VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012 The Atheist Speaking for Reason The Day of Reason rom noon to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, F May third, Minnesota Atheists hosted the annual Day of inside the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. This is the seventh year that we have held this celebration of the separation of state and church to protest the Day of Prayer event held at the same time outside on the Capitol steps. There are many ways in which the separation of state and church is violated, and this year we focused on the denial of equal rights to gays and lesbians, especially when it comes to civil marriage. Speakers included: -Phyllis Kahn, Minnesota State Representative, -Eric Jayne, Minnesota Atheists Associate President, -Doug Benson, Lead plaintiff of Marry Me Minnesota, -Scott Lohman, President of Humanists of Minnesota, -Charles Samuelson, Executive Director of ACLU Minnesota, -Robin Raianiemi, Minnesota Atheists Associate Chair, -James Zimmerman, Editor for The Minnesota Atheist, -David Pacheco, Representative from Minnesota United for Separation of Church and State, -Grant Steves, Former Minnesota Atheists board member. Steve Petersen hosted the event, and George Kane served as Master of Ceremony. More Day of Reason photos, courtesy of Steve Petersen and Richard Trombley, are on page six.

INSIDE:

• Inventing Jesus Book Review...... see page 7

• May Day Parade...... see page 8 • Candidate Without a Prayer Review...... see page 9

• Get Your Story Published...... see page 13

PAGE 1 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

IN THIS ISSUE... MINNESOTA ATHEISTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Day of Reason 1 [email protected] Published by Minnesota Atheists, Assoc. President’s Column 3 President: August Berkshire P.O. Box 120304 [email protected] New Brighton, MN 55112 News and Notes 4 612-338-4548 612-588-7031, [email protected] www.MinnesotaAtheists.org May Meeting Review 5 Associate President: Eric Jayne [email protected] Editorial Board, [email protected] Cryptogram 6 Chair: Heather Hegi James Zimmerman, editor Review: Inventing Jesus 7 [email protected] [email protected]

May Day Parade 7 Associate Chair: Robin Raianiemi Chief Photographer: Richard Trombley [email protected] Candidate Without a Prayer 9 612-872-0574 Membership/change of address: Steve Petersen, [email protected], Adopt-a-Highway 10 Treasurer: Chris Matthews 651-484-9277 [email protected] Membership Report 10 763-476-3989 Public Relations: Emily Matejcek, [email protected] April/May Radio Report 11 Secretary: Rick Rohrer [email protected] Atheists Weekly Email (AWE): George ND Amendment 12 Kane, [email protected] Director-at-Large: Caroline Writing Opportunity 13 Brunner, [email protected] Cable: Steve Petersen, [email protected], 651-484-9277 May Treasury Report 13 Director-at-Large: George Kane [email protected] Webmaster: Grant Hermanson May TV Show Report 14 [email protected] 651-488-8225 Things To Do.... 15 Podcasts: Grant Hermanson, Director-at-Large: Steve [email protected] Goals Setting Meeting 16 Petersen, [email protected] 651-484-9277 Copyright 2012 Minnesota Atheists. Minnesota Atheists A production of MNA Meetup members: 1,148 Minnesota Atheists Press. practices positive, Life memberships: 30 inclusive, active, friendly Minnesota Atheists is an affiliate of neighborhood in Atheist Alliance of America, Atheist order to: Honorary Members Alliance International, , Provide a community for American Humanist Association, Council • Hector Avalos, PhD for , and International atheists; Dan Barker Humanist and Ethical Union. • Educate the public about Gerald Erickson, PhD atheism; and Annie Laurie Gaylor Submit material for the newsletter to • Promote separation of state Dick Hewetson [email protected]. Submissions and church. Robert M. Price, PhD may be edited. Publication is not guaranteed.

Minnesota Atheists Mission Statement Minnesota Atheists is dedicated to building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values through educational programs, social activities, and participation in public affairs.

PAGE 2 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012 ASSOCIATE PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

f you are thumbing through this members. In a room Imonth’s newsletter looking for the where pastors and President’s Column, you’re parishioners outnumber not going to find it. Since secular-based social August was busy with other workers 10 to 1, I have adventures, including a Help! to hear about how we’re debate with theists in “doing God’s work” and Canada, I agreed to fill in that we’re “modeling the with an “Associate President’s Column.” by Eric Jayne work of Jesus.” I’m going to use this platform to make a Listening to comments public confession followed by a plea for that compare my hard work help. to the fictitious actions of a capricious, First, the confession: I’ve been regularly infanticidal, maniac is bad enough, but then attending church lately and I’ve been to begin and end meetings with a prayer to joining others in prayer. That’s right; the said maniac leaves me wanting to run for associate president of the Minnesota the nearest door. Instead, I silently protest Atheists has been going to church…a lot! by keeping my head up and leaving my eyes It’s a little bit of a personal existential open. I know it’s not much of a protest, but crisis but before you demand a recall for now I’ll be keeping my atheist identity in election, please allow me to explain. the closet while working with people that I As a full time licensed community don’t want to rock the proverbial boat with social worker, I work with many agencies— for the sake of my job. both public and private. I feel fortunate to All right, now that I’ve disclosed and be employed at a secular nonprofit but I explained my confession it’s time for my don’t enjoy the fact that I have to plea: If you would like to organize a collaborate with churches and faith volunteer event, please let me know so I can organizations due to their vast influence in help you promote it. I can be reached via the social service industry. Two significant email at [email protected]. Examples of reasons for their influence are because recent volunteer events include gift faith organizations get oodles of money collections and donations to Children’s from government grants and because Hospital, highway clean-ups, and food there are often many thousands of church donations to a local food bank. Please congregants in one single neighborhood remember that we will want to volunteer and church that volunteer their time and donate to secular, non-faith organizations. donate their money to social service It truly is a good feeling to help causes in the name of their church or faith. community organizations and Since church congregants include neighborhoods. Since we’re a partner of lawyers, social workers, doctors, IT Volunteers Beyond Belief, our good deeds professionals, and accountants, churches are featured on their blog, website, and can relatively easily build a large network Facebook page! Help me show our of money and resources. In fact, an communities that the Minnesota Atheists do argument could be made that it’s shocking humanity’s (not God’s) work and that we that there aren’t more churches directly model the work of human kindness (not giving back to their community. Jesus). Unfortunately, because churches and faith organizations hold so much power I often have to meet on their turf with their

PAGE 3 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

instead eager to show their News and Notes support for religion to appeal to the “religious he Secular Coalition for America ignited a middle-ground.” That is Tmajor controversy when it announced that it had why bills like last year’s H. hired Edwina Rogers as its new Executive Director. Con. Res. 13, reaffirming “In Without question, Rogers brings to the job an God We Trust” as the national impressive inside-the-beltway résumé; the problem is motto, passed the House by that her work has been entirely for the Republican 396 – 9 with two Party. That party is firmly established in the minds of c o n g r e s s m e n v o t i n g most organized atheists as the wholly-owned property ‘present.’ The only time we George Kane of the religious right and the champion of undoing the can expect Democrats to separation of church and state. Rogers was an support us is when we are economic advisor for both Presidents Bush, and arguing in support of a key Democratic constituency – General Counsel to the National Republican for equal rights for gays, or women, for example. We Senatorial Committee. can piggy-back a ride on the support of Democrats for So, is Rogers switching sides? Not at all, she told their issues. They are willing to provide no more support Hermant Mehta: for separation of church and state than lip service. I think it’s a misconception that the Legislators of both parties are driven by the political majority of Republicans are lined up realities of their next election. against the secular movement. As One could look at these same facts and conclude that someone who has been an insider the job of a lobbyist for separation of church and state is within the Republican Party, I’m hopeless no matter who has the job. Our lobbyists can be certain it’s not the consensus of the majority of Republicans to have an successful only when atheists have grown and matured [overt] influence of religion on our as a political movement, to the point that we are laws. Having said that, no one agrees recognized as a voting bloc that can decide — or at least with everyone they work with on influence — elections. Creating that growth is a job for every single issue. In these roles I organizations that can build the atheist community. never worked on anything having to Organizations such as Minnesota Atheists. do with issues of religion — I worked Mitt Romney made a revealing remark at a campaign primarily on economic issues. This response aroused the incredulous contempt of stop in early May. When a questioner accused President blogger P.Z. Myers. If she is right that most Obama of undermining the constitution, Romney Republicans oppose the influence of religion on our responded “I happen to believe that the constitution is laws, why do we need the Secular Coalition for not only brilliant but inspired. I believe the same thing America? about the Declaration of Independence.” By ‘inspired,’ The selection of Rogers is all the more puzzling, he could only mean ‘divinely inspired.’ That is a since the only members of Congress who can be distinctive Mormon doctrine, so it comes as a surprise: counted upon to support legislation that shores up Romney has hitherto been careful to avoid stating any Jefferson’s Wall are Democrats. Presumably Rogers religious convictions that are not held in common with has many Republican contacts, and the selection Christians. In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section committee hopes that she will be able to reach across 101:77 Section 101, God said to Joseph Smith: party lines to form interparty alliances. In the According to the laws and a constitution polarized culture of today’s Congress, however, what of the people, which I have suffered to is the likelihood of that? Republicans never vote in be established, and should be support for separation of church and state because maintained for the rights and protection there is no constituency for it in their party. of all flesh, according to just and holy Democrats are rarely willing to stand with us, but are principles [.]

PAGE 4 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

MEETING REVIEW: REP. MINDY GREILLING by Eric Jayne It’s not often that the Minnesota Atheists have an elected policy maker featured as the speaker for our monthly public meetings. Many elected officials would consider a Minnesota Atheists-sponsored speaking engagement to be political suicide. For that reason, and since the Minnesota Atheists promote church and state separation, Rep. Mindy Greiling’s appearance on May 20th at the Roseville Library was a significant draw for many members. Rep. Greiling began her presentation by comparison, she said that there are 10 pro-life acknowledging a recent email exchange between DFLers. her and one of her constituents who was in the Regarding the marriage amendment, Greiling audience. The email discussion, Rep. Greiling ex- encouraged concerned citizens to reach out to their plained, was about the daily practice of prayer and city council members and mayors to take an official Pledge of Allegiance recitation at the beginning of position against the discriminatory ballot initiative. every floor session in both legislative chambers at Rep. Greiling concluded by addressing the the capitol. She said that she would end her justified complaint from the constituent in presentation by addressing the question with a attendance. She said that she initially explained that more thoughtful response than the one she because prayer and pledge recitation was originally gave which, she indicated, amounted to traditional, it was okay. Then she admitted that that condoning it due to tradition. was not a good response. She readdressed the Rep. Greiling then took the audience back to complaint by saying that if a bill were to be Tim Pawlenty’s first term as Governor and criticized introduced to end legislative prayer and pledge his appointment of Cheri Pierson-Yecke to the post recitation it wouldn’t go anywhere—especially of State Education Commissioner. She reminded us when both chambers are currently controlled by of Yecke’s campaign to inject creationism into the socially conservative lawmakers. public school science standards and Yecke’s push To promote the end of the prayer and pledge for tax-payer funded vouchers that would have recitation, Rep. Greiling suggested making it a funnelled taxpayer money into private, religious broad based initiative during an election year when schools. Fortunately, Yecke lost her job after the issues are more fervently covered and discussed. DFL-controlled senate rejected her confirmation in She also suggested that we as individuals, or in 2004. organized groups, ask legislators about their After discussing the Pawlenty-endorsed K-12 positions on prayer and pledge recitations. Finally, education school vouchers, Greiling warned the she suggested getting students interested in the audience about the bipartisan approved campaign issue because students of all ages are good agents for early childhood scholarships (i.e. vouchers) for mobilization. Politicians typically take more of which the Obama administration supports. These an interest in what students say and they need to be scholarships are financed with government money especially kind to the younger ones. and distributed to families who can pay for Even though Rep. Greiling mentioned that she, parochial, faith-based childcare. Rep. Greiling said herself, is not an atheist, said that her two children that the scholarships were included in Minnesota’s (in their 20s) identify as agnostic, and she gladly Race to the Top application that gives pre-K accepted a complimentary marriage equality education money to select states. Minnesota Atheists shirt. One of the more sobering statistics Greiling The DFL representative is retiring at the end of mentioned was that there is not a single pro-choice her legislative term after serving the residents of Republican in the Minnesota House. For Roseville, Lauderdale, and St. Anthony for 20 years. Photo courtesy Richard Trombley

PAGE 5 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012 More Photos from The Day of Reason

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PAGE 6 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

Book Review: Inventing Jesus by Bi Lehto

n Inventing Jesus, Paul Gabel, a history teacher, Second, this was an oral culture, with only a Iargues that Jesus was an entirely fictional very small percentage of the population able to write. character, with no historical basis, having been Writing was a difficult, expensive, and time completely invented by the writer of the Gospel of consuming task, and required training that very few Mark. The book is 700 pages long, and covers a lot people received. That so much, let alone anything, of ground. Gabel is a good writer, and some of his was written on a single first century Galilean Jew is sections provide succinct and balanced summaries of phenomenal. And that we have multiple, independent critical thinking on particular sources writing about him, Paul only topics: his sections on about twenty years after his death, feminism in biblical studies indicates a very strong oral tradition and on the debate over flowing from an historical source. w h e t h e r J e s u s w a s Third, the non-canonical sources are apocalyptic are good actually quite rich, although he barely examples. But these sections addresses them and sometimes even are just asides to his main claims that there is no non-canonical augment about the historicity evidence for Jesus. This is simply of Jesus. false. The Gospel of Thomas (a Gable’s argument focuses collection of sayings) is an early, on the fact that there is so independent source for the Jesus little non-canonical evidence tradition according to critical scholars. for Jesus, since an historical Another example is the fascinating person “would have left more and critically important lost Q gospel, of himself to be discovered which was an impendent source for outside of what the New both Matthew and Luke (but unknown Testament contains.” This is to Mark). And this is just to name a a frustratingly feeble few examples. argument for at least three I have to admit a personal bias reasons. against these efforts at trying to prove First, a collection of the that Jesus was not an historical available writings on person, and at the way atheists Jesus is what the New like to jump on this bandwagon. Testament primarily is. This is a marginal position that For him to then argue Inventing Jesus: The New very few actual historians or that there should be more Testament Narrative as Fiction, scholars would argue for. I can non-biblical written by Paul Gabel see the temptation of atheists to evidence is circular 702 pages side with this thinking: what reasoning. He’s stuck in better way to disqualify the a traditional view of the ©2012, Paul Gabel Christian myth than to take away New Testament as a the very foundation of it? But if singular literary creation, atheists were to actually take as if it has one author, and this is perhaps the biggest research on the historical Jesus seriously, to actually flaw with Gabel’s book. The New Testament is not, look at what can be known and what can be as evangelicals would have us believe, a single conjectured with probability, they might be surprised unified story. It is a collection of otherwise largely to find an interesting figure—an iconoclast who unrelated writings. Paul was not writing his letters challenged the status quo and paid the ultimate price with the gospels in mind, as they had not yet been for it. For an interesting take on the historical Jesus written. When Matthew and Luke wrote their from a critical biblical scholar, I recommend John versions of Mark’s gospel, they were not envisioning Dominic Crossan’s Jesus: A Revolutionary later being put alongside Mark in a book. Biography.

PAGE 7 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

May Day Parade

The May Day Parade and Festival in South is one of the most fun things Minnesota Atheists get to do during the year. On Sunday, May 13th, we gathered at Cedar Field at noon, then marched down Bloomington Avenue to Powderhorn Park. We never fail to get a welcoming and enthusiastic response from the crowd! After the parade, we met at our booth. Many of the attendees felt just as strongly as we do about the importance of the separation of church and state. 32 people took part in our contingent in the Minneapolis May Day festival, either by marching in the parade or staffing our booth: August Berkshire, Kevan Bohan, Dave Bradley, Jack Caravela, Morgan Christian, Cody Connel, Phil Cunliffe, Annette Gaudreau, Dan Hansen, Greg Hart, Heather Hegi, Josh Hendlin, Joseph Homrich, Laura Hutt, George Kane, Susan Kennedy, Jacqueline Larsen-Burda, Kristin Meyer, Dana Nelson, Kristin Oman, JuliAnne Owens, David Perry, Tom Riddering, Jack Rivall, Neyshaliz Rivera and two friends, Ramnik Singh, Will Tanberg, Mike Toft, Richard Trombley, Rachel Wilson – and three dogma-free dogs: Blu, Cheyenne, and Lily. Photos by Richard Trombley

PAGE 8 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

by George Book Review: Candidate Without a Prayer Erickson

f a man is going to publish his life story, he had how to boil water and change a light bulb - skills I was “I best take the precaution of leading an interesting practically born with. life first. Or at least to being a very funny writer or of I had expected Herb’s pre-college chapters to be a lacing his pages with wittily unconventional wisdom. bit of a slog (because mine would have been), but Or even being just an exceptionally nice person. instead, they provided a look into a culture I’d never Fortunately, Herb Silverman ticks all these boxes, and had a chance to understand. Although the entire book is more.” first rate, those opening chapters were, for me, among With these words, Dr. , yes, the the best. This is good, because, as it turned out, Richard Dawkins, began the Candidate is the most expensive book foreword to Candidate Without I’ve ever read. (More on that later.) a Prayer: An Autobiography of I was surprised to learn that Herb a Jewish Atheist in the Bible had joined a fraternity, then pleased that Belt, and Herb deserves every he’d been elected its president, but I was word. not surprised that he had been arrested I first met Herb in the for protesting the Vietnam War, that he nineties, when we served on the had been an advocate for Women’s board of the American Rights, or that, on learning in 1990 that Humanist Association, where the South Carolina constitution prohibits his humor, clear thinking, and atheists from holding public office, he thoughtful nature helped move decided to run for governor - which is our meetings along. However how he met his future wife, whom he his attire and appearance, which calls his first and only groupie. He lost, trended toward the hippie end but, as Herb puts it, “with politics in my of sartorial splendor, explains blood… I decided to try to fulfill my why I was shocked to find (in lifelong dream of becoming a notary the book) a photo of Herb public.” Herb won. Bigotry lost. dressed in an oversized tux for a In the ensuing years, Herb presentation he gave at founded the Secular Humanists of Oxford. For a moment, I the Low Country, followed by the thought Lincoln had arisen Candidate Without a Prayer: An Coalition for the Community of from the grave. Autobiography of a Jewish Reason, which evolved into the Before reading Atheist in the Bible Belt, Secular Coalition for America. His Candidate, I already knew by Herb Silverman tireless work for reason and against of Herb’s efforts in behalf 702 pages bigotry makes inspiring reading in of Humanist and Atheist ©2012, Paul Gabel the chapters he titles “Discussions causes, and that he’d on Religion,” “Debates on taught Mathematics at the Religion,” and “Essays on College of Charleston, South Carolina. Still, the Religion,” before turning to his first love and his opening chapters were a revelation because we grew up occupation in a chapter titled “Mathematics and God.” in very different worlds – I in an average Northern Silverman’s Candidate Without a Prayer is, a Minnesota family where religion or ethnicity was never candid, well-written, captivating read, but be warned: If an issue, and Herb in a Philadelphia family where you find Candidate as inspirational as I did, it might Jewishness was everything. Their Jewishness included cost you – like it cost me – because, inspired by Herb’s a loving, “control freak” mother; her attentiveness to remarkable story, I was moved to donate to the Secular her son included ironing Herb’s shoelaces. Thus, when Coalition for America. Herb arrived at college, his roommate had to tell him

PAGE 9 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY n April 29th, O fourteen Minnesota Atheist members participated in the adopt-a-highway program near Rice. Pictured, from left to right, are: Clint Buhs, Rachel Wilson, Susan Kennedy, Heather Hegi, Phil Cunliffe, Caroline Brunner, Sarah Bachmann-Lane, Deb Douchette, Sarah’s partner, and Rob Taylor. Not pictured: Shirley Moll, Steve Petersen, Tom Stavros, and August Berkshire, who took the picture of the participants gathered around his infamous license plate.

May Membership Report

compiled by Steve Petersen

Individual Members: 149, Email newsletter 49 Paper fi n a n c i a l 100 supporters. Household Memberships: 62, Email newsletter 20 We have a paper 26 G i f t w o r k s Lifetime Memberships: 35 (three members have mailing list died), Email Newsletter 14 Paper 18 of 2,529, with 399 on the current list and 2,130 on the Student: 4 Email Newsletter 4 inactive list. The active list includes comps, trials, Sustaining Memberships: 23, Email Newsletter 8 and paying supporters. Meet Up members 1,143. We Paper 15 now have two Facebook pages. Our Like page has 355 active viewers and in the past month we had 907 We have 255 memberships, but because multiple views of the page. Our Groups page has 656 people are covered by household memberships that members. Our email system, Mailchimp, has 1,646 represents 276 active dues paying members. When members. Our last email newsletter had 445 members you add in the donors, the total rises to 357. This open the message and 222 opens on our Twitter reflects an increase since last Novembers of 26 active account for a total of 667 people reached.

PAGE 10 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012 Atheists Talk: April and May Radio Report theists Talk is produced by Interviewer: Carl Hancock. Host: Scott AMinnesota Atheists and directed by Steve Petersen Lohman. by Carl Hancock. Original music is Sex, Genes & Rock 'n' Roll, # 166, composed, played, and recorded by Brent Sunday, May 6th. Michael Davids. The program is broadcast live Much of what we see in our world from KTNF studios in Eden Prairie every Sunday can seem hopelessly tangled or morning from 9:00 to 10:00 at AM950. Listen to intertwined. It can be difficult to see from live streaming of all past programs through our where problems originate and even web page, www. mnatheists.org. The six month tougher to think about how to resolve cost of the program to MN Atheists is $5,320. them. This can lead us humans to conjure Your kind donation will be greatly appreciated. up some strange worldviews, Donate online at http://minnesotaatheists.org/ superstitions, and spurious advice for join-and-donate/radio-fund, or by check to each other. But our guest for this show Minnesota Atheists, P.O. Box 120304, New thinks he may have a way to help us sort out some of Brighton, MN 55112. If you can contribute your today's issues: Evolution. time, please write to [email protected]. In his book Sex, Genes & Rock 'n" Roll, Rob Recent shows include: Brooks shows how evolution may help us understand Human Evolution: #164, Sunday, April 22nd. such seemingly disparate issues as political John Hawks is one of the nation's leading disagreements, obesity, and why men dominate the palaeoanthropologists and has lately been working rock and roll scene. with ancient DNA, human evolution, and an Interviewer: Carl Hancock. Host: Brianne interesting project that is a sort of casting call for Bilyue. extinct humans and their relatives. Ron Lindsay on Atheists Talk #167 Sunday, Most people know John from his famous internet May 13th. site, John Hawks Weblog, Paleoanthropology, Ronald A. Lindsay is the president and CEO of Genetics and Evolution. the . Ron Lindsay is a philosopher, John discussed some of the hottest topics in lawyer and the author of Future Bioethics: human origins: Were the Clovis people Solutreans? Overcoming Taboos, Myths, and Dogmas. He blogs How many hominids were there in recent prehistory? on important current issues that affect the atheist and And, what do both ancient and modern DNA studies skeptical movements at No Faith Value as part of the tell us about the Neanderthal side of the human Center For Inquiry's blog network "Free Thinking". family? During this show, Dr. Lindsay explained his Interviewers: Greg Laden and Carl Hancock. organization’s recent popular billboard and bus ad Host: Stephanie Zvan campaign and their petitions to the FDA requesting Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms, #165, homeopathic medications be tested for efficacy. Sunday, April 29. Interviewer: Scott Lohman. Host: Brianne '"Living fossil" is a term that might well have Bilyue. been calculated to drive evolutionary biologists Meaningful Shoes, #168 Sunday, May 20th. insane. Evolution has stopped for no organism on Once upon a time, a shoemaker had the fun idea Earth – except those that have gone extinct. of creating a line of shoes that would allow a person However, some plants and animals have proved to declare themselves an atheist. So the shoemaker, resilient enough that they live on our planet in David Bonney, put his idea up on Kickstarter. Lots of roughly the same forms they were millions of years people loved the idea, supported the Kickstarter, and ago. got the fun shoes. Everyone lived happily ever after. Richard Fortey is a distinguished writer and Interviewer: Carl Hancock. Host: Scott Lohman. palaeontologist who is fascinated by the idea of God and the Folly of Faith, #169 Sunday, May seeing ancient history in our modern world. On our 27th. show, he talked about his latest book, Horseshoe Many religious people claim that religion and Crabs and Velvet Worms: The Story of the Animals science are compatible. This raises the question, what and Plants That Time Has Left Behind, which details do we mean by compatible? A person may hold both his fascination. Radio Report continued on page 12.

PAGE 11 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

Religious Liberty Restoration Amendment by Jason Schoenack

he North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA) is a group’s religious beliefs, and would elevate religious T Christian-based nonprofit that represents over privilege to stratospheric heights. The amendment 2000 individuals, families, and churches. The NDFA is would give pharmacists in North Dakota legal grounds pushing hard to get the so-called Religious Liberty to refuse to sell birth control. Doctors could refuse Restoration Amendment passed. The amendment is certain treatments or withhold information about Measure 3 on the June 12, 2012, North Dakota ballot. morning-after pills and abortions because of their faith. The NDFA says Measure Three will restore the legal A Muslim cab driver could refuse to give someone a protections provided by the First Amendment that most ride because they are carrying alcohol with them. A North Dakotans grew up with. North Dakotans will not Christian apartment owner could refuse to rent to non- be fooled by outrageous claims by those who desire to Christians, or who are the wrong kind of Christian, or restrict our religious liberties. The NDFA claims our to someone who might be gay. Some religious North religious liberty is a treasured freedom on which Dakotans could use the new amendment to argue that America was founded, and now, being threatened by they should be allowed to use illegal drugs, because attack, it is time to act. Measure 3 would add the their drug use is considered part of their sincerely-held following to the North Dakota Constitution: religious belief. Resources for "faith-based initiatives" “Government may not burden a person's or could be prioritized over other, say, "science-based religious organization's religious liberty. The right to initiatives." A public school counselor could refuse to act or refuse to act in a manner motivated by a counsel a gay student, if it conflicted with the sincerely held religious belief may not be burdened counselor’s religious beliefs. unless the government proves it has a compelling Since many North Dakotans don’t know about the governmental interest in infringing the specific act or proposed Religious Liberty Restoration Amendment refusal to act and has used the least restrictive means to yet or its potential ramifications, it could easily pass. further that interest. A burden includes indirect burdens They might think that anything supporting religious such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or an freedom is automatically good, and they may see the exclusion from programs or access to facilities.” amendment as supporting the traditional values that This measure is so ripe for abuse by religious they support. organizations in ND it’s scary. Freedom to differentiate What will come out of the amendment passing is on the basis of religion is fine, but freedom to an additional load on our already-overtaxed court discriminate on the basis of religion is not fine. If this system, and the over-privileging of the conservative amendment is passed, it would raise the burden test Christian groups in our state that are represented by the that the ND government must meet before it can pass North Dakota Family Alliance. into law any measure that strains any citizen’s or

Radio Report (continued) science and religion in high regard, but this tells us ecclesiastic authorities in the Renaissance and nothing about their values as ideas. People can and Reformation opened up new avenues of thought. do hold plenty of contradictory beliefs. The book goes on to detail how religion and In a sweeping historical survey from ancient science are fundamentally incompatible in several Greek science, through the Renaissance and areas: the origin of the universe and its physical Enlightenment to contemporary advances in physics parameters, the origin of complexity, holism versus and cosmology, Stenger makes a convincing case that reductionism, the nature of mind and consciousness, Christianity held back the progress of science for one and the source of morality." thousand years. It is significant, he notes, that the During the show, Stenger delved into these and scientific revolution of the seventeenth century other arguments in his book. occurred only after the revolts against established Interviewer: Carl Hancock. Host: Scott Lohman.

PAGE 12 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

Writing Opportunity

avid G. McAfee, author of Disproving Christianity and other Secular D Writings (see image at right), is accepting submissions for his new series: Atheists Coming Out. Submissions should be 1,000-1,500 words and detail a first-person account of de-conversion or “coming out” as an atheist to family and friends. The stories should help provide insight or advice to freethinkers who are still “in the closet” about their belief, often as a result of less-than-understanding loved ones. Each approved submission will be published on www.DavidGMcAfee. com and www.GodsWillChurch.com. Five winning submissions will also be included in an upcoming book entitled Mom, Dad, I’m an Atheist, which is set to be published by Dangerous Little Books in July. Winners will receive a small cash prize. Submissions can be sent to McAfee at [email protected] with a subject line that reads: “Atheists Coming Out.” Deadline for inclusion in Mom, Dad, I’m an Atheist is July first. Submissions received after this date will still be published online.

Compiled by May Treasury Report Chris Matthews

Building Fund Ronald Julien $108 Dale Howey $10 Edward Rang $25 Meghan Kosowski $10 Sue Halligan $15 Total General/Visibility Fund $300 Total BuildingFund $148 Radio Fund Total Income: $913 George Kane $200 Steve Petersen, in memory of Nick Pease $50 James Wright $35 Current Building Fund Total $130,489 James Barri $25 Prudence Johnson $25 Arthur Scearcy $25 Radio Show Fundraising Goal $8,215 Nancy Ruhland $20 (for 2012) anonymous donations $85 Amount Raised (thru May 24, 2012) $2,379 Total Radio Fund $465 Amount Remaining to Reach Goal: $5,836 General/Visibility Fund Pierre Girard $100 Lawrence Ronning $50 Top Expenses for May Michelle Tjernagel $42 Saint Paul Saints Game Sponsorship $2,000 Justine Hartz $27 Radio Show $820 Caroline Brunner, in memory of Brian Hartman $25 Newsletter Printing $483 Sarah Gerold $21 Parades, Booths, etc $443 Russell Sussan $15 Logo Merchandise $426

PAGE 13 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

May Atheists Talk Television Show Report by Steve Petersen ur May cable program was an extension of the Podcasts: MinnesotaAtheists.org. Available via Itunes. ODay of Reason event earlier in day. In the Made possible by Grant Hermanson. episode titled “Marry Me Minnesota,” August Berkshire interviewed Doug Benson and his partner Television Schedule: Duane Gajewski. Burnsville/Eagan Community Television: The continuation of the cable program is dependent Channel 14. Check their web site www.bect.tv for day on finding a new director. Duties include, scheduling and times. Sponsor: Kevin Hardisty guest, preparing DVDs and other items for the taping Bloomington: Channel 16. Sunday 11:00 p.m. and mailing out of copies, and taking a class in studio Sponsors: David and Joanne Beardsley. directing from MTN. If you think you might be able fill Minneapolis: Channel 17. Saturday 8:30 p.m. this role please contact Steve Petersen at Sponsor: Steve Petersen. 651-484-9277 or [email protected]. Rochester: Channel 10. Tuesday, Wednesday & All can be viewed on the following cable stations or Thursday 7:30 p.m. Sponsor: Jim Salutz. via ITunes, thanks to Grant Hermanson Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Little Canada, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, If you would like to sponsor our program in your Moundsview/New Brighton: Channel 14. Wednesday community, or have an idea for a program, or if you 10:30 p.m. Sponsor: Shirley Moll. have a public access television station in your St. Cloud: Channel 12. Thursday 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. community, please contact write to dir3@mnatheists. Sponsor Tom Stavros. org. Stillwater: Channel 16. Tuesday 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Sponsor: Lee Salisbury. Cable Crew: George Kane, Brett Stembridge, Shirley White Bear Lake, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Moll, Steve Petersen, Wendy Steinberg, Grant Maplewood, North St. Paul, Oakdale, Vadnais Hermanson and Art Anderson. Heights: Channel 15. Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sponsor: Michael Seliga.

CRYPTOGRAM ANSWER

As a nation of more than two thousand faiths, we would quickly find any attempt to subsidize them all or bring all faiths into the public schools on some type of rotating basis would be unworkable. -Barry Lynn, Piety & Politics: The Right-Wing Assault on Religious Freedom

PAGE 14 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

www.mnatheists.org

P.O. Box 120304, New Brighton, MN 55112

CHECK THE WAYS YOU WANT TO HELP ATHEISM GROW Minnesota Atheists has IRS 501(c)(3) status. All contributions are tax-deductible.

JOIN OR RENEW MEMBERSHIP

_____ $35 - Individual Membership $_____ General Expense/Outreach Fund _____ $90 - 3 years for Individual $_____ Building Fund _____ $45 - Household Membership _____ $115 - 3 years for Household $_____ Radio Program

______$75 - Sustaining Membership ______$200 - 3 year Sustaining Other than students, please let us know if you wish to receive your newsletter by e-mail or ______$10 - Student (newsletter by email; send regular mail. If you prefer e-mail, please add copy of fee statement or school ID your e-mail address. ______

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Check (enclosed) for $ ______, payable to Minnesota Atheists. Name: ______Phone: ______Address: ______Things to Do, Places to Go: A Calendar for Atheists

In addition to these regularly scheduled events, 1st & 3rd Mondays 6:00pm Freethought 3rd Wednesdays, 11:30am-2pm Lunch at Dragon there are many more events every month. Please Toastmasters. Larpenteur Estates Party Room, House Restaurant. Dragon House Restaurant subscribe to Atheist Weekly e-mail on our web 1276 Larpenteur Ave. W, St. Paul 55113. George 3970 Central Avenue Columbia Heights. Private site, mnatheist.org, and join our Meetup group. Kane, [email protected]. room reserved. Bill Volna 612-781-1420

Sundays, 9:00am-10:00am Atheists Talk Radio. 2nd and 4th Mondays, 5:00pm-7:00pm 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30pm Minnesota Atheists AM 950 KTNF in the Twin Cities or stream live Freethought Dinner Social. Davanni's, 8605 Monthly Board Meeting. Party Room, 1276 at http://www.am950ktnf.com. Contact us during Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington, MN. For Larpenteur Avenue, St. Paul, 55113. Open to all the show with questions or comments at (952) more information call Bob or Marilyn Neinkerk members. George Kane, [email protected]. 946-6205 or [email protected]. at 612-866-6200. 1st Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm Atheists Talk Sundays, 6:00pm-7:00pm Atheist/Agnostic 1st Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:00pm Freethought television show. MTN Studio A, 125 SE Main Alcoholics Anonymous. Men’s Center, 3249 Lunch. Old Country Buffet, County Road B2 Street, Minneapolis. Steve Petersen at Hennepin Avenue South Suite # 55, Minneapolis between Fairview and Snelling. Bob or Marilyn 651-484-9277. Meet in the basement. Open to all genders. Nienkirk at 612-866-6200.

2nd Sundays, 1:00pm Minnesota Atheists Little 4th Tuesdays, 7:00pm Maple Grove Book Club. Canada Book Club, Caribou Coffee 3354 Rice Byerly's Meeting Room - 12880 Elm Creek Blvd St, Little Canada, MN 55126 N Maple Grove, MN 55369

rd 3 Sundays, September through May, 1:00pm– Every other Tuesday, 7:00pm Secular Bible To sign up for the Atheists’ Weekly Email 4:00pm. Minnesota Atheists Public Meeting. Study. Various locations. See the Meetup page (AWE), send a request to Various libraries. Business meeting, educational http://www.meetup.com/Secular-Bible-Study/. program and dinner afterwards at a nearby [email protected]. restaurant. 1st Wednesdays, 7:00pm Minnesota Atheists Burnsville Book Club. Davanni's, 14639 County 5th Sundays, 5:00pm (January, April, July, Sept, Road 11, Burnsville MN 55337. Meet in the To sign up for Minnesota Atheists Dec). Dinner. Old Party Room. Meetups, visit atheists.meetup.com/493. Spaghetti Factory, 233 Park Ave., Minneapolis. Get together for drinks and pasta.

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THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST JUNE 2012

MN Atheists 2012-13 Goal Setting Meeting

On Saturday, July 8th, Minnesota Atheists will hold a Goal Setting Meeting. This will be similar to the "2011 Goal Setting Meeting" held last year. The purpose of this meeting is to: • Review past MN Atheists activity from January 2011 to May 2012, and whether we have met the goals, • A round-table discussion of 2012 and 2013 goals, • And a round-table discussion of what committees we need going forward and their goals. This will be an excellent opportunity to touch base with everyone, see that everyone knows what our organization is doing as a whole, and to have a clear sense of where we are headed in the coming year. The meeting will be held at the Larpenteur Estates party room, located at 1276 Larpenteur Avenue in St. Paul at 1:00 The meeting is open to all dues paying members.

“Simply being taught one religion and no others early in life is not a reasonable justification for believing that your religion is best and makes more sense than all the others” -Guy P. Harrison, 50 Popular Beliefs that People Think are True, page 252 (©2012)

Check us out on the radio! AM950 on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. PAGE 16