Atheist Alliance of America Delivers Who We Are and What We Do PLUS: Articles by Board Members John Loftus |Derek Colanduno | New Logo Our Vision

A Publication of Atheist Alliance of America SUMMER 2017

Serving our Shared Communities for More than 25 Years

Atheist Alliance of America Delivers Who We Are and What We Do PLUS: articles by board members John Loftus |Derek Colanduno | New Logo Our Vision

Atheist Alliance of America unveils its new logo!!! Our vision is to transform society into one that sup- ports and promotes an atheistic worldview based on the values of reason, empiricism and naturalism, a society which respects the wellbeing of all living things, the environment and the separation of church and state. We give our members, associates and affiliates the skills and tools needed to develop and provide educational, advocacy, and community-building programs located throughout the nation. Our values are informed by reason, compassion, purpose, empiricism, science, knowledge, progress, equality, and freedom.

Atheist Alliance of Community Involvement Our Vision Our Mission America is a national On the national level, and AAoA’s vision is to trans- To develop and provide 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, tax through our local affiliates form society into one that educational, advocacy, and deductible educational or- across the U.S., we encour- values reason, rationality, community-building pro- ganization. We are a demo- age and assist in civic and honesty, clarity, and kind- grams for the atheist com- cratically run organization charitable activities at the ness. munity that assist towards led by a Board of Directors. local level. Please visit our fulfilling our vision. website to find a local affiliate of AAA. If you can’t find a local group, contact us for help in starting one. 2 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org 29 Understanding Atheist Alliance Dogmatic Belief 5 Atheist Alliance of America Delivers by Mark Reimers, M.D. Leaving Religion 31 Church Scandals: Why Christians Get Angry for 6 Individual MemberContents Benefits All the Wrong Reasons 8 From6 Affiliate the VP: Member Join Us Benefits at Dragon*7 Committees Con Generalby Candace Interest R. M. Gorham, MA, LPC 9 Meet the Team at Atheist 37 On the Value of Philosophy AllianceBy Mark W. of Gura America and Definitional Apologetics The Secular Buddhist Reformation Artisticby John Loftus Persuasion 15 Secular Buddhism: 38 Saved Interview with Mark W. Gura, Part 1 by Shelley Segal Spotlightby Mark W. Gura Affiliates and Associates 17 Battling Science 40 Listing of affiliates, Deniers: It Takes All of associates and national Us. So, Use Your Voice! organizations 19 To Join or to Start? Thatby Adam Is the Tilford Question 21 How I Fled Islamic Persecutionby Dustin Kemper in Bangladesh and Came to the USA

Savedby Zerin by Firoze Science 24 The Importance of Critical Thinking in the 21st Century 26 The Curse of the Carl Sagan Effectby Dr. Christopher DiCarlo

Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 3 by Julien Musolino \Secular Nation Magazine Digital Content Art Direction, Cover & Graphic Design Kristi Dale Check www.AtheistAllianceAmerica.org (and Mark W. Gura Angelos Sofocleous click on the Podcast link) for more great inter- views! Editorial Executive Editor, Kristi Dale Copy Editor, Angelos Sofocleous To see the online version of this magazine

Proof Reader, John Richards become a member and visit: www. Proof Reader, Vivienne Rathband AtheistAllianceAmerica.org

Contact Info, Subscriptions, Ads, Donations, Reprints [email protected]

Mailing Address Submission Guidelines Atheist Alliance of America P.O. Box 190 Wilder, VT 05088 Please send all submissions to editors@atheistal- Atheist Alliance of America Board of Directors lianceamerica.org for consideration. In the sub- Vice President, Mark W. Gura, ject line, indicate the type of submission, and try Secretary, Dustin Kemper to stay within our preferred sizes: Executive Director / Social Media Director, CW Brown Assistant Social Media Director, Adam Tilford Letter: 100 to 400 words. Derek Colanduno Article: 750-1500 words. John Loftus Fiction: 100-1500 words. Kelli Cooke Poem: up to 300 words. Kristi Dale Tina Hamilton Please include a 2-3 sentence biography and con- Board of Advisers tact information with your submission. Andy Thomson, MD Photograph: Images must be 300 ppi at the de- Angelos Sofocleous sired print size. Bill Flavell Buck Bowen All submissions are subject to editing for length, Candace Gorham Dr. Christopher DiCarlo content, and style. If the editing substantially David Hancock changes the work, it is at staff discretion to notify Ian Harris the author. John Richards Micael Langer By submitting to us you agree that we have the Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, PhD Stephen Law right to publish your submission in any issue of Secular Nation and in any anthologies or similar Key Contributors collections of Secular Nation material, in print Assistant Executive Director, John Jackson and electronic formats. Alex Penuelas Jeremy Casey Karen Jungwirth Secular Nation provides contributors with a copy Steve Miller of the paper and pdf version of the issue in which Zerin Firoze the submission appears, provided your address is supplied. Submissions are unpaid unless oth- erwise pre-arranged. We look forward to reading what ytu write! Copyright 2017 Secular Nation Magazine. All rights reserved. Neither this publication not any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means mechanical, electronic, recording, photocopying, or any other method currently available or to be developed in the future without the prior permission of Atheist Alliance of America.

The views and opinions expressed in Secular Nation are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Atheist Alliance of America, its affiliates, donors, members, or advertisers.

Photo Credits: pages/people for varied photos .

4 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org By Mark W. Gura

Atheisttheist Alliance of AmericaAlliance (AAoA) recently of underwent America the most significant Delivers changes since its inception nearly a quarter century ago. For those who are unaware, AAoA had historically been run by an affiliation of separate atheist organizations, which, as one might imagine, presented extra responsibilities for the affiliates and challenges for AAoA when it came to making substantive decisions in a timely manner. In early 2016, Mark W. Gura and the Board successfully petitioned the Affiliate Council to relinquish their decision-making authority so that AAoA could control its own future in a democratic fashion. This marked an enormous turning point for our organization, and we are deeply appreciative of the kindness our affiliates and collaborators have extended to us over the A years, and for the gracious manner in which they supported our request for autonomy. Atheist Alliance of America tive director; John Loftus, Derek Visit our convention this year (AAoA) recently underwent the Colanduno, Kristi Dale, Adam during September 1-4, 2017 most significant changes since Tilford, Kelli Cooke, and Tina in Atlanta, Georgia and come its inception nearly a quarter Hamilton, as board members— celebrate our 25-year anniver- century ago—and these chang- all while retaining Mark W. Gura sary with us! Stay tuned for es help us deliver new products as Vice President and Dustin more updates at www.atheistal- and services to our members, Kemper as a board member, lianceamerica.org or email affiliates and to our community. both of whom played key roles us at information@atheistal- in providing continuity and re- lianceamerica.org. Historically, AAoA was run by vitalization to the organization. AAoA is as an incubator for an affiliation of separate atheist With its activists and organizations, presenting extra The Alliance is also supported organizations: exten- responsibilities for the affiliates by advisers Ian Harris, Andy sive and challenging AAoA to make Thomson, Stephen Law, Can- reach, timely, substantive decisions. dace Gorham, Bill Flavell, Buck connec- As such, Vice President Mark Bowen, David Hancock, Micael tions, W. Gura and the board of direc- Langer, John Richards and and experience, AAoA now tors successfully petitioned the Christopher DiCarlo, Angelos offers exciting new content to Affiliate Council in early 2016 Sofocleous and by key contribu- its members while serving as a to relinquish their decision- tors Robyn Henderson-Espi- facilitator for secular activists making authority, giving AAoA noza, PhD., Zerin Firoze, and and community organizations control over its own future in Jeremy Kasey. at all levels to achieve their own a democratic fashion. We are objectives. New as well as deeply appreciative of the kind- From now on, Atheist Alliance established activists can take ness our affiliates and collabo- of America will hold its an- advantage of our national plat- rators have extended to us over nual convention in conjunction form, our social media reach, the years and their support of with Dragon*Con’s Skeptrack along with our upcoming pro- our request for autonomy. (www.skeptics.dragoncon.org). grams in street epistemology, Tickets to Dragon*Con may be critical thinking, and online Making the most of this new purchased at www.DragonCon. multimedia development. We’re opportunity, AAoA assembled con. Dragon*Con usually draws also putting together a speak- a powerhouse team of secular more than 75,000 participants er’s bureau and placement activists, educators, editors, and hosts. program for those who inter- authors, producers, and artists ested in incorporatingSecular Nation: Volume traveling 23 | 5 including CW Brown as execu- into their activism. Affiliate Member Benefits • You will be supporting Individuals and groups alike (for local organizations) AAoA’s national advocacy may wish to collaborate with efforts AAoA, seek a formal affiliation, Educational or come directly under the • Access to AAoA speakers, AAoA banner. Benefits of mem- committee members, advis- bership include some of the • Consultation assistance for ers, key contributors and following services. organizational issues or affiliates problems with AAoA offi- The AAoA is an alliance of local cers/board members • Participation in affiliate and national organizations and meetings we are also incubator for activ- • Consultation assistance ists and organizations: regarding social media/face- • Eligibility to serve on AAoA’s AAoA Individual book advocacy Board of Affiliates Member Benefits • Membership in AAoA Face- • You organization will be book group / pages eligible to co-brand with the Atheist Alliance of America, You will receive: • Opportunity to host work- or come directly under the shops at AAoA’s national AAoA banner • A year’s subscription of convention at DragonCon Secular Nation magazine • Eligibility to become an and access to all archived • Opportunity to table at affiliate of Atheist Alliance copies. AAoA’s national convention International at DragonCon • • Any available discounts to Opportunity to participate in AAA’s national and regional • Opportunity to nominate speaker’s bureau and place- conventions. speakers to speak at our ment program which is still annual convention at Drag- being developedJoin AAoA • You will be supporting a na- AdvocacyonCon / Community Build- As an activist tional network of non-theist ing / Group promotion or affiliated groups and individuals. member organization • You will become an effective agent for change in the • Listing on AAoA’s website United States. Departments/Committees • Listing in Secular Nation • You will enable AAA to pro- magazine vide valuable support in the creation and maintenance of • Free e-zine subscription to • Eligibility to run a or par- nontheistic local groups and Secular Nation magazine ticipate in an AAoA depart- committees throughout the ment/committee United States. • Promotion of group’s activities through AAoA’s social • Fundraising opportunities • You will be kept up-to-date media / Facebook pages/ afforded to committees with events and news that groups and email lists will impact your life as an • Eligibility to serve on Board 6 | www.atheistallianceamerica.orgAmerican nontheist. • of Committees

AAoA Members May Join Science Committees: or Start Committees. • Outreach / Unification (Current/Starting Committee Committees Include): SocialScience Justice of Faith Committees: Committee • Secular Mindfulness - Bud- dhism / Critical Think- Educational/Communication ing / Street Epistemology Committees: Committee • Ex-Muslims Committee

• Seminar/Book Tour • LGBTQIA Committee Committee • Social Media Committee • Nonbelievers of Color Com- • TV/Film Committee Humanatarianmittee Committees • Website Committee • Publishing / Agent Services • Secular Nation Magazine Committee / PR Committee Jobs Programs Committee Com. • Secular Nation Podcast Atheists Helping the Homeless: • Blog Committee Committee • Charlotte • Chattannooga • Affiliate Committee • Secular Mindfulness Podcast • Los Angeles Committee. • Fundraising Committee

Become an AAoA member by following this link atheistallianceamerica.org/ membership or sign up on page 39. Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 7 From the VP:

IJoin am extremely Us pleased at Dragon*Con as to the progress that the Atheist Alliance of America (AAoA) has made this year, but the last six months have been pivotal. Be- cause AAoA had not previously developed internal revenue streams, it was dependent on its donors. While this is accepted in the nonprofit world, after Reason Rally 2016 we resolved to create what has now evolved into our Board of Advisers, Affiliates, and Committees. It’s especially exciting that the Board of Committees will be composed of artists, authors, rappers, scientists, movie industry folks, and other talented personalities who will turn their skills, talents, and time into deliverables that will serve the secular, skeptical, atheist, scientific, and Humanist communities. Have you seen Michael? We are pleased to unveil our new program line-up. The producers of the upcoming At first, these programs started as ideas, and some documentary “Godless – The doubted we could achieve our goals. I am pleased Truth Beyond Belief” are trying that with the dedicated team we continue to as- to identify and locate Michael, semble, the Atheist Alliance of America is poised to the kid from the infamous help people all over the world. youtube video “Pissed catholic Mother” to find out what hap- Please join us at our national convention, which pened to him and his family will be held at DragonCon this year, and this will since the video was published also mark our 25th anniversary. See you there! (and then removed) a few years ago. Mark W. Gura If you have any information, Vice President please contact us using the film’s website www.godless- doc.com

8 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org

Board of Meetsophical the Atheism onlineTeam com- Adviceat from an Atheist, Directors munity. He resides in Vermont Unapologetic, and co-wrote God Atheist Allianceand has been an atheist, of hu- Americaor Godless with Randal Rauser. Mark W. Gura - manist, and freethinking activ- He’s also the editor of The Vice President ist for almost four years. Previ- Christian Delusion, The End of ously, he was a Christian for Christianity, Christianity is Not 17 years and, from his many Great and Christianity in the valuable personal experiences, LightDerek of Science. Colanduno Mark W. he brings about these episodes Gura is with others in a manner that the Vice is helpful in their journey to- Presi- wards reason. He holds an A.A. Derek is dent of in Interdisciplinary Studies one of the Athe- from Liberty University. He very the hosts ist Alli- strongly believes in putting of Skep- ance of human rights above those of ticality; America age-old mythologies. He enjoys The offi- and co-presenter of the Rich- playing music (piano and gui- cial radio ard Dawkins Award, which was tar), reading and writing (mu- show recently given to Dr. Lawrence sic and articles), and building and Krauss at “Reason Rally 2016” a consistently reformed mind podcast of Skeptic Magazine in Washington, DC. Mark is also by conforming to the phrase and the Skeptics Society, a top- the host of the “Blind Faith Vac- “QuestionJohn Loftus Before You Believe.” cine” TV show, and the author rated audio talk show dedicated of the book, Atheist Meditation to the promotion of critical Atheist Spirituality. Throughout thinking and science. He is also the Director of Skeptrack, a his life, Gura has lived in and ex- John Loftus Earned MA, MDiv, programming track devoted to plored more than 80 countries. and ThM degrees in philosophy He has over 20 years’ experi- of religion, the last of which was skepticism at Dragon Con (the ence in practicing mindfulness under William Lane Craig. John world’s largest culture conven- meditation/Vipassana. He is also studied in a PhD program tion), which is held in Atlanta, also the Executive Director of at Marquette University. He is Georgia every Labor Day week- the Association of Mindfulness the “Debunking Christianity” end.Kelli Cooke Meditation and Secular Bud- blog owner and author of Why I CWdhism. Brown - Became Executive Director An Atheist, Kelli The Cooke is CW director Brown of the is the 2010 CEO and docu- founder men- of the Outsider Test for Faith, How tary, Godless. Philo- to Defend the Christian Faith: Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 9 Tina Hamilton She is credited with shooting ing Street Epistemology, and is the official videos for several a strong advocate for critical atheist/freethought conven- Tina Hamilton is an atheist and thinking and science, as well as tions. Based near Atlanta, Kelli secular Buddhist – she has stud- Separation of Church and State. is a leader in her local humanist ied multiple religions through- She is active in her local politi- community. She is in a prime out her lifetime – starting with cal organization, and a member location for the newly develop- various Christian denomina- of the Human Dignity Advo- ing film industry in the region tions and then spanned outside Dustincates. Kemper - and has connected with key of Christianity – some of the Secretary professionals to help on this other project, laying the groundwork reli- for projects to come. Cooke has gions Dustin Kemper is a long a Bachelor of Science degree she standing board member for in psychology and a Masters of studied Atheist Alliance of America Science in futures. were and current Secretary. He is She has been in the music and Juda- the former President of the film production business for 12 ism, Pa- Myrtle Beach Humanists and years, including directing, ganism, Freethinkers group in South scriptwriting, editing, story- Dru- Carolina. Dustin is an avid board ideas, direct camera idism, Shamanism, Hindu- science shots, and video editing. Cooke ism, Buddhism and Daoism. enthusiast is a well-trained actor and has Throughout her time in study- and lecturer, had lead and supporting actress ing these religions she realized photographer roles in many projects, includ- that she was a skeptic of su- and animal ing voiceovers. Godless is her pernatural, gods, and religious conservation directorial début. She has won dogma. Twelve years ago, she advocate. He multiple film awards at Houston realized she was an atheist, but is a lover of Worldfest and International values some of the core aspects the beach Freethought Film Festival. She in Buddhism, and that being and ocean is currently President of the meditation and mindfulness. and has been involved for IFFF and Director of Develop- many years in environmental ment for Freethought Film Labs. Tina has a Bachelor’s degree in Adamconservation Tilford projects. Kristi Dale both Nursing, and Psychology. and is now working on her Mas- ters degree in Clinical Mental Kristi Dale is a writer and Health Counseling at Oregon Adam has been an outspoken editor, with a Masters in Com- State University - Cascades, advocate for secularism for parative World Religions. She’s Bend, Oregon. After completion, about four years, and he wrote interested in how and why re- she plans to provide secular the piece that Mark Gura read ligions counseling in the areas of stress before giving Dr. Lawrence have management, grief counseling, Krauss the prestigious Richard im- and addictions. Currently, she Dawkins award at Reason Rally pacted is involved in several Atheist 2016. Adam has spent most of human social media projects, including his life histo- Atheist Alliance of America, As- in Ken- ry—and sociation of Mindfulness Medi- tucky; why tation and Secular Buddhism. serves as they She is also a team member in a an admin contin- support group project for new on the ue to do so, despite significant atheists that Anthony Magna- AAoA advances in scientific knowl- bosco organized. Tina has great Face- edge.10 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org interest in learning and apply- book Dr. Christopher DiCarlo page; and is a woodworker, car- project in Canada to introduce penter, musician, and science Universal Critical Thinking Advisersjunkie, among other things. skills into the Ontario Public Dr. Christopher DiCarlo is a BillHigh SchoolFlavell curriculum. Buck Bowen philosopher, educator, and author. He is an internationally recognized expert on critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Even as a small child, Bill pre- Buck Bowen is a freethinking He teaches in the Faculties of ferred to ask questions before emcee with a lyrical appetite Human Biology and Philosophy believing for skeptical inquiry and critical at the University of Toronto. things thinking. He believes in mental He is also a lifetime member of people fitness through music and that Humanist Canada and an Expert told him if you think better, you live bet- Advisor for the Centre for In- and, ter. quiry Canada. although His mu- raised sic has He has been invited to speak at a Chris- been de- numerous national and inter- tian, by scribed national the age as a confer- of 13 he Sunday- ences concluded there were no good School- and has reasons to believe in God. Bill in- written pursued a career in IT, market- reverse. many ing and management consul- Although scholarly tancy and thought little about it doesn’t glorify drugs, vio- papers atheism until the 9/11 atroc- lence, or objectify women, it’s rang- ity showed how religion could controversial because it chal- ing from become lethal. This spurred lenges one’s most cherished bioethics to cognitive evolution. him to engage in online debates beliefs. “Could the teachings of His latest book, How to Become with Christians and Muslims Jesus be improved?” “Are the a Really Good Pain in the Ass: and to become active on Face- Ten Commandments all they’ve A Critical Thinker’s Guide to book, debating, creating memes been cracked up to be?” And, Asking the Right Questions, was and writing articles. His online “What exactly is the soul?” are released worldwide in 2011 presence resulted in speaking just a few of many questions his and is an international bestsell- invitations from atheist groups music addresses. er. He is a past Visiting Research in several countries including; An entertainer at heart who Scholar at Harvard University in India, The Philippines, Ghana, aims to inform and inspire, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences: Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia, Buck hits the stage equipped Department of Anthropology Kenya and South Africa. This with catchy choruses, vibrant and at the Peabody Museum of work has developed to the point storytelling, and a splash of dry Archaeology and Ethnology. His where Bill acts as a mentor to wit. latest book, Six Steps to Better emergent atheist groups by He has shared the stage with Thinking: How to Disagree and advising on everything from or- author and philosophy instruc- Get Along, will be released in ganisational matters to debat- tor Peter Boghossian as well as 2017. ing techniques, PR and media released the first ever rap song training. Bill teaches and pro- and music video for the Openly Dr. DiCarlo is the Principal of motes Street Epistemology as a Secular Campaign. Critical Thinking Solutions, an way to help people to examine, educational consulting busi- and revise, their beliefs in a ness for individuals, corpora- friendly and non-confrontation- tions, and nonprofits. He is also al way. the developer of the first pilot Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 11 Candace Gorham issues that caused her to even- cutting-edge comedy, that has tually decide that she could no landed him appearances on Candace received her Bach- longer believe in a deity. From a Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Comedy elor’s degree in Secondary place of empathy and compas- Central, as well as two hour TV English Education from North sion, Candace decided to start specials! His first “Critical & Carolina Central University. She the Ebony Exodus Project which Thinking” (2014), AXS TV called received her Master’s degree aims to highlight the harmful ef- “A truly masterful hour of wit, in mental health counseling fects of religion on all believers, humor and derisive jabbing.” from Wake Forest University. but especially for black women. His second “ExtraOrdinary” is Candace’s religious background In addition to ongoing work as due out in 2017. A top head- is varied, including Jehovah’s a counselor, Candace is a mem- liner for over 20 years, Ian was Witnesses and Methodist. At 18, ber of The Clergy Project and named #25 on Entertainment she joined a very charismatic Davidthe Secular Hancock Therapist Project. Journal’s Top 100 Comedi- ministry during which time she ans list, was a semi-finalist in was ordained as an evangelist, Comedy Central’s “Laugh Riots prophetess, and elderess. Be- Competition” and dubbed “Top coming involved in and lead- David is Character Comedian in Town” ing extremist activities such as an art- by Backstage West. He has also casting ist in the been heard on Playboy Radio out de- UK who and regularly on SiriusXM Raw mons, practices Dog. Ian is also one of the top fast- Street Voice Over artists in Hollywood, ing for Episte- having provided voice talent to weeks mology. clients such as McDonald’s, FOX, at a He has Disney XD, DirecTV, Bravo, Fuel, time worked the FOX series “Bones” and and on the Atheos app with Pe- narrated the music driven show faith ter Boghossian and Anthony “Mad Genius” on Fuse TV. You healing, Candace was a be- Magnabosco for over a year may have also seen Ian perform liever’s believer. She worked with a very bright and good mix at many of the atheist and skep- hard to be the minister, wife, between creativity and pragma- tic related “Cons” such as, AAA and mother that she believed tism.Ian Harris. National Convention, Dragon- god had planned her to be. Con, AHA National Conference, When real world problems CSICON, CFI National Summit, were overwhelming her, she and the 2016 Reason Rally. tried even harder to win god’s Ian Harris is a comedian, direc- His keen grasp of science, evi- approval and blessing. Suffering tor, mixed martial arts trainer, denced by his satirical, skeptical with major depression to the voice over artist and above take on everything from reli- point of being suicidal and fac- all an gion to global warming-deniers ing severe financial hardships, unre- and beyond, has also earned Candace thought that she must lenting him comparisons to favorite have been doing something cham- thinking-man’s comics like wrong. She dove into studying pion of Lenny Bruce, Bill Maher and the Bible more than ever before. science, George Carlin. With a unique She became disillusioned with skepti- point of view and an impressive the contradictions and blatant cism array of comedic talents, Ian de- errancy she found. Mounting and livers a thought provoking style questions regarding the simi- critical of stand-up all his own. larities between Jesus and other thinking! A national touring god legends before him, the na- act for 20 years, Ian’s comedy is a fascinating and funny mix of ture12 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org of god, and concepts of hell and evil were just a few of the spot-on impressions and clever, Robyn Henderson- Micael Langer Espinoza, PhD philosophy of mind, essential- ism, and the later philosophy of Micael Langer is a writer, pro- JohnWittgenstein. Richards Knowing intimately that the ducer, and director who’s been borderlands are a place of involved with advertising, learning and growth, Robyn television, and cinema for over draws on their identity and a decade John Richards is a resident of heritage as a queer Latinx in and half, the UK. A retired science teach- everything that they do. From working er who now writes books, he doubt to divine and everywhere with Rede speaks in be- Globo, against tween, Brazil’s theism their largest and or- call televi- ganizes as an sion network, for the last few skeptic activist- years. His previous documen- events in theolo- tary, “Simonal - No One Knows between gian de- How tough it Was,” did well at looking mands international festivals, and he after his the is currently working on, “God- young vision to disrupt hegemony and less – The Truth Beyond Belief,” daughters. He has guested on colonialist structures of multi- a documentary that “does not Premier Christian Radio and layered oppressions. As an anti- discuss the existence of God, at The Conway Hall, London, oppression, anti-racist, non- but tries to understand the foul and has debated Christians in binary Trans*gressive Latinx, behaviors sometimes adopted churches and Skeptics in the Robyn takes seriously their call inStephen his name.” Law Pub in Southern England. He is as an activist theologian and the author of several books and ethicist to bridge together theo- of Keystages 3 and 4 teaching ries and practices that result resource. His second book is in communities responding to Stephen Law is Reader in Phi- almost finished. It’s a response pressing social concerns. Robyn losophy at Heythrop College, to Christian writer Andy Ban- sees this work as a life-orient- University of London. He is the nister’s The Atheist Who Didn’t ing vocation, deeply committed author Exist and is sprinkled with illus- to translating theory to practice, of many trations, some of them comical. and embedded in re-imagining popular Expect a promotional tour soon our moral horizon to one which phi- with Andy and John in gladiato- privileges a politics of radical losophy rialAngelos dialogue. Sofocleous difference. books, includ- Dr. Henderson-Espinoza is Visit- ing The ing Assistant Professor of Ethics Phi- Angelos Sofocleous is a skeptic at the Pacific School of Religion, losophy and agnostic atheist who stud- Graduate Theological Union, in Gym, The Great Philosophers, ies phi- Berkeley, CA; Public Theologian and (for children) The Complete losophy in Residence at Faith Matters Philosophy Files. He is also au- and psy- Network, Nashville, TN. thor of Oxford University Press chology Very Short Introduction to at the Humanism and has published a Univer- book on faith schools, The War sity of for Children’s Minds. His main Durham, research interests lie in phi- UK. He losophy of religion, naturalism, is the Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 13 current President of Durham research interest is in the area about the dangers of religion Atheist, Secularist and Human- of evolutionary psychology and promotes science & philos- ist society, in which he has been and using its principles to Karenophy as a Jungwirthbetter alternative. involved since 2015, and Head understand depression, of Membership for Atheist, resilience, suicide, suicide Humanist, and Secularist Stu- terrorism, and religious belief. dents of the United Kingdom. Facebook Editor and Memes Dr. Thomson co-authored Fac- He is a writer and journalist. He Extraordinaire. Karen’s pas- ing Bipolar: The Young Adult’s has published two short-story sions include meme making, Guide to Dealing with Bipolar pro-cannabis awareness and all and poetry collections, writes Disorder with Russ Federman things Rock-n-Roll! She loves for progressive news website, and Why We Believe In God(s): ConatusNews, on philosophi- A Concise Guide to the Science social media, Street Epistemol- cal, religious, and human rights of Faith with Clare Aukofer. ogy, and strives to make people issues, and has had numerous Since 2008, he has had the Johnthink about Jackson their beliefs. articles appearing in Greek and privilege of serving as a trustee English newspapers. for the Richard Dawkins Foun- Keydation forContributors Reason and Science. He is continuously active in John Jackson is the Assistant promoting the values endorsed Zerin Firoze Executive Director for the Athe- by humanism: Considering rea- ist Alliance of America. He was son and rationality as the way a sergeant in the Marine Corps through which one can reach and and spent the majority of truth, maintain respect for all Zerin Firoze his service in Okinawa, Japan living things, and separation is the and has had the chance to go to of church and state, while giv- founder and both South Korea and the Phil- ing value to the importance of President ippines twice each. He’s now the scientific method and prin- of the GCC studying business administra- Andyciples. Thomson, MD Skeptics Jeremytion at CU Denver. Kasey and Secular Humanist Club, and an outspoken ex- Anderson Muslim, atheist, feminist and Jeremy Kasey is currently work- Thomson, human rights activist. Due to ing as a systems administrator Jr., M.D. her advocacy for secular, LGBT and content developer, as well (Andy) is and women’s rights, she has as dabbling in graphic design a psych- received death threats from and social media manage- iatrist in groups such as Ansar-Al-Islam, ment. Having been raised in the private Jamaat-Shibir, Hefajat-e-Islami church, he stepped away from practice and was forced to flee Bangla- faith around age fifteen. In col- in desh. She now resides in the lege, he majored in physics and Charlottesville, Virginia and West where she continues her minored in philosophy but has a staff psychiatrist both at Steveeducation. Miller been on hiatus from finishing Counseling and Psychological Alexhis degree. Penuelas Services at the University of Virginia Student Health Services and the Institute of Facebook Lieutenant and Law, Psychiatry and Public Memes Extraordinaire Steve Alex is one of the co-founders of Policy. His private practice is was raised as an Ultra-Orthodox Atheists Helping the Homeless oriented toward individual Jew, in Brooklyn, NY. He left the in Los Angeles. He is also one of psychotherapy, forensic fold and became an atheist at the main admins for the Godless psychiatry, and medication age 23. He passionately devotes Facebook page consultation,14 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org and his current his time to educate people The Secular Buddhist by Mark W. Gura Secular Buddhism:their ancestors have done.Interview Isn’t zation, or because with the leaders Markthis interesting? W. Gura, People seem Part of 1nations adopted a particular ecular Nation: In regards to choose their toaster oven religion. The Conquistadors and to self-identifyingReformation as a with more effort than they use other Europeans converted or Buddhist or Secular Bud- to choose their religion—and conquered the people in the dhist, why do that? Why choose religion will guide so many fun- Americas to Christianity, by to follow a religion? Why damental aspects of their lives. force. choose Buddhism? Why choose Some will even die, hate, or kill any religion at all? Is Secular forSN: their What religion. do you mean? Europeans did the same in Buddhism a religion? parts of Africa, Australia, and as far away as the Philippines. S Mark Most European regions ad- Gura: MG: It’s likely that if you were opted their religion in the first While born and raised in Pakistan you place because their then-king traveling would be Muslim, because the or emperor was Christian. This all over majority of people in the Middle sort of colonization/spreading the world East are Muslim. If you were of religion from the top down to more born and raised in India, it’s Religiousor by outside forces occurred than 80 likely that you would preferences all over the world. It countries, follow the Hindu tend to be occurred in the Middle I noticed a pattern. Later I read religion. You would geographic, East and North Afri- that others, people like Rich- likely self-identify as geo-political. can regions as well ard Dawkins, also noticed this a Christian or Catholic (mostly by Islam). same pattern, even before I did. if you were born and Hinduism remained Religious preferences tend to raised in the Americas strong throughout the be geographic, geo-political. or Europe. Buddhist if Indian Subcontinent Very few people choose their you were from Southeast Asia. and Indonesia. If you look at a religion, in the sense that they map that shows majority re- compare and contrast religions The interesting thing about this ligions around the world, it’s before choosing them. Most is that most major religions easy to see where colonization Secular Nation: Volume 23 people continue to do what were initially seeded by coloni- occurred. This is not to say that | 15 religion does not spread by to believe: ism,” by definition. But, Secular proselytizing and missionary ef- 1. In spirits, ghosts and gods Buddhists go one step further, forts, but these too can be seen with a small “g.” they also utilize either Bud- as geo-political efforts. 2. In the superiority of men dhist meditation, philosophy over women. or ethics. Therefore, they are What’s even more interesting 3. That monks are representa- humanists, but they are not just about this is that once coloniza- tives of the Buddha. humanists. tion occurs, rather than trying 4. In rebirth (the Buddhist ver- to throw off the yoke of the sion of reincarnation). Sources: oppressor, people will tend to 5. In devotion and faith. http://www.pewforum. follow the religion of their op- org/2012/12/18/global-religious-land- pressors. We call Buddhists who disagree scape-buddhist/ with Traditional Buddhism Anyway, colonization is not “SecularSN: So what Buddhists.” do Secular Bud- http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ameri- my point. The point I want to dhists believe? canbuddhist/2014/01/buddhism-domi- make is that eventually, some nates-western-states-behind-christianity. people start to question their html religion. When they do, they often change their religion or MG: Secular Buddhists are ei- Editor’s note: Please read Part become non-religious. This is a ther into Buddhist meditation, 2 of our interview with Mark W. recurring theme for ex-Muslims, philosophy or ethics, but only Gura in the next issue of Secular ex-Christians, and even for Bud- utilize practices that are secular. Nation.About the Author dhists. Secular Buddhists were once Traditional Buddhists who Secular Buddhists are atheists Mark W. Gura is Vice President became disenchanted with Tra- who do not believe in gods, gu- of Atheist Alliance of America ditional Buddhism. There are rus, or the supernatural. They and co-presenter of the Rich- now at least 488 million Bud- tend to base their beliefs on ard Dawkins Award, which was dhists in the world. Buddhism peer-reviewed science, reason, is the fourth largest organized and falsifiable beliefs. religion. The internet and other Once colonization occurs, rather than trying to technological advancements throw off the yoke of the oppressor, people will are speeding changes in how tend to follow the religion of their oppressors. people self-identify.

As an atheist activist, how peo- recently given to Dr. Lawrence ple choose religion is especially SN: Are Secular Buddhists Krauss at Reason Rally 2016 in interesting to me. I’ve been also Secular Humanists? Washington, D.C. Mark is also speaking with Anthony Magna- the host of the “Blind Faith Vac- bosco and Peter Boghossian, the cine” TV show and the author of founder of Street Epistemology Atheist Meditation, Atheist Spiri- (SE), and they have agreed that MG: Traditional Buddhism has tuality. Throughout his life, Gura it is a good idea to use SE and always emphasized ethics and has lived in and explored more critical thinking to help people altruism. Secular Buddhists go a than 80 countries. He has over evaluateSN: Why theiris it that beliefs. people gen- few steps further. They strive to 20 years’ experience practicing erally become disenchanted be ethical and altruistic for the mindfulness meditation/Vipas- with Traditional Buddhism? sake of doing good, not because sana. He is also Executive Direc- of some sort of karmic reward. tor of the nonprofit Association Secular Buddhists utilize rea- of Mindfulness Meditation and son, fight for equality and social Secular Buddhism (AMMSB.org). MG: Traditional Buddhism em- justice, and specifically reject braces some theistic and ani- religious dogma and super- www.atheistallianceamerica.org mistic16 | beliefs. Generally, it tends naturalism. This is “human- Spotlight

AAoA is extremely proud of its remarkable team. In this issue of Secular Nation magazine, we would like to take the opportunity to shine the spotlight on Adam Tilford, Dustin Kemper, Landon Taylor (aka Tombstone Da Deadman), Jenefer Hughes and Zerin Firoze.

Read on for an inside look at what makes these individuals tick.

by Adam Tilford If you are a Battling Sciencescience-minded Deniers: Religion It Takes All freethinker did not s a born-and-raisedof Us. rural So,in an Use area of Yourmake its Voice! Kentuckian, I learned ignorant, dogma- way back about dogma and super- fueled science into my stition at an early age. As soon deniers, do not thoughts as Santa was revealed to be be discouraged. again un- “not real,” I immediately asked til about if Jesus was also “not real.” My five years folks wisely told me that this ago. As a was a decision I would have to lover of makeA for myself. I’m extremely the stars and the beauty of dis- grateful for their wise choice of covering the unknown, I naively words. assumed that since science is universal and affects everyone in the same way that humanity as a whole understood life in the same way I did. Boy, was I wrong! purpose to become a “heathen outcast,” but that’s how most of My amazement at the blatant the religious people hereviewed disregard of scientific knowl- me after I became outspoken edge and facts of nature later for the advancement of scientif- turned into disgust. I couldn’t ic knowledge through empirical believe the outright denial of evidence and facts. My words, science by those around me. It based on scientific knowledge, wasn’t really a decision or my contradictedSecular their Nation: life-long Volume 23 | 17 beliefs rooted deeply in feelings would rather you have faith that way you choose to use your with no ties to factual reality. the house you build for them voice for science today, the most will not fall down, rather than important part is that you use Now, here we are nearly in actually understanding geom- it—and continue to use it—un- 2017, about to inaugurate a etry and the way a load travels tilAbout it’s gone. the Author President and presidential team to the ground. who deny science and facts. Adam has been an outspoken After the election, I started I was never worried about not advocate for secularism for giving people here in Kentucky getting more business here in about four years, and he wrote (via social media) lots of grief this area. I have been going out the piece that Mark Gura read over electing someone so proof this county to build and fix before giving Dr. Lawrence foundly and purposefully igno- things for a while. I don’t even Krauss the prestigious rant of science. There are Richard Dawkins award at other atheists in my area Reason Rally 2016. Adam and even more liberals, but has spent most of his life most of them are scared of in Kentucky; serves as an creating barriers with their administrator on the Atheist conservative and religious Alliance of America Face- families, so they keep quiet. book page; and is a wood- Not me. worker, carpenter, musician, and science junkie among Every time I try to very other things. simply explain basic facts of science that any middle school student should know by heart, I never ever get back any reasonable argument or anything logical. try to find work around here More often than not when I re- anymore. But, here is the good fute their religious stories, they part: The very day after the say something like this: “Well, I “super smart” religious right see a lot of big words there” or decided to boycott my busi- “You’re taking it out of context.” ness, the phone started ringing Some have even been so offend- almost nonstop. I’ve secured ed by my support and advocacy myself work for at least a year of science they attempted to just from their ignorant attempt boycott my business. I thought to bring down my business. the attempt was laughable, considering I have been outspoken If you are a science-minded for humanism and secularism freethinker in an area of ig- here in rural Kentucky for many norant, dogma-fueled science years. It seems some people deniers, do not be discouraged. There are many others like us around who stay silent about their liberalism and/or secularism. It is not every person’s nature to be an outspoken voice, but that does not mean they too are not working behind the scenes to educate and inform 18 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org the world in their own way. It takes all of us. So, in whatever by Dustin Kemper To Join oration to of the Start? past. We are pre That- viewpoint. Is Sothe what do we do? disposed to imagine what we We find a different approach The future is already here. alreadyQuestion know. The brain wants of debate based on creating an It’s just not evenly dis- certainty. To make counterintui- In whatever way you tributed. That’s what I tive choices is understandably choose to use your tell myself when I worry, that difficult, but not impossible. voice for science today, nobody cares about the envi- For example, you’re the most important ronment. They more likely to pull a part is that you use just haven’t been soda machine down it—and continue to use exposed to the on you than to get it—until it’s gone. information eaten by a shark, necessary to real- and way more likely ize how to make to get killed by a a contribution, donkey or a coco- understanding of how everyone right? Our recent nut. That sounds can benefit from the measures, election, however, incorrect, doesn’t instead of being affected by the showed me how it? But it is true. It consequences. In short, instead untrue my prem- shouldn’t be a sur- of “doomsday warnings” that ise is. The aver- prise then that we fall on deaf ears, a message of age person knows. They have regularly see an ignorant social promise should be conveyed on access. They see shows, movies, media thread with statements how we can live better collec- articles on social media, and such as, “If global warming is tively in a world of abundance. listen to podcasts every day that real, then why is it cold today?” It is our responsibility as ratio- tell them the world’s climate is or “Why is it snowing there?” nalists to help others see how changing. They just don’t be- We’ve all at one time or another understanding climate change lieve it. Why? been in that argument with a is in their own self-interest. friend or loved one. That’s the thing about being a primate with a hypersensi- Many of us are trying to un- tive amygdala. We are wired to derstand why states such as look for danger, but only in the Florida and here in my home linear and local sense. We only of South Carolina voted for imagine our future as a continu- the one presidential candidate that does not believe in climate change, while we are subject to worsening storms year after year. Why is there any argument at all when the data is so clear?

Those arguments usually re- volve around giving up con- You may be asking your- veniences for the sake of the self other than fine-tuning my environment. That, however, is argument style, what can I as an maybe not a convincing argu- individual do that really makes ment for someone looking at a difference? The answer is the evidence from a hierarchical simple, joinSecular or start. Nation: Volume 23 | 19 About the Author

Dustin Kemper is a long standing board member for Atheist Alliance of America and current Secretary. He is the former Presi- dent of the Myrtle Beach Hu- manists and Freethinkers group in South Carolina. Dustin is an avid science enthusiast and lecturer, photographer and animal conservation advocate. He is a lover of the beach and ocean and What I mean by that is you can has been involved for many years use social media to find volun- in environmental conservation teer projects near you. You will projects. find more than you expect. If you live near the beach, there are beach cleanups. If you live in a city, there are always Adopt-A-Highway cleanups, and if you’re near a river, there are typically river cleanup projects. If you do not find one in your area, be the person to start your own.

I myself love the beach. I have spent my accumulative years living on beaches all over the world. So naturally the impact we have on the ocean and our world’s shores has always been a concern of mine.

Volunteer beach cleanups are one small way I’ve attempted to negate my anxiety of what seems to be an insurmountable obstacle of undoing generations of harm to the planet. It’s not much, but it adds up over time, and that’s the point.

Many of us are trying to understand why states such as Florida, and here in my home of South Carolina, voted for the one presidential candidate that does not believe in climate change while we are subject to worsening storms year after year.

20 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org by ZerinHow Firoze I Fled Islamic Persecution in media. The other atheist writers I could neither seek help nor and activists who were killed in report threats to the police in Bangladeshyear ago, every moment Bangladesh and were Came all males and toBangladesh. the The USA police would A of my life passed with were far older than me. I am arrest me for the grave crime of the constant fear of an outspoken female atheist, exercising free speech, instead rape and death. Islamic extrem- which made me even more vul- of arresting extremists who kill ists could break into my house nerable. Unlike most other slain people. Under Section-57 of the and kill me at any moment. atheists, like Washiqur Rahman, The Bangladeshi government, I have never used a pseudonym police, Islamic groups, my own on my social media accounts. family, and the generally con- I have always been an outspo- servative Bengali Muslim popu- ken critic of Islam and all other lation are all against atheists. I religions with my real name and realized that I did not have any pictures. option but to flee from Bangla- desh to survive. My location in Bangladesh was A yearalso easily traceable. I never I am an outspoken ex- ago, every thought anybody, espe- Muslim atheist, femi- moment cially my own friends 2006 Information and Com- nist, and human rights of my life and relatives, would munication Technology Act, I activist from Bangla- passed with try to harm or kill me could end up in jail for 14 or desh. I have tirelessly the constant just for my writings on more years with heavy fines for written about religious fear of rape and death. social media. Initially, the crime of hurting religious freedom, democracy, I thought at least my sentiments of Muslims in Ban- free speech, women’s moderate, English- gladesh. Jihadists from Ansar- rights, and LGBT rights. speaking Muslim Al-Islam already knew my face Today I risk my life friends would support and name. I was also at risk of every time I speak my mind. I me and help me to reform Is- facing honor-based violence have received rape and death lam, but I was woefully wrong. and torture by my own Muslim threats from extremist groups My Muslim friends deleted me family. I was under attack by like Jamaat-Shibir, Ansar-Al- from social media and have both political Islamic extremists Islam, and Hefajat-e-Islam for cut all ties with me. Some of and my own family. my writings and for supporting my English-speaking Muslim basic human rights. friends tried to kill me unless I did not wish to live my life I converted back to Islam, and under constant fear of threat. I I am a bit different from all the the rest of my Muslim friends want to live my life freely, and other atheist writers who were wanted to report my name to I want to continue my educa- killed in Bangladesh. I am not the police, so that the govern- tion. My British, agnostic friend a blogger. I was attacked and ment could punish me for blas- Sarah gave me the idea to open threatened simply for posting phemy and apostasy. a GoFundMe account. GoFund- Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 21 the truth on my personal social Me is not available in third- world countries, like Bangla- the U.S. and paid for my other The U.S. colleges took four desh. So, Sarah had to set it up expenses here and there when months to review my applica- from the UK with her own UK my own parents refused. I’m tions and accept me. I could not bank information. My atheist fortunate that I have a friend sleep nor eat for those months. Facebook friends from the U.S. like Cary and that my parents I kept fearing for my safety and were generous with their dona- changed their mind at the last changed my location from Dha- tions. However, I could not raise moment (last year in June/July). ka to Chittagong while I waited more than $1,000, as I could not to hear about a decision on my openly have published my story I was able to fight and demand applications. My social media and condition outside my trust- my rights. I was able to shame accounts were deactivated for ed social media atheist friends. my parents for denying, delay- several months as I feared for Later, I also realized that it is ing, and hampering my educa- my life in Bangladesh. I stopped difficult to remit money in and tion for so many years. One of writing on social media. Those out of Bangladesh. I am not the biggest reasons my parents four months were the darkest a foreign worker, so I cannot let me go is because I received and scariest months of my life. receive money outside Bangla- threats from various Islamic desh. My American friend Cary groups. I showed all those hate- My British friend Sarah was intervened and handled all my ful messages to my dad. My very ready to educate, feed, and shel- financial matters wisely, signed presence at my parents’ house ter me in her house. However, my college forms, and acted as was risky for them. the British embassy rejected my my legal guardian in the U.S.I was able to visitor’s visa application due to shame my parents My parents also real- lack of ties with my home coun- Last year during this for denying, ized they could no try of Bangladesh. I could not time, I applied to delaying, and longer tie me down move to the UK to be safe under U.S. colleges for Fall hampering my or force me to marry. Sarah’s protection. The Swedish 2016 admission by education for so Many of my class- embassy also rejected my tour- many years. going AGAINST my mates were forced ist visa application. parents’ wishes. Just into marriage, and last January, I had no my parents wanted Finally in July, 2016, I got my idea I would get ac- the same for me. acceptance letter and I-20 form cepted by all eight U.S. colleges, My dad’s sister told my mom from an accredited U.S. commu- including selective and com- a typical Bengali Muslim man nity college in the SUNY system. petitive Stony Brook University. would never My parents asked me to leave I had worked I had no idea how I would pay marry a and never come back again. for the last for my college. rude, atheist five years to girl like me. save money Last January, Cary helped me Lol. I came for college. apply to U.S. colleges on time to the U.S. I had fought and even paid the admission with one year of funding from with my parents. And as an application fees on my behalf. my parents, and my parents are elder daughter, I demanded my Later, I repaid Cary when my still hesitant to pay for my col- share of the inheritance. It took parents changed their mind. lege. I’m trying to convince my me several years to convince Cary also signed my housing parents to help me pay for my my parents to educate me. My contract form for State Univer- second, third, and fourth year of parents eventually had to let me sity of New York (SUNY) and college. go. My parents could no longer 22 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org acted as my legal guarantor in keep me in their house as many About the Author

extremists and my other former I immediately packed my bags Zerin Firoze is an outspoken ex- religious friends and relatives and took a plane to the U.S Muslim atheist from Bangladesh knew I’m an atheist. My parents as soon as I got my U.S. visa who fights for women’s rights, simply could not keep an out- stamped on my passport. How- gay rights, and secular values. spoken atheist in their house ever, there are job restrictions She is also a key contributor to due to safety-related reasons. for international students in the Atheist Alliance of America. She My parents asked me to leave U.S. Moreover, a student visa is has received numerous death and never come back again. I a temporary visa. I need to go threats for her work and is cur- am not even allowed to visit my back to Bangladesh before my rently in the U.S. under a tempo- parents during my semester visa expires. Now, I need a place rary student visa. She now has a breaks. My parents will not take where I can settle permanently Patreon account for those who me back if I go back to Bangla- and call it my own country. I would like to support her advo- speak English fluently, and I am desh. cacy work. well informed about U.S. poli- The U.S. embassy treated me tics, culture and the American very nicely and granted me a way of life. I want to be a U.S. five-year student visa, after I citizen. I have applied for asy- passed my visa interview and lum in the U.S., and I hope the met all the requirements. U.S. government will grant me asylum.

Student Early Bird rates are only $35, or only $125 for a group of 5 Non-Student Early Bird rates are only $99 SSA Con specializes in leadership development, grassroots organizing, and secular activism training, applicable for both on-, and off-, campus group leaders, members, and all other secular activists. For more info, to register, and to check out our exciting upcoming announcements on speakers and content, head over to https://secularstudents.org/2017con. Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 23 Saved by Dr. Christopher DiCarlo The ImportanceAnd most of importantly: Critical Criti- Stephen Thinking in cal Thinking allows us to have Colbert’s Critical Thinking involvesthe heated 21st discussions Century about im- term— bythe careful reflection Science on portant issues, disagree with Savestruthi- how and why we be- one another, and still get along ness—believe what we do. It Critical Thinking as civilized human beings. comes is composed of a skill hauntingly set that allows us to involves the careful Let’s consider an example apropos better analyze and that might exemplify the in post- consider the value of reflection on how importance of critical election our beliefs and those thinking skills. As a Ca- reflection. Facts are OK, but if of others as they are and why we believe nadian, I had the unique I believe something strongly measured by universal distinction of observing enough (even though it’s factu- criteria. Critical Think- what we do. your recent presidential ally false), that should count ing is important, be- election. The importance just as much as facts, right? cause what you think of critical thinking skills Both political leaders lied dur- often influences how as they could have applied ing this election; however, I you behave, which to this particular election believe Trump outweighed affects others whose can hardly be overstated. Clinton about 3-to-1 in this re- beliefs and actions affect you. We witnessed a lot of things gard. Be that as it may,The the entire fact during that entire election pro- still remains: world The skills of Critical Thinking cess. One of the most startling the entire world witnessed increase our ability to think in my mind was the ease with witnessed the the death more clearly about important which people would betray death of facts of facts issues. Critical Thinking em- their knowledge of the facts and during the 2016 during the powers us with the capacities to even their understanding of the U.S. elections. If 2016 U.S. be confident in what we believe. basic rules of dialogue and dis- facts can so eas- elections. It focuses our thoughts to allow course, in favor of supporting ily be ignored us to communicate more effec- a particular ideology. Feelings when dealing tively. were in; reflective thinking was with some of out. the most im- Critical Thinking allows us to have heated discussions portant decisions to be made in about important issues, disagree with one another, the history of humankind, what and still get along as civilized human beings. hope is there for the rest of us poor slobs in our day-to-day 24 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org lives? at numerous national and in- tional Education Program – and ternational conferences and have been adopted in Schools in written many scholarly papers Guatemala, Rwanda, Uganda, This is why now is the time for ranging from bioethics to cogni- and Ghana with further interest critical thinking skills to be tive evolution. His latest book in China, Colombia, Brazil, Af- learned and used by the polis. entitled: How to Become a Really ghanistan, and Iran. Now is the time for the re- Good Pain in the Ass: A Critical teaching of proper dialogue and Thinker’s Guide to Asking the discourse about important Right Questions was released issues. Now is the time to re- worldwide by Prometheus Press learn the art of disagreement. in August, 2011, and is currently And now is the time to decide in its fifth printing and is an what it means to live in a fair international bestseller. and just world by allowing people a maximal amount of He is a past Visiting Research liberty by causing the least Scholar at Harvard University amount of harm or suffering. in the Faculty of Arts and Sci- ences: Department of Anthropol- However, we will never accom- ogy and the Peabody Museum of plish what we all desire without Archaeology and Ethnology. He the capacity for effective and is currently working on his latest equal communication. And the book tentatively entitled: Flying best chance for this to happen is Without A Pilot: A Determined through the teaching and use of Look at the Future of Ethics, Critical Thinking skills. This will Law, and the Value of Human not be easy. And unfortunately, Behavior. In April, 2008 he was it will be generational in com- awarded TV Ontario’s Big Ideas ing. But the task has befallen all Best Lecturer in Ontario Award. of those who champion discussion over violence, dialogue In August, 2008, he was hon- over hatred, and above all, oured with the Canadian Hu- fairness and compassion – es- manist of the Year Award from pecially to those with whom we the Humanist Association of disagree. Canada. And in September, 2008, he was awarded the UOIT Com- For more information: plementary Faculty Teaching GoFundMe Award. Dr. DiCarlo is the Princi- www.criticalthinkingsolutions. pal of Critical Thinking Solu- ca tions, an educational consulting www.criticalthinkingproject. business for individuals, corpora- comAbout the Author tions, and not-for-profits in both the private and public sectors. Dr. Christopher DiCarlo is a He is also the developer of the philosopher, educator, and first Pilot Project in Canada to author. He currently teaches in introduce Universal Critical the Faculties of Human Biology Thinking skills into the Ontario and Philosophy at the University Public High School curriculum of Toronto. He is also a lifetime which has begun in the Upper member of Humanist Canada Grand District School Board. and an Expert Advisor for the These skills have since been Centre for Inquiry Canada. developed into The Critical He has been invited to speak Thinking Project – an Interna-

Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 25 by Julien Musolino Editor’s Note: This article first appeared here in the September/October 2016 issue of grant proposals not only on the tigious The Freethought Society News. basis of intellectual merit, but National The Curse ofalso on the their potential Carl to make Sagan a Academy Effect broader impact on society. One of Scienc- such impact is the dissemina- es. The once heard a colleague tion of research findings to the reason, I public. In the United Kingdom, according remark that even the best scientific ideas would be the Royal Society encourages to his bi- useless unless they are com- researchers to engage more ographers, municated. Where would we be fully with the public. In France, is that his today, he mused, if Galileo Gali- the National Center for Scien- success as a public ambassador lei, Isaac Newton, Charles Dar- tific Research (CNRS) explains of science led to the percep- win, or Albert Einstein had kept that one of its top priorities is tion that he was a second-rate their discoveries to themselves? to strengthen the relations be- scientist. Ironically, a later Part of what makes science so tween science and society. analysis of Sagan’s scientific successful is a mode of commu- output revealed that his ac- nication based on a culture of On the other hand, researchers complishments were on a par openness and the free exchangeSould who engage in public outreach with those of other members of ideas. In scientific researchers find that, by and large, of the National Academy. In a circles, the principal engage with the their efforts are not similar vein, while many scien- vehicles of dissemi- general public rewarded by their tists agree that public outreach nation are peer-re- in an effort institutions. This does is important, and even part of a viewed publications to popularize not mean that spe- researcher’s duty, a 2006 report and presentations at science? cific awards do not by the Royal Society of London professional meet- exist, but rather, as found that public engagement ings. Through these Martinez-Conde ex- was believed to be carried out venues, scientists plains, “Most dissemi- by those who were not “good communicate with nators incur no net enough” for an academic career, other scientists. But should penalty—and may even benefit adding that such activities were researchers also engage with slightly—yet they obtain few regarded as “light” or “fluffy.” the general public in an effort or no institutional rewards for to popularize science? On this their communication activities.” And yet, systematic studies question, academic culture, for Compounding the problem is involving thousands of partici- all its emphasis on openness the lingering perception within pants across more than ten dif- and the value of knowledge, is academia that scientists who ferent countries all point to the mired in a curious kind of dou- perform outreach activities are conclusion that the Carl Sagan blespeak. of a lesser caliber than those Effect is a myth. In fact, exactly who keep their nose closer to the opposite is true. Research- On the one hand, academic the grindstone and deal ex- ers with popular publications, institutions, professional societ- clusively in the pursuit of new compared to those without, are ies, and funding agencies make knowledge. more active academically, work it clear that engaging the gener- longer hours, score better on al public is an important part of This stereotype even has a standard measures of academic their mission, and they explic- name. It’s called the “Carl Sagan excellence, and have higher itly encourage researchers to Effect.” The late Carl Sagan, an academic rank. Moreover, these do so. As neuroscientist Susana astronomer and famous science conclusions are consistent Martinez-Conde points out, in popularizer, failed to receive across countries and fields of the26 | Unitedwww.atheistallianceamerica.org States, the National tenure at Harvard and was later publication. In my own experi- Science Foundation evaluates denied membership in the presence, I have found that commu- Science matters and a scientifically-educated public is essential to the fulfillment of our democratic ideals. order.

Rewarding researchers who engage in efforts to popularize nicating with the general public place. Sadly, the perils of the science is also vital to fend off has improved both my writing endemic lack of critical think- the deluge of misinformation and my thinking. ing in our society are all too that reaches the shores of pub- familiar to those concerned lic opinion on a daily basis. In There are a number of excellent with such questions, and well- their book Merchants of Doubt, reasons why public dissemina- documented, too. In his book historians Naomi Oreskes and tion of science should rank high Good Thinking, for example, Erik M. Conway chronicle the on the agenda of academic insti- Guy P. Harrison chronicles the decades-long campaign run tutions. In a recent manifesto, large-scale effects of our collec- by entrenched political and neuroscientist and popular tive critical-thinking blind spots corporate interests to mislead science writer David Eagleman and their associated woes. the public on issues ranging explains why. One reason is that Public dissemination of sci- from tobacco smoke to global scientists rely heavily on the ence should also be encouraged warming. Why didn’t scientists taxpaying public for their liveli- because it can inform public stand up, the authors ask. The hood. It is therefore incumbent policy. Last year, President answer is an ominous reminder upon us, denizens of the ivory Barack Obama issued an execu- of the dangers posed by the tower, to express our gratitude tive order supporting the use persistence of the Carl Sagan to our backers and explain to of behavioral science insights Effect. Speaking of mainstream them in plain language what to better serve the American scientists, Oreskes and Conway their hard-earned dollars allow people. The first paragraph remark that “They consider us to do, what we discover, and explains, It is timetheir for ‘real’ work to be the pro- why it matters. As Eagleman academic duction of knowledge, puts it, “Would you invest bil- “A growing body institutions to not its dissemination, lions in an industry that doesn’t of evidence dem- start acting on and they often view share its accomplishments, onstrates that be- their professed these two activities landmarks, open questions, and havioral science aspirations, as mutually exclusive. goals?” insights—research help dispel old Some even sneer at findings from fields myths with fresh colleagues who com- Another reason is to inspire and such as behavioral information, and municate to broader foster critical thinking. A few economics and begin devising audiences, dismissing years ago, I taught an upper- psychology, about ways to reward them as ‘populariz- level undergraduate seminar at how people make researchers ers.’” my home institution, Rutgers decisions and act on who dare to University, and had to argue them—can be used make the truth These reasons repre- with about a third of the class to design govern- heard beyond sent only the tip of a that the age of the Earth is a ment policies to the confines of much larger iceberg, matter of fact and not a matter better serve the the ivory tower. but they suffice to il- of opinion. Every semester, I American people.” lustrate what should talk to students who do not ac- More than a century be a truism, namely, cept that evolution is fact. One ago, the geneticist science matters and a of them, a science major, once and Nobel Laureate scientifically-educated explained to me that science is Hermann Joseph Muller already public is essential to the fulfill- about what can be measured urged his peers to engage in ment of our democratic ideals. and reproduced in a labora- public outreach, stressing that At present, there is widespread tory. If nobody was around to it was imperative for scientists agreement that researchers witness human evolution, he to help educate the public, for ought to engage in efforts to popularize science. There are continued, we have no grounds reasons not dissimilar to those Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 27 for claiming that it actually took expressed in Obama’s executive also excellent reasons, both About the Author intellectual and practical, for supporting such practices. At Julien Musolino is a Franco- the same time, two obstacles American cognitive scientist, still stand in the way. The first public speaker, author, and Asso- is psychological and the second ciate Professor at Rutgers Uni- institutional. In the current versity, New Brunswick, where academic ethos, public outreach he holds a dual appointment is still stigmatized. Moreover, in the Psychology Department academia does not provide the and the world-renowned Center incentive structures necessary for Cognitive Science. Born and to further encourage outreach raised in France, Julien studied activities. All this suggests that at the University of Geneva, in it is time for academic institu- neighboring Switzerland, the tions to start acting on their University of North Wales, Ban- professed aspirations, help gor, in the United Kingdom, the dispel old myths with fresh University of Maryland, and the information, and begin devis- University of Pennsylvania. He is ing ways to reward research- the author of numerous scientific ers who dare to make the truth articles, and is regularly invited heard beyond the confines of to give lectures in the United the ivory tower. States and around the world. His research has been published in References top scientific journals and has been funded by the National 1. Eagleman, David (2013) Institutes of Health and the Na- “WhyThe Journal public of dissemination Neuroscience of tional Science Foundation. science matters: a manifesto.” , Julien is also known for his pas- 33:12147–12149. sionate advocacy of science, 2. Harrison, Guy P. (2015) reason, skepticism, and critical Good Thinking: What you thinking. Julien’s public work is need to know to be smarter, represented by literary agencies safer, wealthier, and wiser. Pro- in New York and London. He is metheus Books. the author of the recent popu- 3. Martinez-Conde, Susana lar science book The Soul Fal- (2016) “Has Contemporary Aca- lacy: What Science Shows we demia Outgrown the Carl Sagan Gain from Letting Go of Our Effect?” The Journal of Neuro- Soul Beliefs, and he is an “expert science, 36(7): 2077-2082. blogger” for Psychology Today. 4. Oreskes, Naomi and Erik Julien has appeared on national Conway (2011) Merchants of television, his writings have been Doubt: How a handful of sci- discussed in popular magazines, entists obscured the truth on and he has been a guest on radio issues from tobacco smoke to and podcast programs in the global warming. Bloomsbury United States and abroad. You Press. can learn more about Julien and 5. Royal Society (2006) “Factors his work by visiting julienmusoli- affecting science communica- no.com and you can follow Julien tion: a survey of scientists and on Twitter @JulienMusolino. engineers,” 2006. London: The Royal Society. 28 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org by Mark Reimers, M.D. be persuaded, when someone by identify- presents evidence to the con- ing other kepticsUnderstanding have been mysti- trary. These experiments Dogmatic are conditions Belief fied (and frustrated) for hardly surprising to those who under which years about the fixed have spent hours arguing with these same dogmas of religious believers. religious true believers, or in- regions are The last election has heightened deed with true believers in any active. that frustration, becauseThe dogmatic many cause. Many people seem to be religious believer looking for arguments to sup- Two of the most prominent believers holds a false port their belief, rather than to regions involved in religious thought their or severely evaluateEvidence their truth. from belief, but not much involved SGod wanted distorted Neurobiology in statements of fact, are ven- them to vote belief, but is tromedial Prefrontal Cortex for one of the rarely moved (vmPFC) and anterior cingulate most destruc- by evidence. There’s not a lot of evidence cortex (ACC). The vmPFC seems tive (and also to be active in a wide variety of least pious) about the brain processes underlying dogmatic false beliefs. conditions involving close rela- candidates in tionships, obligations, or moral recent his- Nevertheless a few researchers have studied the distribution of violations. It is directly con- tory. Inconsistencies such as nected to the amygdala, which these often lead us to dismiss brain activity while people pray or think about religious orWe non- may is crucial for many basic social religious believers as delusional emotions. The ACC seems or stupid. But they aren’t; many testable beliefs. plausibly Two publicly propose that to be involved in many pro- believers function quite effec- cesses that involve reward, tively in practical matters, and available studies religious beliefs are the Neural involve social pain or judgments of value. many false beliefs have been Therefore we may plausi- held widely in many countries Basis of Testable loyalties and and Non-Testable expectations bly propose that religious and eras, even by the intelligen- beliefs involve social loyal- tsia of the age. Dogmatic belief Beliefs and The of reward or Neural Correlates punishment. ties and expectations of is a different kind of thing, but reward or punishment. still dangerous. of Religious and Nonreligious Be- lief – this last led These neuroscience stud- Atheists and skeptics will en- ies confirm the social gage better if they understand by atheist author Sam Harris. psychology account of belief: dogmatism. The dogmatic be- that religious beliefs result liever holds a false or severely These functional MRI studies from a kind of identity politics, distorted belief, but is rarely rather than any kind of think- moved by evi- Many people measured oxygenated blood seem to be flow. Such studies give us ing process (much less rational dence. Numerous thought). Identifying with oth- social psychology looking for some information about arguments which regions of the brain ers is a quick way to navigate experiments of a confusing world. People who the past decades to support are drawing down extra their belief, oxygen from the blood, and are struggling don’t have time have shown that or support in thinking and turn when moderately rather than therefore are likely work- to evaluate ing hard; but they don’t give to identity models for guidance. smart people hold Chronic stress and distraction a belief, they usu- their truth. any information about what those regions are doing. undermine critical thinking. It is ally stand more no accident that critical think- steadfast in their Scientists often infer indi- rectly what may be going on ing movementsSecular Nation:have mostlyVolume 23 | 29 belief, rather than arisen in prosperous societies There has been no selective pressure during evolutionary history for people to acquire nuanced perspectives on their society or on global affairs.

and only among those whose about truth; rather it is about processes underlying dogmatic positions are relatively secure. social bonding and organizing false beliefs. Given that many Critical thinking is only possible joint efforts. There has been voters and activists hold false in a “safe space” where one is some controversy (e.g. here) beliefs, it’s understandable that engaged and trusts others. Such about whether humans are tax supported agencies hesitate trust has severely eroded in the “wired” to believe true things to fund research with political U.S. or only useful delusions. I think implications. Therefore it’s hard this debate gets hung up on to get federal funding in this A recurrent phrase we heard metaphysical terms that are too country to study this impor- from Trump supporters was, broad. Although there has been tant phenomenon (the same is “He tells it like it is.” This phrase a strong selective advantage to true of psychopathy). If private puzzled and vexed most reason- having the facts right about con- citizens—whether skeptics, able people, because Trump crete things like where animals atheists, or humanists—would was stretching the truth or are, natural selection has acted support such research, we outright lying about nearly ev- differently on organizing social would be better able to under- erything important. At the same constructions. In fact many stand and grapple with danger- time, people who admitted that theorists argue that there has ous and widespread dogmatic what he said wasn’t really fac- been strong selective pressure delusions.About the Author tual, affirmed their support for to participate in joint imagina- him anyway. To understand why tions of gods or ancestors, so Dr. Mark Reimers studies brain people could say these kinds of that people fulfill obligations. function by applying statistics things we need to think about There has been no selective and computational methods to mythology. pressure during evolutionary the very large data sets now be- history for people to acquire ing generated in neuroscience Mythology persists, not be- nuanced perspectives on their and genomics. In particular he cause it is grounded in facts, but society or on global affairs. tries to understand how brain because it includes stories that dynamics change between differ- speak to the felt condition of the Although I’ve contrasted dog- ent activities and states of mind. hearer or believer. Belief is not matic belief with factual Dr. Reimers has worked at the Trump’s diatribes fundamentally beliefs, really dogmatic National Institutes of Health, the did not inform peo- about truth; belief is a continuum. Karolinska Institute in Stock- ple about economic rather it is Processes of social holm, and at the Virginia Insti- complexity, or the about social identity operate at all tute for Psychiatric Genetics in global economy, or bonding and levels of discussion, and Richmond. Dr. Reimers was the automation; nor organizing no social movement is leader of the Richmond Human- did he encourage joint efforts. entirely rational—just ists in Virginia from 2009-2014, them to think about ask a young scientist and he is now a frequent speaker getting training or who finds evidence that at humanist and popular science education or modi- undermines the strong events in Michigan. fying their lifestyles. opinions of many senior He did not articulate a vision scientists in that field. Most for how government could help of us have skeptical or atheist them in practical ways. Rather friends who seem (at least to he spoke to their sense of be- us) immune to reason about ing beaten and taken advantage their favorite hobby horse. of by alien forces beyond their control.30 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org As noted above, there’s not a Belief is not fundamentally lot of evidence about the brain Church Scandals: Why Christians Get by Candace R. M. Gorham, a man. She was just a woman. Catholic No one is perfect. We all make Church. MA, LPCAngry for Allmistakes. the Hate the Wrong sin, but love Accord Reasons- t hasLeaving long been a tradition the sinner.” Religioning to one of religions of all varieties article, to deflect attention from the 2. When the mistake is espe- “Church failings inherent in the reli- cially despicable, such as when records gion itself to the failings of the it rises to the level of criminal, have individual person whenever a followers quickly defend their revealed spiritual leader does something religious belief and typically in- stories of many other repeat immoral or illegal. Instead of sist that outsiders not view that abusers, including priests who exploring what, if anything, is in leader as a representative au- traded drugs for sex with mi- theI doctrine, text, or history of thority in their religious tradi- nors, fathered children, and their particular faith that might tion. “He wasn’t a real Christian physically assaulted their vic- lead the person to believe that if he did that. She was being tims…. In many cases, accused his or her actions were accept- influenced by the devil. We’re priests were sent for brief peri- able, followers rally quickly to not all like that. That’s not even ods of psychological evaluation, ensure the integrity of their in the text.” then returned to parishes— organizations. The It has long where they abused again.” range of grievances been a When considering cur- filed against men and tradition of rent scandals to which According to BishopAccount- women of god range religions of followers responded ability.org, an organization from simple mistakes all varieties in one of those two dedicated to documenting what to felonious crimes to deflect ways, any socially they call the “abuse crisis in the and followers of those attention from aware adult could Roman Catholic Church,” the religious and spiri- the failings likely recall several. overall statistics, as reported by tual leaders typically inherent in the Revelations about the the United States Conference respond in one of two religion itself. Catholic Church’s child of Catholic Bishops themselves ways: and sexual abuses is regarding such allegations and one of the most well- proven abuses, are disturbing, 1. They quickly for- known scandals, and to say the least: give the sinner—if responses of the first they believe the person is guilty variety were frighteningly com- • Data through June 2015 re- at all—and continue to stay mon. veal that 6,528 priests have under his or her leadership. been accused of abuses that They become fierce defenders On January 6, 2002, the award- occurred between 1950 and who aggressively protect their winning newspaper, Boston 2015. own and, in the process, neglect Globe, published a piece that is • As of May 2016, the U.S. to consider the potential influ- typically credited as being the bishops report receiving al- ence of the religion itself on the catalyst for heightened social legations from 17,651 vic- leader’s behavior. “He was just awareness of and outrage at the tims. Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 31 • Of allegations of incidents eye-covering resulted—and the Black megachurch world that occurred between continues to result—in scores when, in September 2010, 1950-2002, fully 80% of the of children being repeatedly Bishop Eddie Long faced al- allegations were substanti- abused by pathological deviants legations of sexual misconduct ated. who are free to rape and ter- from four teenaged boys in his rorize with impunity with each church. (This number eventu- Over the decade and a half Bishop-approved relocation to ally grew to a total of five accus- following the Boston Globe’s new parishes. ers.) Long is the senior pastor initial publications, Catholic of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church affiliation fluctuated, What the Catholic Church fails Church, one of the largest pre- enjoying spells of growth such to do, decade after decade, cen- dominantly Black megachurch- as the 7.5% increase in mem- tury after century, is reevaluate es in the country, boasting bership from 2007 to 2008. the doctrines and traditions upwards of 25,000 members, However, over the long run, that create the problem and and is a veritable multimillion- Pew Research Center found that ultimately provide cover for dollar cash cow. Financial scan- there has been an overall 3.1% such rampant, reprehensible dals included. decrease in Catholic affiliation behavior. Biblical devaluation of in the United States between children. Mandatory celibacy. A Handsome, charismatic, and 2007-2014. strict hierarchy of moral au- successful, Long appealed not thority that makes questioning only to his tens of thousands of While this may seem like goodWhat thepopes Catholic and bishops tantamount members, but to millions more news to those who Church fails to to questioning god worldwide who watched him find these behaviors do, decade after himself. Moving on TV, purchased his books and beyond reprehensi- decade, century priests to other merchandise, and attended his ble—“Yay! The Catho- after century, is parishes instead conferences. In the immediate lic Church doesn’t reevaluate the of addressing the aftermath of the multiple ac- have as many people doctrines and issue when allega- cusations of using his spiritual to abuse!” — I can’t traditions that tions are made. authority to coerce the teen- help but marvel create the problem aged boys into engaging in that the decline isn’t and ultimately These are just a sexual acts with him, including greater. The explana- provide cover for few issues that the a bizarre account of a private tion lies in the hearts such rampant, Catholic Church ceremony that sounds a lot like and minds of Catholic reprehensible needs to grapple a wedding, Long’s congregants men and women who behavior. with on a struc- were fiercely loyal. While there continue to support tural level if it is were pockets of people who their churches, de- ever going to halt decided they no longer wanted spite overwhelming the spread of this to call Long “Pastor,” there were evidence that their poison. The priests literally thousands more in his beloved organization and nuns who com- church and millions worldwide isn’t just full of horrible char- mit these atrocities need to be who comforted him, no doubt acters; the entire institution is held accountable and parishio- assuaging pounds of self-hatred rotten to the core, as evidenced ners need to insist that Catholic and hidden guilt. by revelations that the Vatican Church leadership be purged. itself had direct knowledge Or better still, Catholics need Many of his members didn’t of abuses, even to the point to admit that their belief sys- seem to struggle quite as much. of participating in the cover- tem and the myths and texts on “No one knows his heart, but up!“Oh! The priests are fallible which it is founded are shame- god.” “We’ve all sinned and men who deserve forgiveness, ful relics that ultimately prevent fallen short of the glory of god. too,” they say. “He made his them from being the best ver- Who am I to judge?” “He’s a confession, and we must forgive sions of themselves. man of god! He would never do him as Jesus has already done.” such a thing! He taught against www.atheistallianceamerica.org This32 | child-like ear-plugging and Another major scandal rocked homosexuality all the time!” As the culprits endure the resulting well-deserved punishments, the rest of Christianity needs to comb through the Bible for the explicit and implicit messages that might lead to such unacceptable behaviors from spiritual and religious leaders.

Those who believed the accusa- quences of their actions. And as rather obsessed with same-sex tions were quick to forgive, and the culprits endure the result- love and spends much of its many more simply refused to ing well-deserved punishments, time waving obscene signs, pro- believe what was plainly before the rest of Christianity needs to testing and disrupting every- their eyes. comb through the Bible for the thing from gay pride parades explicit and implicit messages (“God hates fags!” “Thank god As with the Catholic Church, that might lead to such unac- for AIDS!”) to military funerals Protestants of all variety— ceptable behaviors from spiri- (“Thank god for dead troops!” mainline, Charismatic, Evan- tual and religious leaders. “God blew up the troops!”) to gelical, Pentecostal, and more— Melissa Etheridge concerts need to take a hard look at Let’s turn to the second type (“Thank god for breast cancer.”) the doctrines and dogma they of response that frequently Westboro Baptist Church ex- peddle and evaluate how they reverberates through Christian plicitly teaches that the Bible make their lives harder. Strict churches and traditions when reveals much more about god’s submission to leaders, espe- there’s a scandal. The second hatred than about his love. cially in non-mainline churches. type of response is that which Phelps has even published a The sin of same-sex love. Belief comes from those who recog- 94-page e-book that proves in demonic influences. These nize that the leader’s actions the truth of his message with are examples of Christian teach- are wrong, immoral, unethical, 701 biblical scriptures on god’s ings that are nothing more than or illegal. Not only do they rec- hatred. ognize it, they are vocal about their disdain and go to great Westboro Baptist Church is so lengths to distance themselves un-Christian that even atheists from the person. Instead of would say they don’t behave as accepting the reality that there the Bible says Christians should are teachings and instructions behave. However, it is at that in the Bible that frequently very point that we must pause give their flawed leaders the and question ourselves, more permission to do what they’re specifically, Christians must doing, responses of this second pause and ask themselves: Is type are the result of meticu- there any biblical precedence to lous cherry-picking and dexter- support Phelps’ stances? What ous mental gymnastics. does the Bible say about god’s love versus his hatred? Which Take Westboro Baptist Church, scriptures teach that homosexu- for example. Fred Phelps, their ality is sin? Are there examples leader and fomenter of the in the Bible of god using physi- most disgusting kind, is hated cal illnesses as a way to punish probably more by Christians people for their sins? bacteria-laden petri dishes from than non-Christians and non- which crop up all manner of un- believers. In fact, I hesitate to “You can’t even get out of the ethical behaviors. While we are include the link to their website, first book without the wrath right to expect leaders to own because the bigotry and hatred and judgments of God consum- up to their sins, we also need on the site is so overwhelming ing most of the book. So, it is to demand nothing less than and emotionally disturbing. throughout the Bible. Open it that they face the full measure (If you click, consider yourself anywhere and you will see the of social, civil, and legal conse- warned.) Their organization is wrath andSecular judgment Nation: ofVolume God 23 in | 33 every book and in nearly every one’s gross income) and give has become entangled in finan- chapter of the Bible.” (p. 5) frequent financial offerings to cial scandals on more than one churches and religious organi- occasion. For example, in 2007, “As a matter of uncontrovertedChristians zations. who so It is based on the “laws” the U.S. Senate Committee on fact, the phrase easily disown the of sowing and Finance opened a “review” of “God loves every- extreme fringes of reaping. If one is six “media-based ministries,” one” never appears Christian teachings to get rich (reap one of which was Dollar’s. Ac- in the Bible. You must challenge rewards), one cording to the reports, Dollar can search from themselves to explore must first give was completely uncooperative Genesis to Rev- a person’s teachings (sow money). and refused to respond to any elation—in all 66 before dismissing them, The gift is almost of the committee’s requests for books, 1,189 chap- because, often times, always in the information. ters, 31,173 verses the “fringe” theology form of money. and 774,746 they teach is a matter This gospel fur- The report reveals that Dollar words—and you of literal interpretation ther teaches that has at times owned four private will never find this of the Bible. your “harvest” jets, currently owns two homes phrase. Period. will always be valued in the millions of dol- In other words, in proportion to lars each, and oversees satellite the most famous your “seed.” The churches in six states and the Christian notion more you give, District of Columbia that make of God that is repeated without the more you get. six-figure payments to the main measure or limit in this evil and church each month. In a more adulterous generation is never In truth, the real benefactors of recent scandal in March 2015, found in the Bible.” (p. 2-3) the prosperity gospel are the Dollar started a campaign to ministers who teach it, the ones raise over $60 million (!) for the Christians who so easily disown who tell their followers that god purchase of a new luxury jet. the extreme fringes of Christian is instructing them to give large Following much negative atten- teachings must challenge them- sums of money to their min- tion in the press, Dollar took the selves to explore a person’s istry. These ministers are, as campaign off his site and de- teachings before dismissing to be expected, wildly wealthy clared he was no longer seeking them, because, often times, the and don’t mind flaunting that public donations to purchase “fringe” theology they teach is a wealth. They teach that their the jet. This just goes to show matter of literal interpretation success is a result of following This just goes the excess of the Bible. At least Phelps is god’s will, and it is their respon- to show the and glut rather convinced of the righ- sibility to live a lavish lifestyle excess and glut that pros- teous of his cause: “This writing and serve as an example of that prosperity perity gos- provides the details that sup- god’s ability and desire to make gospel pel min- port the sayings of the prophets others wealthy, too. Exhibit A: ministers isters get of Westboro Baptist Church, in Creflo Dollar, the senior pastor get used to used to the Last of the Last Days, to wit, of World Changers Church just and, when and, when God Hates Fags and God Hates outside of Atlanta. challenged, chal- America.” (p. 93) cower behind lenged, Creflo Dollar’s ministry is head- lawyers. cower A less abhorrent, yet still con- quartered in a 8,500-seat facil- behind tentious, Christian message is ity known as “The Dome” and lawyers the rise of the “prosperity gos- is reportedly home to some and play pel.” Simply put, the prosperity 30,000 members. The minis- the victim gospel is the message that god try also has affiliated churches of evil-doers trying to stop their intends for his believers to be through the United States and, blessings. rich, exceedingly so! The gospel according to the website, on instructs that believers must six continents. He, like so many Although the prosperity gospel www.atheistallianceamerica.org consistently34 | pay tithes (10% of prosperity gospel preachers, seems to be picking up steam, Rarely do we ever hear, “The Bible told her to do it. The doctrine gives him permission. They were beholden to a perceived disowning the transgressor, higher law.” Hardly ever does anyone directly call out the must acknowledge when there’s religion itself as the real offender, the original sinner. biblical precedence for the leader’s action.

In both cases, followers should it isn’t yet considered main- providing the cold, hard facts always seek a deeper under- stream, and there are many that keep the conversation standing of the mistake, sin, Christians who despise the focused on reality. Apologists or crime by analyzing it with teaching and are quite vocal pop up everywhere to defend the Bible. If the Bible says it’s about it. They declare that god holy books, prophets, and doc- wrong, Christians should be never made such promises to trine, making emotional pleas quick to declare it wrong. If the people or that the blessings the that remind of the goodness of Bible says it’s acceptable, Chris- Bible speaks of are spiritual god. And mudslingers climb out tians should have enough integ- and not financial. They quote of their slimy holes and sully rity to acknowledge it. One can scriptures about the dangers of the entire process, stirring up adequately punish perpetrators loving money and retell stories anger at how horrible Man is. of unethical and illegal acts and about Jesus becoming angry at Regardless of which of the two simultaneously challenge the the money-changers at a tem- responses given, the weight of religious traditions themselves. ple. The problem, as always, is the sin is placed squarely on the Those two acts are not mutually in the interpretation. shoulders of the offender. “She exclusive. Yet, apologists and committed the act. He made mudslingers often behave as if While prosperity gospel min- the mistake. They broke the they are. isters might point to Mark law.” Rarely do we ever hear, 10:29-30 to support their claim “The Bible told her to do it. The Dear Christians, it is past time about receiving blessings, their doctrine gives him permission. you redirect your frustration opponents need only go back They were beholden to a per- and anger to the appropriate a few verses to Mark 10:21 to ceived higher law.” Hardly ever places and with the appropriate challenge them. The minister does anyone directly call out intensity. You must seek out the could point to James 4:2 to de- the religion itself as the real of- true root causes of your leaders’ clare that followers simply have fender, the original sinner. sins. Where you say “fringe,” to ask for what they want. The nonbelievers say “biblical lit- challenger could go forward I’m not, by any means, sug- eralism.” Where you see fanati- only one verse to James 4:3 gesting that unethical or illegal cism, we see social conservativ- to explain why the followers’ actions by men and women of ism. Analyze the Bible. Critique requests go unanswered. The god should be excused simply it. Acknowledge its shortcom- point being, according to my because of the person’s status ings. second proposed response, the or doctrinal-based support for majority of Christians can eas- their actions. Quite the con- After you’ve shamed, dis- ily shun, criticize, and write off trary! Those who respond the owned, punished, or convicted so-called false prophets who fall first way, by easily forgiving the an unethical leader, you must outside of the basic boundaries mistake, need to judge their redirect the deepest and hottest of traditional Christian teach- leaders by the standards of the parts of your disappointment ings because such cherry-pick- Bible. But those who respond and anger to the sources of that ing could go on ad nauseam. the second way, by completely leader’s authority—the teach- Dear Christians, it is pastings, time doctrines,you redirect and your dogma of When a religious scandal frustration and anger to the appropriate places breaks, our society scrambles and with the appropriate intensity. You must seek to find someone to blame. out the true root causes of your leaders’ sins. Investigators and reporters dig into the private lives and Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 35 public dealings of the offender, minister, wife, and mother she believed god had planned her to the religion and its sacred texts. be. When real-world problems You must first come to terms overwhelmed her, she tried even with the fallibility of the Bible, harder to win god’s approval and then be intellectually hon- and blessing. Suffering with est enough to walk away from major depression to the point of any traditions based upon it. being suicidal and facing severe Eschew physical and sexual financial hardships, Candace violence. Disavow bigotry, rac- thought she must have been do- ism, and misogyny. Renounce ing something wrong. She dove any and all things that result in into studying the Bible more harm to others, intentional or than ever before. She became not. And finally, speak up. disillusioned with the contradictions and blatant errancy she In our highly religious society, found. Mounting questions re- there will most certainly come a garding the similarities between time when you will see or hear Jesus and other god legends something that is so antitheti- before him, the nature of god, cal to your newfound superior and concepts of hell and evil, the harmful effects of religion on all believers, but especially ethical system that you simply were just a few of the issues that caused her to eventually decide for Black women. In addition to can’t keep quiet. At that time, be she could no longer believe in a ongoing work as a counselor, unafraid to call out those things deity. From a place of empathy Candace is a member of The that undermine the integrity of and compassion, Candace de- Clergy Project and the Secular our social fabric. Although not cided to start the Ebony Exodus Therapist Project. perfect, we are more refined Project, which aims to highlight than a depraved religious tradition in which there is always a verse, a doctrine, or a revelation that makes all things possible and lawful in the sight of an We are more refined than a depraved religious tradition in which inhumaneAbout the god.Author there is always a verse, a doctrine, or a revelation that makes all things possible and lawful in the sight of an inhumane god. Candace Gorham received her Bachelor’s in secondary English education from North Carolina Central University and her Mas- Our New Magazine Cover!!! ter’s in mental health counseling from Wake Forest University. Ryan Spurlock is Candace’s religious background working on creat- is varied, including Jehovah’s ing a new front cover for our next Witnesses and Methodist. At 18, issue. He’s still she joined a very charismatic working on it, so ministry, during which time she stay tuned. Here’s was ordained as an evangelist, what it might look prophetess, and elderess. Be- like. Ryan’s work coming involved in and lead- can be seen on: ing extremist activities, such as cifercrossing. casting out demons, fasting for deviantart.com or weeks at a time, and faith heal- facebook.com/ ing, Candace was a believer’s be- ryan.j.spurlock liever. She worked hard to be the

36 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org by John Loftus getic, and co-wrote On the Valueof Religion of Must PhilosophyEnd, p. 28] God or and Godless Over the lastDefinitional decade, I The reason why IApologetics prefer to deal with Ran- Generalhave found that one in concrete examples Interest is because dal Rauser. bastion for Christian of how Christian philosophers He’s also apologists has been philosophy, use definitions to obfuscate the edi- especially the philosophy of re- their own theology. It isn’t tor of The ligion. The scholars have honed because I’m anti-intellectual. Christian Delusion, The End of their definitional apologetics in Nor do I think definition are Christianity, Christianity Is Not such a fine-tuned manner that unimportant. I just want truth Great, and Christianity in the when engaging them in this dis- to prevail. Light of Science. cipline it’s like trying to catch a greased pig. Or, to switch meta- About the Author phors, trying to chase them down the rabbit’s hole in an John W. Loftus is on the Board of endless, and ultimately fruit- less, quest for definitions. It comes as no accident that the What’s an extraordinary claim? First Amendment What constitutes evidence? guarantees Freedom What’s the definition of super- of the Press natural? What’s the scientific method? What’s a miracle? What’s a basic belief? What’s Atheist Alliance of America. He a veridical religious experi- earned M.A., M.Div., and Th.M. ence? What’s evil? They do this degrees in philosophy of religion, just like others have done over the last of which under William questions like, “What is the Lane Craig. John also studied in definition of pornography?” a Ph.D. program at Marquette And then they gerrymander University. He is the “Debunking around the plain, simple facts of Christianity” blog owner and au- experience. I would rather deal thor of Why I Became An Atheist, in concrete examples like a vir- The Outsider Test for Faith, How gin who supposedly had a baby to Defend the Christian Faith: and a man who supposedly was Advice from an Atheist, Unapolo- raised from the dead. [From Unapologetic: Why Philosophy This is not a partisan issue. This is not an atheist issue. This is a palpable threat to our democracy and the way open societies close down.

Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 37 Saved by Shelley Segal ArtisticChorus: buys So you think that you You think s a singer-songwriter Can tell us how to live our lives it’s any whose goal is to reflect Never questioning the source of your and question the world from which your moral code business around me, my workPersuasion is deeply derives what influenced by my worldview. You think that suffering is part goes My debut album from 2012, “An of some great plan that’s been on be- Atheist Album,” was written devised tween my as a response to my becoming I wonder, I wonder thighs? an atheist and secular activ- When we’ll be rid of your lies I wonder, I wonder, Aist. It discusses the harm that a When we’ll be rid of your lies religious worldview can cause, Say I need to hear the truth Rather than solely a critique, witnessed from my own expe- A sales-pitch of eternal life and the verses are a direct response riences, while portraying the eternal youth to specific claims that have been meaning and gratitude I discov- All these blessings you are made to me. ered without it. bestowing Upon the one you say is all- Claims that I need to be saved, The most popular song from knowing that there is a heaven, that that album was my single, Are they really deserved if He there is an all-knowing diety. “Saved.” I wrote the song after is sending me where you say I a preacher in the street told me am going? In response I ask how these that I was going to hell. It is my claims can be known for sure. response to a religious ideology Chorus: and morality being pushed on So you think that you How do you know that someone to me. Can tell us how to live our lives is really there? Never questioning the source Saved from which your moral code Do you believe your god is wor- derives thy of praise for sending me to Say that i need to be saved You think that suffering is part hell? Say with me the devils got his of some great plan that’s been way devised In the chorus, I touch on the I want to know how when you I wonder, I wonder, I wonder, I problem of evil and my right are praying wonder to personal, moral, sexual, and And when you are doomsday- What will it take for you bodily autonomy, as well as a ing To start opening your eyes hope and longing for a future How you think you know that To start questioning the where we will be free of these someone is listening to what 38 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org bullshit everyone around you harmful ideas. you are saying? activist, and explicit storyteller, Shelley uses her music not only This song has connected me to express the way she sees the to thousands of secular people world, but to create the world around the world. It has been she wants to see. used on secular, atheist, freethinking, and Humanist podcasts. It’s currently the opening theme music for the call-back show, “The Atheist Experience.” People have taken the time to write to me and express how meaningful it has been to have this sentiment in music. That has encouraged, moved, and motivated me. Please join AAoA today! Since releasing this song four years ago, I’ve had the chance Please visit PayPal at PayPal.Me/atheistalliance or fill out the to meet and sing for a lot of following form and return it along with your check to: these people. I have performed Atheist Alliance of America it at both Reason Rallies and P.O. Box 190 hundreds of times around the Wilder, VT 05088 United States (across 26 states). Each time, I feel emboldened You can also join by visiting atheistallianceamerica.org/membership and select- and powerful. From Arkansas to ing the membership type that applies to you on the Web page. Louisiana, from Texas to Geor- gia, I have played this song and Name announced loudly and proudly that I will not be told how to Address liveAbout my the life. Author City Shelley Segal is a singer and State Zip songwriter. Hear “Saved” here and “An Atheist Album” here, Email and visit her website here. With her “mercurial voice and eclec- Phone tic sound” (The Brag), spirited singer-songwriter Shelley Segal Date creates a space for her listen- ers, a space for people to engage Please indicate the level of sponsorship: with ideas, to question, and to Student membership $15 reflect on the everyday—to see Individual membership $35 its layers, its depth, its mean- Household membership $55 ing. “Truly an artist with inter- Lifetime membership $1,000 national flair” (AU review), her Lifetime couple $1,500 powerful voice has taken her Affiliate membership (organizational) $399 around Australia, Hong Kong, Associate membership (organizational) $199 China, England, and eight tours of the United States. She has Additional contribution amount performed to festival crowds of Total amount enclosed over 30,000 people. An artist,

Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 39 Local Affiliates Local Associate Members

CALIFORNIA NEW JERSEY Atheist Skeptical Kingdom Roswatheists Humanist Society of Santa South Jersey Humanists of ABQ(ASK) Barbara [email protected] 805-967-0883 www.southjerseyhumanists.com Atheists of Orange County Secular Humanists of [email protected] Texas Roanoke www.santabarbarahumanists.org NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte Atheists & Agnostics COLORADO 704-377-9385 Forsyth Area Critical Southern Crecent Boulder Heretics [email protected] Thinkers Freethinkers 303-444-3363 www.charlotteatheists.org [email protected] Freethinkers Association of Student Secular Alliance of [email protected]/ Central Texas CSN heretics PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania Nonbelievers Freethinkers of Colorado Humanists and Atheists The Cincinnati Atheists Springs (PAN) 719-535-0320 York of LV Meetup Group 719-597-6531 717-266-1357 [email protected] [email protected] Lynchburg Area Secular www.freethinkerscs.com www.panonbelievers.org Humanists GEORGIA SOUTH CAROLINA Atlanta Freethought Society Secular Humanists of the (AFS) Lowcountry (SHL) Smyrna Charleston 678-364-8703 843-577-0637 [email protected] president@lowcountryhumanists. www.atlantafreethought.org org www.lowcountryhumanists.org Association of Mindfulness Meditation and Secular TENNESSEE Buddhism Rationalists of East Tennessee Duluth, GA Knoxville Mark W. Gura 865-539-3006 [email protected] www.Rationalists.org www.ammsb..org info@ or [email protected]

IOWA WASHINGTON, D.C. Iowa Atheists and Washington Area Secular Freethinkers (IAF) Humanists (WASH) Des Moines 202-298-0921 515-965-2824 www.wash.org [email protected] [email protected]

MINNESOTA WASHINGTON Atheists for Human Rights Seattle Atheists (AFHR) 206-659-5657 Minneapolis www.seattleatheists.org 612-529-1200 [email protected] [email protected] www.atheistsforhumanrights.org

40 | www.atheistallianceamerica.org National Organizations

American Atheists: www.atheists.org American Humanist Association: www.americanhumanist.org Association of Mindfulness Meditation and Secular Buddhism: www.ammsb.org Atheist Alliance International: www.atheistalliance.org Camp Quest: www.campquest.org Ex-Muslim Council of North America: www.exmna.org Foundation Beyond Belief: www.foundationbeyondbelief.org Freedom From Religion Foundation: www.ffrf.org Freethought Society: www.ftsociety.org Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers www.militaryatheists.org Secular Coalition forAmerica: www.secular.org Secular Student Alliance: www.secularstudents.org

United Coalition of Reason: www.unitedcor.org

Secular Nation: Volume 23 | 41