I still look back realized just how imperfectly beautiful in a completely different manner. I longingly on the false comfort provided Send $2 with the name the world around me was. I realized that feel empowered knowing that I was by the assurance of an afterlife, or and address of each the evidence used to support God failed able to reach this decision by asking of a final justice that would right nonreligious person to pass scientific scrutiny. I believe questions and by challenging my belief the wrongs of this world, I would do you wish to receive strong evidence is required whenever system. I feel humbled knowing that well to remember the biblical words a recent issue of a falsifiable claim is made. Whenever there is still so much left to learn about attributed to Paul: “When I was a child, someone asks me why I became an the world and that I have the rest of I spoke as a child, I understood as a Freethought Today to: atheist, I always feel compelled to my life to learn as much as I can. child, I thought as a child; but when quote Christopher Hitchens in order Elias, 22, lives in Frisco, Texas, and I became a man, I put away childish FFRF | P.O. Box 750 to answer them. “That which can be attends the University of Texas at Dallas. things.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11. Madison, WI 53701 asserted without evidence can be He enjoys playing the guitar, running dismissed without evidence.” Faith is Adrick, 21, was born and raised in long distance races, and researching Freedom depends upon freethinkers subjective, scientific evidence is not. Louisville, Ky., and attends Northwestern philosophical and scientific concepts. Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

Letterbox Grateful for mother’s No tax money for article on grieving creation museum Julie Stahl’s article in the Septem- I recently had the chance to visit with ber issue was devastating, touching friends who are Christian creationists. and helpful. I’m grateful that she felt They are nice people who are suffering motivated to write it, even in the midst from the human psychotic condition of her grief. that afflicts a large percentage of the Kit Fry human population. This psychosis will Alabama never be adequately addressed with- out worldwide education and more equitable wealth distribution. But this Fighting fire with will never happen. Therefore, I am re- biblical fire solved to FFRF’s practice of trying to I frequently review LinkedIn and prevent this psychosis from being pros- see a lot of proselytizing on the site. elytized to our vulnerable population My pointing out that it’s inappropriate segments. To that end, I do not want to use a professional networking site tax money to be collected for the con- to further one’s religious fervor is met Happily married Proud Lifetime Member struction of a creation museum. When with remarks such as, “If you don’t like despite judge appreciates FFRF a tax exemption is granted, the reality what you see, just scroll past it.” is that tax money is being collected for So I’ve decided to comment on I just wanted to drop you a line I appreciate so much what Dan Bark- the exemption. This practice is cor- those religious promos I come across, and say thank you for the support you er and Annie Laurie Gaylor and the rupted by religious promotion of the such as one that thanked God as the showed to us and the efforts you put entire staff of FFRF do to keep church public good to be in each sect’s idea if giver of life, to which I commented: in to contacting the judge in Kentucky and state separate and to reduce the how reality, or lack thereof, appears to “I form the light, and create darkness: who did not marry us because we were influence of religion in American soci- them. As every FFRF member knows, I make peace, and create evil: I the atheists. ety. Please keep it up! the final result is the promotion of re- LORD do all these things. — Isaiah It was really nice and helpful to have I read your interesting news articles ligious psychosis on all other groups, 45:7.” the support of the FFRF community. and essays via email and read the news- religious or not. Now that I’ve decided to fight fire Once I have paid back the wedding paper “religiously.” Andrew Seidel is Please look into the Institute for Cre- with fire, I think I’ll enjoy using my and have some disposable income one of my favorite writers. I even listen ation Research and its 501(c)(3) status. Skeptic’s Annotated Bible to counter the again, I will be donating to your orga- to an occasional podcast. George Dakin incessant proselytizing on Linked-In as nization to help others. Today, via the FFRF website, I be- Wisconsin my way of asserting my right to be free Here is a cute picture of us. By the came a Lifetime Member. I’ve been from religion. way, this picture was taken while we thinking about it for a while and just Russ Collins were trying to take cute photos, but decided that now is the right time. Closeted atheist Nevada then “Sweet Caroline” came on and we I would be proud to see my name finally comes out got distracted. listed as a Lifetime Member of FFRF. When I was 10 years old, I was sent Mandy Heath What a wonderful organization the two to summer bible school. When the Thanks for restoring Tennessee of you (and Anne Nicol Gaylor) built! minister said there was creation, I Ingersoll statue Gary Whittenberger asked, “Who created God?” He slapped I’d like to tell FFRF how much I Florida my face and said, “Shut your mouth!” appreciate your wonderful help in Donation to help FFRF I remained a closeted atheist the preserving the statue of Robert Green fight the good fight rest of my life. But no longer! Ingersoll in Peoria, Ill., for future gen- Enclosed you will find my donation A worthy reason to Thank you FFRF! erations. Without Annie Laurie Gaylor for 2016. Rather than specify a pur- be a Life Member Terence Ripmaster and FFRF, it probably would not have pose, I leave it to your judgment about Please find my check for $1,000 for Florida happened in time to save the only com- where it would be most effective. my upcoming membership renewal. pleted statue of the Great Agnostic! I want to mention a few things that I believe this entitles me to become a And another thank you to Dan helped elicit this donation. I’ve been Lifetime Member. Last issue had great Barker and all the staff at FFRF for the to Dan Barker’s presentations in Mos- I enjoy reading and hearing about articles, news very important work you do every day cow, Idaho, and Pullman, Wash., and your much-needed and good work you Julie Stahl’s article provides the per- to help preserve our freedoms, and re- Freethought Today shows me that he do with such diligence. Thank you so fect response to those well-meaning be- verse the tyranny of those who wish to visits many other places, too, often to much for your dedication to this wor- lievers who honestly, truly think their enslave our minds. encourage young people to become thy cause. bromides will comfort us nonbelievers. Ken Hofbauer active in supporting freethought. The I’m a proud member. I had to endure some of that — though Illinois newspaper itself is a valuable resource Roger Busse not as intensely as Julie — when my for information about your activities California brother and mother both died within Young essay writers and for what is going on in the non- days of each other in February 2014. theist world. I am proud to read about Are all religions Your story about FFRF Staff Attor- give hope for future your billboard campaigns and other ney Elizabeth Cavell’s stopping the It is so gratifying to see so many ways of advertising. I must say that the superstitions? movie “Woodlawn” from being shown bright young people (in Freethought skill and determination you show in The definition of “supernatural” is in a Georgia public school reminded Today) refusing to be chained to this rebuking the incursion of religion into something that is not explainable by me of the similar movie “Facing the shameful strain on civilization called public schools makes me happy. the known forces or laws of nature. Giants,” which FFRF Staff Attorney An- religion. Jim Wallis The definition of “superstition” is any drew Seidel kept out of a New Mexico I am an 83-year-old grandfather who Idaho belief that is inconsistent with known school in 2013. Gosh, how many foot- is very happy to be associated with so facts or rational thought. ball-team-finds-God-and-wins films are many intelligent people through FFRF Based on that, one must conclude there? And to think that “Woodlawn” and Freethought Today. I am also Are most freethinkers that the supernatural is superstition, apparently co-stars Sean Astin (what happy to be in possession of the great left-handed? and that means that all religions are would his parents say?) and Jon Voight book, Women Without Superstition, by I wonder how many freethinkers are superstitions. (what would his daughter say?)! Annie Laurie Gaylor, whom I had the left-handed. We as children are forced The definition of “faith” is an un- Andrew C. Jones pleasure of meeting several years ago to learn to function in a right-handed questioning belief in God or religion, Michigan at a convention in Portland. world. Left-handers have to use reason and the word “unquestioning” is the I see the best hope for a more civ- in order to survive and function. most important because it assumes we ilized world in people like the staff at The tutor for King George IV of En- can neither question God or religion. Thanks for recognizing FFRF and the bright young people gland forced him to use his right hand Yet that is exactly what bible studies minority students who refuse to be a part of this scourge and he developed a stammer. To make and sermons are for: to answer ques- As a person of color, I am mightily on humanity and those that lead their up for that, do you think that’s why tions asked of priests or pastors. They pleased to see you recognize students flocks into the world of make-believe, they drive on the left side of the road have a vested interest in promoting from minority backgrounds, who face such as the ark park and other prosely- in England? Many of our presidents their particular religion. even more disadvantages than other tizing enterprises. have been left-handed, including Pres- Religion may have done much char- freethinkers. The September issue I thank you all for the work that ident Obama. ity work, but is that overwhelmed by its will hopefully demonstrate to your you do toward reason over myth and Irene Stephenson many wars? membership that there is a big and un- superstition. California John Van Huizum tapped opportunity in reaching out to Fred Rakevich Editor’s note: We’re sorry to report that California people of color. Washington Irene died in September. P.S. Anne Gaylor, Tsee Lee FFRF’s principal founder, was a southpaw. New York October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

Letterbox Reading leads to Constitution’s covenant loss of faith protects all people I have researched and studied most As a new member, I was fascinated of the major religions of this world and by the article, “Reagan quote greeted some of the minor religions. I have had GOP convention-goers,” in the August a religious library of over 26 books, issue. which I recently donated to a larger For me, this so clearly captures the private library. root problem between organized reli- Few Christians have read the entire gions and civil governance. bible. They absorb what is presented or Specifically, I refer to “All are free . . . told to them. I still have about 17 note- to practice a faith or not at all . . . and books I kept on my biblical readings. act on their belief.” Most church members fear reading Our Constitution, as the national about other religions. However, once covenant between those who govern you begin reading the histories of re- and those governed, clearly separates ligions, you begin losing faith in just the two social conditions. one. The more extensive your reading While Americans are free to prac- becomes, the less faith you have in the tice their faith, the essential caveat is entire galaxy of faiths, doctrines, scrip- that it depends on the priority of legal tures, gods and religions. Soon, you be- governance. gin to think of this ensemble as noth- Our laws are set so that the cov- ing but consumer fraud that should be enants serve all people, not just the eliminated in the 21st century. composite majority of the vast num- Scott A. Hunter bers of cults, large or small. Arizona The hypocritical absurdity is that the religious often demand freedoms to practice and act, while denying such Sharing the crank mail Why pray if God rights to others due to their belief. is all-knowing? For example, when a government As a single mother of a child who employee (a custodian of the cove- An unedited sampling of the mail we get here satanism after school clubs. Appreciate your ig- at FFRF shows that not everyone understands norance screwing this country even more than is close to the age of Julie Stahl’s son nant) denies the right to marry those the separation of state and church, correct all your loving criminals have. Pat yourselves on when he died, I completely understand who do not share her faith or person- grammar or how to be a decent human being. the backs (or wherever you pat yourselves) you her feelings of anger and frustration al belief, which competent supervisor are effectively responsible for these kids getting when the “well intentioned” attempted would not fire this government em- Freedom for religion. Pun intended: killed. The parents of most of these kids must be to ease her pain (when it seems they ployee on the spot? Please investigate all members of the ffrf in your bully group ...not even a tear for killing group. There have been numerous stabbings at their own kids. Congrats! — Dave Conner were really more interested in main- Or, when government employees churches and on the Ark. We all know that this prayer in public schools: Unlike what you taining an appearance of being caring permit constructing symbols of a cult’s group does not care ANYTHING about loved lie-beral communist traitors say, students and and helpful). icon on government (our) property, ones. Your children die...it’s just science..they teachers DO have the right to pray in public I think the same holds true when which judge would not have this illegal are in the ground..Nothing else. This group is schools if they so wish to! People like you are someone offers to pray for me or oth- act corrected immediately? way too ignorant to realize what is happening what’s wrong with our country and bring about has already been explained. Are you happy that God’s wrath upon our nation. When Trump gets ers when we are in crisis. What does Harold Chanin you are not giving your family a chance to be- elected, will you scum be leaving our country!? I “I’ll pray for you” really mean? Appar- Florida come as ignorant as you? Thank you for all the sure hope so!!! —Lester Rees ently, they are offering to seek the help killings and bullying...may your children endure well I want to take a min to say fuck you: of God, but for what purpose? It can’t the same as you FORCE on others. LOL as your company is almost a big a piece of shit as be to call its attention to my troubles, ‘Hope meter’ rises ya’ll say. AND BY THE WAY...DO NOT SHOP Barry Marshall Davis AKA Barry Soetoro or B FOR CHRISTMAS SALES AND TAKE OFF Hussian Obama — Jeff Skinner because supposedly God is all-knowing. with every issue FOR CHRISTMAS...THIS BEHAVIOR SHOWS Satans work: Keep doing satans work and Therefore, I can only presume they are Every time I open a new edition of YOUR IGNORANCE AND BIAS. LEAVE THE you will be rewarded, you folks will not need begging this deity to fix something, be- Freethought Today my “hope meter” SALES FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. WORK grills to cook you meat as you will be the meat cause it first needs to hear some grovel- spikes, from reading the fearless essays FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO SPEND TIME andlucifers grill is hot. — George Henson ing to take action. of young people across the country to WITH THEIR CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS. Trigg: I’m a concerned citizen that hates Again do not take off at Christmas and do not fucking fags like you trying to mess with the 10 Like Julie, I don’t want or need the the courage and vigilance of the legal get in the way of Christmas shoppers. Your kids commandments. Why don’t you go fuck your help of a deity who is so callous, nor work you pursue. Thanks for all your do not get Christmas presents ...lol ignorant — dog like you have been doing and wait til your do I need someone conducting useless hard work. Jay Beecher time to rot in hell where you belong fucking in- rituals on my behalf. Instead, I would Dean Brown Frivilous npnsense: Your organization is bred trash. Stay the FUCK out of ky. U under- be grateful if someone did their best to Utah engaging in frivolous nonsense by filing a law stand? — Robert Merry suit against Lehigh County ... If the people col- Ashamed: checked your site doing some learn about my needs, and if I didn’t laborating with you are recent arrivals in Lehigh routine research Your site although perhaps need their help at that time, graciously Condolences aren’t County how dare they be offended and seek well-equipped and well versed, is a blasphemy! accepted the burden of feeling useless. to destroy the historic roots of our county ... I You people even went as far to quote the bible Jan Heimlich substitute for action suppose you with sit back and approve should and Christ himself in your works to further your Texas I was deeply moved by Julie Stahl’s ISIS take over our county and demand that men causes for arguments of separation of church wear beards and females wear Muslim regalia... and state? I’m sorry but our country is in disre- essay in the September issue, and wish And behead anyone that continues to be an in- pair would you like to blame the churches or the Humanists believe in to extend her my deepest sympathy. fidel or make them pay a special tax or fee to states? — Richard Hart While I have not suffered the kind of stay alive... My family has lived in Lehigh Coun- Trigg Co.: You people are assholes! Peo- love, doing good personal tragedy she has, I have been ty since its beginnings and before ... So don’t ple like you are the reason sooo many people Santa John knows everyone at FFRF offended by the religious tone of me- tread on us ... or anyone in Lehigh County by are being murdered in this country. Some be- forcing higher taxes to pay for your frivious amd lief in things unseen is exactly what we need to has been good, so enclosed is my check morials for victims of 9/11 and other machievous law suit. — Dennis Pearson straighten this country out!!! Fuck off!!!! — Lisa for $1,000 to become a Life Member. acts of Islamic terrorism, particularly removal of cross: You people are the rea- Dawes My grandson asked me what it’s like when clerics extoll the wonders of the son the world is the way it is today. You want to to be retired. I told him that every day afterlife achieved by the victims, a fan- sue just to make money to support your bull- is Sunday and I don’t go to church. My tasy that of course contributes mightily sh*t causes. A cross in the Lehigh County Seal comes from the history of this county. Although I bible is Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass to the rationale for these criminal acts. disagree with some of Lehigh Counties ways of Include FFRF In and I look forward to every issue of Also, the fatalism of religious condo- resolving issues, stop trying to take more mon- Your Estate Planning Freethought Today. lences seems to act as a substitute for ey out of the taxpayers pockets and earn money I was asked recently if I believed in taking concrete action on gun control, any other organization would..... not by sueing Arrange a bequest in your will God. My stock answer is to ask if they traffic safety and other actions that to get money for your very LAME and CHILD- or trust, or make the Freedom ISH oraganization. Raise money through mem- believe God is love. When they answer might actually help reduce the fre- From Religion Found ation the bers like other REAL organizations. You can all bene ciary of an insurance policy, “yes,” with my Santa smile I respond, quency of untimely death. go to HeLL — Scott Haas “Well, I believe in love.” Zachary Snow Freedom: ONE NATION UNDER GOD. IN bank account or IRA. It’s easy to Who dares to say we atheists/agnos- New York GOD WE TRUST. THIS NATION WAS FOUND- do. For related information (or to tics are nonbelievers? We humanists ED ON RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. DON’T LIKE IT request a bequest brochure), please GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE USA. THE ONLY believe in love and doing good for all. phone Annie Laurie Gaylor at Thanks to FFRF THING YOU PEOPLE DON’T TAKE CREDIT (608) 256-8900. As a secular humanist, I am envel- FOR, IS THE INVENTION OF THE WHEEL. — oped with love for life. I have cancer for all it does! Roy Caravenga FFRF • P.O. Box 750 and no fear. I don’t believe in heaven, Thank you all for your tireless, ex- Congratulation: Description: 11 year girl Madison, WI 53701 but just in case I’ll take an extra pair of cellent work. It makes me proud! killed by dad. Get the felon out of jail while rel- atives cheer. Shootings ...yay..just what this ffrf Freedom Depends on Freethinkers underwear. Arnie Stenseth group loves. Congrats for being bullies. Aren’t (Santa) John Fantz South Dakota you proud of going against good people and be- California ing too ignorant and scared to go against the Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016 Black Collar Crime Blotter

Compiled by Bill Dunn Sentenced Dell I. Godkin, 48, Willis, TX: Life in prison with no parole possible until 2046 after being Arrested / Charged found guilty by jury of aggravated sexual assault Torace D. Weaver, 37, Dayton, OH: Murder, of a child. Godkin, a volunteer youth pastor at involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, an unidentified church, still faces sexual assault reckless homicide, obstructing official business charges involving an alleged victim in another and 2 counts of endangering children. Weaver, county. pastor of King of Glory Church, is charged with The girl, who is related to Godkin, testified the November 2015 death of 2-year-old Stanley abuse started when she was 13 and continued Thomas, who was his foster child. The death until just before her 17th birthday, when they was ruled a homicide in March due to blunt “made a deal” that he would stop if she would force trauma. not tell anyone. First responders were called to the church “He would say lots of things about God be- on a report of a toddler not breathing. Weaver ing OK with it,” said prosecutor Monica Cooper, allegedly said he had fallen from a table. Inju- adding he used bible verses about men’s and ries included bruises, scars and a large burn, women’s roles to justify it. Source: Morning according to the Montgomery County Prosecu- News, 8-17-16 tor’s Office. Allen D. Miles, 58, Little Rock, AR: 13 Yvonne Letne, who lives across the street years in prison after pleading guilty to conspira- from the church, said she knows the family well. cy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity “I knew there was more to what they were telling theft. Miles, an evangelical pastor formerly living us.” Source: Daily News, 8-27-16 in Ohio, was part of a scam which netted $4.8 Kenneth Adkins, 56, St. Simons Island, million in federal tax refunds. Miles personally GA: Child molestation and aggravated child mo- 20-year career, no one had ever called to re- vices president from 2009-12. Temple Baptist netted more than $240,000 since the scheme lestation. Adkins, pastor of Greater Dimensions port their own crime, she said. Source: WYFF, also operated a home-school program. Source: was launched in 2010, investigators said. Christian Fellowship, which has 3 campuses, 8-5-16 KATC, 7-28-16 Miles’ role was to get other pastors to col- is charged with alleged incidents in 2010. On Colin Skeele, 30, Florham Park, NJ: En- Felix D. Broussard, 50, Breaux Bridge, lect personal information from low-income his Twitter account, he calls himself an author, ticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual LA: 500 counts of possessing child pornogra- church members, which was used to file pho- pastor and business coach who “has become activity, distribution of child pornography and 2 phy. Broussard is pastor at St. Bernard Catho- ny tax returns. Prosecutor Carole Rendon said one of the most Respected Black Conservative counts of production of child pornography. He lic Church and oversees St. Bernard School. A Miles “took advantage of their religious faith and Voices in America.” also faces state charges for allegedly having repair shop reportedly discovered porn images their faith in the government to enrich himself.” Adkins controversially tweeted after the sex with an underage ambulance corps vol- when Broussard brought his personal computer Source: Canton Repository, 8-15-16 Pulse nightclub shootings in June that gays got unteer and viewing child pornography. Skeele in for service. John Farrell, 73, and Paul Kelly, 64, for- “what they deserve” in Orlando, FL. Source: taught at Catholic schools in 2009-10 and 2012. Former Bishop Michael Jarrell, who retired mer teachers at St. Ninian’s School in Falkland, Brunswick News, 8-26-16 A spokesperson for the Diocese of Paterson in February, acknowledged in 2004 that the Scotland, were sentenced to 5 and 10 years Steven Jesmer, 37, Manchester, NH: Wit- verified he worked at Our Lady of Mount Car- Diocese of Lafayette and its insurers had paid in prison, respectively, for indecent assaults on ness tampering and 3 counts of felonious sex- mel School in Boonton and St. Vincent DePaul out $26 million in settlements to victims of 15 students in the 1970s and 1980s at the school, ual assault. Jesmer, pastor of The Dialogue School in Stirling. priests. He refused requests in 2014 by a vic- which was run by the Catholic Congregation of Church, is accused of assaults on a 13-year-old It’s alleged Skeele became Facebook friends tims group to release the names of the abusers. Christian Brothers. Source: Plymouth Herald, girl in June in his church office. in 2011 with a boy he met while working at a Source: Acadiana Advocate, 7-27-16 8-12-16 Dawn Jesmer, his wife, told police he admit- summer camp for boys in Hardwick and offered Luckner Lorient, 78, Brooklyn, NY: Roy D. Pruett, 63, Gadsden, AL: 20 years ted skin-to-skin contact with the girl, an affidavit him money for sexually explicit photos. Prose- 2nd-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent in prison after pleading guilty to 3 counts of sex- said. They have 2 daughters in grade school. cutors also alleged that in 2012, he communi- homicide, 2nd-degree reckless endangerment, ual abuse of a child less than 12 years old and Source: Union Leader, 8-24-16 cated with people in the Philippines to produce 3rd-degree assault and endangering the wel- 2 counts of 1st-degree sodomy. Pruett was ar- Derrick R. Trump, 28, Nokesville, VA: In- live sex shows. Skeele allegedly requested spe- fare of a child. Lorient, pastor of Eglise Baptist rested for incidents in 2011-14 with 4 boys while decent liberties by a custodian. Trump, director cific sexual acts by girls and boys as young as Church, was arrested in Miami, FL, after being he was activities director at Eagle Rock Boys of youth ministries at Greenwich Presbyterian 3. Source: CBS New York, 8-5-16 on the run for a year. Charges stem from a 2014 Ranch, a faith-based facility for “at risk” youth. Church, is accused of inappropriate contact with David W. Farren, 41, Texarkana, TX: fire in which a man died and 14 others were Eagle Rock touts “Respect For God’s Cre- a 16-year-old girl at his home and at the church. 2nd-degree sexual assault, violation of man- injured in an apartment building Lorient owns. ation” on its website and says, “We will go the He faces similar charges in another county. The datory reporting requirements and 3 counts of The church is on the ground floor. Two months extra mile with our children even when they may church fired him in June. Source: WRC News, 1st-degree sexual assault. Farren’s alleged before the fire, Lorient was cited by the city with not deserve it. We will seek to issue mercy in 8-19-16 misconduct with a girl who belonged to Anchor 3 violations for subdividing the basement and 2 the same measure as Christ gives mercy to us.” Jordan D. Baird, 25, Warrenton, VA: 2 Church, where he is youth pastor, occurred at a upper floors. One tenant had 21 people living Pruett was accused of taking boys from the counts of indecent liberties by a custodian. residence when she was 16 and 17 years old. in a subdivided apartment. Luckner, a native ranch overnight to the house he shared with his Baird, youth pastor at Life Church in Manassas, Prosecutor Connie Mitchell said Farren has Haitian, lied about rectifying the violations, pros- elderly mother. Source: WAAY, 8-12-16 is charged with sexually touching “on numerous also headed youth groups at 3 Baptist church- ecutors said. Source: WPIX/NY Daily News, Christopher Williams, 22, Sellersburg, occasions” a 16-year-old girl at the church be- es. Source: txktoday.com, 8-3-16 7-27-16 IN: 180 days’ home incarceration after pleading tween January and September 2015. His father Jose Figueroa Irizarry, 55, Trujillo Alto, guilty to 3 counts of criminal recklessness. Wil- liams, a staff member at Well of Grace Board- is senior pastor. Source: WUSA, 8-19-16 Puerto Rico: 39 counts of fraud and illegal ap- Pleaded / Convicted Kari Khalid, Saharanpur, India: Assault propriation of public funds. Irizarry, pastor of City ing School, operated by Crossroads Baptist against decency. Khalid, imam at a local of Refuge Inc., also works at Banco Santander, Philip Temple, 66, London: Pleaded guilty Church, and pastor Jerry Harris, 48, both ne- mosque, is accused of inappropriate touching of where he allegedly conducted a scheme from to 7 counts of sexual abuse committed in the gotiated plea deals in which charges of battery a 7-year-old girl at the mosque and biting her 2012-15 in which he transferred $97,868 to per- 1970s after pleading guilty to 20 similar charges and neglect were dropped. Harris pleaded guilty on the face when she resisted. He fled after the sonal accounts. Source: El Nuevo Día, 8-3-16 in April. Victims were 12 boys and a girl who in May to criminal recklessness and received a girl’s family filed a complaint. Source: Times of Dillon J. Russell, 33, Russellville, AR: lived at homes for children where he was a so- similar sentence. India, 8-9-16 Robbery and theft of property. Russell, senior cial worker. Prosecutor Jeremy Mull said the men didn’t Christopher Santos, 31, Buckeye, AZ: pastor at Free Will Baptist Church, is accused After he was ordained as a Catholic priest in mean to hurt the children they had punished Voyeurism and surreptitious recording. Santos, of robbing a Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1987, he served at Christ the King Monastery in for things like wetting the bed. “Our investiga- a youth pastor at Grace Fellowship Church, is 2:30 a.m. Cockfosters. He also admitted lying under oath tion simply revealed that these were troubled accused of putting his cellphone camera under An employee told police that a white male in April during trials in 1998 and 1999, when he youths, that [Williams] was trying to help them the door of a Bealls Outlet’s changing room and bought a pack of gum, grabbed the money as was acquitted of charges of child sex abuse the best way that he knew how but ultimately he recording a 15-year-old girl who was only wear- the cash register opened and fled, damaging involving a boy from the church. Source: BBC, went too far and paddled them too hard.” ing underwear. the automatic doors. Video showed him leaving 8-10-16 The school is closed. Source: Jeffersonville The girl’s mother allegedly saw Santos in a vehicle. Source: River Valley Leader, 8-2-16 Hien Minh Nguyen, 56, San Jose, CA: News & Tribune, 8-9-16 bending over with his phone. She confront- Pleaded guilty to 4 counts of tax evasion. Nguy- Jonathan Bailey, 35, New Orleans: 10 ed him and her daughter grabbed the phone. en, a Catholic priest, has been on leave since years in prison after pleading guilty to obstruc- Source: KPNX, 8-9-16 2013 and still faces trial on bank fraud charges. tion of justice, 5 counts of molestation of a ju- Olawale Olabinwonu, 35, Igbogbo, Nige- Fr. McGovern allegedly The indictment alleges he had parishioners venile and 6 counts of indecent behavior with a ria: Attempting to sell a stolen vehicle. Olabin- write checks to the Vietnamese Catholic Center juvenile. Bailey, a youth pastor at First Baptist wonu, an administrative officer at Cherubim and responded that ‘celibate but instead diverted donations to his personal Church, wept while the 15-year-old victim’s fa- Seraphim Church, was arrested while allegedly bank account. Source: Mercury News, 8-9-16 ther spoke in support of a plea agreement so trying to sell a 2015 Nissan Sentra, which had means not married.’ Jonas J. Moses Jr., 62, Brimley, MI: Guilty she wouldn’t have to testify. been stolen at gunpoint at a hotel. The car was by jury of 7 counts of criminal sexual conduct Judge Robin Pittman called the plea deal “a advertised for sale online, which led police to involving teens as young as 13 from Anishinabe hard pill for me to swallow” but said he accept- the suspect. Source: Punch, 8-8-16 Eliezer Berland, 79, chief rabbi of the Baptist Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, ed the family’s wishes. Source: The Advocate, James C. Parkhurst, 56, Beaverton, OR: Breslov Hasidic community in Israel, was where Moses was pastor. His first trial in June 8-8-16 Production of child pornography, stemming charged in Jerusalem with aggravated assault, ended in a hung jury. Chad Calhoun, 33, Longview, TX: 11 years from a federal warrant in Denver. Parkhurst, a indecent acts and indecent acts against a minor Another prominent church member, Steven and 3 months in prison and 10 years’ probation Kentucky native, is executive director of camp while abusing a position of trust. He allegedly E. Alexander, 52, Sault Ste. Marie, was sen- after jury convictions of receiving and possess- and retreat ministry programs for the Ore- carried out sexual acts against several women tenced to 45 to 70 years in prison in January af- ing child pornography. Testimony showed that gon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist and a 15-year-old girl. ter pleading guilty to 3 counts of criminal sexual pornography was available on a peer-to-peer Church. When he was hired in April 2015, the According to the indictment, he enlisted 2 conduct involving a 14-year old girl. computer network from Calhoun’s home and conference said in a statement that “He enjoys followers in 2012 to attack a person making al- The victim’s mother said Alexander played from Lake Highlands Baptist Church in Sulphur spoiling his twin nephews on annual trips to our legations and then fled. He was arrested in Am- the role of a good Christian family man to fool Springs, where he was senior pastor. A lap- national parks in the West.” Source: Portland sterdam last year but escaped. He was extradit- everyone but characterized him as “straight top had hundreds of explicit videos of minors. Patch, 8-5-16 ed from S. Africa in July and has been denied from Satan.” During the investigation, authori- Source: Houston Chronicle, 8-4-16 James B. Briley, 54, Greenville, SC: Crim- bail. Source: Haaretz, 8-2-16 ties pursued leads which led to Moses’ arrest. Earl Simone, 75, Huber Heights, OH: 5 inal sexual conduct. Briley, campus pastor at Gerald Heard, 64, Carencro, LA: Molesta- Source: Evening News, 8-8-16 years in prison with no early release for stealing Summit Church, allegedly fondled a 12-year-old tion of a juvenile. Heard, pastor at Temple Bap- Granville Gibson, 80, Darlington, En- $1.92 million from St. Peter Catholic Church, girl’s breasts and buttocks July 31 at his home. tist Church since 1997, is charged with inappro- gland: Guilty by jury of 2 counts of indecent as- where he was pastor for 23 years. Full restitu- Shauna Galloway-Williams, executive direc- priate touching of 2 family members “when they sault and acquitted of 5 other charges. He was tion was also ordered after he pleaded guilty to tor of the Julie Valentine Center, which advo- were very young” in 1995-96, according to Iberia accused of “sinister and deliberate” abuse in the 1st-degree aggravated theft. cates for sexual assault victims, told a reporter Parish Sheriff’s Office records. The arrest came 1970s and 1980s of 2 men ages 18 and 26 while Steve Angi, Archdiocese of Cincinnati chan- Briley called the center’s hotline to detail his a week after a complaint was lodged. It’s un- he was vicar at St. Claire’s Anglican Church in cellor, read a statement in court calling Sim- alleged crime. She said he indicated during the clear where the incidents allegedly happened. Newton Aycliffe. The Church of England issued one’s theft a “betrayal” and said he not only call that others had urged him to report it. In her Heard was World Missionary Support Ser- an “unreserved apology” to the victims. Source: stole parish funds but also money “from special BBC, 8-4-16 collections for the nuns’ retirement, earthquake October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

relief and other special causes.” The Episcopal prep school, founded in 1896, to the statute of limitations, a ruling which was Simone also faces a civil suit filed by the first admitted girls in 1972. overturned due to an exception in the law for archdiocese, which alleges he actually stole “Our spirits are renewed on our forward heal- repressed memories. Source: WHOI, 8-26-16 ‘I don’t think they bought $4.1 million, but because bank records are re- ing journey,” survivor representative Anne Scott Timothy Bariteau, 39, Brookings, SD, lost tained for just 7 years, the level of proof was said in a statement. A field hockey player during his appeal of an 8-year prison sentence on a these policies because less than for the $1.92 million he was charged her sophomore year in 1977, Scott alleges she 3-2 vote by the South Dakota Supreme Court. with taking. Source: Dayton Daily News, 8-3-16 was raped by athletic trainer Alphonse Gibbs Bariteau, worship pastor at Morningside Abun- they anticipated a lot of Donnie Ray Schultz, 45, Del City, OK: in the locker room and told by school officials dant Life Church, started grooming his victim 27 years, 3 months in prison and $4,266 in not to report it. Scott alleges the rapes contin- when she was in 6th grade in 2012, testimony heavy snowfall and a lot restitution to the victim’s father after pleading ued for 2 years, starting when she was 14 and showed. He was convicted of a 2014 incident guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Schultz he was 67. “I’ll never forget the sound of the lock in the music sound booth at the church when of people slipping on the admitted he started a sexual relationship with clicking.” he “pressed his groin and erect penis against the girl when she was 14 through a bible class At least 20 other students allege abuse by her buttocks” while both were clothed. A month church steps and suing.’ he taught at Calvary Christian Church. He was Gibbs, who was fired but allowed to move on later, he sent her photos of him holding his erec- — victims advocate also in a relationship with the girl’s mother at the with no reports made to authorities or other edu- tion through his shorts. David Clohessy time, in 2014-15. cational institutions. In fact, he was given a pen- His appeal was based on a phrase in the law Schultz, a self-employed handyman, took sion and a letter of recommendation. which defines sexual contact as “any touching, about 180 photos of his sex acts with the girl, Choirmaster and music teacher Franklin not amounting to rape, whether or not through tion he heads. Bracha committed suicide in July prosecutors said. They had sex at homes where Coleman was also accused of predatory inter- clothing or other covering, of the breasts of a fe- 2015. Source: Haaretz, 8-4-16 he would do repairs, in their own homes, at the est in male students. He was forced out in 1988 male or the genitalia or anus of any person with Mohammed Madad, 52, Noventa Vicen- church and in a storage unit. Schultz was con- but his departure was announced as a voluntary the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire tina, Italy, imam at the Islamic Center, was victed of rape in 1995 and was a registered sex resignation for health reasons. No reports were of either party.” deported to his native Morocco on national se- offender until 2013. Source: The Oklahoman, made to police and Coleman received $10,000 Bariteau argued he didn’t touch those body curity grounds and banned from reentering Italy 8-3-16 and extended health insurance coverage. He parts, but prosecutors argued that the statute’s for 15 years for allegedly giving anti-Western went on to become choirmaster at Tampa Prep language also includes the pastor’s penis. The sermons calling for violence. Madad is a father Civil Lawsuits Filed in Florida. court majority agreed. of 4, including a daughter named Jihad. Source: Attorney Carmen Durso alleged male and The dissenting opinion by Justice Steven NDTV, 7-29-16 Lawrence McGovern, Stockton, CA, pas- female students were victimized and that girls Zinter said the statute is faulty. “[T]he majority Fred J. Neulander, 74, Cherry Hill, NJ, for- tor of Presentation Catholic Parish, is accused were routinely belittled and harassed by staff has rewritten the statutory definition of sexual mer senior rabbi at Congregation M’kor Shalom in a suit of sending photos of his genitalia to members. One told Durso there was a school contact. now serving a life sentence for plotting the 1994 a man who maintained the parish’s swimming event at which staff asked girls to dress like These quoted words prohibit a defendant’s murder of his wife, has lost another legal ap- pool. The plaintiff, a parishioner and married fa- Playboy bunnies. Source: Providence Journal/ ‘touching of’ — not a defendant’s ‘touching with’ peal. He won’t be eligible for parole until he’s 89. ther of 2, alleges he was fired after filing a police Vanity Fair, 8-5-16 — the specified body parts.” Carol Neulander was bludgeoned to death report. The Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford, CT, Bariteau will be eligible for parole after serv- at home by 2 hit men, who much later implicated After getting the photos, the man told Mc- will get $945,000 plus interest from Interstate ing 4 years. When convicted he was married her husband, who was allegedly having an affair Govern he thought he was celibate and asked Fire & Casualty Insurance as reimbursement with children. Source: Capital Journal, 8-10-16 with a local radio personality. He didn’t go on why he sent them. McGovern allegedly re- for payments made to 4 victims of sexual abuse “British citizen Andrew Charles Kings- trial until 2002. sponded that “celibate means not married.” The by priests. U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arter- ton Soper should not be extradited because An appeals panel rejected each of Neu- Diocese of Stockton has placed him on leave. ton found that Interstate breached its 1978 con- offenses he has been charged with exceeded lander’s 7 arguments that he was denied a fair Source: New-Sentinel, 8-12-16 tract by refusing to make the payments. the statute of limitations,” a court ruled in Pec, trial and errors were made in post-conviction Verity Baptist Church, Sacramento, CA, The company argued it wasn’t liable be- Kosovo. It’s the second time a court there has proceedings. Source: philly.com, 7-29-16 its pastor Roger Jimenez, Johnny Cervantes cause the archdiocese knew that 3 accused refused to extradite Soper, 73, who jumped bail William J. Lynn, 65, Philadelphia, the first III and about 100 unidentified parishioners priests were predators but did nothing to stop in 2011 after he was accused of molesting 5 senior Catholic Church official convicted in the are being sued by Spenser Fritz, who alleges he them, which the archdiocese denied. Catholic school students in London in the 1970s U.S. for failure to adequately supervise priests was assaulted outside a church service. Fritz, David Clohessy, executive director of the and 1980s. Soper was abbot of the Benedictine accused of molesting children, must get a new who is gay, has been protesting at the strip-mall Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, monastery of Ealing Abbey. Source: b92.net, trial, ruled the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, church since June because of Jimenez’s com- said churches bought policies to protect them 8-9-16 upholding a 2015 lower court ruling. An hour af- ments about the 49 murders at Pulse nightclub from paying large sums to settle abuse cases. “I Niranjan Bhat, 25, Nitte, India, a Hindu ter the ruling, after posting 10% of his $250,000 in Florida. don’t think they bought these policies because priest accused of helping dispose of the body bail, Lynn walked out of Waymart State Correc- In a sermon posted online, Jimenez said he they anticipated a lot of heavy snowfall and a lot of allegedly murdered businessman Bhaskar tional Institution. wished the shooter had killed more gay peo- of people slipping on the church steps and su- Shetty, attempted suicide the day before he was District Attorney Seth Williams then an- ple. “There’s no tragedy. I wish the government ing. Bishops knew about predator priests more arrested by swallowing a pair of earrings and a nounced he will retry Lynn on the same charge would round them all up, put them up against than 50 years ago. Even back in the ’70s, they diamond-studded ring. Hospital X-rays showed of child endangerment. A tentative trial date of a firing wall, put a firing squad in front of them, knew they had a big problem on their hands.” the items in his intestine. “It has to come out May 1 was set. and blow their brains out.” Source: Sacramento In 2005 the Archdiocese of Hartford paid naturally. We will have to wait till then. He is un- To establish that Lynn was part of a Bee, 8-12-16 $22 million to 43 victims, about half of which der observation,” said a doctor who didn’t wish long-standing cover-up, prosecutors introduced Taj Patterson, 25, is suing the city of Brook- was covered by Interstate. “Insurance compa- to be named. about 2 dozen of examples of clergy sex abuse, lyn and the New York Police Department and nies are appalled at what they’ve seen by way Police have charged Shetty’s wife and son some dating to the 1940s. But in ordering a new individual officers for giving “favorable and of the deliberate deception by bishops, and it with his murder. The body hasn’t been found trial, the Superior Court ruled that the “prior bad preferential treatment” to a Hasidic neighbor- simply makes financial sense for them to fight,” and may have been burned. Source: The Hin- acts” evidence tainted the jury. Source: Morning hood watch group (Shomrin) and for negligently Clohessy said. Source: WNPR, 8-4-16 du, 8-9-16 Call, 7-29-16 investigating his 2013 beating by group mem- bers. Patterson, a gay African-American, alleges Allegations influential Shomrim members placed calls to the Howard W. “Howdy” White Jr., Bedford, 90th Precinct and that one of the men eventu- PA, a retired Episcopal pastor, is accused by a ally charged was even given a tour of the 19th former student at St. Paul’s School in Concord, Precinct after the attack. The precinct was run NH, of molesting him. White served as a chap- at the time by ex-NYPD Deputy Chief James lain and teacher in 1967-71 at the school. He’s Grant, since indicted for conspiracy, bribery and also been implicated in sexual abuse claims by fraud for allegedly accepting payola from Jew- students at St. George’s School in Middletown, ish businessmen. Source: NY Post, 8-9-16 RI, where he later worked. Sik Chi-ding, 48, Honk Kong, a Buddhist St. Paul’s rector Michael Hirschfeld said the nun accused in 2015 of embezzling $1.3 mil- school has notified police about the allegation. lion from Ting Wai Monastery, is being sued by White has now been accused of sexual abuse monastery director Mary Jean Reimer. The suit in at least 5 U.S. states and Nova Scotia over 4 seeks an accounting of income and expendi- decades but has never been criminally charged, tures since Sik became head nun in 2005 and partially due to statutes of limitation. Source: alleges she broke her vows by being married Providence Journal, 8-10-16 twice, in 2006 and in 2012, to monks from main- The godson of Australian Anglican priest land China so they could legally immigrate to Peter Rushton, who was exposed by the Hong Kong. Source: EJI Insight, 8-8-16 church as a pedophile in 2010 after dying in The Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe, 2007, broke down on the witness stand before NM, is being sued by “John Doe 63,” a former Diane Ryszewski, Marian High School Camerius “Minister” Mills, 30, Edison, the Royal Commission into Institutional Child parishioner at Our Lady of Assumption Parish and the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston are GA, former pastor at St. Paul Baptist Church, Sexual Abuse. Paul Gray, now in his 60s, testi- in Albuquerque who alleges he was molested being sued by a 55-year-old woman who al- is no longer competent to stand trial on multi- fied he was repeatedly raped at a boys home in in 1975-77 by the priest, Arthur Perrault, now leges Ryszewski “engaged in continuous acts of ple counts of molesting a teen girl, his attorney New South Wales. thought to be living in Morocco. Perrault also sex abuse and rape” in 1975-77 when the plain- Cada Carter asserts. Mill wants to change his Gray also told how he was first raped by taught ethics at St. Pius X High School. tiff was a student at the Catholic high school in not guilty plea to not guilty by reason of mental Rushton when he was 10. In the mid-1960s, The suit contends church officials knew Framingham, MA. disease or defect. Rushton began taking him to St. Alban’s Home Perrault was abusing boys and had been trans- Staff members were aware that Ryszews- “He was a pastor and he had befriended this for Boys, where he and other boys were anally ferred from Connecticut in 1965 due to miscon- ki lived with the student but “took no action to young lady in his congregation,” said sheriff’s and orally raped by groups of men. duct allegations. He later went to Canada and protect [her] or to end the relationship,” the suit investigator Keith Cauthen. “He picked her up Rushton and his lover, Brother Jim Brown, disappeared in 1992. Source: New Mexican, claims. under the pretenses of teaching her the piano.” had infiltrated St. Alban’s, becoming board 8-5-16 Ryszewski, who know lives in N. Carolina, Carter said a mental evaluation showed Mills members and taking boys home for weekends. was about 28 when the woman attended Mar- has a long history of marginal social adjustment They also fostered orphans. Brown was impris- Civil Lawsuits Settled ian High. She taught physical and health edu- and experiences high levels of self-doubt and oned in 2012. cation and coached several girls sports teams. social anxiety. The evaluation also showed Mills Gray recalled another time Rushton took The Catholic Diocese of Portland, ME, The woman said her relationship with Ryszews- suffers from depression with psychotic features him to a church camp, where there were about settled a suit filed by 6 sexual abuse victims for ki started “probably 10 minutes into freshman and schizoaffective disorder, Carter said. “The 5 men and another boy. He said he knew what $1.2 million. They were molested from 1958-77 year.” She soon moved into Ryszewski’s home defendant at times has no comprehension of his was going to happen so he ran. Two men by James Vallely, a Bangor-area priest who due to family issues. “It’s not very hard to im- whereabouts.” caught him, and while he was being raped he died at age 75 in 1997. Attorney Mitchell Gar- press a 14-year-old,” she said. “I felt very spe- Court records allege Mills traveled from heard the other boy screaming. Source: The abedian said he knows of 8 Vallely victims (7 cial, but it was also kind of awkward.” Georgia to Henry County, AL, to have sex with Guardian, 8-2-16 men and 1 woman) who have come forward. She dropped out of school after her soph- the girl between March 1 and August 2015. Documents show then-Bishop Daniel Fee- omore year in an effort to end the relationship. Source: Dothan Eagle, 8-5-16 ney was made aware of initial allegations in the Source: Boston Globe, 8-3-16 Yoshiyahu Pinto, 42, an Israeli Orthodox Removed / Resigned late 1950s, but instead of investigating, Feeney rabbi, will not be pardoned, said Reuven Rivlin, Peter Zuni, 54, Kakuri, Nigeria, was removed transferred Vallely. Source: Press Herald, 8-15- Legal Developments the president of Israel who rejected Pinto’s re- as pastor of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church 16 quest. Pinto has served 2 months of a 1-year for affairs with women. One of the women’s alle- St. George’s School, Middletown, RI, A suit against the Catholic Diocese of Peo- sentence for attempted bribery and obstruction gations spurred an investigation, said Ndagoso agreed to an undisclosed but “very significant” ria may proceed, an Illinois appeals court ruled. of justice. Manoso, archbishop of Kaduna. “It is true that financial settlement with as many as 40 former The male plaintiff alleges he was molested by In a plea bargain, he admitted offering a he had affairs with 2 women and they both had students who say they were victims of sexual now-deceased priest Norman Goodman of $100,000 bribe to police Brig. Gen. Efraim Bra- children by him,” Manoso said. Source: Daily abuse during the 1970s and 1980s, with about Holy Family Catholic Church in Lincoln between cha in return for information Pinto wanted about Post, 8-15-16 a dozen staff and student perpetrators involved. 1991-94. A lower court had barred the suit due an investigation involving a nonprofit organiza- Email: [email protected] Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

In memoriam FFRF statement Dr. Frederick Jefferson Candidates pander to religion

Davis, 1922-2016 This is a statement released by FFRF to its members. The two presidential candidates from the major parties are doing little to court the growing secular vote. Hillary Clinton took to religious pandering on the campaign trail. She asserted to the 136th annual Nation- al Baptist Convention on Sept. 8 that: “We need a president who understands the powerful role that faith — and communities of faith — have always played in moving our country toward justice . . . A president who will pray with you, and for you . . . Yes, we need a president who will do justice, love kind- ness and walk humbly with our God.” FFRF disagrees. We’ve long said that we don’t need pious politicians who Donald Trump Hillary Clinton Lifetime Member Dr. Frederick Jef- spend valuable time on their knees. We ferson Davis died on Aug. 18, 2016, at need politicians who will get off their feelings on religious matters. And I will electioneer. Attic Angel Place in Madison, Wis., his knees and get to work. Prayer doesn’t repeal the Johnson Amendment if I Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits home for the past few years. fix anything, but it does waste time and am elected your president, I promise. are afforded a special privilege, which Jeff was born on Oct. 23, 1922, in energy. And it also lets pandering pub- So important.” amounts to an indirect but “huge” Madison and attended West High lic officials congratulate themselves on Named after then-Sen. (later public subsidy. If an organization prof- School and the University of Wisconsin accomplishing something, when they President) Lyndon B. Johnson, the its from tax-exemption, it forfeits the for his undergraduate and medical de- are really just talking to themselves. amendment prohibits tax-exempt or- right to engage in political campaign grees. After completing his residency Prayer doesn’t heal the sick or rebuild ganizations from engaging in politi- intervention in exchange for this sub- in New York, he joined his father at the cities after natural disasters. As Robert cal campaigns. The law is a safeguard sidy. Were unaccountable, tax-exempt Davis & Duehr Eye Clinic in 1950. He Ingersoll said, “The hands that help that prevents any 501(c)(3) nonprofit, churches allowed to politick, watch was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Ca- are better far than lips that pray.” which include churches, from partici- out! Churches and their congregations lif., from 1954-1956, where he was the Donald Trump, appearing at the pating in or intervening in any political would turn into political money-laun- chief of ophthalmology for the Naval Values Voters Summit on Sept. 9, campaign on behalf of (or in opposi- dering operations. And our secular re- Hospital. He retired from the medical promised that “our Christian heritage tion to) any candidate for public office public, not just our elections, would be practice in 1985 to focus on his other will be cherished, protected, defend- if it wishes to retain tax-exempt status. imperiled. interests, including motorcycling, golf ed, like you’ve never seen before.” He In short, the IRS prohibition against The Johnson Amendment provides and travel. He was especially fond of also reiterated his call to overturn the endorsing or opposing candidates for an important safeguard. It must be pre- his many People to People trips that Johnson Amendment, part of the GOP elected office applies equally to pastors served and enforced, something FFRF combined travel with friends to exotic platform: “The first thing we have to do and church officials. helped maintain in our lawsuit against locations with golf at challenging and is give our churches their voice back. The amendment absolutely does the IRS. fun golf courses. It’s been taken away. The Johnson not silence the free speech rights of To pandering candidates every- Jeff married Mary McGuire on Dec. Amendment has blocked our pastors pastors. Ministers and congregations where, may we quote some sage advice 27, 1944, and they enjoyed 64 years of and ministers and others from speak- are free to engage in church election- from Ben Franklin: “When a religion is marriage until her death in 2008. He is ing their minds from their own pulpits. eering — if they forego their tax-ex- good, I conceive that it will support it- survived by his three sons, Jeff (Deb), If they want to talk about Christianity, empt privilege. Religious leaders are self; and, when it cannot support itself, Chris (Kathy) and Bill (Nancy); his sev- if they want to preach, if they want to free to endorse whomever they choose and God does not take care to support, en grandchildren, Greg, Sammy, Jen, talk about politics, they’re unable to — so long as they do so on their own so that its professors are oblig’d to call Brian, Mark, Will and Hanna; and his do so. If they want to do it, they take time and dime as citizens (a right that for the help of the civil power, it is a great-granddaughter, Aubrey. He is a tremendous risk that they lose their many Religious Right leaders take full sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad also survived by his brother, Matthew. tax-exempt status. advantage of). They simply cannot one.” He first joined FFRF in 2010. “All religious leaders should be able do so from the pulpit as church offi- to freely express their thoughts and cials, or expend church resources to Pat Brda, 1953-2015 FFRF member Pat Brda was born in Yip Harburg, from his book Berwyn, Ill., on July 8, 1953. She had Rhymes for the Irreverent degrees in dance, math, computers and earned an MBA from University of NOTHING FAILS LIKE PRAYER Illinois-Champaign. She worked in information technol- ogy, most recently as a project manager at Bio-Rad. For 31 years, Pat and her husband Carl enjoyed exploring Seat- The U.S. Supreme Court unwisely “blessed” sectarian tle and the Northwest, movies, travel, prayers at local government meetings in its Town of Greece music and even road rallies with Pat v. Galloway decision. If the Supreme Court won’t uphold our playing navigator to Carl’s driver. Pat godless and entirelyCon  secular Constitution — adopted at a was active in community issues. Pat enjoyed cooking and baking, prayerless constitutional convention — it’s up to us. and created jewelry through beadwork. She loved growing plants and was one It’s up to you! of the rare people who could nurture We’d like to see secular citizens flood government meetings orchids to rebloom. Most of all, she en- with secular invocations that illustrate why government Before I was born, I seemed to be joyed sharing her plants, creations and Contented with being non-be-able; prayers are unnecessary, ineff ective, embarrassing, interests with friends and family. So after I’m gone, it seems to me Pat died peacefully at home last exclusionary, divisive or just plain silly. My lot should be not less agreeable. year surrounded by friends after a rap- id and cruel bout with cancer. Daugh- The “best” secular invocation will be invited to open FFRF’s ter of Anthony and Therese Brda, she annual convention, receiving an all-expenses-paid trip (next is survived by her sister Marilyn and year in Madison, Wis., on the weekend of Sept. 15–17), a brother Bill. “We are so grateful that Pat be- plaque and an honorarium of $500. queathed $40,000 to FFRF to help se- cure our future, among other worthy LEARN MORE AT: Buy it from FFRF online causes she helped,” said FFRF Co-Pres- ff rf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer ident Annie Laurie Gaylor. shop.ffrf.org October 2016 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association inducted Anne and Paul Gaylor into its granite memorial pylon in Eagle River, Wis., on Aug. 19. Their children (from left) Andy Gaylor, Ian Gaylor and Annie Laurie Gaylor were proud to be part of the memorial celebration. Anne Nicol Gaylor was the principal founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Her husband, Paul, served for more than three decades as its principal volunteer, also serving off and on as a board member or state representative. The couple edited and published The Middleton Times Tribune for three years, a weekly community newspaper, in the late 1960s. Anne’s 1967 editorial, the first in the state of Wisconsin calling for the legalization of abortion, created shockwaves in the conservative community, and ended up catapulting her into a decade of activism as an early abortion rights proponent and then freethought activist.

You be the judge Supportive FFRF member Monty Cleworth sent us this photo. “Here is a picture of me at Chernobyl. Interesting combination of a radioactivity sign in the foreground and a crucifix in the background. Religion is toxic? Religion is radioactive? Religion can be hazardous to your health? You be the judge.”

Photo by Chris Line FFRF employees, members and friends walked in the 2016 Outreach Pride Parade/Rally in Madison, Wis., on Aug. 20. From left, Lauryn Seering, Seth Wrinkle, an unidentified member, Renee Oberhart and Sarah Lewis.

Gary King, president of the Colorado Springs FFRF chapter, sent us this photo from the Pueblo Pride Parade. “Some of our group, with the flyer I made of ‘Why Gays Need Freedom From Religion,’ went to the parade and carried these banners,” Gary writes. “Two of them were a gift from the Maine chapter. Back in the ’90s an unconstitutional amendment was passed with the slogan ‘no special rights for gays,’ so I made up the other two signs and they are still popular today.”

Photo by Chris Line The women of FFRF raised their glasses and toasted our freethinking, feminist foremothers on Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26. Women in the United States were granted the right to vote as the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was certified as law on Aug. 26, 1920. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor holds up a photo of suffragist and activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Photo by Margaret Downey These aren’t religious nuts I love Lucian FFRF Co-President Dan Barker has a friendly and furry visitor stop by FFRF Co-President Dan Barker and Chad Brown marched in the Skeptics in frequently when he is relaxing on his backyard patio. Dan has offered the History section of the DragonCon parade in Atlanta on Sept. 3. chipmunk peanuts, almonds, pistachios and sometimes fruit. Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2016

A visit to a correctional institution Speaking to a captive audience By Dan Barker After my talk, we spent another hour taking questions. Nobody wanted to leave. Where were they going to go? Some of the men asked if we could I used to preach in prisons years do this more often, and I suggested ago as a Christian minister. This sum- that maybe Sam could come next time mer, I got to speak for the first time in to talk about religion and government. a prison as an atheist. One guy in the back row said, “Gro- FFRF Staff Attorney Sam Grover has ver?” I was surprised. “Yes,” I said. “Sam been dealing with religion in the pris- Grover, one of FFRF’s attorneys.” So on system. An FFRF member who is I guess Sam is famous in the prison an inmate in the Jackson Correctional community! Institution, a medium-security prison in Black River Falls, Wis., with about Freethinkers and skeptics 1,000 inmates, had asked Sam to help It seemed that about half the crowd him get a humanist club started there. were open freethinkers and skeptics. Apparently, in order for prisoners to The others were mildly and politely in- form an association, it has to be run by terested, with honest questions. Some an outsider. This is to avoid any leader- of them were taking careful notes. “You ship hierarchy among the inmates. are a breath of fresh air!” one fellow It’s easy to get a religious group said. They asked about the historicity started. All it needs is a local church or Chaplain Myron Olson (left) and FFRF Co-President Dan Barker pose for a of Jesus, about the Constitution, the religious organization to come into the selfie outside the Jackson Correctional Institution in Black River Falls, Wis. early Christian church, religion in pol- prison as volunteers. There are many itics, Adam and Eve, inner religious churches in Black River Falls, but there enough to set it off. They told me to sion), and my books Losing Faith in experience, miracles and prophecy. is no local humanist group, so the non- hold my hand over that area and walk Faith and Life Driven Purpose. I told him They also grilled me about my reasons believers in the prison were unable to sideways through the detector very he could keep what books he thought for leaving the ministry. It was all very organize. Sam wrote to the prison to slowly, tiny steps at a time. I never felt appropriate, and he kept them all. enjoyable. ask what might be done to accommo- so happy to finally be inside a prison. One man, near the end of question- date the needs of all inmates, includ- Chaplain Olson is a Christian min- An eager audience ing, said he was out in the hall for the ing nonbelievers. Prison Chaplain ister who was born and raised in Black At 6:30 p.m. sharp, about 35 or 40 first part of my talk with another in- Myron Olson told him that if we could River Falls and has been working in inmates came into the room, all very mate who was looking at the poster for find a local person to come in to hold Jackson Correctional for 16 years. He eager to listen. I had a truly captive the event. Pointing to my picture, he a humanist event, he would be happy took me through the security gates to audience! However, the FFRF member said, “That is the devil,” and refused to to facilitate. the chapel. There were bibles and reli- was not there. Several days earlier, he enter the room. “But you don’t look at When I heard that, I volunteered gious literature everywhere, pictures of had been transferred to another facil- all like the devil,” he said, with a twin- to drive up there to meet with the Jesus and other religious leaders, and ity, which they told me was a low-secu- kle in his eye. I explained that we non- humanist inmates. The very obliging what looked like a rack of religious vid- rity prison, one step away from being believers don’t believe in God or the and accommodating Chaplain Olson eos. An old spinet piano was against released. So that is good news. When devil. They are flip sides of the same called me and we set a date for Aug. one wall, and I could picture a church I asked the crowd if they knew him, counterfeit coin. 25. I had to fill out a number of forms lady playing hymns before the weekly many hands went up. Someone said he After the meeting, many went to to become a volunteer — they wanted sermon. is a great, intelligent guy. “Well,” I said browse the FFRF books. It was very sat- to know if I had been convicted of a The chapel has a library of faith- gravely, “it seems he has gone on to a isfying to shake hands with some of the crime, if I had a family member in that based resources, including material for better place.” They all laughed. “It is a inmates who came up to thank me. facility, and so on. inmates of Eastern religions, Catholi- better place,” said Keith, a freethink- Since my camera was in the car, I cism, Islam, Judaism, Native American, ing friend of his. could not take any photos. Howev- Entering the prison paganism and Protestant backgrounds. I talked for an hour about FFRF, my er, Chaplain Olson was a good sport I drove up to Black River Falls that It now has books for humanists and preacher-to-atheist story, and about and accompanied me to the parking day and discovered it was almost hard- atheists. Chaplain Olson took all of the humanism and freethought. I congrat- lot where we took an unprofessional er to enter the prison than to leave it! FFRF books I had brought and spread ulated Chaplain Olson for respecting selfie with my iPhone. Walking to the The officers, who were very nice but them out on a table in the room. These the needs of all inmates. I told the car, the very tolerant minister said, “It firm and professional, told me I had included Ruth Green’s Born Again Skep- group that he is doing a better job can be very difficult to listen to a point to leave my camera, phone, and watch tics’ Guide to the Bible, Annie Laurie Gay- than the chaplain of the U.S. House of view with which you disagree.” He in the car. After checking my keys, lor’s books about women and religion, of Representatives, who has denied me might have been talking about the in- wallet and identification in a locker, Anne Nicol Gaylor’s Lead Us Not Into an opportunity to open Congress with mates, but I think he was talking about I removed my shoes and belt to pass Penn Station, Yip Harburg’s Rhymes For a secular invocation. When I pointed himself. through a very sensitive metal detec- The Irreverent, Orvin Larson’s American out that the House of Representatives It’s good to see not everyone is im- tor. It took four attempts. Apparently, Infidel: Robert G. Ingersoll, One Woman’s should actually be representative, prisoned by their beliefs. the little metal clasp in my pants was Fight (the story of the McCollum deci- Chaplain Olson nodded his head. Dan Barker is FFRF co-president. They said what?

I see that at the lieve that it puts our very eternal lives Ohio Gov. John Kasich, after seeing result of mere human action. end of the day, God in jeopardy. the latest Harry Potter book while in a Argentine Bishop Hector Cardelli, who raised up, I believe, Followers of Christ member Dan bookstore with his entourage declared that a woman’s visions of the Donald Trump, Sevy, who takes advantage of Idaho’s Concord Monitor, 9-4-16 Virgin Mary beginning in 1983 were of who was going to faith-healing religious exemption and a “supernatural character.” The wom- be the nominee in who said he won’t change his practices The quality, richness of and exquisite an, Gladys Motta, claims to have had this election. I don’t even if the law does. content of the messages, and what they more than 1,800 visitations from Mary think God sits things Spokane (Wash.) Spokesman-Review, 8-5-16 produced in terms of conversions, life and another 68 from Jesus. out. He’s a sovereign God. changes and healings, cannot be the Religion News Service, 8-15-16 Former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann We assumed God Huffington Post, 8-31-16 was on our side. Phyllis Schlafly, arch We’re Catholic school kids. We don’t anti-feminist, who COMING NEXT MONTH do this. He’s a good guy. died at 92, arguing Alvin Morel, brother of Oscar Morel, against the Equal who is charged with the cold-blooded Rights Amendment GRADUATE shooting deaths of a Queens, N.Y., New York Times, 9-12-16 imam and his aide. Convention New York Post, 8-15-16 You know that Daniel [Radcliffe] has STUDENT declared himself an atheist? I’m seri- Coverage We believe that phamaceuticals and ous. What a weird thing. Why would a ESSAYS medicine is a product from Satan . . . guy who has had all that success just, I We do disagree with medicine and be- mean, what the hell is wrong with him?