Volume 19 Number 7 July / August 2009

Minnesota Atheists at Twin Cities’ GLBT Pride Festival

On Sunday, June 28th, Minne- Left, above, photo credit: August Berkshire. sota Atheists marched in the pa- Below, photo credit: Tom Riddering. rade during the Twin Cities’ GLBT Pride Festival. We also hosted a booth during the festi- val, where we passed out flyers, buttons, and showed freethinkers of all sexual orientations that they are not alone.

See the President’s Column (page 3) for an answer to why we feel it’s important to partici- pate in this event.

See page 12 for more photos of the event. PAGE 2 THE ATHEIST VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 In This Issue… Minnesota Atheists Board of Directors

[email protected] President's Column 3 Published by Minnesota Atheists, President: Bjorn Watland P.O. Box 6261, , MN 55406 [email protected], 612-708-5029 612-588-7031, [email protected] AHA Conference 3 Associate President: www.MinnesotaAtheists.org Jeannette Watland apres@mnatheists. Drag Me to Hell 4 Editorial Board, [email protected] org, 612-709-6719

Highway Clean-up 5 Chair of Board: Grant Steves James Zimmerman, Editor, 763-258-6000, [email protected], 651-774-1992 [email protected]

Atheist Top 30 6 Associate Chair: Jack Caravela Chief Photographer: Richard Trombley [email protected], 612-788-9665 Membership/change of address: 10 Commandments 7 Treasurer: Andy Flamm Shirley Moll, [email protected], [email protected], 612-251-3904 651-484-9277

The Tiller Murder 8 Secretary: George Kane Public Relations: George Kane [email protected], 651-488-8225 [email protected], 651-488-8225 Hostility to Reason 9 Director-at-Large: Cathy Prody [email protected], Atheists Weekly E-mail (AWE): Crystal Dervetski, astrocomfy@hotmail. MA Pub Night 9 Director-at-Large: Crystal Dervetski com [email protected] Beware Little People 10 Cable: Steve Petersen, [email protected], 651-484-9277

Financial Report 10 Webmaster: Bjorn Watland, Building Fund: [email protected], 612-708-5029 Picnic/Fundraiser 11 $116,927.60 Podcasts: Grant Hermanson, [email protected], Library Relocating 13

Honorary Copyright 2009 Minnesota Atheists. Fossil Hunting 14 Minnesota Atheists is an affiliate of Atheist Members Alliance International, , Cable Report 16 Dan Barker American Humanist Association, Council Gerald Erickson, PhD for , and International Humanist and Ethical Union. Film Review 17 Annie Laurie Gaylor Dick Hewetson Submit material for the newsletter to edi- The Sunny Skeptic 18 [email protected]. Submissions may be Robert M. Price, PhD edited. Publication is not guaranteed.

Things To Do 19 MNA Meetup members: 521 Life memberships: 31 Minnesota Atheists practices positive, inclusive, active, friendly neighborhood in order to: Minnesota Atheists Mission Statement   Providea community for Minnesota Atheists is dedicated to building a positive atheists; atheist community that actively promotes secular val- Educate the public about atheism; and ues through educational programs, social activities, Promote separation of and participation in public affairs. state and church. VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 3

President’s Column by Bjorn Watland Why Pride?

The end of June tradition, largely due to the efforts of agree with our identies. We seek marks the start of founding member August social justice and advocate for the our attendance at Berkshire. We continue this tradition rights of a minority. Members of the GLBT Pride for several reasons. GLBT community are also strong Festivals around First, GLBT Pride events have supporters of the separation of the state. First, we attend the Twin been very welcoming. If people, no church and state and we can use all Cities Pride Festival and Parade, matter their sexual orientation, are of the allies we can in that fight. then Rochester, LaCrosse, Duluth, gathered together to support an Lastly, GLBT Festivals are and Mankato. Some atheists are oppressed minority, I think that inexpensive to attend and a great puzzled. Of all the summer festivals, people are more aware of how to way to put our money where our why do we go to so many GBLT treat everyone fairly. There are also mouth is with regard to supporting Pride Festivals? Our attendance at plenty of GLBT atheists out there equality for all citizens, regardless of GLBT Fesivals has become a who are so exicted to see our sexual orientation. organization supporting their rights, I thank you for supporting both as an atheist and as a GLBT Minnesota Atheists and our effort to person. educate the public about atheism. Second, I think that the GLBT community and the atheist community have similarities. We are both hated by different religious groups. We both seek respect and understanding. We both can have difficulty with family who don't

American Humanist Association Conference by Nick Wallin upcoming new book Good Without Minnesota native PZ Myers gave a God, set to release in October; and speech of his acceptance of the During the first weekend in June, the lectures ranging from "Atheist Ethics" Humanist of the Year award. new directors of the University of to "Hope in Humanism". There was (Unfortunately, CASH was not able Minnesota student group CASH also a very interesting presentation on to afford the cost of the banquet to see (Campus Atheists, Skeptics, and Freethinkers in the Civil Rights Myers, our group's faculty advisor, Humanists) attended the annual Movement by Michael Estes. accept this prestigious award.) conference of the American Humanist There were also a few great The conference was an Association in Tempe, Arizona. speeches by famous freethinkers. Neil overwhelmingly positive experience. The weekend was divided into deGrasse Tyson, the famous The board learned a great deal about multiple breakout sessions during astrophysicist and TV personality, what Humanists stand for, and how which participants could choose one gave an excellent speech on science we freethinkers can and must stand up of three presentations to watch. education and raising inquisitive to change this country and this planet Sessions included: a talk by William children. Donald Johanson, the paleo- for the better. One message that stuck Lobdell, author of Losing My anthropologist who discovered with me was from Greg Epstein: Religion, describing his de- "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis) When we talk about being "good conversion from Born-Again enlightened the audience with a talk without God", our focus shouldn't be Christian to atheist; a preview of about Darwin and human origins. on the "without God"; it should be on Humanist chaplain Greg Epstein's Biologist, prolific blogger, and the "good". VOLUME 19 NUMBERPAGE 4 7 THE THEMINNESOTA MINNESOTA ATHEIS ATHEIST T VOLUME 19 NUMBERPAGE 74 Film Review Love Thy Neighbor

Drag Me to Hell: by Matthew Richardson A Minnesota Atheist Reel and Meal Experience

You may will send a demon to drag our pro- some idea of what our poor heroine Jack Caravela be won- tagonist down to the depths of hell in faces during the course of the story. d e r i n g three days' time. To make the moral In true old-fashioned horror style, why a group of atheists would and ethical issues more interesting, there are multiple false endings (I choose to see a film titled Drag Me Christine is being considered for a won't say how many), and a final to Hell. The short answer is that the promotion at work, and her male twist that caught most of us at least movie's co-writer and director, Sam boss has told her that he needs to see partly by surprise. At no point does Raimi, treats the concept of eternal evidence that she can make "the Drag Me to Hell turn into a slasher damnation about as seriously as we tough decisions" in order to consider film (it's rated PG-13); Raimi invests do. Mr. Raimi, recently at the helm her. Meanwhile, her competition for his characters with enough humanity of the three blockbuster Spider-Man the Assistant Manager job is whee- to make us care about them, and he films, decided to return to his roots doesn't dispose of them lightly. with his latest offering. Fans of the For a movie that those with Evil Dead series which launched Drag Me to Hell, 99 minutes, more refined tastes might dis- the filmmaker's career will wel- miss out of hand (although such come this throwback horror flick, released May 29, 2009 diverse reviewers as the Onion whose first wink to the genre comes Directed by Sam Raimi and the Wall Street Journal before the movie even begins, with were extremely complimentary), the retro Universal Pictures tag dling his way past the more experi- Drag Me to Hell provided some in- (Raimi opted for the rotating Earth enced Brown with underhanded tac- teresting conversation topics after- logo last seen in the early sixties tics. On top of that, the elderly wards. My favorite discussion was rather than the modern version). woman Christine turns down is any- about the relative merits of the char- Our group of about fifteen Min- thing but endearing, as we learn she acters, and whether they deserved nesota Atheists knew what to expect: has had two extensions already, has their fates. This just goes to show lots of hidden perils jumping onto no concept of personal hygiene, and that when a bunch of atheists gather the screen, quite a few disgusting is prone to violent outbursts against for pizza after a movie, stimulating scenes of projectile vomiting of eve- anyone who crosses her. conversation is bound to happen. rything from worms to embalming The story proceeds in neat It would be a mistake to claim fluid, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek chronological order, as the demonic intellectual aspirations for a movie humor. I'm sure I wouldn't have en- attacks become progressively worse titled Drag Me to Hell, and I'm sure joyed the film nearly as much if I and Christine enlists the aid of a for- its director would agree. There are had seen it alone. While we were all tune teller to find a way to lift the some wildly unlikely scenarios and too polite to talk during the film, my curse. During her ordeal, Christine gratuitous attempts to up the disgust- neighbors' nervous starts, averted tries to maintain her relationship o-meter readings. Still, I left with the eyes, and belly laughs made watch- with her boyfriend Clay, a young feeling that Raimi did just what he ing Drag Me to Hell into a fun psychology professor who is much set out to do: make a horror movie to shared experience. more likely to accept that Christine satisfy fans of his early work. The plot is simple: a young loan is having a mental breakdown than is officer named Christine Brown, a victim of a supernatural curse. played by a sympathetic and plucky Throw in a long-planned dinner Allison Lohman, declines to extend a party with Clay's ultra-snobby foreclosure notice on an elderly mother while Christine is fighting off woman, who then casts a curse that invisible monsters, and you have VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 5

Highway Clean-up

On Sunday, May 30th, Minnesota Atheists took to the streets, literally, as they participated in a highway clean-up in Rice, Minnesota. This was the largest turn-out for a highway clean-up in over five years. Members of Central Minnesota Friends Free of Theism came to help us out, too. If you’d like to participate in a future highway clean-up, mark your calendar for Sunday, September 27th. Contact Steve Peterson for more information.

Standing (left to right): Steve Petersen, Tom Stavros, Steve Rehn, Nia [last name unknown], Deb Doucette, Art Anderson, Jack Caravela, Shirley Moll, Brian Knoblock, Rachel Wilson, Cathy Prody, August Berk- shire, Stephanie Lommel, DJ Lommel. Kneeling (left to right): Rob Taylor, Richard Trombley, Clint Buhs. Photo credit: Steve Petersen. Russell’s Celestial Iced Teapot Picnic

Freethought Cryptogram Saturday, July 25th, 11:00 a.m. Como Park Midway Sgb mtfa fg bopfc oxoznfcjes fcpf afpeba tm $7/person

Here is your chance to hang out fg cjr, qosjeejes ijfc zopage, jefoddjsoewo with your favorite freethinkers! MN Atheists will be hosting a picnic, with grilled food (hot dogs peb fco wzjfjwpd rjeb. and hamburgers, veggie equiva- lents). We'll also have varieties of iced tea. Food will be served from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. We will then have groups who will go for -Rjwcod Geuzpn nature walks, geocaching, mini golf, and a visit to the zoo. Like it or not, Christian music is un- took place regarding Christian artists religious beliefs, and others celebrate doubtedly popular. Among my like Amy Grant, Petra, and DC Talk. science. In creating this list I fac- daughter’s peer group “Jesus Take Given the seemingly timeless popu- tored musical composition and anti- the Wheel,” by Carrie Underwood, is larity and ubiquity of pious music I ecclesiastical lyrics. Although this a very popular song that her friends felt the need to come up with a list of list consists of only 30 songs I will sing when they get together. During my favorite pro-atheist songs, many pretend to be Casey Kasem and in- my own adolescence I was an un- of which are delightfully sacrile- troduce them in the American Top 40 willing participant in an evangelical gious. Some of these songs promote show fashion starting with number youth group where many discussions rational , some satirize 30.

by Eric Jayne Atheist Top 30

30. “Heaven and Hell” The Who 1991 album This lyrically simple song will have you wondering if 13. “God Shuffled His Feet” Crash Test Dummies Keith Moon isn’t a god You’ll feel like Larry Craig when you’re toe-tapping to 29. “The Element Song” Tom Leher this clever melody Not exactly anti-ecclesiastical but a brilliant song about 12. “It Ain’t Necessarily So” Cher the Periodic Table Song about biblical baloney from George Gershwin op- 28. “Do You Realize??” Flaming Lips era, “Porgy & Bess” Humanistic lyrics that give awe to the cosmos 11. “The Only Way (Hymn)” Emerson Lake & Palmer 27. “Atheist Peace” Bad Religion A Hymn for humanists written by one of the best progres- Sometimes loud punk/metal is good for the soul sive rock bands 26. “The Galaxy Song” Monty Python 10. “Shuffering & Shmiling” Dead Prez Have a problem? Listening to this will make it (and you) African hip-hop dance song critical of Christian/western seem insignificant colonization 25. “God’s Song” Randy Newman 09. “Four Winds” Bright Eyes Newman unabashedly tells it how it is Modern folk-rock song lambasting the Torah, Koran and 24. “The Origin of Species” MC Frontalot Bible Funny rap song satirizing creationist arguments 08. “The Idiots are Taking Over” NOFX 23. “What if No One's Watching” Ani DiFranco Punk rock song echoing the angst we freethinking athe- Ani encourages us to not be afraid to ask questions and ists feel be skeptical 07. “Only the Good Die Young” Billy Joel 22. “Religion and Politics” Scott Beach Because atheists would “rather laugh with the sinners Hilarious spoken-word piece that is timeless than cry with the saints” 21. “Hellalujah” Insane Clown Posse 06. “Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a Sunbeam” Don’t listen to this hip-hop song around young children The Vaselines 20. “East Jesus Nowhere” Green Day An old children’s Christian song with an impious spin Anti-church song from Green Day’s latest album (later covered by Nirvana) 19. “Every Sperm in Sacred” Monty Python 05. “A Rational Response” Greydon Square Everyone should be familiar with this anti-Catholic co- YO! Square’s dropping fresh beats & cogent lyrics for medic gem! straight up freethought rap 18. “God” John Lennon Mark04. “Arc ofYour Time (Time Calendars! Code)” Bright Eyes John encourages us to believe in ourselves in lieu of dei- Techno dance song with great sarcastic lines about Je- ties and political idols sus, heaven and angels 17. “Jesus Loves Me (But He Can't Stand You)” Intergroup  Secular03. “The Meek Labor Shall Day Inherit Picnic Nothing”/ at “DumbSechler All Over”/Park Austin Lounge Lizards “Heavenly Bank Account” Frank Zappa Tongue-in-cheek country song depicting “red state” phi- Three Northfield,fantastic anti-religi MNous songs that MUST be lis- losophy Sunday, Septembertened to in succession 6th, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 16. “Superstar” Carl Anderson 02. “Imagine” John Lennon Somewhat satirical, “Jesus Christ Superstar”More thanrocks 9 andfreeth ought Just groups about everyonefrom the knows Midwest this beautiful will be humancomingistic together an- celebrates skepticism them in secular solidarity to celebrate Labor Day weekend. Potluck food, games, 15. “Fuck the Creationists” MC Hawking and a fossil hunting excursion01. “Dear are justGod” a few of theXTC events planned. MNA Self explanatory song title performed by a Stephen This has it all: catchy melody, powerful Hawking impersonator will be sponsoring a fundraiser: One day only Geocaching event in the park. singing and unapologetic lyrics 14. “Shallow Be Thy Name” Red HotGPS Chili will Peppers be available for use so all can play. More information will be Alternative rock anti-God song from theavai band’slable classic as the date draws near. Hope to see you there! VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 7

Updated Ten Commandments

Member Matthew Richardson spotted this slightly altered version of the legendary ‘Law of Moses’ on a vehicle in the Twin Cities. In violation of Revelation 22:18 and 19, the owner of this vehicle took it upon himself to modify and display his version of the commandments. A few of the more notable points on this tweaking of an old favorite: -Though the list is titled “Jesus’s 10 Commands,” the reference for this list is given as Exodus 21—a chapter from the Old Testament. -The hood blocks a full view of the nu- meration, but there appears to be 11, not 10 commandments here. -Jesus must have invented the dollar sign. -Apparently, honoring your parents will approximately equal plus live minus longer. PAGE 8 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7

The Tiller Murder

On a tions last year, we decided that we cal state. Rather, it is actually a S u n d a y had to include protection of repro- valuation – it is when we say to the morning at ductive choice among them. Al- offspring “we recognize you as one the end of though it might be possible to come of us, and confer to you the same May, Dr. up with purely secular arguments for rights we recognize for each other.” George Kane G e o r g e opposing the legal right to abort So the real question is not “how do T i l l e r , one’s pregnancy, in fact the political we identify when this medical mo- who was movement to outlaw abortion con- ment of personhood appears,” but well known as one of the few doc- sists of religious groups making reli- instead “how do we justify assigning tors in the country who performed gious arguments. In order to fight for personhood to this point in develop- late-term abortions, walked into Ref- the strict separation of church and ment rather than any other?” ormation Lutheran Church in Wich- state, we are forced to refute these The answer that you reach will ita Kansas, which he had attended arguments. depend on what you consider the regularly for years. Inside the To assert that abortion is murder, source of moral value. As an atheist, church, long-time anti-abortion ac- abortion opponents have to identify of course I reject “divine declara- tivist Scott Roeder shot and killed the conceptus as a person. In the tion,” but I also reject as the basis him. magical mind-set of religion, this is for law moral judgments that are Many online abortion opponents justified by asserting that God subjective or arbitrary. I reject as in- could not conceal their delight with breathes a soul into a person at the valid, therefore, the argument made Roeder’s “street justice.” Dr. Tiller moment of conception. To a nonreli- by showing supposed pictures of fe- had also for years been the object of gious person it is counterintuitive, tuses early in development and say- incendiary attacks from Bill even comical, to call a fertilized egg ing “Look, you can’t murder this! O’Reilly of Fox News, which many a ‘person,’ like calling an acorn a It’s too cute!” blame for inciting Roeder to the tree. They will usually suggest some I am a utilitarian, so I believe that murder. Abortion opponents rankle, other medical event as the magic law must be justified by promoting of course, at the notion that they bear moment when ‘personhood’ arises. the greatest good for the greatest any responsibility for the criminal Court cases like Roe v. Wade and number. In utilitarian analysis we violence of extremists like Roeder. legislation usually point to calendar always have to take into account the They point out that the mainline dates, while the more medically- effect of an action upon everyone anti-abortion organizations de- minded will identify personhood affected by it. The problem be- nounced Dr. Tiller’s murder, and with responsiveness to pain, brain- comes, when do we include the wel- that few of them would ever engage wave activity, or viability. Once it is fare of the fetus in this calculation? in violence. Nevertheless, the argu- admitted that abortion after a certain Once we do, then abortion is murder, ment on which religious opposition point is murder, the rhetorical task and we cannot counterbalance an to abortion is always based, that becomes much easier for the abor- individual’s loss of life with any abortion is murder, is inherently in- tion opponent: he just needs to keep small benefit no matter how widely flammatory. If they insist that Dr. moving that date earlier. If abortion distributed. But that would be circu- Tiller committed hundreds of mur- is murder after 24 weeks, why not lar reasoning – assigning ders, they can hardly denounce his 23? Why not 20? Why not one? If ‘personhood’ in order to determine own murder as inappropriate or dis- independent viability is the issue, when we should assign personhood. proportionate punishment. Their ar- advances in medical care are con- A consequential analysis is only pos- guments justify violating the law by tinuously bringing that date in. If in sible if we decide when an abortion appealing to a higher law. vitro gestation should ever become should be permissible by examining An atheist’s position on abortion possible, would we have to move the consequences to society as a does not follow necessarily from dis- ‘personhood’ back to conception? whole. belief in supernatural gods. Never- But this entire ‘magic moment’ I think that the highest quality theless, when a committee of the form of argument is wrong because of . Board drafted our public policy posi- it mistakes ‘personhood’ for a medi- (continued on page 9) VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 9 Hostility to Reason by Eric Jayne Kersten, and her atheist-bashing ilk, that the SS belt buckles Nazi soldiers (editor’s note: wore during the Holocaust bared the This article first appeared in the motto: "Gott mit uns" (God is with June 17th edition of the Star Trib- us). une. It is a response to Katherine Kersten ends her article by sug- Kersten’s article “Hostility to Relig- gesting that Social Darwinism is a ion Bodes Ill for Society,” which ap- legitimate science that promotes the peared in the June 7th Star Tribune. notion of the survival of the fittest. The premise of Kersten’s article was Therefore, Kersten argues, scientific that religion, Christianity in particu- crediting Christianity for human progress needs to be constrained by lar, is necessary to keep scientific compassion. In making her assertion religion so that the poor and vulner- progress in check. She argued that she conveniently ignores the numer- able citizens of society are protected. without Judeo-Christian beliefs, so- ous Bible passages where the blood- Her position might have merit if So- ciety would be morally corrupt and thirsty Judeo-Christian God con- cial Darwinism were an actual sci- incapable of compassion. ) dones war and ethnic cleansing. In ence, but it's nothing more than Numbers 31: 17-18, for example, pseudo-science just like astrology I am convinced that there is abso- God actively calls for the killing of and intelligent design. Darwin's the- lutely no value to the muddled ram- male children and the raping of fe- ory of evolution by natural selection blings of Katherine Kersten. In her male children. That's one of the is a biological science that was never recent column, "Hostility to religion many Bible passages Kersten is intended to be co-opted by the social bodes ill for society," she shame- forced to gloss over when she touts sciences. In fact, Charles Darwin lessly blames secular freethought that Judeo-Christianity teaches us wrote that human beings could not and atheism for infanticide, the "universal standards of right and "check our sympathy even at the Holocaust and general draconian at- wrong." Also, since she had brought urging of hard reason without dete- titudes toward social welfare while up Hitler, I would like to point out to rioration in the noblest part of our nature." If Kersten simply under- stood legitimate science she proba- Minnesota Atheists Pub Night at Sweeney's Saloon bly wouldn't be so afraid of it, and she might even tone down her spite- ful and erroneous anti-secular rheto- ric. On June 6th, more than 50 atheists crammed themselves into a private room at Sweeney's Saloon to socialize, have drinks, and eat some de- licious food. Now we all know that we don't have to wait until the State Fair to eat some deep-fried dill pickles. The staff at Sweeney’s (George Kane, continued from page 8) were absolutely wonderful to everyone, and our waitress was really of life in America will be reached if on top of all of those orders. As the evening was wrapping up, one of the abortion decision is left to the the bartenders asked for Minnesota Atheists contact information, gave woman, in consultation with her Crystal and Vic a huge hug, and said “Now I know I'm not alone.” mate, her doctor, and her support All in all, a night well spent among friends old and new. group. Of course I could be wrong, but until I am shown that I am, I can only conclude that elective abortion should be legal. To see the Minnesota Atheists’ public policy on reproductive rights, go to http://mnatheists.org/ content/view/133/71/ PAGE 10 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7

Beware the Little People!

by Vic Tanner 16.5% of Icelanders think their exis- world. Of course, the children were- tence is “likely”. n't the ones asking to be hidden, but Is “Atheist” a Of course, there are worse beliefs God never has spent too much time strong enough to have. After all, belief in a race of in the “judging” part of his job. In a word for skeptical diminutive trouble-makers usually further step of pagan-Christian syn- thinkers? It really doesn't fill people with a desire to cretism, some Icelanders have been only denotes a non- overthrow the government or deny known to build little churches to try belief in gods and, others their civil rights. It may in- to convert the Huldufólk to Christi- as we all know, volve building little houses in your anity, perhaps in an effort to get there are many more wacky things yard, true, but they usually won't ask them to burn down little abortion out there. What's stranger than be- the government to help fund them. clinics. lieving that an invisible friend is Just the tiny little Home Depot down In the last decade, there has been watching over your every move? Or the street. a noticeable decrease in religious be- than believing that the world is only The origins of the Huldufólk sto- lief, but unfortunately there also ap- 6,000 years old despite the evidence ries probably stem from a long ex- pears to be a rise in revivals of old to the contrary? How about believing tinct pre-Christian mythology. How- religious customs. And, of course, that a race of tiny elves that cannot ever, in practice, belief in Huldufólk people still love Bigfoot. Do these be seen by human eyes are inhabiting and Christianity often mix. One ver- beliefs tap into some kind of human the world all around us? sion of the Hidden People story even need for magic and wonder in the In Iceland, there is a deeply held ties their birth narrative into the Bib- world? Are humans programmed to belief in the existence of the Hul- lical story of Genesis. In it, Eve, in think in some sort of mythological dufólk, or Hidden People. Even one of her well known acts of dis- imagery? Perhaps. But, if you are though Iceland is a largely secular obedience, hides some of her chil- going to believe in some sort of su- country with low church attendance, dren from God, who (in a reactionary pernatural belief, just make sure it's a many inhabitants of the frozen coun- manner typical of his Old Testament harmless one. After all, just because try believe that the Huldufólk are behavior) condemns them all to a life the story exists, doesn't mean we real. A 2006 survey concluded that of never being seen by the rest of the have to believe it.

Financial Report—June 2009

Building Fund: $838.00 Radio Fund: $90.00 Visibility (General) Fund: $1217.28

Dennis Griebenow $25.00 Erik Englebretson $50.00 Guy Harper $25.00 Guy Harper $25.00 Art Scearcy $40.00 Ken Holmbeck $25.00 Brian Knoblock $253.00 Owen Konecnik $21.00 Christopher Matthews $100.00 Paul Larson $145.00 Vanita Mishra $100.00 Shirley Moll & Steve Petersen Daniel Norte $36.00 $20.00 Nancy Ruhland $20.00 Richard Trombley $30.00 Richard Trombley $35.00 Anonymous $951.28 James Whitney $25.00 Rachel Wilson $100.00 Vern Young $100.00 Anonymous $20.00 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 11

by Bjorn Watland

First, a big "Thank You!" to eve- ryone who helped out with the Dinner Fundraiser on May 31st. I know I had a great time meeting so many new people.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster Dinner Fundraiser

Second, if you liked hanging out with like minded people, we'll be doing that again at Columbia Park in NE Minneapolis on July 19th at noon for the Freethought Picnic sponsored by Humanists of Minnesota. There will be a third picnic on August 16th, sponsored by us (also at noon at Columbia park). If you had no idea we have such a diverse community of atheists, now is your chance to meet the university stu- dents who are doing their part to build a community at the U for athe- ists.

Finally, with your help, we raised over $1,100 at the spaghetti din- ner fundraiser and had over 130 people drop in. You may think to yourself, what in the world would an atheist group do with that money? Well, we do have a three-part mission… (See page 2 for that.)

Photo credit: Brooks Peterson. VOLUME 19 NUMBERPAGE 12 7 THE THEMINNESOTA MINNESOTA ATHEIS ATHEIST T VOLUME 19 NUMBERPAGE 12 7

More Photos from the Twin Cities’ GLBT Pride Festival

Photo credit: August Berkshire. VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 13

Library Relocating

Left: Packing the library, from left: Art Anderson, Steve Petersen, Jim Barri, Rachel Wilson, Shirely Moll, Tom Riddering. Photo credit: August Berkshire.

From left to right: Rachel Wilson, Joseph Homrich, Art Anderson and Au- gust Berkshire take a break from packing to smile for the camera. Photo credit: Tom Riddering.

The Minnesota Atheists’ library was evicted last month when Tom and Jean Riddering (who played host to the library at his home) announced they was moving. The 1,300 volume Merrill R. Holste library was pack- aged and placed into the garage on May sixteenth, then moved into a Minneapolis storage facility on May twenty-second. The Merrill R. Holste library is one of the largest atheist/humanist/ freethought libraries in the Upper Midwest. It was collected by Merrill Holste and donated to Minnesota Atheists by his widow, Esther Holste. Bob Schmitz, Jack Caravela, Jim Barri His son Peter is a current member of and August Berkshire try to fit the li- MNA. Read about Merrill’s history brary into a moving van. at. http://mnatheists.org/page2/files/ Photo credit: Tom Riddering. oct03.pdf PAGE 14 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7

Photo credit:: Richard Trombley VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 15 Fossil Hunting at Lilydale Park by Crystal Dervetski beautiful, the fossils were abundant, tember 6th in Northfield, MN. Crys- and the socialization couldn’t be tal and Vic will take everyone out to On June 20th, Minnesota Atheists beat! a very easy site after the picnic that met at Lilydale Park in St. Paul for a Mark your calendars for an easy is right next to a road; no hiking in- fossil hunting adventure. Everyone fossil hunt at the Intergroup Secular volved! met outside in the parking lot, Labor Day Picnic on Saturday, Sep- grabbed an information packet about the park and the fossils, and then made the hike up to the three fossil beds located in the park. Everyone found something, and had a great time sharing their finds with one an- other. Families were out in full force, and even some of the really tiny ones made the trek up the hill. After the find, everyone came back down and drank some much needed water and munched on granola bars. The adults were entertained by a miming of a light saber battle and a spot-on impersonation of C-3PO, courtesy of a couple of the youngest fossil adventurers. The weather was

Photo credit: Richard Trombley

Left, above, and right, photo credit: Jennifer Zimmerman PAGE 16 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 Cable Report

Grant Steves, right, interviews Ted Meissner on the topic of Buddhism. Photo credit: Grant Hermanson.

Grant Steves, left, and Chester O’Gor- man attempt to comprehend James Zim- merman’s fascination with finger wag- by Steve Petersen Podcasts: MinnesotaAtheists.org. gling. Made possible by Grant Hermanson. Photo credit: Steve Petersen. For our June taping James Zimmerman interviewed Grant Steves and Chester Cable Schedule: O’Gorman who jointly preside over the Burnsville / Eagan Community and 1:30 p.m. Sponsors: David and Secular Bible Study. The first program, Television: Channel 14. Check their Joanne Beardsley. titled “The Secular Bible Study” was a web site www.bect.tv for day and discussion of two people who clearly enjoy each other’s intellectual capacity times. Sponsor: Kevin Hardisty. Minneapolis: Channel 17. Saturday to have a civil discourse of their differ- 8:30 p.m. Sponsor: Steve Petersen. ent religious views. This was a friendly, Bloomington: Channel 16. Mon- freewheeling in depth- day 9:30 p.m., Tuesday 5:30 a.m. Rochester: Channel 10. Tuesday, discussion. The second Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 p.m. program was “The An- Sponsor: Jim Salutz. thropology of Religion.” This was a serious discus- Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, sion about religion. The North Oaks, Little Canada, Falcon two books referenced were: Introducing Anthro- Heights, Lauderdale, Mounds pology of Religion by View, New Brighton: Channel 14. Jack David Eller and Re- Wednesday 10:30 p.m. Sponsor: ligion Explained by Pas- Steve Petersen. cal Boyer. St. Cloud: Channel 12. Thursday Cable Crew: Art 8:30 p.m. Sponsor: Jack Richter. Anderson, Brett Stem- bridge, Shirley Moll, Stillwater: Channel 16. Tuesday Steve Petersen, Wendy 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Steinberg and Grant Sponsor: Lee Salisbury. Hermanson. VOLUME 19 NUMBERPAGE 17 7 THE THEMINNESOTA MINNESOTA ATHEIS ATHEIST T VOLUME 19 NUMBERPAGE 177 MINNESOTA ATHEISTS ESTABLISHED 1991 POSITIVE ATHEISM IN Film Review

Film Review: Up

If we take and the possibility of a new adventure” – pear plot holes. Though, or course, we the word and such viewer-dependent interpreta- are willing to engage in a suspension of Cinema at tions are far richer than being verbally disbelief in a quid pro quo for an enter- its root told what is happening (or what is about taining time at the theater, the film’s James Zimmerman (from the to happen). verisimilitude is stretched a tad too thin Greek kine- It probably goes without saying that a in places here. Our hero, Carl, alights sis, meaning “movement”), then pure film titled Up is bound to cast its cam- upon one end of a crescent-shaped pla- cinema has been dying since the advent eras heavenward from time to time. The teau and quickly makes it his goal to of synchronized sound. Too many mov- hero and his wife marry in a religious walk to the other end. In several shots, ies are simply footage of people talking, ceremony (Catholic, by the looks of it), we see the crescent as a jagged, barren or of a camera sitting idly by recording but this brief scene tells us more about landscape. During the trek, however, whatever happens to be going on in front the humorous mismatch of the newly- Carl must trudge through forests, high of it. In its purest form, perhaps film related families than it does about their cliffs, caves, and other features. Worse, continued to exist only in the creations theist leanings. Later, Carl is shown Carl agrees to a mission of mercy, in of those (such as Chaplin and Hitch- which it appears he completely back cock) who first mastered their trade and Up, 96 minutes, tracks his days-long journey in a matter came to prominence during film’s silent of hours. Later, we meet up with Carl’s era. released May 29, 2009 childhood hero – a plot point that left me But Pixar does an admirable job of Directed by Peter Docter scratching my head: the chronology is bringing audiences a delicacy for the completely baffling. For a film so eyes. In a style first explored in Toy rooted in reality at the outset, the bizarre, Story, expanded upon in Monsters, Inc., wistfully speaking to a deceased relative, fantastical exposition of the final two- and brought to perfection in WALL·E, but it’s unclear if he really believes he is thirds of the film doesn’t fit quite right. the animation studio succeeds in telling addressing an angel, or if this is just a A scene of Kevin (a giant bird) fawning a tale via visuals with its latest offering: coping mechanism; a means for Carl to over Russell is particularly cringe- Up. sort out his problems when he no longer inducing. I kept wondering if Up would In the first fifteen minutes of Up, we has a live com- conclude with a are treated to a narrative – told almost panion by his dazed Carl waking entirely without words – of love found, side. Russell, a from a dream. promises made, and decades lived in the juvenile charac- But a flawed lives of Carl and Ellie. It’s a poignant ter with mem- Pixar film is still, story, and the promises made and bership in the after all, a Pixar film. dreams lost in the picture-perfect mon- Wilderness Ex- And that equates to a tage bring equal parts laughter and tears. plorers’ Club, is memorable experi- Even once the film catches up to the confused by ence at the theater present-day, and the actual dialogue be- Carl’s one-sided and, I’m predicting, gins, we are still offered visuals in favor conversations. the Best Animated of explanatory discourses. I found my- His club must Film of the year. self sitting in the theater thinking, “Ah not be spon- yes, he’s remembering the promise to his sored by a relig- Depiction, where wife,” and “Oh, he’s trying to decide ion. explicit or implicit, between carrying out his original plan If there is a of deities (0 = very downside to Up, however, it’s in details. theistic; 5 = very atheistic): 4/5 Pixar’s normally tight – if not flawless – Depiction, whether explicit or im- screenplays are rightfully lauded for Cryptogram answer plicit, of religion: 4/5 their exceptional quality. Indeed, Pixar God puts to death everything that stands has a made a name for itself by ac- View of valuing this life as opposed up to him, beginning with reason, intelli- knowledging that its audience is not to an afterlife: 5/5 gence and the critical mind. merely a roomful of wide-eyed children Positive view of self-reliance: 5/5 gobbling up whatever is offered. For Championship of reason: 4/5 -Michel Onfray the first time in Pixar’s feature-length Bottom line: 4/5 film-making career, however, there ap- PAGE 18 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 The Sunny Skeptic How Did You Hear About Us and Why Did You Join?

When you You don't have to be specific, but counted was good enough. join up something even as general as I know that my “why” answer with Min- 'internet search', 'friend', 'event', or would be quite different today. n e s o t a 'found a Minnesota Atheist pen' Minnesota Atheists has provided a Atheists, really helps us figure some informa- community where I feel welcomed you are tion out. 'Internet search' means we and productive. Minnesota Atheists Crystal Dervetski asked two have some kind of web presence that events give me social activities questions: people can access as needed. where I can always be myself. As “How did 'Friend' means people are talking corny as it sounds, in some ways you hear about Minnesota Athe- about us and recommending us, Minnesota Atheists has made me ists?” and “Why did you join Min- which is great! 'Event' means you feel better about my life. Now I nesota Atheists?” went to a social or educational event know that I would still be able to I know, you're an atheist, you're a presented by us and you liked it. live a full, enriched life no matter skeptic, and you're cynical about You really, really liked it. ‘Found a what happens to me. I know I these questions. It's totally under- pen?’ Order more pens! I'm sure would have a network of support standable if it seems like they are you can see that even these general with Minnesota Atheists. bordering on an intrusion of your statements assist us in figuring out One of the best things about be- privacy. You do not, of course, where we are most needed, and ex- ing an atheist is that it's not like have to answer these questions at actly what is working in spreading we're going to twist your arm. You all. Please keep in mind, though, the word. don't have to tell us anything you there are a few really basic reasons don't want. Go ahead and be a se- why we'd like to know these two WHY? cretive hermit, you're still an atheist things about you. Why did you join? No, seriously. and we really respect you for that. I Do you want to be involved in ac- just want all to be aware that the HOW? tivities, do you want educational more we know, the better we can Knowing how you found out about events, do you want to contribute serve our membership and grow as us helps us increase our viability. If financially, do you want to volun- an organization. we weren't sure where the majority teer? What do you want out of Min- So, what do you want from Min- of our members were hearing about nesota Atheists? Again, there's nesota Atheists? Email the board of Minnesota Atheists, it would be like nothing we can do for you or make directors at [email protected] a shot in the dark as to what we available to you if we don't know or you can also email any of us indi- should be doing to raise awareness what it is that you want. vidually. We are all here for the of atheism in our area. Because When I originally joined, I did members of MNA, and will do any- people answer the 'how', we know if so only to be 'counted' as an atheist thing we can to support our group what we're doing is even reaching in Minnesota. I had absolutely no and its membership. people. Effective outreach will help intention of being involved in any us grow and attain more members. way, and I wasn't at first; being Electronic MNA Newsletters

Increase the effectiveness of your Minnesota Atheists membership dues—switch from a paper to an electronic newsletter. It costs us about $22.00 per year per person to print and mail a paper version of the newsletter. It costs us nothing to email an electronic version. Also, you’ll receive the electronic version sooner and it will be in full color. If you’re interested in making the switch from the paper to the electronic version of our newslet- ter, please contact [email protected]. VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7 THE MINNESOTA ATHEIST PAGE 19

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Things to do, places to go: A calendar for atheists

Sundays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Atheist/ Roger Belfay, (651) 222-2782 or George cashumn.org for program and location. Agnostic Alcoholics Anonymous, 3249 Kane, [email protected]. Hennepin Ave. S., #55 (Men’s Center, in 1st Thursday, 6-9 p.m., “Atheists Talk” the basement) Minneapolis, Open to men 2nd and 4th Monday, 5-7 p.m., Dinner TV taping. MTN, Studio A, 125 SE and women. FFI: tcAgnostic@gmail. Social. Davanni’s Restaurant, 2312 W. Main St., Minneapolis. Steve Petersen, com 66th Street (corner of Penn Ave. and 66th (651) 484-9277. St.), Richfield, Bob/Marilyn Nienkerk, 3rd Sunday, 1-3:30 p.m., Minnesota (612) 866-6200. 2nd Thursday, evening. Rochester Area Atheists Monthly Meeting. (No meet- Freethinkers monthly get-together. Bill ing in July or August.) See MNAtheists. 1st Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Lunch Social. Kass, [email protected] or org for details. Old Country Buffet, Co. Road B2 be- (507) 259-4237. tween Snelling and Fairview, Roseville. Every Sunday, 10:30 - noon, Brunch Bob/Marilyn Nienkerk, (612) 866-6200. 3rd Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Minnesota Social. Q.Cumbers, 7465 France Ave- Atheists board meeting. Location var- nue South,| Edina. Bring your AWE for 3rd Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Lunch So- ies. Grant Steves, 651-774-1992 a $2 discount. cial. New China Buffet, 105 85th Ave.

NW, Coon Rapids. Bill Volna, (612) th 5 Sunday, Fundraiser Dinner for 781-4273. To sign up for Atheists Weekly Building Fund. Price: $6.66. (May, Au- E-mail (AWE), send a request to gust, and November 2009). 4th Wednesday, Meal and a Reel, Up- town, Minneapolis (Hennepin Ave. and [email protected]. st rd 1 and 3 Monday, 6 p.m., Freethought Lake St.) 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m. movie. Toastmasters Club. Larpenteur Estates George Kane, [email protected]. Details in To sign up for Minnesota Atheists apartment complex, 1280 Larpenteur Atheists Weekly E-mail. Meetups, go to

Ave. W., St. Paul. (Park directly in back http://atheists.meetup.com/493. and follow sidewalk to Party Room.) Thursdays, 7 p.m., Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists (CASH) See NONPROFIT Minnesota Atheists ORGANIZATION P.O. Box 6261 U.S. Postage Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406-0261 PAID We’re on the Web! Minneapolis MN ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED www.mnatheists.org Permit No. 1613

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