Graduate / ‘older’ Why do we The bible student essay portray atheists as taught me that contest winners broken believers? God is a jerk PAGE 12-17 PAGE 5 PAGE 6

Vol. 35 No. 9 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. November 2018 FFRF sues IRS on behalf of Nonbelief Relief Preferential treatment treatment of churches vis-à-vis other tax-exempt nonprofits. Nonbelief given to churches over Relief’s tax exemption was revoked annual financial report on Aug. 20 for failure to file the Form 990 return for three consecutive years. FFRF is taking the Internal Revenue Nonbelief Relief “has and will suffer Associated Press Service to court over yet another reli- harm, detriment and disadvantage as President Trump shows off the “religious freedom” executive order he signed on gion-related tax privilege. a result of the revocation of its tax- May 4, 2017, in the Rose Garden, surrounded by members of the faith community The national state/church watch- exempt status, including tax liabilities and Vice President Pence. dog filed a federal lawsuit Oct. 10 in and loss of charitable donations D.C. district court to challenge the which are no longer tax-deductible by preferential exemption of churches donors.” New Treasury report vindicates and related organiza- Nonbelief Relief is tions from reporting asking the court to re- FFRF’s stance on politicking ban annual information instate its tax-exempt returns required of status, and to enjoin FFRF welcomes a new report high- openly flout the law and are not held all other tax-exempt the IRS from continu- lighting deficiencies in the IRS’ en- accountable.” groups. The defen- ing to preferentially forcement of a rule that prohibits The report is particularly timely dant is David J. Kaut- exempt churches and churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprof- because President Trump and Vice ter, acting IRS commissioner. other affiliated religious organizations its from engaging in electioneering. President Pence continue to repeat The plaintiff is Nonbelief Relief, a from annual information filings re- The U.S. Department of the Trea- their lie about “destroying the Johnson humanitarian group created by FFRF’s quired of other 501(c)(3) nonprofits. sury Inspector General for Tax Admin- Amendment,” a provision FFRF has executive board in 2015 as a separate From 2015 through August 2018, istration — which is an independent long worked to uphold. 501(c)(3) entity for atheists, agnostics Nonbelief Relief has given out nearly arm of the federal government that In May 2017, FFRF sued Trump over and freethinkers to remediate condi- $600,000 in charitable grants — work oversees the IRS and acts as an IRS his executive order on religious free- tions of human suffering and injustice which will now be injured and imper- watchdog — recently published a re- dom, an order that he claimed “stops on a global scale “whether the result iled by the government’s actions. port criticizing the IRS for failing to the IRS from revoking a church’s of natural disasters, human actions or The significant tax benefits to enforce the politicking ban, known as or nonprofit’s tax-exempt status if it adherence to religious dogma.” That charitable organizations under the the Johnson Amendment, and for em- chooses to support a political cause.” relief includes assistance to individuals IRS code include exemption from ploying subjective standards to deter- Trump signed the executive order with targeted for nonbelief, secular activism federal income taxes and deductibility mine what constitutes political activity. great fanfare during a National Day of or blasphemy. of donations for income-tax purposes, “This report confirms what FFRF Prayer ceremony in the Rose Garden The IRS refused a request by incentivizing contributions. In return, has been warning about for years,” before a largely clerical audience. He Nonbelief Relief to be excused tax-exempt groups are expected to comments FFRF Co-President Annie said: “This executive order directs the from registering the annual Form annually show that they deserve to Laurie Gaylor. “While most (c)(3) non- IRS not to unfairly target churches and 990, which cited the discriminatory retain these benefits by filing the Form profits follow the law, many churches See Politicking on page 3 See IRS on page 19 Survey: Secular voters could offset Religious Right Editor’s note: This survey and article Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. Question 4 ( 8,736 total responses ) were completed prior to the Nov. 6 “Our survey shows that politicians election. can tap into this potent force with What is the most dangerous threat to the separation of church and state? A new survey of 8,500 secular vot- the right message, and leave the reli- ANSWER CHOICES: President Trump's ers reveals a bloc of highly educat- gious pandering behind.” 35.76% ed, frequent voters determined to According to Pew Research, Supreme Court nominees counter the Religious Right’s hold one-quarter of Americans and one- over the U.S. government and who third of Millennials are now nonre- Betsy DeVos's religious takeover of public education 9.19% would strongly support nonreligious ligious, but of the 535 members of candidates. Congress, only one — California FOX News & the Christian 13.52% FFRF conducted the digital survey Rep. Jared Huffman — is openly Nationalist echo chamber of registered United States voters in nonreligious. early October to help educate the When asked why so few atheists or "Religious Freedom" bills public about secular voters in ad- other nonbelievers are serving, more in state legislatures across 23.70% the U.S. vance of the 2018 midterm elections than half of FFRF’s respondents cited in early November. widespread discrimination against Political inaction of 17.38% “The Religious Right controls all atheists, and more than a third cit- freethinkers three branches of government, but ed a belief that many atheists are secular voters are fired up like never before and ready to vote,” says FFRF See Survey on page 24 Freedom From Religion Foundation survey Page 2 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 Supreme setback won’t deter FFRF This column first ran on the Free- peals court levels, both courts took the thought Now! blog at patheos.com/blogs/ unheard of opportunity to actively urge freethoughtnow. higher courts to overturn precedent they are bound to follow but disagree By Annie Laurie Gaylor with. We’ve never seen anything like this before. he suspenseful on-again, off-again confirmation hearings were gru- Not an abstraction Teling, raising hope until the end This case law is not an abstraction to that despite all the odds, Brett Kava- us. We know, admire and work with many naugh might be defeated. His unfor- of the champions of the First Amend- tunate confirmation as the newest Su- ment who have brought and won Estab- preme Court justice is a game changer lishment Clause challenges before the for our causes and our country. Shortly Supreme Court. Vashti McCollum, who after the U.S. brought the winning lawsuit, McCollum Senate shame- v. Board of Education (1948) against re- fully approved ligious instruction in the public schools Kavanaugh, a that all the other school-related Su- photograph was preme Court decisions are built on, was tweeted of an an FFRF honorary director and friend. older woman Her son, Jim, the erstwhile young boy poignantly cry- pressured and bullied to attend religious ing at the site classes that brought about the landmark of the protests challenge, is now himself a retired con- in Washington, stitutional attorney and FFRF Lifetime D.C. She was Member. Ellery Schempp, who as a high Annie Laurie Gaylor asking: “How schooler protested bible reading in his are we going to public schools and brought about the re- find the strength to keep fighting? Are sounding ruling Abington Township School we going to be out here for another 30 District v. Schempp (1963), is also a friend years? I don’t have 30 years left.” and FFRF Lifetime Member. I, too, was sickened watching the We knew Roy Torcaso, another FFRF male-dominated U.S. Senate ignore the honorary director, who brought Torca- will of the people and confirm a man so v. Watkins (1961) affirming Article 6, who stands against true religious liberty Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution that and women’s rights, a nominee whom trol over government. Unless religion is and contraceptive rights. there can be no religious test for pub- more than 2,400 law professors opposed, kept in its place, all personal rights will The Christian Supremacists aren’t lic office. Ishmael Jaffree, the Supreme and whose behavior even prompted for- be in jeopardy.” Abortion rights on the playing around. Led by zealous Vice Court victor in Wallace v. Jaffree (1985), mer Justice John Paul Stevens at age 98 Supreme Court have been hanging for President Mike Pence, who journalists who successfully challenged prayer in to speak out against his confirmation. years by a 5-4 thread, and now with Ka- Michael D’Antonio and Michael Eisner the guise of meditation in Alabama Like the woman in the photograph, vanaugh replacing Anthony Kennedy, it call “The Shadow President” in their schools, was FFRF’s first Freethinker of I, too, know that everything I’ve spent looks dubious that “religion will be kept chilling new biography, today’s embold- the Year in 1987. my life working for — abortion rights, in its place” on our highest court. ened Christian Nationalists in and out of We were honored to meet the Weis- freethought, secular government — is our government openly seek to repeal man family that sued over clergy prayer imperiled. Dangers of new court or cripple Roe v. Wade, even the right at public school graduations, winning We at the Freedom From Religion This is the appointment we’ve been to contraception, and to do away with their case, Lee v. Weisman (1992). They Foundation have been heart-warmed dreading for years — the essential take- 65 years of firm Supreme Court prece- became FFRF’s Freethinkers of the by support since Kavanaugh’s confirma- over of the Supreme Court by a majori- dent against the imposition of devotions Year. William Cameron Stone, the attor- tion, from individuals and freethinkers ty of Religious Right justices that could and prayer upon a captive audience of ney who fought and won the landmark who’ve sent emails, messages, new mem- last at least a generation. The dangers schoolchildren, among other agendas. case, Stone v. Graham (1980), is a long- berships and donations, telling us they Kavanaugh poses to true religious liberty The Christian Nationalists who open- time FFRF Life Member. Other Estab- know what a vital role FFRF has played and the work of FFRF can’t be overstat- ly scorn our secular government and lishment Clause greats we knew includ- and will need to play in the future. Thank ed. From the moment that Kavanaugh’s Constitution have become emboldened ed Alton Lemon of the famed “Lemon you. We cannot tell you how much your nomination was announced, FFRF has since the 2016 election. As President Test,” who won that famed 1971 case messages and your support mean. rigorously documented his extremist po- Trump stacks the federal district and that Kavanaugh has declared he wants FFRF’s important purpose of guard- sitions, rulings and work. appeals courts with more and more ex- to overturn. ing the separation between religion and This is a judge who concurs with treme appointments, it is simply inev- Every day, our nine constitutional at- government deeply intersects with wom- former Chief Justice William Rehn- itable that the courts will grow increas- torneys invoke these cases. en’s battle for reproductive liberty. As quist that the vaunted constitutional ingly hostile to Establishment Clause While political winds may shift every FFRF’s principle founder Anne Nicol wall of separation is a “bad metaphor,” freedoms. Although nothing comes easy two to four years, terms on the Supreme Gaylor sagely observed: Without sepa- who actively intervened trying to undo in our work to protect the wall of sepa- Court are for life. But already there is ration of church and state, the battle decades of Supreme Court precedent ration, FFRF has been able to generally speculation about how a Democratic for women’s rights “would never end, against school-imposed prayer, and rely on strong Supreme Court precedent Congress could add justices or otherwise because the root cause of the denial of who has sided with Catholic and reli- protecting the freedom of conscience of take action to dampen the power of a those rights was religion and its con- gious organizations against abortion young, impressionable school children Religious Right-controlled Supreme and their parents from government-fos- Court. tered religious indoctrination. Kavana- And let’s not forget what the young- ugh’s appointment and Trump’s lower er woman replied as she photographed court selections will have a chilling effect the crying woman despairing over the on liberal judges, just as it emboldens re- prospect of losing decades of progress actionary ones. for civil liberties in our nation: “I’ll be We’ve already witnessed this in our here. I’ll keep fighting.” So, with your Published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. current winning case over a 34-foot cross help, will FFRF. in a park in Pensacola, Fla. Even though Annie Laurie Gaylor is co-president of P.O. Box 750 Madison WI 53701 we’ve triumphed at the district and ap- FFRF. [email protected] FFRF.org P 608.256.8900 F 608.204.0422 American Infidel: The Born Again Skeptic’s Robert G. Ingersoll Guide to the Bible EDITOR PJ Slinger [email protected] EDITOR EMERITUS Bill Dunn By Orvin Larsen By Ruth Hurmence Green EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Annie Laurie Gaylor Prof. Larsen writes A Missouri grandmother debunks the bible as GRAPHIC DESIGNER Roger Daleiden with a ection and no one has debunked it COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Amit Pal respect of this since Thomas Paine. illustrious 19th CONTRIBUTORS century freethinker. Published by FFRF Philip Appleman, Mickey Desruisseaux, Emma Green, Chris Line, Erin Louis, Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey, Michael J. Rice, Andrew Seidel, Buy it from FFRF online BuyBuy it it from from FFRF online online Jake Swenson, Barbara G. Walker shop.ff rf.org shop.ffshop.ffrf.org rf.org The only freethought newspaper in the United States November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 3 FFRF’s editorial OVERHEARD Until they allow professional investiga- quote from Maya Angelou rather than tors inside the secret archives, there will reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Cook assistant is a woman be no real transparency. They are inca- said he plans to select quotes from a pable of handling this internally. range of inspirational Americans to Jeff Anderson, a Minnesota lawyer who begin future meetings. has handled many sex-abuse lawsuits, The Hill, 10-11-18 of action (alerts) commenting on plans announced by U.S. Catholic bishops, which notably don’t The damage Name: Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey include stopping their lobbying against done [by abuse] Where and when I was born: Madi- expansion of statutes of limitation laws. is so deep and son, Wis., in 1995. Associated Press, 9-19-18 so devastating, Education: I graduated from and a survivor UW-Madison in 2017 and majored in The bottom-line is that while church so desperately journalism and mass communication and state are formally separated, reli- needs refuge and political science with a certificate gious legislators are still driven by their and security. in gender and women’s studies. religious beliefs when voting in the Sen- The question an Family: Both my parents still live in ate on all issue areas. This mechanism abuse survivor is the house I grew up in and my two old- circumvents the formal separation of asking is “Am I er sisters also live in the area. church and state and brings religion Rachael safe?” and “Do How I came to work at FFRF: A very into politics through the back door. Denhollander I matter?” And lucky Google Jobs search! Daniel Arnon, Emory University pro- when those in What I do here: I am the editorial fessor, who did a study called “The En- authority mishandle this conversation, it assistant and have a pretty wide range during Influence of Religion on Sena- sends a message of no to both questions. of responsibilities. I am a part of the tors’ Legislative Behavior.” Rachael Denhollander, after telling her Strategic Response Team, so I work Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey PsyPost, 9-26-18 church leaders that former SGC presi- closely with our Legal Team to coordi- dent C.J. Mahaney’s return to ministry nate all of our Action Alerts, as well as about: Professional athletics. The extremists have shown what fright- was inappropriate because he had cov- our responses on developing news. I as- My religious upbringing was: Non- ens them the most — a girl with a book. ered up sexual abuse within the church sist Communications Director Amit Pal existent. I never went to church or ob- Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist in the past. (Denhollander was also with a number of served a religion and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, the first to go public with accusations press releases and FFR and my parents al- after 12 schools were burned to the against Larry Nassar of Michigan State coordinate send- ways championed ground in Pakistan in early August. University, who was sentenced for mo- ing those to media. I write up the FFRF my curiosity and discernment. I am so Twitter, 9-19-18 lesting hundreds of girls.) legal victories for Freethought Today. grateful for that. Washington Post, 10-11-18 I also manage most of the content on My doubts about religion started: What is really at stake here is less about FFRF’s Twitter page, as well as jump in I never had a religion to doubt. But, the identity of these petitioners and There is no God. No one directs the on other random tasks as I am needed. when I pronounced the “p” in “psalm” more about cur- universe. For centuries, it was believed What I like best about it: I like get- during a class presentation once and tailing the grand that disabled people like me were liv- ting to work across teams and have a everyone snickered, I started to get the jury act and pro- ing under a curse that was inflicted by hand in so many different areas of the inkling there was something I missed. tecting powerful God. I prefer to think that everything work we do. I also love having the op- Things I like: Graphic design, travel- institutions like can be explained another way, by the portunity to help people get involved ing and reading about history. the Catholic laws of nature. and take action on important issues. Things I smite: When people say, “I Church. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawk- What gets old about it: Keeping up just don’t read the news, it stresses me Pennsylvania ing, in his posthumous book, Brief An- with social media can be a bit draining out!” and decaf coffee. Attorney Gen- swers to the Big Questions. on days when there is an overwhelm- In my golden years: I will have out- eral Josh Sha- CNN, 10-16-18 ing amount of bad news. grown my dog allergy as everybody piro, speaking I spend a lot of time thinking about: has promised me I will someday and Josh Shapiro about the law- There’s a public face of this government, Climate change and also the preva- will own three English Cream golden suit in the state which is very protective of religious liber- lence of ugly typefaces. retrievers and have a full library in Supreme Court to make public the ty, and then the real work they’re doing I spend little if any time thinking my house. names of those who had their names is only protecting the religious liberty redacted from the grand jury report. rights of those who are religious conser- Washington Post, 10-7-18 vatives, not of religious progressives. Politicking Katherine Franke, director of the Pub- Continued from page 1 There are a lot of ways to express grat- lic Rights/Private Conscience Project itude and appreciation for the country at Columbia Law School, following the religious organizations for political its newest lawsuit against the IRS filed and its citizens. This is how I plan to arrest of Scott Warren, a U.S. citizen, speech.” Oct. 10 in D.C. District Court on a re- do that. for harboring two Central Americans. Trump also told churches that, with lated matter of preferential treatment. Stevon Cook, new president of the Warren said his faith compels him to his new order, they would not lose their (See story on page 1.) San Francisco School Board, after offer assistance to people in dire need. tax exemption for violating the rule Despite FFRF’s lawsuits and beginning the board meeting with a NPR, 10-18-18 and could say whatever they wanted: Trump’s attorneys admitting that he “This financial threat against the faith lacked authority to overturn the John- community is over. . . . You’re now in son Amendment, the report reveals a position where you can say what you that the IRS has been ignoring a mul- want to say.” titude of complaints alleging illegal FFRF won that lawsuit. Trump’s own tax-exempt politicking. The IRS’ own Department of Justice explained to the watchdog reviewed a sample out of court that the executive order did not more than 6,500 complaints between do what Trump claimed and, in other July 2015 and August 2016 and deter- words, that Trump was all talk. mined that “a significant number of The Washington Post, in an article allegations involving impermissible cheekily titled, “Critics said Trump’s political activity were not forwarded to ‘religious liberty’ order does nothing. the [investigative body] as required.” The administration’s lawyers seem to The report looks at 11 sample com- agree,” explains: “Department of Jus- plaints that should have been submit- tice attorneys defending the order ar- ted for further review because they gued in court that it doesn’t change alleged impermissible political activity. any existing laws or alter any policies None of them were. to benefit churches or clergy.” The reports recommends several That lawsuit was not FFRF’s first sweeping changes to IRS practices so to seek enforcement of the Johnson that churches and other tax-exempt Amendment. FFRF sued in 2012 be- organizations will be held accountable cause the IRS had failed to fill the po- when they break the law. sition that enforces the politicking rule FFRF is a national state-church Would you like to start your day on a freethought note? “Freethought of against churches. That case was settled watchdog with more than 32,000 mem- the Day” is a daily freethought calendar brought to you courtesy of FFRF, in FFRF’s favor in 2014, when the IRS bers. Its purposes are protecting the highlighting birthdates, quotes, and other historic tidbits. demonstrated it had resumed investi- constitutional separation between state If you would like to receive the “Daily Freethought,” e-mail us at info@ ffrf.org. gations of political churches. FFRF re- and church, and educating the public news its claims of nonenforcement in about matters relating to nontheism. Page 4 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 Studying the bible turned HEADS UP Wes Bieritz into anti-theist Name: Wesley G. Bieritz. A Poetry Column By Philip Appleman Where and when I was born: Born in EVE 1936 in a small farming town in north- ern Illinois. Clever, he was, so slick Family: I have been married three he could weave words into sunshine. times and widowed twice. I have three When he murmured another refrain daughters by my first wife Laurel; and of that shimmering promise, “You seven grandchildren. shall be as gods,” something with wings Occupation: I’m a retired veterinar- ian, having graduated from the Univer- whispered back in my heart, sity of Illinois in 1963. and I crunched the apple—a taste so good Military service: I served in the Army I just had to share it with Adam, Reserves for 5 1/2 years. and all of a sudden My doubts about religion started: I Wes Bieritz we were naked. was born into a Lutheran farm family in Oh, yes, we were nude before, but now, Illinois where my dad was a sharecrop- a devoted barbershop singer and have per. I was baptized, confirmed and mar- sung in a barbershop chorus and sever- grabbing for fig leaves, we knew ried as a Lutheran and was a devoted al barbershop quartets over the past 50- that we knew too much, just as the slippery churchgoer for decades. I thoroughly plus years. I’m still active in my commu- serpent said—so we crouched all day enjoyed the camaraderie and the music nity serving on our county board as well under the rhododendrons, trembling in my church family. as on several other significant boards. at something bleak and windswept in our bellies After graduating and working as a Person in history I admire and why: that soon we’d learn to call by its right name: veterinarian in central Illinois, I was I admire the work of Richard Dawkins, asked to teach an adult Sunday school the late Christopher Hitchens, Richard fear. class. I reluctantly Carrier and Sam God was furious with the snake agreed, but as my R Harris and the and hacked off his legs on the spot studies into the hundreds of other And for us bible progressed, I found serious ques- remarkable people who have opened it was thorns and thistles, tions regarding the New Testament. our world to biblical research, secular sweat of the brow, dust Then, after years of reading and study archeology and to reason. I became an anti-theist. I’ve maintained Ways I promote freethought: It is to dust returning. In that sizzling that belief status to this day despite liv- my hope that my gift will help FFRF skyful of spite whirled ing, working and retiring in a Christian to pry open the minds of the people the whole black storm of the future: community for more than 50 years. of the world from the clutches and the flint knife in Abel’s heart, However, like many nontheists today, I oppression of organized religions that the incest that swelled us into a tribe, struggle with my beliefs in my relation- paralyze minds and inhibit progress. a nation, and ships with my Christian friends. There is no greater cause! Perhaps my These are a few of my favorite things: contribution to FFRF’s Legal Fund will brought us all, like driven lambs, I am an enthusiastic tennis player and encourage others to do likewise. straight to His flood. I blamed it on human nature, even then, when there were only two humans around, and if human nature was a mistake, Freethought Today caption contest! whose mistake was it? I didn’t ask to be cursed with curiosity, I only wanted the apple, and of course that promise—to be like gods. But then, maybe we are like gods. Maybe we’re all exactly like gods. And maybe that’s our really original sin.

From Perfidious Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look At The Bible © Philip Appleman.

Philip Appleman is a Dis­tinguished Pro­fessor Emeri­tus at India­ ­na Uni­ver­si­ty. He is editor of the Norton Critical Edition of Darwin. He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “After-Life” Members of FFRF.

Chris Benedict spotted this sign at an auto dealership in Independence, Mo. To enter the contest, please write a humorous or witty caption for this pho- to. Email your response to [email protected] by Nov. 28. The winner, chosen by FFRF staff, will receive an FFRF T-shirt! We will announce the winner and FFRF welcomes new Life Members top runners-up in the December issue. FFRF is excited to announce our Mayo, John McIntyre, Paul Premack, 34 newest Lifetime and After-Life John Roberg, Johann C. Rode, Dan Members. Selle, Ivan Smith, Judith L. Smith, Gay- Yip Harburg, Our new After-Life Members are le Teague, Vicki Wallshein, Jerry Wal- from his book: Rhymes for the Irreverent John De Lancie, Ray Stefanski and ters, Laurian Webre, Gene Werden, Illustrated by Seymore Cwast Donald T. Tober. An After-Life Mem- Laurie Wermter, Warne White and bership is a $5,000 donation for those Craig C. Wruck. Shall I Write A Letter who want their donation to “live on” States represented are Alaska, Arizo- after them. na, California, Florida, Illinois, Mary- To My Congressman? FFRF’s newest Lifetime Members land, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Each Congressman has got two ends, are Peter Antonowicz, Ruth Bragman, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylva- A sitting and a thinking end, Jeremy J.G. Brown, Rick B. Brumfield, nia, Tennessee, Texas, Washington And since his whole success depends Alice Byers, Doug Campbell, Tom Cara and Wisconsin. Individual Lifetime Upon his seat — why bother, friend? (2nd Time Lifer), David Carter, Tom Memberships are $1,000, designated Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation Gengler, Geoffrey Gervase, Chris Ha- as membership or membership renew- gen, Michael B. Healy, Bruce Johnson, al, and are deductible for income-tax Buy it from FFRF online - shop.ffrf.org Jamila Kisses, John Mayer, James A. purposes. November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 5 Why do we portray atheists as broken believers?

This article was first published Sept. 19 prone to good or evil behavior than in Washington Square News, the student anyone else of any other faith, and newspaper of New York University. It is re- evidence suggests that America’s per- published with permission. vasive anti-atheist attitudes make peo- ple less likely to express their doubt By Mickey Desruisseaux in the divine. The marketing for “God Friended ne of this fall’s new TV shows is Me” claims that it wants to spur conver- CBS’s dramedy “God Friended sations about faith without prescribing OMe,” the premise of which is a concrete answer, and it’s a very wor- exactly what the title suggests. An ag- thy goal. It would’ve been better served gressively atheistic podcaster named with a prickly, but still a fundamentally Miles (Brandon Micheal Hall) accepts good main character whose atheism a friend request on Facebook from the was a result of a self-directed reflection big guy upstairs. on the big questions, and whose pos- ‘God’ starts suggesting more friends sible turn to faith was another step in for doubtful Miles to add, whom he that journey. starts running into almost immedi- Photo courtesy CBS Choosing to root his disbelief in ately afterward in real life. Each of “God Friended Me” is a new TV show on CBS about an atheist who gets a friend childhood trauma instead feels like a them has prob- request from God on Facebook. wasted opportunity to showcase that a lems that Miles the oh-so-sour atheist he is today. I near- bers of Congress, exactly one identifies life without belief in God can be every seems unique- ly chucked my laptop across the room, as religiously “unaffiliated.” No pro- bit as moral and meaningful as a life with ly attuned to before remembering that in the real fessed atheist has ever been appointed one. It’s very possible that some twists solving, and world, exaggerated displays of exasper- to the Supreme Court, nor has one ever lie ahead for Miles, including whether each, in turn, ation are pretty expensive. been elected president. Don’t count on or not he’s actually been friended by seems to pos- In a vacuum, this wouldn’t be a bad it happening anytime soon, either. Gal- God. But after its first episode, it feels sess a quality storytelling decision; I’ve known a few lup polls have suggested an atheist can- very much like the show is already steer- that can teach people in my life who’ve lost their faith didate would enjoy less support than ing him, and the conversations it wants Miles some- for similar reasons. But when you con- a candidate from any other religious to foster, in a particular direction. thing about the sume enough media, you start to pick group in the country, even in an age of I’m pulling for “God Friended Me,” Photo courtesy of CBS world around up on some of the tropes that keep resurgent neo-Nazis and judicially up- in no small part because it stars one of Mickey Desruisseaux him. But while rearing their heads regarding vocal held travel bans that are Definitely Not my favorite actors, Joe “Monologue” the schmaltzy atheists. Atheists are usually smugly Targeted Toward Muslims. Americans Morton, as Miles’ estranged father. In premise is surprisingly well executed, lording their supposed intellectual may not trust believers equally, but we an age of hyperpolarized animosity the pilot episode ends up reinforcing superiority over people of faith, or distrust nonbelievers most of all. driven in no small part by social media, a paradigm in which belief is viewed faux-Nietzschean nihilists hell-bent on But there’s no reason to. No one’s there’s something comforting about as the norm, disbelief as an aberration world destruction. And while Miles’ born with an innate knowledge of a show that wants to represent it as a and atheists as errant members of the depiction as an ex-believer nursing his the catechisms and doctrines under- force for good and speaks to our better flock waiting for a shepherd to guide faith within a cocoon of cynicism is not pinning the world’s major religions; angels. I’ll be back when it premieres them home. quite as bad as that, it can be just as it’s something we’re either taught as to see how Miles’ journey toward Per- It turns out that, as the son of a pas- harmful, because these dynamics be- children or discover and embrace lat- sonal Growth™ and quite possibly True tor, Miles was a devout child until his gin to bleed back into the real world er on. Some people never experience Love™ plays out. mother was diagnosed with terminal and negatively affect people’s percep- either, and still, others decide later in Here’s hoping that viewers of all breast cancer. He prayed endlessly for tions of the nonreligious. life that the framework they’re used stripes understand that you can find God to cure her, only for her to die in a About 10 to 25 percent of Americans to no longer suits them for reasons both of those things without being a car accident after making a miraculous identify as atheist, agnostic or otherwise entirely unrelated to a personal trag- believer. full recovery. The tragedy shattered nonreligious. But studies show that the edy. Either is perfectly fine, and nei- Mickey Desruisseaux is a student at Miles’ faith and his relationship with general populace distrusts nonbeliev- ther is the equivalent of rejecting mo- NYU’s School of Law. He was a political sci- his father, pushing him into becoming ers’ morality. Of the 535 current mem- rality outright. Atheists are no more ence major with a creative writing minor. THEY SAID WHAT?

The devil is the “Great Accuser, ton High School and potentially other in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly age to fail to cover gender reassignment who roams the Earth looking for ways Bossier Parish schools.” general audience. surgery for a government employee. to accuse.” RollCall.com, 9-19-18 The Irish Times, 10-10-18 OneNewsNow, 10-15-18 Pope Francis, who asked for daily prayers to protect the Catholic Church There are a lot of things behind it that This man does not need this job, We pray also from what he says are “attacks by the have nothing to he took this job because God provid- for the church devil.” The Vatican wouldn’t say if do with govern- ed him the intellect he has to help our to take a stand, Francis was referring to its former ment. They have country and to help the world. . . . I and that this ambassador, Archbishop Carlo Maria things to do with love that he mentions God. He has a would be the Vigano, who has thrown the papacy . . . things like family. He respects people — whether finest hour for into turmoil by accusing Francis of removing God people disagree with that or not. the church to rehabilitating ex-Cardinal Theodore from the public Sister Maryann, a nun, speaking about stand right now McCarrick from sanctions imposed by square. President Trump to a reporter during in this coun- Pope Benedict XVI over accusations Sen. Ted Cruz, Trump’s rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa. try, and take its Jody Hice he slept with seminarians. in a debate with Channel 4 News, 10-10-18 place as the lead Associated Press, 9-29-18 Ted Cruz Texas Senate in the battle that we’re facing, which at candidate Beto There is a bent toward throwing off the heart is a spiritual battle. Sadly, Bossier schools will have to O’Rourke, talking about mass shoot- the rule of God. U.S. Rep. Jody Hice of Georgia, on want- endure this legal harassment from the ings after being asked about gun safety. Corona (Calif.) City Council member ing to end the Johnson Amendment. atheist groups C-Span, 9-21-18 Randy Fox, who called the local Novem- Right Wing Watch, 10-16-18 for a while now, ber election “a spiritual battle” and said so everyone It’s a kind of theocracy run by to vote for three Christian pastors who SES [Southern Evangelical Semi- needs to be atheists, where the minor, smallest are “running together” for council. nary] is delighted to be able to offer prepared. peccadillos from your teen years are Los Angeles Times, 10-13-18 Christians both here and overseas this Louisiana state now disqualifying. unique opportunity to be taught by one Rep. Mike John- Fox News bloviator Tucker Carlson on It’s a lot of state workers, a lot of gov- of the most significant evangelical lead- son, who claims the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. ernment workers, University of Wiscon- ers of the past half-century. that “atheist lit- Friendly Atheist, 10-4-18 sin-Madison, Freedom From Religion Richard Land, speaking about Paige igation groups Foundation is here. This is a very liberal Patterson, who is set to teach, ironically, in California Is it right to hire a hit man to solve a city and a high percentage of people a Christian ethics course. Patterson is Mike Johnson have contacted problem? You cannot, it is not right to here promote the gay agenda. the former president of Texas’ South- private investi- kill a human being, regardless of how Steve McConkey, president of 4 Winds western Baptist Theological Seminary gators in our area to try to hire them small it is, to solve a problem. It is like USA, complaining about Madison, who was fired in May over his handling to obtain hidden video of Christian hiring a hit man to solve a problem. where the federal court there ruled that of seminary students’ rape allegations. student groups and activities at Ben- Pope Francis, speaking about abortion it’s discriminatory for insurance cover- Religion News Service, 10-4-18 Page 6 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 The bible taught me that God is a jerk By Erin Louis the way it made me feel, and I couldn’t stand the look in that poor cat’s eyes. There wasn’t a big bad boogieman in arm, safe, snuggled in my bed this world or beyond that could make and listening to my one of my me feel as bad as when I did when I Wbrothers reading to me, I shiv- pushed that cat into the pool. I under- ered with absolute terror. Death and stood very clearly that I was very capa- destruction surrounded a small family ble of understanding right from wrong while they desperately tried to rescue without silly scary stories. two of each kind of animal from cer- My 40th birthday is lurking around tain death on a handmade boat. A the corner, and since my great moral huge storm and flood was coming that epiphany at age 6, I have done some was guaranteed to kill every living man, things that wouldn’t be considered woman, child and animal, with the not- good. But, for the most part, I am ed exception of this family and the ani- proud of my life and the good I do for mals they could rescue. other people. When I have done things The scariest thing? I believed it to that are wrong, I have no one or noth- be true. This was no Hansel and Gretel, ing to turn to for absolution. I can’t Cinderella or other made-up fairy tale, march down to the church and tell a this supposedly really happened. Why guy behind a screen what I did, mutter did it happen? Because all the people a few words and, poof, that dark ugly and animals that God created were bad lump of guilt is magically gone. When I and had to die. And that wasn’t all. Be- do something wrong, that feeling stays cause they were bad, not only would good? I was not bold enough to ask with me, like an ugly stain on a favor- they drown, but they would also burn the question of the adults, but the ite sweater. It reminds me not to do it and suffer forever in a really bad place seed of doubt had now been planted again. The same thing is true when I called hell. At 4 years old, I realized I and would soon grow into a big beau- do things that are good. That feeling needed to be good or I would go to hell tiful tree of logic and reason, and sur- stays with me and reminds me I like do- and burn forever, too. prisingly, personal morality. ing good for other people. This story was supposed to teach If there was no God, devil, heav- Teaching my son how it feels to me morals, but instead it taught me en or hell, which I now suspected to do good for other people also makes that God was a jerk. I knew that people be the case, why be a good person at me feel good. He is 13 and has never could be jerks and I supposed that may- all? Why were there not an enormous lived with the concept of a reward or be they deserved this punishment. But number of robbers and murderers punishment in the afterlife, although what did all those animals do? Did they running around the world? I knew my husband and I do use real-world Erin Louis go to hell, too, or was their punishment there were bad people, but it would rewards and consequences. For in- simply being drowned? Did they not seem to me that if everyone suspect- stance, a donut after a vaccination, or love God enough either? they were only doing it to go to heaven ed like I did that there was no God, a loss of his Xbox for a week for say- Of course, I heard all about how and not hell? Could this just be some why weren’t there more bad people ing a four-letter word. He knows that good people like my wrinkly old aun- sort of sick game God was playing and than good? Most of the people I we give blood on a regular basis for tie Margaret went to heaven, where we would all really end up in hell? He knew were nice and good. I was only the simple fact that it helps people. they lived in the clouds with all the did, after all, drown the whole world. 6 and thought I was pretty smart, but He knows of and has an active role other good people. Even with the I thought once again that this God I couldn’t be the only one to wonder in which charities we donate to. We promise of heaven, the punishment fellow was a real jerk, then I knew I was if God was just a scarier version of celebrate Christmas as a time to give seemed a little harsh, and to a little definitely going to hell. God loves me Santa Claus. to each other and appreciate what we kid, absolutely petrifying. and all the sinners, I was told, even the No longer as scared of the big bad have. So far it seems we have managed I would also come to learn during ones he had to send to hell. Somehow, red guy with the lake of fire and pointy to raise a moral human being without endless Sunday mornings that it wasn’t that information failed to provide any stick, I left most of these questions un- the fear of God or the devil. just innocent animals that would suffer comfort or alleviate my anxiety. considered for a while. After all, there When I donate blood, money or God’s wrath, but anyone who simply were a few plastic ponies with hair in time, it makes me feel good. When I didn’t believe in him would also burn in Christmas revelation dire need of braiding. make someone smile when they’re hell. God would sentence you to an af- On Dec. 25, 1986, my world would having a rough day, maybe saving some terlife where a red-horned devil would come crashing down. I was 6, and Morality from within poor old cat from the same fate as endlessly poke you in the behind with had awoken early, just like every oth- The question of my own personal Princess, it makes me feel good. I don’t his pitchfork. er Christmas morning, and rushed morality ended up answering itself for need the threat of punishment or My thoughts went to the little kids out to the family room to see what me. After a particularly grueling day promise of reward in an afterlife that around the world who were taught to Santa had brought. Properly threat- of elementary school, I spotted my big I’m not sure even exists to do good for believe in other gods than our own ened with hell, I had been a good girl brother’s elderly cat in our backyard. other people. I just need to know that Christian one, or worse yet, no god at all year. Despite my best efforts, the Princess was hobbling a little too close deep down, I don’t like being a jerk. all. Would God punish them for simply space under the tree was bare. I had to the edge of the pool, and, in my bad FFRF Member Erin Louis lives in not knowing about the true god they failed; I was bad. No presents meant I mood, I decided I would push her in. northern California with her husband were supposed to worship? The nice had upset Santa, and likely God, too. She howled and cried as she splashed and son. She’s a classically trained pastry lady at my Sunday school said “Yes, in- I would have no new toys and I would around in the clear blue water. I imme- chef, writer and unabashed atheist. deed, they would suffer in hell if they almost certainly be going to hell. I diately fished her out and started to dry didn’t believe.” From a very early age, began to cry. her off and tried to console the poor I learned to be afraid of, and to obey My mother heard me and came out old thing. As she looked up at me with this very powerful jerk. I was taught to of her room to find a devastated lit- her large milky confused eyes, I knew FFRF’s classic fear God. tle girl sobbing in her pink Care Bear that I never, ever, wanted to do some- Then, one day, while playing with nightgown. “I have to tell you some- thing like that again. I had watched ‘Freethinker’ mug my plastic ponies and pondering life, thing,” she said. She then explained Jiminy Cricket on TV and had a basic Our classic ‘Freethinker’ mug has I thought, “If I am only being good so that Santa Claus was a story, and she understanding of what a conscience been re-created. White imprint on I can go to heaven and not go to hell, had been the one that put out the was, but this was real world experience classic blue, matte finish. 9.5 fl.oz. American-made mug. am I really being good?” And then presents every year, and this year, she not a cartoon. an even more horrifying thought oc- simply forgot. Never before had I felt such crippling NEW! curred to me: “What if God finds out I felt deceived and angry. Those feel- guilt. I’d swiped a coin or two from the I’m only being good to avoid hell? Will ings dissipated quickly after I opened coffee can in my brother’s closet, stuck he punish me for that too?” the box which held what would be my a finger in a birthday cake, then care- Panic enveloped me at that point. I very most prized possession for the fully smoothed over the hole, but never knew that if I was bad I could ask for next three years. My brand new My before had I deliberately caused a living forgiveness and still go heaven, but what Little Pony beauty parlor made for- being such fright and pain. if I died right before I had a chance to? giving my mother for her deception At that moment I was the lowest of I could just see the red guy with the and forgetfulness easy enough. Santa the low, the very worst person on the horns and pitchfork twisting his black Claus as a story to get kids to behave face of the planet. If anyone in the mustache, wearing an evil grin, hop- made sense, if a little messed up, and history of the world deserved to be — Item#MU01 ing for me to steal a cookie just before I could accept the ruse. However, my poked in the butt for all of eternity $20 postpaid getting hit by a bus. What if I thought I belief in this jerk otherwise known as with sharp stick, it was me at that mo- was being good, but God decided that God was another story. ment. That was when I knew I didn’t Call 608/256-8900 I was just pretending so that I wouldn’t Were these stories of heaven and need God to be good. I simply didn’t Online ffrf.org/shop go to hell? Was anybody really good if hell also a way to get people to be want to be a bad person. I didn’t like November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 7 IN THE NEWS

Freethought Caucus ular society has increased over recent expands rapidly Freethought award winners years. The BSA survey found that 52 percent of people had no religion in The Congressional Freethought 2017, compared with 41 percent in Caucus is growing quickly. 2002. In April, Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Ca- While the figures are starkest among lif., the only openly nontheistic mem- younger people, in every age group the ber of Congress, announced the forma- biggest single group are those identify- tion of the Congressional Freethought ing with no religion. Caucus to focus on promoting secular values and give a voice to freethinking voters. Other founding members of Woman is denied her the Congressional Freethought Cau- miscarriage prescription cus include Reps. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., Jerry McNerney, D-Calif., Mark Pocan, A Michigan woman wants a phar- D-Wis., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md. macy to discipline a Petoskey phar- In the few months since then, the macist and implement a compa- caucus has doubled in size. With Reps. ny-wide policy for how pharmacists Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Pramila Jayapal, should handle religious and moral D-Wash., Hank Johnson, D-Ga., Zoe objections to dispensing medication Lofgren, D-Calif., and Eleanor Holmes after she was denied a prescription to Norton, D-D.C., joining in to defend U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney and FFRF’s Greater Sacramento Chapter President help complete a miscarriage. science and rationality, the Congres- Judy Saint each accepted a prestigious award at the annual California Free- Rachel Peterson, 35, alleges a phar- sional Freethought Caucus has now thought Day on the grounds of the State Capitol building on Oct. 14. macist at the Meijer store refused to fill achieved double-digit membership. McNerney helped found the Congressional Freethought Caucus to promote her prescription for misoprostol in July legislation based on science and reason and was honored with the Free- because of his personal religious views. thought Day Award. Saint received the Freethought Day Community Service She says he also refused to transfer the EPA to dissolve office Award for “vigorous promotion of secular values to the Sacramento communi- prescription to another pharmacy. that advises on science ty, the media and elected officials, while tirelessly defending secular rights.” Misoprostol can be used to prevent stomach ulcers and also can be used The Environmental Protection McNerney spoke about the urgency for defending secular values in legislation, to induce labor during pregnancy, to Agency plans to dissolve its Office saying “I do not come before you as an atheist, but as a defender of reason.” aid in the completion of a miscarriage of the Science Adviser, a senior post Saint says McNerney privately thanked her for her service, which she says and in the treatment of postpartum that was created to counsel the EPA encouraged her. She spoke to the audience about an event in childhood that hemorrhage. When combined with administrator on the scientific re- taught her to have a positive attitude about taking on problems rather than another drug, it can be used to induce search underpinning health and en- assuming they are someone else’s responsibility. She says she “takes life by an abortion. vironmental regulations, according the horns” and this attitude helps her be a happier, more optimistic person. to a person familiar with the agency’s plans. The person spoke anonymous- Group to spend $1M ly because the decision had not yet said she could not “in good conscience ers to commit criminal acts,” “dispar- probing cardinals been made public. include those words in her oath.” age others for their religious views,” or The science adviser works across the But U.S. District Judge William “accuse others of crimes.” “The Better Church Governance agency to ensure that the highest qual- Young of the District of Massachu- Group,” an organization that includes ity science is integrated into the agen- setts said in his ruling that while Per- six former U.S. cardinals on its board cy’s policies and decisions, according rier-Bilbo had proper standing, her ar- Atheist group forms in of trustees, announced that it would to the EPA’s website. guments weren’t convincing. Was the Utah middle school spend more than $1 million over the The move is the latest among sever- phrase “so help me God” a violation of next year to investigate every current al steps taken by the Trump adminis- the Establishment Clause? No, Young The Secular Student Alliance broke member of the College of Cardinals — tration that appear to have diminished said, because it was ceremonial and a new ground by getting its first middle the people who elect popes — in an ef- the role of scientific research in poli- “well-established tradition.” school chapter. Bailey Harris, 12, has fort to shine a light on anyone credibly cymaking while the administration begun one at Open Classroom Charter accused of child sexual abuse or cover- pursues an agenda of rolling back School in Salt Lake City, Utah. ing up that abuse. regulations. Senator sued for Bailey, who was a speaker at FFRF’s The goal is to produce a compre- blocking atheists convention in San Francisco and hensive report by April of 2020, pre- earned FFRF’s Richard and Beverly sumably while Pope Francis is still in of- Atheist loses challenge American Atheists has filed a law- Hermsen Student Activist Award, has fice and before his successor is chosen. against ‘so help me God’ suit against Arkansas state Sen. Jason written a book, with her father Doug, Organizers say it will be conducted Rapert for blocking four Arkansas res- My Name is Stardust, the first in a series. by a team of nearly 100 researchers, ac- The Naturalization Oath of Alle- idents on Facebook and Twitter after Doug told Hemant Mehta (“The ademics, investigators and journalists. giance to the United States of America they made statements critical of his Friendy Atheist”) that “Bailey is most will continue ending with the words “so policy positions. excited by the idea of creating a safe help me God,” after an unsuccessful le- The lawsuit itself cites Rapert saying community for secular students at Court: Belfast bakery gal challenge to its constitutionality. he blocks “liberal extremists,” rather her school,” Mehta writes. “There can refuse to bake cake Olga Paule Perrier-Bilbo filed a fed- than using neutral criteria. are so many secular students that eral lawsuit against the United States It also mentions how, even though feel that they are alone and she be- Britain’s Supreme Court supported last year. Perrier-Bilbo, a French citi- profanity is listed as a reason Rapert lieves that this will help them find the right of a Belfast bakery to refuse zen, has lived in Massachusetts since might ban someone from seeing his each other and build a positive com- to bake a cake with a message support- 2000 and wanted to become an official social media posts, users who curse munity. . . She feels that having SSA ing same-sex marriage, finding that its U.S. citizen. Her application was ap- but agree with his views have not been on campus will help secular students Christian owners could not be com- proved and the oath was the final step. banned. Neither have people who feel that they are a part of something pelled to reproduce a message con- Because she’s an atheist, though, she agree with Rapert but “encourage oth- special as well.” trary to their beliefs. Although the person who request- ed the cake was gay, a five-judge panel Freethought Matters Few young adults identify found that the bakery owners’ refusal A new weekly half-hour TV talk show produced by FFRF. with Church of England was based not on sexual orientation, An antidote to religion on the airwaves and Sunday morning sermonizing. but on their Protestant faith’s opposi- The Church of England is facing tion to gay marriage. Watch our show every Sunday! Freethought Matters TV Talk Show airs in: severely reduced numbers, with only 2 “There was no discrimination on Chicago WPWR-CW (Ch. 50) 9:00 a.m. percent of British young adults identi- grounds of sexual orientation,” said Los Angeles KCOP-MY (Ch. 13) 8:30 a.m. fying with it, while seven out of 10 of the judgment, which overturned the Madison, Wis. WISC-TV (Ch. 3) 11:00 p.m. New York City WPIX-IND (Ch. 11) 8:30 a.m. those under age 24 say they have no re- rulings of two lower courts. Phoenix* KASW-CW (Ch. 61) 8:30 a.m. ligion, according to the British Social It cited the United States Supreme Portland KRCW-CW (Ch. 32) 9:00 a.m. Attitudes survey. Court’s decision in June in favor of a Sacramento KQCA-MY (Ch. 58) 8:30 a.m. Church of England affiliation is at a Colorado baker who had refused to cre- Seattle KONG-IND (Ch. 16) 8:00 a.m. record low among all age groups, and ate a wedding cake for a gay couple, a Washington, DC WDCW-CW (Ch. 15) 8:30 a.m. *(In Phoenix: Ch. 61 or 6 or 1006 for HD) has halved since 2002, according to the narrow decision that left open the larg- survey. And far fewer actually attend er question of whether a business can Go to: ffrf.org/news/freethought-matters for more information church services on a regular basis. discriminate against gay men and lesbi- Meanwhile, the trend toward a sec- ans based on First Amendment rights. Page 8 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 FFRF NEWS Court dismisses FFRF case on standing, not merits A federal court judge has dismissed in any way get him off the hook,” ex- room during Mack’s prayers at risk of a lawsuit by FFRF and three local plain- plains FFRF Co-President Annie Lau- jeopardizing their cases and careers, or tiffs against a Texas justice of the peace rie Gaylor. She said FFRF will study their clients’ cases. who imposes prayer at the beginning of the decision and confer with local Mack, a graduate of the Jackson Col- court sessions. plaintiffs who continue to be injured lege of Ministries, where he majored in FFRF and three plaintiffs directly by the prayer practice, to decide how theology, ran for justice of the peace in affected by Montgomery County Jus- best to remedy the violation. 2014 on a platform of reinstituting reli- tice of the Peace Wayne Mack’s reli- Both of the attorney plaintiffs have gious values within the office, partly by gious rituals filed suit in March 2017, appeared before Mack multiple times implementing a chaplaincy program. naming him in his official capacity on official business, including “Jane He established a volunteer chaplain- and Montgomery County. U.S. District Doe,” a Christian who “objects to a cy program involving “visiting pastors” Court Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr., for the government official telling her when who start each of his court sessions with Southern District of Texas in Houston, or how to pray” and “John Roe,” a prayer, within his first weeks of office. issued a ruling on Sept. 28. self-employed attorney who regular- FFRF first sent a complaint letter to The court dismissed the case based ly represents clients in front of Mack, Mack in 2014 asking him to cease his on standing (or right to sue), not on Wayne Mack and who “is religiously unaffiliated and courtroom prayers, receiving no reply, the merits. Constitution establishes county com- objects to being subjected to religious then filed a formal complaint with the Werlein said FFRF could not sue missioners courts. prayers” in a courtroom. Texas State Commission on Judicial Mack in his official capacity, then dis- Werlein dismissed the case without Mack, as Montgomery County justice Conduct, whose investigation lasted missed FFRF’s claims against Mont- prejudice, meaning FFRF can refile of the peace, has jurisdiction over minor over a year. In November 2015, the com- gomery County, saying the county the case, naming Mack in his person- misdemeanor offenses and lesser civil mission declined to discipline Mack, has “no power to stop Mack from em- al capacity. matters. citing lack of authority but cautioning ploying the prayer practice to which “This decision does not bless All three of the individual plaintiffs Mack to end or substantially change the plaintiffs object” because the Texas Mack’s unconstitutional actions, or felt compelled to remain in the court- practice. Work it at the circuit Peoria newspaper editorial backs FFRF on school prayer An editorial in the daily newspaper editorial began. of Peoria, Ill., strongly supported state- “Feedback from that story leaned church separation when commenting toward commenters saying the parent on a case involving FFRF. should get over it. But that’s not what A district parent reported to FFRF the law states,” the editorial continued. that the Dunlap “The Constitution High School boys allows for keeping cross country coach Separation of church religion out of pub- joins his team in a lic business, includ- and state is the law and group prayer prior ing in schools and should“ be acknowledged to each meet. The government build- prayer is reportedly and respected. ings. Simply put, re- Oral arguments were heard Oct. 18 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the initiated by a stu- — Journal Star of Peoria ligious views should District of Columbia in Barker v. Conroy, FFRF’s case against House Chaplain dent but the team’s not be forced upon Patrick Conroy and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, who oversees the chap- coach participates an individual or lain program. Pictured are Attorney Richard Bolton, who wrote the appeals by standing with their children while brief, FFRF Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel, who gave the oral the students and holding his hat across they are in school.” argument, and FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, plaintiff. FFRF seeks to open his heart during the prayer, making any FFRF did receive word from the up our nation’s legislative chambers to atheists and freethinkers after being students who opt out feel like they are district’s law firm that “unintentional denied by Conroy. FFRF has documented that Conroy relies on many “guest disappointing their coach. constitutional violations can occur if chaplains,” with such guests delivering about 40 percent of invocations, or It is well-established law that it is il- actions of school representatives cross more than 800 in the past 15 years. Yet when an atheist was invited to give legal for public school coaches to lead the line from showing deference and the opening remarks, Conroy imposed discriminatory requirements. Barker their teams in prayers, or to otherwise respect to actually ‘endorsing’ religious was initially invited by his member of Congress, Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., to promote religion to students. Addi- exercises. In that regard, we have coun- give an invocation, before being barred as an atheist by Conroy. tionally, the U.S. Supreme Court has seled school representatives to insure routinely struck down school-spon- that the coaching staff maintains an sored prayer. appropriate distance from any student On Oct. 6, the Journal Star of Peoria initiated prayer circle so not to send any backed FFRF’s claim when it ran an ed- unintended message that the district itorial titled, “Separation of church and endorses the religious exercise.” state must be respected.” The Journal Star concluded its ed- “In today’s America, we are learn- itorial with strong words of constitu- ing the hard truth of what it means to tional truth. be an individual and to demand your “However unintentional, a change rights, as well as the cost of not being needed to be made. Separation of one of the group, even if your rights church and state is the law and should are outlined in the Constitution,” the be acknowledged and respected.”

FFRF’s Oral arguments were heard Oct. 24 before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago in FFRF’s historic clergy housing allowance challenge, Gaylor v. ‘Freethought Mnuchin. Pictured are FFRF Patrick O’Reily Legal Fellow Chris Line, Associate Attorney Patrick Elliott, outside litigator Richard L. Bolton and tax law Matters’ mug Professor Adam Chodorow, who both represented FFRF in the oral arguments, A meaningful message and the logo of and plaintiff and FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. FFRF’s new TV show. Ivory imprint on tapered burgundy, 8 fl. oz. American- FFRF has won a historic victory in district court declaring unconstitutional a made mug. provision in the Internal Revenue Code that preferentially permits “ministers of the gospel” to subtract from taxable income a housing allowance paid as part of their salary. The special privilege amounts to $700 million a year in lost NEW! revenue, and increases the take-home pay of some pastors by up to 10 per- $20 postpaid — Item#MU02 cent. The 1954 law was enacted, according to the sponsor, to reward ministers for “fighting godlessness,” which FFRF points out is not a secular purpose. Call 608/256-8900 or order online ffrf.org/shop November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 9 FFRF urges belief in science with new billboards

In October, FFRF placed 14-by-48- foot billboards in Atlanta and Denver that state, “In Science We Trust,” which is a secular play on the national motto. “‘In God We Trust’ is a johnny-come- lately motto adopted by Congress during the Cold War,” FFRF Co- President Annie Laurie Gaylor points out. “The motto, to be accurate, would have to be worded, ‘In God Some of Us Trust,’ and that would be very silly.” In Atlanta, the billboard is up at the corner of Marietta Street and Simpson Street. That billboard is part of a year- FFRF’s newest advertising campaign includes the “In Science We Trust” billboards that were placed in Atlanta long media campaign in the South’s and Denver in October. most bustling metropolis. FFRF is grateful for the support of Georgia tures of several young atheists with the of our nation’s foundational wall with dence-based policy decisions,” says FFRF Member Jack Egger, who is gra- message, “I’m Atheist & I Vote.” the message, “The only wall we need is Cleworth. “Our world would be quickly ciously funding the campaign. One of these digital billboards is lo- between church-state,” and a provoca- improved if we all gave up supernatu- Egger notes that it’s satisfying to cated along Highway 141 just north of tive message proclaiming, “supernatu- ralism in favor of belief in science and counter the godly motto, “In God We McGinnis Ferry Road. The second is ral belief — the enemy of humanity.” humanism.” Trust,” which optionally appears on located along Interstate 75 just south In Denver, the billboard is on the This is the second billboard message many Georgia license plates. of Delk Road. corner of Broadway and Fourth Ave- in the Mile High City hosted by FFRF “If all of us had faith in science and Previous billboards that FFRF and nue. FFRF Member Monty C. Cleworth this fall. In September, with the help humanism, we would improve life on Egger have placed this year in the vi- generously funded the billboard. of the Denver chapter of FFRF, the Earth so fast,” urges Egger. cinity include a bulletin telling people “With a host of real and press- “I’m Atheist & I Vote” billboard went FFRF and Egger additionally have to “Enjoy life — there is no afterlife,” ing challenges facing society today, up on the corner of Lincoln Street and two rotating billboards featuring pic- a timely billboard reminding residents our leaders need to be making evi- Eighth Avenue. DOJ begins probe of Catholic Church FFRF calls out After receiving a letter from the Roy Moore for Freedom From Religion Founda- tion, as well as letters from victims’ rights groups, the Justice Depart- reckless advice ment has launched a probe of the FFRF has called out the wildly Roman Catholic clergy’s horrific sex misnamed Foundation for Mor- abuse scandal. al Law for encouraging Alabama “The U.S. Justice Department has public schools to violate students’ opened an investigation of child sex- rights and the Constitution. ual abuse inside the Roman Catholic On Sept. 21, the Foundation Church in Pennsylvania, using sub- for Moral Law, led by disgraced poenas to demand confidential files former Alabama Supreme Court and testimony from church leaders, Justice Roy Moore, held a press according to two people familiar conference, during which he and with the probe,” the Associated Press his representatives encouraged reported Oct. 10. Alabama public schools to risk fi- Then, on Oct. 26, the DOJ sent nancial and legal liability by con- a request to every Catholic diocese tinuing to broadcast prayer over in the United States not to destroy the loudspeaker before football documents related to the handling games in defiance of well-estab- of child sexual abuse, which signals lished Supreme Court precedent. that the investigation could grow far Moore’s foundation subse- more extensive. quently announced it had sent a FFRF had recently asked for a fed- memo to all Alabama school dis- eral probe into the Church’s massive trict superintendents erroneously wrongdoings. informing them that they can skirt The 1,400-page Pennsylvania the Constitution by simply claim- grand jury report detailing thou- — shielding them from local out- turn over any evidence that anyone ing that these school-sponsored sands of instances of sexual abuse by rage and providing them with fresh in their ranks took children across prayers are student-led. clergy in six of the states’ eight dio- victims — creates an interstate crisis state lines for illicit purposes; sent This press conference and ac- ceses made major headlines. A feder- that required federal action. sexual images or messages via phone companying memo came in re- al investigation was especially fitting, “U.S. Attorney William McSwain or computer; instructed anyone not sponse to school attorneys advising FFRF Co-Presidents Dan Barker and of Philadelphia, who issued the sub- to contact police; reassigned sus- and educating the school boards Annie Laurie Gaylor contended in poenas, wants to know if priests, pected predators; or used money or they represent about how best to a letter, because the Church’s “mu- bishops, seminarians or others com- other assets as part of the scandal.” refrain from endorsing religion in sical chairs” history of deliberately mitted any federal crimes,” says the FFRF is pleased that the DOJ is fi- public schools after FFRF warned moving offenders to new locations AP story. “He demanded the bishops nally acting decisively. many school districts that they were violating the Constitution. Moore’s foundation incorrect- FFRF urges IRS to end private school tax handout ly states that FFRF “insists that prayers at the public school foot- FFRF is urging the IRS to approve a you donate $100,000, the state takes ligious schools. ball games violate the First Amend- proposed rule change that would termi- $100,000 off of your state tax bill. Next, “There is no legitimate reason for ment to the U.S. Constitution.” nate a massive voucher-like tax break. the federal government gives a deduc- the federal government to encourage “It is the Supreme Court that The Internal Revenue Service was tion on federal taxes on the same dona- taxpayers to donate to educational ‘insists’ that public schools adhere seeking public comments on a rule that tion. After donating $100,000 and hav- scholarship programs,” FFRF Co-Pres- to the Establishment Clause, and would, among other things, put a stop ing the state pay you back in full, you idents Dan Barker and Annie Laurie that ‘insists’ on protecting student to a widespread practice of taxpayers also get to deduct $100,000 from your Gaylor write in a letter to the IRS. “The freedom of conscience,” FFRF legally profiting by donating to private federal taxes. The vast majority of pri- government should be focused on pro- Co-Presidents Dan Barker and religious schools. vate schools benefitting from such pro- moting secular public education and Annie Laurie Gaylor write in their The tax loophole works this way: grams are religiously affiliated. Tuition should never incentivize taxpayers to Sept. 25 letter. “The Foundation First, some states provide dollar-for-dol- tax credits almost entirely subsidize fund religion. Allowing taxpayers to for Moral Law can bury its head lar tax credits for donations to educa- religious schools with overtly religious profit from a donation to an education- in the sand and deny court prece- tional scholarship programs, which missions. For example, in North Caro- al scholarship program directly encour- dent, but it is reckless and uneth- keep some of the funds for themselves lina, 92 percent of students receiving ages taxpayers to support religion.” ical to then counsel public school and pass the rest on to private schools, public money through “opportunity Plus, this tax scheme invites fraud officials to do the same.” most of which are religious. So, if scholarships” have used it to attend re- due to a lack of accountability. Page 10 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 FFRF VICTORIES FFRF stops ‘Unstoppable Man’ in Indiana FFRF has stopped an Indiana school verdale High School. Conrad reportedly taunt because the school’s principal, H. dent Greg Linton, FFRF Staff Attorney district from violating the U.S. Constitu- concluded the session with an instruction Sonny Stoltz, has a practice of leading Ryan Jayne urged the district to not allow tion in several ways. The superintendent to teachers to prayers before some staff meetings. The Stoltz to inject religious promotion into of Cloverdale Community Schools has look at an im- complainant was concerned that leaving staff meetings, and to not invite Conrad assured FFRF it will stop prayers at staff age of Jesus and the professional development meeting to speak at future district events. meetings and will not invite back an “in- “realize that we in order to avoid Conrad’s promotion of FFRF’s reasoning proved to be highly spirational” speaker who proselytized at a are teaching for Christianity would invite retaliation from persuasive. school event. ‘Him’ and not the principal. “In short, Mr. Conrad will not be invit- A concerned Cloverdale Community for any other This is not the first time that FFRF had ed back in the future to provide any type Schools employee informed FFRF that the reason.” Con- received complaints about Conrad, who of convocations for students, or in-ser- school district recently hosted multiple rad pressured sells himself as a patriotic anti-bullying vice for staff,” Linton responded. Linton events by Craig Conrad, an inspirational the teachers to motivational speaker but ironically bul- stated that even prior to receiving FFRF’s speaker who performs as ‘Unstoppable stay for this final lies and belittles those who do not share letter, school administrators concurred Man,’ including presentations to both portion of the Craig Conrad his views of Christian nationalism. that “parts of [Conrad’s] message were teachers and various groups of students. session by telling Providing Conrad with a captive au- not appropriate for a public school set- The session for teachers was apparently them that if they were “easily offended dience presented a risk of legal liability ting.” The letter continued, “In addition, a mandatory professional development snowflakes,” then they could leave. to the district if Conrad again promot- I have shared your letter with Mr. Stoltz meeting that lasted approximately two FFRF’s complainant was uncomfort- ed religion during a presentation, FFRF and have requested that he discontinue hours in the afternoon on Aug. 31 at Clo- able leaving the session after this bullying pointed out. In a letter to Superinten- praying prior to staff meetings.”

Massachusetts school district to stand up for secularism FFRF has received assurances from dom of conscience of all students,” a Massachusetts school district that re- FFRF Robert G. Ingersoll Legal Fel- ligion will not be allowed to intrude low Colin McNamara wrote in June into its graduation ceremonies from to Canton Public Schools Superin- now on. tendent Jennifer Fischer-Mueller. “As Canton Public Schools officials in- the Supreme Court has said, ‘Funda- vited the Rev. John Tomilio III to give mental rights may not be submitted a sectarian religious invocation at the to vote; they depend on the outcome 2018 Canton High School graduation of no elections.’” ceremony. Principal Derek Folan in- FFRF heard back from Canton The coach for the Prattville (Ala.) High School football team is shown leading a troduced Tomilio by stating: “At this Public Schools. prayer with his players. time I’d like to invite Reverend Dr. “I am writing to confirm that steps John Tomilio III to the stage . . . to have been taken to ensure that there FFRF ends coach-led prayer deliver the invocation.” will be no prayers or religious rituals “The Supreme Court has settled as a part of any school ceremony (e.g., this matter—high school graduations graduation) or any other school-spon- in Alabama high school must be secular to protect the free- sored event,” Fischer-Mueller wrote. An Alabama high school football religion and violates the Establishment coach will cease the unconstitutional Clause of the First Amendment, FFRF’s practice of leading his team in prayer letter reminded the Autauga County prior to games after receiving a letter School District. from FFRF. “[The coach’s] conduct is unconsti- FFRF contacted the Autauga County tutional because he endorses and pro- Schools’ counsel in early October after motes his religion when acting in his it was reported that the Prattville High official capacity as a school district em- School football coach regularly led his ployee,” wrote FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Le- team in prayer. A video published by gal Fellow Christopher Line. “Certainly, the Montgomery Advertiser showed he represents the school and the team the coach standing over his kneeling when he acts in his official role as head of players with bowed heads, reciting a the Prattville High School football team.” prayer. FFRF received a response from the It is well-established law that it is ille- school board’s counsel assuring FFRF gal for public school athletic coaches to that the matter had been addressed and lead their teams in prayer, since it con- that the coach will cease the practice of stitutes a government endorsement of leading the team in prayer.

School to cease coach-led prayer The sign with a biblical phrase has been taken down at Jarrettsville Elementary FFRF has received confirmation that “Let’s pray together, Lord, we thank School in Maryland. coach-led prayer will not continue in a you, God, for another day,” Davis con- Georgia public school system. tinues. “We thank you for an opportuni- FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line sent ty to play the game that we call football. FFRF remedies constitutional a letter to the district in September, af- Father, I pray that everything tonight ter a concerned area resident reported will be for your glory.” He then leads violation in Maryland school that Dawson County High School em- the team in the Lord’s Prayer. ployed a “character coach” to regularly In its letter, FFRF reminded the A Christian sign has come down FFRF sent a letter asking that the pray with its football team. school that it is well-settled law that from an elementary school lunchroom school remove this sign to comply A video posted on Facebook on Sept. a school cannot appoint or employ a in a Harford County, Md., school fol- with the Establishment Clause of the 7 showed the character coach, Pastor chaplain, seek out a spiritual leader lowing a complaint from FFRF. First Amendment. Russell Davis from Etowah Church, for students or agree to have a volun- A concerned parent contacted “Elementary students should not leading the football team and several teer teach other people’s children that FFRF to report that Jarrettsville Ele- have to view material promoting a young children in prayer in what ap- character centers on religious belief. mentary School displayed a portion Christian message,” FFRF Senior pears to be the school locker room. This constitutes a public school en- of the Lord’s Prayer on a large plaque Counsel Patrick Elliott wrote in his “The Word says when they com- dorsement of religion, a violation of in its cafeteria. Between the doors Sept. 26 letter to Superintendent Sean pelled him to carry the cross, and then the Establishment Clause of the First where students pass to receive their Bulson. “There is no educational or Jesus went to the hill and he won the Amendment. lunch, a wooden sign, approximately academic component or motive for victory on the cross. Your goal tonight On Oct. 15, FFRF received a re- 3 feet wide by 6 inches tall, read “Give such postings; their presence is pros- is not to die on the cross. It’s not to die sponse from the district’s attorney as- us this day our daily bread” in old elytizing a captive audience.” on the field of battle,” Davis says in the suring FFRF that coach or “character English-style lettering. This phrase FFRF recently received an e-mail video. “We’re calling you tonight to car- coach”-led prayer will no longer occur is from Matthew 6:11 in the New from the district reporting that the ry their cross.” in Dawson County Schools. Testament. plaque has been removed. November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 11

By Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey Kiski Area High School graduation students they should keep the bibles plaint from FFRF. and reported that the ceremony in- for 60 years. A concerned parent at Southport Georgia school won’t post cluded a prayer led by Josh Westurn of FFRF originally contacted the same Elementary school informed FFRF of a the Kiski Area Youth Network (KAYN). district in 2012 regarding a similar is- religious quote prominently displayed prayer walk on Facebook KAYN’s mission is “Connecting Kiski sue, at which time the district assured in the school office. Following a letter from FFRF, the Area Students to Christ, Church, and FFRF it would advise principals to pro- FFRF Associate Counsel Elizabeth McDuffie County School System in Community.” hibit any like distribution of materials Cavell wrote a letter to the school, re- Georgia has taken action to ensure FFRF received a response letter in the future. minding it of the unconstitutionality of that a prayer walk will no longer be en- from the district’s superintendent on District Superintendent Dan Law- public school endorsement of religion, dorsed by the school. Oct. 1 ensuring FFRF that the district son sent a response to FFRF, con- and requesting the removal of the bi- FFRF Patrick O’Reiley Legal Fellow will be “taking steps to vet and analyze firming the event took place and ac- ble quote from the main office. Chris Line sent a letter to the school the graduation speakers and to ensure knowledging the unconstitutionality The school’s attorney sent a letter on July 19 after a concerned area resi- that religious rituals are not part of the of such an event. Lawson informed letting FFRF know that the sign has dent reported that it was promoting a graduation ceremonies or any other FFRF that the principal was relatively been removed. religious “prayer walk” on the school’s school-sponsored events.” new to the position and that the dis- official Facebook page. trict conducted a professional devel- Secular alternative The district’s attorney sent a re- Cross to be removed from opment activity to ensure “all current sponse on Sept. 24 apologizing for principals and all clearly understand replaces religious picture the promotion of the event which had city property in Iowa their obligations and responsibilities A religious profile picture has been been, they said, “erroneously and im- A cross has come down from city in this regard.” substituted for a secular alternative on properly included on a Facebook post property in Maxwell, Iowa, after FFRF a Wisconsin police department’s offi- on the School’s website.” brought it to the attention of city cial Facebook page after receiving an officials. Kansas school takes FFRF complaint letter. FFRF Legal Director Rebecca down bible verse FFRF Associated Counsel Sam Gro- Tennessee public utility Markert submitted an open-records FFRF Legal Fellow Christopher ver sent a letter of complaint to Rusk won’t endorse religion request in August after a local resi- Line sent a letter to a school district in County Sheriff Jeffery S. Wallace ask- A Tennessee public utility depart- dent reported a cross was on display Kansas asking that they remove a bible ing that the department remove a cross ment will cease endorsing religion on in Maxwell City Park. The city’s attor- verse from school property. from its profile picture. its utility bills, after FFRF pointed out neys replied to the records request, “I can do all things through Christ Wallace sent a response to FFRF that doing so is in violation of the Es- ensuring that the cross was placed on who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13,” that the photo was in memoriam of tablishment Clause. city property without city approval or the note read, affixed to a bulletin an officer who was shot and killed in A concerned local resident con- knowledge. board in a classroom at Shawnee Mis- the line of duty, but nevertheless the tacted FFRF to report that the Rus- Additionally, a letter was included sion North High School. department would remove the photo sellville Whitesburg Utility District from Maxwell Mayor Steven Gast ask- On Oct. 1, FFRF received a response from their profile. FFRF sent a contri- regularly printed bible quotes on its ing the owner of the cross display to from the school’s attorneys that, while bution to the fallen officer’s memorial utility bills. remove the cross within seven days. the note’s messages are chosen by the fund. FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line re- students rather than the teacher, the minded the utility in a letter that it is bible quote had since been removed “tasked with serving all citizens, regard- N.J. school removes from the board. No more faculty less of their personal religious beliefs,” event from Facebook praying at flagpole and asked that they refrain from in- A New Jersey school district has An Illinois public school superin- cluding bible verses on its utility bills removed school endorsement of a re- Religious testimony at tendent initiated an investigation into in the future. ligious event after an FFRF letter of football camp is not OK FFRF’s complaint of teacher involve- FFRF received a response on Sept. complaint. Athletic coaches in an Oklahoma ment in a rally around the pole event. 21, ensuring it has, “ceased its prac- In September, a complainant alert- district will be advised not to involve A concerned FFRF member report- tice of placing religious messages or ed FFRF to a post on the High Point their students with religious camps af- ed that a teacher at Carterville Junior other similar messages on its utility Regional High School Facebook page ter an FFRF complaint. High School posted a picture on social bills.” in Sussex, N.J., promoting a national In June, a complainant reported media of students and faculty praying “Prayer at the Pole Day on Wednesday, that the Keys High School football around the school’s flagpole, along Sept. 26.” team in Park Hill, Okla., attended a with the statement: “Our first #syatp Religious speeches not FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline football “team” camp at Hackett High and kickoff event of our FCA chapter part of graduation Ziegler sent a letter to the district, School in Arkansas. At the camp, the at Carterville Junior High School was A Pennsylvania high school will take and received a prompt response players were reportedly subjected to re- a HUGE success! . . . #blessed #fca further measures to ensure religious from the district superintendent that ligious “testimony” by evangelist Tyson #stumin.” speeches are no longer part of gradua- ensured the post had been removed Simon, an area representative for the FFRF Staff Attorney Ryan Jayne tion ceremonies or other school-spon- from the school’s official Facebook Western Arkansas Fellowship of Chris- sent a letter reminding the district of sored events, thanks to an FFRF letter page and that no district staff were tian Athletes. its constitutional obligation to remain of complaint. sanctioned to participate in the stu- FFRF wrote to the district to remind neutral on matters of religion. FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline dent-led event. it that its football program should Carterville CUSD #5 Superinten- Ziegler sent a letter to the district first not be used as a captive audience for dent Keith A. Liddell sent a response in July, then again in September, call- evangelists. letter, thanking FFRF for bringing the ing attention to a complaint from a dis- School reminded it can’t The school district’s counsel sent matter to his attention and assuring trict resident who attended the 2018 allow Gideons in class a reply to FFRF, stating that while the FFRF that the Carterville School Dis- FFRF Legal Fellow Chris Line re- coaches of the Keys School District trict, like FFRF, “takes the freedoms minded a Tennessee school district of were unaware that the intention was empowered by the First Amendment its prior resolution to not allow Gide- to include religious messages in the very seriously.” ‘IN REASON WE TRUST’ ons to distribute bibles in Tullahoma camp, the school district has taken Self inking stamp schools. measures to insure this violation will A concerned parent reported that not recur. ‘God bless’ sign taken Gideons were allowed to distribute down in New York bibles in East Lincoln Elementary A sign with the phrase “God Bless School. All three 5th-grade classes Religious quote on sign Our Veterans” has been removed from reportedly gathered in one class- taken down in Florida public property in New York, thanks to room where a Gideon spoke to the A religious message has been re- an FFRF letter. class while a teacher handed out bi- moved from an elementary school of- FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie bles. The Gideons reportedly told fice in Panama City, Fla., after a com- Gaylor sent a letter in July to Mayor Michael J. Newhard of Warwick, N.Y., NEW! after a local resident reported that the religious sign was placed on village Freedom from Religion Foundation property. “FFRF has no objection to honoring P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • FFRF.org our veterans — in fact, over 24 percent What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? of our members are either active duty Carefully crafted to stamp out Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and military or veterans,” Gaylor wrote in ‘god’ on U.S. currency. Good agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state the letter. “Our objection is to the en- for up to 2000 impressions. and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. dorsement of religion in violation of FFRF has more than 32,000 members. FFRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Establishment Clause.” $18 postpaid — Item#ST01 donations are tax deductible for income tax purposes. FFRF asked that the sign be re- FFRF’s email address is [email protected]. Please include your name and physical moved and replaced with a message Call 608/256-8900 mailing address with all email correspondence. that is inclusive of all veterans, such as FFRF members wishing to receive online news releases, “action alerts” and “Support Our Veterans.” The mayor Online ffrf.org/shop “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. sent a response on Oct. 10 informing FFRF that the sign had come down. Page 12 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 FFRF awards $10,450 2018 graduate students essay contest winners The Freedom From Religion Founda- Missouri-Columbia tion is proud to announce the 15 winners Ashley Podplesky, 28, University of of the 2018 Brian Bolton Graduate/“Older” Washington Student Essay Contest. Elizabeth Ruelle, 28, College of Creative Graduate students were asked to Studies write a personal persuasive essay about “The dangers of bibliolatry in the Unit- The graduate/“older” student contest ed States.” is generously and singlehandedly en- FFRF has paid out a total of $10,450 dowed by Life Member Brian Bolton, a in award money for this contest this retired psychologist, humanist minister year. This is the last of the 2018 essay and professor emeritus at the Universi- competitions. FFRF awarded a record ty of Arkansas. The contest was open to total of $46,750 to the student essayists graduate students up to age 30 or un- this year among the four different com- dergraduates ages 25-30 at the time of petitions. entry. Winners are listed below and include FFRF also thanks Dean and Dorea the award amount and the college or uni- Schramm of Florida for providing a $100 versity they will be attending. Fourth place Honorable mentions ($200 each) bonus to students who are members of Tricity Andrew, 27, North Carolina State Shelby Burton, 26, Touro University a secular student club or the Secular First place University ($750) Nevada Student Alliance. The total reflects those Clayborne Cook, 26, University of Fifth place Elizabeth Cullen, 29, Michigan State bonuses. Pittsburgh ($3,000) Jarred McCleese, 26, University of University FFRF has offered essay competitions Second place Kentucky ($600) Meghan Fuller, 26, Purdue University to college students since 1979, high Kelly Chen, 22, University of Alabama Sixth place Global school students since 1994, graduate School of Medicine ($2,000) Garrett Dare, 28, University of Oregon ($500) Andrew Haws, 31, University of students since 2010 and since 2017 a Third place Seventh place Missouri-Kansas City contest geared specifically to students Samuel Davidson, 22, California Nat Rogers, 24, Johns Hopkins University Richard Lyda, 30, Winthrop University of color. Institute of Technology ($1,000) ($400) Ethan Morrow, 21, University of FIRST PLACE ‘For the Constitution tells us so’ FFRF awarded Clayborne $3,000. I know that this inequity would likely the realm of government affairs, and not exist today had there been a true “no law [should be made] respecting By Clayborne Cook “wall of separation” between public an establishment of religion, or prohib- policy and biblical teachings. For ex- iting the free exercise thereof.” In or- esus loves me, this I know, ample, one could argue that this very der to guarantee that our constitutional for the bible tells me so.” As oppression endorsed by the holy scrip- rights and the constitutional rights of “J an impressionable youngster, ture was the cause of insufficient ac- our children are not infringed upon, I was unknowingly duped into belting tion during the early stages of the HIV we must collectively be better informed songs like this throughout my child- epidemic, as well as the long-accepted and resist political decisions that bla- hood during weekly Sunday school les- belief that domestic violence is a pri- tantly contradict our Constitution. sons. As I grew older and worldlier, I vate family matter; both of which led Additionally, we have to establish an began to discover all the other things to a great deal of unnecessary suffering environment in which citizens are not “the bible tells me so,” and how incred- that is still felt to this day. concerned with their state and national ibly dangerous and restricting many of Clayborne Cook What makes matters even worse is representatives’ religion when deciding these notions are to my personal free- that the tide of biblically bolstered leg- who to vote for, but with the solutions dom and that of others. Yet, despite al content of the book, but coming to islation is not receding but strength- that they promote to improve the gen- these dangers, the bible, in direct viola- terms with the fact that millions of U.S. ening, much like the tides caused by eral welfare of the American people. tion of the First Amendment of the U.S. citizens, including public officials, ac- human-generated climate change, an- Lastly, I believe it critical that we Constitution, has continually shaped cept its contents as “the word of God” other phenomenon that has unfortu- support organizations that are devoted the political decision-making process, and support the sinister instructions nately been denied using bible-based to challenging unconstitutional deci- thus increasing inequality and nega- laid forth. Two particularly abomina- arguments. This year alone, bills re- sions which disregard the separation tively impacting the general welfare of ble verses I encountered in my reading quiring bible instruction have been of church and state. Together we can the American people. Now more than include Leviticus 20:13, which states introduced in West Virginia and Iowa. reverse the tides, and in doing so, we ever, we must take long-needed action that “if a man lies with a male […] Likewise, over the past several years, must constantly remember that what to effectively ensure that public pol- they shall surely be put to death,” and similar bills have been enacted into law “the bible tells [us]” should not be icy is developed and enforced in an 1 Timothy 2:11-12, which declares that in Kentucky, Arizona, Arkansas, Geor- equated with what the U.S. Constitu- equitable and constitutional manner, “a woman should learn in quietness gia, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, tion tells us. absent of biblical teachings or other and full submission [and should not] while additional states have debated Clayborne, 26, of Norfolk, Va., attends religious doctrine. assume authority over a man; she must following suit. Such legislation is ex- the University of Pittsburgh and is seeking Personally, I have read the bible in remain quiet.” These two commands, tremely dangerous to the future devel- a master’s degree in public health. He is its entirety, not out of pleasure, but among a slew of others, openly pro- opment of our country, and is in viola- the first member of his family to attend col- out of a personal motivation to better mote the persecution of gay communi- tion of the Constitution. We as a nation lege. He has participated in the Peace Corps understand the content of the world’s ty members and women. Moreover, as must assure and foster the capacity for Master’s International Program, in which best-selling book. As a human, and also a public-health student earning a cer- freethought, and imposing “bible-liter- he served for three years as a health educa- as a human-rights advocate, this was tificate in health equity, with a specific acy classes” upon our children is com- tion and promotion specialist in Moldova. not an easy feat. What was most diffi- focus on bridging health disparities re- pletely counterintuitive to this ideal. He plans to return to Moldova after earning cult was not getting through the actu- lated to sexual orientation and gender, Overall, bibliolatry has no place in his graduate degree.

Women Without Superstition: Lead Us Not Into Penn Station: “No Gods — No Masters” Provocative Pieces

Collected writings By Anne Gaylor of 50 women A must-have for freethinkers of the 19th any freethinker, this & 20th centuries (51 gracefully readable photographs). book contains Gaylor’s Edited by Annie Laurie Gaylor classic writings. Published by FFRF Published by FFRF BuyBuy it it from from FFRF online online Buy it from FFRF online Make your own nontheistic cyber billboard at FFRF.org/out, and you might win shop.ffshop.ffrf.org rf.org shop.ff rf.org an “Unabashed Atheist” tee, like Clayton (above) did. November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 13

SECOND PLACE Keep the bible out of public policy

FFRF awarded Kelly $2,000. the hubris and damaging influence of beliefs . . . I also believe human life is a their parents. The parents had the right sacred gift from our creator.” Bibliola- By Kelly Chen to make decisions regarding their own try blinded Bush to the public support care, but they had no right to force of embryonic stem cell research and to rowing up attending Alabama these views onto their helpless children, the hopes of patients desperate to en- public schools, I remember open- who died unnecessarily as a result. Sim- roll in clinical trials. Bible-based poli- Ging my biology textbook to find a ilarly, policymakers are free to hold re- cies have consistently stymied scientific prominent sticker placed on the inside ligious beliefs, but should not support inquiry and innovation. cover. This page-long insert, conceived bible-based laws that impose those be- To remedy these problems, policies by conservative Christians and imple- liefs on all Americans. Evangelism is should be informed by experts. Ask mented by the Alabama Department of particularly dangerous when combined statisticians to analyze the outcomes of Education, emphasized that evolution with political power. Two lives were lost comprehensive versus abstinence-only was a “controversial theory” and “always due to the Schaible’s biblically based ac- sexual health education. Have OB- subject to change.” While the sticker’s tions; millions more have been affected GYNs testify to the merits and faults message claimed to encourage an “open by policies rooted in religion. of abortion policy. Assemble a team of mind,” it was clearly a closed-minded at- Most of all, I mourn the scientific public health officials, businesspeople tempt to question science-based teach- Kelly Chen progress lost to bibliolatry. Imagine and physicians to tackle health-care ing that contradicted creationism. rape, the female body has ways to try what treatments for devastating dis- reform. Find experts trained to con- I went on to major in biology in to shut the whole thing down.” At best, eases would already exist if the church sider evidence-based work to integrate college, learning to value empirical ev- public officials such as Akin are lazy or had not outlawed the study of human comprehensive, transparent and unbi- idence and the scientific method over ignorant. At worst, they are hypocrites anatomy during the Middle Ages, if the ased data into laws. Any policymaker competing and contradictory religious like former Congressman Tim Mur- Reagan administration had not waited who thinks citing the bible is equiva- claims. Science fascinated me for its ob- phy, who held a very public and reli- for more than 20,000 Americans to die lent to citing data should be exclud- jectivity and burdens of proof, and I put giously justified anti-abortion stance, of AIDS before addressing the crisis, ed due to conflict of interest. Years of my faith in facts, rather than in a single yet privately urged his mistress to have or if the Bush administration had not painstaking learning and investment spirituality. Now, as a medical student, I an abortion. Public officials with this killed eight years of stem-cell research by our scientists, at the world’s high- can appreciate moments when patients holier-than-thou mindset impose their from 2001-2009, excused as “deficit est standard, should remain untainted derive comfort or strength from the views on others even though they them- reduction.” President Reagan won the by bibliolatry. Bibliolatry is not inher- bible. But I cannot overlook the threat selves do not practice what they preach. presidency with the staunch support ently bad; it is only when the bible is bible-based public policy poses to the The beliefs of some should never of “The Moral Majority,” led by the weaponized to implement a belief sys- health of Americans. apply to all. Atrocities like the Spanish Rev. Jerry Falwell, who later preached, tem over well-informed policy that it Alarmingly, bibliolatry deems the bi- Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials and “AIDS is the wrath of God upon ho- becomes toxic. ble inherently and irrefutably correct. subordination of Untouchables show mosexuals.” When Reagan finally ac- Kelly, 22, of Vestavia Hills, Ala., at- Former Congressman Todd Akin is one the dangers of zealous religious belief. knowledged AIDS in 1987, his message tends the University of Alabama School of of many religious politicians who cites A famous medical ethics case makes this to Americans was to promote religious Medicine. She graduated with distinction meritless claims rather than evidence point potently clear. In 2014, Herbert principles like marital fidelity and sex- from Stanford University with a degree in simply because they adhere to the bi- and Catherine Schaible were jailed after ual abstinence, rather than fund med- biology. She published neurology research ble. During an interview, Akin scoffed they chose “divine healing” over medi- ical advances. Years later, President in peer-reviewed scientific journals and that rape victims did not deserve access cal treatment for their two children. George W. Bush justified his decision served on the national leadership board of to abortions because, “If it’s legitimate Tragically, these children suffered from by saying it was “shaped by deeply held United Students for Veterans’ Health.

THIRD PLACE Modern-day witch trials and tribulations FFRF awarded Sam $1,000. less cruelty resulted partly from the based on utilitarianism, motivates me bibliolatry of the current presidential to denounce bibliolatry as an inher- By Sam Davidson administration. Attorney General Jeff ently malevolent ideology based on Sessions defended the separation of this passage and many others. rom the 15th century through immigrant families and detention of In order to defeat this source of the 18th, the bible excerpt “Thou children through the biblical notion evil activity, it must be understood. Fshalt not suffer a witch to live” in- that all laws and their enforcement Ideologies take root wherever people spired Europeans and Americans to are inherently good. Such a defense are struggling, because they offer con- try, convict and execute tens of thou- could be used for any government crete explanations for problems and sands of innocent humans. In Europe, action, no matter how heinous. This potential solutions. In order to beat burning was the preferred method of belief essentially provides the govern- back bibliolatry, public policies must slaughter because of the pain it caus- ment with unlimited power. In a na- be enacted that make life easier for es. Witch trials demonstrate the usual tion that values rights afforded to the the common citizen. When people result of bible-based policy — need- people, where the government and its Sam Davidson receive a living wage and work rea- less suffering and harm to innocents. policies may be freely criticized, wor- onomy states, “If your very own broth- sonable hours, they have little reason In the past few months, purpose- shiping the bible requires contradic- er, or your son or daughter, or the wife to cling to irrational hope. Another tory behavior and thinking. you embrace, or your closest friend se- problem is the spread of bibliolatry by Such nonsensical thoughts were cretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go parents and religious institutions. Sec- Include FFRF espoused by then-EPA chief Scott and worship other gods’ . . . you must ularists must encourage religious chil- In Your Estate Planning Pruitt in February, when he defend- surely kill him.” Furthermore, if the dren to question beliefs and to learn ed oil-friendly policy as the biblical inhabitants of a town have begun to to think critically about religion. responsibility to harvest the Earth’s worship other gods, “you must surely There is great hope for a world in natural resources. For many reasons, strike down the inhabitants of that which secularism is on the rise, but excessive burning of fossil fuels has city with the sword. Destroy with the further activism is necessary to pre- Arrange a bequest in your will been predicted to harm all of hu- sword all its people and livestock. And vent modern-day equivalents to the or trust, or make the Freedom manity in the coming century. Nev- you are to gather all its plunder in witch hunts (and I am not referring From Religion Foundation ertheless, bible-based policy supports the middle of the public square, and to the Russia investigation). When the bene ciary of an insurance unfettered use of this contentious completely burn the city and all its church and state are fully separated, policy, bank account or IRA. technology. Continuing to elect evan- plunder as a whole burnt offering to and “church” is reduced to an extrem- It’s easy to do. gelical politicians, or politicians who the Lord your God. The city must re- ist minority, everyone will be better would appoint evangelicals to seats of main a mound of ruins forever, never for it. For related information (or to power, will certainly lead to ecological to be rebuilt.” This passage serves to Sam, 22, from Highland Park, Ill., request a bequest brochure), please contact Annie Laurie disaster. demonstrate the chasm between an- attends the California Institute of Tech- Gaylor at (608) 256-8900, While there are many similarities cient and modern morality. Very few nology. He graduated from Northwestern info@ rf.org between different ideologies, they are Americans today would recommend University with a degree in chemical engi- not all created equal, and bibliolatry launching nuclear missiles to anni- neering. He spent three years conducting Freedom depends is one of the worst common belief hilate all lands in which the biblical research at Northwestern’s Jewett Lab and on freethinkers systems because of its basis in ancient God is not worshiped; however, the now has a publication under review and a ideals and its promotion of “faith” bible fully endorses such a policy. My pending patent. His career goal is to con- over evidence and reasoning. Deuter- personal moral code, which is largely duct research in synthetic biology. Page 14 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018

Fourth PLACE Bibliolatry sabotages education

FFRF awarded Tricity $750. information was new to me, whereas my compounding bibliolatry’s educational classmates already knew the basics of sabotage. I had no non-Christian friends By Tricity Andrew evolution. I still lack knowledge in topics and few non-Baptist friends. The teach- such as world history. ings and anti-intellectualism seemed ibliolatry at many Christian schools For girls, the educational sabotage normal and even reasonable. Difficult sabotages students’ education. was greater because of our school’s questions that could raise doubts were B Evangelicalism flirts with anti- understanding of “traditional gender either not discussed or were dismissed as intellectualism, maligning reason as roles.” My school implied that colleges lacking faith. In adulthood, I developed lacking faith and rewriting science or — if they were not Baptist — should friendships with people from diverse history when in disharmony with the not be a primary goal since they had a backgrounds. Their friendships prompt- bible or its interpretation. This anti- liberalizing effect on students, and girls’ ed me to reassess my faith. intellectualism causes subpar education, education need I no longer be- especially for girls, due to sexist biblical be only enough to lieve in the divine interpretations. My Christian private raise and potentially In college, I needed inspiration of the bi- school’s teachings and attitudes sabotaged homeschool their to relearn certain topics ble, but I still recog- my education, but growing intellectualism Tricity Andrew kids. Boys would one to“ catch up to my peers. nize how well-inten- allowed me to relearn topics. day choose careers tioned or intelligent Our curriculum often presented re- fact that some were deists and many early that interested them, — Tricity Andrew many believers are. ligious beliefs as scientific fact and prac- immigrants were fleeing religious perse- but girls were to I see the bible as a ticed massive revisionist history. Our cution. Since slavery is in the bible, we primarily focus on reaction by Bronze Earth science textbook taught Young were taught that slavery was not necessar- homemaking. These sexist views came Age people to harsh, unpredictable lives. Earth Creationism, stating that the Earth ily immoral, just practiced incorrectly in from tradition and bible passages praising Bibliolatry defends itself with anti-intel- received no rain before Noah’s flood, America. women for well-organized homes or well- lectualism, but we can combat bibliolatry which was presented as fact. We never Our texts justified separating Native behaved children. with intellectualism. While developing learned that scientific dating methods American children from their families, Sexism stemming from tradition was friendships with nonbelievers, I allowed show the Earth to be much older, nor stating that they needed to be re-educat- defended with bible verses declaring the myself to be interested in previously for- that the geologic record contains no ev- ed into Christianity. World history cov- man the head of the household or Pau- bidden topics. Learning about the actual idence of a worldwide flood. ered ancient cultures, but chapters always line epistles telling women to submit and mechanisms of evolution taught me that Evolutionary theory was not only de- indicted their practices as evil; however, be quiet in church. We were discouraged evolution was not a far-fetched idea, but nied, but also grossly misrepresented. the Crusades were whitewashed as “trying from science and math and encouraged a reasonable scientific theory with much We were taught that evolution was “just a to save sinners.” Textbooks were motivat- to only take the minimum three math evidence. Increasing intellectualism led theory,” as if “theory” meant conjecture, ed by belief that the bible is inerrant — classes required for graduation. I was me to a more accepting, less dogmatic rather than scientific consensus support- science that casts doubt on biblical stories discouraged from taking more math be- form of Christianity until I eventually ed by much evidence. Our history text- cannot be true; history that teaches of dif- cause “precalculus would be too hard.” left Christianity entirely. Intellectualism, books contained misinformation, if not ferent cultures without stressing how evil I was later shamed for a high math test along with friendships with nonbelievers, racist, sexist, xenophobic undertones. they were might lead astray Christians. It score because it would intimidate boys can combat others’ bibliolatry. Instead of teaching how important reli- was often difficult to discern if we were and cause difficulty dating. Tricity, 27, from Raleigh, N.C., attends gious freedom and separation of church reading fact, misinformation or opinion. To move beyond bibliolatry, we need North Carolina State University, where she is and state was to our Founding Fathers, In college, I needed to relearn cer- to become comfortable critiquing reli- working on a Ph.D. in applied mathematics. textbooks taught that they sought to es- tain topics to catch up to my peers. In gious texts while still respecting believers. Tricity graduated from the University of Tulsa tablish a Christian nation, ignoring the my evolutionary biology course, all the Evangelicalism encourages insularity, in 2013 with a B.S. in mathematics.

FIFTH PLACE God: America’s favorite author FFRF awarded Jarred $600. government. They use the bible as an ex- other unbiblical scientific facts. Editor’s note: The deadline to enter cuse to treat women as inferior to men, Unfortunately, I experienced this sce- this contest was Aug. 1, prior to the con- to discriminate against LGBT persons, nario first-hand and did not come to ac- firmation vote of Brett Kavanaugh. and to hold back societal progress with cept the overwhelming body of evidence anti-scientific propaganda. supporting evolution until adulthood. By Jarred McCleese The most egregious threat posed by It saddens me to know that today, mil- unquestionable devotion to the bible lions of students attending faith schools resident Trump has nominated has been its role in the mistreatment of across the nation are being cheated out his second Supreme Court pick minority groups. The LGBT community of a real science education because the Pfor consideration, which has many has been especially vilified by Christians science does not comport with a literal Americans worried about the future of who allow ancient texts written and com- interpretation of the bible. secularism in the United States. The pos- piled thousands of years ago to dictate The bible is a collection of 66 books sibility of overturning past decisions on how they treat people today. (73 for Catholics), and not all them abortion and gay rights is a real threat, In the aftermath of the 2015 Supreme are threatening to social and cultural a threat which Court decision to growth. Indeed, with over 31,000 vers- ultimately stems strike down gay Jarred McCleese es, it would be improbable not to find from American Millions of students marriage bans na- something of merit in the collection. bibliolatry. attending faith schools tionwide, in what privilege comes from my home state of But those merits can be found else- “There are peo- across“ the nation are should have been a Kentucky, where Gov. Matt Bevin has where without the baggage of the hor- ple on the right joyful occasion, my signed a “bible literacy bill” into law. rific stories of sanctioned genocide and being cheated out of a that want to im- Kentucky county Similar bills concerning the Quran or hundreds of outdated commandments pose Christian real science education. made news head- the Vedas have yet to be drafted. While that cannot apply to a free and secular Sharia law in this — Jarred McCleese lines everywhere it may be important to study the bible society. One can certainly live a good country,” said co- because our clerk from a literary standpoint, it should be and moral life without believing that median and radio decided to deny gay just as important to study and compare the bible is a divine book dictated by host Dean Obeidallah during a discus- couples their hard-fought right to finally literature from a wide selection of faiths God. That belief continues to do last- sion on Trump’s nominee Brett Kavana- marry their partners. Kim Davis cited her and cultures. There is nothing partic- ing and unnecessary harm to millions ugh. “They want to turn the bible into bible-based beliefs as her rationale that ularly special about biblical mythology, of Americans. We owe it to the progress the law of the land.” marriage may only be between a man which has itself been formed in part of our species to cast off ancient myths Obeidallah’s words were apparently and a woman, and ultimately threatened from myths of other more ancient cul- which have divided us for millennia and so provocative that they caused conser- the gay couples with judgment from tures. Why, then, should the bible get its focus instead on improving our human vative radio host Steve Deace to walk off God. After many lawsuits, the couples own class if not to set it apart from other condition through science and reason. mid-exchange. Yet Obeidallah said what eventually received their licenses, but religious texts as exceptional? Jarred, 26, from Wallingford, Ky., attends should already be obvious to anyone not before being shamed by their own It is not enough for the bible to have the University of Kentucky, where he plans paying attention to the modern political community, which seems poised to re- its own class in the public school system. to get a degree in modern and classical lan- climate. There are indeed many people elect Kim Davis this November. Many Christian parents pull their chil- guages, literatures and cultures. He noted that who would have Americans follow bib- It is clear that the bible enjoys a priv- dren out of the system completely and “coming out as an atheist was more difficult lical law, effectively establishing a Chris- ileged status in America over other “sa- place them in bible-based private schools than coming out as gay.” He plans to study in tian theocracy in the place of our secular cred” scriptures. One example of this to avoid exposing them to evolution and Japan next year. November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 15

SIXTH PLACE The harm of the willfully ignorant

FFRF awarded Garrett $500. expertly crafted or written by a super- and misinformation. People fear what natural being. It does not follow a mor- they do not know, and they attack what By Garrett Dare al compass, nor does it stay consistent they fear. They fear other races, nation- in its messages. It is flawed and should alities and ways of thinking. Most of ince the age of 10, I have consid- not be taken seriously. Many incredibly all, people fear what they perceive as ered myself to be a freethinker. I dated and horrifying ideals are pre- threats to their religion. Sam one of the lucky few who was sented in its pages. The bible should not have any pow- never pressured to be religious, despite Religious people tend to cher- er over the modern world. Individuals, attending church and Sunday school. ry-pick the ideals that are most conve- corporations and political parties have After learning that Santa Claus, the nient for them or their political party. absolutely no reason to turn to the bi- Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy were Their favorites include gay sex being ble for guidance or inspiration. The all make-believe, I decided the same an abomination modern world must be true for God. I began to take (Leviticus 18:22), does not need everything I heard at church with a but they tend to Basing one’s political the dogmas of the hefty grain of salt. avoid other horri- and social viewpoints on ancient world to On Sundays, I was taught lessons on Garrett Dare ble verses, such as the“ words of an ancient guide us into the morality and heard fun stories about selling a daughter future. These dat- and heavily flawed book talking snakes and burning bushes, people, the never-ending attack on into slavery (Ex- ed ideals would but I treated them the same way that women’s reproductive rights, blaming odus 21:7). The is reckless, harmful and only serve to en- I treated animated Disney films. Un- school shootings on the lack of God in bible is filled with incredibly ignorant. trench us in the fortunately, this kind of breakthrough schools, and the ever-growing anti-sci- archaic rules, hor- — Garrett Dare past and drive us does not occur for many individuals. ence movement. Our current admin- rible punishments into a dystopian Instead of taking bible lessons and istration’s policies and crass behavior for silly transgres- society based on Sunday sermons as metaphorical, many have helped to bolster the confidence sions, uneducated ramblings, blatant fear and hatred. If we are to prosper people will take every word from the of many closed-minded individuals and disregard for human life and God’s fa- and grow, then we must educate our- bible as law. This worship of the bible is hate groups. The constant fear-mon- vorite: misogyny. selves and sever our ties with the dated known as bibliolatry and it is incredibly gering and scapegoating has brought I believe that bibliolatry stems from principles of the bible. To this end, I dangerous for the future of our society. many closeted bigots and religious fa- fear and a sort of extreme laziness. Peo- believe we must focus on educating our Basing one’s political and social view- natics out into the open. It seems that ple are afraid of change, and they are children in the ways of critical thinking points on the words of an ancient and more bible-based legislation is being afraid to admit when they do not under- and open-mindedness. heavily flawed book is reckless, harm- pushed now than any time in recent stand something. It is far easier to join a Garrett, 28, from Eugene, Ore., attends ful and incredibly ignorant. history. group of like-minded individuals from the University of Oregon, where he plans to Examples of the negative impact The major problem with basing your community than it is to spend graduate with an art and technology de- of bibliolatry can be seen just about one’s morals on the bible is that it lacks many hours researching and thinking gree. After graduation, he hopes to work on anywhere in the current sociopolit- genuine and consistent morality. The critically. The willfully ignorant masses children’s books that get kids excited about ical landscape. The more obvious bible was put together from a variety that reject critical thinking, avoid books education and freethinking. A children’s examples include the bigoted legisla- of writers in an attempt to unite an and believe every clickbait title they see book that features his illustrations will be tion being proposed against LGBTQ empire under one religion. It was not are the same people who spread fear self-published soon on Amazon.

SEVENTH PLACE Logic and myth in American schools

FFRF awarded Nat $400. mind raised free of this brash breach of come eligible voters. Prominent politi- scientific integrity, this assault on logic cians in respected political offices depart By Nat Rogers is readily apparent. Therein lies the rea- from reason by brushing aside climate son that bibliolatry in schools must be change, evolution and any number of hen it comes to discussing the stamped out. well-vetted scientific theories. Believers dangers of bibliolatry and the Ignatius of Loyola is credited with say- can then feel legitimized when they re- Wburgeoning American theoc- ing, “Give me a child until he is 7 and I ject the evidence due to inconsistencies racy fostered by unprecedented access will give you the man.” Modern psychol- with their religious beliefs. For instance, of evangelical Christians to the current ogy has demonstrated the truth in this reliance on the bible as fact has given rise White House administration, there are disquieting aphorism of the power to to the wholly unsubstantiated claim by countless examples of bigotry, misogy- brainwash children from a young age. evangelical Christians that God controls ny and attacks on reason from which Children are incredibly trusting of famil- the climate. When it comes to climate to draw. However, the overt attempt to iar adults and will generally accept infor- change, pinning the source of rising install the bible into public school cur- mation without question, right or wrong, temperatures on God not only relieves ricula should be met with outrage and that becomes integrated into how the them of responsibility, but allows Chris- condemnation by citizens across the child processes its surroundings. Nat Rogers tian leaders to instill fear in the populace United States. In society, teach- by claiming these changes signal an im- Aside from ers are implicitly ging Intelligent Design into classrooms pending apocalypse. By teaching chil- lauding the amo- Christian apologists afforded additional promulgates the insidious notion that dren the correct way to reach a conclu- rality displayed in trust in regard to mountains of scientific evidence can sion based on evidence, such assertions contort themselves in a the infanticide, the accuracy of the be freely discarded should that evi- will hold sway with an ever-decreasing vain“ attempt to fend off the rape and geno- information they dence diverge from scripture. Instead percentage of the population. cide ordered and ever-growing mountain present, so when of teaching students to gather evidence Supplanting superstition with reason condoned by the of scientific evidence a teacher presents and subsequently develop a theory is inherently a gradual process that must Christian God, this against their myths. pseudoscience based on that, Intelligent Design sug- be predicated on sound logical founda- challenge to secu- and myth as fact, gests to students that fitting evidence tions taught in schools. We must make lar education will — Nat Rogers one can recognize to match a predetermined conclusion every effort to convince the American subvert students’ the potential for is an acceptable standard. The impor- public to push back against pseudosci- ability to cultivate a heightened pro- tance of keeping that notion separate ence and to remove bibliolatry from robust critical-thinking skills, especial- pensity to poison a child’s ability to view from our secular school system cannot public school curricula. Unless we teach ly in the sciences. Christian apologists the world in a rational manner. Thus, the be overstated. Freedom of religion is young Americans how to detect faulty contort themselves in a vain attempt to danger of an authority figure presenting protected by the First Amendment. Yet, reasoning, the United States is doomed fend off the ever-growing mountain of the bible as fact is evident. Yet, however American children in the public school to a future where science continues to scientific evidence against their myths, unpalatable it may be, the interweaving system have a right not to be subject to be ignored when it casts light on incon- and Intelligent Design embodies the of myth and fact pales in comparison to enduring the death throes of demon- venient truths. latest in a long line of pseudoscientific the deleterious effect of convincing chil- strably false religious claims as they are Nat, 24, of Baltimore, attends Johns Hop- impediments that Christians have hap- dren that the bible is beyond reproach. (slowly) eclipsed by reason. kins University as a second-year student in the hazardly proffered to stanch the exodus To those who preach Intelligent De- Students taught at a formative age that biochemistry and molecular biology master’s from the church in favor of reason. In- sign, the bible is unassailable, and all ev- it is admissible to reject evidence-based program. He does volunteer work with under- telligent Design matches evidence to a idence must be cowed into submission theories in favor of faith-based delusions served community members in Baltimore and predetermined conclusion, and, to a such that it aligns with scripture. Drag- will persist in this mindset as they be- is also an avid hiker and photographer. Page 16 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 FFRF student essay honorable mentions

FFRF selected eight essays from the with an undergraduate degree in music graduate/“older” competition that Women’s rights education. Elizabeth already holds a Free from were worthy of honorable mention Master’s of Music degree from Central status. Each of the following students and bibliolatry Michigan University. religion, full of received $200 (plus an additional By Elizabeth Cullen thought $100 for those who are members of a Bibliolatry? secular student club). By Andrew Haws To read each of the honorable men- t is well-known that men and wom- tion essays in full, go to freethoughttoday. en are prescribed different roles Not for me com. by the bible. Those Christians s a high school teacher in a di- I By Meghan Fuller Here are edited excerpts from each who practice a literal interpreta- verse school district, I am pas- (in no particular order). tion of the book preach that women A sionate about spreading knowl- should be submissive and seen but he much more pleasing defini- edge to my students. Quite often, our Laughing at the not heard. This tion of “bibliolatry” is an “exces- daily conversations lend themselves to has historically T sive love of books,” and any avid developing the critical-thinking skills caused hurdles reader would claim there is nothing needed to pro- Lemon test for women in the wrong with the occasional shunning of mote a socially workplace and friends and family while staying up until just society. By Shelby Burton limited domestic 2 a.m. to finish a good book. But the sec- More than any protections. The ond dictionary definition, “an excessive other generation, n founding America, the Constitu- #Metoo move- adherence to the literal interpretation the students I tion’s framers strived for the United ment represents of the bible,” cre- teach are keen- IStates to become a secular nation a drastic move ates a significantly ly aware of the where no one would be subjected to away from the larger problem social state that the theology of Elizabeth Cullen biblical oppres- than sleep depri- surrounds them. the rulers. Un- sion of women, vation or antiso- They are frustrat- fortunately, we and by harnessing the momentum cial behavior. Andrew Haws ed by the lack have a surplus of of the movement, we as a society Many who are of understand- rulers who have may be able to resolve many of the opposed to bibliol- ing from the elected officials who have trained our citi- issues women face. atry love to point pledged to serve the people, and my stu- zens to see “reli- In addition to marriage roles, the out the obvious dents reach a point where they feel as if gious freedom” as bible presents numerous rules and hypocrisy in peo- their voices will go unheard. freedom for the guidelines for women’s behavior in Meghan Fuller ple who claim the Part of what I try to do is help their religious majori- public and places in society. Accord- bible’s disdain for voice reverberate by showing them the ty to suppress the ing to Leviticus, women are forbid- homosexual marriage while simultane- power of a collective, unified message. Shelby Burton will of the rest of den to become priests. Other class- ously eating shellfish, growing beards, When Missouri decided to fund a pri- the country, as op- es excluded from the priesthood having tattoos and extramarital affairs, vate school playground with taxpayer posed to “freedom from religion,” as it include the sick and disabled. Prov- all of which are condemned in the book’s money, and that decision was upheld was intended. erbs 11:22 restricts the types of be- teachings. While those points are often by the Supreme Court, it was my job to Despite the Lemon test, a ruling by haviors that are becoming for wom- fun to make and can give an enjoyable help my students see that dollars were the Supreme Court in 1971 that the en, “like a gold ring in a pig’s snout sense of superiority, the actual problems being stolen from their education, government cannot specifically endorse is a beautiful woman without discre- with bibliolatry go much deeper and are creating an unequal playing field and a religious belief that doesn’t fulfill a tion.” First Corinthians has much to often subtler. raising their college tuition. Interracial secular purpose, officials are pandering say about women’s behavior, includ- Take the recent ruling of Masterpiece marriage was legal during the lives of to a base that intends to create laws that ing in verse 14:34: “Women should Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commis- many of my students’ parents, same-sex fulfill exclusively religious purposes. remain silent in the churches. They sion. The Supreme Court ruled in June marriage only recently became legal, As a future medical provider, I’m are not allowed to speak, but must that a bakery in Colorado was justified in and Missouri is one of the states where particularly concerned about the con- be in submissions, as the law says.” refusing to bake a gay couple a wedding private companies can still fire an indi- tinued teaching of creationism in pub- Both the Old and New Testaments cake because it violated “deeply held re- vidual for being gay. lic schools. Unfortunately, when we provide dress codes for women that ligious beliefs.” This and the Hobby Lobby So where do these laws stem from? keep misinforming students in even ba- are stricter than those for men. case from 2014, which allowed craft store They are all derived from the teachings sic science courses by failing to explain Deuteronomy 22:5 (Old Testa- chain Hobby Lobby to refuse to provide of the bible and are set in place to un- evolution, anyone pursuing a future ment) states: “A woman shall not birth control to employees because of fairly discriminate against those who profession like mine is at a disadvantage wear man’s garment, nor shall a “deeply held” beliefs, are examples of hold differing beliefs. Moreover, they among peers by being introduced to man put on a woman’s cloak, for lawmakers using the bible’s teachings indoctrinate the minds of our children, such a crucial topic late in her educa- whoever does these things is an to slowly make it legal to discriminate the individuals that we seek to develop tion. Furthermore, when the public has abomination to the lord your God.” against people who don’t fit someone’s their own opinions and beliefs in order no grasp of evolution, they’re subject to First Corinthians mentions several interpretation of a “good Christian.” to help society progress forward. a lack of understanding of mechanisms times that women should keep their Individually, these two cases are easy The best way to fight the conservative that directly impact them, such as an- hair long, and First Timothy 2:9-10 to brush off for those who aren’t paying sentiment of “In God We Trust” is to arm tiretroviral therapy, antibiotic resistance states: “Likewise also that women attention; after all, there are hundreds the next generation with the tools they and climate change. Less benign than should adorn themselves in respect- of other bakeries in Colorado that will need to see beyond the hateful rheto- ignorance is the outright contempt and able apparel, with modesty and bake wedding cakes for anybody, and ric the bible promotes and see that the discrimination justified in the name of self-control.” you don’t have to work at Hobby Lob- phrases “Black lives matter,” “Women’s religion, codified into laws. All of these examples from the bi- by if you need birth control under your rights are human rights,” “No human Religious voters recently have been ble have long informed public pol- insurance plan. But those people are is illegal,” “Science is real” and “Love electing individuals who will fight for icy in the United States, but there missing the point. is love” are more than just words on a their “religious freedom” at the ex- has been a dramatic change in re- Like the popular cautionary tale of the bumper sticker. pense of true religious freedom or, in cent discourse. The Equal Pay Act frog in slowly boiling water, steps toward Andrew, 30, from Kansas City, Mo., at- some cases, any freedom at all. When of 1963 inaugurated the fight for a domineering religious society are done tends the University of Missouri-Kansas City, people are willing to select candidates gender equality in the workplace, incrementally, rather than in a large and where he is seeking a doctorate of education carrying out unconstitutional goals, but there is still work to be done as instant change. Inch by inch these in- in urban leadership. He went to Truman as in the case of Roy Moore and Mike a society through legislation. fractions on our democracy creep into State University as an undergrad, getting a Pence, we arrive in our current state of The #Metoo movement has law. Yesterday it was birth control, today degree in mathematics. He is the father of a affairs. It’s this lack of concern for those brought women’s rights to the fore- it’s cake, but what happens tomorrow 1-year-old child. unlike us — especially in a country that front of public discussion, and there when a Muslim child is forced to recite was intended to allow equal rights for is momentum to tighten harassment a Christian prayer in school? The phrase Woe to the Women: all — that points to a much deeper laws through bills such as the Me Too “under God” has been on our money The Bible Tells Me So problem. This imposition of one set of Congress Act of 2017. Our country and in our schools’ morning pledge for beliefs upon others who do not share is poised for dramatic change in the decades now, so who’s to say it’s not al- By Annie Laurie Gaylor those beliefs denies them the true free- protection of women, as the current ready happening? A concise, easy-to-read dom they were promised as Americans. liberal galvanization provides both Meghan, 26, from Austin, Texas, attends book that will challenge Shelby, 26, from Henderson, Nev., attends a widespread desire for change and Purdue University Global where she is working your concept of the bible as “a good book.” Touro University Nevada. She is working to- strength to move forward. toward a master’s of science degree in higher ed- Illustrated. 264 pages. ward a D.O. degree in osteopathic medicine. Elizabeth, 29, from Shepherd, Mich., ucation leadership. She graduated from Penn Published by FFRF As an undergrad, she attended Rocky Moun- attends Michigan State University and is State University with a bachelor’s degree in spe- tain College and graduated with a degree seeking a master’s in finance and supply cial education. She hopes to become the dean BuyBuy it it from from FFRF online online in biology. She hopes to become a pediatric chain management. She graduated of students for a large college, where she can shop.ffshop.ffrf.org rf.org oncologist. from Grand Valley State University continue her mission of helping others. November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 17

text. Bibliolatry in public policy is real societal threats emerge. Firstly, rently menstruating, do not need to Bibliolatry a direct attack on years of progress when Christianity is the only voice, be followed. moving humanity from a time of or the only one capable of being Public policy based on this hypoc- and fighting superstition and misinformation to heard, it causes issues for minorities risy is just as effective as a scientific the modern age, governed by rea- and marginalized groups. Secondly, study that was not peer reviewed; it is the future son and research. Years of progress when the antiquated teachings of the nothing more than opinion with no for women, gays, people of color, bible are applied to modern times, real supporting evidence. This type By Richard Lyda persons with mental and physical modern knowledge and ethics are ne- of study would never be respected disabilities, trans individuals and glected. Finally, when one only con- in the scientific community, and it is textbook is given a new edi- others could be struck down by a forms to the bible’s words, he or she exactly why the bible should not be tion when new information salvo of bills and proposals cut and must relinquish his or her own ideas used to draft or influence policy at A about the subject matter is pasted from relic of a time when of ethics and logic for God’s, which any level of law. understood. Yet the bible, perceived haircuts could be considered a pun- causes followers to become mindless Ashley, 28, of Seattle, attends the Uni- as the ultimate source of sociopoliti- ishable offense. believers, incapable of dealing with versity of Washington, with the goal of cal guidance by Christian politicians Richard, 30, from Rock Hill, S.C., at- reality rationally. earning a master’s degree in public ad- and lawmakers, basically has not had tends Winthrop University, where he is The only solution to the issue of ministration. She graduated from Eastern a new edition working toward a political science degree. bibliolatry is to put the bible into Washington University with a bachelor’s in a hundred His goal is to obtain a master’s degree perspective to show what it truly is: degree in international affairs. Ashley is generations. in peace and conflict resolution. Richard a book, a collection of bound pages, working as a paralegal at an immigration The danger of hopes to work as a researcher on either that is simply unworthy of worship. law firm. such an archaic the United Nations’ education or envi- Ethan, 21, from Columbia, Mo., at- text is its literal ronmental policy panels. tends the University of Missouri-Colum- interpretation bia where he is seeking a master’s degree in Love and and attempted communication. He also graduated from enforcement Handwriting that university in May with an under- the bible in the modern graduate degree in communications and By Elizabeth Ruelle world. Hun- on the wall a minor in romance languages. He hopes dreds of years to get a Ph.D. and become a professor. Richard Lyda of science, poli- By Ethan Morrow am a socially liberal bisexual fe- tics and philos- Cherry-picking male, but my liberal upbringing ophy have dramatically improved he United States, according to I shielded me from any real under- our understanding of the world and the Pledge of Allegiance, is a standing of LGBTQ discrimination the people around us. Clinging to T“nation under God.” However, the bible or the effects of bibliolatry until my stories that might have been mean- after sustaining God’s weight for so senior year of high school. ingful 1,000 years or more ago is long, the nation has started to col- By Ashley Podplesky That year, I had a crush on a girl irresponsible and dangerous in the lapse beneath him. named Ashley. She was nervous to modern world. According to a 2017 article by the ike most people, I was not sur- date someone of the same gender Since obviously, or at least hopeful- Pew Research Center, 91 percent prised when President Trump because her father was a very con- ly, no one would literally live accord- of legislators Limplemented the travel ban servative pastor. He made rules and ing to the bible, believers are likely describe them- on citizens of seven predominant- his word was law, based, tellingly, to pick and choose which verses pro- selves as Chris- ly Muslim nations. As a paralegal at on words equally important in their mote their agenda and pursue those tian. Non-Chris- an immigration law firm, I was furi- home, the bible. In Leviticus it says: ends with righteous indignation. The tian minorities ous that government officials were “You shall not lie with a male as with a greatest danger to hypocrites is some- have not only so blatantly discriminating against woman; it is an abomination” (Levit- one drawing awareness to their inter- had their po- people assumed to be followers of a icus 18:22). Ashley’s father defended nal and unresolved conflict, therefor litical voices non-Christian religion. This displays that statement with a fervor. the ultimate comfort for a hypocrite drowned out, a mind-blowing After our third date, Ashley’s fa- is to surround themselves with peo- but also have level of hypocri- ther caught her coming home. He ple who share their unresolved inter- been subjected sy, considering flipped out. This time her father was nal conflict. One might call a large Ethan Morrow to the law in un- they follow a not only physically, but also emo- group of people with a shared moral imaginable ways. book that states: tionally, abusive. ideal a voter base. In addition to the bible’s outdated “You shall have That night, Ashley spoke to no With a voter base which finds it- (and often inconsistent) teachings, one statute for one and went to her room. The next self morally salient, and rhetoric it includes many commands which both the resident morning, she was found in her bed supported by almighty indignation, are not based on reason. Do not take alien and the na- with her wrists slit. a politician can be nearly unstop- the Lord’s name in vain, a colloquial tive” and “I was a Losing Ashley drastically changed pable in promoting legislation reg- version of the third commandment, stranger and you my relationship with religion. I be- ulating healthcare, social mobility is an example of a baseless demand. welcomed me,” came aware of how literally people Ashley Podplesky and the personal liberty of people Without a clear purpose as to why not statements that would read the bible. Creating social not represented in their bibliocen- to take the Lord’s name in vain, the encourage be- policy and especially law based on tric reality. The bible was written believer who conforms to this com- lievers to welcome and treat everyone the bible is particularly dangerous. well before modern gynecology, and mandment does so for one reason: as their equal. Individual’s rights and freedoms has no place being referenced when because God said so. This blind trust As someone who works in the legal cannot be protected by such a con- discussing reproductive health care. requires the believer to set aside his field, I understand the importance of tradictory text. When introducing abhorrent legisla- or her own rationality to essentially creating laws that are as unbiased as The bible was written in Hebrew tion, such as South Carolina’s recent become a mindless worshipper. possible, so that when the implemen- and Aramaic, translated first into Personhood Bill, politicians will cite While the loss of logic could be tation of said law is questioned, one Greek, then Latin, before finally ap- the bible for moral grounding in catastrophic in an average citizen, it can seek out precedent set in sim- pearing in the vernacular, which now their attempt to strip funding from would be significantly more danger- ilar cases to determine how the law counts 3,312 languages. It would be women’s health clinics. ous in the case of a leader. Societies has historically been put into effect. absurd to form policy based on such Although these dangers are peril- require a powerful, intellectual lead- When biblical teachings are used to an unstable document. ous on their own, they are symptom- er, but if the leader relinquishes his create and implement public policy, For every law based on Corinthians atic of a much larger threat. With or her power or ability to think ratio- this level of precedent is missing, as 6:9-10 or Leviticus 18:22, the story of the rise of biblical literalism is the nally, he or she is no leader at all. the bible is all left to interpretation. Jonathan and David would challenge rise of anti-intellectualism, disre- When Christianity and worship of Similarly, when a law is imple- it: “The soul of Jonathan was knit gard for science in lieu of outdated the bible become extreme, three very mented, all aspects of the law must with the soul of David, and Jonathan be put into place; you cannot pick loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel and choose which parts of the law 18:1) and “Thy love to me was won- you want to follow while blissfully derful, passing the love of women (2 Your weekly antidote to the Religious Right ignoring the rest. This requirement Samuel 1:26).” does not sit well with those who see Elizabeth, 28, from Troy, Mich., at- the bible as law, as it is all too con- tends the College of Creative Studies where FREETHOUGHT RADIO venient for them to cherry-pick the she is seeking a bachelor’s of fine arts PODCASTS AND BROADCASTS verses and stories they use to justify degree in fibers and fashion accessories their actions. You cannot claim that design. She is just returning to school af- FIND OUT MORE: rf.org/radio your belief in the bible gives you au- ter taking years off because of a serious thority over certain things because illness that led her to become paralyzed. — Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor — some verses support your argument She writes, “After a gauntlet of intense Slightly irreverent views, news, music & interviews if you also decide that certain aspects surgery, the caring guidance of health of that same book, like the require- professionals at every level, and immense ment that one should not wear fab- amounts of occupational and physical rics of mixed material or sit in the therapy, I am literally learning to live my same chair as someone who is cur- life over again.” Page 18 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 LETTERBOX South Carolina governor ‘In Reason We Trust’ prays, quotes scripture stamper a great buy

South Carolina’s Republican Gov. I love my “In Reason We Trust” Henry McMaster prayed and quoted stamper! For years, I would carefully bible scriptures on every televised mark out “God” and print “Good” in conference he had during the hurri- its place on my money. Now it just takes cane. I actually laughed and emailed a nanosecond to de-God my cash. the governor’s office and reminded Before my friend went on a vaca- him of church and state separation. tion in Utah, I stamped all of his bills He should not be quoting bible scrip- that he was going to hand over to the tures or having other people quot- Mormons. It felt great! ing scriptures at any time, especially I think all of our members should during a disaster like Hurricane Flor- purchase this stamper. It not only ence. If they felt they should pray to spreads the word, it also feels so good. a fairytale god, they should do it on Ed Burk Colorado their own time and not in public. That’s not why you get paid from tax- Editor’s note: To order a stamper, go to payers’ money. shop.ffrf.org. See our ad on page 11. FFRF’s Greater Sacramento Chapter President Judy Saint hands literature to a Stewart Singletary lifelong local activist during the annual California Freethought Day Festival. South Carolina Sacramento chapter represents Student essayists were eloquent, poignant, brave Thanks, FFRF, for the FFRF’s Greater Sacramento Ask an Atheist radio show, U.S. Rep. ad in the N.Y. Times Chapter participated in the Califor- Jerry McNerney, who co-founded It was with great pleasure that I nia Freethought Day Festival, hand- the Freethought Caucus, Rebecca read the “Students of Color” essays Thank you, a bit late, for the great ing out or selling FFRF nontracts, Hensler, founder of Grief Beyond in the September edition. full-page ad (“It’s time to consider quit- stickers, shirts and Dan Barker’s Belief, Evan Clark and Ryan Bell of The eloquence displayed by every ting the Catholic Church”) in The New books. Chapter President Judy Saint Secular Student Alliance, and oth- single entry left me spellbound, and York Times. It really catches your eye! remarked, “We spoke with so many ers. This annual freethought event my emotions were further moved by It’s a great public service. I hope you more people this year at our booth gives freethinkers throughout the the poignance of each writer’s per- received some good responses to it. than in previous years. The public state a venue for encouragement, sonal challenge of being a freethink- I have been getting my copies of definitely counts on FFRF to act for insights, hope, leadership train- er in a heightened environment of Freethought Today and reading them all of us in this time of heavy reli- ing, and entertainment of a secu- bigotry and prejudice. I think it’s cover to cover. I am so glad I rejoined gious infiltration into government.” lar nature, on the public tree-lined hard enough being an atheist as a FFRF. What great articles, letters and Judy reports that some visitors grounds of the California Capitol privileged white person. bios! It makes me feel like I could took her aside to tell their horror building. The Sacramento Chap- Because of the social ostracism and picket again! tales, and even slipped cash into her ter also participated in the annual loneliness that that people of color Jan Moffitt hand for the chapter as their sign of Leadership Conference always held must face to embrace logic and rea- Massachusetts appreciation and encouragement. the day prior to the main event. son, these young people rise to the Speakers and attendees at the fes- Thanks to Janet Thew and John level of heroes in my eyes. And be- tival included notable leaders such Lucas, chapter board members, and cause they have come to their level of Message of hope more as Debbie Allen of Secular Coalition Kathy Johnson and Marc Thew for reason in more of a vacuum, it makes comforting than prayers for America, Rebecca Friedman of their steadfast help! their words even more powerful. To all the essayists, you have Karen Barron is a Life Member of moved me, and this letter is a dedica- FFRF. Some of Karen’s friends sent tion to your convictions and bravery. her religious prayers of hope to help been assigned a dismal two-star rating, Contest winner gets at I look up to you all. sustain her in her fight against cancer. with a pathetic overall score of 77.17. Cliff Cuhna However comforting these prayers may Blowhard Bill Donohue, the league’s how Christianity began Idaho be to those who sent them, they are of president, earned a salary of $483,000, no help to Karen, so she wrote her own, amounting to fully 16 percent of his I cannot stop chuckling to myself needs-no-god, inspirational “prayer of organization’s revenues based on the about the caption contest winner Making good on a hope.” most recent financial statement. I guess from the October issue. pledge to support FFRF I Will Keep Hope having to defend the Church from its I memorized the limerick. It is so I will keep hope, burgeoning clerical sex abuse scandal clever and so well done. I made a pledge to myself, and to a however slight it is; does have its rewards, if not in heaven, Then, I got to thinking: So, this very conservative friend, that if Brett hope for a good week, then in this life. is how the Christian religion got Kavanaugh was approved by the Sen- hope for a good day, Dennis Middlebrooks started! ate for the Supreme Court, I would hope for a good moment. New York Pat Hall become a Lifetime Member of FFRF. Hope for more ease. California I have done so. Go to work. I will keep hope through all suffering John Roberg and loss and darkness. Seeking to be 1st openly Editor’s note: Here is the limerick, writ- Minnesota I will keep the last hint of hope close atheist Eagle Scout ten by Steve Haack, that Pat references: to my heart. “There once was a woman named Hope for simple comfort, for peace, I am in fifth grade and have to do my Mary, for acceptance. Boy Scouts “Duty to God” requirement Whose impotent husband was I will hope for those left behind, again. This year, I am going to join wary, hope for all life. FFRF. That is my duty! So she claimed it was God, MOVING? I will hope that tomorrow is yet a I am glad to know that the Boy Scouts Who slipped her the rod, Don’t miss your copy of chance for more hope. now allow nontheists such as Buddhists, It was really a shepherd named Moving? Don’t miss a single issue of Freethought Today Jim Barron Unitarians and Jains to join. But this still Larry.” Washington contradicts the Scouts’ statement “that no member can grow into the best kind Notify Us of of citizen without recognizing an obli- Your Address Change Catholic League rating gation to God.” Losing Faith in Faith: poor compared to FFRF’s I know that more than half of the From Preacher to Atheist Promptly! kids in my Scout den do not believe in EMAIL [email protected] Of the more than 1.5 million non- God. So, basically, it’s a lot of us kids ly- By Dan Barker profit organizations evaluated by Char- ing. Kids are lying so they can make Ea- How Dan “threw out ity Navigator, fewer than 30,000 earn a gle Scout. However, I am very opposed the bathwater and four-star rating, the highest bestowed. to lying about my atheism. discovered there is The Post Office does not I was pleased to discover that the FFRF I have eight years to complete the no baby there.” forward third-class mail. has earned that sterling rating for eight rank of Eagle Scout. It is my goal to be Published by FFRF FFRF cannot be responsible for replacing consecutive years, with an overall score the first openly atheist Eagle Scout, but back issues if we have not been of 97.17 (out of a possible 100) assigned I would be happy if someone beat me notified prior to your move. in February 2018. Meanwhile, the Cath- to it. Buy it from FFRF online olic League for Religious and Civil Trenton Downing shop.ff rf.org Rights, a constant critic of the FFRF, has California November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 19

I enjoy every issue of Religion in a nutshell IRS Freethought Today Continued from page 1 Thanks for your wonderful news- paper! I always enjoy it a lot! 990, which explicitly details income, Steven Roesch expenditures, balance sheet, staff California compensation, fundraising, lobbying expenses etc., thus ensuring there is no diversion of funds from the Thanks to everyone at organization’s exempt purpose. The FFRF for all you do Form 990 is made public by the IRS. Yet churches are automatically exempted Many thanks to all of you at FFRF from filing these returns. to free us from the utter nonsense of Such preferential treatment results religion. in obligations and penalties imposed Joanie Barker Nichols on secular nonprofits that are not Washington imposed on churches, in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and equal protection Essay winners are role rights, FFRF charges. models for nonreligious Not only do churches receive pref- Larry Roszkowiak sent us this shot of the sign at Big Springs Community erential treatment over filing require- I was deeply moved by the “Students Church in California. “I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,” he writes. ments, but the IRS preferentially does of Color” essays and congratulate not enforce restrictions on political them on their bravery. A time will campaign activity by churches, the come when you are free of economic tradiction of the law. I would like to California-San Diego, every cloud complaint notes. Many churches, dependence on religious families, and propose a new law significantly de- has a silver lining. The category for FFRF alleges, “are quite deliberate can operate freely to build a sensible creasing the probability of both of religious affiliation shows that nearly and open in their defiance of the pol- society. these menaces: Any tax-exempt or- 50 percent of our young population iticking prohibition,” such as coordi- It is sad to read of many of you being ganization should prove that at least shares the nonbelief of FFRF. If a ma- nating “Pulpit Sundays.” ostracized by family and friends. 50 percent of its leadership is female. jority of them vote, we may save this The complaint cites a recent vio- You may find it safer to be alone, at That’s it. country from theocratic rule. lation involving President Trump’s least for a while. You are already role Being reasonable, existing religious Warren Dunn evangelical adviser Paula White, who models for all nonreligious youth. tax-exempt groups will lose only 20 California engaged in explicit partisan politick- On another topic, I saw this sign at percent of their tax-exempt status ing from the pulpit on Sept. 18. the local Baptist church: “All of cre- each year until they satisfy this So that’s what was FFRF is also in federal court chal- ation shows the beauty of God.” Real- simple criterion. I firmly believe that lenging the discriminatory clergy ly? Alligators, rats, lice, poison ivy? the Vatican wouldn’t cover up the meant in Leviticus! housing allowance, whereby “minis- David M. Shea crimes of pedophile clergy under the For those who haven’t heard, Wash- ters of the gospel” can be uniquely Maryland leadership of a female pope. A female ington state recently passed two laws. provided a housing allowance as part mullah won’t send her children to holy It legalized gay marriage and legal- of their salary, which is subtracted war, etc. Everybody wins! ized marijuana. from taxable income. We need more women Dr. Peter Szabo The fact that gay marriage and Representing FFRF in the suit is out- in leadership roles Florida marijuana were legalized on the same side litigator Richard L. Bolton, with day makes perfect biblical sense. Le- FFRF Attorneys Patrick Elliott and Sam Pedophilia is a crime. Discrimina- viticus 20:13 says: “If a man lies with Grover serving as co-counsel. The law- tion against women is inhuman and Youth may save us another man, they should be stoned.” suit was filed in the U.S. District Court morally nauseating. Awarding tax from theocratic rule Apparently we just hadn’t interpreted for the District of Columbia. advantages to organizations practic- it correctly before! FFRF is a 501(c)(3) educational ing these notions is repulsive, against As indicated by a recent survey of Madison Arnold nonprofit, created as a national group common sense and possibly in con- freshman students at Universty of New York in 1978. SECULAR INVOCATIONS Nick Lee hope to receive many varieties of Christians, but also tives, we hope your decisions today from you an eq- Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, will be based on the common good San Antonio Council uitable hearing of Sikhs, atheists and others. At this and with an eye to their impact on all their concerns. point, I draw your attention to the citizens and on future generations. Sept. 13, 2018 And beyond religious leaders who are gathered On behalf of the many atheists, Mayor, Council Members: This this room, I ask behind me here this morning in sup- agnostics, freethinkers and secular morning, I do not ask you to bow your you to remem- port of this secular invocation. humanists who live and work in this heads in prayer. Rather, I draw your at- ber all one-and- Every citizen of San Antonio looks community and contribute to its pros- tention to the citizens who are gathered a-half million to each of you to apply wisdom, in- perity, I thank you for this opportunity here today to do business with the city. people whom tegrity, and rational thinking to the to present what I believe to be the first you are collec- affairs of the city, and to treat all secular invocation in the 300-year his- They come from all parts of the city, and Nick Lee from different economic circumstances tively pledged fairly and without favor. As a secular tory of the city of San Antonio. I hope and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, they all to serve. Bear in mind the diversity humanist, I believe that we have the it will not be the last. of cultures, economic interests and power within ourselves to solve life’s Thank you. religious backgrounds which are rep- problems and challenges through Nick is the past president of Freethinkers As- resented in this community. In terms logic, reason, compassion, and com- sociation of Central Texas, a past vice president of religion, this includes not only the promise. As our elected representa- of Texas Freethought Convention, a past presi- dent of Atheist Alliance International, and a NOTHING FAILS LIKE PRAYER past Chair of Secular Coalition for Texas. CONTEST RECRUIT A MEMBER Sample copies for $2 Our goal is to see secular citizens flood government meetings with Send $2 with the name and FFRF Memberships: secular invocations that demonstrate why government prayers $40 single; $50 household; are unnecessary, ineff ective, embarrassing, exclusionary, divisive address of each person you $100 gung-ho; $250 sustaining or just plain silly. wish to receive a sample copy of Freethought Today to: Memberships are tax deductible! The person who gives the best secular invocation will be invited Freethought Today is to open FFRF’s annual convention in 2019, receiving an all- FFRF published 10 times a year. expenses-paid trip to Madison, Wis. Oct. 18-20, 2019, along with a P.O. Box 750 plaque and an honorarium of $500. Madison, WI 53701 MORE INFO AT: Please send us only names of likely supporters P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 ff rf.org/outreach/nothing-fails-like-prayer ffrf.org/donate Freedom depends upon freethinkers Page 20 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 BLACK COLLAR CRIME

Compiled by Bill Dunn Murray Ramnarine, 67, Ocala, FL: Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons younger than 16 and sex- ual offenses against a student by an authority Arrested / Charged figure. Ramnarine, an administrator and teacher David English Jr., 33, Joanna, SC: 2nd-de- at Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church School gree domestic violence and unlawful conduct and a church elder, is accused of making sexual toward a child. English, pastor of New Hope advances on at least 4 occasions to a 12-year- Baptist Church in Clinton, is accused of assault- old girl and telling her he wanted to marry her ing his wife, Jennifer Bunting English, and of when she turned 18. being aware of her drug addiction and of taking She told authorities she spurned his advances. her to buy illegal drugs. Once, she alleged, he gave her a Twix ice cream Bunting English, 31, is charged with kidnap- bar and asked if he could get bits of it off her lips ping and unlawful conduct toward a child for tak- by kissing her. Source: ocala.com, 8-29-18 ing a 2-month-old child she was babysitting to Bhante S. Sujay, Bodh Gaya, India: Child her home and refusing to communicate with the sexual abuse. Sujay, head monk at a Buddhist mother. The child was recovered 3 hours later. meditation center that’s a popular destination Source: WYFf, 9-24-18 for pilgrims, is accused of molesting an unspeci- Franco Mulakkal, 54, Jalandhar, India: fied number of children and beating them if they Rape. Mulakkal, bishop of the Catholic Diocese didn’t cooperate. Most are between age 6 and of Jalandhar, is accused of raping a Missionar- 14. Source: NDTV, 8-29-18 ies of Jesus nun in her 40s at least 13 times in 2014-16. The Vatican relieved him of his duties Pleaded / Convicted at his request. The alleged victim filed a 114-page police W. Thomas Faucher, 72, Boise, ID: Pleaded complaint in June and also accused Mulakkal Dmitri J. Daniels, 18, Miami Gardens, starting when she was 14. guilty to possession of a controlled substance of sending her inappropriate text messages FL: Sexual battery. Daniels, a parishioner and The girl told investigators Berry talked and 4 counts of possession and distribution of and obscene photos. He denied the allegations youth volunteer at Mt. Pisgah Seventh-day about his lust for women in her youth group sexually exploitative material. Faucher, pastor and said he’ll accept the death penalty if they’re Adventist Church, allegedly assaulted a “while looking right at her and her cousin.” An- at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, was charged in proven. India has about 27 million Christians, 5-year-old girl. “He had shown the victim in other time, she alleged, he opened up her jack- February with 24 counts after police allegedly about 2.3% of the population. Source: BBC/ this case pornographic materials and in es- et and stared at her breasts while commenting found thousands of files containing child Washington Post, 9-21-18 sence demonstrated or showed her what he “Not too bad,” adding that “his hand cupped the pornography, as well as marijuana, LSD and Gary Miller, 41, Springfield, IL: Forcible wanted her to do,” said police Capt. Al Xiques, side of her breast and that he was fondling his ecstasy at his home. rape and forcible sodomy. Miller was pastor in adding that Daniels “had the opportunity to be penis on the outside of his clothes.” Source: “I do not remember sending that,” Faucher 2012 at Sycamore Baptist Church when his ac- around children on a regular basis.” Source: KWCH, 9-4-18 said in court about an email he sent with child cuser said she got a letter from an anonymous CBS Miami, 9-11-18 Kehinde S. Omosebi, 49, and Titilayno A. porn. “I was not in good shape. I was drinking sender that threatened harm against her loved Christian Ohazulume, 50, Dorchester, Omosebi, 48, Reedsburg, WI: Child neglect a great deal and under an alcohol-induced de- ones if she didn’t video herself having sex with MA: 3 counts of aggravated indecent assault causing death and child neglect causing great pression and dementia.” The judge refused to Miller. After she told Miller, they met and he al- and battery of a child under 14. Ohazulume, a bodily harm. The husband and wife are charged lower Faucher’s $1 million bond, even though legedly told her he didn’t want to have sex but Catholic priest and chaplain at Beth Israel Dea- in the death of their 15-year-old son, who died he’s confined to a wheelchair, because he fan- felt like he had no choice. coness Medical Center, is accused of assaulting Aug. 31 during a 44-day religious fast. He and tasized about “sexual violence toward children.” The woman eventually gave in and Miller a girl when she was 7 or 8 in 2007 when he his brother, 11, hadn’t eaten since mid-July, po- Source: State Journal, 9-28-18 recorded the encounter, an affidavit said, and lived with her family after coming from Nigeria. lice said. The brother was so weak he couldn’t Andrew Matheason, 65, Graettinger, IA: he then tucked her into bed and prayed with Source: KTRK, 9-11-18 walk out of the home. Pleaded guilty to wire fraud after being charged her. Police only recently became aware of the Kristina L. Casey, 48, Vermilion, OH: Titilayno Omosebi was also emaciated but with misappropriating about $480,000 over 13 alleged scheme while they were investigating 3 counts of theft. Casey, treasurer at Saints refused medical treatment for religious reasons. years from Bethel Lutheran Church, where he other abuse allegations against Miller. Source: Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Lorain, Her husband described himself as a pastor affil- was treasurer and created false financial reports News-Leader, 9-19-18 is charged with writing about $80,000 worth iated with Cornerstone Reformation Ministries, to cover it up. Source: AP, 9-15-18 James C. Landes, 28, Bryan, TX: Online of unauthorized checks to herself. Source: but authorities believe he made that up and was Jamel Carelock, 28, Baltimore: Pleaded solicitation of a minor. Landes, junior high youth Morning Journal, 9-10-18 never ordained. guilty to arson, felony destruction of property minister at First United Methodist Church, is Sean E. Gaines, 43, Hampton, VA: 3 Kehinde Omosebi told police this was the and insurance fraud. Carelock, pastor of LEAP charged with arranging to have sex with an un- counts of indecent liberties with child by cus- family’s longest fast and that they were wait- Church (Leading, Evangelizing, Assimilating, dercover officer he thought was a 14-year-old todian and 7 counts of carnal knowledge of a ing for a “blessing from God” that would ease Proclaiming), admitted setting fire to his apart- girl. He allegedly agreed to meet at a public park child 13 to 15 years old. Gaines, pastor at Em- their impending move to Atlanta. The younger ment in December 2017 and filing a claim for during a work break but later messaged the offi- powerment Temple and former pastor at Ris- son was holding a bible when police arrived. $11,000 damage on a policy he took out 8 days cer that he couldn’t because of time constraints, ing St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church, Source: WISC, 9-3-18 before the fire. adding he would “make it up to you.” Source: allegedly took a girl who was living with his Dennis R. Creason, 48, Bonner Springs, He claimed he was in Georgia at the time of Bryan Eagle, 9-16-18 family to a hotel to have sex. He’s married KS: 3 counts of aggravated indecent liberties/ the fire but company records showed his cell- Shin Ok-ju, pastor of Grace Road Church, with 2 children. The girl told police their re- lewd touching of a child under age 14. Crea- phone was a mile away about 5 minutes after and 3 senior church leaders were arrested in S. lationship started in May 2017 and ended in son, co-founder with his wife Robin of Oaklawn the alarm was pulled. Source: WTOP, 8-29-18 Korea and charged with beating church mem- February. Source: WAVY, 9-7-18 Christian School, is charged with incidents in- bers in Korea and others who had relocated Pāvels Zeila, 73, a Catholic priest in east- volving 3 girls between January 2015 and Au- Sentenced with them in 2014 to Fiji to escape a predict- ern Latvia, is accused of sexual abuse of a gust 2018 when they were about 6, 8 and 10 ed famine. It’s also alleged she confiscated person in a state of helplessness. “One of the years old. Rodney W. McManus, 50, E. Palestine, passports, forced people to work without pay suspects delivered the defenseless victim for “In 2003 God led them to build their first OH: 3 years in prison after pleading guilty to and perform ritual beatings on each other on a fee. The church representative, who was the school,” Oaklawn’s website said, announc- engaging in sexual conduct with a minor. He so-called “threshing floors.” The church has end buyer, paid the ing a building project. was charged with molesting a girl from NewLife branches around the world, including in the U.S. fee and then com- “For the last two years Outreach Church, where he was pastor, from Videos show Shin calling members for- mitted violent sexual we have been ‘preg- January 2014 to July 2017. Source: Morning ward during her sermons, hitting them on the crimes against the Prosecutor: Kennedy was nant’ with Church for Journal, 9-22-18 face and pulling and cutting their hair. In one victim,” said Armands Grace Baptist children’s Children, and have Joshua Clemons, 35, Parker, CO: 4 years she tells a girl to slap a woman, believed to Lubarts, chief of a reached the season in prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploita- be her mother, while saying “you’re hitting the police task force on minister when he offered to birth that vision.” tion of a child and attempted sexual assault on a cheeks of the enemy.” The girl hits the woman human trafficking in $100 to have sex with Source: Kansas City child by a person in a position of trust. Clemons 25 times. Later the woman is shown repeated- Riga. Source: Radio Star, 8-30-18 was a youth pastor at Crossroads Community ly hitting the girl and pulling her hair. Source: Latvia, 9-6-18 an underage girl. Kevin “Scott” Church from 2006-15. Sentencing is pending in The Guardian, 9-16-18 Charles T. Hanel, Heffner, 48, Pelham, a related case. Source: KDVR, 9-21-18 José U. Rendon, 52, Nacogdoches, TX: 61, Pewaukee, WI: NC: 12 counts of dis- John M. Scheline, 41, Pasco, WA: 58 Continuous sexual abuse of a child. Rendon, 2nd-degree sexual as- seminating obscene months in prison after pleading guilty to attempt- pastor at Iglesia Templo De Fe, is accused of sault. Hanel, pastor at Queen of Apostles Cath- materials and 2 counts of statutory sex offense. ed rape of a child. Scheline, executive director more than 50 assaults on a child in 2004-05. olic Parish, is accused of groping a 13-year-old Heffner, pastor of Victory Baptist Church and of Ignite Youth Mentoring and former pastor at Rendon had agreed to meet with investigators girl’s breast and leg in the confessional in De- principal of Victory Baptist Academy, allegedly Faith Assembly, was among 26 men arrested but never showed up and is considered a fugitive cember 2017. He denies the allegation. sent “photographs of his genitalia” to a person in a 2017 online sting that used ads to identify from justice. Source: Morning Telegraph, 9-13-18 The girl, who was a lector and altar server, younger than 15 between June 15 and Aug. 29. would-be predators. Source: AP, 9-21-18 Manuel La Rosa-Lopez, 60, Richmond, TX: reported the incident to police as Hanel was Source: Charlotte Observer, 8-30-18 José V. Morales, 51, Phoenix: 13 years 4 counts of indecency with a child. He’s accused preparing to return to the parish from a months- Seven residents of Monsey and Kiryas Joel, in prison and lifetime probation after pleading of offenses when he was pastor at Sacred Heart long sabbatical, the complaint said, and she told NY, including Rabbi Aron Melber, face various guilty to molestation of a child, sexual abuse Catholic Church in Conroe. A girl who attended the her father she thought Hanel was “creepy” and counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud from and 3 counts of attempted molestation of a child parish school where he taught alleged in 2001 to “weird.” Source: Journal Sentinel, 9-5-18 2010-16 for an alleged scheme to fraudulently for assaults on multiple underage girls while he the Archdiocese of Houston-Galveston that La Ro- Robert W. Rector, 29, Vancouver, WA: As- obtain $14 million from a federal school technol- was pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Impacto De Fe. sa-Lopez kissed her and touched her breasts in sault with sexual motivation and 4 counts of child ogy program meant to help underprivileged chil- Court records said assaults occurred in the April 2000 in the church kitchen after a rehearsal molestation. Rector, a volunteer youth leader at dren. Others charged are Peretz Klein, Susan 1990s and from 2007-11 with victims as young for “The Passion of the Christ” play. He allegedly New Heights Church and with other church and Klein, Ben Klein, Simon Goldbrener, Sholem as 7. He was also accused of impregnating a told her they couldn’t have sex until she turned 16. civic groups, is charged with assaults on 3 teen Steinberg and Moshe Schwartz. girl when she was 13. Source: AZ Republic, In August 2018, a 36-year-old man alleged boys on church trips or sleepovers at his home The suspects are accused of using the mon- 9-16-18 to the archdiocese that the priest molested him as long ago as a decade. ey “to pad their own bank accounts,” said Wil- Roger D. Williams, 52, Shelbyville, KY: 63 when he was a high school student between One boy alleged he woke up with his geni- liam Sweeney, FBI assistant director in charge, months in prison and $1.3 million in restitution af- 1998 and October 1999. tals exposed and Rector standing over him with calling it especially brazen because Hasidic reli- ter pleading guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion. Daniel DiNardo, archbishop since 2006 and a camera. Source: KGW, 9-5-18 gious schools often bar students from using the Williams, pastor at King Branch Road Church now a cardinal, has come under fire recent- Diego L. Berrio, 39, Arlington Heights, IL, internet and other types of technology the fund- of Christ, started offering bogus investment op- ly. The woman alleged DiNardo promised her and Edwin G. Cortez, 30, Chicago: Lewd and ing covers. Source: NBC New York, 8-29-18 portunities in 2001 as part of membership in an several years after she reported the abuse that lascivious behavior. Cortez is also charged with Ryan T. Pick, 40, Woodbridge, VA: Propos- “investment club.” He provided victims, many La Rosa-Lopez would be removed from any indecent exposure. Both are Catholic priests ing sex to a minor and 4 counts of sex offense of whom were elderly or church members, fake contact with children but later found out he re- and are accused of having oral sex in a parked with a minor by computer. Pick is choir lead- IRS forms to document their supposed invest- mained in active ministry at St. John Fisher Par- black Volkswagen at South Beach in Miami er at St. Paul United Methodist Church and a ments. Source: News Sentinel, 9-15-18 ish, about 70 miles away. Beach, FL. Source: WTOP, 9-4-18 music teacher at Cameron Elementary School. Jason E. Kennedy, 48, Knoxville, TN: 30 The man said he was told that reports Kevin Berry, Sedgwick, KS: Aggravat- Authorities didn’t release details of the alleged days in jail and 6 years’ probation after pleading were filed with civil authorities but, accord- ed indecent liberties with a child between 14- offenses. He was choral director in the 2010 fall guilty to solicitation of a minor for commercial ing to court documents, a police investigator 16 years old. Berry, pastor at First Christian semester at Pope John Paul the Great Catholic sex. Kennedy was children’s minister at Grace searched for those records and didn’t find any. Church, is accused of inappropriate behavior High School but resigned for personal reasons Baptist Church in May 2016 when he offered an Source: KTRK, 8-12-18 with a girl “on numerous occasions” in 2016-17, in December 2010. Source: WTOP, 8-29-18 undercover agent $100 to have sex with an un- November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 21 derage girl. Upon completion of probation, the been reported to the district attorney. Source: father of 3 could have the felony conviction re- Sun-News, 9-16-18 moved from his record and his name removed Cristian Precht Bañados, a Chilean Cath- from the sexual offender registry. olic priest serving in the Archdiocese of Santia- Zubin Parakh, 34, Oak Ridge, volunteer go, has been defrocked by the Vatican. He was creative minister at LifeHouse Church, was accused of sexual abuse of minors as part of a arrested in the same sweep. Resolution of his church probe into allegations against members case is pending. Source: News Sentinel, 9-4-18 of the Marist Brothers order. Source: Reuters, Michael S. Grieve, 74, Naracoorte, Austra- 9-16-18 lia: 3 years in prison with 2 years suspended Mark Darling resigned as pastor of Ever- after pleading guilty to 9 counts of indecent green Church, which has 4 campuses in the assault against 9 underage boys from 1982-85 Minneapolis area, after a church investigation when he was a Presbyterian pastor. found he had inappropriate conversations about At sentencing, Judge Gordon Barrett said sex with a woman who was 19 at the time. Other the conduct involved “getting them over your lap women made similar allegations. Darling, who and smacking them on the bottom while they founded the church, denied the allegations, but were clothed.” He mentioned previous convic- the board rescinded his ordination based on its tions, including 2 convictions for which Grieve findings. Source: Star Tribune, 9-14-18 was sentenced in 2003. Source: Naracoorte Retired Catholic priest John J. Sardina, Herald, 8-31-18 86, Depew, NY, was placed on administrative Chauncey Walker, 48, Wichita, KS: 95 leave due to a sexual abuse complaint, details months in prison after pleading guilty to aggra- of which weren’t released. Source: Buffalo vated indecent liberties with a child and aggra- News, 9-13-18 vated indecent solicitation of a child for molest- Michael J. Bransfield, 75, resigned as ing a 15-year-old girl while he worked at Word bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, of Life Church as a youth pastor, teacher and W.VA. Pope Francis has ordered an investiga- soccer coach. had been videotaped will get $25,000 each and Two leaders of the Sistine Chapel Choir in tion into allegations of sexual harassment of Her civil suit alleges Walker molested her “at some will also be eligible for a supplemental the Vatican are being investigated for money adults by Bransfield. He’s also been accused least two to four times a week from June 2012 to amount. Source: AP, 8-28-18 laundering, fraud and embezzlement. Massi- of covering up abuse by other priests. Source: June 2015” (288 times at minimum) and that the mo Palombella, a priest and choirmaster, and Catholic News Agency, 9-13-18 church and senior pastor Robert Rotola Sr., Legal Developments Michelangelo Nardella, administrative director, Barry J. Harmon, 55, a priest from the neglected to supervise him and tried to cover up deny any wrongdoing. Catholic Diocese of Springfield, IL, has taken allegations once they surfaced. Source: Wichita A judge in Bergen County, NJ, threw out The Vatican Insider, a website affiliated with steps to remove himself from the clergy due to Eagle, 8-29-18 multiple counts of a lawsuit accusing Bergen the Turin daily La Stampa, wrote that the men “immoral activity inconsistent with the life of a James Rankin, 79, Hurst, TX: 8 years’ Catholic High School wrestling coach David are suspected of siphoning money from concert priest,” announced Bishop Thomas Paprocki. probation and $800 fine after pleading guilty Bell of sexual and verbal harassment of wres- tours. The choir was founded in the 6th century He’s been accused of misappropriating about to possession of child pornography. Rankin, tler Anthony Asatrian, now 18. Bell has coun- by Pope Gregory the Great and consists of 20 $29,000 from parishes in Vandalia and Ramsey associate pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, tersued, accusing Asatrian of negligence, false adult professional singers and 35 boys aged 9 and of possessing pornography that didn’t por- was also ordered to post a sign at his home complaint of unprofessional conduct, intentional to 13. Source: NY Times, 9-13-18 tray minors. He was also charged with DUI July saying “A person on probation for a child sex infliction of emotional distress and other acts. Documents from the Antonio Provolo In- 31 in Decatur. Source: State Journal-Register, offense lives here.” Bell alleges Asatrian’s father, Harry Asatri- stitute in La Plata, Argentina, were seized in 9-12-18 He was arrested after Best Buy employees an, was aggressive toward wrestling coaches, a raid during a probe of sexual abuse at the Mark Inglot, E. Lansing, MI, is on leave alerted police about images on a computer he’d made anti-Semitic and racially charged com- Catholic-run school for youths with hearing dis- from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish and brought in for repair. He told police he used the ments, secretly switched a scale for weigh-ins abilities. The raid was ordered by a prosecutor St. John Student Center during a probe of porn to research “a possible lesson involving and threatened to transfer Anthony to a rival investigating “possible crimes against sexual in- “credible” sexual harassment claims by an adult Cupid, love and human trafficking.” Source: school because Bell took him out of the lineup tegrity,” an official said. Documents covered the co-worker. Source: State Journal, 9-11-18 Star-Telegram, 8-29-18 to give another wrestler a chance. 1987-2018 period. Source: AP, 9-5-18 David Fleck, Vincennes, IN, was suspend- In an August interview, Anthony said Bell ed from his duties as a Catholic priest and high Civil Lawsuits Filed never molested him but made numerous sug- Removed / Resigned school religion teacher due to a sexual abuse gestive comments. The county prosecutor’s allegation from “decades ago,” the Diocese of A Hawaii man suing the Diocese of Hono- office announced there would be no criminal Donald Wuerl, 77, resigned as Catholic Evansville announced. Source: WIBC, 9-10-18 lulu and the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers charges against Bell. The judge declined to archbishop of Washington in the wake of claims Charles Schmitt, 86, a retired priest from alleges he was molested in the 1980s as a dismiss claims that Anthony suffered emotional he ignored or downplayed sexual abuse while the Catholic Diocese of Erie, PA, is prohibited child by Catholic priest James Jackson. It’s at distress due to allegations of unwanted sexu- he was bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. from public ministry and contact with minors be- least the 6th such accusation against Jackson, al advances and text messages from Bell and While accepting the resignation, Pope Francis cause of an allegation of sexual abuse from the who died in 2005. It’s the first suit under a new that Bell disrupted his praised Wuerl’s “nobil- 1960s, the diocese said in a statement. Source: law that opens a retroactive window for sexual attempts to transfer to ity” in stepping down. WJAC, 9-10-18 abuse suits even if statutes of limitations have rival high schools. He Wuerl will be al- Mark Hession, Seekonk, MA, was removed expired. Source: Hawaii News Now, 9-10-18 urged both sides to A recent poll showed 96% of lowed to retain his as pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Michael Giordano, O’Fallon, IL, and 4 oth- settle the case before Chileans believe the Catholic place in the section of Church due to financial irregularities, announced er Catholic Church employees are being sued trial. Source: North Church systematically the Roman Curia that Edgar da Cunha, bishop of Fall River. A “thor- by “Jane Doe,” who alleges Giordano harassed Jersey Record, 9-8-18 helps pick bishops. ough financial review” was conducted with an and molested her from 2009-14 while he was Catholic Church covers up abuse Pennsylvania Attorney “emphasis on changes in cash position over the a coach at St. Clare Catholic School. He was offices in Chile of the General Josh Shapiro last four years,” he said. “The financial review did 58 in 2009 and she was in 8th grade. Defen- Archdiocese of Con- criticized that decision: find excessive spending by Father Hession in ar- dants include 3 former school principals and cepción and the dio- “He is now able to re- eas such as dining and personal expenses that current athletic director Thomas Fischer, al- ceses of Valparaíso, Chillán and Osorno were tire seemingly with no consequences for his does not meet acceptable standards.” leged to have covered up the abuse. Source: raided by the state prosecutor’s office as part actions.” Catholic school teacher Jack Devlin Hession must repay the church, da Cunha News-Democrat, 8-29-18 of the investigation into sexual crimes against expressed similar concerns. “The way Pope said, and will be reassigned to a job as a canon Brad Tebbutt, a youth pastor on leave from minors allegedly committed by church officials. Francis worded it, it was how you’d word some- lawyer in the Diocesan Tribunal. Source: Sun the International House of Prayer in Kansas Six other church entities were raided earlier. body making a little mistake. This is not a little Chronicle, 9-9-18 City, is accused by Jennifer Graves Roach of Prosecutor Emiliano Arias said his office is mistake.” Patrick Doyle, Indianapolis, was suspend- sexually abusing her for 2½ years in the 1980s, investigating 119 cases, about triple the number Plaintiff’s attorney Mitchell Garabedian add- ed as pastor at Nativity Catholic Parish due to starting when she was 15. Roach, 47, now an announced in July. A total of 167 bishops, priests ed, “Instead of portraying Cardinal Wuerl as a alleged sexual misconduct from “several de- ordained Anglican minister and therapist, also and lay members are under investigation for ei- victim who made some mistakes, Pope Fran- cades ago.” He’s been a priest for 44 years. alleges in the suit that First Baptist Church ther committing crimes or covering them up. A cis should be instructing Cardinal Wuerl to fully The Archdiocese of Indianapolis also suspend- officials covered up her abuse in Modesto, CA. recent poll showed 96% of Chileans believe the reveal [his] role in the coverup while bishop of ed John Maung due to a recent allegation he Source: Kansas City Star, 8-24-18 church systematically covers up abuse. Source: the Diocese of Pittsburgh for about 18 years.” abused a child when he was pastor at St. Jo- ACI Prensa, 9-15-18 Source: NBC News, 10-13-18 seph Catholic Church from 1986-88. Source: Civil Lawsuits Settled The former nanny of Andy D. Turner, 43, Jason Webb, senior pastor at Elmbrook WTHR, 9-5-18 Dallas, GA, was granted a restraining order after Church since 2014 in Brookfield and Hartland, Noah Levine, 47, was removed as a teach- Two Jehovah’s Witnesses entities must she accused the Baptist youth pastor of choking WI, resigned after admitting to “multiple marital er and board member by Against the Stream pay $35 million to a Montana woman, now 21, her and threatening her life while they were hav- infidelities,” said a letter to parishioners, adding Buddhist Meditation Society based in California, who alleged national church leaders told local ing consensual sex. Turner’s wife Heather, 35, that he’s seeking inpatient treatment for addic- an organization he founded. An internal investi- leaders not to report her sexual abuse as a child died of a gunshot wound in May 2017 in their tion. The nondenominational church founded gation found Levine likely broke “the Third Pre- by a Thompson Falls congregation member, a home. Turner claims it was suicide but the med- in 1957 dropped its Baptist affiliation in 1968. cept of the Teacher’s Code of Ethics, namely, jury ruled. A judge has yet to approve the award. ical examiner ruled the cause of death as “un- Webb’s wife Heather will remain as global part- ‘to avoid creating harm through sexuality,’ ” a The ruling involved another woman, now determined.” The investigation continues, with nership director at Elmbrook. statement said. Levine has been accused of 32, allegedly abused by the same family the Georgia Bureau of Investigation calling her Executive pastor Brodie Swanson resigned misconduct by “between seven and ten” peo- member. The jury dismissed the older wom- death “questionable.” in February amid revelations of infidelities with ple. Source: tricycle.org, 8-29-18 an’s claims because church elders didn’t get Christy Crupp told a reporter that she went another church staffer, who also resigned. Gerard Sudol, Jersey City, NJ, and James notice of her abuse in 1998 as she said they out for dinner and drinks with Turner, who has Elmbrook is Wisconsin’s largest faith community Weiner, Westwood, NJ, were removed from their did. Another family member who claimed 4 children, about 2 weeks after his wife died. and has planted a dozen sister churches. Catholic parishes by the Archdiocese of Newark, abuse was not a plaintiff. Elders expelled the She alleged that in addition to choking her, Source: WITI, 9-20-18 which has reopened investigations into alleged abuser in 2004 but reinstated him a year lat- he said during intercourse that “he told me I José Manuel Ramos, a Catholic priest sexual misconduct due to new information. er, the suit alleged, and the abuse continued. should hold Heather’s ashes — that way he in the Spanish Diocese of Astorga, was Ed Hanratty alleged he was molested by Source: AP, 9-28-18 could be having sex with both of us.” Source: suspended for 10 years and ordered to live in a Sudol and that his misconduct was well-known The Archdiocese of Chicago agreed to pay WGCL, 9-8-18 monastery outside the diocese for alleged child among parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Par- $2.9 million to a victim of pedophile Catholic priest abuse. A church probe concluded Ramos “had ish in Ridgefield Park, where Sudol served from Daniel McCormack. The man, now in his 20s, al- Allegations committed a serious crime of sexual abuse of 1986-94. Desmond Rossi, a priest in the Dio- leged McCormack abused him twice as a child. A minors” between 1981-84. Source: AP, 9-17-18 cese of Albany, has accused Weiner of sexually judge in July ordered McCormack to remain indef- The Catholic Diocese of San Diego added Sal Caraviello, Winchester, MA, director assaulting him in 1988 in a Newark church when initely at a state mental facility, even though he’d 8 priests to the list of those credibly accused of of ministries for 23 years at St. Mary’s Catholic he was studying for the priesthood. Source: served his sentence, after he was deemed a “sex- molesting children: José Chavarin, Raymond Parish, was put on leave for unspecified rea- northjersey.com, 8-29-18 ually violent person.” Source: AP, 9-25-18 Etienne, J. Patrick Foley, Michael French, sons. Richard Erikson, St. Mary’s pastor, called Eric Dudley, Tallahassee, FL, resigned Four Jewish groups have settled for Richard Houck, George Lally, Paolino Mon- it a “personnel matter” that’s being kept private as pastor at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, $14.25 million a suit that included convicted tagna and Mark Medaer. In 2007 the diocese out of respect for Caraviello. said a letter to parishioners: “Father Dudley Washington rabbi Barry Freundel as a defen- settled 144 claims of child sexual abuse by 48 A church business manager in 2016 raised admitted to inappropriate treatment of others, dant. Kesher Israel Congregation, the National priests and 1 lay employee for $198.1 million. concerns after noting collections were lower abuse of alcohol, and anger issues.” The let- Capital Mikvah, the Rabbinical Council of Amer- The newly listed priests were accused since than usual and appeared to always be round ter also said “complaints included patterns of ica and Beth Din of the USA will have their liabil- the 2007 settlement or reported to the diocese numbers. No criminal charges have been undesired physical displays of affection which ity covered by Travelers Insurance. earlier in files that had been tucked away or mis- brought. Source: Winchester Star, 9-17-18 were deeply damaging to others and con- Freundel was arrested in 2014 for secret- laid, said Bishop Robert McElroy: “They never Rogelio Martinez, pastor of St. Genevieve trary to diocesan harassment policy.” Source: ly recording about 150 women in a ritual bath. kept good records on this stuff until recently. Catholic Parish in Las Cruces, NM, was put on WTXL, 8-29-18 Different classes of victims will get different They kept records, but not in a very systematic leave with pay due to multiple accusations of payments. Victims who prosecutors confirmed way.” Source: L.A. Times, 9-14-18 sexual misconduct with adults. Allegations have Email: [email protected] Page 22 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 FFRF ON THE ROAD Advocate, activist Renie Lauer dies

FFRF Member Dorene “Renie” Lau- er, 57, died at her home on Sept. 21, following a return of cancer of the esophagus. She was born on Jan. 23, 1961, to Roger and Frances Mortenson in Slay- ton, Minn. Renie attended Minnehaha Academy, graduated from Priest River High School in Priest River, Idaho. She Dorene “Renie” Lauer attended Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minn., and Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn. IN RI Renie held several jobs, including grade-school basketball and T-ball coach, teaching assistant at Northern relatively large amount for a group Lights Charter School, caregiver at as small as ours and with many mem- River View Villa, and helped out at bers having limited financial resourc- Blueberry Meadows. es. She was a good friend and we are FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, left, debated Catholic apologist Trent Horn, She was an advocate for women’s, missing her greatly.” right, on the topic “Does the Christian God Exist?” at Minnesota State Universi- children’s and animal rights. She en- GRAF members suggested the ty-Mankato on Sept. 24. Also in the picture are, second from left, co-moderator joyed running, biking, camping, ca- donation should go to FFRF’s legal Michael Mortenson of the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center on campus, noeing and motorcycling. fund. Eck wrote that it was important Secular Student Alliance Mavericks manager Raghen Lucy and co-moderator Hei- She was an active member of for GRAF members, “knowing we con- di Newbauer, an English professor at MSU-Mankato. A full house of more than 350 Grand Rapids Atheists and Freethink- tributed to a cause that was important people attended the debate, and dozens more watched from an overflow room. ers (GRAF), Woman’s GRAF and to Renie.” The event was organized by The Catholic Mavs and the SSA Mavericks. Indivisible. FFRF thanks GRAF and appreciates “GRAF members were deeply af- the gesture in her name. fected by the loss of Renie and began “The chapter is so generous to an effort to quickly raise some mon- have raised money for FFRF as a ey to donate in her name to FFRF,” memorial to Renie,” says FFRF Co- GRAF President Ken Eck wrote. “At President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “It is this point we have $400, which is a very meaningful to us.” CRANKMAIL

Here is this month’s installment of Crankmail, Them praying at a school football game does not where the voices of reason have taken a break. Print- effect you or anyone else in your Godless organiza- ed as received. tion so why threaten them. That is just being a cow- Disgusting!: I find it DISGUSTING that the Free- ard and a bully. — Doug Reynolds dom From Religion Foundation would ATTACK a You’re stupid: Perhaps we should strike April Lake City MI school for posting a video of a Family Fool’s Day from the calendar. That way, atheists Circle prayer or whatever...yet NOT a PEEP when won’t be able to celebrate their desperate life deci- our Public Schools provide Pray Rooms and Time sions. You people really need to read some history Out for MUSLIMS to engage in their Religion on and and science books and wake up. It’s called “live- in Public Schools!!! Damn Hypocrites is what you and-let-live” and “tolerance.” The idea is apparent- are...not to mention Nasty Anti-American Demo- ly well beyond your ability to comprehend. — Eras- crats on top of that!!! — Randy Stepp mus Golden FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert introduced the panel of speakers following Go away: STAY OUT OF THE SOUTH. People Fools: Oh my, do any of you realize how fool- a screening of “Balancing the Scales: The Story of Women Lawyers in America” here are Bible believing people, you are going to ish you all look by protesting the National Motto, on Sept. 27 at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Members of the esteemed end up pulling the wrong tail. — Barbara Best “In God We Trust” and advocating it be abolished Religion: Tour the world and notice the great from public schools? Might as well also protest panel were, from left, former Dane County (Wis.) Circuit Judge and President monuments left behind from ancient civiliza- against having the American flag displayed, too. of the State Bar of Wisconsin Susan Steingass, Milwaukee County Circuit Court tions and even not so ancient civilizations, and Or any mention of the Ten Commandments or Judge Kristy Yang, Wisconsin Court of Appeals Justice JoAnne Kloppenburg, and notice that they have something to do with reli- Biblical verses on public buildings in Washing- employment and civil rights attorney Tamara Packard. gion. Religion is in our DNA. To deny it is similar ton, D.C. and other locations. Don’t you have to denying that we need food and air. Don’t take something better to do with your time? — Su- offense but what is the median IQ of your mem- zanne Renaud bers? Something is lacking in your organization. Praying for FFRF: I can’t believe what an igno- — Joe Pino rant group of. People you are, I am sure you will be Go to hell!: Your support of Satan is without played back in the next life. Organizations like yours shame. I hope you enjoy your welcome when you are ruining this country. I will pray for you, God arrive in Hell in the arms of your hero. — Vincent knows you need it — Ronald Schafer Sanzone Jr. Jesus is real!: You all need freedom in Christ FFRF: I hope your kids all die and rot in whatev- this is a country that was based on Christ and er weird perverted hell you believe in — Tony Snow prayer. So funny you can be intimidated by some- Fuck off!: You can go all fuck yourselves and thing that happed over 2 thousands years ago. stick your tyrannical leftist pro Islamic threat up Think about that one. — Wendy Pittman your ass. You have no problem with your Islamic Commies: I think you should relocate your or- freinds imposing their filthy customs in our schools ganization and all your fervent members to a com- but we can’t pray to Jesus. We have had with your munist country where your ungodly efforts will be tyranny. FUCK YOU AND FUCK THE PEDOHILE welcomed - you are not welcome in this country - PROPHET YOU WORSHIP. WE WILL CONTINUE TO until you examine your collective conscience and PRAY TO JESUS AND IF YOU TRY TO STOP US WE respect the rights of others as provided by our con- WILL ERADICATE YOU. — Charles Martel stitution. You are all WRONG - may God help you. No life: Get a life. WAIT. God is the author of life — Linda Norman and you don’t like him so I guess you have NO life to LEAVE US ALONE: LEAVE THE NEW LEXINGTON get. — Leo Bacigalupo HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS ALONE YOU You’re wrong: We always said the Lord’s prayer AHVE YOUR RIGHTS AND THEY AHVE THIRES I AM in school while I was growing up (a public school). GETTING TO GETHER A GROUP OF PEOPLE TO GO Stop fighting God and stop fighting religion. God TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND JOIN THESE PLAYERS FFRF Legal Fellow Colin McNamara gave a presentation to the Iowa Lakes Unitar- may forgive you. — Joanne Boyle ON THE FIELD SO THE NEST VIDEO YOU SEE WILL ian Universalist Fellowship in Okoboji, Iowa, on Oct. 14. Pictured, left to right, are Power of prayer: I would kindly ask that you BE JUST THIS GOD BLESS AMERICA I AM ALL SO moderator Linda Weir, McNamara, Cheryl Squires and David Squires. stay out of our counties buisness. I get you may not STARTING A GROUP CALL DOWN WITH THE FFRF IT believe in the mighty God I serve but you see i have TIME CHRISTIANS STAND UP FOR WHAT WE BELIVE The title of the talk was “The Moral Case for Strict Church-State Separation — seen the power of prayer up close and personally. IN AND THAT THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED ON Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance.” In the talk, McNamara made the case for He has saved my life twice from leukemia and no GOD IM SORRY YOU DO NOT BELIVE THE WAY WE why church-state separation is an indispensable safeguard of a free people and matter what. GOD WILL be a part of our community DO AND THATS IS YOUR YOU BELIVE IN SO PLEASE no matter what!!! And I will pray for you! — Laura STOP HATING US BECASUE I DO NOT AHTE YOU — a free society. The talk was based on James Madison’s “Memorial and Remon- Thigpen John Dunn strance Against Religious Assessments,” written in 1785, six years before the First FFRF cowards: It is a sad day when it is ok for Pigs!!!: You people are Socialist pigs. Your Amendment was ratified. In “Remonstrance,” Madison lays out 15 reasons why athletes to kneel during the playing of our National group of sick queers is founded on hate and lies. the slightest incursion of government into religion — or vice versa — constitutes a Anthem but a coach at a public school cannot take Those are the same things that will destroy you per- “dangerous abuse of power.” a knee in support of his/her athletes during prayer. verts. — Gregory Galminas November 2018 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 23 Eliminate the unreasonable act of faith

By Michael J. Rice whose foundation is, and very existence depends on, an unreasonable act? aith” is the word we use for We cannot define what we cannot the specific action of ac- sense, and it is our sense, in concert with “F cepting something as fact our ability to reason, that allow us to de- without proof. fine what we perceive. For example, if Most people never consider what a living human brain were placed in a that definition of “faith” is, or what act- box unable to hear, touch, see, smell ing on it means, because those who are or taste, would it observe anything? taught to have faith are also taught that No, obviously not, therefore our ability you shouldn’t question it. to know anything is dependent on our But question- ability to first sense physical data and ing, investigating then define the data in terms that are and defining ev- consistent with those observations. We erything perceived cannot know anything which we cannot is what our species first observe, which means that anything specializes in — relying on faith is not knowledge-based. reasoning. Ques- The use of faith is an admission that tions are the first what is being espoused cannot be ac- step in seeking cepted on its own merits. People can- facts, increasing not simultaneously have both faith and Michael J. Rice knowledge and im- knowledge of anything because where proving ourselves. knowledge exists, faith is unnecessary. Humanity would be much better off Because it can be proved, no one uses without faith, if only for the fact that faith to know that “one plus one equals forbidding questions about anything two.” No reasonable person disputes circumvents reasoning and, by exten- this equation. And if anyone could sion, being reasonable. prove gods existed, faith in those gods So, faith is, by definition, an unrea- would not be needed. sonable act. There are many atrocities done in Why do otherwise reasonable, ratio- I asked a friend, “If proof were pro- than 13 billion light-years into the past, the name of faith that no reasonable nal adults accept, practice and teach an vided that there were no gods, would recorded life on the microscopic level person would ever consider, much less unreasonable act? Like most animals you accept it?” The answer was no. The and traveled the land, water and air do. And there are no good deeds done belonging to the kingdom Animalia, same question in unnatural in the name of faith that could not or it is in our nature to be credulous. It is was asked of ways at unnat- would not be accomplished by reason- more expedient for everyone involved a sibling. Not For our species to survive, we ural speeds, able people. I can think of no instance if offspring believe what they are told: only did my need to exploit reason to its fullest. all because of or circumstance where choosing to be Don’t touch that snake, eat that berry or sibling flatly re- “ our ability to unreasonable is ever acceptable. play with that gun. Yes, it saves time, but, fuse to answer — Michael J. Rice reason. For a civilized society to exist, the act unfortunately, it also conditions people that hypothet- Is there any- of faith needs to be shunned. Unreason- to accept unverified assertions as fact. ical question, thing reason- able acts, faith or otherwise, should nev- We need to learn to honestly and but the reply was, “What kind of person able people cannot accomplish or am- er be practiced, taught or condoned. comfortably say, “I don’t know,” when would ask a question like that?” icably agree upon? For our species to How positive would the repercussions that is the truthful answer. To quote Neither of those reactions qualifies survive, we need to exploit reason to its be if, instead of teaching children faith, Carl Sagan: “Better the hard truth, I say, as reasoned. This is what the act of faith fullest. We cannot accomplish that with- we taught them to always be reasonable than the comforting fantasy.” does — it allows people to be shameless- out first recognizing and acknowledg- in thought and action? There are many things to our na- ly arrogant and often times fanatical in ing those things that prevent us from If we choose to act on and condone ture besides being credulous. Killing, not only their thoughts and words, but, becoming completely reasonable. unreasonable acts, our species will not stealing and raping are acts committed unfortunately, their actions. People must reject the notion that survive. With humanity’s ability to po- by many animal species. However, it is Reason is humanity’s greatest asset, faith cannot be questioned — not ques- tentially exterminate itself, the only way generally unacceptable for the human its greatest ability. Reason has allowed tioning what is believed, but question- our species will survive is to eschew faith animal to do these things, which means us to extend our senses beyond our ing the act itself. The fault does not lie and fully embrace reason. that just because something is natural natural limitations and create a wealth in what is believed, the fault lies in the FFRF Member Michael J. Rice, a former does not necessarily make it practical, of knowledge that allows us to do many act itself. What greater good can come estimator for a mechanical contracting firm, reasonable or acceptable. unnatural things. We’ve seen more of anything, religious or otherwise, was born, raised and retired in Tucson, Ariz. Bible presents God as monster of vanity, cruelty By Barbara G. Walker tries. He orders you to murder any ly “bliss” would be like an eternal or- ly sick minds could create, and that members of your own family who gasm; but, of course, the prudish God same imaginary fear made enormous onbelievers are often asked, don’t sufficiently respect him (Deu- would not allow that. profits over the millennia for God’s “Why not accept the idea of teronomy13:6-9). He sends wild ani- As a child, I was told about one of ever-greedy minions on earth. NGod as a harmless one, a force mals to kill children (2 Kings 2:23-24). God’s worst crimes. He arranged to I find it incredible that people can for good, an inspiration to bring out He is a jealous have his own son murdered, to induce read what the bible says about this the best in people?” But when I read God, full of ven- himself to save some of the people God’s character and still think him the bible as a teenager, I found a lot geance and wrath from the hell of eternal torture that harmless, benevolent or anything close of reasons why not. The biblical God (Nahum 1:2). He he created to punish the sins he knew to lovable. is hardly harmless. He is incredibly brags that he has they would commit, because he made The bible presents him as a monster cruel, irrational, vain, sadistic and destroyed many them that way. of vanity and cruelty, the “jealous God” untrustworthy. nations (Zephani- What kind of a father is it who kills that people were commanded to fear. In spite of saying “Thou shalt not ah 3:6). He even his own allegedly beloved son? And The men who created and developed kill” at one point, he orders endless admits: “I create why should it be so pleasing to him? his character were like schoolyard bul- massacres — whole cities to be wiped evil” (Isaiah 45:7). But even this death would not elimi- lies, relishing their ability to make oth- out, including men, women, children, Barbara Walker In Genesis, he nate God’s hell altogether, because ers tremble. animals, all. He demands that raped kills almost every living creature on the blessed ones in heaven needed to They made a god that I found women must be killed, a brutality still Earth because a few people failed to enjoy the sadistic pleasure of a perfect hugely unworthy. I wanted neither carried out in certain Muslim coun- praise him enough. He is the ultimate view of the tortures of the damned, his heaven nor his hell, and felt much embodiment of male egotism; his according to St. Thomas Aquinas and more comfortable after dismissing appetite for praise is insatiable. He other godly folks. them. My future may be limited, like What Is a Freethinker? demands it every minute, from every- As a child, I wondered, “What that of every other life form on Earth, body, for all eternity. We have been was the point of killing Jesus?” If the but that’s better than either of God’s freethinker n. told that one of the components of all-powerful God wanted to save peo- alternatives. A person who forms opinions heavenly “bliss” is that we will join the ple, couldn’t he just do it, without Barbara G. Walker is the author of the about religion on the basis of choirs of angels in singing God’s prais- all the folderol and pain of sacrifice? award-winning Woman’s Encyclopedia of reason, independently of tradition, es forever and ever. Well, that might But no, hell must never be eliminat- Myths and Secrets, Man Made God, Be- be entertaining for half an hour, but ed. Apparently, God really wanted to lief and Unbelief, The Crone, The Skepti- authority, or established belief. for all eternity? More like hell. The intimidate his poor subjects with that cal Feminist, and 20 other books, and is a pagans had a better idea, that heaven- vision of endless agony that only real- Lifetime Member of FFRF. Page 24 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2018 Politics the new religion for progressives

This story originally ran in The Atlantic on Oct. 11 and is reprinted with permission. New identity This new identity of voter is largely By Emma Green elite, politically plugged-in, constantly discussing the Republicans’ latest polit- he voters who are most amped for ical shenanigans at dinner parties, and the 2018 elections look elite in near- more focused on national problems than Tly every way. They are Democrats, local affairs. college-educated and largely secular. They “You see Democrats who will say on are likely to be women, but they’re not surveys that their most important issues necessarily white or particularly young. are the environment or racial equality, These are the people who might post rants and they take absolutely no interest in about Donald Trump on Facebook or ha- voting in local primaries or local munic- rass their friends to donate to Planned ipal elections, where a lot of those issues Parenthood. They are worked out,” Hersh said. “It’s a lot may sign petitions more gratifying to be talking about the on Change.org or Kavanaugh hearing.” follow the Face- This sketch doesn’t necessarily capture book page of the what’s happening on the ground in Dem- U.S. Senate can- ocratic and progressive organizing circles, didate Beto O’Ro- Photo by Chris Line said Lara Putnam, a professor of history at urke, even though FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover speaks his mind during the Women’s March the University of Pittsburgh. they don’t live in in Madison, Wis., in January 2017. “I have met more churchgoing pro- Texas. Maybe they gressive women in the world of . . . politi- attended the Wom- 28 percent of Democrats identified as ed rallies, liked a campaign online, called cal organizing than I had ever met in my Emma Green en’s March two religiously unaffiliated. their representative, or changed what previous 15 years of living in basically the years ago, or the they bought for political reasons. Women same communities,” she said. March for Our Lives this spring. More enthusiam were also more likely to have done many It may be challenging to understand This is the sketch that emerges from a This year, the God gap also seems to of these things than men, and they were these people through a national poll: new poll by The Atlantic and the Public be an enthusiasm gap between religious five percentage points more likely to say While it’s easy for Democrats to talk Religion Research Institute, which looks and nonreligious voters. In the new PRRI they had become more civically engaged about their angry Facebook posts, it’s at Americans’ civic engagement in the survey of 1,811 respondents, conducted over the past two years. more difficult to capture the kind of lead-up to November’s midterms. this year in August and September, reli- In general, Democrats beat out Re- political transformation that Putnam “Whoever is in the losing party giously unaffiliated Democrats were more publicans on a number of measures is seeing among local groups in Penn- tends to be more energized,” said Kei than twice as likely to have attended a ral- of civic engagement, especially when sylvania. “The spark may have been Kawashima-Ginsberg, the director of ly within the past 12 months compared it comes to online activism: They were about Trump,” she said. “But that story the Center for Information and Re- with their religious peers. During that twice as likely to have signed an online . . . stopped being about Trump a long search on Civic Learning and Engage- time, they were significantly more likely petition, encouraged friends or family time ago.” ment at Tufts University. “They have to have contacted an elected official or to get political online, or posted about Perhaps the takeaway from this data, something to win back.” to have donated to a candidate or cause. issues they care about. then, is that the Democratic Party is go- It’s the segment that’s surprising: Re- And nearly half of religiously unaffiliated So what does all of this mean for the ing through a transformative moment of ligiously unaffiliated voters, who may or Democrats said they had bought or boy- 2018 elections? While many Democrats both sentiment and identity. Many liber- may not be associated with other civic cotted a product for political reasons or seem to be more politically fired up than als are feeling anger, and finding ways to institutions, seem most excited about sup- posted political opinions online, com- Republicans, it’s not clear that this will express that. The elite part of the party, porting or donating to causes, going to pared with roughly one-quarter of their translate into big wins at the ballot box: especially those who are well educated, rallies, and expressing opinions online, religious peers. Eighty-one percent of Democrats said is most engaged. And for these people, among other activities. Political engage- “Culturally, this is the subgroup of the they’ll absolutely or probably vote in No- progressive politics may offer a form of ment may be providing these Americans Democratic Party that feels most at odds vember, compared with 82 percent of meaning making, especially if they are with a new form of identity. And in turn, with the direction of the country and what Republicans. But this wave of political en- disconnected from other forms of ethnic they may be helping to solidify the new the Trump administration is doing,” said ergy may say something about the iden- or religious identity. identity of the Democratic Party. Dan Cox, the research director at PRRI. tity of Democratic voters — particularly “The Democratic Party is undergoing Democrats have traditionally had a “These secular Democrats also tend to be those who don’t have strong religious or a fundamental transformation. It’s not strong base of religious voters. A decade the most liberal.” institutional ties. going to occur over one election cycle,” ago, more than 80 percent of self-iden- The data on religiously unaffiliated “There’s a sociological story you can Cox said. “So much of this is wrapped tified Democrats were affiliated with Democrats combines with other statis- tell about this community,” said Eitan up in people’s ideas of who they are and some sort of religion, according to the tics to form a rough picture of the voters Hersh, a political scientist at Tufts who is where they belong. And that reflects on Pew Research Center. The party was who have been getting the most civically writing a book on what he calls “political what kind of country they want, what kind nearly one-quarter Catholic and nearly involved over the past year. Across the hobbyism.” “This online world of political of leaders they want, and, perhaps even one-half Protestant, including mainline, board, college graduates were significant- identity . . . is basically acting as a replace- more importantly, what kind of leaders evangelical, and historically black de- ly more likely than their nongraduate ment for people who maybe a generation they don’t want.” nominations. By 2014, those numbers peers to have signed petitions, volun- or two before would identify as Catholic Emma Green is a staff writer at The Atlan- had shifted significantly: Pew found that teered for or donated to a cause, attend- or as Jewish or as Irish or Italian.” tic, where she covers politics, policy and religion. Survey Continued from page 1 secretly serving in government but by “Religious Freedom” bills ad- Question 7 ( 8,481 total responses ) too afraid to come out of the closet. vancing in state legislatures across Which type of legislation should the Congressional Freethought Caucus prioritize? Respondents reacted positively the country. to learning about the 10-member FFRF’s Secular Voter Survey also ANSWER CHOICES: Congressional Freethought Cau- found: Banning discrimination cus launched earlier this year. On • Nearly three-quarters of secular against atheists & nonbelievers 4.75% a scale of 0 to 100, respondents av- voters identify as atheists, with 13 Codifying the separation eraged a 90 when asked how likely percent identifying as humanists of church and state 0.01% they would be to support candi- and 6 percent as agnostic. dates who openly identify as nonre- • More than one-quarter are Dem- Mandating science-based education in schools 37.75% ligious. ocratic Socialists, 45 percent are Respondents said the Free- Democrats, 22 percent are inde- Ending tax breaks for 27.52% thought Caucus should prioritize pendents and less than 2 percent all churches mandating science-based education are Republicans. Establishing a U.S. o ce in schools, ending tax breaks for all • Nearly two-thirds hold a college of reason and science 4.73% churches, and protecting women’s degree or multiple degrees, with Protecting women's health 25.23% health care against religious zeal- just 6 percent having not attend- care against religious zealots ots. ed any college. When asked what is the most • The largest group of secular vot- dangerous threat to the separation ers are middle-aged-whites, a cov- Freedom From Religion Foundation survey of church and state in America, the eted swing demographic cited by top response was President Trump’s many national political pundits • The vast majority are supervoters, dential, midterm and local elec- Supreme Court nominees, followed and campaigns. stating they vote in every presi- tion, including most primaries.