Ron Reagan Does Not Consider Himself an Activist

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Escaping from my Top winners named ‘Nothing Fails father’s Westboro in People of Color Like Prayer’ contest Baptist Church student essay contest winners announced PAGES 10-11 PAGE 12-16 PAGE 18 Vol. 37 No. 9 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. November 2020 Supreme Court now taken over by Christian Nationalists President Trump’s newly confirmed Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is going to be a disaster for the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and will complete the Christian Nationalist takeover of the high court for more than a generation, the Freedom From Religion Foundation asserts. Barrett’s biography and writings reveal a startling, life-long allegiance to religion over the law. The 48-year-old Roman Catholic attended a Catholic high school and a Presby- terian-affiliated college and then graduated from Notre Dame Law School, where she Photo by David Ryder taught for 15 years. She clerked for archcon- Amy Coney Barrett Despite his many public statements on atheism, Ron Reagan does not consider himself an activist. servative Justice Antonin Scalia, and signifi- cantly, like the late justice, is considered an “originalist” or “textual- ist” who insists on applying what is claimed to be the “original intent” of the framers. She and her parents have belonged to a fringe conservative Christian group, People of Praise, which teaches that hus- Ron Reagan — A leading bands are the heads of household. Barrett’s nomination hearing for a judgeship on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where she has served for less than three years, documented her many controversial figure of nonbelievers and disturbing positions on religion vis-à-vis the law. Barrett is now the sixth Catholic on the nine-member court. (This This article first appeared in Le Devoir (from Que- for me, that I didn’t like politics . . . But there, I bec, Canada) on Sept. 28 and is reprinted with per- had an even better answer. I told them that I wasn’t See Supreme Court on poge 6 mission. Special thanks to FFRF Board Member Steve interested and that, in any case, I could never be Salemson and Joan Wallace for translating the text elected because I’m not a believer.” from French. As he had hoped, this reply put an end to the Tribute to Philip Appleman, In the United States, religion occupies such conversation, but it also caused a scandal. “The an important place in society that atheism has response was incredible,” Reagan said. “It made freethought poet laureate now become a real political movement, with its many people angry. I received indignant letters own lobbying effort, demands, and, recently, from some friends who wanted to know why I had By Annie Laurie Gaylor representatives in Congress. This article features said that, what I was hoping to achieve . . . It was a portrait of Ronald Reagan Jr., son of the for- the first time I realized just how much people re- hilip Appleman — re- mer president and a major figure in this growing ally care about what other people believe. I found nowned poet, friend, movement, which is becoming more mainstream that interesting.” avid nonbeliever and among Americans. Born in 1958, Ron Reagan was the youngest PAfter-Life Member of the child of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, who also had Freedom From Religion By Isabelle Porter a daughter together. The other two Reagan chil- Foundation — died April dren are from a previous marriage. 11, 2020. Before Richard Ron was 22 when his father was elected presi- Dawkins pleaded in Un- onald Reagan Jr. is one of the best-known dent, but only 8 when Ronald Reagan Sr. was first weaving the Rainbow for faces in the atheist movement in the United elected governor of California. In family photos more integration of sci- States. In a TV spot, the son of the former from that time, the couple often posed only with ence into the arts, Phil was Rpresident declares with a sly smile that he is “not their young son, as the other children were al- doing it. His nine books of afraid of burning in hell.” ready grown. poetry, three novels (two “Hello, I’m Ron Reagan, an unabashed athe- It was at this time that he came to the conclu- with explicitly freethink- ist, and I’m alarmed by the intrusions of reli- sion that God did not exist. “By 10 years of age, ing themes) and six vol- gion into our secular government,” he says in I had already moved away from most Christian umes of nonfiction largely the understated ad. How could the son of one beliefs,” he says. “Then, when I was 12, I told my examined Darwin, natural of the most conservative presidents in modern parents that I wouldn’t go to church with them selection or skewered reli- American history have ended up here? Partly by anymore because it would be hypocritical. After gious belief, including the chance, he told Le Devoir. all, if they were right about God, he himself would bible. “It started about 40 years ago, when my father know that I was faking it!” Although a distinguished was elected president. The New York Times asked Where did these early convictions come from? professor of English at Indi- Photo by Brent Nicastro me in an interview whether I was going to get into Perhaps from his passion for prehistory. He re- Philip and Marjorie Appleman at the politics, too. You know, I had been asked this ques- See Appleman on poge 4 2002 FFRF Convention. tion all my life, and I used to answer that it wasn’t See Reagan on back poge Page 2 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 THEY SAID WHAT? He literally saved Christianity. for his word and the truth of his word. President Trump, speaking from Walter CHURCHES DOWN, PERMANENTLY. There’s a full-out war on faith in this Former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, Reed Medical Center, about how the President Trump country by the other side. speaking on pastor Todd Coconato’s “therapeutics” he received at the hospi- Twitter, 10-7-20 Eric Trump, speaking about his father, “Bombshell” podcast, about how Min- tal seem to be divinely ordained. President Trump, during a radio inter- nesota is being ruined by people who The Friendly Atheist, 10-4-20 Here in Borough Park, we don’t go view in North Dakota. “embrace false gods.” The Minneapo- by the laws of America. We have our The Huffington Post, 10-6-20 lis/St. Paul area has become a hub for God can survive without America, but own laws. Muslim immigrants from Somalia. America cannot survive without God. An unidentified person in a group of Many people have come to the Min- Right Wing Watch, 10-7-20 Arkansas state Sen. Jason Rapert, in a defiant protestors, shouting at report- nesota area that are not believers of the tweet featuring a photo of a Ten Com- ers in the Hasidic enclave of Borough Book. They’re not Jewish or not Chris- They’re miracles. People criticize me mandments monument. Park, Brooklyn, protesting COVID-19 tian. . . . I would say probably the main when I say that, but we have things hap- Twitter, 10-11-20 lockdown restrictions in their “hot spot” thing is a loss of reverence for God and of pening that look like they’re miracles community. the things of God, and a loss of reverence coming down from God. DEMS WANT TO SHUT YOUR New York Daily News, 10-7-20 Kyle Welty IN MEMORIAM FFRF’s caption contest er family tradition of playing rugby with was geologist both the University of Montana Jester and the Missoula Maggots. He earned a mas- FFRF Member Kyle Welty died at ter’s degree in geology from the Montana age 50. State University. Kyle taught high school He was the youngest child born to science in Wolf Point, Mont., Harrison, Dr. Alan and Joy Welty. Kyle grew up in Mont., and Rifle, Colo., before pivoting to Corunna, Mich., on the Welty farm. He geologist, working as a mud logger for nat- showed his first chicken in the Shiawassee ural gas exploration. He created his own County Fair at age 10 when he plucked consulting company, Hollowtop Geologi- the resident rooster from the hen house, cal Services, with the motto of “If it can’t entered him and won Grand Champion be grown, it must be mined.” Cock. Kyle went on to show sheep, chick- Kyle’s loves were his dogs and his ’59 Ed- en and baked goods at the fair as both sel. He hunted, skied (until his knees gave a member of 4-H and FFA. He also fol- out) and bicycled. He was an avid card lowed his siblings into the water, compet- player of cribbage and euchre. He enjoyed ing in swimming and holding records at craft beers and had a standing Wednesday Corunna High School. night euchre game at his favorite brew- Kyle graduated from the University of house, Grimm Brothers, in Loveland. He Montana with a B.S. in education and mi- is survived by his mother Joy, brothers Kurt nor in geology. There he followed anoth- and Kris and sister, Beth Dreyfuss. FFRF thanks new Lifetime, After-Life, Here is the photo for this month’s caption contest. To enter, please write a witty or humorous caption for this photo. Email your response to caption@ffrf. Beyond After-Life, Immortal members org by Nov. 25. The winner, chosen by FFRF staff, will receive an FFRF T-shirt! FFRF thanks and welcomes our Ford, Kris R. Geier (gift from Adam We will announce the winner and runners-up in the December issue. If you’ve three new Beyond After-Life members, Rose), Maureen Hart (in memory of taken any photos that you think would be good for this contest, send them to five After-Life members, 21 Lifetime her husband Gene), Tom Hunden, El- [email protected]. members and three Immortals. ton Hurst, Fay Kramer, Terry Lee (gift Diane and Steve Uhl earn a special from Corinne Lee), Long Long, Julie mention as they have become both Af- Mahoney, Lawrence Merte, Dr. David ter-Life Members and Beyond After-Life Schneider, Jonathan Smith and Matt Members (on top of being Life Members)! Weinhill. Losing Faith in Faith: From Alan Huber is the other new Beyond And our three new Immortals are Preacher to Atheist After-Life member, which is a member- Michael Bush, Mike Deal and William By Dan Barker ship category of $10,000. Wolmart. The Immortal category is for How Dan “threw out The three other newest After-Life mem- those who have made arrangements the bathwater and bers are Dr. Douglas Kinney, Ted Nunn for FFRF in their estate planning. discovered there is and Ken Zaremba. After-Life membership States represented are: Alabama, no baby there.” is a donation category of $5,000. Arizona, California, Connecticut, Ha- —Published by FFRF. 392 pages / HB Our 21 newest $1,000 Lifetime waii, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Members are: Michael Adix, Scott Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New Buy it from FFRF online Bender, Roni Berenson, Roland Berni- York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylva- ffrf.org/shop er, Joseph Boetcher, Suzanne Collins, nia, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Howard Davis, Roger Fontes, David Washington. Freethought Matters Fall 2020 season resumes

Photoshop # White An antidote to religion on the airwaves and Sunday morning sermonizing Freethought Matters TV talk show airs in: Watch our show every Sunday! Chicago WPWR-CW (Ch. 50) 9 am Published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Denver KWGN-CW (Ch. 2) 7 am Houston KUBE-IND (Ch. 57) 9 am P.O. Box 750 Madison WI 53701 Los Angeles KCOP-MY (Ch. 13) 8:30 am [email protected] FFRF.org Madison, Wis. WISC-TV (Ch. 3) 11 pm P 608.256.8900 F 608.204.0422 Minneapolis KSTC-IND (Ch. 45) 9:30 am New York City WPIX-IND (Ch. 11) 8:30 am EDITOR PJ Slinger [email protected] Phoenix KASW-CW (Ch. 61) 8:30 am EDITOR EMERITUS Bill Dunn (Ch. 61 or 6 or 1006 for HD) EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Annie Laurie Gaylor Portland, Ore. KRCW-CW (Ch. 32) 9 am Photo by Chris Line GRAPHIC DESIGNER Roger Daleiden (703 on Comcast for HD or Ch. 3) Visit FFRF’s YouTube Channel Sacramento KQCA-MY (Ch. 58) 8:30 am COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Amit Pal to watch the shows. Seattle KONG-IND (Ch. 16) 8 am CONTRIBUTORS (Ch. 16 or Ch. 106 on Comcast) Dan Barker, Steve Benson, Erwin Chemerinsky, Howard Gillman, James Washington, D.C. WDCW-CW (Ch. 50) 8 am A. Haught, Chris Johnson, Bailey Nachreiner-Mackesey, Brent Nicastro, Nate Phelps, Jake Swenson Go to: ffrf.org/freethought-matters for more information The only freethought newspaper in the United States November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 3 Weaponization of the Free Exercise Clause sex, religion, sexual orientation, age and The Supreme Court disability with impunity. is trying to stop This reflects a court that is likely to expand the ability of businesses to discrim- civil rights advances inate based on their owners’ religious This article first appeared in The Atlantic beliefs. A few years ago, the court con- on Sept. 18 and is republished with permission. sidered in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission whether a baker By Erwin Chemerinsky could refuse, on account of his religious and Howard Gillman beliefs, to design and bake a cake for a same-sex couple. This should be an easy decision: People should not be allowed here was a time when the Consti- to violate anti-discrimination laws be- tution’s protection of the “free cause of religious beliefs or any beliefs. exercise” of religion was a sort of For more than half a century, courts Tshield, a protection for religious mi- have consistently recognized that enforc- norities from the prejudices of the pow- ing antidiscrimination laws is more im- erful. No longer. The Supreme Court’s portant than protecting freedom to dis- conservative majority is in the process criminate on account of religious beliefs. of transforming this First Amendment A person cannot invoke religious beliefs clause into a sword that politically pow- Photo from Shutterstock to refuse service or employment to Black erful Christian conservatives can use to People rally for LGBTQ rights outside the Supreme Court on Oct. 8, 2019, as justices people or women. Discrimination by sex- strike down hard-fought advances in civil heard oral arguments in three cases dealing with discrimination in the workplace ual orientation is just as wrong. Although rights, especially for LGBTQ individuals because of sexual orientation. the justices in this case sidestepped the and women. ernment were to begin down this path, it fit required by law. Under the Affordable question of whether the Free Exercise At issue is whether religious believers inevitably would face the impossible task Care Act, employers are required to pro- Clause requires such an exemption, a who object to laws governing matters of defining a “religious” belief. Such an vide health-insurance coverage, includ- number of other courts have ruled that such as health care, labor protections approach would force the court to make ing coverage for contraceptives for wom- compliance with general antidiscrimina- and antidiscrimination in public accom- intrinsically controversial and discrimi- en. The Affordable Care Act had already tion laws might impose an impermissible modations should have a right to an natory decisions about which religious carved out an exemption for religious burden on the free exercise of the own- “exemption” from having to obey those views were most deserving of special ac- not-for-profit organizations, so that, for er’s religious beliefs, at least when the be- laws. In recent years, religious pharma- commodation and which social values example, a Catholic diocese would not liefs are Christian and the protected class cists have claimed that they should not should be considered less important have to provide contraceptive care to its includes gay and lesbian people. More- be required to fill prescriptions for a le- than the favored religious views. employees. (Legislatures can choose to over, the Religious Right has demanded gal and authorized medical procedure if This decision was in line with the ap- give religious exemptions, even though that it is entitled to such exemptions. that procedure is inconsistent with their proach taken by the the Constitution In recent months, the court expand- beliefs. A court clerk whose religion de- Supreme Court, does not require ed civil-rights protection for gay, lesbian fined marriage as a union of a man and in almost all cases, In recent months, the them.) But at issue and transgender individuals, but there is woman has claimed a free-exercise right through Ameri- court expanded civil-rights in Hobby Lobby were reason to fear that the conservative jus- to refuse marriage licenses to same-sex can history. Courts protection“ for gay, lesbian the rights of the tices are about to undercut this. In June couples who have a constitutional right long held that the owners of a purely 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the to marry. Religious business owners, Constitution did and transgender individuals, secular business. federal law Title VII, which prohibits such as bakers and florists, who object to not require an ex- but there is reason to fear The five conserva- employment discrimination based on same-sex marriage have claimed a right ception to general that the conservative justices tive justices held sex, forbids employment discrimination to refuse service to same-sex couples. laws on account of are about to undercut this. that a family-owned based on sexual orientation or gender And employers have successfully assert- religious beliefs — corporation could identity. But Justice Neil Gorsuch’s ma- ed a right to deny their workers health- that parents could deny contraceptive jority opinion left open the possibility of care benefits that they would otherwise not deny medical aid to their children, coverage to women employees based on giving an exception to employers who be entitled to, such as contraception or that they could not have them work in the business owners’ religious beliefs. discriminate because of their religious abortion counseling. violation of child-labor laws, even if the The dissenters, led by Justice Ruth beliefs. The court should emphatically Providing such religious exemptions work involved dispensing religious liter- Bader Ginsburg, pointed out that “the reject such claims. Selling goods and hir- has required a dramatic change in the ature, that religious schools could not distinction between a community made ing people on the open market is not the law by the Supreme Court. In 1990, in violate laws against racial discrimination, up of believers in the same religion and exercise of religion, and stopping dis- Employment Division v. Smith, the Supreme and that a Jewish Air Force psychologist one embracing persons of diverse be- crimination based on sexual orientation Court held that the Free Exercise Clause could not ignore the uniform require- liefs, clear as it is, constantly escapes the or gender identity is a compelling gov- of the First Amendment cannot be used ment by wearing a yarmulke. court’s attention,” and wondered about ernment interest that judges should not as a basis for an exception to a general Unfortunately, the conservative jus- religious employers who were offended dismiss because members of a favored law, no matter how great the burden on tices on the current Supreme Court re- by health coverage of vaccines, or equal religion disagree with the policy. religion, unless the government’s action ject Scalia’s reasoning and may be about pay for women, or medications derived Unfortunately, the court appears to can be shown to be based on animus to to overrule Employment Division v. Smith. from pigs, or the use of antidepressants. be headed in exactly the opposite direc- religion. The case involved a claim by If they do so, the Supreme Court’s con- At the very least, there is a compelling tion. Next term, which began in October, Native Americans for a religious excep- servative majority will in essence be say- interest in protecting access to contra- the court will consider, in Fulton v. City of tion to an Oregon law prohibiting con- ing that the views of Christian conser- ceptives, which the Supreme Court has Philadelphia, whether free exercise was sumption of peyote. vatives are more important than legal deemed a fundamental right. violated by a city’s barring a Catholic So- Justice Antonin Scalia wrote the opin- protections for workers and people who In June 2020, the court ruled in Our cial Services agency from participating in ion for the court, ruling against the seek to engage in ordinary commercial Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey Berru placing children in foster care, because Native Americans and explained that it activity without suffering discrimination. that teachers at a Catholic school could the agency refused to certify same-sex would be impossible to provide religious The first sign of this shift came with not sue for employment discrimination. couples as foster parents — in violation exemptions from civic obligations when- the 2014 decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lob- The two cases before the court involved of the city’s general nondiscrimination ever a person disagreed with the law — by, when for the first time in American a teacher who had sued for disability policy. One of the questions before the there are just too many civic obligations history, the court held that the religious discrimination after losing her job fol- Court is whether to “revisit” Employment and too many different religious views beliefs of a business’s owner allowed it to lowing a breast-cancer diagnosis and a Division v. Smith. about those obligations. Also, if the gov- refuse to provide employees with a bene- teacher who had sued for age discrimi- Five justices [perhaps six, pending nation after being replaced by a younger Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation sta- instructor. tus] may be about to do just that — Previously, in Hosanna-Tabor Lutheran paving the way for the court to allow Evangelical Lutheran Church and School religious organizations and persons to v. EEOC (2012), the court said that a ignore nondiscrimination laws that pro- narrow exception protects religious or- tect the LGBTQ community, as well as ganizations from being held liable for ignore federal requirements to provide choices they make about their “min- full health benefits to women. isters,” which traditionally have been Erwin Chemerinsky is the dean of the Uni- considered “exclusively ecclesiastical versity of California, Berkeley School of Law. questions” that the government should Howard Gillman is the chancellor of the Uni- not second-guess. But now the court versity of California, Irvine. They co-authored has expanded that exception to all reli- The Religion Clauses: The Case for Separat- Make your own nontheistic cyber billboard at FFRF.org/unabashed, and you might gious-school teachers, meaning that the ing Church and State. win an “Unabashed Atheist” cap, like Olivia. schools can discriminate based on race, Page 4 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 Philip Appleman: ‘Let there be Enlightenment’ U.S. Army Air Corps during World War win, and wrote a series of Darwin-in- Phil’s clever riff on the saccharine II, when he signed up as a Merchant Ma- spired poems, including Darwin’s Ark. poem “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer. Where rine, and took along for reading material Mourning the fact that about half the Kilmer prayerfully declaims, “I think Continued from page 1 Darwin’s The Origin of Species and The De- American public still doubts that bio- that I shall never see/A poem as love- scent of Man. logical evolution occurred, Phil sug- ly as a tree,” Phil rejoins: “I think that ana University, he was such a Darwin “I am sure it is difficult for anyone gested “perhaps poetry and satire can I shall never see/a poem as ugly as scholar that he was asked to edit the reared in a more enlightened time and be of some assistance.” Darwin, Phil a flea…” Dan also set to music “In a Norton Critical Edition, Darwin. Phil place to imagine the sense of exhila- wrote, finally released him from al- Dark Time” (on FFRF’s CD, “Adrift liked to point out that he was conceived ration in a young person schooled in legiance to the “incredible creation on a Star”) written in 2006 at the the same month that John Scopes was Midwestern fundamentalism, reading myths of Genesis,” so he also turned height of the U.S. war against Afghan- arrested for the crime of teaching evolu- Darwin and understanding evolution his wit and incisive pen to the bible. istan and Iraq — a poem I have often tion in violation of Tennessee law. In his for the very first time,” Phil recalled. I still remember the moment Dan thought of in the past four years: “12 years of education, including a high Born in Indiana on Feb. 8, 1926, (Barker) came into my office in the school course in biology, I never heard he later earned degrees from North- early 1990s, back when I was editor of The warnings come in whispers and in the name of Charles Robert Darwin,” he western University, the University of Freethought Today, holding a small shadows, later wrote, which he called the educa- Michigan and University of Lyon, did book called Let There Be Light, excite- The messages are fire and black tional equivalent of the Flat Earth Society his dissertation on Darwin, edited an ment catching in his voice as he start- contagion abolishing gravitation. Phil’s life-altering abridged version of The Origin, edited ed reading from Philip Appleman’s As prophets rise to chant their mid- experience came after serving in the the Norton Critical Edition on Dar- book of poems, subtitled, “The Bible night terrors, Retold for Grownups.” And empires all atremble charge their Phil’s spare, ironic voice captured legions: Eve (“I didn’t ask to be cursed with The winds are blowing cold above the curiosity, I only wanted the apple”), a cities confused, querulous Noah (“already And lights are going out around the six hundred years old, more than a world. little weary from all that virtuous living”), and Sarah, who, after retelling Even as the preachers thunder Treason, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, And holy horrors dance with petty trenchantly concludes about God, “ . scandals, . . if there’s a Judgment Day, as some Even in this dusk, the dream of reason folks think, He’s going to have a lot Beckons with its flickering bright to answer for.” Phil had reached out candles. to Dan after seeing him on some talk But winds are blowing cold above the show or another, sending a copy of his cities 1991 book of poetry on the bible. And And lights are going out around the then we thankfully reached out to Phil. world . . . While New and Selected Po- ems,1956-1996, is the most comprehen- Dan likewise set to music Phil’s satir- sive overview of his poetry, Phil wrote ic poem, “God’s Grandeur” (on FFRF’s prolifically and inspiredly into his mid- CD, “Friendly Neighborhood Athe- 80s, including some lighter (yet deep) ist”), a delicious take-down of a deity verse in Karma, Dharma, Pudding & who, when “they hunger and thirst . . . Pie (2009) as well as Perfidious Proverbs I send down a famine,” and whose mot- Phillip and Marjorie Appleman. and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the to is, “never apologize, never explain.” Bible (2011). Freethought Today was Dan set to music one of Phil’s musings honored to have been first to publish on romance, “Summers of Love” (re- several of his later poems, and to have printed by Freethought Today, and on featured his regular poetry column, FFRF’s CD, “Beware of Dogma”). HEADS UP “Head’s Up” for many years. Speaking of love, one cannot me- Phil was awarded a National En- morialize Phil without remembering Last-Minute Message for a Time Capsule dowment for the Arts fellowship, the his love for the women in his life: Castagnola Award from the Poetry So- his mother, Gertrude; his mother-in- I have to tell you this, whoever you are: ciety of America, a Friend of Darwin law, Martha; and his dear wife, Mar- that on one summer morning here, the ocean Award from the National Center for jorie. He immortalized his mother in Science Education and was published an eponymous, unforgettable poem pounded in on tumbledown breakers, in The New York Times, Harper’s about the right to die with dignity, a south wind, bustling along the shore, Magazine, The Nation, New Republic, beginning, “I wish that all the peo- whipped the froth into little rainbows, Paris Review, Poetry, Sewanee Review ple who peddle God could watch my and Yale Review. Sadly, The New York mother die . . .” He remembers her and a reckless gull swept down the beach Times, of which he was an avid reader, “young, lovely in gardens and beauti- as if to fly were everything it needed. has yet to publish an obituary. ful in kitchens,” then racked by “thir- I thought of your hovering saucers, What’s some consolation is that ty years of pain,” followed by stabbing we can not only read Philip Apple- cancer, and her plea, “Philip, I want looking for clues, and I wanted to write this down, man’s words and poetry, but see and to die.” He also described the need- so it wouldn’t be lost forever — hear him recite them. Bill Moyers, a less suffering of mother-in-law, Mar- that once upon a time we had fan, invited Phil on his show in 2015, tha Haberkorn, a loving individual when Phil was about 88, thus lending tormented at the end of her life by meadows here, and astonishing things, him a kind of immortality. To experi- religious fear of her “sins.” swans and frogs and luna moths ence Phil reading and talking about And he cherished and celebrated and blue skies that could stagger your heart. his views and his poetry, you have only his wife Marjorie, who survives him, to Google “Bill Moyers Philip Apple- “all sleep and love, there in the sun We could have had them still, man” to watch the interview and many with sea birds calling,” as he put it and welcomed you to earth, but bonus poetry readings. On that show, in his 1968 book of poems, “Summer we also had the righteous ones Phil read “Five Easy Prayers for Pa- Love and Surf.” He promised in “S*x gans,” including the stanza that con- After S*xty”: “You kids in your fifties, who worshipped the True Faith, and Holy War. cludes with this line, one of my favor- listen, if you think it’s perfect now, When you go home to your shining galaxy, ites: “ . . . and before our world goes just hang around: the best is yet to say that what you learned over the brink, teach the believers come.” He honored Marjorie’s beau- how to think.” ty and youth in a poem FFRF ran in from this dead and barren place is On that show, Phil also read his his poetry column about her endur- to beware the righteous ones. short, devastating poem, “A Sim- ance through health crises, including ple Explanation for Everything,” a mastectomy, sending us a photo- © Philip Appleman, from New and Selected Poems, 1956-1996 which briefly listed religious violence graph to run with it showing the two Philip Appleman was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at India na Univer sity. throughout history, concluding with of them, a young, glamorous couple He was editor of the Norton Critical Edition of Darwin. the refrain: “Why did they kill? They on a beach vacation in Spain, Marjo- killed for the Lord.” rie impossibly lithe and lovely. Other books by him, available at shop.ffrf.org, include Karma, Dharma, Pudding Dan has set to music several of Phil and Marjorie, a devoted cou- & Pie and Darwin’s Ark: Poems by Philip Appleman. Philip’s poems, including “Fleas” ple, attended and spoke at three na- (on FFRF’s CD, “Beware of Dogma”), tional FFRF conventions, bringing November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 5

resulting competition for limited reed says: “The truth shall set you free sources, destruction of natural habi- . . . from religion.” Philip Appleman, tats, growing pollution of the environ- the person, the freethinker, the poet ment, endangering of other species, and the friend, has added immeasur- even the threat of extinction itself: all able joy and understanding to our of these are ultimately Malthusian as lives. He will be greatly missed. I look well as Darwinian themes.” Phil, 94, forward, when this pandemic is over, died in the midst of a pandemic part- to once again walking daily past the ly caused by human encroachment on framed photograph of Phil and Mar- other species’ habitats. gie gracing FFRF’s editorial wing. One of my favorite poems (repro- Here is my epitaph for him: duced on the previous page) is Phil’s Philip Appleman decreed: Let there “Last-Minute Message for a Time-Cap- be Enlightenment. And it is good. sule,” which warns, so truly, “to beware Annie Laurie Gaylor is co-founder and the righteous ones.” (Despite its mod- co-president, with Dan Barker, of the Free- ern misuse as a new word for “cool” or dom From Religion Foundation. Most of “excellent,” the primary definition of Philip Appleman’s books of poetry may be “righteous” is “acting in accord with found at ffrf.org/shop. divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin.” Phil got that warning right.) The couple retired to New York City, and were together for nearly 67 years at the time of his death, from unknown causes, which, sadly, was not reported for about six months. In his last book, The Labyrinth: God, Darwin, and the Meaning of Life, really a monograph, published in 2014, Phil fearlessly wrestled with religion Photo by Brent Nocastro and reality: “People in general have Marjorie and Philip Appleman speak at FFRF’s convention in 2002. never exhibited much passion for the disciplined pursuit of knowledge, down the house as they read his clas- Watch it on YouTube: bit.ly/3khiM3M but they are always tempted by easy sic, humorous epic, “Noah” (I won’t Phil’s intellectual curiosity had tak- answers. God is an easy answer.” He give it away, but it has to do with “ter- en him from Darwin to Malthus, and wrote that “God” may “soothe some mites”). Marjorie, a playwright, read he became so concerned with over- minds temporarily, as an empty bottle the female parts while gentle Phil, population that he wrote a book about may soothe a crying baby; the nour- a closet ham, reached convincingly it, called The Silent Explosion, then ed- ishment from each is the same.” stentorian strains as the vengeful bib- ited the Norton Critical Edition on His writings are studded with sec- lical deity. About 10 years ago, they Malthus. Phil believed the problem ular epiphanies, compassion and yes, gamely did an audio recording in a of overpopulation is “deplorably ne- a slow-burning indignation over those New York studio, to which Dan, on pi- glected,” as do I. Phil noted that “the “easy answers” that unfortunately ano, and Abigail Cantor, on sax, add- continued proliferation of human have led the human race astray. As Philip Appleman with his wife Marjorie ed appropriate musical interludes. bodies and human needs, with the the FFRF bumper sticker he suggest- enjoying a day at the beach. I didn’t need God to beat my addiction This article first appeared in the Wall about Recovery than recovery — that Street Journal on Aug. 13 and is reprinted is, being happy and stable without con- with permission. stantly addressing my addiction. The key was turning techniques into habits By Mary Beth O’Connor and reminding myself of what I could achieve before addiction ruined my life. attended a Narcotics Anonymous I started paying off debt, helped my meeting during my first day at rehab family, and showed up for events. I quit in 1993. The group discussed the pro- smoking cigarettes. Anxiety sprang up Igram’s third step: “We made a decision as my biggest postrecovery struggle, but to turn our will and our lives over to the through therapy I began resolving the care of God as we understood Him.” underlying trauma. I took new risks, and When the counselor asked us to identify my confidence grew when they paid off. a higher power, I said I was an atheist. I took modest jobs and slowly climbed “It’s higher power or relapse,” she re- back up the corporate ladder. All this plied. To me, this meant recovery would helped me move on. be impossible. Recovery wasn’t a perfectly smooth I began drinking at age 12, then path. Sometimes foreboding would con- abused pot, pills and acid before suc- sume me. I worried about my achieve- cumbing to a methamphetamine addic- ments being taken from me whenever tion at 16. I managed to graduate from I made mistakes. I couldn’t shake these college by exercising some control but Shutterstock photo thoughts and overreacted to even a hint afterward returned to daily use to cope Recovery programs often include a step of “submitting to a higher power.” But there of criticism. Yet by my third year of so- with a violent relationship. Meantime, I are resources for those who don’t believe. briety, my brain had been rewired to stay worked my way down the corporate lad- clean. Not using was my new normal. der: from law clerk to office manager to dling triggers. The “one day at a time” discovered Women for Sobriety. The sec- Healthier patterns dominated, and the word processor. I didn’t believe I could mantra helped too, because I could ac- ular alternative taught that empowered struggle was over. I went to law school, survive without drugs. complish that even if I wasn’t confident women could build strong recoveries by joined a Silicon Valley firm, and eventu- By the time I arrived at rehab, I had I could stay sober for long. When others releasing the past and taking control of ally became a federal administrative law been an addict for nearly 20 years and shared their stories, they modeled meth- their lives. Meetings focused on positive judge. desperately wanted to quit. I asked the ods for building a better future and gave thinking. I felt optimistic using the orga- Being forced to find my own path ul- staff for proof that only one path to re- me hope. nization’s introduction: I’m Mary Beth, timately made me stronger. My pain nev- covery existed and required God. They I reinterpreted step three as a lesson and I’m a competent woman. er has been eradicated, but I can bear said I was fighting the program. When in limited control: I could work toward Another discovery was Secular Or- what remains. Despite jitters, I’m always asked why the cure would be spiritu- my goals but couldn’t determine the ganization for Sobriety, which was suc- looking to the next goal. al if addiction is a disease as Narcotics outcome. Although the damage from ceeded by LifeRing Secular Recovery. Traditional 12-step programs have Anonymous proclaims, my sponsor said earlier trauma in my life was real, the This organization emphasized mutual helped countless people recover, and I we wouldn’t debate the book. But I de- people who broke me weren’t going to support, rational decision-making and applaud their success. But I’m glad I nev- cided to apply only the concepts I found fix me. I had to repair myself. But I still addicts’ responsibility for their own er accepted the premise that I couldn’t valuable. felt apprehension when faced with the recoveries. succeed without a higher power. We couldn’t consume any drug, in- consensus that recovery is impossible ab- These programs validated my choice Mary Beth O’Connor is a board member cluding alcohol, to avoid a relapse. The sent a higher power. to create a plan that didn’t include the of the She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing staff provided useful guidance on han- After several months without drugs, I supernatural. I began thinking more Secular Recovery. Page 6 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020

be permitted to obtain an abortion even Supreme Court in cases of severe fetal abnormality. Even Continued from page 1 if a judge finds that a pregnant minor is mature enough to exercise her right to count does not include Justice Neil Gor- choose to terminate the pregnancy, Bar- such, who was raised Catholic but describes rett believes that the minors’ parents must himself as Episcopalian.) Throughout her be told. Combine that with her view that career and personal life, Barrett has made health care should be stripped from Amer- it clear that everything, including the law, icans (a position she has not publicly repu- is a means to promoting her personal reli- diated even in the midst of a pandemic) gion and the “Kingdom of God.” and it reveals a supremely cruel vision of “Barrett will unquestionably eviscer- the law — a total betrayal of Ginsburg’s ate the Establishment Clause of the First ethos. People will die and families will go Amendment,” warn FFRF Co-Presidents financially and emotionally bankrupt un- Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor. der Barrett’s medieval jurisprudence. “Many of our other hard-won freedoms During the pandemic, Barrett has will also likely be gutted.” ruled that religious services should be ex- During her rushed confirmation hear- empt from a general ban on large gath- ings, Barrett refused to answer any ques- erings in Illinois, even though the ban tions regarding Roe V. Wade, the Affordable applied to other large gatherings, such Care Act and climate change. as political rallies, and even though the “I will not express a view on a matter of sweeping exemption undermines the public policy, especially one that is politi- entire point of the emergency health or- cally controversial,” Barrett told Sen. Ka- der. This dangerous decision put the 7th mala Harris in response to a question on Circuit at odds with the vast majority of whether climate change is a fact. federal courts, which have correctly con- However, Barrett lied when she testified cluded that religion does not entitle a be- that “I have never discriminated on the Amy Coney Barrett held up a blank notepad to show the Senate Judicial Committee liever to flout public health laws. basis of sexual preference.” She recent- that she had no notes, but FFRF helped fill it in for her. Barrett’s writings, statements and ly served as trustee of Christian schools ferent kind of lawyer.” iation with People of Praise and her past affiliations attest to her conviction that which barred gay teachers and children of Nearly 200 faculty of Notre Dame comments about the conflict between Catholic lawyers are on a religious mis- same-sex parents. signed letters opposing her confirmation. faith and law,” as FFRF Director of Strate- sion to serve their God and build that Crucially, Barrett replaces Justice Ruth And yet more alarming, Barrett has gic Response Andrew L. Seidel told ABC deity’s kingdom — clearly conflicting Bader Ginsburg — a brilliant legal mind made statements indicating that her re- News. “Not only is her connection to this with the oath Supreme Court justices and defender of vital constitutional and ligion would trump her oath of office. community and her previous writings fair must take to uphold our secular Con- secular values, including separation of Barrett co-authored an article in 1998 to ask about, but senators have a duty to stitution. Barrett’s lifetime appoint- state and church, women’s equality, re- about the conflict of Catholic dogma the Constitution to ask those questions.” ment on the Supreme Court will have productive justice, voting rights, LGBTQ and the law, which, she wrote, can put Her short time on the bench has been far-reaching and ruinous effects on a equality and environmental justice. In “Catholic judges in a bind.” The article marked by a series of objectionable votes woman’s right to choose, the right to 2015, Barrett publicly pledged to support was couched in terms of judges recusing that predict how calamitous her appoint- die with dignity, the death penalty, and Catholic teachings against death with dig- themselves from death penalty cases, but ment to the high court would become: the collision of Catholic health care nity legislation, against contraception and she added: “The prohibitions against Barrett believes that women should not and our secular law. abortion, against LGBTQ rights and mar- abortion and euthanasia (properly de- riage equality and even against divorce. fined) are absolute; those against war Alarmingly, Barrett has been critical of and capital punishment are not.” the principle of stare decisis or precedent, When such a conflict arises, Barrett has writing that a justice’s duty is to “enforce recommended that judges should “con- her best understanding of the Constitu- form their own behavior to the [Catholic] tion rather than a precedent she thinks Church’s standard,” rather than uphold- clearly in conflict with it.” This signals she ing their secular oath. When invited to re- would have no compunctions overturning pudiate this statement at her confirmation Roe v. Wade or the more than 70 years of hearing in 2017, Barrett declined to do so. clear Supreme Court precedent protect- A cause for concern is Barrett’s mem- ing the rights of conscience and keeping bership in a Charismatic Catholic group. religious ritual out of our public schools. Barrett is part of People of Praise, a During her confirmation hearings, “Charismatic Christian parachurch or- Barrett said that Roe V. Wade is not a “su- ganization.” Former members call it “a per-precedent” that can’t be overturned. cult.” The group was founded in South Even more alarmingly, Barrett wants to Bend, Ind., where Barrett was a profes- use the law to make a “Kingdom of God.” sor. “Members are in spiritual bondage,” For Barrett, her “legal career is but a an ex-member has said. In 2005, People means to an end . . . and that end is build- of Praise’s official magazine described ing the Kingdom of God,” according to Barrett’s own mother, Linda, as a “hand- her 2006 commencement address to No- maid.” The group seems to require loy- tre Dame Law School. She added: “Keep alty oaths of its members, which could in mind that your fundamental purpose conflict with her oath of office. in life is not to be a lawyer, but to know, “There are serious and deep concerns love and serve God, you truly will be a dif- about Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s affil- MASKS! A note to FFRF Members Stay Safe & Educate! Don’t miss a single issue of Mix & Match with Freethought Today & Private Line! ‘In Science I Trust’ Mask NEW! Item #FM01

If the expiration date of your FFRF membership on your address label says December 2020 or earlier . . . Please renew now! FFRF Memberships: $40 single; $50 household; $100 gung-ho; $250 sustaining FFRF Mask Showcase FFRF wherever you go! 2-layer Memberships are tax deductible! 100% polyester, stretchy, breathable. Adjustable ear holes. Made in USA. $12 2 for $20 Item #FM02 Freethought Today is published 10 times a year. Buy it from FFRF online P.O. Box 750 • Madison, WI 53701 ffrf.org/shop ffrf.org/donate November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 7 Tennessee’s volunteers Skeptic, magician ‘Amazing Randi’ dies

Magician, skeptic and escape artist James Randi, who went by the pro- fessional nickname “The Amazing Randi,” died at age 92 at his home in Florida. The New York Times wrote, in its obituary of him, that Randi “turned his formidable savvy to investigat- ing claims of spoon bending, mind reading, fortunetelling, ghost whis- pering, water dowsing, faith healing, UFO spotting and sundry varieties of bamboozlement, bunco, chicanery, flimflam, flummery, humbuggery, Members of FFRF’s East Tennessee Chapter gather (socially distanced, of mountebankery, pettifoggery and course!) in front of the FFRF billboard on Route 62 on Oak Ridge, Tenn. The out-and-out quacksalvery, as he quite billboard was up for the first half of October. From left to right: Real Van often saw fit to call them.” Breda (and dog Bailey), Carl Ledendecker, Alistair Elliott and Eliot Specht. He spoke at FFRF’s national convention in St. Louis in 1987, shortly after winning the MacArthur “Ge- nius” Award. He later spoke at Lake Hypatia Empty the Pews editors Freethought Hall’s Independence Photo by Chris Line Day gathering in Munford, Ala., an James “The Amazing Randi” was event put on at that time annually by keynote speaker at the University of seek writer submissions FFRF’s chapter, the Alabama Free- Wisconsin’s Freethought Fest in 2016 in In the essay anthology Empty the Pews: thors, each of which looks back at what it thought Association. Madison, Wis. Stories of Leaving the Church, Chrissy Stroop was like to believe before breaking from FFRF interviewed Randi on Free- and Lauren O’Neal sought to capture a a religious community. thought Radio in 2008. (To listen, vis- traordinary claim, he would suggest generational portrait of people leaving Because they hope to encompass a it ffrf.libsyn.com and find the May 17, an ordinary explanation for it, and North American conservative Christiani- diverse array of lived experience (class, 2008, episode.) then work to confirm it. He took the oth- ty (evangelicalism, Mormonism and Ca- race, sexuality, and former religion), On the day of Randi’s death, FFRF er side seriously enough to investigate tholicism). They are now seeking stories they encourage writers of all back- Co-President Dan Barker tweeted: their claims. In a way, he showed the for a sequel that expands the ex-funda- grounds to submit. “We will miss the other side a kind mentalist conversation to include former All contributors who are selected for Amazing James IN MEMORIAM of respect they members of any high-control religious the anthology will receive a small payment. Randi. In 2010 he didn’t normally tradition or cult. and I were having get from non-be- While contributions will obviously high- breakfast in Copenhagen. ‘You are a lievers,” Mehta writes. light the particularities of their authors’ ex- magician,’ I said. ‘Can you make re- An outpouring of love, support periences, they are looking for essays that Submission guidelines ligion disappear?’ Without missing a and memories flooded social media explore the issues so many ex-fundamen- • Only personal essays. No fiction. beat, he replied: ‘Yes, I can — but you in honor of Randi. talists deal with regardless of their particu- • Word count is 2,000 to 6,000 can’t afford it.’” On Twitter, Penn Jillette, the lar background, such as difficulty forming words, but exceptions can be Randi famously offered a $1 mil- talkative half of the illusionist team healthy relationships, coping with shame made for exceptional writing. lion reward to anyone who could “Penn & Teller,” wrote of Randi: “You around sex, and the ramifications of an in- • You may submit a full essay or a prove they had paranormal powers. invented us. . . .We will never for- adequate childhood education. detailed pitch with links to writing No one ever did. get that without Randi, there would While some contributors will feature samples. “Magicians are the most honest not be Penn & Teller. It’s really that examples of abuse, they aren’t looking • Send submissions to Empty- people in the world; they tell you simple.” only for shocking stories. In fact, many of [email protected]. Attach the they’re gonna fool you, and then they Bill Nye (“The Science Guy”) wrote: the essays in Empty the Pews were success- essay as a .docx or .pdf file. do it,” Randi had said. “We’ve lost one of the greats. James ful because they examined the things the • Include a short author bio with Hemant Mehta, who writes “The Randi was an amazing man, a wonder- authors cherished or missed about the your pitch or submission. Friendly Atheist” blog, interviewed ful magician, and a thoughtful intel- faith they ultimately decided to leave be- • Submit your pitch or submission Randi in 2010, lectual who brought the joy of scien- hind. Instead, they want compelling per- by Jan. 11, 2021. “What made Randi such a legend tific inquiry to millions. He left the sonal essays from a diverse group of au- was that, when confronted with an ex- world better than he found it.”

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A community member informed FFRF FFRF received reports that Fellowship that the Orangefield High School grad- of Christian Athletes (FCA) Area Director uation program included an invocation Ken Lovell had been repeatedly granted and benediction, during which students access to the district’s student-athletes, lead the audience in a prayer through particularly the football team, during the microphone on the graduation stage. school-sponsored events. This practice occurred at the May 2019 FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan John- graduation ceremony and remained son wrote to the district’s attorney, in place, traditionally enforced by the reminding the district that coaches superintendent. may not grant outside adults access to FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson school-sponsored activities to preach re- wrote to Superintendent Kevin Weldon, ligious messages to students. informing the district of the unconstitu- The district’s attorney informed FFRF tionality of prayer, invocation and bene- in an email response that he has dis- diction at school-sponsored events. cussed the issue with the Duplin County The district’s attorney informed FFRF Schools superintendent. “He has, and in a letter of response that the district will again, emphasize to principals and “changed all references to invocation athletic directors that outside groups and/or benediction to opening and like FCA may not proselytize to stu- closing remarks, respectively, in its 2020 dents,” the attorney writes. graduation programs. Additionally, the Orangefield High School Yearbook for the 2019-2020 year did not refer to invo- District removes video cation or benediction.” with religious message A video containing religious messages Texas schools to follow has been removed by the Marion (Ark.) School District. the First Amendment A district parent reported that the dis- Pasadena Independent School Dis- trict recently produced and distributed a an audio recording of “God Bless Ameri- reciting the Lord’s prayer. trict in Texas will be considering its le- video titled “Welcome Back, MSD Faculty ca.” FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote to gal obligations with regard to student and Staff” that included several prayers to Superintendent Kirsten Vital, asking Superintendent Christina Hess, remind- speeches at graduation ceremonies. and a bible reading. The video begins with the district to immediately stop this divi- ing the district that it is illegal for public A concerned citizen informed FFRF messages from the mayor and a state rep- sive practice. school staff to lead students in prayer. that the Pasadena Independent School resentative and then features two preach- The district’s attorney informed FFRF The district’s attorney alerted FFRF in District high schools have been includ- ers who deliver prayers. in a letter of response that the district will a letter of response that the district has ing prayers at their graduation cere- FFRF Staff Attorney Chris Line wrote no longer play “God Bless America” at investigated the incidences of staff-led monies. Video shows that multiple dis- to Superintendent Glen Fenter with a re- events. prayer and that “employees of the district trict graduation ceremonies began and minder that it is unlawful for the district were reminded of the district’s board pol- ended with prayer. This had apparently to promote religion by including prayer in icy regarding religion at school and were been an established practice at several an official school-sponsored video that was Graduation prayers end also instructed not to lead students in, or schools for years. shared with staff, students and parents. promote, prayer.” FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson The district’s attorney informed FFRF in Kentucky district wrote to the district’s attorney, urging in a letter of response that the video has A Kentucky school district will no lon- the district to refrain from endorsing, been removed. ger subject graduation attendees to prayer. Religious language taken promoting or otherwise encouraging FFRF was informed that the July 2020 prayer at their graduation ceremonies. Pikeville High School graduation pro- off Facebook in S.C. FFRF was informed in a letter of re- FFRF gets county to gram included three student-led prayers. The Myrtle Beach mayor’s office in sponse that the attorney is “advising the These prayers were explicitly Christian in South Carolina has agreed to avoid lan- district on its legal obligations” and that take down Jesus sign nature, including language such as “Oh guage that shows endorsement of a spe- the district “is committed to following In California, the San Bernardino Heavenly Father,” “In your son’s name, we cific religion and make sure social me- the requirements of the First Amend- County Clerk’s Office has addressed a pray,” and thanks to the “Lord and savior, dia posts are free of such religious bias. ment when it comes to student speech, complaint about an impermissible reli- Jesus Christ,” as well as warnings of the A Horry County citizen alerted FFRF both at graduation ceremonies and gious display on county property. “war on the Christian faith.” that Myrtle Beach’s Facebook page was elsewhere.” A San Bernardino County citizen alert- FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson periodically promoting events for reli- ed FFRF that there is a sign stating “Jesus wrote to Superintendent David Trim- gious worship. Last summer, one post Christ is Lord of All” displayed in the cus- ble, informing him that this inclusion of urged citizens not to miss out on Sun- Police won’t participate tomer service window on the first floor of prayer at a public school graduation cer- day Celebrations, “a free concert series” the county clerk’s office. emony is impermissible and encouraged with “good music and a great message.” in prayer events in W.V. FFRF Legal Fellow Dante Harootunian the district to ensure that future ceremo- This promotion lacked any informa- In West Virginia, Morgantown police wrote to County Clerk Bob Dutton asking nies remain secular. tion or disclaimer about the organi- officers will no longer participate in that the sign be removed and that em- The school district’s attorney in- zation putting on the event, Ground prayer events in uniform. ployees be reminded of their obligation formed FFRF in an email response that Zero Ministries, which has a self-pro- A local Morgantown resident report- to remain neutral toward religion while he has advised the school’s principal to fessed strategy to utilize “high-energy ed that a local police officer and pas- serving in their official capacity as public “refrain from religious prayer at future events and unforgettable experiences tor at New Life Ministries appeared in employees. graduations.” to capture the attention of teenagers uniform and delivered a prayer at a Na- Dutton sent a letter of response inform- and introduce them to Christ.” The city tional Day of Prayer event. Several other ing FFRF “[these] concerns had been continued to promote several other re- uniformed officers reportedly also par- addressed.” Missouri coach won’t ligious events. ticipated in this prayer event, including FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson joining in a prayer circle with citizens lead team in prayer wrote to Mayor Brenda Bethune, ask- while in uniform. No more ‘God Bless In Missouri, a coach in the Jasper R-5 ing the city government to refrain from FFRF Legal Fellow Brendan Johnson School District has been advised to cease promoting events for religious worship, wrote to Interim Police Chief Ed Preston America’ at school proselytizing students. as these promotions venture into the to ensure that no department members A Capistrano Unified School District FFRF was informed that Jasper High “perilous ground of mingling state and participate in religious events in their of- school in California has ceased play- School’s head football coach was regularly religion.” ficial capacities as public servants. ing a religious song after the Pledge of leading his team in prayer. During these Bethune informed FFRF in a letter Powell sent FFRF an email response Allegiance. prayers, student athletes knelt around the of response that the city will be more with assurances that he has addressed A district parent alerted FFRF that coach, with additional coaching staff sur- careful in the future to “avoid language the matter with the officer and “advised during distance learning at Reilly Ele- rounding the students as he gave a Chris- which might tend to imply support or him to not participate in any further ac- mentary Schools, teachers were playing tian prayer and then led the students in endorsement for a religious belief.” tivities while in uniform.” November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 9 IN THE NEWS

Supreme Court won’t In control, but needs help Ultra-Orthodox Jews hear Kim Davis case hit hard by coronavirus The Supreme Court on Oct. 5 said it Defiance to public health measures won’t hear a case from Kim Davis, the and lack of education are the driv- Kentucky clerk who refused to issue ing forces behind the high levels of marriage licenses for same-sex cou- COVID–19 infections among ultra-Or- ples, the Washington Post reported. thodox Jews in Israel (and New York The court rebuffed the case from City), according to an article in For- Davis, the former county clerk who eign Policy. was sued after she said her religious Israelis, in general, have followed convictions kept her from recogniz- the lockdown protocols, the ultra-Or- ing same-sex marriages. She was briefy thodox Jews known as Haredim have jailed over the issue. accounted for as much as 40 percent of While Supreme Court Justices Clar- new daily confirmed cases in Israel. ence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. And in New York City, another re- said they agreed with the court’s deci- gion with a large population of ul- sion not to accept Davis’ appeal, they tra-Orthodox Jews, communities have renewed their objections over the case. also been hit hard by the coronavirus. “Davis may have been one of the In one area, the average rate of pos- first victims of this court’s cavalier itive test results was 28 percent, com- treatment of religion in its Obergefell pared with 1 percent statewide. decision, but she will not be the last,” Foreign Policy writes: “In Israel — Thomas wrote. “Due to Obergefell, and increasingly in the United States those with sincerely held religious — the ultra-Orthodox community is beliefs concerning marriage will find impoverished and uneducated in the it increasingly difficult to participate skills that prepare them for life in in society without running afoul of the modern world. Over the last de- Obergefell and its effect on other anti- cades, the Haredi ideal has been to discrimination laws.” be a ‘society of learners,’ where men pursue a life of religious study to the exclusion of everything else well into Some baptisms may be adulthood.” invalid, archdiocese says Member Marc Mary of Louisiana sent us this photo of a convenience store The Archdiocese of Detroit is try- marquee. “Should I ask for an application?” he writes. Christian Nationalists ing to contact those who may have received invalid sacraments after a priest flout safety guidelines in the archdiocese learned his own A group of academics say Christian baptism as an infant 30 years ago was the Lord, I wasn’t a Christian, and I in person a pill that induces abortion. Nationalism is either the single best invalid, according to a report on De- wasn’t a priest, and I wasn’t a deacon.” The American College of Obstetri- predictor or a top predictor of wheth- troitCatholic.com. cians and Gynecologists, doctors and er a person will flout social distanc- On Aug. 6, the Vatican’s Congrega- patients sued over the rule, given con- ing recommendations, among other tion for the Doctrine of the Faith is- Court shows interest in cerns about unnecessary face-to-face science-negative beliefs and actions, sued a note clarifying that baptisms us- contact. The FDA asked the Supreme according to a report from Religion ing an improper formula — using the abortion medication case Court to reinstate the rule. News. phrase “We baptize you . . .” instead of The Supreme Court issued a deci- This decision by the Supreme Court Samuel Perry, associate profes- the Church’s “I baptize you . . .” — are sion on Oct. 8 saying that it was hold- is significant because it shows substan- sor of sociology at the University of not valid. ing onto a case involving access to tial interest by the justices on this issue. Oklahoma, Andrew Whitehead of In- Matthew Hood, an associate pastor, abortion medication. While not yet The decision is also informative be- diana University and Joshua Grubbs contacted the Archdiocese of Detroit deciding the matter, the court said in cause of a dissent filed by Justice Sam- of Bowling Green State University after finding out that his baptism used FDA v. American College of Obstetricians uel Alito, who would have taken the “argue in a series of new papers that the wrong wording. and Gynecologists that it would benefit case outright and ruled in favor of the Christian Nationalism is a top pre- “It was devastating for me to find from a “more comprehensive record.” FDA. He wrote that the pandemic has dictor of whether a person will flout that out,” Hood told Detroit Catholic. It directed a lower court to consider a caused “unprecedented restrictions on social distancing recommendations, “There was definitely shock and sad- request from the government to lift a personal liberty,” and said that “free ex- be skeptical of science, find nothing ness at finding out 30 years later that I court order that provides for non-con- ercise of religion also has suffered pre- racist about calling COVID–19 the was never baptized. It was an alienating tact access to abortion medication. viously unimaginable restraints.” Alito ‘China virus’ or argue that lockdown sense that even though I was following Because of the pandemic, a Mary- added, “While COVID–19 has provid- orders threaten the economy and land district court issued an injunction ed the ground for restrictions on First liberty — all while deprioritizing the against the enforcement of an FDA Amendment rights, the District Court threat to the vulnerable,” according rule that requires women to pick up saw the pandemic as a ground for ex- to Religion News. Unabashed panding the abortion right recognized “Christian Nationalism is knocking in Roe v. Wade.” out all of the competition in terms of Atheist Mug factors that influence these things,” Sunfire red, g azed Include FFRF In said Perry, who co-authored with ceramic handcrafted mug Your Estate Planning Pakistani court acquits Whitehead the book Taking America with Unabashed Atheist Back for God: Christian Nationalism in meda ion. American-made, man for blasphemy the United States. 14 f . oz. Arrange a bequest in your will A Pakistani appeals court has acquit- $35 each Item #MU03 or trust, or make the Freedom ted a Christian man who spent about $60 for two From Religion Foundation the seven years in jail on the accusation of Pope sides with science Prices include over beneficiary of an insurance blasphemy. on climate change $10 shipping per mug. policy, bank account or IRA. Sawan Masih, 40, was arrested in 2013 NEW! on blasphemy charge following an argu- Pope Francis, during a prerecorded IT’S EASY TO DO! ment with a Muslim. TED talk that streamed Oct. 10, urged A two-member bench of the Lahore lawmakers to follow science and to For related information High Court on Oct. 6 acquitted Masih of deal with climate change as a “moral (or to receive a bequest all charges, with a full verdict detailing imperative,” according to a report by brochure), please contact: the reasons for the acquittal to be issued Religion News Service. Annie Laurie Gaylor at a later date. “Science tells us each day with at (608) 256-8900 Masih was convicted and sentenced to greater precision that urgent action is [email protected] death under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy needed — I am not exaggerating; this laws by a lower court in 2014. The court is what the science tells us! — if we had convicted him of insulting Prophet want to have the hope of avoiding rad- Buy it from FFRF online Freedom depends Muhammad, a charge that carries a man- ical and catastrophic climate change,” ffrf.org/shop on freethinkers datory death penalty under Pakistani law. the pope said in the message. Page 10 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 ‘Everything I had been taught was a lie’ his children out to sell candy. The official Son of Fred Phelps tells line was that we were raising money for a of his escape from his new piano for our church. Early successes prompted a more expansive effort where father and Westboro the children were spending three or four Baptist Church hours every evening after school, covering the entire city over and over. Nate Phelps is the 2020 recipient of FFRF’s When people questioned whether we Henry Zumach Freedom From Religious Funda- had raised enough for a piano, it became mentalism Award for his years of speaking out new carpet and a new organ. After several publicly for freethought and humanism as the years, sales in town began to dry up so we son of Fred Phelps. Nate has received $10,000, started working other communities near- thanks to FFRF Member Henry Zumach, who by. On Saturdays, we would travel greater has so generously set up this annual award to distances to Kansas City and other larger reward individuals who are making a difference cities. On weekend nights, young children in fighting religious fundamentalism. Since the would canvas the bars where drunken pa- 2020 national convention had to be canceled trons were more apt to buy candy and offer this year due to COVID-19, instead of delivering generous tips. If a bit of violence occurred, this speech in person, Nate has submitted this it was a small price to pay to insure the sol- moving article about leaving the Westboro Bap- vency of the Church. And like everything tist Church, founded by his father Fred Phelps, else, corporeal discipline was instilled to known for its inflammatory hate speech. motivate the children to maintain proper sales volumes. By Nate Phelps Shutterstock photo Members of Westboro Baptist Church appeared with their signs in front of Ground Religious ideology Zero on the anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2014. Our lives were soaked in his religious am the sixth of 13 children born to Fred ideology. Verses were posted and re- and Margie Phelps. I was raised in the my mother weeping in the vestibule of the we were all at the local high school track quired memorization. At a young age, Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, church building where we lived. A scarf running laps. Soon, Fred decided he need- the children were required to memorize IKan. Our childhood was defined by my fa- covered her head. My older brother Mark ed to find a way to drop the weight quicker. the names and order of all the books in ther’s interpretation and application of the rubbed her back, trying to console. Sud- So, he went on a fast. No calories . . . zero. the bible to minimize the time it took fundamentalist ideology of John Calvin. denly, she tore the scarf from her head ex- Days passed and he soon retired to his bed to look up passages while he preached. Twice every Sunday, we sat in his small posing the butchered remains of her hair. from the weakness. Weeks passed. He dove As the children grew, Fred’s sermons church learning the doctrines of his faith. Her white scalp showed through in several deep into the bible for inspiration and became interactive experiences. A child Absolute Predestination, the cornerstone places. “He cut my hair off!” she cried. I motivation. At one point late in his fast, his would be called upon to look up a verse of Calvinism, turns a key aspect of Chris- recall the feeling of horror, not just for her body and mind muted, he spoke of seeing and be prepared to read it aloud when tianity on its ear. The notion that one can distress, but because I knew this meant she an angel at his bedside. Too weak to move, directed. Sometimes commentary on the ask God into their heart and be saved is re- would go to hell. My father was all-power- he used a bell on his nightstand to sum- passages read were demanded. Any mis- jected. Instead, Calvinism argues that hu- ful, consigning the disobedient to their mon his wife or a child for his every need. step in this process would lead to a com- mankind is dead in his trespasses and sins eternal destinations. Forty-seven days and nearly 100 pounds mand from my father, “Someone smack and has no capacity to receive salvation lighter, he rose from his bed and rejoined that kid!” He was building his army for unless God first acts on the heart. Human- Physical abuse the world. To avoid regaining the lost God and had no patience for ignorance, kind has no say about its salvation. God When the barber strap that he used to weight, he returned to the track with re- incompetence or delay. decides. This key doctrine, coupled with beat his children began to fray at one end, newed vigor and motivation. Like in so While all of this was going on, we the biblical notion that only a “remnant” he went in search for many other areas in returned every Sunday to the pews to of humans will be saved, led my father to a new tool of disci- his life, he went to be trained up in the way we should go. the conclusion that only those within his pline. Calling a meet- Any attempt to defy extremes. A regu- Much like Fred in those years, his God church would go to heaven. ing of all the chil- [Fred Phelps’] authority, to lar running routine was an angry God. His brand of Chris- Other ideas gleaned from Calvin’s bible dren, he held up the quickly morphed tianity beat us over the head constant- forge“ our own paths in life, (the subservient position of women, cor- handle of a mattock. into a rigid training ly about our sinful, evil nature and the poreal discipline, and lifetime dominion Quoting from Prov- meant banishment from regime to run a mar- righteousness of God’s wrath if he were over his children), coupled with Fred’s erbs, he reminded us the Church and family athon. Charts were to condemn us to an eternity of flames predisposition to extreme black and white that “Foolishness is and eternal damnation. displayed in the back where the worm that eats on you never thinking, created an environment of phys- bound in the heart of of the church show- dies. Throughout our childhood, we ical and emotional violence in our home. a child; but the rod of ing the activity and were constantly reminded of our duty Because Eve had been fooled by the correction shall drive it far from him.” This benefit points each child had earned. If to church and family. It was made clear snake in the Garden of Eden, women were would be his new rod of correction. He a child fell behind, the mattock came out early on that Fred would have absolute second-class citizens in the Church. They called my brother Mark up for an example of the corner. authority over us for our lifetime. An ob- were to be silent. Men were to have domin- blow. Swinging the mattock in a high arc scure passage in the bible about a man ion over them. They were to wear head like a baseball bat, he struck him on the Nutrition experiments leaving his father and mother to cleave coverings in the sanctuary to cover their backside. Mark went white and the lesson Reading everything he could find on fit- to his wife secured his authority, as our shame. Paul’s instruction in Corinthians was learned. ness and health, he began imposing a va- father, until marriage. that a woman have long hair became a rig- Several years later, in the early 1970s, riety of unusual nutrition experiments on From that point on, his authority was id biblical standard that no woman in our my younger brother Jon and I brought his family. One book extolled the virtues derived from his role as our pastor. Any church could ever put scissors to her hair. home less than perfect report cards from of raw eggs, so each child was required to attempt to defy that authority, to forge Returning from school one day, I found middle school. Forty blows later, the skin slide two or three eggs, “Rocky” style, down our own paths in life, meant banishment on the back of our legs was broken and their throat. A variety of nutritional sup- from the Church and family and eternal bleeding. Suspecting abuse, the principal plements soon became standard fare in damnation. of our school notified the police. An inves- our diets. It was not unusual to sit down to Approaching the age of maturity, sev- tigation led to charges of child abuse, but a dinner plate of 25 brewer’s yeast tablets, eral of the older children attempted to my father’s combative and litigious predis- 10 bone meal tablets, rose hips and a half assert control over their own lives. Our position succeeded in getting the charges head of steamed cabbage. father was not having any of that. When dropped. The long-term fallout was more Eventually his focus on health turned my oldest sister left several months be- violence for subjecting the Church of the dark. Our mother, having gone through fore turning 18, he mounted a posse of Lord Jesus Christ to ridicule and shame. 16 pregnancies, had lost her youthful minions and kidnapped her back home. Another passage claiming that our shape and that was unacceptable. Entering For several months, she was locked in a physical bodies were God’s temple became puberty, several of the children were also room upstairs at the church. My father the impetus for several extreme experi- putting on a bit too much weight for his was determined to beat the rebellion out ences in our youth. It began with a health liking. Again, citing God’s instruction to of her by regularly abusing her and forc- scare when Fred collapsed in his bedroom. treat the body as a temple, he demanded ing her to fast. When the two oldest boys Rushed to the hospital, his excess weight that the weight be dropped. A daily rou- left as adults, he employed a variety of and abuse of drugs was determined to be tine of weighing outside his bedroom door means to coerce them back. When the the cause. led to violent beatings if a child had not second oldest boy, Mark, succeeded in Back home from the hospital, Fred lost weight that day. leaving, Fred exploded with anger. Be- read the back of a box of Wheaties where Several years after Fred began practic- hind the pulpit he made sure the entire Nate Phelps survived living with his exercise guru Jack LaLanne had outlined ing law in Kansas, he was suspended for congregation knew they were subject to abusive father, Fred Phelps, before an exercise program where one could two years for ethical violations. Without excommunication and other discipline escaping from the family at age 18. earn “benefit points.” Within a few days, an income, he hit upon the idea to send if they had anything to do with him. November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 11

of my cab. As we drove to the airport, he Any attempt at social change is stymied mentioned a documentary he had recent- and corrupted by the truculence of im- ly seen on a small church in Kansas. I told mutable faith. We see a rich history of that him I knew about it, that it was my family. with Christianity. From using scripture to After the shock wore off, he requested an justify slavery for generations, to the long- interview. The ensuing article garnered standing assault of our LGBTQ brethren, several hundred thousand views online. He Christianity — this unsustainable assertion called me one day and said he had contact that an all-knowing, all-powerful lawmak- information requests from several people er hates them — has been the spear tip who had read the article. I gave him per- of condemnation and injustice for broad mission to provide it. swathes of our fellow humans. I had recently read Richard Dawkins’ Since my family began their picketing The God Delusion and for the first time campaign in 1991, Christian America has, in my life I was willing to consider that I with one voice, condemned their message. might be an atheist. That was such a hor- But I would argue that Westboro Baptist rible, terrifying word that I would not say Church is just giving voice to the same it out loud. But this was much bigger than destructive ideology at the foundation of that. This would be, for the first time, me even the most moderate iteration of that embracing my own ideas about God pub- faith. How do we sit idly by considering Shutterstock photo licly. At the same time, I would be openly that reality? So, I gave my first public talk The Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan. defiant toward my family and their cam- before a gathering of nonbelievers. Then, paign of hate. You see, even in all that had I gave more talks. I talked about the ugly Observing Mark’s success, a guttering Angry God of Calvin passed, I still hoped for a reconciliation. truth behind the ugly, God-ordained plac- flame of hope ignited within me. You see, As I studied the bible with a new focus, I If I did this very public speech, if I was ards of my family’s protests. I had taken Fred’s message to heart. I knew could not reconcile its words with the mes- finally truthful to myself and the world, Today, I embrace the humanistic ideas that Christ was going to return around the sages from our pastor. Where they preached that hope was lost. I also knew that the that this life, this brief moment in time year 2000 and I knew when he did, I would an all-loving, all-caring creator, I saw pas- hard-wired message of my rebellious, sin- we share, is all we have. I see concern be cast into Gehenna, the final hell of pun- sage after passage that pointed squarely ful, damned nature would be forced back and love toward our fellow humans as ishment. But perhaps I could live life just to the angry God of Calvin and Jonathan out into the open. The words . . . the emo- paramount. I reject any idea that margin- a little outside the violence and control of Edwards. As I began to ask questions of re- tions that were so psychologically destruc- alizes one group over another. Today in my father. So, at the age of 16, I began to ligious leaders both locally and nationally, I tive would be laid bare. America, as we once again face separation plan. Over the next year, I worked out my was shocked to discover that their answers and division inspired by religious ideolo- strategy. Each violent encounter with my fa- were shallow and unresponsive. No answers or evidence gy, the words of British philosopher, Ber- ther reinforced my determination. Late in When I confided in a few close friends And what was that truth? The story of trand Russell come to mind. my 17th year, I purchased an old Rambler that I had doubts, their response was un- a god that I grew up with was wholly pred- When asked what message he would Classic from the security officer at my high satisfying. One day, my oldest son asked icated on the words written in the bible. want people to take from his example, he school. I kept it hidden from my family. me about Jesus. I tried to describe him in But no one could provide answers that said: “I should like to say two things, one As my 18th birthday approached, I quietly the loving terms I hoped for, but he inter- satisfied the lifelong question I struggled intellectual and one moral. The intellec- packed my meager belongings, a box at a rupted me with a question. “What about with, the question, by my estimation, that is tual thing I should want to say to them is time, and hid them in the cluttered garage. the people who don’t believe?” Bless his at the heart of faith: What evidence proves this: When you are studying any matter, little atheist heart. I had no better answer that the bible is the inspired, inerrant, im- or considering any philosophy, ask your- Walking away than to tell him they went to hell. He be- mutable word of a divine creator? Absent self only what are the facts and what is On the night before my 18th birthday, gan to weep and my heart burst. What adequate evidence supporting that claim, the truth those facts bear out? Never let I waited until the household was quiet. was I doing? How could I expose my lit- everything I had been taught was a lie. yourself be diverted by what you wish to I walked down the street to my car and tle children to such an idea? So, I began Every effort to discover the truth of this believe, or by what you think would have backed it into the to pull away from matter was met with more and more stri- beneficent social effect if it were believed. driveway. Check- Christianity. dent, defensive challenges to my lack of But look only and solely at what are the ing to ensure no Another [biblical] passage When the Gulf faith. Challenging this claim, I came to un- facts. That is the intellectual thing that one had awoken, claiming that our physical War came along, derstand that faithful ideas, by definition, I should wish to say. The moral thing I returned to the roughly the same are unaccountable to reality. Injecting an I should wish to say to them is very sim- bodies“ were God’s temple garage and packed time my family be- all-powerful, divisive, punitive entity into ple: I should say love is wise, and hatred my belongings into became the impetus for gan their campaign a belief system robs the adherents of any is foolish. In this world, which is getting the trunk. Return- several extreme experiences. of hate against the hope of analysis and reason. Really, what more and more closely interconnected, ing to the house, I gay community, I choice does a person have if they believe we have to learn to tolerate each other, we stood in the dining was terrified that Ar- not believing will cause separation from have to learn to put up with the fact that room and watched the clock move slowly mageddon was starting. The undefinable all they love AND an eternity of unspeak- some people say things that we don’t like. toward midnight. I was both excited for a fear returned. Weeping at the dinner able pain? Surely, you can argue that those We can only live together in that way future away from this place and terrified table one night, I told my wife I did not who embrace it wholly are happier for that — and if we are to live together and not that God would strike me down. When want to go to hell. But the year 2000 was choice, but at what cost? die together, we must learn a kind of char- the clock reached midnight, I turned and rapidly approaching, and with it my eter- At a social level, a system that judg- ity and a kind of tolerance, which is abso- walked away from a childhood of extreme nal destruction. The new century arrived es and condemns those who act outside lutely vital to the continuation of human religious indoctrination and violence. without any sign of Jesus. As the months their moral parameters must be harmful. life on this planet.” For years, I lived in fear, certain that passed, a tiny spark of hope came with it. God was waiting for the best time to exact While I continued to try and reconcile his revenge. Walking down the sidewalk my own experiences and my doubts with in downtown Kansas City, I recall looking the message of the bible, I was quietly en- up to see if a piece of the building was tertaining doubts about the whole thing. falling toward me. As much as possible, Then 9/11 happened. I avoided thinking about it. I moved to A young lady in our community who southern California and got married. had attended school with my stepdaughter When my wife announced that she was had just graduated from Boston College. pregnant, I was elated and terrified. I She was returning home on the second had never told her that I was certain God plane that flew into the World Trade Cen- would never give me children. My father ter. The impact was devastating locally and was clear on the message that children nationally. Then, I noticed something that were a gift from God. He surely would struck me as odd, even dangerous. The not bestow that blessing upon me. The entire country was responding to a violent birth of my son changed everything. As act of faith by turning to their own blind I considered my responsibilities for that faith. For the first time I considered, in a tiny life, I was forced to confront the past personal way, the harm that religion was that haunted me. How would I raise this causing the world. I considered the world child? What would I teach him about this my children would inherit, and I was afraid God I lived in fear of? all over again. I entered counseling for several years. In 2005, following a painful separation, At the same time, we joined an Evangeli- I moved to Canada. By this time, my birth cal Free congregation, where I began my family had gained international notoriety search for the kinder, gentler God of main- as they focused their “God Hates Fags” stream Christianity. Meanwhile, we had campaign on the funerals of soldiers who two more children, twins. My most fervent had died in the war on terrorism. For the desire was to raise them in a healthy, happy most part, I avoided requests for interviews environment where they could grow into about my family. Then, in 2008, a young self-realized adults. journalism student climbed into the back Nate Phelps (lower left) was one of 13 children of Fred Phelps. Page 12 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 FFRF awards $28,150! 2020 Students of Color essay contest winners The Freedom From Religion Foun- Anousha Peters, 20 Columbia dation is proud to announce the 16 top University. winners and nine honorable mentions of Aline Pham, 19, University of the 2020 David Hudak Memorial Students California, Irvine. of Color Essay Competition for College Bruno Rios De La Fuente, 21, Students. CSU Channel Islands. FFRF has paid out a record total of Tamanna Sheikh, 20, Virginia $28,150 in award money for this contest Commonwealth University. this year. College students of color were asked FFRF thanks Dean and Dorea Schramm to write a personal persuasive essay of Florida for providing a $100 bonus to about “Living and thriving without reli- students who are members of a secular gion.” FFRF received 342 entries for this group, student club or the Secular Stu- contest. dent Alliance. The total of $28,150 re- Winners, their ages, the colleges or uni- flects those bonuses. versities they are attending and the award FFRF also thanks “Director of First Im- amounts are listed below. Due to space pressions” Lisa Treu for managing the limitations, only the essays of the top five details of this and FFRF’s other student winners (including ties) will be reprinted FOURTH PLACE (tie) Akeima Gibbs, 18, Temple University, essays competitions, with Kati Treu as- in this issue. The remainder, including ex- Nickaela Steele, 18, Howard University, $500. sisting. And we also would like to thank cerpts from the honorable mentions, will $2,000. Aaliyah Philippe-Auguste, 18, Towson out “faithful faithless” volunteer and be published in the December issue. Leila Okorie, 19, University of University, $500. staff readers and judges, including: Don Washington, $2,000. NINTH PLACE Ardell, Dan Barker, Darrell Barker, Bill FIRST PLACE FIFTH PLACE (tie) Idalina Du, 18, Rice University, $400. Dunn, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Judi Jacobs, Nidhi Nair, 19, University of Rojina Timsina, 18, Kalamazoo TENTH PLACE Linda Josheff, Dan Kettner, Katya Maes, Connecticut, $3,500. College, $1,500. Manuela Cano, 19, University of South Gloria Marquardt, Amit Pal, Dave Pet- SECOND PLACE (tie) Shreyas Kallingal, 18, University of Carolina, $300. rashek, Sue Schuetz, Lauryn Seering, PJ Gianna White, 20, New York University, California-Berkeley, $1,500. HONORABLE MENTIONS ($200 each) Slinger, Mandisa Thomas, David Tomayo $3,000. SIXTH PLACE (tie) Claire Hill, 19, Drake University. and Karen Lee Weidig. Taylor Fang, 17, Harvard University, Mahum Haque, 19, University of Iowa, Je-Woo Im, 18, Northwestern FFRF has offered essay competitions to $3,000. $1,000. University. college students since 1979, high school THIRD PLACE (tie) Tina Wen, Rice University, $1,000. Nicole Kye, 19, Cornell University. students since 1994, grad students since Justine Vega, 19, New York University, SEVENTH PLACE Jonathan Le, 18, University of 2010, one geared explicitly for students $2,500. Praneel Bonthala, 18, University of California, Irvine. of color since 2016 and a fifth contest Stephanie Black, 19, Rensselaer California-Los Angeles, $750. Grace Okafor, 21, University of for law students since 2019. Polytechnic Institute, $2,500. EIGHTH PLACE (tie) Maryland College Park.

FIRST PLACE Freedom from Hinduism: A personal journey FFRF awarded Nidhi $3,500. ation had to reinterpret its core values at the University of Connecticut, I felt to suit their era. He told me stories of like a new person, unbound by any reli- By Nidhi J. Nair how Hinduism “liberated” women and gious or ideological constraints. For the how the “divine” fe- first time in my life, male body was ven- I felt truly free. y great-grandmother used to erated. However, in Today, I am tell me stories from the Ma- my teenage years, I started seeing the grateful for my habharata and the Ramayana stories of Hindu value of having a scientific divorce from Hin- Mevery night before bed. I would curl up greatness no longer temper,“ and, as my duism, because it at her feet and swat away the mosquitos made a positive im- worldview expanded, I felt forced me to un- that would plague us in the sweltering pact on me. I grew dergo a journey of released from the shackles of Indian heat. She would drink her tea more and more in- self-discovery that and raise a wrinkled, trembling finger tellectually curious tribalistic religious emotion. helped me become before enthralling me with stories of and increasingly the woman I am brave heroes, epic wars, beautiful her- skeptical of tradi- today — indepen- oines and wily gods. tional Hindu values, and whenever I dent and strong, fearless and free. Her stories made me feel proud to thought of the religion I was born into, I Nidhi, 19, is an international student be a Hindu and an Indian. Even at a could only see the hate crimes, violence from India studying economics and statis- young age, I sensed the rich tapestry and nationalism it spawned. tics at the University of Connecticut. Nidhi of culture and history that thrived in Nidhi J. Nair Slowly, I began to disaffiliate from conducts a weekly radio show, “Content is these tales, narrated through centuries Hinduism. My personal identity mor- King,” at WHUS Radio and contributes to by people who understood the endur- I heard from my grandmother. In my phed to include my atheism, and I the Daily Campus. ing humanity of anger, passion, betray- mind, Hinduism became the malignant stopped labeling myself as a Hindu. I al, lust and pride. I carried this appre- force that restricted me from going to started falling in love with data science, ciation for my religion throughout my the temple when I was menstruating, and I inculcated a passion for reason Just Pretend: A Book For childhood. and the justification for the sexist be- and logic. I started seeing the value of Young Freethinkers However, I experienced a paradigm liefs that gave my male classmates won- having a scientific temper, and, as my shift in my thinking when my parents derful academic opportunities when worldview expanded, I felt released By Dan Barker decided to move from Mumbai to a I was equally talented. It became the from the shackles of tribalistic religious Illustrated small town in South India called Ko- religion that reinforced Indian patri- emotion. When I moved to the United by Kati Treu chi. They enrolled me in an ortho- archy, which viewed me as the property States to study economics and statistics Revised and dox Hindu school (Chinmaya Vidy- of men, and the impetus for the perva- adorably alaya School), where I faced forced sive caste system and mass communal illustrated classic. This fun indoctrination of Hindu values. After violence. As I watched poor people get What Is a Freethinker? book explores enduring weekly Bhagavad Gita class- lynched by fanatical Hindus for selling myths and es, where we spent many exhausting cows and young Hindu-Muslim couples freethinker n. religion from a freethought point of hours analyzing the ancient poem and get brutally murdered for falling in love, 1 A person who forms opinions view, and promotes critical thinking. long prayer sessions that consisted of it became clear to me that my religion about religion on the basis of reason, Color Edition! Published by FFRF angry mass chanting, I started feeling was unscientific, monolithic and cruel. independently of tradition, authority, stifled and constrained at school. In response to my views, my father Buy it from FFRF online or established belief. Hinduism became more than the always told me that Hinduism was not shop.ffrf.org glorious and imaginative epic stories a static religion, and that each gener- November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 13

SECOND PLACE (tie) Painting a future of freedom, compassion FFRF awarded Taylor $3,000. yet which denied women status outside teaching my own seven-week afterschool of the family and portrayed homosexu- coding program for middle-school girls. By Taylor Fang ality as sinful. I realized that following Since 2017, I’ve directly impacted 150 one’s own moral conscience and beliefs, Utah girls and dedicated over 200 hours rather than dogma and tradition, is the to this project. My goal is to teach my ky blue fabric, washi tape and pop- path to ultimate freedom of conscience. students to think critically and inde- sicle sticks. In first grade, when I I can especially recall a moment of pendently, and to encourage them to was invited by friends to attend a enlightenment while reading Margaret step outside the Mormon gender role S“craft club,” I wasn’t aware that these in- Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Atwood where “a woman’s place is in the family.” nocent craft supplies were actually tools depicts a theocratic society where priests A world where church and state are for indoctrination. use religion for so- separate is a more equal world — one Growing up in a cial control. Faith is where ignorance has no place and em- small town in Utah, weaponized to jus- pathy can build true community. Rather which is dominat- I realized that following tify the subjugation than seeing faith weaponized to justify ed by the Mormon one’s own moral conscience of certain groups. conservative values, I hope to continue church, I was the and“ beliefs, rather than “Nothing changes speaking up and advocating for free constant target for dogma and tradition, instantaneously: In thought. I’m grateful to have strong role conversion. Before a gradually heating models in this journey. My parents were is the path to ultimate every craft club, I bathtub you’d be not fluent in English when they came to sat awkwardly as the freedom of conscience. boiled to death be- United States, and they felt further iso- group said a prayer. fore you knew it,” lated for being non-Mormon. Yet still, After a few meet- writes Atwood. In Taylor Fang they persevered. Their story inspires ings, I was given the Book of Mormon. Atwood’s words, I recognized the dan- me to continue pursuing my ambitions Slowly, I began to feel ashamed for be- ger of a society based on religious fanati- gion as a veil to cloud reality and truth. as a woman of color. I envision a more ing an “aberration” in my town: as an cism. I had been slowly proselytized into I can apply my time and energy to rais- compassionate world where minorities atheist, feminist and daughter of Chi- believing the only way I could fit in was ing awareness of important social issues, are respected for their identities, and nese immigrants. through conversion. When I refused, I rather than looking toward a church where all individuals, no matter their Yet, although I did not have access was excluded from friend groups, dis- leader’s dogma on LGBTQ+ rights and background, have the freedom to think to many resources about independent cussions, social events and gatherings. abortion. And I can strive to support for themselves. thought, I began spending afternoons Yet, The Handmaid’s Tale illuminated to marginalized groups through service. Taylor, 17, is a freshman at Harvard at the library. Reading gave me compan- me that struggling against the grain is Throughout the past three years, University. She is a nationally recognized ionship. More importantly, literature necessary to escape this religious-based I’ve especially worked to help educate poet and has been published in the New York taught me to evaluate objective evidence, manipulation. females in my community. Education is Times and the Pulitzer Center. Taylor is also to think for myself, and to think critical- I’ve begun realizing that I can employ the path to greater understanding. After the founder of Girls Explore Tech (GET), a ly. I began recognizing the hypocrisy of science and logic to answer questions learning that Utah is last in the entire seven-week series of coding workshops for local a church which claimed to welcome all, about the world, rather than using reli- nation for women in STEM, I started Utah middle-school girls.

SECOND PLACE (tie) The choice of worship not limited to religion FFRF awarded Gianna $3,000. robbed of autonomy. They were nev- Religion is not immune from hatred, er given a choice of what to worship. It it is not immune from sexism, it is not By Gianna White is because of this I am extremely grate- immune from power imbalances — in ful for the freedom of choice, and in fact, it thrives on them. And this is not part why I am not because religion is n his speech, “This is Water,” David religious. I do not inherently hierar- Foster Wallace claims “there is actual- reject religion sim- I do not reject religion chical, it is because ly no such thing as atheism. There is ply because it was religion is a reflec- Ino such thing as not worshipping. Every- forced on my ances- simply because it was forced tion humanity has body worships. The only choice we get tors. It is because it on“ my ancestors. It is because made of itself and is what to worship.” I think about this was forced on them it was forced on them that humanity is deeply quote frequently because it has since left that I have taken I have taken the time to flawed. I once read me with the question of what I worship. the time to analyze analyze my own thoughts the reason why the The African slave trade was the be- my own thoughts to- toward spirituality and Catholic Church ginning of what would turn into a long ward spirituality and has yet to stomp history of dispossession and displace- reach my own con- reach my own conclusions. out its pedophilia ment for my people. In a twist of fate, clusions. This pro- problem is that the my ancestors were forced to worship the cess has made me church provides the Christian God by the very people they analyze and critique established systems perfect cover for abusers. The Catholic needed saving from. Like many colo- and power structures in my life. It has en- Church is a space where maleness + au- nized groups around the world, my an- abled me to search for what I worship. thority = untouchable. I have yet to find cestors were robbed of their gods and to I have tried to be a Christian and I have a religion where this equation is not true Gianna White this day the majority of Black Americans looked to other religions to try to discover — a religion where women are not seen subscribe to the Abrahamic religions spiritual worship. I could not rationalize as subservient either in holy text or by its God or higher power. They matter to me forced on them across generations. any religion I came across. I found contra- practitioners. and they affect how the world sees me and My ancestors were continuously dictions everywhere. Where then am I left as a Black wom- in turn how I see the world. Acknowledge an? Where do I belong? Is there a space differences, but do not let them cause that will accept me, treat me as an equal? alienation. Your weekly antidote to the Religious Right Where I am free to ask questions? Know that I, too, worship. I do not wor- In my family, being nonreligious is ship in a spiritual sense, instead, I worship generally met with disapproval and subtle freedom. I worship love, togetherness, FREETHOUGHT RADIO attempts to convert me — the casual text perseverance, empathy. I worship the best PODCASTS AND BROADCASTS message inviting me to a bible service or aspects of humanity, the same principles reminder that God loves me even if I am that govern most religions. All I ask is that FIND OUT MORE: ffrf.org/radio astray. I love my family, and I am not up- others respect my choice of worship. set with them or their actions because I Gianna, 20, is a junior at New York Uni- — Hosted by Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor — know they are acting out of love. Howev- versity, majoring in sustainable urban environ- Slightly irreverent views, news, music & interviews er, I think that they and secular commu- ments. Gianna is an organizer for March for nities at large could learn to respect and Science NYC and volunteers with environmen- acknowledge our differences. Do not ig- tal and social justice groups, including Sunrise nore my culture, my gender, my individual Movement, Earth Day Initiative, Black Lives identities because they do not matter to a Matter, March for Our Lives. Page 14 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020

THIRD PLACE (tie) Deep trenches: Finding the path to humanity FFRF awarded Stephanie $2,500. was there for me was the back that God it does not include the freedom to make turned on me. mistakes.” Breaking away from religion By Stephanie Black Starvation. I began to question my be- has granted me the understanding of liefs as, continuously, people would tell what it means to be human. I am no lon- me to pray about the abuse I was expe- ger standing yards away from freedom, ear. The word is very familiar to me riencing, even when praying did not do forever reaching for it but barely catch- as I have lived most of my life grow- anything for me. I began to experience ing it. I am no longer suffocating from ing up living in fear. The familiar emotional starvation as my challenge the pressure of being the perfect individ- Ffeeling of my heartbeat speeding up, of religious beliefs ual. I am no longer of the sweat coating my forehead and broke bonds that succumbing to the my hands, the anxiety creeping up my I held dear to me. exclusion of groups spine. I felt like I did not have a voice, Romantic relation- I was a caged prisoner, of people. I am no I did not have a mind, and I did not ships crumbled, and, as I reached out past longer making ex- have freedom. I felt fear that I was con- friendships col- the“ bars, all that was there cuses for receiving stantly being disobedient, that I was not lapsed and family for me was the back that harsh treatment. I being the perfect child of God. I feared bonds decayed. am no longer liv- judgment, I feared ridicule, I feared not One of my closest God turned on me. ing in fear, I am no getting into heaven by making even the friends withdrew longer caged and I slightest mistake. “God looks high and from our friend- am no longer starv- looks low.” People would tell me that ev- ship because I questioned the persecu- ing. I know now that it is more than OK ery chance they got and the fear would tion and discrimination of groups of to have a mind of my own, to speak up build up in me. people by the hands of God. My friend about dark situations, and to make mis- Caged. Growing up in a Christian fam- Stephanie Black believed that if God said so and if it is takes as I am thinking through my steps ily, I had to attend bible study on Wednes- within the will of God, it is OK for peo- in life. I regained pieces of my humanity. days, Sunday school on Sunday, church during the church sermons. I felt that ple to be discriminated against. It broke Stephanie, 19, attends Rensselaer Polytech- service on Sunday, and church school my imperfections were condemned. I me that I could not keep the friendship nic Institute, majoring in physics and math. during the summer. That, however, was blamed myself for not being able to fol- because of the fact that I refused to Stephanie’s goal is to earn a Ph.D. in plasma not exactly the worst part. I was caged low after God’s example. But, there were abide by hatred. I was frustrated with the astrophysics. “I am a social media Black ac- within the cycle of physical, emotional times when I had not done anything fact that I was starving and was not able tivist in which I use my Instagram account and verbal abuse. I felt that the abuse I wrong and was still a victim of the cycle to consume the emotional connections to promote Black-owned businesses, Black art, endured was a punishment for disobey- of abuse. And, so, I wonder why God did I desperately desired because I rejected Black authors/poets and Black musicians,” ing God whenever I did something that not protect me since he protected all of religion. Stephanie writes. “I also use my social media went against the 10 Commandments or his children. I was a caged prisoner, and, Freedom. Mahatma Gandhi once as- platform to educate my follows on Black histo- went against the word of God preached as I reached out past the bars, all that serted, “Freedom is not worth having if ry and Black modern-day issues.”

THIRD PLACE (tie) Against la cultura: Why I am not religious FFRF awarded Justine $2,500. ed a deep skepticism inside of me. I way to combat ignorance is through could never fully immerse myself in education, and as someone who went By Justine Vega religious practices, such as going to to public school, I experienced first- church or praying. This created ten- hand the lack of resources and fund- sion in my life since I was raised in the ing, especially in working-class areas. y relationship with religion Hispanic community. Latin culture is Children of color often reside in began at an early age, as Latin heavily influenced by Christian ideas, these poorer neighborhoods, attend- culture is deeply intertwined especially in regard to gender roles. Al- ing schools that lack funding for new Mwith Christianity and my upbringing though the path toward gender equal- books and better class offerings. If we reflected that. My mother enrolled ity continues, there still exists a clear want minority communities to be ex- me into a Christian school, where I distinction between the expectations posed to different viewpoints, funding spent my days reading the bible and for men and those for women. Since I public education and programs for at- attending church. never fully believed risk communities is the first step. However, I never in the Christian ide- As our nation faces a turning point, became religious als of womanhood, I those in the secular community who due to my father, Since I never fully often felt trapped in wish to see change can help by cham- an adamant nonbe- believed in the Christian a world that did not pioning both primary and secondary liever, who took the ideals“ of womanhood, fit me. education for people of color. Access time to educate me I often felt trapped in a I did not adhere to a high-quality education that chal- on the history of to traditional fem- lenges its students to think critically world that did not fit me. Latin America. He ininity — I was not will allow them the choice to consider would tell me folk- quiet or interested a more secular perspective. An educat- tales, teaching me in taking care of ed mind is a free one and by funding Justine Vega about the Spanish conquistadors who children or the home. I was a tomboy education we can pave the way to a came and forcibly converted indige- who liked to play sports and help my progressive future. student, Justine studied in Paris and wrote nous peoples, slaughtering those who dad work in construction, loud and Justine, 19, is a first-generation Amer- a research paper on French secularism and refused. The most memorable story opinionated. ican attending New York University, ma- its relationship to minority communities in passed down to me was of the last Inca As I matured, this discomfort only joring in political science. As a first-year France. emperor, Atahualpa. grew and, as I furthered my education The story goes that a Spanish priest by reading different philosophies of had shown Atahualpa a bible, pro- religion, I realized it was OK for me claiming the book to be God. Con- not to aspire to Christian expectations fused, he smacked the book to the of women. Separating myself from re- ground and, because of this, lost his ligion allowed me to sharpen my crit- life to the Spanish, the entire empire ical mind, made me curious to find falling with him. This history of vio- answers to my questions outside of a lence and genocide contributed to religious framework. This curiosity for my uneasy relationship with religion, knowledge propelled my interest in which seemed to be a political tool studying, and I eventually graduated rather than a spiritual outlet. high school early because of it. Understanding the role religion Although I was fortunate enough played, specifically Christianity, in the to be exposed to different teachings, oppression of nonbelievers in Latin many of the kids I grew up with never America and around the world creat- received those opportunities. The best November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 15

FOURTH PLACE (tie) My life is at peace because of atheism FFRF awarded Leila $2,000. about how many wars and massacres an atheist was best for me and my men- had happened in history, and still con- tal health. I was tired of feeling like I was By Leila Okorie tinue to happen, over religion. I learned being watched and judged for every de- about how people used, and still use, cision I made, and tired of apologizing religion to justify discrimination against for my identity. y questioning of religion started different races, sexual orientations and I hold no disdain for religious people, at a fairly young age. Being half genders. Middle school was also when I and I believe everyone should choose the Nigerian and having grandpar- learned that I was not straight, and, a few lifestyle that makes them happiest. But, Ments who slipped God into every other years later, one of my best friends came being an atheist allows me to live my life sentence, I grew up pretty Christian. I out to me as trans- with the mindset that rarely went to church as a kid, and the gender. I had people every day matters be- few memories I have of going consist of I knew and loved that I was tired of feeling cause this is the only me falling asleep, being bored out of were in the LGBTQ+ like I was being watched life we have. Death my mind, and wondering why they were community, includ- no longer holds the and“ judged for every calling grape juice Jesus’ blood and a ing myself, who I same weight because cracker his flesh. knew were good peo- decision I made, and tired of I’m not afraid of go- I just never quite felt like I belonged ple, and yet they sup- apologizing for my identity. ing to hell for being in churches, or like there were any real posedly deserved to a “bad” person. It has spiritual forces at play within them, and burn in hell. also helped me feel my experience has yet to change. Discovering myself and my identity more in control of my life and keeps I slowly went from praying on my only raised more questions. If there is me more accountable, because I know knees every night before bed, to praying a God, why does he create people that a prayer of forgiveness won’t erase the in bed every other night, to simply pray- automatically deserve to go to hell? Why consequences of my actions. For me, Leila Okorie ing in my mind every once in a while. do people who question a being that atheism is to live peacefully. As this went on, I began to notice that In fourth grade, I was at recess and provides no scientific proof of its exis- Leila, 19, is a senior at the University of I only prayed when I was afraid or I I asked my friend, “If God created Je- tence deserve to go to hell? I also hat- Washington, and is on track to earn a bache- wanted something. What’s more, I nev- sus, then who created God?” I will nev- ed seeing people using religion as an lor’s degree in art. “Being an African-Ameri- er received what I asked for, and I never er forget the distress and shock in her excuse to turn a blind eye to real life can woman who is also a part of the LGBTQ+ got any replies back. Not only did this face before she said she didn’t want to concerns, such as not vaccinating their community, I strive to be an example that you make me realize I was being selfish with talk about that. Not too long after, she children, or saying they’re “sending can excel in your passions.” Leila writes. my prayers, but it made me feel silly for no longer wanted to be friends with me. prayers” during times of crisis or saying “I want to become a concept artist for video spending time talking to something that The older I got, the more I began to that “everything happens for a reason.” games and film so I can help bring more di- has never once responded to me. distance myself from religion. I learned By ninth grade, I decided that being verse characters to media.”

FOURTH PLACE (tie) I am my own refuge

FFRF awarded Nickaela $2,000. my refuge.” Over and over he repeat- it feels the world is against them, ed the phrase, as if it were glazed in Black people rely upon their God to By Nickaela Steele honey as it fell from his lips and he release the hurt and grant them back wanted to savor every letter. their humanity, which has been bat- I often replay this memory in my tered so frequently. stained-glass door opens and mind and also remember the faces of For Black people, religion is woven I am hastily ushered down the the people next to into our identities altar. All the church ladies me as their minds, and we are made stareA back as if to say, “You’re late! with relief, accept- to believe that ev- How dare you!” The silence of their ed this idea as I put down the bible erything we need stares is more deafening than crash- truth. But I never and gave myself all the is outside of our- ing drums. Amid what my 5-year-old truly knew what love“ and support I was selves. Looking mind perceived as chaos was a tall he meant by this, taught to give to God. for forgiveness? man in a long robe overpoweringly until, one day, I Get it from God. repeating the phrase, “Lord, you are thought about the Looking for love? people behind the Ask God. phrase. I thought about the pastor But what happens when our de- Yip Harburg, from his book: who is from a small village in Jamaica sires are not delivered to us by God? and the many people standing in the Must we simply give up on ourselves? Rhymes for the Irreverent congregation who come from similar I could not help but wonder: What if Nickaela Steele places, where their religion was all we were just to simply ask for these Written by “Over the Rainbow” lyricist Yip Harburg. they had. This was the only way they things from ourselves? To love our- Back to the Drawing Board knew how to cope with the everyday selves and humankind uncondition- Even regarding the recent tragic lows. ally and to forgive others while we outcry caused by deaths in the Black God made the world in six days flat, I often thought, “If only these peo- learn to forgive ourselves? community, my first thought is, “What On the seventh, He said, “I’ll rest,” ple knew they were their own refuge.” So, I put it to the test. I put down can I do to help my people?” and I So He let the thing into orbit swing, It was an “aha” moment for me when the bible and gave myself all the love work actively to be the change I want To give it a dry-run test. I realized that this is true for many and support I was taught to give to to see. Black people across the world. When God. Instead of looking outward for In order for the secular community A billion years went by, then He refuge when I felt emotionally low or to become more inclusive to people Took a look at the whirling blob; mentally weak, I looked inside my- of color, it is imperative that the im- His spirits fell, as He shrugged, “Ah well, self and worked actively to find these pact religion has had on us be under- It was only a six-day job.” answers. And, to no surprise, I have stood through a historic and humane seen a positive shift in my emotion- lens. It must also be understood that al and mental health due to actually because of our background our per- By Ruth Hurmence Green working through these feelings and spective of how we maneuver our A Missouri grandmother understanding them instead of sup- secular identity may differ from our debunks the bible as no one has debunked it pressing them and looking to God to white counterparts, and, most impor- since Thomas Paine. make them stop. This has created a tantly, we should affirm together we blissful awareness of myself and oth- can thrive without religion: We are —Published by FFRF. 440 pages / PB Illustrated by Seymour Chwast, published by FFRF. ers: Now I can fix my own problems, our own refuge. I can take my own responsibility for Nickaela, 18, attends Howard Univer- Buy it online @ffrf.org/shop my own emotions, I can be my own sity and is interested in screenwriting and refuge. acting. Page 16 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020

FIFTH PLACE (tie) Infinite thread of human ingenuity, morality FFRF awarded Krunal $1,500. massive rifts among the population. still deeply ingrained in society. I had trust in religious figures. Casteism was pervasive, even tarnish- to act. I found that their insatiable thirst for By Krunal Sampath ing art forms. Indian classical music, Instead of abandoning my culture, I power feeds on a fear of the unknown. which I sang and adored for its melodic fought for inclusive, secular reform. I Sadly, many minority groups world- complexity, had been sealed off from supported efforts to incorporate mar- wide lack the informational resourc- quick glance confirmed my par- certain groups who were deemed un- ginalized voices in art, like the collabo- es and support structure necessary to ents had left. I swiftly removed worthy from a religious perspective. I ration between the Jogappas — a group break free. I, too, felt alienated at times my poonal — a supposedly sa- placed hope in progressive movements of transgender artists — and T.M. from the conversation. Contrary to the credA loop of thread across my body — that have attempted to raise awareness Krishna, a musician focused on disrupt- predatory nature of religious indoctri- and ripped it apart into frayed ends. for women’s issues and LGBTQ+ rights. ing the status quo. nation, the secular community has an Pressed into my sore palms were two red Unfortunately, the de facto stigma I also saw a disparity in global health, ability to bolster equality and equity imprints, marks of my dissatisfaction. against them contin- driven by centuries of that will spark individualistic discovery. It was therapeutic — perhaps a bit ues to sting like a gap- persistent hierarchies We can highlight our stories as beacons rebellious. However, years ago, I would ing wound. that tightly controlled of hope for others. My journey have been repulsed by such an act. Af- The acknowledge- education. Galvanized My journey to secularism has fun- ter all, I was a Brahmin, bound to pro- ment of injustice mor- to secularism has by my research, I damentally changed my life. I appreci- tect our ancient religious customs. As phed into guilt. I was fundamentally“ launched an initiative ate cultures for their symbolic beauty my grandfather had instilled in me, we shaken by a sense of changed my life. to help support this rather than exclusionary undertones. I were the best of all the castes. religious dissonance: basic right through adhere to a belief in rigorous scientif- So, why did I reject this mindset? Music is a universal building awareness of ic proof rather than empty mandates. Partially, because of the irksome rituals, language, medicine is waterborne disease. I now accept the infinite thread of hu- I suppose. But beyond my impatience, a means for compassion, and education Yet there is more work to be done. man ingenuity and morality that can the true horrors of Hinduism that is a path to opportunity — but only if Behind nearly every religious establish- connect us all. pushed me away were hidden from my the gods approved of you. ment’s peaceful facade, I uncovered Krunal, 18, attends the University of view in America. My personal beliefs no longer align sheer intolerance to new ideas and California at Berkeley, studying bioengi- My skepticism started with a simple with the religious ideas I was carefully nonbelievers. Scientific disinformation neering and anthropology. “In high school, question: “Why are we innately better?” brought up with, manifesting in my sev- — a manipulative aversion to objective I led several research projects, including I crept above muddied walls, overlook- erance from Hinduism. Antithetically, truth — has fueled efforts to contain a low-cost system to detect waterborne par- ing a societal structure that upheld my this originally theistic quest brought followers despite clear evidence. Par- asites,” Krunal writes. “My work has in- inherited ivory tower. The entangle- me closer to logical and scientific rea- ticularly during this pandemic, I have spired me to start awareness initiatives to ment of Hinduism and India — a so- soning. Although I was no longer re- been working to understand the mech- educate others about critical global health called “secular nation” — had caused stricted by religion, its problems were anisms that lead to dangerous over- and environmental issues.”

FIFTH PLACE (tie) Religion is merely the illusion of reassurance FFRF awarded Rojina $1,500. us know that we can make a change for be in control of my own life, and though ourselves and others. Religion makes us that’s not always possible, I’ve realized By Rojina Timsina narrow-minded, while education makes being nonreligious gives me that con- us open-minded. trol, to some degree. I My parents get a have control over what I very morning before sunrise, bells sense of assurance The void that choose to do in my life, would ring in the temple near my from believing they’ll religion filled in my how I choose to make house in Nepal. One gloomy morn- reunite with God after my life fulfilling and parent’s“ life, education Eing, I was accompanied by my parents to death. I get that sense purposeful. go witness the rituals. Rubbing my tired of assurance from be- filled in mine. Now, when night ter- eyes, I marched behind them. In the large lieving this life is all rors happen, I choose crowd, there was pushing and shoving, we get and then we’re to reassure myself by crying children and screaming moms. My done. The peace my parents get from lis- understanding why it happens instead of mother yanked my wrist and pulled me tening to prayers and reading religious praying to God so he would make it stop. toward the front, where all the action was. texts, I get by reading poetry highlight- Rojina, 18, is a first-year student at Ka- I never understood the importance of ing the beauty of nature and life, books lamazoo College and enjoys studying history, events like these, why people would try to that remind me to appreciate my life. philosophy and psychology. “I enjoy social commune with something they could not The sense of pride my parents get from work in refugee centers and hearing inspir- see or hear. But, this time, I wasn’t in the donating to temples, I get from donating stories of people who had led very differ- position to question. ing to those who are in need. ent lives than me,” Rojina writes. As a 6-year-old, I constantly had night While religion makes us compete terrors. It was scary and I didn’t know why Rojina Timsina with each other to reach God, educa- it happened. I made the bold choice of tion reminds us that each other is all telling my overly religious parents, which gion creates barriers among people and we have in life. MASKS! meant the temple visit was inevitable. For makes us inhumane toward those who Life is uncertain and scary. My par- Stay Safe & Educate! the next three years, I devoted myself to a are different. Education makes us com- ents latched on to religion to help them Mix & Match! religious life so God would be happy with passionate toward those different from through this crazy journey. At the mo- with me and stop sending demons to scare me us. Religion gives us the illusion that ev- ment, that was the only choice they had. FFRF Mask NEW! Item #FM02 at night. erything around us is God’s creation and I don’t need the reassurance of someone In 2010, we came to America as refu- should not be questioned. Education lets from above watching over me. I like to gees, seeking a better life. There were many challenges I had to face in getting used to the new culture at an age where I Send in your comments & still hadn’t completely figured out my old culture in Nepal. Religion was a big part of questions via Facebook or our life in refugee camps. [email protected] My parents had lived their whole life in uncertainty. Growing up in the brutal en- Available on vironment of Bhutan, they fled to Nepal In Science I Trust Mask and then to America. Religion was all they Breathable, hydrophobic, antimicrobial. had, the only certainty they had. However, Adjustable ear straps. Black w/white imprint. I was fortunate enough to receive an edu- $12 2 for $20 Item #FM01 cation. My views on religion changed as I Wednesdays experienced life in a diverse school. at Noon (Central) Buy it from FFRF online The void that religion filled in my par- ffrf.org/shop ent’s life, education filled in mine. Reli- November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 17 Why don’t atheists get elected to Congress? This article first appeared on TheConversation.com on Oct. 5 and is reprinted with permission.

By Phil Zuckerman

his year, the selection of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden’s running mate presented the United States with its first politician of Indian heritage — and Tthe first Black woman — to be on a major party ticket. It followed Hillary Clinton’s becoming the first woman to win the popular vote for president in a 2016 election to replace America’s first Black president, Barack Obama. Meanwhile, Pete Buttigieg became the first openly gay candidate to win a presidential primary and Ted Cruz became the first Latino to do so. In recent years Americans saw the first Jewish American win a primary, Bernie Sanders, and Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar became the first Mus- lim women elected to Congress. But in this era of increasing I have long sought to understand what is behind the an- than those professing a belief in God. diversity and the breaking of tipathy toward nonbelievers seeking office. Most atheists subscribe to humanistic ethics based on Phil Zuckerman long-rigid political-demographic compassion and a desire to alleviate suffering. This may barriers, there is no self-identifying atheist in national Branding issue? help explain why atheists have been found to be more politics. Indeed, throughout history, only one self-iden- There appear to be two primary reasons atheism re- supportive of efforts to fight climate change, as well as tified atheist in the U.S. Congress comes to mind, the mains the kiss of death for aspiring politicians in the more supportive of refugees and of the right to die. late California Democrat Peter Stark. U.S. — one is rooted in a reaction to historical and polit- This may also explain why, according to my research, ical events, while the other is rooted in baseless bigotry. those states within the United States with the least re- ‘In atheists, they don’t trust’ Let’s start with the first: atheism’s prominence within ligious populations — as well as democratic nations This puts the country at odds with democracies the communist regimes. Some of the most murderous dicta- with the most secular citizens — tend to be the most world over that have elected openly godless — or at least torships of the 20th century — including Stalin’s Soviet humane, safe, peaceful and prosperous. openly skeptical — leaders who went on to become re- Union and Pol Pot’s Cambodia — were explicitly atheis- vered national figures, such as Jawaharlal Nehru in In- tic. Bulldozing human rights and persecuting religious Freethought caucus dia, Sweden’s Olof Palme, Jose Mujica in Uruguay and believers were fundamental to their oppressive agendas. Although the rivers of anti-atheism run deep Israel’s Golda Meir. New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, the Talk about a branding problem for atheists. throughout the American political landscape, they are global leader who has arguably navigated the coronavi- For those who considered themselves lovers of liberty, starting to thin. More and more nonbelievers are openly rus crisis with the most credit, says she is agnostic. democracy and the First Amendment guarantee of the expressing their godlessness, and swelling numbers of But in the United States, self-identified nonbelievers free exercise of religion, it made sense to develop fearful Americans are becoming secular: In the past 15 years, are at a distinct disadvantage. A 2019 poll asking Amer- distrust of atheism, given its association with such brutal the percentage of Americans claiming no religious affil- icans who they were willing to vote for in a hypothetical dictatorships. And even though such regimes have long iation has risen from 16 percent to 26 percent. Mean- presidential election found that 96 percent would vote since met their demise, the association of atheism with a while, some find the image of a bible-wielding Trump for a candidate who is Black, 94 percent for a woman, lack of freedom lingered long after. troubling, opening up the possibility that suddenly 95 percent for a Hispanic candidate, 93 percent for a The second reason atheists find it hard to get elect- Christianity may be contending with a branding prob- Jew, 76 percent for a gay or lesbian candidate and 66 ed in America, however, is the result of an irrational lem of its own, especially in the skeptical eyes of younger percent for a Muslim — but atheists fall below all of linkage in many people’s minds between atheism and Americans. these, down at 60 percent. That is a sizable chunk who immorality. Some assume that because atheists don’t be- In 2018, a new group emerged in Washington, D.C.: would not vote for a candidate simply on the basis of lieve in a deity watching and judging their every move, the Congressional Freethought Caucus. Although it only their nonreligion. they must be more likely to murder, steal, lie and cheat. has 13 members, it portends a significant shift in which In fact, a 2014 survey found Americans would be One recent study, for example, found that Americans some elected members of Congress are no longer afraid more willing to vote for a presidential candidate who even intuitively link atheism with necrobestiality and of being identified as, at the very least, agnostic. Given had never held office before, or who had extramarital cannibalism. this new development, as well as the growing number of affairs, than for an atheist. Such bigoted associations between atheism and im- nonreligious Americans, it shouldn’t be a surprise if one In a country that changed its original national motto morality do not align with reality. There is simply no em- day a self-identified atheist makes it to the White House. in 1956 from the secular “E pluribus unum” — “out of pirical evidence that most people who lack a belief in Will that day come sooner rather than later? God many, one” — to the faithful “In God We Trust,” it seems God are immoral. If anything, the evidence points in the only knows. Or rather, only time will tell. people don’t trust someone who doesn’t believe in God. other direction. Research has shown that atheists tend FFRF member Phil Zuckerman is professor of sociology and As a scholar who studies atheism in the United States, to be less racist, less homophobic and less misogynistic secular studies at Pitzer College. OVERHEARD

Secularism is the cement of a united legal education at the University of Notre to seek religious freedom, but to back the- “The GOP has a long history of ignoring France. Our challenge is to fight against Dame, the kingdom of God means the ocracy, the rule of civil society by religious science. Trump turned it into policy.” those who go off the rails in the name of same thing. But I’m sure I’m not the first dogma. The Washington Post, 10-9-20 religion, while protecting those who be- to point out that it doesn’t mean the same If a law or ruling only makes sense to lieve in Islam and are full citizens of the thing to everyone in our great and diverse the religious, or to followers of a certain It’s clear that most atheists won’t fall Republic. country. Your God’s kingdom may not be faith, it is something a constitutional de- back on the religion in which they were French President Emmanuel Macron, in a the kingdom of someone else’s God, if mocracy cannot tolerate. It has to be a pol- likely raised. They instead make their speech. that person even has a God. icy that could be supported by members decision on what religious group is clos- Bloomberg, 10-2-20 Linda Greenhouse, in her column, “Ques- of any religion, or of none. est to their perspective when taking the tions for Amy Coney Barrett.” In short, it has to pass the atheist test. survey, which is clearly agnostics or noth- Our insistence on religion as a unifying The New York Times, 10-8-20 George Pyle, editorial page editor of The ing-in-particulars. In short, the vast ma- American principle feels just as outdated Salt Lake Tribune, in an op-ed: “American jority of atheists have severed ties with and illusory as the notion of civility in the Saying atheism is a belief system is like laws must pass the atheist test.” all established religions, which means it’s White House. And when politicians wield saying not going skiing is a hobby. Salt Lake Tribune, 10-8-20 highly unlikely that they would return to their faith as a means to convince voters Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais, in an the fold. that they’re “good,” it strikes me as down- interview for the U.K. Sunday Times in Trump’s war on scientific expertise Ryan P. Burge, data researcher and polit- right condescending. 2016. during this once-in-a-century pandemic is ical science professor at Eastern Illinois Rosa Heyman, deputy editor of Cosmpol- The Week, 10-4-20 a reflection of the right’s decades of effort University, regarding a survey in 2010 that itan magazine, in her column, “Will we to elevate faith in God as an overriding val- left off the option of “atheists,” meaning ever have an atheist president?” A judicial ruling — or a statute passed ue, leaving no room for scientific inquiry atheists had to pick some other category, Cosmopolitan, 10-8-20 through the democratic process — in fa- or medical leadership. among them “agnostic,” “nothing in par- vor of same-sex marriage rights in no way Matthew Dallek, professor at George ticular” and “other,” as well as all of the I assume that to most of the young peo- violates the religious freedom of a single Washington University’s graduate school major religions. ple who choose, as you had, to get their human being. To claim otherwise is not of political management, in his op-ed: 10-13-20 Page 18 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 FFRF’s 2020 secular invocation winners By Sarah Ray Nothing Fails Like citizen of Lake Wales, Fla., asked Prayer awards me to look into giving an invocation, the first-known secular invoca- FFRF annually awards its “Noth- tionA in the city. I was scheduled to do so by ing Fails Like Prayer” award to a per- the city clerk. Then two commissioners, Al son who delivers a secular invocation Goldstein and Curtis Gibson, went to the at a public meeting. This year, FFRF local press, outraged. Those two commis- is honoring two such people — Ann sioners walked out as I approached the po- Landman and Sarah Ray. Read their dium to give my invocation, one of them statements and invocations on this leaving a bible on the dais in protest. After page. Winners receive $500. In a my invocation, at a later meeting, the com- normal year, the winners would also mission passed a resolution stating: “The get an expenses-paid trip to FFRF’s prayer shall be voluntarily delivered by the convention, where they would deliv- City’s Chaplain or by an eligible member er their invocations. of the clergy/religious leader in the local community of Lake Wales.” The city clerk then advised me that someone from the in common, and recognize that much of Atheist Community of Polk County could what makes us different separately makes be included, but that they would have to Photo by Keith McCullough us stronger together. This is the foundation be a resident of Lake Wales (I am not). Sarah Ray gave a secular invocation at the Lake Wales (Fla.) City Commission upon which we can build a better tomor- But even that is inconsistent with their res- meeting on Aug. 4. row — together. olution. I’m advocating for open, inclu- County. I am honored to represent them ernance to me is profound yet simple. We, So, let us all meet there tonight, togeth- sive invocations, a moment of silence, or and all your atheist, agnostic, humanist and the people, far more alike than different, er, at that foundation of our shared hu- better — no invocations at all. other nonreligious constituents. bring our many unique talents and skills manness and approach these important This is the invocation I gave at the Aug. We find ourselves once again in a pe- together for the good of all. responsibilities with reason and compas- 4, 2020, meeting: riod of uncertainty and discord, and it is Tonight, I call for peace and under- sion as we work to build that better future Thank you mayor, commissioners and during these times especially that we look standing. Yes, I’m an atheist. I’m white. I’m for all the citizens of Lake Wales. city staff for your service to the community, to our leaders for guidance, for reassur- a parent. I’m originally from Illinois. I’m a In service, I thank you. and for the opportunity to provide reflec- ance, for hope. Consider the vast collec- transgender woman. We are all different Sarah Ray is an openly atheist, openly tion and an inspirational start to your meet- tive knowledge and leadership that comes in many ways. If we have prejudged each transgender woman and co-founder/director ing. I stand before you tonight by request together in this all-important task of other already upon these differences, I of the Atheist Community of Polk County in of citizens of Lake Wales who are also mem- self-governance: of, by and for the people. fear we have lost before we ever began. In- Florida. She and her wife of 10 years, Becca, bers of the Atheist Community of Polk The brilliance in the design of self-gov- stead, may we seek out that which we have have two children.

fortunate in our community, and much By Ann Landman more. In short, atheists are a helpful, self- less, loving, highly moral and communi- founded Western Colorado Atheists and ty-oriented bunch of people who contrib- Freethinkers in February 2007 and it ute substantially to the greater good of our became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2011. city and make it the truly wonderful place IOur group lobbied the Grand Junction to live that it is. City Council to get rid of the invocation in Thank you to all of you city councilors 2008, but we settled for the council mak- for giving so generously of your time to ing it more inclusive. When we asked the benefit our city. We know you don’t get council to prohibit people who say the in- paid much for all the time and effort you vocation from saying the name of a deity, put in to considering so many un-sexy the council members refused to “censor” topics like road repairs, traffic manage- what people could say. I submitted my ment, water, drainage and sewage sys- name to say the invocation back in 2009, tems, so the rest of us can enjoy without after our group convinced the city it need- a thought the high quality of life these ed to give everyone the chance to say the systems bring us all. invocation, not just restrict it to people Since 2008, our group has been push- from organized religions. ing the City Council to honor, in both let- Here is the invocation I finally gave on ter and spirit, the separation of church and June 17, 2020: Ann Landman gave a secular invocation at the June 17, 2020, meeting of the Grand state in the First Amendment to the Con- I’m here representing Western Colora- Junction (Colo.) City Council. stitution, AND make more efficient use of do Atheists and Freethinkers. Our group found that atheists in our community in- and distribute food to hungry people; help taxpayer-funded meeting time by eliminat- was founded in 2007, and since none of clude: grocery workers, truck drivers, reg- immigrants get out of detention centers ing the invocation entirely. In keeping with you was on City Council back in 2008, you istered nurses, security guards and other legally, and shop preferentially at local- that spirit, I won’t waste any more time. I’ll may not know our group was responsible “essential” workers who have been put- ly owned businesses over big box stores. just let you get down to work so you can for the council adopting the invocation ting their lives on the line for the rest of Many of us have given away all or part of get out of here as early as possible tonight, policy that’s currently in place that brought us amid the coronavirus pandemic. Grand our CARES ACT funds to benefit the less because you deserve it. Thank you. me here tonight. Instead of limiting who Junction atheists are teachers, translators, can say the invocation to members of cer- artists, software developers, mental health tain religions, the current policy invites and addictions counselors. They manufac- everyone the right to say the invocation, re- turer parts for vehicles that enable vehicles NOTHING FAILS LIKE PRAYER gardless of their religious affiliation or lack to move. Many atheists own tax-generating thereof, and it also gives that right to indi- enterprises. CONTEST 2021 viduals as well as groups. Back in 2009, after Atheists sit on the boards of local busi- Our goal is to see secular citizens flood government meetings with the city adopted its current policy, I put my nesses and community benefit nonprofits secular invocations that demonstrate why government prayers are name in the hat to say the invocation, and and serve in local elected offices. Atheists unnecessary, ineffective, embarrassing, exclusionary, divisive or just lo and behold, 11 years later, here I am. organize some of the biggest long-time tra- plain silly. It’s not lost on me that in other commu- ditional parades in Grand Junction; they nities when atheists have asked to say the clean up roads, help organize the Special The individual who gives the best secular invocation will be invited invocation, they’ve had to go to court and Olympics; serve food to the hungry, volun- to open FFRF’s annual convention in 2021, receiving an expenses- fight for the right to do it. We should be teer to teach inmates at the jail, help clean paid trip to Boston Nov. 19-21, 2021, along with a plaque and an proud that in Grand Junction this isn’t the and support the Homeward Bound home- honorarium of $500. case. Maybe one day we’ll see an end to dis- less shelter, donate generously to the Mesa Deadline: August 1, 2021. crimination against people based on their County Public Library, the Community belief systems, or lack thereof. Food Bank, the Roice Hurst Animal Shel- I want to give you an idea of who athe- ter, a cancer survivor program at St. Mary’s, MORE INFO AT: ists in our community are. I did a quick the botanical gardens and more. Atheists ffrf.org/nothing-fails-like-prayer survey of our group’s supporters and in our community volunteer time to cook November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 19 The dubiousness of miraculous revelations This column first appeared on FFRF’s blog cause the angel supposedly took them page at patheos.com/blogs/freethoughtnow. back to heaven. Today, the Mormon faith numbers 15 million worldwide. Mary Baker Eddy said she heard su- By James A. Haught pernatural voices as a child, and she later became devoted to a hypnotist healer. Then she claimed that divine n the mid-1800s, a prisoner in Persia inspiration led her to write a faith-heal- (as Iran was then known) allegedly ing book and launch the Church of saw a vision of a “heavenly maiden” Christ Scientist in the 1870s. But critics Iwho informed him of his holy status. Lat- claimed that she lifted most of her spir- er he declared that he was Baha’u’llah, itual healing ideas from the hypnotist the Promised One of All Religions. In and from Eastern religions. effect, he said he was In 1935, accord- Jesus returning for ing to the Unifica- Christians, the Mes- tion Church, Jesus siah coming for Jews, appeared to Sun Lord Krishna com- Myung Moon in Ko- ing for Hindus, a rea and command- long-awaited divine ed him to finish the imam coming for “incomplete” work Muslims, and so on. that Christ started He drew thousands 2,000 years earlier. of followers, called Moon began evan- Baha’i. Surrounding James A. Haught gelizing and slowly Shi’ite Muslims massacred them, but created the “Moonie” faith that spread they persisted. The Persian’s brother worldwide. tried to poison him and declared him- In the 1970s, a French racecar driv- self, instead, the Promised One of All er called Rael said he was visited by Religions. But the brother’s attempt ancient extraterrestrials called the Elo- fizzled. Baha’is slowly grew to 7 million him, who originally created all life on around the world today, although they Earth. Rael wrote books and launched remain cruelly persecuted in Iran. a religion that consists mostly of naked Also in the mid-1800s, a Chinese man assemblies, casual sex, and efforts to read Christian missionary tracts and bring the Elohim back to the planet. said he experienced a vision in which Estimates of the number of Raelians God told him he was a divine younger range from 50,000 to 90,000. brother of Jesus. God commanded him And, as everyone knows, the Prophet to “destroy demons.” The vision-receiv- Muhammad claimed in the seventh cen- er drew followers, launched the Taiping tury that the Angel Gabriel visited him religion and a Taiping army that con- repeatedly for 23 years, dictating the In 1995, a statue of the Virgin Mary appears to cry blood tears in Civitavecchia, Italy. quered much of China, causing an esti- Quran. Muhammad was illiterate, but About 60 people testified to witnessing the alleged phenomenon. However, the mated 20 million deaths. supposedly relayed the angel’s words blood on the statue was later found to be male, and the owner of the statue refused Around the same time period (a to others and scribes, who put them on to take a blood test. fertile era for revelations apparently), paper. This launched the Muslim faith, a much-arrested mystic named Joseph which now has 1.5 billion adherents. non supposedly offended the goddess Taylor wrote that all these happen- Smith said he was visited by an angel You get the picture. Time after time Artemis, who calmed winds when the ings may be “the fevered imaginings of named Moroni who showed him gold- throughout history, various people have king’s army tried to sail for Troy. The a religious mind” or they may be genu- en tablets buried on a New York state claimed miraculous visits. The visionar- goddess supposedly told the prophet ine miracles — “We leave that up to you hill. The angel allegedly gave him mag- ies began preaching and spawned reli- Calchas that she would relent only if to decide.” ic stones that enabled him to translate gions. They drew great numbers of fol- Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Ip- How many divine revelations and ancient writing on the tablets. It became lowers — showing a remarkable human higenia, and it was done. visitations have been claimed through the Book of Mormon, describing a North craving for miracle tales. The bible reports many angel visita- the centuries? Tens of thousands? Mil- American civilization that was visited by Alleged communication from gods tions. Genesis 6 implies that fallen an- lions? The total is uncountable. Clear- Jesus. But nobody could see the golden and godlings goes back to the earliest gels came to Earth, impregnated wom- ly, it’s part of human experience. It’s tablets and magic stones as proof, be- known writings. Greek King Agamem- en and bred giants. somewhat akin to people who say they The all-time champion of holy ap- were abducted by space aliens, taken pearances is the Virgin Mary, who often aboard UFOs and subjected to sexual makes herself visible to believers — in experiments. 1531 at Guadalupe, Mexico; in 1858 at Are these vision-seers psychotics or Lourdes, France; in 1917 at Fatima, Por- “fantasy-prone” neurotics who really be- tugal; in 1981 at Medjugorje, Bosnia; in lieve their tales? Or are they charlatans 1983 at a farm in Georgia, to name a who invent lies, then spend the rest of few. Vast multitudes of worshipers flock their lives repeating them? to these sites. It’s odd that Mary doesn’t One exception to the lie-repeating appear to Jews, Buddhists, Protestants premise is an American named Alex or atheists. As a wag said, “Some things Malarkey. In 2004, when he was 6, a must be believed to be seen.” car crash sent him into a coma. After Troy Taylor, a collector of ghost he woke up, he said he had gone to tales, wrote that the Virgin made nu- heaven and visited Jesus and Satan. His merous appearances in Illinois. A re- father helped him write a best-selling tired railroader, praying by a cruci- book, The Boy Who Came Back from Heav- fix at Queen of Heaven Cemetery at en, which sold a million copies and was Hillsdale in 1990, was visited by Mary, made into a television movie. But at age St. Michael and three angels, he said. 16, the paralyzed boy said his tale was Swarms of believers rushed to the spot a hoax to get attention. The publish- and made miracle reports of their own. er halted sales of his book. His name At Belleville in 1993, a man said a voice should have been a giveaway. told him to visit the Lady of the Snows The widespread phenomenon of mi- shrine, where Mary appeared from a raculous encounters should be a field bright light and gave him messages. of study for psychiatrists. What facet of Meanwhile, various Orthodox church- the mind causes some people to claim To see this cartoon and hundreds more, please purchase a copy of Cartoons for the es around Illinois reported weeping or that divine visitors came to them — and Irreverent: Celebrating the Wit of Don Addis, available through ffrf.org/shop. This bleeding statues or paintings of the Vir- causes other people to believe them? unique collection published by FFRF celebrates the wit and irreverence of Don Ad- gin. And a family at Hanover Park said FFRF member James A. Haught was the dis, a legendary editorial cartoonist and atheist. Enjoy Don’s jokes that poke fun at Mary appeared in 1997 in shadows on longtime editor at the Charleston Gazette religion, creationism and pious politicians. Addis’s toons will make you smile, then an apartment wall, drawing crowds of and has been the editor emeritus since 2015. make you think. (Paperback, 153 pages, $15 post paid) the faithful. Page 20 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 LETTERBOX

Catholic and I have been an enthusias- Justice Ginsburg had tic non-Catholic for years. I enjoy every sense of humor The truth will set you free one of your articles, from cover to cover. We are all mourning the passing Thanks for all you do. of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Teresa Miller Ginsburg. Wisconsin Several years ago, she came to Chi- cago to talk at the monthly meeting of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA). Ten No need to pretend if people sat on the stage with her, includ- you live in real world ing the president of the CBA and the chief judge of the Cook County Circuit With all the news about RBG’s Court. She gave a great talk, and when death, I remembered my thinking a we adjourned, many of us walked up to couple decades ago. I accept that there the front of the stage to talk with whom- is consolation in religion. I sat by my ever we wanted. I waved at Ginsburg, and mother’s bedside where she was in an she came over to where I was. I compli- irreversible coma. Dad had consulted mented her on her talk, and I told her it with us kids and had her disconnect- was great to have her with us, but it was ed from life support. We took turns contrary to the biblical teaching of Paul sitting with Dad by her bedside as she to Timothy, which I ironically quoted to slowly died. I found myself thinking her. She smiled back and said, “That was how consoling it would be if I could somewhat before my time.” just believe I would see her again — to Her death is a tremendous loss to our see her as her younger, fully healthy country. self and laugh and talk with her. Ted Utchen But that consolation is only avail- Illinois able if one lives in a fantasy world where religion is true. I chose to live in the real world and could not make Human life, not life in myself believe something that was general, is the issue clearly illogical. So, I grieved as she slipped quietly into oblivion. She had Dr. George Domingo was absolutely already left herself and now she left right in his letter in the September is- the rest of us. sue (“Find out the category of pro-lifer’s The problem is that, if you can ac- stance”), but he does not go far enough. cept fantasy and illogic about death, The problem is the anti-abortion crowd then you can accept fantasy and illogic uses the “pro-life” mantra in ways that about the real world. That can lead to persuade many unthinking people. But real disaster and unhappiness. No, it is the issue is not “life” — it is human life. better to live in the real world and do Yes, a fetus is life. So is a daisy or a mos- appropriate grieving over real losses quito, but no one thinks twice about than to pretend there is a rosy future plucking a daisy out of the ground or Member Peter Ellis saw this church marquee and wrote, “While driving past where no grief is necessary. swatting a mosquito. And a fetus does our local Baptist Church in York, Maine, I noticed this sign and thought, ‘Well, Karla Martin not become a human life until it experi- at least they are being honest!’” Washington ences existence outside the womb. Those of us who respect a woman’s right to her own body and who believe Essay scholarship will help that religionists and political groups want Time to join the ranks of but look at the positive aspect: The further my education to inflict their own values on everyone program is run by the Small Business need to emphasize that human life, not Lifetime Membership Administration, which shows that the I am very thankful to have received “life” propaganda, is the real issue here. I’m not sure how long I have been government also realizes that religion the 2020 Michael Hakeem Memorial Michael Spielman a member of FFRF, but I do remember is a business. Essay Honorable Mention Scholarship. New York when Skeets and I first became mem- Keep up the good work! Your generosity will help me to continue bers. We gave at the “household” lev- Mark Gaston my education at Carleton College. el and in 2011 we bumped up to the New York Though I have not officially chosen a Evangelicals are now “gung-ho” level. I’m ready to move field of study yet, I am planning on pur- just political prostitutes into a new category! I am enclosing a suing an English major. I hope to use check for $1,000 to become a Lifetime FFRF, Freethought Today the skills I have acquired in a position Christianity was once a bedrock of Member! I can’t think of a better way have opened up my mind at a publishing company or teaching En- moral and ethical values, held steadfast to spend a grand than to give it to the glish abroad. Thank you again for the for generations. The Ten Command- Freedom From religion Foundation. Thank you for sending me Free- scholarship. ments were etched in stone. White On an unrelated note, I just finished thought Today. I’m new to this. I’m a Indigo Bistrup-Peterson evangelicals have changed all that in reading Fantasyland: How America Went member, but just wanted to thank you Minnesota their lust to support the most immoral Haywire and it made quite an impres- for opening up my mind. I was raised and unethical president in American sion on me. One of the things that hit history. They have rationalized Presi- hard is the role that religion played dent Trump’s violation of every com- over the last 400 years in creating our mandment, including “Thou shall not current situation, where reality, science kill,” which Trump ignored by cozying and facts simply don’t matter. And the up to Russian and Saudi Arabian dicta- Religious Right seems to be stronger tors who murdered political opponents. than ever and pushing its dogma and Evangelicals overlook Trump’s daily lies, views on the rest of us. racism and adultery, while playing to his Thanks for all you do! massive ego by telling him he was cho- Julie Mahoney sen by God to lead America. Arizona While other religious denominations haven’t been as vocal, they have enabled Trump and the evangelicals with their si- Government knows that lence. All have contributed to changing churches are businesses the bedrock of Christian values into a mal- leable mass of amorphous mud that can Thank you for Freethought To- be remolded to suit whatever is the polit- day! I read it faithfully (forgive the ical purpose of the day. They have ceased expression!). to be Christians and are now, instead, a In the August edition, you com- convenient cadre of political prostitutes. ment about the support of churches Dave Wester through the Paycheck Protection Pro- Wisconsin gram. I agree with your comments, November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 21

Catholics have outsized A few questions for the Go tell it on the mountain influence on high court Supreme Court nominee Article VI of the U.S. Constitution I sent this letter to Sen. Dianne Fein- prohibits religious tests for any public stein of the Senate Judiciary Committee office, including the federal courts. Yet prior to the confirmation hearings of Amy Amy Coney Barrett, who has been con- Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. firmed by the Senate, is the fifth conser- Some questions for Barrett: vative Roman Catholic on the current 1. Can religion be used as an excuse Supreme Court, all appointed by Repub- to harm or discriminate against other lican presidents. citizens of the United States? Yes or no? Conservative Catholics probably rep- 2. Can one citizen of the United States resent no more than 10 percent of the be forced by taxation to support the reli- nation’s population, yet will now com- gion of another citizen? Yes or no? prise a solid majority on the court, with 3. Does the government of the Unit- another conservative Trump appointee, ed States take a position as to which reli- Neil Gorsuch, who now calls himself a gion a citizen of the United States must Protestant, having been raised Catho- adhere? Yes or no? lic. Antonin Scalia, whom Brett Kavana- 4. Is there a religion to which a citi- ugh replaced, was another conservative zen of the United States must adhere in Catholic appointed by a Republican. order to have constitutional rights and It is clear that these justices were equal protection of the law? Yes or no? nominated and confirmed in the knowl- 5. Is there a percentage of the Unit- edge that they most likely will never defy ed States population that a group of the teachings of their church and will citizens must achieve before members vote to overturn Roe. v. Wade and same- of the said group have constitutional sex marriage, and oppose separation of rights and equal protection of the laws? church and state, approving taxpayer Yes or no? support for religious schools in the form Paul Keller of vouchers and tax credits, along with Wisconsin taxpayer support for repairs and reno- vations to church properties, while de- fending the right of religious institutions I really enjoy FFRF’s NYT receiving public funds to discriminate in ads, Freethought Today hiring based on “religious freedom.” Any critics of these right-wing Catho- I love your monthly newspaper and the Joel Brown of Colorado recently took a trip to Utah, where he visited the lics have been, and will continue to be, FFRF ads in The New York Times. I am Arches, Canyonlands and the La Sal Mountains with his new personalized accused of anti-Catholicism. an atheist because I see no evidence of a license plate. “It has given us some good laughs and so far only positive In addition to the Supreme Court, god, heaven or hell. They are imaginary. interactions,” Joel writes. “I was inspired to give this a try when I learned of Trump has been appointing large num- Jimmy Dunne the man in Kentucky [Ben Hart] who got the same plate after a legal battle. I bers of conservative Christians (Catholic Texas had that ruling from the federal court ready to share with my local DMV, but and Protestant, including Amy Coney it was not needed. On the DMV form where it asks what the personalization Barrett earlier) to the lower federal means, I wrote, ‘This reflects my belief that religion is subject to individual courts ever since he took office. Jews, FFRF’s survey results are interpretation.’” This photo was taken at the Garden of Eden trailhead in Muslims, atheists, Unitarians, Hindus, Arches National Park. surprising, dismaying Buddhists, etc., need not apply. Dennis Middlebrooks I am somewhat surprised, and not a New York little dismayed, at FFRF’s survey results. moral thing to do.” Meanwhile, children are sexually “Universal health care access” [which 94 What was so great for me is to know abused by something real — the Catholic percent of respondents support] means Happy to see FFRF show that I’m not the only FFRF member Church — and QAnon has nothing to say some sort of government control — a up our in community here. Keep it up! about that. singularly bad idea. And a “guaranteed Joe Hardesty Could whoever assembled this online minimum income” [70 percent sup- Lo and behold, what a wonderful sur- North Carolina gaggle of loonybirds be operating with port] is simply an excuse to indulge the prise! There, in the middle of the third the covert aim of providing a smoke- terminally lazy. “Reduced college tui- page of the Sept. 9 edition of our local screen for the Church, a distraction? Or tion” [83 percent support] imposes the weekly (the State Port Pilot), I saw the Is QAnon a smokescreen could the secret leader of QAnon mere- costs on people who do not benefit from headline, “Group seeks to end prayer for the Catholic Church? ly be a dupe of some Catholic-fomented them. These ideas are an excellent way at meetings.” This call-out was long alternative reality? to completely destroy an economy. Peo- overdue. Since we have lived here, the You’ve heard about the lunatic cult Basically, is there a purpose to all this, ple who are smart enough to realize that Brunswick County Commissioners have QAnon. It’s rabidly obsessed about the a method to the obvious madness? Or is there can exist no reason to believe that put “In God We Trust” in bold letters on sexual abuse of children transnationally it simply misguided to try to find sense any god exists ought to be smart enough the county building and stick-on strips by an imaginary satanic cabal of popular where none actually exists? to understand this. of the same on all county vehicles. This right-wing whipping boys: show biz, the Stephen Van Eck Robert Saunders was justified by one member as “the media, liberal politicians. Pennsylvania California CRANKMAIL

Here is your monthly installment of correspon- “every” no exception. But at that time it will be too en angels that are deceiving you think that you can sorry you are threatened by the truth. The Bible. — dence to FFRF that may be a bit light on reason and late to undue the damage to both your own soul and actually win the fight you have picked. I rebukes all Amyann Jannelle heavy on religion (or bad grammar or bad spelling or those you influenced that you will be accountable such demons and fallen angels in the name of the Your idiocy: Y’all are misguided. No where in The profanity. Printed as received. for. — Judy Mende Lord Jesus! I rebuke satan there father that has de- Constitution does it call for separation of church and God will save you: Turn back to God and turn FFRF: Fuck you Fuck you Fuck you Fuck you Fuc- ceived you and many in the name of Jesus Christ! state. The spirit of the first amendment is not violat- from your wicked ways. Because eternal lives matter [email protected] — Jeffrey Balzek I pray your eyes and ears will open so you can see ed by a politician posting Bible verses. We know this You’ve been deceived by wolves in sheep‘s clothing. Hate Speech: A “freethought” show this morn- and hear what the Spirit of God is doing and is say- because of the obviously Christian prayers offered You either serve God or you serve the pits of hell ing was hateful. CW channel aired hate speech at ing respectively! — Robert Joseph up by the first congress (same guys who wrote the there’s no middle ground and he is coming soon. 31 Christians. I request you give equal hateful shows to Eternity: Mr.Atheist, you have or had Christian first amendment). Given that your “foundation” is prophecies fulfilled in the last nine months. we Are other religions, in all fairness. I pray Jesus (who died loved ones in your family, and very close friends built on lies (freedom OF religion, not FROM) it’s no here from Adam & Eve that is a scientific fact. It’s a to save your soul, person reading this) forgive your that you really love or loved in life, and they loved surprise you have no problem propagating them. scientific fact as is the flood! God didn’t write the 10 sins and bring you into his loving embrace, now and you back. So the fact is, every soul on this earth has Remember - the FOOL says in their heart there is no suggestions.Sin is sin — Mark Plaveroll forever. — Karen Hoiland an appointment in eternity, and there is absolutely God. Not the wise person, not the scholar, the fool. Freedom From Religion: I think your ‘group’ Ron Reagan: You Godless fool-hell is hotter than no way out of it, and here’s what I’m asking you to You want to practice your secular religion - that’s have overlooked something very important. This you can imagine. Grow up dude.You are more of a do. When your time comes to step into eternity with fine. But you have no right to limit or inhibit anyone country was founded on freedom from religion, flee- disgrace than your father. I served 4 yrs.in the US your science, philosophy, and your opinions, I’m from practicing theirs. — Marcus Ashford ing religious persecution in Europe. Our framers un- Army from 1983-1987. Your dad was a pussy with no asking you to call those loved ones and friends out True Freedom: You say you support freedom derstood the importance of religion in daily life. So brain-like you. — Kevin Lowry by name, to see if they answer you back because in by insisting religious associations be removed from you want relain erased from the face of America? If Can a man kick a stone and not injure him- life you both loved one another, “they know your the public. That’s your freedom. Mine would be to you think people are unruly now just keep pushing self? The Lord God sees all you are doing in stand- voice”. If they don’t answer you, then you should include religious (Christian) associations with all for a no accountability to God. Every nation in history ing against Him. You have made an alliance with Lu- know that you made a mistake in life, that will never things public. By strong arming your worldviews on feel when they took God out of the equation. Check cifer, his fallen angels and demons to stand against get fixed. You allowed the door of eternity to close ALL, you infringe upon my freedoms! What makes it out. It’s not rocket science. You will stand up before the will of God, but you will not succeed. But the shut between you and your loved ones and friends. your worldview more valid than mine? I am willing God an account for your indifference and even hos- Lord God is merciful. So repent, believe in Jesus — Tyrone Barry to wager that you haven’t a valid answer. You hyp- tility to Godly principles. “Every knee will bow and Christ and be saved! The Lord does not see as the Repent Now: Sick of athiests who are so afraid of ocrites! You make me sick; however, I forgive your every younger confess that he is God....” that means enemy, the real enemies are those spirits, and fall- my God, they have to attack people with faith. I am short shortsightedness and hypocrisy. — Philip Berry Page 22 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 BLACK COLLAR CRIME

was youth pastor at Better Life Church. A statement to me: ‘Ah, but nothing ever happened here. Tell with an adult that did not involve sexual contact.” Compiled by Bill Dunn on social media from the church said he resigned your husband and I’ll deny it, he’ll believe me.’ ” It was also disclosed in court that he had sexual Aug. 25 due to “a personal problem that had become Two other women later came forward. One al- contact with a 16-year-old boy but wasn’t charged a pattern of behavior.” leged Shriki told her if she didn’t lift her bra above because 16 is the age of consent. U.S. District Arrested / Charged According to the mother of a minor who was her breasts, he wouldn’t be able to render a medical Judge Timothy Hillman ruled Lisby deserved an en- hanced sentence for encouraging the boy to send Gary Berthiaume, 78, Warrendale, IL: 2nd-de- allegedly flashed, there may be at least 3 more al- finding. Shriki told the court that according to Jew- him sexually explicit material online. gree criminal sexual conduct alleged to have oc- leged victims: “It is my prayer that this will make him ish mysticism, metal hinders spiritual clairvoyance, When arrested, he was working as a kindergar- curred involving a 14-year-old parishioner in August understand that this behavior will not be tolerated by which is why he asked her to bare her breasts. ten teacher in Holyoke and living with his husband, 1977 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in our community.” Source: The Trail Blazer, 9-11-20 Source: Haaretz, 9-1-20 rector of a different church in Worcester, in that Farmington, MI, where Berthiaume was pastor. Joseph Comperchio, 66, Ft. Myers, FL: 6 Jacquel M. Bowser, 31, Millville, NJ: 3rd-degree church’s rectory with their 2 children. Bishop Doug- He was previously arrested for sexual assault of counts of criminal sexual conduct stemming from al- theft, forgery and uttering a forged instrument. Bows- las Fisher said Lisby’s husband has filed for divorce 2 other minors in Michigan and served jail time in leged incidents in the 1970s when he was was a dra- er, a volunteer at First United Methodist Church, and “is in no way implicated in any of these charges.” 1978 for molesting 2 brothers who were altar boys. ma and music teacher at St. John Catholic School allegedly wrote 9 checks to herself for $6,503 on a Source: Telegram & Gazette, 9-18-20 Their mother, Betty Kedzierski, filed a civil suit in in Jackson, MI. Two alleged victims reported they church account between Sept. 19 and Dec. 6, 2019. Jerry Zweitzig, 72, Hatboro, PA: 200 years in which she alleged she was thrilled at first that her were assaulted by Comperchio between the ages Court records show she was indicted in 2008 for prison after pleading guilty to manufacturing and sons would have a father figure in Berthiaume since of 9 and 11 between 1974 and 1977, according to shoplifting and completed a pretrial diversion pro- possessing child pornography involving 2 victims. she was a single mom. The church settled the suit state Attorney General Dana Nessel. Source: State gram in April 2010. Source: Daily Journal, 9-1-20 Zweitzig, who retired in 2016 as pastor of Horsham for $350,000. Journal, 9-14-20 Bible Church, said during a presentence interview After serving his jail sentence, Berthiaume was Mulugeta Legesse, 64, Oklahoma City: 2 Pleaded / Convicted that “I taught [the child] that in the house, there was transferred to the Diocese of Cleveland in Ohio and counts of indecent or lewd acts with a child under nothing wrong with nudity. ... I really felt that I was was moved again in 1987 to the Diocese of Joliet, IL. 16. Legesse, a former elder at St. George Ethiopi- Mona McGrady, 62, Sonora, CA: Guilty by jury trying to help.” He was defrocked in 2007. Source: WNEM, 9-28-20 an Orthodox Church, is accused of preying on girls of sexual penetration with a foreign object and 2 When first confronted in 2014, he insisted he had Lloyd E. Lasker Jr., 49, Mayflower, AR: Posses- as young as 7 at Sunday school by luring them with counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child aged 14 only spoken to the girl about puberty. No charges sion of a controlled substance, possession of drug candy into his car in the parking lot. “If you tell your or 15. McGrady, former coach and sports coordina- were filed. After a more detailed 2018 complaint, po- paraphernalia and possession of firearms by certain parents, they will beat you,” he allegedly told the tor at Mother Lode Christian School, was acquitted lice found thousands of sexually explicit photos and persons. Lasker, pastor at the House of Refuge and on 8 similar counts. “Not guilty sometimes means girls. Source: KFOR, 9-10-20 videos of children in his home. Deliverance, was arrested after police reportedly Sylvester Ofori, 35, Orlando, FL: 1st-degree not proven to the level that it needs to be proven,” A 13-minute video showed Zweitzig masturbat- found 4 grams of meth and a glass pipe in a vehicle murder with a firearm. Ofori, pastor at Floodgates said Judge Kevin Seibert. ing in front of the girl, then age 9, who ran to lock registered to the church. of Heaven International Ministries who calls himself In lengthy testimony, McGrady denied molest- herself in a bathroom. Other images showed her in He is also under investigation for a domestic a prophet and motivational speaker, is accused of ing 2 “Jane Doe” students between 1995–97 and various states of undress or being forced to perform abuse allegation involving a 1-year-old boy, on shooting his wife in the said she has never been sex acts on him. She alleged the abuse occurred whom Lasker allegedly admitted performing exor- head several times with a gay. Defense witness from 2009–14. cisms after his mother claimed he was “possessed handgun outside the Navy Mary Beth Sponsler, When confronted by a family member after his by a demon.” A responding police officer reported Federal Credit Union U.S. attorney: ‘Zweitzig McGrady’s friend who is arrest, Zweitzig maintained he didn’t think the imag- the boy had “multiple bruises from head to toe and where she worked. will die in prison, which married to the school’s es were illegal because he took them only for his was life threateningly emaciated.” He and Barbara Tom- former athletic director, personal use, prosecutors said. According to a search warrant affidavit, Lasker mey, 27, were estranged is“ probably a better fate testified McGrady was After he pleaded guilty in 2019, police found a said “he has used meth in the church several times,” and going through a di- than what he deserves.’ always “very modest” video shot in 2010 of him molesting the girl’s infant including with the child’s mother and “many other vorce. Ofori, a native of and acted as a well-in- sibling, in which the six-month-old boy is coaxed members in the church.” Source: Log Cabin Dem- Ghana, was arrested on tentioned mentor. into a sex act. Zweitzig’s voice can be heard re- ocrat, 9-28-20 a domestic violence com- Prosecutor Eric Ho- peatedly saying “That’s a good boy” in the video, Bryan S. Carrejo, 33, Orange City, FL: 5 counts plaint in February 2016 by a deputy who saw him vatter asked about her knowledge of the accusa- prosecutors said. of possession of sexual performance by a child. Car- and Tommey arguing in a gas station parking lot. He tions and conditions surrounding them such as Mc- U.S. Attorney William McSwain: “I will simply say rejo, pastor at Victory Chapel, is accused of offering was charged with resisting arrest but the case was Grady’s locked office door, signed contracts limiting this. Today’s sentence ensures that Zweitzig will die to share child pornography online that depicted chil- later dismissed. Source: Orlando Sentinel, 9-9-20 her exposure to students, and coaches sleeping in in prison, which is probably a better fate than what dren as young as 8. Gary and Cindy Smith, Milton, PA: Theft by the same bed with athletes. he deserves.” Source: Hatboro-Horsham Patch, Duncan Corn, a neighbor, commented: “It’s deception, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen “Wouldn’t that creep you out?” Hovatter asked 9-17-20 amazing that he’s doing that and he’s got five kids, property and theft by failure to make required dis- Sponsler repeatedly. Sponsler responded she would Aaron C.M. Schwartz, 22, and Petie C.M. four or five kids, living in his house.” position for funds received. Gary Smith, pastor at not be uncomfortable with students and teachers Schwartz, 18, Seymour, MO: 15 years in pris- Authorities discovered the activity by using a Calvary Tabernacle Church on Packer Island, and sharing sleeping arrangements. Source: Union on, suspended, after pleading guilty to 2 counts of tool created by the nonprofit Child Rescue Coalition, his wife are charged with stealing $8,390 from the Democrat, 9-17-20 3rd-degree child molestation with a child under age which tracks people using the “dark web” to share church from January–May 2020. 14. The Amish brothers and 2 of their underage sib- child porn. Source: WESH, 9-24-20 A 2010 contract between the Smiths and the lings were accused of having sex with their sister, Three people attending a “psalm sing” spon- Sentenced church showed they were to be paid $800 a week who was 12 and 13 at the time in 2019–20. sored by Christ Church in a city hall parking lot in for their services, but they allegedly misappropriat- Richard Mick, 59, Castalia, OH: Life in prison The sentence includes 5 years’ probation, sex Moscow, ID, were arrested for resisting/obstructing ed $8,390 above that amount. Source: Daily Item, plus 3 years after a jury found him guilty of rape offender treatment, 100 hours’ community service police and violating public health orders aimed at 9-8-20 and 8 counts of gross sexual imposition involving and apology letters to Seymour’s Amish community. reducing coronavirus transmission. Two others re- Michael A. Mayer, Casper, WY: 2 counts of sex- 2 minors while he was pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Prosecutor Ben Berkstresser said he was aware ceived public health citations but weren’t taken into ual abuse of a minor. Mayer, a Jehovah’s Witnesses Church in Sandusky in the 1990s and 2000s. An ap- that the plea bargain’s sentence would be criticized: custody. About 200 people attended. “These two young men would’ve been eaten alive in Christ Church pastor Ben Zornes said the event ministerial servant, allegedly had sexual intercourse peals court overturned his 2016 conviction on similar with a 16-year-old girl. Ministerial servants assist charges. the state prison system.” The brothers were initially was held to protest the city council’s “largely ground- charged with incest and 6 counts of statutory rape. church elders and often take leadership roles. The judge in Mick’s retrial in 2019 declared a less” mask and distancing order. Gabriel Rench, a Berkstresser said the victim, now 13, had a baby It’s alleged she and Mayer had sex several times mistrial after it was determined the prosecution didn’t church deacon running as a Republican for coun- 2 weeks ago: “One of the brothers is the father of at his office at the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills. share a key piece of evidence — a police report — ty commission, retweeted a video of his arrest that this child. ... The only reason we knew of this was The girl told investigators she viewed Mayer as a during pretrial discovery. Source: Sandusky Regis- showed police handcuffing him while the crowd con- because the sister got pregnant and a doctor found father figure and mentor, court documents state. ter, 10-3-20 tinued to sing. Source: Newsweek/AP, 9-24-20 out and hot-lined it.” Source: Webster County Citi- Source: K2 Radio, 9-8-20 Hanny Lantara, 50, Surabaya, E. Java, Indone- David Reiter, 51, South Park, PA: Federal tax zen, 9-16-20 Netanel Shriki, a “mystic” rabbi in Netivot, Is- sia: 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sex- fraud charges related to alleged embezzlement, Robert W. Rector, 31, Vancouver, WA: 5 years failure to pay $805,000 in employment taxes from rael, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault ual abuse. Lantara, pastor of Happy Family Center in prison after pleading guilty to 4 counts of child 2016–18 and filing false income tax returns for of a woman who came to him for counseling. His Church, was accused of repeatedly raping a young molestation involving 4 victims aged 15 or young- 2014–18 while he was business administrator at assistant, Ariel Moshe, was arrested for witness congregant from 2005, when she was only 12, until er. Rector was involved with multiple church youth Westminster Presbyterian Church. Reiter pleaded tampering. 2011. Source: Jakarta Post, 9-22-20 groups and other groups in Clark County and trav- guilty in 2019 in state court to receiving stolen prop- “Dr. N.” alleged she sought Shriki’s advice on Gregory Lisby, 41, Worcester, MA: 6 years in eled out of state with them. erty, theft, forgery, access device fraud, tampering her husband’s recommendation because they were prison after pleading guilty to possession of child Court documents described a 15-year-old boy’s with records and unlawful use of a computer. He having trouble conceiving a second child. Shriki “put pornography in February after investigators found sleepover at Rector’s home with other church group pleaded no contest to conspiring with his wife, Con- his hand on my stomach, moved it upward, stopped hundreds of images in his online storage. The im- members. The boy alleged Rector touched his nie Reiter, in the crimes. at the lower bust, came closer to me with his face ages depicted “extreme abuse” of children as young crotch 4 times when he thought he was sleeping and After the church board of directors discovered to my neck, breathed heavily, like a dog pants,” she as preschoolers. Lisby was removed as rector at massaged his back and thighs. Source: The Colum- missing funds in 2018, the board treasurer tried to told a reporter. “And then he asked me: ‘What does All Saints Episcopal Church in 2018 after what the bian, 9-11-20 speak with the man he thought had conducted the that do for you?’ And then he looked at me and said church referred to as an “inappropriate relationship Courtney M. Bingham, 36, Loudon, audit. But according to investigators, Re- TN: 12 years in prison after pleading guilty iter gave the treasurer the number of his to solicitation of a minor to commit statuto- own prepaid cellphone and then pretend- ry rape by an authority figure and 4 counts ed to be the auditor. Source: Post-Gazette, of aggravated statutory rape. Bingham, 9-23-20 the family activities coordinator at Beth- Zvi Feiner, 50, and Erez Baver, 50, any Baptist Church, admitted soliciting a Chicago: 10 counts of wire fraud and a 16-year-old boy for sex while he was a single count of wire fraud, respectively, for member of her youth group in November– allegedly bilking an estimated $22 million December 2018. from investors. Feiner is the founder and “You just don’t think about this kind of spiritual adviser of Bais Medrash Binyan thing going on in your Christian church Olam, an Orthodox congregation. Baver family, and certainly we loved her and con- was his business partner in the Rosewood sidered her a special part of what we did Care Centers chain of nursing homes. here,” said Bethany pastor Rick Harrell. The chain was part of a network they “She was faithful to the church, always had bought after raising money from inves- a bubbly attitude. The young people loved tors in the Orthodox Jewish communities her, were drawn to her.” around Chicago and New York. Prose- She will have to serve at least 4 years cutors allege they misled investors about before she is eligible for parole. Source: Rosewood’s financial health and operated WBIR, 9-11-20 a Ponzi scheme. Feiner paid a $1 million James Gaudreau, 77, former pastor penalty to HUD last year for failing to file of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lynn, several years of audited financial reports MA, was sentenced to “a life of prayer required by a federal mortgage insurance and penance” after being found guilty by program. Source: Skokie Patch/NY Times, a church judicial court of child abuse. He 9-15-20 cannot function in any manner as a priest, Jacob Steagall, 28, Morehead, KY: according to the Archdiocese of Boston. Misdemeanor indecent exposure alleged Gaudreau was placed on leave in to have occurred Dec. 15, 2019, when he 2012 for allegations dating from 2006 by a November 2020 | Madison, Wisconsin | FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY Page 23 minor. There has been no criminal prose- ($58,400) per survivor, who will be able to cution. The church is “obligated to provide apply for payments starting Jan. 1, said food, shelter and healthcare” to Gaudreau Limburg Bishop Georg Baetzing, head of until he dies or is defrocked, a spokesman the German Bishops’ Conference. said. Source: Boston Herald, 9-10-20 A 2018 church-commissioned report Benjamin A. Harter, 81, Cumming, said at least 3,677 people were abused GA: 5 years in prison and 15 years’ pro- between 1946–2014. Over half were 13 or bation after pleading guilty to 3 counts younger and nearly a third were altar boys. of child molestation. Harter, pastor at Payments since 2011 under the old sys- Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church in tem have averaged about $5,840. Sandy Springs since 2014, began trav- The new guidelines fall short of a rec- eling with his wife to the Philippines to ommendation by an independent working work with churches there in the mid- group for payments of up to $467,000 per 1990s and opened an orphanage before person. Source: AP, 9-24-20 returning to the U.S. in 2008. The couple adopted 19 children over the years. Legal Developments Source: Journal-Constitution, 9-3-20 Isai Beltran, 30, Long Beach, CA: 3 The Jerusalem District Court ruled years in prison after pleading guilty to lewd Malka Leifer can be extradited to Austra- or lascivious act on a minor younger than lia. She has 30 days in which to appeal the 14. A plea deal dismissed misdemeanor decision to Israel’s Supreme Court. The counts of child annoyance and touching Israeli justice minister must also approve an intimate part of another person. extradition. Beltran admitted molesting a 12-year- Leifer, 53, fled to Israel from Australia in old boy on Thanksgiving Day in 2014. He 2008 amid allegations she sexually abused was also accused of molesting a 15-year- students when she was the principal at the old boy he met as a volunteer at an un- Jewish Adass Yisroel school in Melbourne. identified Orange County church. Beltran Australia filed an extradition request in worked as a volunteer at a several church- 2014 after her indictment on 74 counts of es in Los Alamitos and Cypress in 2013- rape and sexual assault. 14. Source: mynewsla.com, 8-28-20 She was arrested that year and then tive social behaviors, which included her own rec- late 1970s. Plaintiffs’ attorney Bill Dick said his cli- released after being deemed mentally unfit for the Civil Lawsuits Filed ognition that her actions were induced by the abus- ents are satisfied with the resolution, which included legal proceedings. She was rearrested in 2018 af- es she had suffered.” an in-person apology from Kamloops Bishop Joseph ter an undercover investigation found she lived a James Grear — a Catholic priest living in Phil- It also claims the school and Broz “were moti- Nguyen. Source: Castanet, 9-16-20 normal life and was mentally fit to face extradition adelphia — the Diocese of Lafayette, IN, the Dio- vated out of a desire to extend undue favor” to the The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston settled proceedings. Source: JTA, 9-21-20 cese of Phoenix and 2 “Doe” defendants are being boy “because his parents are long-time and repeated suits alleging molestation by 3 priests — Sylvio Ru- Paul A. West, 60, a former Franciscan friar and sued by an anonymous Navajo plaintiff who alleges substantial financial donors to the school itself and est, John Salvucci and T. Raymond Sullivan — 4th-grade teacher, has been extradited from his Grear molested him when he attended high school in several charities connected to the Diocese of Palm according to plaintiffs’ attorney Mitchell Garabedian. home state of Wisconsin to Mississippi to face sex- the late 1970s and early 1980s in Chinle, AZ. Beach.” Source: Palm Beach Post/WPTV, 9-22-20 Ruest, who died in 1969, was accused of molesting ual battery charges involving 2 impoverished Black Grear was transferred to Arizona after a series of James A. Sinnerud, a Jesuit priest who a 13- or 14-year-old boy while assigned to Assump- boys who say they were pressured as men into ac- Indiana abuse allegations were made. taught and coached football at Brophy College tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bellingham cepting paltry payouts to settle their claims. After working at Chinle High School, Grear had Preparatory in Phoenix in the 1980s, sexually as- in 1957 and 1958. West did not contest his extradition at a hearing assignments in other parts of Arizona, South Dakota, saulted him, a Brophy alumnus now living in Cali- Salvucci allegedly molested a teen between in Appleton, WI, on Aug. 17. The men making the Guam, Maryland, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bronx, fornia alleges. The suit alleges negligence by the 1977–79 while assigned to St. Mary’s Parish in allegations, La Jarvis Love and Joshua Love, both NY. He was finally removed from the ministry in 2001. school, the western U.S. Jesuits province and Billerica, and Sullivan was accused of molesting a 37, are cousins who met West in the 1990s when Source: Arizona Republic, 10-2-20 the Phoenix Catholic Diocese. 14-year-old in 1977 while assigned to St. Therese’s he was a teacher at St. Francis of Assisi School in The Catholic Diocese of Worcester, MA, and Sinnerud was one of 38 clergy members named in Dracut. Greenwood, MS. About 2 years ago, each agreed to retired priest Thomas Mahoney have been named in 2018 by the Archdiocese of Omaha, NE, as cred- Garabedian said the victims of Ruest and Sal- settle their claims for $15,000 — far less than most in a suit for alleged abuse of a minor in the 1970s. ibly accused of sexual abuse after a state attorney vucci received claims in the high five figures, while clergy abuse victims receive. Bishop Robert McManus removed Mahoney from general’s investigation. After the church removed him Sullivan’s victim received a claim in the low five fig- Joshua Love’s younger brother, Raphael, also the ministry after the suit was filed. from Brophy in 1987, Sinnerud went on to teach at ures. Source: Worcester Telegram, 9-15-20 alleged West molested him and reported it to church Mahoney, who was ordained at age 30 in 1968, Creighton Prep, a Jesuit school in Omaha, until re- The Catholic Diocese of St. Catharines in On- authorities in 1998, after which West returned to retired as co-pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Par- tiring in 2008. He later worked part-time there until tario settled a suit filed by a woman whose sister was Wisconsin. Raphael Love rejected a settlement sim- ish in Upton in 2012. Source: Worcester Telegram, being removed in 2018. Source: New Times, 9-22-20 molested by Joseph Bonomi, a priest who died in ilar to those signed by his brother and cousin. 10-1-20 Charles Atkins Jr., the Presbytery of New 2012, and allegedly assaulted her older sister for 3 La Jarvis and Joshua Love sued in federal court The Catholic Diocese of Savannah, GA, and York City and the French Evangelical Church of years in the 1970s at the rectory of St. Kevin’s Parish in New York in 2019, claiming the Franciscans pres- current Bishop Stephen Parkes are defendants in New York are defendants in a suit filed by Grace in Welland and in his car. sured them into signing low-ball settlements requir- a suit alleging conspiracy and fraud in mishandling Nzameyo Maa, who alleges Atkins repeatedly pur- The plaintiff alleged Bonomi brought her along ing their silence about their allegations. At the time alleged abuse by defrocked priest Wayland Brown sued her sexually after helping her get a part-time in the back seat, her dolls beside her, and made they were not represented by an attorney. in the 1980s. Brown died in 2019 while serving a 20- pastoral job at his Manhat- her stand outside as a In 2006 the Diocese of Jackson, which includes year prison sentence. tan church in 2018. lookout while he raped Greenwood, settled suits covering 19 victims, 17 of The plaintiff joined several other claimants in Nzameyo, a native of her sister or forced her whom were white, for $5 million. That average pay- previous suits alleging abuse by Brown. He was 13 Cameroon, alleges that Civil suit plaintiff: Fr. sister to masturbate him out of $263,000 for each survivor is 17 times that at the time and was attending St. James Catholic Atkins told her he want- and at least once made offered to the Loves. Source: AP, 9-2-20 School in Savannah. The diocese paid $4.5 million ed her to be his mistress Bonomi forced her to watch her watch. in 2016 to settle a similar suit. Source: AP, 9-29-20 because his wife wouldn’t him“ assault her sister. After her sister be- Allegations Robert Gandara, De La Salle High School in have sex with him: “I’d came pregnant at 14 and New Orleans, Catholic Charities, the Christian like to get a blow job from had an abortion in 1974, Twin Cities musician David R. Haas, 63, among Brothers and the estate of Richard Langenstein a cute pastor like you. I Bonomi was abruptly the best-known contemporary composers in the have been sued by a plaintiff alleging sexual abuse in know you Africans don’t like to give blowjobs.” transferred to another parish. A civil suit filed by the Catholic Church, has been accused of sexual mis- the early 1980s by Langenstein, the school principal “Don’t wear your robe. I was hoping I could see older sister was settled in 2008. Source: Globe & conduct involving multiple young women who stud- who died in 2003. He and Gandara were Christian your butt and curves and legs today,” Atkins alleged- Mail, 9-14-20 ied with him over the years. Haas taught at Benil- Brothers at the time. ly said another time. Twice in late 2018, Atkins sent The Catholic Diocese of Kamloops, BC, and de-St. Margaret’s school in St. Louis Park, MN, was Both of the men previously pleaded no contest Nzameyo “three different photos of his genitals,” the Erlindo Molon will pay former schoolteacher Rose- composer-in-residence at the St. Paul Seminary and to child molestation for conduct in St. Tammany Par- suit alleges. mary Anderson $844,140 for sexual assaults at Our ran a Music Ministry Alive program for years at St. ish unrelated to the school. The plaintiff alleges he Nzameyo filed a formal complaint in February Lady of Perpetual Help School in N. Kamloops in Catherine University, which drew more than 2,200 was about 15 the first time Langenstein groped his 2019 with the presbytery. She says he was fired 3 1976. Molon, 88, is a retired priest with dementia. students from 1999 to 2017. genitals after making him undress in his office, where months later; the presbytery responded that Atkins Anderson, 70, testified she sought counseling Susan Bruhl, 54, is among the 41 women alleg- he’d gone to get a tardy slip. “resigned before the investigation began.” She con- from Molon while grieving the death of her father ing misconduct. She sang with Haas’ musical group The alleged abuse by Langenstein and Gandara tends she was then barred from her church duties in and was coerced into a sexual relationship that went Emmaus in the early 1980s. She alleges Haas in- occurred for about 2 years. The suit says the boy’s retaliation, which the presbytery denies, saying “her on for months. Anderson, who was 26 at the time, vited her to lunch to celebrate her 18th birthday, or- mother caught Langenstein touching him sexually employment as a minister had not been not been un- testified they had intercourse 70 to 100 times. dered several “jumbo margaritas” for her and after during a pool party at her home, leading her to kick dertaken properly.” Source: NY Post, 9-22-20 Molon was eventually suspended and forced to the meal started walking her to her hotel next door. the principal out of the house. Source: WWL, 9-25-20 The Nova Scotia Supreme Court certified a class leave the diocese, but Anderson said then-Bishop “He said something like, ‘You’re a woman now. Harumi Suzuki is suing the Catholic Diocese of action on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse from Adam Exner told her that she also needed to leave Let’s continue the party.’ ” Sendai and Bishop Martin Testuo Hiraga in Japan, 1960 to the present by priests of the Catholic Arch- Kamloops. Source: Terrace Standard, 8-27-20 Bruhl, who now lives in Hawaii, said from talking alleging that a priest raped her in 1977. The suit diocese of Halifax-Yarmouth. The class action with others, she has learned Haas would “seek seeks 56.1 million yen ($534,000) in damages. The was filed by Douglas Champagne on behalf of other Finances women who came from single-parent families or priest is identified in the suit, but Suzuki’s lawyers survivors. Champagne alleges he was assaulted by didn’t have a strong male presence.” don’t want his name reported for fear of a possible George Epoch, pastor at Canadian Martyrs Church The Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre on Haas initially denied the allegations as “false, defamation claim. in Halifax. It’s alleged the archdiocese sent priests to Long Island, NY, facing 223 lawsuits alleging sexual reckless and offensive” before issuing a tepid apolo- Suzuki alleges she was raped during a counsel- Southdown Institute, a treatment facility in Ontario, abuse, filed for bankruptcy, the largest U.S. Catholic gy in July: “I have come to realize that I have caused ing session she had gone to because she was a before placing them back into churches without any diocese to do so. Those lawsuits will now likely be great harm to a variety of people. I make no excuses domestic abuse survivor. A 2016 church investiga- warning to parishioners. Source: newswire.ca/Koskie frozen and swept under the supervision of bankrupt- for any harm that I may have caused. I take respon- tion determined that sex occurred but recommend- Minsky LLP, 9-14-20 cy court. sibility for my behavior and I am truly sorry.” ed no action due to the passage of time and the The Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, NJ, and 2 Rather than having their individual cases litigated The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis priest’s possible belief it was consensual. Source: clergy are being sued over alleged sexual assaults in court, current plaintiffs and any future claimants and several other denominations have halted the AP, 9-25-20 of minors. Patrick Barrett is accused of molesting a would become creditors and would be eligible for a use of his music. Source: Star Tribune, 9-8-20 All Saints Catholic School in Jupiter, FL, its child aged 9 to 10 who attended St. Anthony of Pad- portion of a settlement fund negotiated by a commit- principal Jill Broz and the Diocese of Palm Beach ua Catholic Church in Port Reading in 1983–1984 tee of abuse survivors. Other are being sued for alleged failure to protect an when Barrett was pastor. Marie Reilly, a law professor at Pennsylvania 11-year-old girl from sexual abuse by a male class- Regis Moccia is accused of molesting a 13- to State University, said the end result would likely Sabine Griego, 82, a former Catholic priest mate who reached under her skirt in an unsuper- 14-year-old student at St. Joseph High School in open a new chapter in the diocese’s financial life, awaiting trial on a count of criminal sexual penetra- vised classroom on 2 occasions between January Metuchen from 1994–95. Moccia was a member free of Child Victims Act claims. tion, died in Albuquerque, NM. Court records allege and March. of the Catholic Brothers of the Sacred Heart, which Plaintiffs’ attorney Jeff Anderson said the move he sexually assaulted 38 children in New Mexico According to a heavily redacted police report, staffs the all-boys school in Metuchen. Source: would deny a jury trial to victims and limit their ability from the mid-1960s through the early 1990s. the boy said, “I put my finger in a girl’s private spot Woodbridge Patch, 9-11-20 to unearth documents through discovery. The di- The trial charge stemmed from an accusation but it wasn’t on purpose, but it wasn’t an accident.” ocese has already paid about $62 million to settle by a female that Griego raped her while she was He has been charged as a juvenile offender with Civil Lawsuits Settled about 350 cases under its Independent Reconcilia- a student at Queen of Heaven Catholic School. lewd and lascivious conduct. tion and Compensation program. Source: NY Times, On one occasion, she alleged, he raped her while The complaint alleges that after police and The Catholic Diocese of Kamloops, BC, settled 10-1-20 pushing her face into a table, breaking her nose. school officials were notified, Broz took no action to for undisclosed terms 2 suits filed by brothers who The German Catholic Church is setting up a Source: KOB, 10-5-20 protect the girl from the other student and required alleged the now-deceased priest Herbert Bourne system to compensate survivors of sexual abuse by Email: [email protected] her “to write an essay confessing to her maladap- molested them at St. James Parish in Vernon in the clergy to provide for payments of up to 50,000 euros Page 24 FFRF | FREETHOUGHT TODAY | Madison, Wisconsin | November 2020 In U.S., atheist groups battle nationalism This article appeared in Le Devoir (from homosexual or Muslim candidate than fenders of secularism, among Americans, fress, who had invited Vice President Mike Quebec, Canada) on Sept. 26 and is reprinted for an atheist. the defenders of secularism are in an open Pence to deliver a speech to hundreds of with permission. Special thanks to FFRF Board As the United States election approach- struggle against the nationalists. worshipers in Dallas. Member Steve Salemson and Member Joan Wal- es, defenders of secularism in the United “We are fighting Christian nationalism, While some atheist groups file com- lace for translating the text from French. States are on the alert. “We have reached this idea that the United States was found- plaints, others write letters. The Secular a critical point,” explains Annie Laurie ed as a Christian nation, built on Christian Coalition for America encourages its By Isabelle Porter Gaylor, co-president of the FFRF. “We’re principles, and that we’ve strayed from members to write to their elected offi- on the verge of losing Roe v. Wade. With that foundation,” explains Andrew Seidel, cials in Congress to let them know that n the United States, atheism is the sub- Trump, we are currently witnessing a take- constitutional attorney and FFRF’s Direc- they are atheist voters. “With your help, ject of passionate activism, which the over of the Supreme Court.” tor of Strategic Response. “Christian Na- our elected officials are going to take current president has only fired up. This Founded in 1976, FFRF has more than tionalism conflicts with the secular princi- note of the size of our community and Iportrait is of a phenomenon unique to 33,000 members. Gaylor initially espoused ples of our Constitution.” consider it in their policies,” the organi- the United States, the complete opposite atheism as a way to defend the rights of “Donald Trump,” he continues, “heav- zation argues. of the situation in women. “We realized that the only orga- ily exploits this Christian Nationalism. Atheist groups are also an important Quebec. nized opposition to the right to abortion According to some researchers, Christian presence on college campuses. On Sept. “I don’t need came from religious groups and that, in Nationalism was the best predictor of 8, the Secular Student Alliance orga- God to be a good order to protect women’s rights, we could those who voted for him in 2016.” nized a web conference titled, “How to person,” wrote not accept having religion involved in gov- What role do atheist lobbies play in go about supporting atheist candidates.” Marjory C. in a ernment,” she recalls. the electoral campaign? A limited one, Essentially, students were advised to set publication of the A few months ago, FFRF ran an adver- since the law prohibits nonprofit organi- up booths at universities to encourage as Freedom From Re- tisement in the New York Times denounc- zations from openly supporting a candi- many young people as possible to vote. ligion Foundation ing “theocracy,” which they believe is at risk date, financially or otherwise. However, In any case, it is practically impossible (FFRF), one of the of inundating the country like a tidal wave. the rule also applies to religious groups. to support openly atheist candidates be- largest atheist lob- Gaylor develops the ideas for the news- Subsequently, FFRF sometimes intervenes cause there are so few. bies in the United paper ads herself, and not without humor. indirectly in the campaign by filing com- But that is starting to change. Two years Annie Laurie Gaylor States. Marjory In recent months, one of them praised plaints against religious groups that break ago, members of the House of Represen- took part in the the merits of “the social distancing of state the law. It happened in July, when it filed tatives in Congress created the Congres- “Atheists Out of and church.” While we in Quebec have a complaint with the Internal Revenue sional Freethought Caucus to “promote the Closet” cam- seen the nationalists become ardent de- Service against Texas pastor Robert Jef- science and rational solutions, and to de- paign, because, in fend the secular nature of government.” America, coming California Rep. Jared Huffman is one of out as an atheist is its founders. “We have a problem in the sometimes more United States. We’re moving slowly toward difficult than com- a theocratic regime, and our group thinks ing out as gay, that the separation between church and many say. state is threatened,” he summarized. “In the minds The term “theocracy” refers to regimes of many people, in which the government is seen as the Andrew L. Seidel believing in God representative of God, and where priests is a kind of guar- play an important political role, which is antee that you are the case, for example, in Iran. a good, righteous Isn’t the formula a bit exaggerated or moral per- when it comes to the United States? son,” says Mandisa “No,” Huffman retorted, “Have you lis- Thomas of Black tened to Attorney General Bill Barr lately? Nonbelievers. He gives speeches that seem straight out of Conversely, a Margaret Atwood novel. . . . He regularly nonbelievers are describes us as a Christian nation founded the object of per- on Christian values and principles that we sistent distrust. As need to strengthen. It’s very worrisome, proof, according because we are a pluralistic country with a Rep. Jared Huffman to a Gallup poll, diversity of ideas and people.” two out of five Americans say they would Today, the Congressional Freethought not trust a nonreligious presidential can- Caucus has 13 members, including didate. One indication that atheism is representatives of religious minorities the ultimate taboo is that fewer respon- (Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, etc.). All are dents would refuse to vote for an openly Democrats.

disapproved of what the Republican Party commentator, especially on MSNBC. He “Having the son of a very conservative Reagan has become, even before Trump’s acces- even had his own show, “The Ron Reagan president do a promotion for a controver- sion to power. “My father signed a law le- Show,” before Air America Media went sial group like ours, by presenting himself Continued from page 1 galizing abortion, he raised taxes after hav- bankrupt. He splits his life between Seattle openly as an atheist, has had a huge educa- ing reduced them, and gave amnesty to 3 and Italy with his second wife. tional impact. It’s helped show the nation members that his mother was not sure million immigrants,” he recounted on Bill Despite his numerous public state- that people of this sort exist, and that they what to say to him when he wanted to Maher’s show in 2015. “And when a hole ments on atheism, he does not consider are normal,” said FFRF Co-President An- know whether Adam and Eve were “cave- formed in the ozone layer over the South himself an activist. After his interview in nie Laurie Gaylor. men.” Santa Claus didn’t help, either. Pole [. . .] he didn’t decide it was a leftist The New York Times, he became “the “This sort of publicity was a huge coup “When you’re little, your parents tell you plot to deprive us of cold beer, and he act- atheist who had a famous father,” he re- for us,” she added. “He took a short 30-sec- that there is a Santa Claus at the North ed!” He concedes, however, that it was also counts, amused. “After that, I could al- ond clip and made it much more effective Pole, that he has a big white beard, and during his father’s time that Republicans lude to it, they would ask me the question by force of his personality. He was the one that he knows whether you’ve been naugh- began approaching the Evangelical lobby. again and I would confirm it. Eventually, who added the expression, ‘lifelong athe- ty or nice. That sounds a lot like God, but “The party wanted to woo the Evangelical the Freedom From Religion Foundation ist, not afraid of burning in Hell.’” then you find out that Santa doesn’t exist.” vote, and it was pretty simple to do: My fa- heard about it and asked me to make the Whom does he think he is addressing Ron can’t recall much about his father’s ther was a Christian; he could claim he was TV spot.” with this message? “I would like this to be reaction to his rejection of the Church. on their side. “ That was in 2014, and the ad is still run- heard by atheists who are still ‘in the clos- But one thing is certain: Ronald Reagan Then it got out of hand. “Now we end ning and continues to generate strong re- et.’ That would probably be the most use- Sr. was not the type to meddle in the faith up with a Donald Trump who is clearly not actions. During one of the televised Dem- ful thing, so that people are less afraid of of others. “He was a religious man, but he a believer, but who has sought the vote of ocratic debates, commentators even said coming out. I’m not trying to convert any- never made the mistake that many politi- the Evangelicals. Why? Because he hates that it stole the show from the debate itself one to atheism or to lead believers away cians do who use their faith for political or claims to hate the same people that by sparking a surge of positive comments from their faith. That’s something they gain,” Ron said at his father’s funeral in they do: all those progressives who want on Twitter. Conversely, some major nation- have to do on their own.” 2004. “It’s true that after being the target to allow homosexuals to marry, have black al TV networks still censor the message, But beyond that, it’s a way for him to de- of an attempted assassination, he came friends, want to deprive them of their because of the passage where Reagan says fend science. “What bothers me the most to think that God had spared him to do white privilege, threaten their way of life, that he is “not afraid of burning in Hell.” is the negative effect religion has on stem good. But he accepted it as a responsibility, and so forth,” he said. From FFRF’s perspective, his contribu- cell research, for example. People can be- not a mandate.” Reagan is never at a loss for words and tion is invaluable, especially since celebri- lieve whatever they want, but when it gets Despite being a well-known Democrat, wields sarcasm with relish. He is also occa- ties who dare to publicly call themselves into the public sphere and affects every- Ron Reagan insists his father would have sionally invited on television as a political atheists are very rare in the United States. one’s life, then we have a problem.”