The Atheist Minnesota Atheists Established 1991 Positive in Action SM

Volume 18 Number 4 April 2008 April 20th Meeting “There are no Christians, only religious wannabes!”

You've heard debates on why there is no god, why Jesus is a myth, Upcoming events and why Nazareth did not exist in the 1st Century. Lee Salisbury will Sun., April 20 – 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. – present a perspective that he is sur- Lee Salisbury presents “There are prised isn't used in all debates ... no Christians, only religious wanna- more devastating and irrefutable in bes.” Roseville Library. defusing the most committed Chris- tian, yet never utilized. If you want Thur., May 1, noon-1:00 p.m. – new ammo for challenging Chris- MN Atheists National Day of Rea- tians and provoking them to think, son celebration at the MN State then you'll surely want to hear Capitol rotunda. this..... bring your notebooks! Sun., May 4 – May Day MN Athe- Lee Salisbury, a former evangeli- ists will participate in the parade and cal pastor and guest preacher at booth for May Day in . Christian conferences in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Africa will let the Bible speak for Jesus and then let Board member. Lee founded the you decide the answer. Lee has Critical Thinking Clubs of Minnesota been a member of Minnesota Athe- in 2001 of which there are now ists for 12 years and is a former Lee Salisbury chapters in St. Paul, Minnetonka, Bloomington and Stillwater.

After our meeting, those who wish may join us for dinner at the Panda Garden Buffet.

Meeting: 1:00-3:30 p.m. Roseville Public Library 2180 Hamline Ave. N. (Hamline Ave. & Co. Rd. B) Roseville, MN 55113

1:00-1:15 – Social time. 1:15- 1:45 – Business Meeting. 1:45-2:00 – Break. 2:00-3:00 – Presentation, 3:00 – Social Time PAGE 2 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4

Minnesota Atheists The Minnesota Atheist In this issue…

Board of Directors Published by Minnesota Atheists, Next meeting 1 [email protected] P.O. Box 6261,Minneapolis, MN 55406

President: August Berkshire 612-588-7031, [email protected] www.MinnesotaAtheists.org President's column 3 [email protected], 612-338-4548

Associate President: Cynthia Egli Editorial Board: [email protected] Sociology study 3 [email protected], 952-941-2996 George Kane, Editor, 651-488-8225 Kristine Harley, 612-384-8273 Chair of Board: Steve Petersen Vanita Mishra, vanita.mishra@gmail. Financial reports 4 [email protected], 651-484-9277 com

Associate Chair: Bruce Honnigford Grant Steves, 651-774-1992 Tom Riddering, Design & Layout, 300 Club 4 [email protected], 612-964-1637 [email protected], 651-714-2617 Treasurer: Andy Flamm Erin Ahlstrom, [email protected] Atheists Talk report 5 [email protected], 612-251-3904 Chief Photographer: Richard Trombley Secretary: George Kane Volunteer needed 5 Membership/change of address: [email protected], 651-488-8225 Shirley Moll, [email protected], 5th Sunday dinner 5 Director-at-Large: Kristine Harley 651-484-9277 [email protected], 612-384-8273 Public Relations: George Kane MNA Committees 6 Director-at-Large: Jeannette Sorensen [email protected], 651-488-8225 [email protected], 612-709-6719 Atheists Weekly E-mail (AWE): March meeting 6 Director-at-Large: Bjorn Watland George Kane, [email protected]

[email protected], 612-708-5029 Meeting videotaping: Eric Harmon May Day parade 6 Cable: Steve Petersen Building Fund: [email protected], 651-484-9277 Member survey 7 Webmaster: Bjorn Watland $102,824.36 [email protected], 612-708-5029 Day of Reason 7 Podcasts: Grant Hermanson Honorary [email protected], Cryptogram 7 Members Copyright 2008 Minnesota Atheists. Atheist convention 8-9 Minnesota Atheists is an affiliate of Dan Barker Atheist Alliance International, , American Humanist Associa- News and Notes 10-11 Gerald Erickson, PhD tion, Council for , and Annie Laurie Gaylor International Humanist and Ethical Un- In-Box 12-13 ion. Dick Hewetson Submit material for the newsletter to edi- Robert M. Price, PhD [email protected]. Submissions may be Lee Salisbury 14 edited. Publication is not guaranteed. Things to do 15 MNA Meetup members: 237 Life memberships: 27 Minnesota Atheists practices positive, inclusive, active, friendly neighborhood atheism in order to: Minnesota Atheists Mission Statement • Provide a community for Minnesota Atheists is dedicated to building a positive atheists; atheist community that actively promotes secular val- • Educate the public about ues through educational programs, social activities, atheism; and and participation in public affairs. • Promote separation of state and church. VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 3

President’s Column Winning the Intellectual War

By August Berkshire sion that might have had cally or ridiculing them won’t work I’d like to pick up some evolutionary benefit. and will only serve to harden their po- where I left off last time. I Religion is treated as a cul- sition. If all we can do for the time stated, “My attitude is that tural artifact, like music, being with some people is to gently we have already won the in- dance, or a brand of storytel- plant a seed of doubt, that is still tellectual war, now we just ling. worth doing. have to spread the good I can’t think of a single So if the logic is all on our side, news.” intellectually compelling ar- and we have won the intellectual war, I knew this ambiguous gument for the existence of why haven’t we yet changed society? phrase would leave some August Berkshire gods, can you? On the other Well, we have changed it a bit – the people scratching their hand, we can demonstrate percentage of atheists and religious heads. “Huh? What does he mean? why every argument we have ever skeptics in the nation has doubled in Half the people in the country are heard of for gods is inadequate. We the last twenty years, from 5% to creationists! We haven’t won the in- have won the intellectual war. 10%. And the percentage of atheists tellectual war by a long shot!” So why should we be the ones and religious skeptics in the younger So let me clarify: by who are getting defensive when logic generation is double the national aver- “intellectual war” I mean the war is on our side? Instead (and I know age, about 20%. (logical debate) among intellectuals, this is hard), why not relax, put a Still, why haven’t we done even who are now overwhelmingly atheists. smile on our faces, and respond, better? Because religious belief is pri- Ninety-three percent of the members “Well, you know, there is no evidence marily based on emotion. That’s what of the National Academy of Sciences for that, and here are some problems we always have to keep in mind if we are atheists or agnostics (mostly athe- with that way of thinking…” wish to be persuasive. ists). Less than half of all U.S. scien- I can hear some of you object- We have all attended debates tists believe in a god. Surveys have ing now: “But these people just won’t where the atheist won on points, but shown that the more education a per- listen to logic!” Let’s not be so dis- where the audience thought the reli- son has received, the less likely he or missive out of hand. After all, almost gious person won because he was a she is to believe in a god. Other sur- all religious people believe they are nice, charming guy. We not only veys have shown that the least reli- thinking logically. They really do be- have to keep winning on points (no gious countries also tend to be the lieve the Argument from Design is a problem, if we know our stuff), we healthiest. good one. They really do believe it is also have to be that nice, charming Pick up any science magazine. logically necessary for life to have an guy or gal if we really want to make Whenever they talk about religion, “ultimate purpose” that transcends an impact on society. they almost never refer to gods as ac- death. We must point out to them the This does not mean we have to tually existing, like it’s a real phe- flaws in their logic. compromise our atheist position in nomenon scientists are investigating. For those who won’t listen to any way. It just means there is almost It’s almost always “Are humans natu- logic, there is no possible way of get- always more than one way to say the rally inclined by evolution to believe ting through to them no matter what same thing. in gods?” “God” is treated as an illu- we try. Shouting something emphati-

Björn Mastiaux, a Ph.D. student in So- gust Berkshire at [email protected] or ciology at Heinrich Heine University, 612-338-4548. Duesseldorf, Germany, will visit Minnesota Björn will be attending our April 20th April 18-24. For his dissertation he is Minnesota Atheists meeting (see page 1) studying members of secular/atheist organi- and will be a guest on our Atheists Talk ra- zations in different regions of Germany and dio program that morning. the United States. While here he would like to conduct extensive interviews with mem- bers of Minnesota Atheists. If you would be willing to be interviewed, contact Au- Björn Mastiaux PAGE 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4

March Building fund report Visibility (General) Building Fund: $1390.00 as memoriam for Minnesota atheists, Fund: $200.00 Fran Bauer $60.00 $25.00 from Nancy Ruhland and Dean Borghorst $200.00 $100.00 from the Nienkerks. I also Dean Borghorst $50.00 Richard Calissi $25.00 include a $500.00 check on behalf of Vern Maetzold $15.00 Guy Harper $50.00 the Wodtke Estate for completion of Sara Raines $5.00 Ron Julien $450.00 their commitment to the 300 Club. Jeff Sella $25.00 Vern Maetzold $50.00 Finally, I include a $1,000.00 Cash $105.00 Christopher Matthews $50.00 check that I am giving to be part of Sara Raines $10.00 the 300 Club in memory of Fern and Bob Schmitz $50.00 Bob. This should take us over the Jeff Sella $25.00 $100,000.00 mark for the Building G.A.H. Tsoi $200.00 Fund. Fern and Bob would’ve liked Bjorn Watland $25.00 to have been part of that pivotal, mo- James Whitney $50.00 ment. -- Brett Welch Vern Young $100.00 Cash $51.00 Radio Fund: 140.00 Received too late for the Treas- Dean Borghorst $50.00 urer’s report on donations: Erik Englebretson $40.00 I am including two checks given Jeff Sella $50.00 300 Club The 300 Club was estab- mation. If we missed your Dorothy French Matthew Richardson (3) lished by Minnesota Athe- name, or do not have your Kevin Hardisty Tom Riddering ists at the suggestion of information correct, or to Kristine Harley Lee Salisbury member Rod Monroe. Our join the 300 Club, please Guy Harper Paul Schenck (4) goal is to get 300 people to contact me, Steve Petersen, Mike Haubrich Bob Schmitz pledge to give us $1,000 at (651) 484-9277 or Bruce Honnigford Alvin Shimek each over a four-year period [email protected]. Laura Hutt Jon Strand (an amount that averages $5 Geri Jensen Bill Talmage Kathy Alme per week per donor) to raise Ron Julien Georgia Tsoi Robin Anderson a total of $300,000 for our George Kane Bjorn Watland Anonymous Building Fund. Brian Knoblock (3) Brett Welch August Berkshire (2) The following people James Koran Jim Whitney Charles Boltuck have joined the 300 Club so Jerrold and Joyce Larson Susan & John Wiik Dean Borghorst far. We will continue to June Haiyan Li Rachel Wilson Jack Caravela publish this list as it grows. Christopher Matthews Fern & Bob Wodtke Dan Carnicom Numbers in parentheses in- Vanita Mishra Jeff Wolfe Richard & LaGretta Dean dicate multiples of $1,000. Shirley Moll Vern Young Tom Dooley When at least $1,000 of the Rod Monroe [Your name here!] Cynthia Egli pledge has been paid, the Bob Muldoon Norman Ehrentreich Total pledged so far: person’s name will be dis- Ted Nagel Erik Englebretson $62,000 played in boldface. We have Bill Paulson Andy Flamm recently changed responsi- Steve Petersen Total pledges fully paid so Eric Frame bility for tracking this infor- Jerry Rauser far: $18,000 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 5 “Atheists Talk” Radio Report Volunteer needed for Associate Chair By August Berkshire down as our regular host. He has Bruce Honnigford has decided In the past month we aired been replaced by Mike Haubrich, ex- to resign from the Board of Direc- programs nine to twelve of our 26- cept when Mike conducts an inter- tors, vacating his position as Associ- week contract. Those programs were: view, in which case Bjorn Watland ate Chair. The Board is seeking a Mar. 9 – American Atheists will be our host. Other people who volunteer to fill this position. Press with Frank Zindler; American continue to contribute to the success The responsibility of the Asso- Atheists conference with Ellen John- of our program are August Berkshire, ciate Chair is to lead Board meet- son. Cynthia Egli, Scott Lohman, Kristine ings, Membership meetings and Mar. 16 – Books Harley, Grant Hermanson, George compile the agenda when the Chair, “Freethinkers” and “The Age of Kane, P.Z. Myers, Jeannette Sorensen Steve Petersen, is unable to attend. American Unreason” with author and Grant Steves. A suitable volunteer must be ap- Susan Jacoby. We have many ideas for future pointed by the Board and confirmed Mar. 23 – Duluth hospital programs and guests and we welcome at the next following Membership merger and Lake Superior Freethink- your input as well. Contact us at 612- meeting. ers with Bill van Druten. 588-7031 or [email protected] to Mar. 30 – Americans United let us know how we’re doing and to for Separation of Church and State suggest a guest or program. 950 or AirAmericaMinnesota.com/ with Rob Boston; AHA/IHEU confer- We had to purchase our time listen) and call (952-946-6205) or e- ence in Washington D.C. in June with slot (Sundays, 9-10 a.m.) for $9,100 mail ([email protected]) a ques- Fred Edwords. and then try to sell ads to defray the tion to us during the show. We want cost. So far we have only sold about to hear from you! For the second time one of our $3,000 worth of ads, so your contribu- Also, don’t forget to support scheduled guests failed to call in and tions are greatly appreciated (please our sponsors, who support our radio we were unable to reach her on the specify that they are for the radio pro- show with their advertising: the phone. While we do the best we can gram). The good news is that we American Humanist Association, the to avoid this, we were again able to have seen a substantial increase in Humanists of Minnesota, the Secular fill the entire hour with interesting membership. Coalition for America, Freedom From conversation at the last minute. Another way you can help is to Religion Foundation, and Q.Cumbers Bruce Honnigford has stepped listen to the radio program live (AM restaurant in Edina.

gan, spicy pork noodles, calamari, Annual Fern Wodtke Memorial Chi- Food for Thought Coq au Vin, pesto and olive with nese Checker Tournament ended in- On March 30, 61 people attended a spring mint. Also on the bill of fair formally, with all participants receiv- Building Fund Raiser event, our all- were garlic bread, salad, gelato and ing prizes. The event raised you-can-eat spaghetti dinner. Sauces biscotti, all for just $6.66. The First $1,082.22 for the Building Fund. provided included meatball, meat, ve- Photos by Tom Riddering PAGE 6 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 MNA Committees March meeting By Andy Flamm and August Berk- Outreach Minnesota Atheists' March shire Political Policy Committee: meeting featured Bjorn Watland, Minnesota Atheists has estab- Clarifies our political position on is- Director-at-Large, speaking about lished the following committees to sues that pertain to separation of state Mormonism. By fielding fast flung help us provide better service to our and church, including vouchers, stem queries from the audience, Bjorn members and to the community and cell research, gay rights, sex educa- provided a peek into the mysteries of to get more of our members involved tion, contraception, abortion, volun- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter in leadership. We welcome your par- tary euthanasia, etc. Day Saints, whose smartly dressed ticipation. Please contact a MNA First Amendment Watchdog missionaries scour the globe looking board member (see page 2) to let us Committee: Takes action against for new converts. Topics covered know how you can help. (You can state/church separation violations, in- included the history of Mormonism serve on more than one committee!) cluding lobbying at the State Capitol. and its founding by Joseph Smith in Public Speaking Committee: the 1830s, the translation of the Atheist Community Provides free MNA speakers for the Book of Mormon, why there are so Membership Committee: media, schools, and events hosted by many Mormons in Utah, how Mor- Works to maintain current member- other groups. mons have been involved in politics, ship, solicit new members, welcome Public Service/Charities and just what is up with “magic un- new members, and foster a positive Committee: Plans activities that al- derwear.” While not a Mormon atheist community. Secondary role is low atheists to do good works and im- himself, and not reared as one, Bjorn to solicit donations. prove our image. has been fascinated with the religion Program Committee: Plans since last April when a pair of mis- and executes activities for members Media sionaries from the church asked him (most of which are also open to the Web/Podcast Committee: De- if he believed in Jesus, and he asked general public), such as monthly signs and manages website, including back, “historically or metaphysi- meetings, social hours, picnics, 5th podcasts. cally?” For the next six months, he Sunday dinners, Day of Reason, Cable TV Committee: Pro- and his fiancée, Jeannette Sorensen, booths and marches at festivals, Win- duces and distributes cable pro- met nearly weekly with a pair of ter Solstice Party, debates, etc. grams. missionaries and a male member of Building Committee: Re- Radio Program Committee: the local Ward to discuss the Book searches possible buildings to buy, Produces radio programs. of Mormon, and to ask questions plans for the successful transition to Editorial Board: Produces the about the origin stories of the LDS ownership and supervises use of the newsletter. Church, and how they differ from building once obtained. the explanations of anthropologists and historians. It was a helpful dia- log, and Bjorn and Jeannette at- May Day Parade tended picnics with Ward members, Please join us marching in the and even had dinner with a couple. May Day parade Sunday, May 6, at 1 Mormons were surprised to learn p.m. The parade begins at Cedar that their morals were the same as Field (18th Ave. S. & 25th St.) and those of Bjorn and Jeannette. goes to Powderhorn Park (15th Ave. S. & 34th St.) as shown on the map our “Get Out of Hell Free” on the left. cards. Don’t forget to wear your Meet us at Cedar Field at 1 p.m. Minnesota Atheists t-shirt if you We’ll be carrying a large blue have one! We also need volunteers “Minnesota Atheists” banner, and to staff our booth in Powderhorn Park will have signs for marchers to carry. during the march. For more informa- Look for us toward the back of the tion, please contact Steve Petersen at line in the “Free Speech” section. (651) 484-9277 or chair@mnatheists. We always get a lot of applause as org. we march and have fun handing out VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 7 Where are our members coming from? Following are the comments from on-line members to recent questions concerning how they learned of us and their reasons for joining.

Where did you hear about MA? Why did you join? American Atheists Web To help. Web - - - Pharyngula (P.Z. Myers’ Web) - - - Debate in Mankato To support rationality. Friend of Ted Moore Perhaps to help the organization have a stronger voice or presence. MN Atheist Meetup Why not? Air America radio I am an Atheist. MA Web Wanted to be around with similar ideas and opinions. iTunes Store I am supporting a great organization. May Day Parade I enjoyed my first meeting so much I’m looking forward to participating more. Known about you for years Want to support you and participate. Already a member Although, and after supporting national Atheists orgs, I realize now, it is much more important that we all support our local Atheist community where we can be socially connected for a more positive impact in our own community. I can thank Minnesota Atheists. Internet search To find other Atheists. MN Atheist Meetup Decided it was time to be more active in the Atheist community. Internet To boost members and be involved. Web Concerned about “American Taliban”

tance of separation of state and the Capitol steps at the same time. Day of Reason church. After all, it is only reason- We look forward to a large gath- Minnesota Atheists will be hosting able to request our lawmakers to fully ering of atheists and humanists. For a Day of Reason event in the State enforce the Establishment Clause of more information please contact Capitol rotunda on Thursday May 1 the US Constitution. Steve Petersen at 651-484-9277 or from Noon to 1:00 pm. We will have This event will counter the Na- [email protected] a program of speakers on the impor- tional Day of Prayer rally outside on

Freethought Cryptogram

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Solution to last month’s Cryptogram: Folks, I didn’t major in math. I majored in miracles. Mike Huckabee, explaining why he does not drop out of the race for the Republican nomination for president. PAGE 8 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 American Atheist Convention

American Atheists held their na- Egli, Tom Riddering and Rick Rohrer, state legislators. tional convention at the Minneapolis and Scott Lohman. August Berkshire American Atheists put together an Mariott City Center over Easter week- welcomed the convention the follow- outstanding program of speakers for end. It was the first time that the con- ing morning as the president of the the convention. Richard Dawkins was vention was held in the Twin Cities in host organization, acknowledging the brilliant and entertaining as always, 20 years, and the most successful work of the members who helped in but I felt that the star of the show was American Atheist Convention ever, any way to make the convention pos- physicist Dr. Lawrence Krauss, who with 600 attendees. Minnesotans were sible. explained the current state of cosmol- about 10% of the audience, and most Friday afternoon, August and Cyn- ogy in his presentation, “Much Ado of those were members of Minnesota thia took part in a debate, arguing that About Nothing: A Cosmic Mystery Atheists. atheist organizations should engage in Story.” On Sunday morning, there We were well represented in the social activism. On Saturday morn- was a debate between Frank Zindler, program, too. On Thursday evening, ing, August and Steve Petersen deliv- the Managing Editor of the American the Band entertained, ered a slideshow presentation to in- Atheist Press, and conservative col- with skits from past Follies by Cynthia struct attendees on how to lobby their (Continued on page 9) VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 9

Opposite page top: Cynthia Egli and August Berkshire (at left) debated conservative atheists about social activism.

Right: Minnesota Atheists’ booth is staffed by Mike Haubrich and Jeannette Sorensen as George Kane, Michelle Losey and Norman Ehrentreich look on.

Below Right: (From left) Steve Petersen and August Berkshire pre- sent a program on how to lobby on behalf of church-state separation.

Opposite page bottom left: Biologist Richard Dawkins and the plaque given to Minnesota Atheists for helping with the convention.

Below: Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists (left) and Margaret Downey, president of the Atheist Alliance International.

(Continued from page 8) umnist and radio talk show host Dennis Prager on whether the Jewish god exists. The attention of the national media was also drawn to the Twin Cities by an incident that Thursday night. Local biologist and blogger, P.Z. Myers was expelled from a preview showing at the Mall of America of the creationist propaganda film "Expelled," even though an interview with him is featured in the movie, and he is thanked in the credits. In a bizarre twist, theater staff did not recognize Myers' distinguished guest, Richard Dawkins, who also appears in the film. Minnesota Atheist Director-at-large Kristine Harley also viewed the movie in the Myers/Dawkins group.

Photos by Richard Trombly PAGE 10 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 News and notes By George Kane in whole or in part or violate or ignore amendment cites Article 20 of the In-

An important front in Islam’s them in as much as they are binding ternational Covenant on Civil and Po- battle against secular law is opening divine commandments.” litical Rights, which states that “any in the United Nations General Assem- The International Humanist Ethical advocacy of ... religious hatred that bly. In December it passed a resolu- Union (IHEU) proved that the claim constitutes incitement to discrimina- tion “Combating Defamation of Relig- by the Pakistani ambassador that the tion, hostility or violence shall be pro- ions” by 108 votes to 51 with 25 ab- Cairo Declaration is “complementary hibited by law.” Under the Special stentions. This resolution, proposed to” the UDHR is false. It permits na- Rapporteur’s new mandate, in consid- by the 56 member states of the Or- tions to outlaw apostasy and blas- eration of the Cartoon Intifada, he ganization of the Islamic Conference phemy. In some Muslim nations, would report not on the death threats (OIC), directly limits rights of indi- those offences are punishable by exe- against the cartoonists who caricatured viduals detailed in the Universal Dec- cution. the prophet Muhammad, on the eco- laration of Human Rights and nomic boycott of Danish two International Covenants, The Cairo Declaration expressly restricts products and the Muslim na- on Civil and Political Rights the rights of non-Muslims and women… tions that tried to pressure and on Economic, Social and Denmark to suppress the Jyl- Cultural Rights. It further declares that the rights de- lands Posten; rather, the Rap- Delegations supporting scribed in it come from Allah, so “no one porteur would report the car- toonists and the newspaper secular government opposed as a matter of principle has the right to the resolution, as the Portu- for inciting the hostility and guese delegate, speaking for suspend them in whole or in part or vio- violence directed against the European Union, ex- late or ignore them in as much as they them and condemn the Danish plained: are binding divine commandments.” government for its failure to “The European Union does suppress publication. Roy not see the concept of ‘defamation of Brown, spokesman at the religions’ as a valid one in a human The Cairo Declaration expressly UNHRC for the International Human- rights discourse. From a human rights restricts the rights of non-Muslims and ist and Ethical Union, commented, perspective, members of religious or women. It further stipulates that a “We have just witnessed the death of belief communities should not be person may only express their opinion the Human Rights Council, and with it viewed as parts of homogenous enti- in a manner “as would not be contrary the Universal Declaration of Human ties. International human rights law to the principles of the Shari’ah,” and Rights.” protects primarily individuals in the that freedom of expression may not be The Dutch parliamentarian Geert exercise of their freedom of religion or used to “weaken faith.” If Cairo Wilders has produced a short film that belief, rather than the religions as passes in the General Assembly, reli- is highly critical of the Koran and Is- such.” gious liberty will disappear from inter- lam. According to Wilders, Fitna The OIC plans, by weight of num- nationally recognized human rights. proves that Islam is a violent and in- bers in the General Assembly, to le- The OIC late in March struck an- tolerant religion. When he posted a gitimize a broader exemption for Is- other blow in the United Nations promo for the movie on YouTube, the lam from current human rights agree- against the freedom of speech. The Musharraf government cut off access ments, the Cairo Declaration of Hu- Human Rights Council has a to that site in Pakistan. Wilders in- man Rights in Islam. The Cairo Dec- “Rapporteur” who has primary re- tends to release Fitna on the internet, laration makes no mention of existing sponsibility for producing an annual but his web site has been suspended human rights declarations but states report on restrictions placed on the by his domain host, Network Solu- that “The Islamic Shari’ah is the only freedom of speech around the world. tions, which fears reprisals like the source of reference for the explanation The OIC turned this job description on Cartoon Intifada. or clarification to any of the articles of its head in an amendment to the man- The European Union was then re- this Declaration.” It further declares date of the Special Rapporteur on luctant to publicly support Denmark, that the rights described in it come Freedom of Expression which requires since several European leaders were from Allah, so “no one as a matter of him to report on “abuses” of freedom apparently intimidated by the wrath of principle has the right to suspend them of expression to discriminate against Muslims in their own countries and racial and religious groups. The (Continued on page 11) VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 11

(Continued from page 10) ing Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Er- restrictions as often as conservative around the globe. The EU’s Charter dogan and President Abdullah Gul, to ones. Reverend Jeremiah Wright Jr., of Fundamental Rights assures all be banned from politics for five years. for example has promoted parishioner European citizens the freedom of ex- The Islamic party, which won a land- Barack Obama’s candidacy from the pression, however. “Fitna,” the name slide victory in last June’s national pulpit of Chicago’s Trinity United of the film, means “test of faith in elections, recently ended the constitu- Church of Christ. The IRS is now in- times of trial” in Arabic. It fittingly tional prohibition against women vestigating Trinity’s national parent, presents a test to European leaders, of wearing the Muslim head scarves in the United Church of Christ, for a whether they are committed to uphold college. speech Sen. Obama gave to 10,000 and defend the fundamental value of In Denmark, in response to the po- people at a church conference in June Western society. lice uncovering a plot to execute the in Hartford, Conn., in which he pro- Although he is unknown in the cartoonist who had caricatured the moted his candidacy and parts of his United States, Magdi Allam is recog- prophet Mohammad with a bomb in platform. nized in Europe as a leading Muslim his turban, leading Danish newspapers But while the agency has issued critic of Islam. The Egyptian- dozens of warning letters born Allam is deputy editor of In Denmark, in response to the police un- aimed at halting advocacy for Italy’s top newspaper, the political candidates, it has Corriere della Sera, and an covering a plot to execute the cartoonist only twice revoked a church’s outspoken opponent of Is- who had caricatured the prophet tax-exempt status since the tax lamic terrorism. But he is Mohammad with a bomb in his turban, law was amended in 1954, a likely to lose whatever influ- leading Danish newspapers demonstrated spokeswoman said. ence he has in the Muslim Controversy at the Naval world because, like Salman solidarity by reprinting the cartoon. Academy Chapel in Anna- Rushdie and Ayaan Hirsi Ali polis, Maryland: For 40 before him, he has renounced Islam. demonstrated solidarity by reprinting years, the Sunday nondenominational On Easter Sunday he was baptized as the cartoon. Osama bin Laden de- Protestant service has begun with a an adult convert to the Roman Catho- scribed the drawings as part of a “new color guard dipping the flag of the lic Church by Pope Benedict XVI. crusade” against Islam, in which he academy and the American flag be- Allam was given a death sentence said the pope had played a “large and fore the altar. When it was pointed in a 2003 fatwah, but his security con- lengthy role.” He threatened major out that the United States Flag Code cerns will be even more serious after attacks against Europe in reprisal. says the flag “should not be dipped this apostasy. Given President Bush’s express for any person or thing,” the practice Saudi Arabia plans to retrain its support for government promotion of was discontinued. They received so 40,000 imams, in an effort to counter Christian church activities, I am quite many complaints after they did so that militant Islam. The plan is part of a surprised by an increase of IRS audits the illegal flag dip has been reinstated. wider program launched by the Saudi of church compliance with prohibi- Attorneys for Army Specialist monarch a few years ago to rein in tions against political campaigning. Jeremy Hall and the Military Reli- militant clerics. More churches are crossing the line gious Freedom Foundation refiled The powerful, ultraconservative on which their tax exemptions de- their federal lawsuit against Major religious establishment continues to pend, between permissible issue advo- Freddy Welborn and Secretary of De- exert a reactionary influence over cacy and partisan politics. The num- fense Robert Gates, adding a com- Saudi society. For example, a promi- ber of complaints to the IRS over plaint alleging that Hall’s promotion nent cleric recently called for the be- church politicking has reached an all- was blocked in response to his origi- heading of two liberal writers who time high over the last three or four nal suit. had questioned the orthodox view that years. A 2006 poll found that about a Hall alleges that he was denied his Muslims cannot change their religion. third of Roman Catholics and white constitutional right of assembly while In Turkey, a senior prosecutor has evangelicals and 42% of black Protes- he was deployed in Iraq when he tried gone to the courts asking that the rul- tants said politics and social issues to form an atheist discussion group, ing AKP party be closed down for had been discussed from the pulpit at and was punished for refusing to join violating the guarantees of secular least “once every month or two. in Christian prayers. He says in the government in the Ataturk-era consti- Perhaps the White House is permit- new complaint that his promotion was tution. Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya also ting the IRS to proceed because lib- blocked after the commander of the asked for 71 party members, includ- eral churches are flaunting political (Continued on page 12) PAGE 12 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4

(Continued from page 11) 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley In-box broadcast an e-mail around the post The following two letters were pub- that an abusive adult beating in the announcing Hall’s suit. lished in the New Ulm Journal, in re- brains of a toddler cannot be equated In Los Angeles, a state court rul- sponse to letters opposing the right to to a frightened 14-year-old victim of ing could potentially end nearly all abortion. rape choosing to have the resulting home schooling in the state. The I am writing in response to the letter pregnancy terminated, as Mr. Drietz county petitioned to have two by Phil Drietz in your Wednesday, would like us to believe. Similarly, home-schooled children enrolled in Feb 27, 2008 edition. (“Abortion re- in the case of late term abortions, I public or private school after an jects common decency”). doubt that a pregnant woman who has older sibling accused the father of There are many fallacies in Mr. lovingly and willingly maintained a abuse. A lower state court ruled Drietz’s arguments, which I would pregnancy for seven months would against that idea, citing a constitu- like to point out. suddenly decide that, since she has tional right held by parents to edu- I would like to think that there are nothing better to do one afternoon, cate their children at home. The probably well meaning people on why doesn’t she just run over to the California Appellate Court for the both sides of the issue of the debate doctor’s office and get an abortion second district disagreed and re- about abortion. I would also like to before she heads off for her mani- versed that ruling, declaring that think that not everyone who feels un- cure? I would assume that in most “parents do not have a constitu- comfortable about abortion is a reli- cases late term abortions are very dif- tional right to educate their children gious nutcase. But by the same to- ficult and heart-breaking decisions in their own home.” ken, I don’t think it’s fair to label that families are forced to make. I do An estimated 60,000 to 200,000 everyone who supports abortion not think it is reasonable or kind at all children are currently being home- rights as a supporter of murder! to accuse these unfortunate people of schooled in California, but the court There is much to be said in favor of murder! ruling could be used to require par- sober and thoughtful dialogue on any Unplanned pregnancies happen. ents to get credentials, requiring a controversial issue. But Mr. Drietz Sometimes people fail to use birth five-year course of study and multi- instead chooses to use emotion laden control, sometimes the birth control ple exams. Home-schoolers are ’in words such as “murder” and “tortured fails. Sometimes planned pregnan- shock’ over court ruling, as the par- and dismembered.” I also feel that he cies go tragically wrong, with poten- ents would then have to learn some- attempts to demonize people who tially disastrous health risks to either thing. seek abortions and doctors who pro- the mother or the fetus or both. When Calvin Christian School vide these services. I can imagine These are some of the reasons that asked the Edina Housing and Rede- that he finds the video that he people who support abortion rights velopment Authority for $1.5 mil- watched, presumably of a late term feel strongly that issues such as preg- lion in bonds to finance new build- abortion, to be highly disturbing. I nancies, termination of pregnancies ing construction, the Minnesota would presume that hardly anyone and size of families are decisions that ACLU leapt into action. They sent would derive any pleasure of watch- are private, and should be for women a letter pointing out that, even ing such a video. But it is also inac- and their doctors to decide. Mr. Deitz though the construction would add curate to assume that this video seems rather contemptuous of “a non-religious space to the building, shows a callous woman in cahoots woman’s right to choose.” I think “a reasonable observer could easily with an evil doctor to “torture and that this is not a political slogan, but a conclude that this program is de- dismember” her unborn. The state- right that both men and women de- signed solely to advance the reli- ments that Mr. Drietz makes are not serve, to decide what to do about their gious purposes of Calvin Christian thoughtful, but rather are designed to lives, which includes vital reproduc- School.” The Housing and Rede- either inflame or guilt-trip the reader tive rights and decisions. velopment Authority voted 4-1 into agreeing with his point of view. Surely Mr. Drietz understands that against the proposal because of con- I am willing to consider that many an unplanned pregnancy has conse- cerns over violation of the principle individuals who are uncomfortable quences for both women and men. of separation of church and state. with abortion are probably driven by Also, one may choose to vote for, compassion (although a good number or not vote for the DFL, but once may also oppose abortion purely on again this should be based on sober religious grounds). However, most thought, not by name calling and reasonable people will probably agree (Continued on page 13) VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 13

(Continued from page 12) plugs its fingers in its ears and spreading false information, such as equating the DFL to murderers. screams to drown out the other child’s abortion causing cancer or serious A reasonable approach to decreas- response. psychological problems. ing the number of abortions is to edu- While it may be true that the major- While adoption may be a good so- cate people about effective birth con- ity of women seek abortions for rea- lution for many people, it is a private trol and to make birth control easily sons other than rape, I fail to see how decision for a woman and her family available. Unfortunately, many peo- this somehow discounts these trage- to make. ple who are the most vocal against dies. Are the Kuehns seriously sug- I doubt that the cute, smiling and abortion are the very same folks who gesting that we force a 14-year-old obviously well fed and cared for ba- are against birth control, which leaves child who is pregnant by her incestu- bies that are displayed on “pro-life” women, and for that matter men, in a ous father to carry his child to term? billboards that adorn our highways terrible predicament. Should we force the married mother represent the “real life” poor kids that Compassion is an admirable qual- of a toddler, who finds out that be- wait forever to get adopted. I don’t ity. But along with compassion for cause of medical reasons her preg- see a huge line of “pro-life” individu- the unborn, it would be wonderful if nancy can cost her life, to carry the als tripping over themselves to rush to people who are against abortion ex- pregnancy to term even if it means her adopt babies born to crack addicted tend some of that compassion mothers or babies with serious to the 14-year-old pregnant Banning abortions will not reduce or birth defects. rape victim, or to the devastated eliminate them; it will simply drive I am sorry that the the couple who find out in the 7th Kuehns had to go through a month of pregnancy that the them underground, back to the tragedy 16 years ago. I respect baby whom they were waiting horrific days of back alley abortions their right to not terminate their to welcome into this world has by quacks, and to the ensuing tragic pregnancy. But they should a malformed brain and skull consequences. extend the same courtesy of and will live just for two days, autonomy to other people. Not with a great deal of suffering, everyone may have the re- and then will die. death? sources to make the decision they did. The “already born” of our fellow I agree that people should plan their It is no more right for them to force humans deserve compassion too. families carefully. The best way to other people to carry pregnancies than Vanita Mishra, New Ulm reduce abortions is to educate people it would have been for other people to about birth control and make it easily have forced them to have had an abor- available. However, thanks to the tion. Same old accusations abysmally failure -ridden “abstinence It is ethically wrong to force an- only” sex education programs taught other human to be an incubator of an Steve and Vickie Kuehn’s March 7, in many schools, there are millions of unwanted pregnancy. In some coun- 2008 letter continues in the same his- young people who are growing up tries where abortions are illegal, trionic vein as prior letters of these with very little knowledge of how to women who show up in hospitals af- sort, full of wild accusations, and su- protect themselves against unintended ter a botched back alley abortion are percilious judgments hurled at the de- pregnancies and sexually transmitted promptly handcuffed to the hospital cency and morality of people, espe- diseases. Sometimes the best birth bed, and the entire area is treated as a cially women, whose lives and cir- control methods fail. Contraceptive “crime scene.” cumstances they know and care noth- pills may be unaffordable to many. I do not think this is what we want. ing about. Some doctors refuse to prescribe, and Banning abortions will not reduce They are entitled to their opinions. some pharmacists refuse to fill birth or eliminate them; it will simply drive But the rest of us are not obligated to control prescriptions because of reli- them underground, back to the hor- accept their irrational statements as gious dogma. rific days of back alley abortions by serious and thoughtful dialogue. Studies show that along with drop- quacks and to the ensuing tragic con- Parroting “Abortion is murder, and ping out of high school, having a baby sequences. all who partake are murderers!” while as a young teenager may doom a The “already born” of our fellow turning a deaf ear to any dissenting young girl to a life of poverty. No humans deserve compassion, too. opinion, is not conducive to intelli- young person should be punished like Vanita Mishra, New Ulm gent dialogue. It is reminiscent of a this. schoolyard squabble in which a child Other scare tactics used include PAGE 14 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 As in Europe, Christianity is losing its influence on Americans This editorial was published in the Stillwater Gazette on March 17, 2008. by Lee Salisbury The track record of the lessons. A recent survey by the Pew Fo- Christian God, whose major Seen in this light, our attitudes should rum on Religion & Public Life attribute is purportedly love appreciate myth’s allegories, yet give details religious life in America. and faithfulness for his people, greater credence to everyday nature’s Based on interviews with more shows he is no more caring rhythms of existence. Winter is the time than 35,000 Americans, the U.S. than Allah, Vishnu, or any of of death. Nothing grows, all appears Religious Landscape Survey the dozens of other savior-gods dead. But, winter is always followed by finds that religious affiliation in of history. (Maybe if this god spring. Resurrection time happens year the U.S. is diminishing. were a she, things would be after year, soon trees will blossom and The study shows 28 percent Lee Salisbury different.) A bible full of con- birds sing. No matter how bleak life ap- of American adults have left the tradictions, inconsistencies and pears, a resurrection of a new start is on faith in which they were raised in favor errors plus no credible first century his- the way. The vast majority of us humans of another religion - or no religion at all. torical confirmation of a Jesus of Naz- need new starts from time to time. Forty-four percent of Protestant adults areth or for that matter a town called Where religion and its adherents in- have switched Protestant affiliation. Ca- Nazareth compounds Christianity’s evitably foul things up bringing division tholicism has experienced the greatest credibility. and animosity in society is when they net losses. While 31 percent of Ameri- Why is growing and declare their particular brand or denomi- cans were raised in the Catholic faith, Christianity declining? Perhaps because nation of religion the one and only true today 24 percent describe themselves as Christian faith demands unquestioning religion. This childish exclusivity send- Catholic. Catholicism’s losses would be allegiance to fantastical stories and mind ing heretics and non-believers to an eter- considerably greater were it not for the numbing dogma which squashes an in- nal hell and damnation exposes its true offsetting impact of Latin American im- tellectually stimulated minds. More and man-made fabricated origins. migrants. more people are asking questions that Fear is the tried and tested motivator The survey found that the 16 percent demand rational evidence-based an- of the ignorant and gullible masses. of people (which translates to 42 mil- swers. Christianity like any religion Clergy who preach love, mercy, grace, lion) who say they are unaffiliated with provides nice philosophical platitudes, hope, and forgiveness benefit society. any particular faith today is more than but they are shallow and dissatisfying to Clergy who preach prejudice against double the number who say they were a mind free of “don’t dare ask” religious blacks, women, Jews, gays and non- not affiliated with any particular religion restraints. The free thought mind-set is theists are a detriment to society. as children. Among Americans ages 18- like a butterfly hatched from its cocoon, After a long history of religiously mo- 29, an even greater 25 percent say they free to think, reason and explore any and tivated wars and two World Wars that are not currently affiliated with any par- all there is to discover. Thus, cosmolo- killed 40 million people, Europeans ticular religion. gists and astronomers find the cosmos to have largely rejected Christianity. The dissatisfaction with Christianity be 13 billion years old and biologists Europe’s churches are museums mirror- is certainly understandable. Its allegedly find the theory of evolution unites all ing outgrown meaningless traditions. omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent fields of biology under one theoretical Even in Italy with its Vatican and Papal God has recently proven to be totally umbrella. As a college student said, “a splendor, only 27 percent of Italians indifferent, if not completely inept. man without religion is like a fish with- consider religion important. Where was this God on 9/11, or when out a bicycle.” Like Europeans, Americans too are Katrina struck New Orleans, or when Does this mean religion and Christi- wising up. They have had it with the tornadoes obliterate so many predomi- anity are useless? I do not think so! condescending divide and conquer tac- nately Christian towns like Greensburg However, it does mean people need to tics fomenting religious and political Kansas? put religion and Christianity in proper polarization. Why didn’t this god alert Minnesota’s perspective. All religions are simply the As with Daniel’s King Nebuchadnez- Christian Governor Pawlenty that the institutionalization of mythology. My- zar myth, the handwriting is on the wall. Interstate 35 bridge was about to col- thology is valuable in the sense that its The question is: which Christians will lapse? America’s dollar proudly pro- heroes, whether Jesus, Zeus, Dionysis, wake up to reject the literalized myth claims, “In God we trust” yet under Horus, Mithra, or Zoroastrianism’s and which Christians will faithfully Christian President George Bush the Ahura Mazda have magnificently inspi- hang on to their spiritual fire insurance dollar has lost 50 percent of its God en- rational stories that inspire us mortals. policies hoping for an afterlife of heav- trusted value and America appears Their humble beginnings, miracles, enly bliss of eternally strumming harps headed for a serious recession with a teachings, deaths and resurrections are and singing How Great Thou Art? million homes in foreclosure. allegories that inspire and teach life’s VOLUME 18 NUMBER 4 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 15 Things to do, places to go: A calendar for atheists

Sundays, 6:00 p.m., Atheist/Agnostic 2nd and 4th Monday, 5-7 pm., Happy Thursdays, 7 p.m., Campus Atheists, AA, Men’s Center, 3249 Hennepin Ave. Hour North. La Casita, 1925 Perimeter Skeptics and Humanists (CASH) gen- # 55, Minneapolis, Jason Herrboldt, Road, Roseville, just west of the Rosedale eral meeting. 3d floor Coffman Memorial [email protected]. mall. George Kane, (651) 488-8225. Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Min- neapolis, MN 55455. Contact 3rd Sunday, 1-3:30 p.m., Minnesota 2nd and 4th Monday, 5-7 p.m., Happy [email protected]. Atheists monthly meeting. (See page 1.) Hour South. Davanni’s Restaurant, 2312 W. 66th Street (corner of Penn Ave. and 1st Thursday, 6-9 p.m., “Atheists Talk” 4th Sunday, 8-11 a.m., Breakfast Social. 66th St.), Richfield, Bob/Marilyn Nien- TV taping. MTN, Studio A, 125 SE Old Country Buffet, Holly Shopping Cen- kerk, (612) 866-6200. Main St., Minneapolis. Steve Petersen, ter, Hwy 47 and Mississippi St., Fridley. (651) 484-9277. Private room. 1st Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Lunch Social. Old Country Buffet, Co. Road B2 be- 2nd Thursday, evening. Rochester Area 5th Sunday, Fundraiser Dinner for tween Snelling and Fairview, Roseville. Freethinkers monthly get-together. Bill Building Fund. Price: $6.66. (June, Au- Bob/Marilyn Nienkerk, (612) 866-6200. Kass, [email protected] or (507) gust, November 2008) 259-4237. 3rd Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Lunch So- 1st and 3rd Monday, 6 p.m., Freethought cial. New China Buffet, 105 85th Ave. 4th Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Minnesota Toastmasters Club. Larpenteur Estates NW, Coon Rapids. Bill Volna, (612) Atheists board meeting. Location var- apartment complex, 1280 Larpenteur 781-4273. ies. George Kane, (651) 488-8225. Ave. W., St. Paul. (Park directly in back and follow sidewalk to Party Room.) 4th Wednesday, Meal and a Reel, Up- Roger Belfay, (651) 222-2782 or George town, Minneapolis (Hennepin Ave. and To sign up for Atheists Weekly Kane, (651) 488-8225. Lake St.) 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m. movie. E-mail (AWE), send a request to George Kane, (651) 488-8225. Details in [email protected]. Atheists Weekly E-mail. To sign up for Minnesota Atheists Meetups, go to http://atheists.meetup.com/493.

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DATED MATERIAL—DO NOT DELAY

Excerpt from the lyrics for “The Indifference of Heaven” Heaven” of Indifference “The for lyrics the from Excerpt

– Warren Zevon, songwriter. songwriter. Zevon, Warren –

Of heaven. heaven. Of

Beneath the vast indifference indifference vast the Beneath

Eternity Eternity

We contemplate contemplate We

Back into the sea; sea; the into Back

And all life folds folds life all And

Falls on me me on Falls

Gentle rain rain Gentle

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