Do Children Need Religion?

74957 SUMMER 1994, VOL. 14, NO. 3 ISSN 0272-0701 Free Contents Editor: Paul Kurtz Senior Editors: Vern Bullough, Thomas Flynn, Gerald Larue, Gordon Stein 3 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Executive Editor: Timothy J. Madigan Managing Editor: Andrea Szalanski 4 EDITORIALS Contributing Editors: Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Kiryas Joel School Case, Robert S. Alley, Joe E. Barnhart, David Berman, Lisa H. Thurau / NBC's Cynically Skewed Reporting on the `Power H. James Birx, Jo Ann Boydston, Bonnie Bullough, Paul Edwards, Albert Ellis, Roy P. Fairfield, Charles of Prayer,' Gary P. Posner / Catholic-Evangelical Compact W. Faulkner, Antony Flew, Levi Fragell, Adolf Showcases Newhaus's Rising Star, Tom Flynn / The Crisis of Grünbaum, Marvin Kohl, Jean Kotkin, Thelma Lavine, Tibor Machan, Ronald A. Lindsay, Michael the Black Religious Intellectual, Norm Allen, Jr. / Some Lessons Martin, Delos B. McKown, Lee Nisbet, John Novak, for Humanists, Paul Kurtz / The Waco Tragedy, James A. Haught Skipp Porteous, Howard Radest, Robert Rimmer, Michael Rockier, Svetozar Stojanovic, Thomas / Oral Roberts on Jim Bakker, Martin Gardner / Baring the Szasz, V. M. Tarkunde, Richard Taylor, Rob Threat, Skipp Porteous Tielman 17 ON THE BARRICADES Associate Editors: Janey L. Levy and Molleen Matsumura

DO CHILDREN NEED RELIGION? Editorial Associates: 18 Introduction Doris Doyle, Thomas Franczyk, Roger Greeley, Andrea Szalanski Steven L. Mitchell, Warren Allen Smith 19 'So, What Do You Teach Your Kids?' Tom Malone Chairman, CODESH, Inc.: Paul Kurtz 21 `I'm on Fire to Explain' Kenneth Marsalek Chief Development Officer: James Kimberly 22 Ingersoll on Children and Morality Roger Greeley Public Relations Director: Norm R. Allen, Jr. 23 How Religion Impedes Moral Development Brad Clark 25 Honest to God Executive Director, Secular Organizations for Gerald Larue Sobriety: James Christopher 28 Do Children Need Religion? Chief Data Officer: Richard Seymour An Interview with Martha Fay Molleen Matsumura Fulfillment Manager: Michael Cione 31 Children Don't Need Religion Edythe McGovern 33 Filling a Gap in the Guides Lisa Kuhmerker Typesetting: Paul E. Loynes 36 Filling a Child's Head with Nonsense Timothy J. Madigan Graphic Designer: Jacqueline Cooke 37 Peer Pressure and Children's Religious Belief Norma Howe Audio Technician: Vance Vigrass 40 Further Reading: Constructing Educational Bridges Over Walls Staff of Separation, John M Novak / Nel Noddings Replies / First Georgeia Locurcio, Anthony Nigro, Ranjit Sandhu Books, Molleen Matsumura FREE INQUIRY (ISSN 0272-0701) is published quarterly by the Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (CODESH, Inc.), a nonprofit corpora- HUMANISM AND THE ARTS tion, 3965 Rensch Road, Buffalo, NY 14228-2713. 44 'The Humanist' Warren Allen Smith Phone (716) 636-7571. Fax (716) 636-1733. Copyright ©1994 by CODESH, Inc. Second-class 46 Ghana and Humanism: postage paid at Buffalo, N.Y., and at additional mailing offices. National distribution by Inter- Report of a Visit Vern L. Bullough and Bonnie Bullough national Periodicals Distributors, Solana Beach, 49 California. FREE INQUIRY is available from University Sowing the Seeds of Secular Humanism Microfilms and is indexed in Philosophers' Index. in Mexico Patricia Lopez-Zaragoza Printed in the United States. Subscription rates: $25.00 for one year, $43.00 for 51 Was Ayn Rand a Humanist? Jeff Walker two years, $59.00 for three years, $6.25 for single issues. Address subscription orders, changes of 56 Biblical Contradictions Regarding Salvation ... Theodore Drange address, and advertising to: FREE INQUIRY, Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226-0664. 58 REVIEWS Manuscripts, letters, and editorial inquiries should Understanding Modern Secular Humanism, be addressed to: The Editor, FREE INQUIRY, Box 664, Michael Rockler / Buffalo, NY 14226-0664. All manuscripts must be The Dreams that Stuff Is Made Of, Victor J. Stenger I Bertrand typed double-spaced and should be accompanied by Russell at His Best, Warren Allen Smith / Lies, Credulity, a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ignorance, and More Lies, John George / Academy of Humanism editors or publisher. Postmaster: Send address Profiles: Science and Culture, Fabiola Aguirre and Searching for changes to FREE INQUIRY, Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226-0664. an Answer to Suffering, Timothy J. Madigan / Books in Brief 67 IN THE NAME OF GOD

Cover photo by John Parascak, design by Jackie Cooke

One picture (or cartoon) is worth a thousand words. The illustration on page 28 (FI, Spring 1994) says it all elo- Letters to the Editor quently—the anchorlike cross towed behind the van is a major drag not only to population control but to all enlight- ened civilization's progress and development as well. Overpopulation the United States, the disastrous overpopulation that already exists is reflected Andrew Vena A life-long atheist and humanist, I'm in the environmental impact, local as well Philadelphia, Pa. forced to ally myself with the Catholic as global, of our way of life. Reducing church against the attack by Stephen consumption is not the only answer; we Overpopulation is the major problem in

Mumford ("Overcoming Overpopula- must reduce our numbers as well. But most poor or less developed countries. tion: The Rise and Fall of American even among environmentalists, only the This is well documented in your sym- Political Will," FI, Spring 1994). The Cousteau Society prominently advances posium. Catholic church is wrong regarding its this as one of their most important issues. All life is subject to the rule of opposition to birth control, but Mum- Sadly, too many others are still burdened "carrying capacity." China was one of ford is wrong in opposing the humanistic with the leftists/ Third World ideology the first nations forced to understand this values of the Catholic church. that the overpopulation issue is tanta- and acted accordingly. Overpopulation He accuses the Catholic church of mount to racism (which is why we didn't is becoming a problem, as a result of holding that "Every human being has see this discussed at Rio). I am happy high immigration, in California and a right to migrate to the United States to see you take up the issue. Florida and is overtaxing welfare pro- and take up residence there—to seek grams and infrastructure. better living conditions." Why not? Some Dr. Bruce Scott Jan Narveson should remain a phi- of us in the United States would do Max-Planck-Institut fur losopher at the University of Waterloo. anything to take up residence in London Plasmaphysik, Germany I wish him the best in that beautiful or Paris. And why is it that merchan- country with no overpopulation dise, from shoes to automobiles, have I do not know the origin of the "develop- problems. more rights to travel than human beings? mental human condition equation" cited If we are to use any criteria for by R. T. Ravenholt ("Taking Contra- Dr. R. H. Stover overpopulation other than the subjective ceptives to the World's Poor," FI, Spring La Lima, Honduras, C.A. feelings of Mr. Mumford, I would sug- 1994), but it is so flawed as to be utterly Area: 112,000 square km gest the per capita wastage of nonrenew- worthless. One person occupying the (Population: 6 million, able natural resources as a criteria. Then planet would be the highest attainable doubling every 20 years) America is the most overpopulated condition, an absurd hypothesis if ever country on Earth. Overpopulation in there was one. His explanatory para- What are we to make of a secularist most Third World countries is evidence graph is also full of errors. Food, hous- coming down on the side of the pope only of a lack of jobs. ing, classrooms, and contraceptives are (and many other less-publicized clerics Yes, we should support birth control, not resources. They are goods created of various religions, from Judaism to but not because of the "danger" of over- by men and women from resources, Islam)? Does Jan Narveson really believe population but because women have a labor, and ingenuity. The creation and that there is no environmental degrada- right to a full life, which is not possible distribution of these and other goods are tion and that the unprecedented extir- if their only role is that of childbearers. what advances the human condition. pation of species will never affect Homo Rather than having an "insouciant sapiens? Or could it be that Narveson Earl Gilman attitude," Jan Narveson ("A Dissenting is a libertarian and, as such, he feels San Francisco, Calif. Viewpoint: The Overpopulation Scare," compelled to twist the evidence to FI, Spring 1994) correctly declares the support the idea that there is no over- Overpopulation has been for many years dangers of misguided intervention into population? The scientific method is to the most important danger facing such basics of human livelihood, whether follow the evidence, while the religious humanity, and it is troublesome that those controls come from the Catholic method has always been to twist the people in power—most importantly the church or from the government. Recent evidence to fit preconceived opinions. media—have not seen fit to keep it before events in Somalia certainly lend credence us. People blame war and bad politics to this position. Richard F. Stratton for the troubles in Africa, but then they San Diego, Calif. forget to ask why the war and bad Morgen D. Van Sycle politics exist in the first place. And in San Antonio, Tex. (Letters, continued on p. 65) Summer 1994 3 Editorials

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Kiryas Joel School Case Lisa H. Thurau

March 30, 1994, the U.S. religion, in this case, complete segrega- for the protection of children's rights— ØnSupreme Court heard arguments in tion from people who do not belong to challenged the statute for the purpose the church-state separation case of the its sect. of removing children from special decade Kiryas Joel Village School The KJVSD brief and much of the education classes. This specious allega- District (KJVSD) v. Grumet. Jay press coverage of the case framed the tion was aimed at undermining the Worona, General Counsel of the New issue as an attempt by anti-Semites and credibility of the separationist stance, York State School Boards Association civil liberties extremists to impose suf- and judging by some newscasts' skewed (NYSSBA), argued for affirmation of fering on handicapped children in the reporting, this perspective succeeded in the New York State Court of Appeals service of abstract constitutional princi- perverting the debate. decision declaring unconstitutional a ples. The fact that these children suffered From these premises, the KJVSD state statute that vested the power to when they attended public school has brief argued that the statute was simply create and run a public school district not been documented. In the official a valid accommodation of the village's in the religious community of Kiryas record of the case, the students' parents "cultural" needs and heritage. The Joel. At this point, we are awaiting the stated their belief that the children might KJVSD papers repeatedly denied that Supreme Court decision. be harassed in the public schools; that the Satmar Hasidim viewed segregation PEARL (the National Coalition for belief was sufficient to lead to the from an exclusion of all non-Satmar as Public Education and Religious Liberty) drafting of the statute. It is unfair, to a fundamental element of their religious filed an amicus brief on behalf of the put it mildly, to suggest that any of the ideology and religious practice, and in- Council for Democratic and Secular amici or the NYSSBA all of which sisted that the central issue was merely Humanism (publisher of FREE support public education and all of tolerance of a cultural difference. INQUIRY); the National Education which have lengthy experience litigating National PEARL's brief took pains Association; and twelve other members of National PEARL. In his amicus brief, Counsel Jeremy Gunn argued that attorneys for Kiryas Joel failed to IP properly frame the legal issue in their appeal to the Supreme Court. The real issues, the National PEARL brief argued, are: (1) the constitutionality of vesting the power to operate a public MUNICIPÁL BUILDING school district in a municipality that UI IAGI ()I u.,,, ,nwwvw~ functions as a religious establishment; KIRYAS JOEL and (2) the constitutionality of creating a public school district for the primary purpose of promoting a religious group's ability to practice specific tenets of its

Lisa H. Thurau, Esq., is Executive Director of the National Coalition for Public Education & Religious Liberty (PEARL). s IAA Sign on the municipal building of Kiryas Joel.

4 FREE INQUIRY to rebut these unfounded assertions. did not intend to create a public school National Association of Evangelicals; The National PEARL brief character- district in any meaningful sense of the National Jewish Commission on Law ized the case as turning on the issue of term, but to establish a single school for and Public Affairs; the Rutherford Insti- whether the state acted constitu- a specific religious sect. The legislative tute; Southern Baptist Convention- tionally when it gave the Satmars a sponsors of the statute "did not argue Christian Life Commission; Southern public school district because they were that the statute, which carved a tiny Center for Law & Ethics; and the United a religious group that insisted on school district out of the center of a larger States Catholic Conference. receiving government benefits according school district, made any sense from a to their religious practice—and neces- geographical perspective. They empha- The Ramifications sarily racial and ethnic—of religious sized instead that the program was spe- exclusivity. cifically designed to aid a particular he effects on the ability of a demo- The National PEARL brief was religious sect. . . . The targeting of a Tcratic government to maintain reli- inspired, in part, by a visit to Kiryas Joel, specific sect for special treatment is gious tolerance among disparate groups which illustrated that Kiryas Joel is a unprecedented in the New York educa- would be disastrous: what lessons are pervasively religious community, such tional system." children learning when the government that delegation of government powers to Justice O'Connor seemed to be shows that the best way to stop harass- the village effectively meant delegation highly conscious of this fact. She asked ment and intolerance is to segregate of public power to a private, religious the attorney for KJVSD whether the children from each other? Do we want entity. One need only read the sign on statute had been tailored to solely bene- to teach public school children that the municipal building to see how com- fit the Satmar or all groups in New York children different from them have the pletely the functions of government and State. When the attorney said the statute dubious distinction of being owed state- religion are entwined. did not benefit all groups, Justice supported segregation? Would this case The National PEARL brief also dem- O'Connor seemed profoundly con- have advanced to this level or been per- onstrated that Kiryas Joel was incorpor- cerned. ceived as sympathetically if the segre- ated for religious purposes; that its Notably, the drafters of the statute gation for which the Satmar clamor was mayor holds the positions of president anticipated that if non-Satmar children based on race? of the village's only congregation and lived in the district, they would be bused The ideology supporting public edu- director of the village's only religious out of the Kiryas Joel school district to cation would also be undermined. school system. The National PEARL the very public school district the Money for public education is scarce and brief provided facts regarding how the Satmars refused to use because they efficient use of the monies is essential. village's religious leaders control the way had to share it with public school chil- Carving up districts at the whim of reli- villagers vote, threaten excommunica- dren. If all the other facts in the record gious groups does not make educational tion and ostracism for villagers who rent before failed to impress the Court, the or economic sense. What would happen to non-Satmar Hasidim, require $10,000 reaction of Justice Souter seemed to to educational standards if religious payments from builders to fund the vil- indicate that this fact succeeded in groups were able to carve up a large lage's religious schools, and otherwise proving that the Kiryas Joel school school district into smaller ones to merge the functions of religion and district was established solely to educate "accommodate" its special religious government. Satmar children. needs? The effect on academic stan- "Indeed, it would take willful blind- Many groups filed amicus briefs dards—for example, children in some ness to believe that a municipality which arguing in support of the Satmars. The parts of the state may be knowledgeable was created in order to segregate on the range of interests these groups represent in evolution while others would not, basis of adherence to the Satmar faith indicates how they expect they would etc.—would be devastating. And what and that actively excludes persons whose benefit from a ruling increasing govern- would happen to a child whose family religious beliefs and practices are un- ment support of religious schools. Their happened to move into the "wrong" acceptable, could be anything other than support also indicates that they view this district? Would realtors steer noncon- a religious establishment," Gunn argued case as a trial balloon: if the Supreme forming families out of religious dis- in the National PEARL brief. "Because Court allows the creation of school tricts? The likelihood of taxpayers the Establishment Clause forbids muni- districts for the Hasidim, you can be sure holding anyone accountable for the cipalities from operating as religious these groups will be demanding similar expenditures of their taxes would be establishments, it a fortiori forbids reli- districts for their religious organizations. reduced; such demands would typically gious communities, like Kiryas Joel, They included: Agudath of Israel of be characterized as anti-religious. from receiving the additional discre- America; Pat Robertson's American In short, there would be nothing to tionary government powers provided by Center for Law & Justice; Catholic ensure that American education would Chapter 748 [the New York State statute League for Religious and Civil Rights; remain public if religious groups could in question]." Christian Legal Society; Family coopt the formation of districts and the The legislative history of the statute Research Council; Institute for Religious distribution of public schools according reveals that the proponents of the law and Polity; Knights of Columbus; to their religious precepts. • Summer 1994 5 ably, when "hard-nosed skeptics," as Dossey calls us, dissect parapsychology studies, or when the parapsychologists call in skeptics to oversee their experi- NBC's Cynically Skewed Reporting mental procedures to make absolutely certain that no cheating can occur, their on the `Power of Prayer' findings evaporate. • Dossey says: "We do not know how spiritual healing works.... Many skep- Gary P. Posner tics argue that this is sufficient reason for tossing it out the window." Science n December 1993 I received a tele- Fischer rushed me a copy of the hasn't tossed prayer "out the window." Iphone call from Liz Fischer, a pro- embarrassingly naive Healing Words, But those who wish for science to em- ducer with NBC-TV's weekly news- which I spent the weekend (in)digesting. brace the miraculous power of prayer magazine "Now," who was working on As she wanted to know what sorts of as a scientifically proven fact must pro- a story about Dr. Larry Dossey and his comments I would feel comfortable vide experimental evidence so convinc- new book, HEaling Words: The Power making on camera, I faxed her my sug- ing that even the "hard-nosed skeptics" of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine. gested sound bites: can't poke holes in it. We can't bend the Dossey had begun his research after • I was surprised to see how critical rules and make it easy. And when that hearing of a study claiming that cardiac Dossey himself was of the CCU study. day finally comes, if it ever does, that's care unit patients who are prayed for In fact, he found several shortcomings the day that our science books should do better than others. In his book, that even I hadn't appreciated. be updated to include chapters on the Dossey cites a Spring 1990 FREE • Curiously, in spite of his own skep- miraculous power of prayer. INQUIRY article in which I critiqued the ticism of the study's results, Dossey I would have been more than happy CCU study and found it wanting. That's writes: "If the technique being studied to have had the opportunity to say those precisely why "Now" wanted me. had been a new drug or a surgical proce- words and nothing more. But several In contrast to its sister newsmagazine, dure instead of prayer, it would almost days later Fischer called back to inform "Dateline NBC," best known for having certainly have been heralded as some sort me that, although she was very sorry, phonied a fiery truck crash last year to of `breakthrough.' " Perhaps so if the NBC didn't want to pay to fly a crew punch up a story, "Now" is fronted by claim had been something fairly mun- to Florida to interview me. She did, how- the network's top news anchors: Tom dane. But when a researcher claims to ever, express general agreement with my Brokaw and Katie Couric. So when have proven something supernatural, comments, and noted that her own staff Fischer asked if I would do an inter- that's another story. Remember the had already recognized the significance view for broadcast, I humbly suggested media hype over "cold fusion" a few of Dossey's reliance upon parapsychol- that she first contact the Committee for years ago? The scientific community ogy. And in our previous conversation, the Scientific Investigation of Claims of quite properly maintained an extremely she had told me how much the segment's the Paranormal (CSICOP) and FREE skeptical attitude. And, of course, that correspondent, Brian Murphy, had liked INQUIRY to see if they might be able to supernatural claim seems to have turned my FREE INQUIRY article. Maybe they provide instead a nationally recognized out to be imaginary. would interview Dr. Sampson, she said, authority. Fischer called back to tell me • Dossey also says: "Even some hard- when they soon returned to California that she had been put in touch with boiled skeptics agreed [at the time] on on other business. CSICOP Fellow Dr. Wallace Sampson, the significance of the study's findings." who told her about a Dr. Posner in But that just goes to show that even he segment, one of three during the Florida who had written a terrific article "skeptics" are sometimes not skeptical Thour-long program, aired on March for FREE INQUIRY. I agreed to do the enough. There's a generally accepted 30. It showed a leukemia patient who show. principle in science that the more had beaten overwhelming odds: "I'm extraordinary the claim, the more living proof of what prayer can do." Cor- Dr. Gary Posner is an internist in extraordinary the proof required to sup- respondent Murphy noted Dossey's dis- Tampa, Florida, and founder of the port it. And not only is that degree of covery of "130 laboratory studies, more Tampa Bay Skeptics. He is the author proof lacking in this study, it seems than half of which, [Dossey] says, prove of the chapter on Noreen Renier in lacking in every human study of prayer prayer works." Unmentioned was that Psychic Sleuths: ESP and Sensational to date. his sources were primarily para- Cases, edited by Joe Nickell (Prome- • Dossey builds his case largely upon psychology journals. Faith-healers were theus Books, 1994). He reviews Healing anecdotes and the work of para- endorsed. And so on. Words in the Summer 1994 Skeptical psychologists, and appears to accept Dr. Sampson had indeed been inter- Inquirer. their supernatural claims at face value. viewed, but only, it turns out, for use This is very dangerous. Almost invari- as a prop to dispatch with as one might

6 FREE INQUIRY swat away a gnat. Having spent an hour doctors, he doesn't buy the prayer study Immediately after the show aired, I before the camera, only three and one- in the cardiac ward," which was referred faxed a note to Fischer that read in half sentences (and not his ace material) to as "the most staggering of all" (unlike part: survived editing. Introducing him as most, this study was from a medical chairman of the National Council journal). But neither Murphy nor "Now" I understand why my input was not desired. You squandered a prime Against Health Fraud, Murphy may Dossey even hinted that within his own opportunity to teach the nation a have created the false impression that book Dossey acknowledges that the sorely needed lesson in critical Sampson equates prayer with "fraud." study had actually "missed the mark. thinking. Murphy then tells the pre-Easter week ... [S]tatistically significant life-or-death audience, "And guess what. Like many effects ... simply did not occur." Shame on them. •

Catholic-Evangelical Compact

Showcases Neuhaus's Rising Star delegates that the pro-life movement's situation today is not unlike that of anti- Tom Flynn slavery forces at the time of the Dred Scott decision, when all three branches f all leading figures on the neo- Catholic church that seemed most of government were arrayed against Oconservative religious right, per- peculiar coming from a Lutheran pastor, them.5 haps none bears watching more closely but which now reads as clear fore- Make no mistake, then, Richard John than Richard John Neuhaus. For seven- shadowing of his coming conversion.3 Neuhaus is a force to be reckoned with— teen years the pastor of a Lutheran Later publications included America within Catholicism, in the religious right, church in Brooklyn's troubled Bedford Against Itself, an updated jeremiad and on the political right as well. Secular Stuyvesant section, Neuhaus converted against secularism that reflects the ways humanists should be concerned now that to Roman Catholicism in 1990 and man- in which his 1984 arguments underwent one of Neuhaus's cherished aims—a aged to qualify for ordination as a priest development (in some cases, abuse) by formal, high-level rapprochement be- the very next year. Conservative icons writers ranging from Christopher Lasch, tween conservative Catholic and evan- including William F. Buckley and Amitai Etzioni, Mary Ann Glendon, gelical Protestant leaders—has been Robert Bork made a point of attending George Weigel, and William F. Buckley fulfilled. his first Mass. to Pat Buchanan, Don Feder, and Cal On March 29, 1994, a group of thirty- Neuhaus was already well known as Thomas. nine prominent Catholic and evangelical a theologian and as a conservative Along the way, Neuhaus founded his leaders issued a joint statement in which ideologue. His 1984 book, The Naked own research and education organiza- they pledged to temper conflicts between Public Square, set forth what have be- tion, the Institute on Religion and Public their differing visions of Christian come traditionalists' canonical argu- Life (IRPL). IRPL publishes a journal, teaching. Titled "Evangelicals and ments against secularization in public First Things, a monthly in its fourth year Catholics Together: The Christian life.' Neuhaus himself has continued to whose lavish funding (provided in part Mission in the Third Millennium," the stress the same agenda for a decade. "The by prominent right-wing organizations) statement calls on America's 52 million premise that anything government has enabled it to seize a central place Catholics and 13 million evangelicals to touches should be thoroughly sanitized among conservative lay religious publi- focus on the concerns they share in com- of any religious influence" is "societally cations. IRPL also sponsors the Ramsey mon—notably abortion, opposition to suicidal," he declared in response to Lee Colloquium, a periodic gathering of con- gay and lesbian rights, defense of family v. Weisman, the 1992 Supreme Court servative Jewish and Christian thinkers, values, and the like—and urges them to decision that struck down officially including Neuhaus. This March, the avoid falling prey to "misunderstand- sponsored graduation prayers in public Colloquium released a lengthy but ings, misrepresentations, and caricatures schools.2 widely republished attack on homo- of one another."6 In particular, the docu- In 1987 Neuhaus published The sexuality as a moral object, a lifestyle, ment deplores the tendency of some Catholic Moment, a blueprint for and a focus of agitation for political and Catholic and evangelical missionaries centering moral authority within the social change .4 aggressively to proselytize one another's Neuhaus has an active public life away memberships, particularly in Latin Tom Flynn is Senior Editor of FREE from his institute. He keynoted the America and Eastern Europe. Such INQUIRY. National Right to Life Committee's 1993 cross-proselytizing "is neither theo- conference in Milwaukee. There, he told logically legitimate nor a prudent use of

Summer 1994 7 resources," the statement charges. To for speaking favorably of Mother You Gone, Michaelangelo? The Loss of ensure that its message is heard in these Teresa. But Colson believes "more peo- Soul in Catholic Culture, "has gone and areas, organizers are even now trans- ple are going to call up and say, `Praise committed another book." Noting that lating the statement into Spanish, Portu- the Lord you did this.' " "most folks object when they're called guese, Polish, and Russian. However, On one level, the statement represents secular humanists," Neuhaus writes in some observers note that the document's nothing unprecedented. Grassroots co- response to Toward a New Enlighten- impact in Latin America may be blunted operation between conservative Catho- ment: The Philosophy of Paul Kurtz: because evangelical missionary groups lics and Protestants has been increasingly "We've been on platforms with Kurtz there are increasingly likely to be in- frequent over the last decade, particu- and find him a personable fellow who digenous, not under the control of a U.S. larly regarding shared causes like anti- is utterly relentless." Responding to denomination.? abortion activism or resistance to gay- Kurtz's critique of his claim that atheists The signers comprise a "Who's Who" rights initiatives. And some of the state- canot be good citizens, Neuhaus sighs, of conservative Catholic and evangelical ment's points first emerged in dialogues "Relax Mr. Kurtz. Your rights are Protestant leadership. In addition to between the Vatican and the Baptist secured by our understanding of the Neuhaus, prominent signers include World Alliance and other groups during truth, even if ours are not by yours."1° John Cardinal O'Connor of New York; the 1970s and 1980s. But Neuhaus's Editorial "we" and all, Neuhaus is an televangelist and one-time presidential statement represents a new, politically able spokesperson for American reli- candidate Pat Robertson; and Charles potent expression of the desire many gious conservatism—a redoubtable Colson, the Watergate figure who had Catholic and Protestant conservatives opponent for humanists and other pro- a "born again" experience in prison and feel to band together, the better to resist gressives. Bridging the worlds of aca- later founded the Prison Fellowship secularism and social change. Further, deme, theology, and politics much as his ministry. Though no Vatican repre- its adoption is an added laurel for own life bridges the long-turbulent sentative signed the statement, Neuhaus Neuhaus, who has emerged as one of waters separating the Catholic and told the New York Times that he had the most respected and powerful intel- Protestant camps, Neuhaus has staged kept Vatican officials appraised of the lectuals on the Christian right.$ a so-far successful bid for leadership statement's development, and that it had In their collisions with the Religious among those opposed to the secularist their approval. Other signers included Right, secular humanists have often been ideal. His writings and future accom- Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade able to depend on opponents to under- plishments will merit close and—to use for Christ; Catholic theologian Avery mine their own positions through a word Neuhaus applied to Paul Kurtz— Dulles; Fordham University sociologist ignorance, lack of sophistication, or "relentless" scrutiny. Joseph Fitzpatrick; attorney Keith inadvertent expressions of intolerance. Fournier, of Robertson's American For example, in describing the sense of Notes social disintegration many Christian Center for Law and Justice; commun- I. Richard John Neuhaus, The Naked Public itarian scholar Mary Ann Glendon; conservatives share, Colson stated: Square: Religion and Democracy in America conservative Catholic scholar James (Grand Rapids, Mich.: W. B. Eerdmans, 1984). 2. Peter Steinfels, "Beliefs," New York Hitchcock; Richard Land and Larry Christianity is besieged on all sides— Times, July 4, 1992. Lewis, high-ranking officers of the by a militant nation of Islam, by pan- 3. Richard John Neuhaus, The Catholic Southern Baptist Convention; Richard theists who have invaded many areas Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Post- of life, including the church through modern World (San Francisco: Harper & Row, Mouw, president of Fuller Theological the New Age movement, and by the 1987). Seminary; theologian Michael Novak, aggressive secularism of Western life.9 4. "The Homosexual Movement: A who recently received the Templeton Response by the Ramsey Colloquium," First Things, March 1994, pp. 15-20. For a counter- Prize for Progress in Religion; Catholic It is difficult to take too seriously a critic response by a leading gay activist, see Jack bishop Carlos Sevilla of San Francisco; who envisions the New Age movement Nichols, "God's Gift to Atheism: Religious Catholic archbishop Francis Stafford of as primarily an insurgence within the Homophobia Teaches that Gays are 'Fallen Creatures,'" The Weekly News (Miami, Fla.) Denver; John White, a former president churches—or who speaks of the threat March 23, 1994. of the National Association of Evangel- posed by a "nation of Islam." Does 5. Robin Toner, "Anti-Abortion Group icals; and others. Colson find Minister Louis Farrakhan Maps Strategy," New York Times, June 27, 1993. 6. "Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The "Evangelicals and Catholics that frightening, or might he be worried Christian Mission in the Third Millennium," First Together" has been a pet project for about Iraq? Things, May 1994, 15-22. Neuhaus since September 1992, when he The likelihood of Richard John 7. "Evangelical-Catholic Coalition Goes Beyond Activism: An Analysis," Religion Watch, met with Colson and launched the Neuhaus committing such gaffes ap- vol. 9, no. 6, p. 2. process that led to the present statement. proaches zero. He is literate and urbane, 8. Peter Steinfels, "Conservative Christians Both admit that the statement will attract Seeking to End Conflicts: Some Catholics and if occasionally given to flights of Evangelicals Forge Ties," New York Times, controversy in some quarters. "I'm lacerating wit that seem to step beyond March 30, 1994; see also Associated Press wire putting the storm windows and doors traditional Christian ideals of charity. service feed by David Briggs, March 30, 1994. on," said Colson, who has sometimes 9. Steinfels, op. cit. March 30, 1994. "Thomas Day," quipped Neuhaus in a 10. Richard John Neuhaus, "While We're At been criticized by hard-line evangelicals brief notice of that author's Where Have It," First Things, April 1994, 64, 67. • 8 FREE INQUIRY ticed slavery without being critical of the book that gave the institution moral The Crisis of the Black respectability? Stephen L. Carter, author of The Culture of Disbelief and an Episcopal- Religious Intellectual ian, discusses the many differences of opinion among members of his religion. Norm R. Allen, Jr. It does not seem to strike him as strange that though the Bible teaches that "God oday the theologically oriented tions to problems that were largely is not the author of confusion," the Tblack intellectual is enjoying tre- created or exacerbated by religion. These members of his religion seem to be mendous popularity. Such thinkers as thinkers cannot be sufficiently critical of thoroughly confused on many subjects. Cornel West and Stephen L. Carter have religion because they are very dependent Futhermore, Carter believes that one can been featured in major media through- upon it. They are therefore condemned have a dogmatic belief in the Bible and out the United States. to be limited in their perception and still engage in public discourse without What black religious intellectuals understanding of the problems they seek reason being the arbiter in disputes. He have in common is the belief that faith to solve. Furthermore, they are con- even argues that creationists are as in God is imperative if society is to sur- vinced that they will alienate the masses logical as scientists. vive and improve. These intellectuals of black people by becoming too critical Carter is a self-proclaimed liberal who have made important and profound of religion. opposes sexism, xenophobia, slavery, observations on modern culture, society, Cornel West and Bell Hooks are etc. And, like West, he prefers to ignore and history. But, paradoxically, while strong advocates of "black critical the fact that such "sins" are condoned their deeply held religious convictions thinking." In their book Breaking Bread, in the Bible. But while the anti-slavery help them to examine many of the impor- Hooks says she was upset because she opponent might argue that the Bible tant questions in modern life, these very did not believe that West had attacked never condones slavery, the advocate of convictions severely hamper their intel- sexism with enough force. But neither slavery knows better. The same holds lectual depth. West nor Hooks acknowledge the fact true for sexism, xenophobia, homo- Perhaps the major problem stifling that sexism is consistently supported in phobia, genocide, and many other un- the black religious intellectual is the idea the Bible that, ironically, inspires their desirable forms of behavior condoned in that his or her religious text is absolutely feminist views. While both thinkers the Bible. perfect and not to be held to the same acknowledge the sexism that exists Those who are well read in history, standards of scholarly analysis as other within the black church, they do not philosophy, freethought, science, and texts. Though the believer might be accept the fact that the black church is comparative religion wonder whether willing to acknowledge that his or her acting consistently with biblical teach- such black religious intellectuals are sin- sacred text is open to various interpre- ings regarding the treatment of women. cere in what they profess to believe tations, the text itself is never questioned. And while both thinkers are critical of regarding religion. Some probably do. Cornel West has written and spoken the misogynistic lyrics and images in the But others believe that the masses will against xenophobia, sexism, homo- popular media, they do not acknowledge not accept leadership that is not reli- phobia, and various other crimes against that centuries of biblical teachings helped gious. West believes that the church is humanity. But one has to question the to mold such hatred and disrespect for the only "organic institution" in the black seriousness and courage of any thinker women. (Books such as Annie Laurie community, and the only institution with who professes to fight against such prob- Gaylor's Woe to the Women—The Bible historical roots strong enough to liberate lems without acknowledging that the Tells Me So adequately prove the sexist black people. problems have been condoned and mentality of biblical writers.) Black religious intellectuals who encouraged in the Bible. (Contrarily, Most black intellectuals have de- embrace this view will always be unable black religious intellectuals do not hesi- nounced slavery as a moral evil. They and/ or unwilling to understand the pro- tate to point out the positive ways in have also acknowledged the church's role found negative impact that religious which culture and society have been in supporting the institution. But the texts have had upon black people, cul- influenced by the teachings of various leading black religious intellectuals will ture, history, and society unless they are religious texts.) not admit that slavery is condoned in willing to examine those texts in an The dilemma faced by black religious the Bible. Forrest G. Wood's The uncompromising manner. And this is intellectuals is that they advocate solu- Arrogance of Faith brilliantly demon- most easily done if such theists embrace strates how the Bible was used, misused, a religion like that practiced by the Norm Allen is the executive director of and abused to perpetuate slavery and Unitarian-Universalists, i.e., a human- African Americans for Humanism. segregation. How can serious scholars istic religion. be critical of Christians for having prac- A humanistic religion enables many

Summer 1994 9 HEADQUARTERS CAMPUS FOR CODESH AND FREE INQUIRY

Taking advantage of low interest rates and a soft Located adjacent to the State University of New construction market, we have begun construction of York at Buffalo's Amherst Campus—the largest the Center for Inquiry, Phase II. This is the long- campus of the nation's largest state university awaited completion of the Council for Democratic and system—the Center for Inquiry will provide the Secular Humanism's headquarters campus, consoli- permanent, multi-purpose home base that the secular dating FREE INQUIRY's Buffalo-area administrative, humanist movement has long required. editorial, production, and warehousing activities in one Numerous opportunities exist for naming rooms efficient facility. and structures after friends or loved ones. The Following a spring 1994 groundbreaking, we plan CODESH Library has already been named. The for occupancy in early 1995. building itself can still be named for a gift of $1 million.

Preliminary architect's model of the Phase II building. Sculpted windows mark location of library. 2KP/i: ~G 7 12%•20% V eo 4~= coo:: :b= Y21% 2%•16- IZ%• 16 -

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Preliminary floor plan of the new building, to be completed in early 1995. Construction Now Underway! • New building: two floors, expandable for the future. • Eye-catching new contemporary design.

• Will house the James Hervey Johnson Freethought and Humanist Library—the world's largest humanist and freethought library—computerized catalogue accessible via modem from anywhere in the world. • Conference and seminar facilities, with full audio-visual support. • Dedicated audio-video-TV production and duplication facility—for larger productions, multimedia conference room converts to 3- camera television studio. • Additional, efficient office space to provide for CODESH's future growth. Phase Il may be connected to existing structures by a glazed walkway. Construction Cash Is Still Short We will realize important savings struction and endowment goals. To maintain our by starting construction now, al- momentum, additional cash gifts for construction are though our "Price of Reason" Cap- urgently needed. ital Fund Drive is still in progress. Please support the "Price of Reason" Capital Fund Under Co-Chair Steve Allen this Drive today. For more information, use the postpaid campaign has reached more than Steve Allen, CODESH response card in this issue to contact CODESH today 65 percent of our combined con- Campaign Chairman at 716-636-7571. to remain spiritual while still being suf- be severely limited in his or her ability tions are to be chiefly valued. ficiently critical of religious texts that to understand culture, history, and There is no reason why black religion have been largely responsible for encour- society. Moreover, reluctance to criti- cannot or should not become more aging negative behavior. At the same cally examine religious texts unwittingly humanistic. Though religion has existed time, these religionists might embrace the contributes to the oppression of the for millennia, it has not always existed positive teachings of religious texts. The groups that black religious intellectuals in its present form. As Karen Armstrong, point is that many religious humanists seek to liberate. The black religious the author of A History of God, says realize that all religious texts are at least intellectual must be committed, not to in the September 27, 1993, issue of Time: partially the product of human beings defending the faith, but to finding solu- "All religions change and develop. If they and must be examined in the same man- tions to the problems confronting his or do not, they will become obsolete." The ner as all other books. Any intellectual her people. If such solutions confict with same might be said of people who blindly who does not realize this will necessarily the teachings of religious texts, the solu- embrace religious texts. •

the remarkable rise and sudden fall of Marxism-Leninism, and these should be Some Lessons for Humanists instructive to those of us who look forward to a more humanistic world in the Paul Kurtz twenty-first century. Of special interest is the fact that Marxists and socialists On Tribalism Africa (forged after intense negotiations encouraged atheism, and this provided over the years between de Klerk, the freethought movement with impor- he tragedy of Sarajevo brutally Mandela, and Buthelezi). Similarly, we tant allies in its warfare against repres- illustrates how nationalistic applaud the signing of the peace treaty sive religious institutions. Unfortunately, hatreds ethnic, religious, and racial— between Israel and the Palestine Liber- Marxists-Leninists substituted new can consume a population. The twen- ation Organization (laboriously worked forms of dogma to replace those they tieth century began with the assassina- out by Rabin and Arafat) as a hopeful had rejected. It is clear that freethought tion of the Archduke of Serbia in first step toward permanent peace in that is still a powerful movement, and we Sarajevo. This provoked World War I, part of the Middle East. The road to need to demonstrate that it can flourish, and led to a bloody confrontation of democracy in South Africa and peace independently of left-wing movements. nations. This century comes to a close in Palestine will not be easy, and there We emphasize that democratic secular with Sarajevo prostrate because of the are likely to be continuing conflicts in humanism can be liberal or conserva- internecine religious warfare between the future. But the alternative is the tive in its economic and political outlook. Bosnians, Croats, and Serbs. This is spectacle of Rwanda or Sarajevo. The key point is the defense of freedom especially sad, as these people lived Humanists surely appreciate ethnic and opposition to authoritarian and together in relative peace and harmony differences, but humankind must trans- totalitarian institutions. only a short while ago. cend the tribal loyalties and dangerous Idealistic utopian thinking is now in Similar tribal conflicts rock the absolutist religious dogmas of the past. disrepute, and with it, the naive optimism African continent—such as the latest We stand for reason, tolerance, mutual that it is possible to remake human outrages in Rwanda between the Hutu respect, shared commonality; and we nature and construct a brave new world. and Tutsi tribes. The depth of their believe in the urgent imperative to build Utopians as disparate as Plato, Marx, hatred is so intense that there seems to a genuine world community. These and B. F. Skinner thought that by bold be little compunction about slaughtering ideals, I submit, are not only realistic, philosophical and/ or scientific planning, tens of thousands of innocent men, but the only viable options facing one could radically alter the environment women, and children simply because humankind today. and/or humankind itself by such means they are of a different ethnicity. as eugenic breeding or social engineering The stark lesson to be learned from On the Collapse of Marxism and thus improve the human condition. these reversions to barbarism is the Today we are disillusioned with such urgent need of humankind to leave t has been only a short while since utopian promises, and we are especially behind divisive alliances and animosities Icommunism in the former Soviet indignant at the use of the totalitarian of the past and to seek common ground. Union and Eastern Europe collapsed. state to create the New Human. The col- We welcome the end of apartheid and Although Marxist regimes still cling to lapse of communism has reinforced our the emergence of democracy in South power in China, North Korea, Vietnam, belief in the open, democratic society, and Cuba, Marxism everywhere appears the importance of human freedom, and Paul Kurtz is Editor of FREE INQUIRY. to be discredited and in disarray. the need to defend human rights. There are lessons to be learned from Marxists-Leninists were willing to use

12 FREE INQUIRY terror and sacrifice those who stood in primitive prescientific cultures, and they institutions without their adequate re- their way. The terrible gulags of Stalinist persist in spite of the Age of Enlighten- placement by positive alternatives. This tyranny and the massacres by Pol Pot ment and the progress of science. These in no way denies that we need to think and Mao were the bitter result. mythic belief systems are no doubt able creatively about the future and to come We know that the taste for power that to maintain their grip because of their up with possible images of a better revolutions stimulate can lead to great ability to indoctrinate the young and, in tomorrow. These should not be purely suffering, and that civilized moral con- many societies, because of their access utopian, but realistic and capable of duct can be undermined in the process. to authoritarian (if not totalitarian) attainment. This means, for example, We are witness to how state power can methods of control. They need to be criti- that our belief in rationality, democracy, be used to unleash savagery and con- cized by secular humanists, especially tolerance, building a world community, done barbarism. The movie Schindler's where they engender ethnic hatred. and other humanist ideals should not be List reminds us that not all men and But a word of caution. We surely do abandoned. Humanists are often ac- women need succumb to brutal systems, not wish to denude the organic moral cused of being too idealistic and opti- but also that vulgar and evil ideologies structures within society that religious mistic: in rejecting the doctrine of can transform civilized people to con- institutions, for all of their faults, still original sin we focus instead on the posi- done infamous crimes. provide. We surely do not wish to deny tive possibilities for human growth and When I was growing up, virtually freedom of conscience to those who development. Human beings are neither everyone I knew in the intellectual world believe religious dogmas. We seek to pro- intrinsically good nor evil, but capable seemed to believe that capitalism was tect the rights of unbelievers. Our goal of either or both kinds of behavior, de- wicked and that socialism—meaning is to build secular humanistic institu- pendent upon social conditions and indi- social justice and some measure of tions as alternatives for those who wish vidual responsibility. But if this is the equality—would eventually triumph. them. case, then moral education should have Along with the fall of Marxism has come We may ask: what if, for some reason, the highest priority on the humanist the tarnishing of socialist ideals. It is true all religious bodies were to close their agenda, and we should continue to help that democratic socialists were among doors? Some stalwart atheists might develop programs to encourage moral the first to condemn totalitarian com- applaud. But we should recognize that values in the schools and other social munism, and that they were the strongest religious institutions among others still institutions. We should seek to develop critics of Leninism-Stalinism. Moreover, play a constructive role in many soci- the skills of clear thinking—healthy and socialist governments in Western Europe eties—insofar as they inculcate and rein- constructive skepticism, not nihilistic have long since abandoned doctrinaire force moral behavior, propagate an ethic negativism—but we should also con- Marxism and have instead sought to of love, and oppose violations of the stantly seek to develop an appreciation reform capitalist systems by making common moral decencies. The key for the common moral virtues. them more humane. Nevertheless, the dilemma for secularists and humanists Another lesson is that we ought to great faith in "rational planning" that is to ask what will replace these moral be cautious about attempting to totally dominated thinking in the pre-World frameworks. Granted that religious remake human nature. Granted that we War II era has been discredited. Few institutions are often hypocritical and wish to use education to fulfill the best today wish to undermine the capitalist many of them insist upon stances that in human nature. But since the "transcen- market system. we find repellent, such as their dogged dental temptation" is such a powerful The error of both Marxists and the defense of sexual repression and their impulse in the human species, it is essen- other socialists was that they minimized anti-woman, anti-choice, or anti- tial that we find symbolic equivalents to the incentive of individual self-interest. euthanasia attitudes. Still, we cannot help satisfy it. I am not in any sense Further, they did not appreciate that simply condone the decline of civilized suggesting that a spiritual dimension highly regulated bureaucratic govern- patterns of conduct unless—and this is needs to be added to humanism, but only mental agencies are not as efficient or crucial—there are equivalent systems of that humanist ideals need to be dram- productive as the private sector. Marx- constructive moral guidelines to fill the atically rendered so that they have the ism failed on its own terms because it vacuum. That is why atheistic secu- power to stir the passions and inspire was unable to deliver the economic larism—meaning simply the disbelief in devotion and dedication. Still, we need goods that it promised; and this, largely, theistic religion—by itself is not suf- to find humanist metaphors to give because its ideal picture of human nature ficient. We need to develop the positive meaning to life and aesthetic equivalents was profoundly mistaken. dimensions of humanism, i.e., the moral to engage the imagination and renew our framework for civilized behavior. fascination with a zest for living. This umanists are still idealists. But are reinforces my conviction that a human- Hthey utopians? As secular human- hus, an important lesson to be ist eupraxophy must focus not simply ists, we are surely skeptical of the learned from the discrediting of on theory, but on practice, and that reigning religions of the day. Theistic totalitarian utopian thinking in the twen- moral education focusing on the best truth claims have no foundations in tieth century is that we ought to be cau- that we can achieve is vital for attaining empirical fact. They are holdovers from tious about the destruction of existing this goal. • Summer 1994 13 Then Howell and seven armed sup- porters crept into Mount Carmel in The Waco Tragedy after-midnight darkness. Roden grabbed his Uzi machine gun and engaged the intruders in a firelight. He was wounded James A. Haught slightly in the hand and chest. Howell's band was charged with attempted ell, the Waco cult trial is over, a prayerfully awaited his resurrection. murder, and released on bond. Wyear after the tragedy. But did you When it didn't happen, his widow, Next, Roden was jailed for contempt know that the story actually began 150 Florence, took over. She proclaimed that of court because he filed grossly obscene years ago with a famous fiasco? Since the Second Coming would be on Easter motions in an unrelated case. While watching weird religion is my hobby, I'll Day, 1959. Hundreds of followers Roden was locked up, Howell moved tell you the tale: around America quit their jobs, sold his followers back into the compound In the 1830s, a New England Baptist their belongings, and hurried to Waco and took over. Their subsequent trial for preacher, William Miller, computed for the rapture. Wrong again. attempted murder ended in acquittals. from obscure prophecies in the Book of Once more, the disillusioned de- The dethroned Roden later killed a man Daniel that Jesus would return to Earth parted, and a hard core persisted. A and was put in a state mental hospital between March 21, 1843, and March 21, member named Ben Roden took com- (he escaped last year). 1844. Miller began warning of the mand and named the survivors Branch Reigning as sole prophet, Howell approaching apocalypse. By the 1840s, Davidians. He died in 1978, leaving the preached that he was an angel sent by he had drawn nearly 100,000 followers. commune, called Mount Carmel, to his God to implement the Second Coming. When the fateful time arrived, the widow, Lois, and son, George. He said God ordained him to move to "Millerites" prayed and prayed—but Soon afterward, a twenty-three-year- Israel and convert the Jews, which would nothing happened. Then Miller re- old Texas Adventist named Vernon trigger the Battle of Armageddon and examined the Bible verses and Howell, a ninth-grade dropout, moved make Earth a paradise for the surviving announced that he had erred; the correct into the compound (and reportedly faithful. Howell visited Israel—but failed date would be October 22, 1844. As it became the lover of the sixty-seven-year- to convert the Jews. neared, many of the faithful gave away old widow). He had hypnotic charisma, Traveling around the globe, the their possessions and waited on hilltops electrifying the others with his revela- dynamic young prophet attracted con- for the heavens to open. Again, zilch. tions of the coming apocalypse. verts who sold their possessions, gave Many Millerites lost their faith, but He married the fourteen-year-old all their money to him, and followed him a hard core held firm. Some of them daughter of a commune couple—but to Waco to live in the compound. In insisted that doomsday actually had soon declared that God had commanded 1989, he proclaimed that all women in occurred on October 22, but it was a him to establish a House of David, in the compound were his brides, and the preparatory event in heaven that would which he was to have as many wives rest of the men must remain celibate. be followed soon by Jesus bursting forth as King David. He bedded more than Some married couples rebelled and left. onto Earth. This group formed the a dozen commune females, one merely Others, utterly dominated by him, Seventh-Day Adventist Church. eleven years old, another fifty. He gave obeyed. As the Seventh-Day Adventists grew each a Star of David to wear as an em- In 1990, Howell changed his name more than 3 million strong, some mem- blem that she had been chosen by the to David Koresh and began preaching bers felt that the church wasn't holy king. that the great doomsday battle would enough. In the 1930s, a Los Angeles After Lois Roden died in 1986, her occur in Texas. He and his lieutenants Adventist, Victor Houteff, said Jesus son George vied with Howell for com- bought hundreds of guns and machine wouldn't return until an ultra-pure mand. Roden won, temporarily. Howell guns, ammunition, gas masks, and other church was ready to greet him. So took his followers and left Mount war supplies. Houteff opened a Waco commune for Carmel, wandering as nomads. Then in Federal agents heard that the com- pure believers, calling them Davidian 1987, Howell's band returned to chal- mune contained illegal machine guns, Seventh-Day Adventists. lenge Roden for leadership. and took steps to disarm the cult. You He died in 1955, and the Davidians Roden proposed an epic contest: know the rest of the story. From a graveyard, he dug up the corpse The Waco saga has entered history, James A. Naught wrote Holy Horrors: of an eighty-five-year-old woman, and like Jonestown, the witch hunts, and An Illustrated History of Religious declared that whoever could resurrect other bizarre episodes. As we go about Murder and Madness (Prometheus her would be the true prophet of Mount our daily lives, it's unsettling to realize Books, 1990). He is the editor of the Carmel. Howell evaded this challenge, that some people among us are capa- Charleston Gazette. and urged police to arrest Roden for ble of believing far-out fantasies, enough corpse abuse. even to die for them. •

14 FREE INQUIRY Oral Roberts on Jim Bakker Martin Gardner

ecently at an antique mall I picked Personally, I see a lot of our Master This world which wants men and Rup a copy of Jim Bakker's Survival: in Jim Bakker—and certainly in women to be perfect, then tries to Unite to Love, published by New Leaf Tammy who stands for the Lord even crucify them when they don't reach when it is the toughest ... and when it—and surely would if they did reach Press in 1980, several years before Jim's she feels the deepest fears. They both perfection—needs to see . . . hear downfall. I bought it because I wanted tell me—and say it on the air—they ... and feel more Jim Bakkers. Yes, to read Oral Roberts's introduction. want to be so much MORE like because he is becoming a strong In light of what happened, the book Jesus. Christian and spiritual leader in God's great work here on earth, a true bristles with laughs. Jim dedicates it "To * * * pioneer in the most difficult field of my wife Tammy who has stood with me The clouds are lifting! The dawn is all: being on LIVE television daily in through the valley and mountaintop breaking! It won't be long now! The the human arena of grime and blood experiences.... And to all my faith- Second Coming of the One Whose we and suffering of human beings. But ful partners without whose help there are and Whom we serve is already also because whatever weaknesses Jim brushing up against the devil and the Bakker has he lets [it] hang out for would be no PTL." As we all know, opposers of God's anointed. Just one friend and foe alike to see. Tammy has divorced Jim, and the PTL more tiny brush against Satan, and partners are still trying to get back some he will be through afflicting, tor- Note that last sentence. Read it care- menting, and destroying those for of the loot he stole from them. fully. Could it be that the Holy Spirit Jim is down on greed. "Too many whom Jesus died and rose from the dead. inspired Brother Roberts with the gift people," he writes, "... have made gold * * * of prophecy? • their god.... Our dividend is not dollars, it's souls. We are placing souls into the bank of Heaven, and that's where our dollars and cents are. That's where our profit lies—in souls. Souls, souls, souls." A touching photo on page 126 shows Jim weeping as he is "overwhelmed" by "God's goodness." More likely he is overwhelmed by the amount of gold he is putting into earthly banks. The funniest part of the book is Oral's glowing Introduction. Here are a few gems:

What drew me to Jim Bakker goes far beyond the splendid work he is doing for God but because he is doing it under public glare two hours a day on LIVE television—warts and all. He stands up and says what he is, what he believes, what he is doing—and when he reaches heartbreak hill, he breaks down and weeps like the rest of us mortals. * * *

Martin Gardner is a Fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investiga- tion of Claims of the Paranromal. His most recent book is The Healing Reve- lations of Mary Baker Eddy (Prome- theus Books).

Summer 1994 15 chatted with me about their involvement Baring the Threat in naturism. A Methodist minister said his congregation would probably oust him if they knew he and his wife were Skipp Porteous involved with this movement. I left impressed, but not converted. arly in 1992, I received a call from Clothing was optional, Pat explained. I still like to wear clothing, especially EPat O'Brien of the Naturist Society. With that, I felt much better, and in public. He wanted me to speak about the accepted the invitation. A couple of months later, in Family religious right at the group's summer One might wonder why nudists, or Voice, the monthly magazine of Con- gathering in the Adirondacks. I was "naturists," are interested in learning cerned Women for America, I read an pleased that what I thought was an about the religious right. Well, many article about one of that group's leaders environmental group was asking me to conservative Christians have difficulty in Florida who was crusading to ban, give a presentation, since, when it comes dealing with sexuality. They equate among other things, nudity. to the environment, the hard right nudity with sex and launch crusades to I wrote to the woman and told her traditionally misses the mark. ban nudity at public and private beaches, of my experiences at the naturist camp. To my surprise, I learned that the resorts, and camps. "One observes nudity without lusting," Naturist Society is a nudist organization. In order to acclimate myself, I decided I said, "in the same way a gardener looks I told Pat I'd have to look at my calendar. to arrive at the Adirondack campground out over the garden without drooling." (The thought of speaking before naked early. A security guard met me at the I told her of the clean, wholesome family people was a bit unnerving.) entrance. Wearing a fluorescent orange atmosphere at the camp; children Fortunately, on the same date as the vest, and nothing else, he directed me romped in the altogether with adults, and naturist gathering my wife and I were to the parking area. A heavy man, his that, unlike some churches, pedophiles scheduled to participate at a FREE greatly extended belly covered his are absent. In fact, naturist resorts have INQUIRY conference in Toronto. I told genitals. "Not very sexy," I thought. strict rules about sexual harassment of Pat O'Brien of the conflict, and said that Later I learned that "body accep- any kind. I would be happy to oblige if he needed tance" is part of the appeal of the naturist Ignoring everything I wrote, she a speaker next year. (I figured he'd forget movement. In our commercialized responded by sharing her unimpressive all about me.) society, with its focus on youth and personal testimony about the difference The following January Pat called and perfect bodies, many people just don't Jesus made in her life. asked if I could speak next August. Pat's live up to the ideal projected by adver- Last winter I spoke at another naturist a nice guy, but I really wanted to get tising and the media. Naturists have gathering, in West Palm Beach, Florida. out of this. When I told him what I learned to accept each other "as is." It seems that the Reverend Donald expected for an honorarium, I knew he'd I parked my car and walked to the Wildmon's organization, the American balk. main building to find Pat. All around Family Association (AFA), has been "Well, I don't know if we can swing me I saw naked men, women, and trying to put the fear of God into Florida that," he said. children. Nowhere did I see any couples naturists. I breathed a sigh of relief and asked copulating. The AFA in Florida is led by zealot him to get back to me if he could work Pat showed me around the camp, David Caton. Caton wants to ban nudity it out. That was the end of that, I introducing me to many of the campers. on all Florida beaches. It is interesting thought. A couple of days later Pat called Everyone I met was warm and friendly. to note that Caton is the author of back. About 150 gathered for my presen- Overcoming the Addiction of Pornog- "OK, we can do it," he said. tation. To help overcome the fear of raphy. The book "outlines the steps he Now it was time to be honest. I told public speaking, professionals often took to successfully overcome a seven- him I was uncomfortable, even though suggest imagining each member of the teen year addiction to pornography." I support naturists' rights and have been audience without clothes. I did just the Shortly after my West Palm engage- known to go skinny-dipping in hotel opposite. And eye contact became more ment, Florida legislators debated a bill pools when no one was around. important than ever. that would have made it a crime for a "Will the audience be dressed?" I After my presentation, I spoke per- woman to appear topless on a Florida asked. sonally with a number of people. While beach. Violators would have been "Depends on the weather," he said. I did meet some humanists, four people subject to a year in jail and a $1,000 introduced themselves to me as born- fine. The religious right in Florida Skipp Porteous is an authority on the again Christians. I even met two mini- pushed for the ban. In the end, the political activities of the religious right. sters. One of them was with his wife. naturists won, and Florida beaches are Middle-aged, and totally naked, they still free—until the next round. •

16 FREE INQUIRY up to us to do our best. 1 have never felt that we can look for assistance elsewhere. What we see around us is what we've got. Now that might sound On the Barricades as if I am some sort of unemotional reductionist, but I know that I am not. Accepting a humanistic view of our world does not mean that you don't feel love, anger, fright, tenderness— or even humor. A humanist basis Flew and Fox to Receive such topics as depression, high blood simply allows you to spend less of your Forkosch Awards pressure, and asthma. Buckman is an time twisting what you see and con- oncologist at Toronto's Sunnybrook torting it to fit somebody else's idea Antony Flew has been selected by the Hospital and host of several television of what ought to be. Of course, I could FREE INQUIRY editors to receive the fifth programs, including "Magic or Medi- be wrong—but if 1 am I don't think I shall have done all that much damage Morris D. Forkosch Book Award for cine, "Vital Signs," and "The Good Sex on the way. On average, humanists his Atheistic Humanism, published in Guide." He has written eight books, don't. 1993 by Prometheus Books. The $1,000 including I Don't Know What to Say, prize is awarded to the best single volume a guide to support for the dying, and The Secular Humanist published during the previous calendar was elected a Fellow of the Royal College E-Mail Directory year that deals with the concerns of of Physicians of the United Kingdom in humanism. Previous recipients have 1990. FREE INQUIRY is planning to start an been Steve Allen, for Steve Allen on the In conjunction with the Toronto electronic mail bulletin board and would Bible, Religion, and Morality; Arthur conference, Dr. Buckman issued the like to have a list of secular humanist Strahler, for Science and Earth History: following statement on "What Human- e-mail addresses. If you wish to par- The Evolution' Creation Controversy; ism Means to Me": ticipate, please send your e-mail address Sidney Hook, for Convictions; and by regular mail to P.O. Box 664, Stephen Jay Gould, for Wonderful Life. To me, humanism is what you are left Buffalo, NY 14226 or by e-mail to Flew, one of England's most distin- with if you strip away what doesn't [email protected]. make sense. I was guished philosophers, is a member of the always attracted by Academy of Humanism. science, and the The Selma V. Forkosch Award, for more I learned, the the best article on humanism published more I found that many established in FREE INQUIRY in 1993, has been world-philos- awarded to Richard A. Fox, for his ophies (particu- " `The Incredible Discovery of Noah's larly among some Ark': An Archaeological Quest?", which of the organized appeared in the Summer 1993 issue. He religions) didn't make any form of will receive $250. Fox's article, which intuitive sense. analyzed a program that appeared on Undoubtedly they CBS defending the authenticity of the bring great com- Noah's Ark story, was given national fort to their believ- attention in ers, but I found Time magazine. that I was unable to sincerely believe in any divine archi- Dr. Robert Buckman: A Profile tecture to the cos- mos, or in any pre- determined destiny Robert Buckman, the keynote speaker for any race or at FREE INQUIRY'S upcoming conference creed or even for on "The Good Life: A Humanist Per- the individual. spective" (see pages 34 and 35) has From my teenage teamed up with famed comedian John years onwards, I basically came to Cleese, formerly of Monty Python's think that we hu- Flying Circus, to host a series of patient mans are a most peculiar species information videos, produced by the A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Center for Inquiry was BBC. Called "What You Really Need huddled together held May 21, 1994. From left to right: Doris Doyle (Skeptical Inquirer to Know About ... ," the 11 videos in a rather uneven Managing Editor); Msry Rose Hays (Business Manager for the and random way Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the combine characteristic Cleese humor on a rather plea- Paranormal); Lynette Nisbet (Vice President, Prometheus Books); with straightforward information about sant planet, and it's and Georgeia Locurcio (C0DESH Business Manager).

Summer 1994 17 Do Children Need Religion?

Andrea Szalanski ally, though, her own stand emerges. We learn of her own background in bits and ver the years FREE INQUIRY has human progress and harmony? pieces: she grew up Roman Catholic in Opublished many personal accounts Unlike in most other areas related to a large family. Her siblings have of how individuals became secular raising children, there are no experts to embraced a variety of religious paths, humanists. The journey has been typ- authoritatively advise parents on how to but she seems to relate without tension. ically characterized by a commitment to achieve those goals. There is no Dr. She has come to view the religion of her solid reasoning and personal integrity, Spock of "spiritual" matters, and the youth as "an accident of birth": "It was but for some, also discomfort, and even implications of life-stance choices for as if I had been born in some distant pain and loneliness. But all would say children remain largely unaddressed in country, and the longer I went without with confidence and satisfaction that public forums. a return visit, the more I came to dis- they made the right choice. Into the chasm has stepped Martha believe its reality" (p. 203). Are secular humanists as self-assured Fay and her book Do Children Need She is a widow whose husband died in choosing to put their children on the Religion? (Pantheon Books, 1993). Fay when their daughter was six. She is same path? Undoubtedly, for some there talked to scores of parents about their raising her daughter with some knowl- is no debate. But others may have own religious backgrounds, the dilem- edge of but not allegiance to religious questions, especially those who lean mas, if any, they faced in that regard faith, encouraging her to explore and toward a secular humanist stance but in raising their children, and their solu- examine all ideas. At the close of the may not even know it by that name. They tions. But hers is not just an anecdotal book, Fay reflects on her choice: may lack knowledge of the tradition and account: she puts her subject in historical the support of a community of like- and sociological perspective and ex- In the end, what we are counting on minded individuals. plores the relevant literature to give it is that these early habits of speculation For good parents a sense of responsi- depth. will help them to make sense of the bility is as constant as love. When our Fay sees the current generation of world, again and again, at different children are infants, we are vigilant so parents in a unique position—they must stages of their lives, in a way that certainty never could, and that if we that they survive the night. When they absorb the double impact of the loss of are at all lucky, they will reach are youngsters and teenagers, we mon- extended family and the gain of scientific maturity as secure in the whirlwind itor their health, personal relationships, knowledge about our natural world that as they seem now. [p. 232] and education to ensure a happy and prompted many people to either aban- prosperous adulthood. Why shouldn't don faith in God or imbue the concept What role should religion play in the their consideration of and position on with personal significance. It is also a lives of secular humanist children? Most the meaning of life require our attention generation that grew up with the motto secular humanists are disturbed by as well? It becomes the basis for all else. "Question authority." Many or most religious indoctrination and believe chil- Most parents do not enter this terri- have experienced ethnic if not racial inte- dren can become well-adjusted and tory with an eye toward saving souls, gration. They are the children and grand- morally responsible adults without it. but instead are looking to save face in children of immigrants who left the Some may not object to Sunday school public and avoid the embarrassment of urban microcosms of their native coun- or some other education about a specific a recalcitrant child. The religious choices tries for the suburban melting pot. denomination. Should we raise children are so varied; the outcome so uncertain. In relating her interviews, Fay touches who are "religion free" and committed Yet the consequences are so serious, even on many areas: the appeal of holidays to free inquiry but have knowledge of of inaction. (Halloween emerges as the one that a wide range of religious and non- But parents do have a responsibility unites all backgrounds and that parents religious viewpoints? to tackle this part of their children's lives, can celebrate with children exactly as In the pages that follow, we have in- both for their own well-being and that they did when they were young); moral vited secular humanists to give us their of society. No one would argue against instruction ("civic humanist" values have thoughts on children and religion. Also, raising young people who are econom- formed as we increasingly separate the- Martha Fay elaborates on her work and ically self-supporting and socially well ology from ethics); and sources of sup- views in an interview with Molleen adjusted. Doesn't society have some port (what do you say to a dying child?) Matsumura. stake in their philosophical orientation? Fay handles her subject with sensi- Don't parents have the responsibility to tivity and humor, and pronounces no Andrea Szalanski is Managing Editor of produce offspring that will contribute to judgments on parents' choices. Eventu- FREE INQUIRY.

18 FREE INQUIRY two young children myself, I can assure my faithful counterparts that there is much to teach our children. Finding no 'So, What Do You Teach Your Kids?' good reason to believe in any approv- ing or disapproving deities, we cannot resort to the easy answers, "Do it because God says so," or "Do it because God will punish you if you don't." We must Tom Malone explain, on a child's level, that good and bad are defined, not by what some The first question Christians ancient lawgiver said, but rather by the tably ask secular humanist parents effect our actions have on others. "Being is, "So, what do you teach your kids?" nice" without the presence of a god may Many of us are so defensive about the seem like a complex matter to the aver- suspicion we might be forcing our age Christian, but most children can heretical viewpoints on our children that readily grasp the concept, "If you're not we launch reflexively into a lengthy nice to Ashley, she won't be nice to you." explanation of the ideals of independent And although they may not be able to thinking and religious freedom of explain it in so many words, most chil- choice—even for our children. Probably dren can act on the understanding that too few of us stop to realize the arro- "being nice" feels good and "being bad" gance that underlies the question, and feels bad. certainly still fewer actually bother to These are not matters of complex the- point this out to the inquiring religionist. ology. They are simply matters of social Let's turn the question around to see "Is it for some reason appropriate for necessity, the kinds of constructive and its absurdity. What if, upon learning of Christians to quiz secular humanist destructive actions societies have always a colleague's Presbyterian affiliation, one parents about their children's rewarded and punished. Human popu- were to ask, "So what do you teach your religious education?" lations have been coping with these issues kids?" Certainly, our colleague would since time immemorial, and their behav- stare quizzically and say something like, this particular system to their children ioral roots can even be traced back to "I raise them to be good Presbyterians, (Is it possible to do anything else?). other primates and mammals. Even- of course. Why do you ask?" And that To the average religionist, secular tually we are socialized into "being good" is precisely the response that Christians humanists are simply those who "don't because of the positive effect we know deserve when they ask us the same believe in anything." After all, they it has on others, but the evolutionary question. assume, if you don't believe in God, what mechanism that achieves this is complex. Is it for some reason appropriate for else is there? (Actually, we can consider Altruism may be sustained by its effects Christians to quiz secular humanist ourselves lucky if all they assume is that on others, but its roots are based upon parents about their children's religious we believe in nothing, since in the South the very selfish motivation for survival. education? Do they ask this question of disbelief in God is usually—and The ethical lessons that we derive every Christian, Jew, and Muslim they absurdly—regarded as an affirmation of from life experiences are not best taught meet? Is it correct to assume that since faith in Satan!) So as believers in in the confines of a religious institution we reject supernaturalism, we believe in nothing, what is there to teach our attended once a week. Ethics and ethical nothing at all? Since our opinions are children? Although it would be appro- behavior are learned, sustained, and later generally regarded with scorn, are we priate for us to respond to inquiries with understood through day-to-day demon- then expected to raise our children as a simple, "Why do you ask?" we know stration and practice. Religious instruc- faithful followers of some mainstream that we cannot afford such a luxury. As tion may help reinforce daily habits religion we reject? a misunderstood and often maligned learned at home, but if the habits are The answer to all of the above ques- minority, we must explain. And how- not practiced in the home, no amount tions is an emphatic "No." No one asks ever insulting the question itself may be, of theological instruction will create a believers in one of the five major "true we should realize that these situations "good, socially responsible" child. Chil- religions of the world"(Hinduism, Budd- offer just the opportunities we often need dren learn right and wrong by interacting hism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) to explain not only our child-rearing with the world and receiving the appro- about their children's religious edu- techniques, but our own personal philos- priate sanctions and rewards. Christians cation. We assume the obvious: (1) adults ophy as well. I'm afraid that educating may learn that "we should be nice regard their religious opinions as true the public will remain a burden of ours because God wants us to," but secular ones (or else why would they hold them?) for some time to come. humanist children can learn even more and (2) parents teach the principles of As a secular humanist and parent of effectively that "we should be nice be-

Summer 1994 19 cause it allows everyone to get along, often ask us, "But do you teach your all of these judgment calls will be easy it influences others to be nice in return, children about other religious opinions ones, but coping with these situations and it makes us feel good about our- besides your own?" Their unspoken will allow our children to become both selves." assumption is that we, for some reason, self-confident skeptics and sensitive Secular humanist parents are addi- have an obligation to take our children human beings. tionally challenged by the necessity to to church just in case they want to be- It would be a mistake for secular educate their children about the super- come little Christians. But Christian humanist parents to exercise a laissez- natural beliefs prevalent in our society. parents do not feel the need to offer their faire approach to religious instruction. After all, most of their friends, neigh- children the option of becoming secular We cannot leave our children to flounder bors, and classmates will probably humanists or Buddhists. In fact, the theologically and expect them to arrive adhere to traditional beliefs, so our chil- children of secular humanist parents at the same conclusions we did. The dren must be prepared for growing up often wind up better educated on alterna- inducements of pie-in-the-sky thinking in a society that is ignorant about and tive beliefs and are offered more choice are too strong and the unethical evan- often hostile to their views. Teaching in religious matters than are the children gelists too persistent for us to leave our children to regard claims of the super- raised in mainstream religious homes. children's religious opinions to chance. natural with skepticism need not be a Equally important as encouraging a There is much we can do to guide their difficult or complicated task. healthy degree of skepticism in our chil- development without becoming dog- Children's literature is filled with dren is promoting tolerance and under- matic absolutists ourselves. There is also make-believe characters and stories. standing. They belong to families and much emotional stress and harm we can These can be used as springboards for communities whose members are gener- spare them by shielding them from some parent-child talks about how we know ally believers in traditional faiths. For of traditional religion's assaults on self- what's real and what's pretend. Adult the sake of their survival and for the esteem, sexuality, and intellectual believers may have a problem with this general benefit of tolerance, our children inquisitiveness. To raise a secular concept, but most children grasp it should be taught to respect the right of humanist child does not require threat readily. What confuses children is being others to believe as they choose. They or censorship, just a broad and full taught a healthy skepticism toward most will have to understand the difference education. And that, after all, is what types of make-believe but then being between appropriate and inappropriate we're supposed to be good at anyway. urged to accept as fact one particular times to ask certain questions or express type of blind and unyielding faith. The certain opinions. We may have to explain essential childhood secular humanist that "We can talk about that around Tom Malone lives in Stone Mountain, library, therefore, should include the Aunt Marion and cousin Jack, but it Georgia, with his wife Sonia, and their tales of various world mythologies, will hurt Granddaddy's feelings too two children, Daniel and Ana. He including a children's version of the much if we talk to him about why we teaches history and coaches boys' varsity Bible. When the make-believe stories of disagree with his beliefs. Besides, he's set soccer in a public high school. He the Bible are presented in the same light in his ways and won't understand how devotes his "spare time" to secular as those of other traditions, children can we feel, so let's just avoid the topic." Not humanist activism. both grasp the prevalence of make- believe stories throughout history and see the absurdity of taking such out- rageous tales seriously. They will also big I DINT DO come to understand that stories once »JYTNIN6! regarded as factually true are later dis- missed as products of someone's imagination. Bible stories such as the Garden of Eden and Noah's Ark also offer ideal opportunities for teaching children w about a "kinder and gentler" secular humanist philosophy that rejects the justice of such concepts as eternal punishment and the punishment of all for the "sins" of a few. In this manner, our children not only \. I . s• learn how to discriminate myth and legend from fact and history, but they additionally learn about many of the faiths that their parents have rejected in I favor of secular humanism. Christians

20 FREE INQUIRY sowing the seeds of skepticism." Popular opinion to the contrary, humanists do have beliefs, but they are based on `I'm on Fire to Explain' evidence, as opposed to religious beliefs which persist in the absence of evidence, or despite evidence to the contrary. Faith discourages questions and promotes inappropriate reliance on author- Kenneth Marsalek ity. Zaius has been taught that no one knows everything and that we never stop he working title of this essay was learning. I encourage questions about T"Raising a Humanist Child." Upon anything. Equally important, I listen to reflection, however, I realized that while what he has to say, letting him know I am certainly influencing my son toward that I learn as much from him as he humanist values, it is not my intent to learns from me. To promote skepticism, impose a particular belief system on him. I tell Zaius something preposterous. Therefore, I chose for my title instead When he responds that it is not true, a quote by Isaac Asimov that better I say that I saw it on television or read describes both how I feel and my it in the newspaper. He then gives me approach in raising my son. those who did not believe in God went the response I was soliciting, "Just be- Eight-year-old Zaius has spent most to hell. When asked if that would in- cause it was on TV (or in the newspaper) of his life under a joint custodial arrange- clude me, he replied, "Oh, not you, Dad." doesn't mean it's true." He has also been ment, with his time equally divided I then asked about individual members taught some simple magic tricks and between parents. The arrangement of my humanist organization, people shown some illusions to impress upon exposes him to humanist as well as Zaius has known since he was three. To him how easily our senses are fooled. Christian beliefs. Under such circum- each name he responded, "Not him or Other basic yet easy steps to take in stances, it is especially important that her." The discussion ended there. A week raising your child with humanist values I do not impose a dogmatic atheism or later, he raised the issue again by saying, include promoting self-esteem through indicate displeasure when he expresses "You know, even if you don't believe in praise and encouragement, and cul- beliefs other than my own. To do so God you can still go to heaven." As tivating responsibility early in life. Zaius could risk rebellion against my atheism. hoped, Zaius reached this conclusion on has had simple chores to do since he Instead, I openly talk about religious his own. was old enough to walk. Participating in the annual park clean-up instills both beliefs, demonstrating to him a willing- In the past few years Zaius has experi- an environmental ethic and community ness to discuss beliefs he knows I do not enced the deaths of family members and responsibility. share. friends. Explaining death to a child does In one of Asimov's most touching At age five, Zaius said that he believed not have to be morbid or frightening. essays, he related that his father once in God and asked me why I no longer Although Zaius knows that everyone asked him where he had learned all the do. I began by saying he was correct eventually dies, he has been told by things he wrote about. Asimov an- that I had believed in God when I was others that the dead go to heaven. I ex- swered, "From you, Papa." His father young. I explained that as we get older plain that some people believe in heaven protested, "From me? I don't know one we learn new things and think about but others, like myself, do not. Recently, word about these things." Asimov things differently. He responded, "When in referring to someone who believes in explained, "Papa, you taught me to value I get older I probably won't believe in heaven, he said, "She hasn't outgrown learning. That's all that counts. All these him either." Obviously, beliefs at this it yet." things are just details."' It is puzzling to me when parents re- early age are quite tenuous. Zaius, like- I have kept this foremost in my mind wise, has professed belief in Santa. turn to church in search of values for in raising my son. Maintaining your Rather than try to convince him that their children, when the most obvious child's innate curiosity and instilling a Santa is not real, I express doubts about way to instill values is by one's own lifelong love of learning is the best advice whether reindeer can fly. When Zaius example. While believers and humanists I can offer for imparting humanist ultimately abandons Santa, I can equate may agree on certain core values, there values. it with beliefs in other myths. are some striking exceptions. For As a parent, the most important bene- example, a sign outside a Catholic Note fit of being associated with a human- elementary school near me reads, "We L Isaac Asimov, The Roving Mind (Buffalo, ist group is the opportunity it gives my are sowing the seeds of faith." This is N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1983), 348. son to acquire other humanist role the exact opposite of the purpose of edu- models. Also at the age of five, Zaius cation. If this were a humanist school, Kenneth Marsalek is president of Wash- relayed a story he had been told in which perhaps the sign would read, "We are ington Area Secular Humanists, Inc. Summer 1994 21

Ingersoll on Children and Morality

Roger Greeley

hroughout his career, the great dren have the same rights that we Tnineteenth-century freethinker have, and we ought to treat them as Robert Green Ingersoll discussed reli- though they were human beings. They should be reared with love, with kind- gion and morality. He also addressed the ness, with tenderness, and not brutal- related issue of religious and moral ity. ... When your little child tells instruction for children. He argued that a lie, do not rush at him as though no necessary connection exists between the world were about to go into bank- religion and morality, that the teachings ruptcy. Be honest with him ... tell him you have told hundreds of them of the church will not produce moral yourself. Tell him it is not the best behavior in children, and that we instruct way; that you have tried it.... Just our children most effectively with the imagine a man who deals in stocks example of our own lives. Ingersoll's whipping his boy for putting false statements on these subjects speak for rumors afloat! Think of a lawyer beating his own flesh and blood for themselves. evading the truth when he makes half Repeatedly, Ingersoll stressed the lack of his living that way! Think of a of connection between religion and minister punishing his child for not morality: telling all he thinks! ... When your child commits a wrong, take it in your arms; let it feel your heart beat against • Religion and morality have nothing its heart; let the child know that you in common and yet there is no religion really and truly and sincerely love it. except the practise of morality. But ... I do not believe in the govern- what you call religion is simply super- ment of the lash.... I tell you it is stition... . "Ingersoll rejected any kind of wrong; it is no way to raise children! • What is called religion is simple structural catechism, religious or Make your home happy. Be honest superstition with which morality has secular. He believed that we teach with them. Divide fairly with them in nothing to do... . everything. Give them a little liberty • Religion and morality do not neces- best when we lead by personal and love and you cannot drive them sarily go together... . example." out of your house.... Let children • Most criminals today are orthodox have some daylight at home ... do believers... . • As a matter of fact, religion has often been the enemy of morality. The moralist has been denounced by the theologians.... • According to [the theologians], the moralist sets a worse example than the criminal. The moralist not only insists that a man can be a good citizen, a kind husband, an affectionate father, without religion, but demonstrates the truth of his doctrine by his own life.

Ingersoll's views on the moral edu- Q\1N\S\-\\4\E\ cation of children are expressed elo- quently in his marvelous lecture "The R.EWINRo Liberty of Man, Woman, and Child" (1877):

If women have been slaves, what shall I say of children? ... I tell you chil-

22 FREE INQUIRY not commence at the cradle and shout, ways; they will do substantially as you dard as an example for his children. Per- "Don't, Don't, Stop!" That is nearly do ... but if you try to make them haps Thomas Edison described him best all that is said to a child until he is there is some magnificent, splendid in this remark made shortly after thing in the human heart that refuses twenty-one years old, and when he Ingersoll's death: comes of age other people begin saying to be driven.... What would the "Don't!" And the church says, people have been, if at any age of the Someday, when the veil of superstition "Don't!" ... I despise that way of world, they had followed implicitly the is lifted, Ingersoll will stand as a great going through this world. Let us have direction of the church? They would man. I think that Ingersoll had all the liberty just a little. Call me infidel, have been idiots.... I believe in allow- attributes of a perfect man and, in my call me atheist, call me what you will. ing the children to think for them- opinion, no finer personality ever I intend so to treat my children, that selves.... Let the children have liberty. existed. they can come to my grave and truth- Be honest and fair with them; be just; fully say: "He who sleeps here never be tender, and they will make you rich gave us a moment of pain. From his in love and joy. lips, now dust, never came to us an Roger E. Greeley serves as a consultant unkind word." ... Do not treat your to the North American Committee for children like orthodox posts to be set Clearly, Ingersoll rejected any kind of in a row. Treat them like trees that structural catechism, religious or secular. Humanism and the Humanist Institute. need light, sun and air. Be fair and He believed that we teach best when we He is the author of The Best of Robert honest with them; give them a chance. lead by personal example. His own Ingersoll and The Best of Humanism Recollect that their rights are equal private life was without blemish. He was (both published by Prometheus Books). to yours. Do not have it in your mind He has given more than seventy-five that you must govern them, that they adored by his wife and two daughters must obey.... Let your children have (and later his grandchildren). Indeed, he performances nationwide of "An Even- freedom and they will fall into your "walked as he talked," setting a high stan- ing with Ingersoll."

How Religion Impedes A Child's Moral Development View FI Senior Editor Tom Flynn Brad Clark recently received this letter at CODESH headquarters.—EDS. t isn't widely known, but some of the Imost religious people are found My name is Cori Bazydlo and I among the incarcerated. Many inmates read your book Fighting Back! A claim jailhouse conversions. Others Manual for Freethinkers. It is a claim long-term but "lapsed" commit- very good book. I am an eleven- ments to religious beliefs. Contributing year-old atheist. It's very hard to to these conversions and renewals are deal with stuff like school issues government-financed chaplains em- and relatives lecturing me and my ployed at the federal, state, and county parents about God. levels to provide religious counseling and I want to thank you for helping services to prisoners. In addition to this my family (Mom, Dad, brother, government-sponsored religious indoc- and I). You gave us advice on how trination, a large number of conservative to confront my school because they evangelical organizations provide reams (my school) were doing religious of free religious material to prisoners. songs. Luckily that turned out The popular assumption is that a con- ... well, better. vict will return to society with a higher Tell the other people involved level of moral functioning if he or she in making the book that I said it "gets religion." While religious belief can was good. play a complex role in an individual's Thanks again. decision-making process, some general observations can be made about reli- Cori Bazydlo gion's negative effect on the development tributions of biblically based religious Collins, N.Y. of those functioning at low moral instruction and high levels of religiosity reasoning levels. In particular, the con- deserve investigation. Summer 1994 23 Examination of the relevant literature suggests that religious instruction is a counterproductive method of inmate rehabilitation. The underlying assumption that religion and morality are interrelated is simply untenable. For example, Freud ([1928] 1949) suggested that religion served to undermine moral responsibility while promoting fanati- cism. He contended that people who behave morally only out of fear of supernatural penalty would be unlikely to respect and care for others from an altru- istic perspective. This argument receives support from the theory of moral reasoning developed by the late Law- rence Kohlberg. By moral reasoning, Kohlberg (1981) meant the process behind the conceptu- alization of the rights and obligations that define an individual's relation to others and to society as a whole. He recognized that moral growth, like cognitive growth, is developmental in nature. Maturation proceeds from a desire to enhance one's self by any means as long as one escapes penalties (stage 1), to a willingness to do for others if there is a clear reciprocation (stage 2), to a need to conform to peer expecta- tions (stage 3), to a need to follow the This comment probably applies to all books, contain numerous examples of law uncritically (stage 4), and finally to religious traditions. While Kohlberg low level moral reasoning, and this concern for the rights and humanity of never explicitly examined whether reli- makes them poor vehicles for moral every person that is not bounded by con- gion could arrest moral development, a development. Consider, for example, the ditions (stages 5 and 6). At the highest study he conducted in Turkey found popular Sunday school story of David "postconventional level," moral judg- individuals in a strict Muslim com- and Goliath. In the tale, David becomes ments must be justified on rational- munity demonstrated no post- enraged at the taunting challenge Goliath moral grounds rather than by appeal to conventional thinking. makes to the Israelites. After volun- the order of nature or to religious author- Clouse's assessment of the relation- teering to answer the challenge, David ity or revelation. Healthy people nor- ship between Christianity and moral brutally kills Goliath and becomes a mally move from one stage to the next, growth finds confirmation in the circum- tribal hero. To the literal understanding progressing as each stage is understood. stances surrounding the quick religious of most children and inmates, the story In studies involving various cultures, conversions and renewals of prisoners. teaches that violence is an appropriate researchers have found that individuals These result from moral reasoning on way to resolve conflict and its use will work through these stages between early Kohlberg's lowest levels. The prime gain you respect among your peers. Inner childhood and young adulthood, motivation is to assure pleasant circum- city youths use the same level of moral although they estimate that only about stances in an afterlife, an incentive that reasoning when they commit drive-by 20 percent of the population reach the has nothing to do with examining one's shootings against those who have postconventional levels of stage 5 or 6. relationship to others. Accepting Jesus offended them. What does this research say about the Christ as your Lord and Savior under If, then, biblical instruction and the role religion plays in moral growth? these conditions is an example of a stage basic doctrines of religion do not con- Clouse (1985) summarizes, "It would 2 deal with God. Most religious texts tribute to moral growth, does a high level appear from the literature that adults are concerned with defining human-to- of religiosity improve moral reasoning? who accept the basic doctrines of the God relationships. Four of the Ten This question has special relevance since Christian faith are less apt to reason at Commandments dictate rules of behav- inmates seem particularly inclined to Kohlberg's highest stages than those who ior toward Jehovah, not other humans. zealotry and are attracted to extremes do not accept the Christian faith" (192). The Bible, and most other religious such as the Calvinistic view of humanity 24 FREE INQUIRY as vile and depraved. Such a perspec- religion for correctional rehabilitation is tive seems to speak directly to their own counterproductive to the type of growth "Examination of the relevant inadequate self-esteem and sense of that inmates need to make for their identity. But it reinforces a belief that literature suggests that religious successful reintegration into society. they are compelled by their nature to instruction is a counterproductive When the issue of the religious indoc- sin, a view that can serve as a rationali- method of inmate rehabilitation. trination of children is raised it should zation for committing further crime. The underlying assumption that be recognized that, from a developmen- The high number of religious child religion and morality are tal perspective, the use of religion for molesters illustrates that religiosity moral growth is clearly inappropriate. interrelated is simply untenable." provides no guarantee of moral behavior. It is well recognized that religiosity References is central to the personality structure of ment in moral reasoning depends on Clouse, B. 1985. Moral Reasoning and Christian certain types of child sex offenders exposure to the thought processes of Faith. Journal of Psychology and Theology (Schouweiler, 1993). The Minnesota Kohlberg's higher stages. The absolutism 13: 190-198. Multiphasic Personality Inventory of religious reasoning encourages an Freud, S. [1928] 1949. The Future of an Illusion. Trans. W. Robson-Scott. New York: Liver- (Hathaway and McKinley, 1943), a inflexibility that stifles the cognitive con- light Publishing. widely employed psychological assess- flict required to advance to the next Hanson, R. 1991. The Development of Moral ment, uses religiosity as one indicator stage. Reasoning: Some 0bservations About Chris- tian Fundamentalism. Journal of Psychology of pedophilia. In the reasoning often A fundamentalist position also limits and Theology 19: 249-256. associated with such individuals, they an individual's ability to understand situ- Hathaway, S. and J. McKinley. 1943 Minnesota have been forgiven for all sin (and crimi- ations from another's point of view. It Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Minnea- polis, Minn., University of Minnesota. nal behavior) through acceptance of creates a personal and subjective orien- Kohlberg, L. 1981. Essays on Moral Develop- Jesus Christ, who redeemed their sinful tation that interferes with the development: The Philosophy of Moral Development. deeds before they were born. As a conse- ment of effective problem solving skills Vol. 1. San Francisco: Harper & Row. Schouweiler, W. 1993. Religious Funda- quence, they relinquish all personal (Hanson, 1991). Further, as Wendell mentalism and Repression in Child Molesters. accountability for their actions. In addi- Watters (1992) has noted, emphasis on Ph.D. diss., Professional School of Psy- tion, a religiously deterministic rationale the human-God bond inhibits the chology, San Francisco. Watters, W. 1992. Deadly Doctrines: Health, for criminal behavior could claim that development of supportive human bonds Illness, and Christian God-Talk. Buffalo, such conduct is all part of "God's Plan." required for adaptive interpersonal and N.Y.: Prometheus Books. • Research thus indicates that both reli- social functioning. These human connec- gious instruction and high levels of tions are what prison inmates need to Brad Clark is a correctional educator in religiosity should not be expected to con- develop most. California and a member of Atheists and tribute to moral development. Advance- It must be concluded that the use of Other Freethinkers in Sacramento.

Honest to God Gerald Larue

onesty and truth-telling are ethical point to a commandment against testi- Hvalues that society deems desirable. fying falsely as a witness (Exod. 20:16, We don't like liars; we can't trust them. 23:1; Deut. 5:20; Matt. 19:18; etc.) and We are troubled when we find that to the condemnation of witnesses who medical researchers did not honestly lie (Prov. 6:19, 21:28, etc.). But, as we report their studies. We wonder what is shall see, although the Bible condemns happening to honor when cadets in our perjury, respect for honesty, integrity, Naval Academy are caught cheating. Are and truth-telling are not found. Indeed, honesty and integrity fading from our just the opposite: deceit and lying are culture? Where can our children find the norm. examples and role models that will Examples of honesty and integrity encourage truth-telling? must be found elsewhere—outside of the Dan Quayle, Pat Robertson, and Bible. Families can find the most others direct us to the Bible to find the coherent and consistent condemnation divine basis for family values. They can of lies and deceit in well-known sayings,

Summer 1994 25 in fables and fiction, and in the example [man] put forth his hand and take also abouts (Gen. 4:9). Sarah lied to Yahweh of good citizens. These extra-biblical, the tree of life, and eat, and live for- when she insisted she had not laughed post-theological, nonreligious, humanis- ever" (Gen. 3:22). Obviously, this story (Gen. 18:9-15). Jacob and Rebekah lied tic sources teach the evil of lying and cannot serve as a guide to honesty. to Isaac when they pretended that Jacob the importance of honesty. was Esau so Jacob could steal Esau's For example, over and over again we Bible Heroes Are Liars blessing (Gen. 27:1-30). Rachel lied to are reminded by the folk-saying that her own father, Laban, when he came "Honesty is the best policy." Aesop's braham, the father figure for seeking his household idols (teraphim) story of the "Boy Who Cried `Wolf" AJudaism, Christianity, and Islam, which she had stolen (Gen. 31:19, 34- dramatizes the plight that a liar can get was a forthright liar. When he journeyed 35). into and ends with the maxim "A liar to Egypt with his beautiful ninety-year- Jacob and his sons deliberatly lied to will not be believed, even when he speaks old wife Sarah, he lied. He told pharaoh's Shechem and Shechem's father, Hamor, the truth." The same point is echoed in emissaries that she was his sister and, so they could murder the males in the Sir Walter Scott's poem Lochinvar: city of Shechem (Gen. 34:13-31). Jacob's sons lied to him concerning the fate of Oh what a tangled web we weave, their brother Joseph (Gen. 37). Aaron, When first we practice to deceive. the symbolic figure of the High Priest of Israel, lied to Moses concerning the Mason Locke Weems's fiction about casting of a golden calf (Exod. 32:1-4; George Washington and the cherry tree 24). The melted gold didn't just happen exalts the boy who became president. to take calf form—Aaron crafted it. He told his father, "I cannot tell a lie. Saul's oath to Yahweh was violated and I did cut it with my hatchet." Yahweh was deceived when the people Truth, in the biblical sense, is a "ransomed" Jonathan, presumably by theological notion that insists that one killing someone else for Jonathan's viola- accept as "truth" what biblical writers tion of Saul's vow (1 Sam. 14:24-30, 44- claim about God and about Jesus. Such 45). David tried to deceive his loyal truth has little or nothing to do with soldier Uriah, the Hittite, after David honesty. Indeed, over and over again had committed adultery and impreg- biblical heroes are portrayed as liars, nated Uriah's wife, Bathsheba. When the schemers, and deceivers. Even the God deception failed, David had Uriah killed of the Bible is portrayed as a liar! (Gen. I1). David then tried to manipu- late his god, Yahweh, by faking his In the Beginning mourning for his dying child (Gen. 12:15-25). od (Yahweh) lied to Adam in the story of the Garden of Eden. He as a consequence Sarah, his wife, became Even Peter warned Adam not to eat of the tree of a part of the pharaoh's harem (Gen. knowledge of good and evil saying: "The 12:10-15). The same lie is repeated in est someone argue that so far the day you eat of it you die" (Gen. 2:17). the story of Abraham, Sarah, and the examples have all been drawn from The serpent disclosed to Eve what really King of Gerar (Gen. 20:2), but here Jewish scripture and that things are lay behind the prohibition: "You will not editors transformed the lie into a half- different in Christian sacred writings, let die. For God knows that when you eat lie using the argument that Sarah was us examine the accounts of New Testa- of it your eyes will be opened and you Abraham's half-sister (Gen. 20:12). The ment heroes. Peter, the founding figure will be like god, knowing good and evil" same idea is repeated once again in the of the church, the man whom Roman (Gen. 3:4-5). As the serpent promised, story of Isaac, Abraham's son, who also Catholics argue was the first pope, is Adam and Eve gained the moral knowl- lied when he told the King of Gerar that shown to be a liar, a vacillator, and a edge that elevated them above their Rebekah was his sister (Gen. 26:1-9). moral coward who did not hesitate to animal status and gave them the ability How did these biblical heroes justify adjust his thinking and his message to to make rational moral choices. Even their lies? Each argued that because his whatever he deemed to be expedient and Yahweh acknowledged the veracity of wife was beautiful, the king would kill safe. He lied when he denied any the serpent's statement when he said: him to possess her. Talk about nobility association with Jesus (Matt. 26:69-74; "Behold, the man has become like one of purpose! These heroes are liars and Mark 14:66-71; Luke 22:56-60; John of us, knowing good and evil" (Gen. despicable cowards. 18:17-18, 25-27). Paul accused him of 3:22). To cover his lie and to prevent Biblical lying is not limited to Abra- vacillating and of deceitful accommo- humans from becoming actual gods, he ham and Isaac. Cain lied to Yahweh dation to pressures from the ultra- expelled them from the garden "lest he when he was asked about Abel's where- conservative Jerusalamite Christians 26 FREE INQUIRY (Gal. 2:11-14). tians became impatient over the delay life, in which we see men and women Jesus' disciple Judas betrayed his in the coming of Jesus' kingdom—a fact swearing to tell "the truth, the whole friend Jesus with a kiss (Matt. 26:48-50; acknowledged by the writer of 2 Peter: truth, and nothing but the truth, so help Mark 14:44-46; Luke 22:47-48). Anna- me God" with their hand on the Bible— nias and Sapphira, early Christians, lied First of all you must understand a book that does not really endorse or to Peter about the sale of their property. this, that scoffers will come in the exhibit honesty! last days with scoffing, following their If family values are to include an They both died immediately, which own passions and saying, "Where is suggests that lying to leaders of the early the promise of his coming? For ever emphasis on the importance of seeking church regarding property could result since our fathers have fallen asleep, truth, telling the truth, and being honest in divine punishment (Acts 5:1-10), but all things have continued as they in our dealings with one another, we in other situations that did not involve were from the beginning of creation." cannot find a basis for that emphasis [3:3] money coming to the church lying was in the Bible. It is far better to teach truth- not life-threatening. telling for its own sake, drawing on the The writer then seeks to explain the delay wisdom and the example of poets, by arguing that a day in God's sight is Would Jesus Lie? philosophers, storytellers, and heroes the equivalent of a thousand years (3:8). who have demonstrated honesty. In the We may view the New Testament as words of Shakespeare's Polonius (Ham- he answer to this question depends nothing more than a collection of on how one perceives Jesus. If he let, I, iii, 78-80) T writings by human beings who lived was truly the divine messiah, God-in-the- nearly two thousand years ago and that This above all: to thine ownself be flesh, living and moving among men with their view of the future was askew and true, knowledge of the shape of things to they simply erred. This response prompts And it must follow, as the night the day, come, then he lied to his disciples. He the question: what can we trust in the told them, "Truly [honestly], I say to you, Thou canst not then be false to any New Testament? man. • there are some standing here who will not taste of death before they see the n view of the obvious dishonesties in Gerald A. Larue, Senior Editor for FREE Son of man coming in his kingdom" the Bible, isn't it ironic that public INQUIRY and head of the Committee for (Matt. 16:28; Mark 9:1). That event officials take their oath of office on the the Scientific Examination of Religion, simply did not happen. Bible? One considers that the many court is a noted authority on the Bible and There are those who would argue that settings, both on the screen and in real religion. the prediction was symbolically fulfilled six days later when Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured (Mark 9:2- 8). Or perhaps the saying was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2). But the kingdom CODESH of God that Jesus predicted did not come and has not come. If one accepts Jesus Conference Schedule simply as a human being rather than The Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism is divine, one could argue that he erred. sponsoring several innovative conferences in upcoming Concerning the end of the age, what he, his followers, and other apocalyptic- months, including: minded Jews thought and taught was "Getting the Godless Together" wrong. A similar situation develops around Minneapolis, Minn., July 30-31, 1994 what Jesus is supposed to have said to "Robert G. Ingersoll and Women's Rights," Peter about his "beloved disciple" (John Rochester, N.Y., August 19-21, 1994 21:22). Apparently there were those who understood Jesus to say that the beloved "Humanism and the Arts" disciple would not die. But he did, and Cincinnati, Ohio, September 16-18, 1994 the Christian community had to deal with that saying (John 21:23). "A Baptist/Humanist Dialogue" Further, if the Christian Scriptures Richmond, Va., (Date to be announced.) are divinely revealed "truth," then either "Is the Bible the Word of God?" they are in error or the divine author, God, lied, because the theme of the prox- West Palm Beach, Fla., December 16-18, 1994 imity of the Kingdom of God is laced For details on any of these conferences, contact Tim Madigan throughout the twenty-seven books of at P.O. Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226 or call 716-636-7571. the New Testament. Some early Chris- Summer 1994 27 straight is more than they can take. It does suit me, but it is difficult. I came to the positions I hold in my late twenties, with a better-than-average Do Children Need Religion?: education in theology, but what I was asking in the book is, does one charge An Interview with Martha Fay right in to address these big questions with one's children? The way in which adults have developed and come to hold their beliefs is often very different from the way they present those beliefs to their Martha Fay, author of A Mortal children. Condition, has written for the New York FI: Your book centers on con- Times Magazine, Time, and Life, among versations with parents. Did you also other publications. When Do Children learn something from their children? Need Religion? was published in 1993, Some of the children brought up with- it received considerable attention, out religion seemed quite comfortable including feature articles in major dailies with that. How about the ones who were like the Los Angeles Times and the New given some kind of religious training York Times. Clearly the book had struck even though their parents were non- a nerve among a generation of parents believers? who, as Fay says in her introduction, FAY: I didn't interview many children. find themselves "surprised and some- I concentrated on adults, and in fact, what bewildered by the sudden urgency as I worked on the book, I told people of a question that had completely failed I was writing a book about religious to attract their interest previously: Do "I think the only solution, for ambivalence. The adults I spoke with children need religion?—or more perti- anybody, is the honest one, the one kept returning to their own recollections, nently: Does my child need religion?" that conveys your own sense of and I had to keep steering them back She adds, "And of course, ready or not, conviction. I include in that the fact to conversations about their children. I the questions will come. For parents con- only came across one person who was that there will always be a certain templating the choices before them, they not a believer yet sent his children to are but the beginning." ambivalence." Sunday school. It was more often the Fay answers questions with questions, case that people who had a tentative those of the parents she interviewed, and dren live outside any particular cultural belief in God, or who were uncertain some of her own. Here, she shares a few tradition. I feel that by the choice I have about what they thought, were the ones of the answers they found. made I have removed her from the tradi- who sent their children to Sunday tion I was raised in, though of course, school, rather than clear atheists. —Mollen Matsumura that tradition is itself changing. I think We live in a culture where God and FI Associate Editor the only solution, for anybody, is the references to a deity are ubiquitous, and honest one, the one that conveys your many people just aren't able to let go REE INQUIRY: I'd like to begin with own sense of conviction. I include in that of religion. They don't have another ice Fa somewhat personal question. The the fact that there will always be a cer- floe to jump to. title of your book might lead readers to tain ambivalence. I'm not an absolutist, FI: You quoted a study, "The Beliefs think that they'll find some kind of but, as someone who was raised a and Moral Values of America's Chil- definitive answer, but in fact it's more Catholic, I can't help but bring my own dren," that suggested that Sunday school like a discussion with you as the scrupulosity to these questions. I would has little or no effect on children's moral moderator, making sure that many not advise other people what to do, and judgment. Did your interviews with aspects of the question are explored, and of course I have second thoughts, but parents and religious educators give you many voices are heard. At the end, I find I am more comfortable casting a different impression? describing your conversation with your my lot, not with my own small group, FAY: That happened to be a very daughter and another child in an Italian but with humanity at large. Living out- interesting but inconclusive study, in chapel, you sound almost ambivalent. side a religious framework is, for many which many sections seemed to contra- Did you reach a conclusion? people, more than they can stand. For dict each other, and children's positions MARTHA FAY: At the time I felt many people religion is a necessary were splintered. It was my interpretation reassured by that conversation. I had crutch, and they're willing to look the that the apparent positive effect of come to terms with my questions. I do other way when it comes to the small Sunday school attendance may really feel that my child and many other chil- details they might not agree with. Reality have reflected the attitudes of parents 28 FREE INQUIRY e who were very caring and involved in where in the country, there were not children. their children's moral development. many moral voices being raised. The dif- FI: How did differences in parents' Many parents I interviewed simply ference between finding reinforcement backgrounds affect their decisions? I felt unable to go it alone. But parents and relying on external authority tends would imagine conversations got really also found they couldn't just send their to blur in people's minds, and there are interesting when one parent was religious children off to Sunday school and expect people who actually wish they could and the other a freethinker. And how that to be the whole solution. And I believe and wish they could invoke some did children feel about these differences? found that many churches had been external authority. FAY: When parents are quarreling, telling parents that they shouldn't expect I think this is connected with the kids are miserable. Several adults had their kids to go to Sunday school unless popularity of books offering advice terrible memories of the times their they were willing to attend the church about child-rearing. People turn to parents of different denominations got themselves. books because they don't trust them- into power struggles, and these people A sidebar to this is something that selves. wanted nothing to do with religion. They has been an issue in the Catholic church FI: Many of the parents who felt some were angry about what had happened for years. Traditionally, parents who nostalgia for their religious upbringings, to them, and in most cases chose not wanted their kids baptized in the or even a need to repeat some aspects, to provide their children with a religious Catholic church were practicing Catho- seemed more interested in ritual and experience of any kind. lics themselves. But with a decrease in emotion than theology. They talked On the other hand, I didn't come attendance or formal compliance among about loving the smell of incense, or the across many families in which parents Catholics there was an increase in the enjoyment of singing hymns. Others were at war over their children's souls. number of nominal Catholics who specifically said they dislike the emo- What did happen was that people wanted their children baptized for the tional appeal of ritual. What's your view decided that their personal lives were sake of tradition alone, the way they do on this issue? more important than the choice of a par- in Europe, because it's part of the cul- ticular religion. People are less willing ture. But the church has said no, that to cede to religion what earlier genera- "What I can say from both my own it would not baptize children if the tions did. And though most of the people parents weren't going to be involved. experience and that of the people I I spoke to insisted that they were And this is a great ongoing row, because interviewed is that you can pass on believers and that faith made a difference the church is saying if you're not going your beliefs successfully." to them, in terms of observable conduct, to raise your children Catholic, don't people with and without faith are often have them baptized, it's inappropriate, FAY: Theology turned out to be the indistinguishable. it's hypocritical. Whereas the ex- subject that was least discussed. Most FI: You mentioned one nonbelieving Catholics, or nonreligious Catholics, say, people were simply uninterested in mother who commented that her daugh- "It's a culture as well, and I want to theological questions, and in fact many, ter got angry when she denied the participate in it, and how can you deny though not all, had had no theological existence of God. The little girl must have me this?" And of course I can see both education. For the most part, it was gotten that idea from outside the home. points of view. Whatever their belief Catholics who had received the most How much were parents who brought systems, churches are communities, and extensive theological education, but even in religion responding to social pressure? they're entitled to demand, or at least for them theology was a secondary issue. FAY: I would say that it's not so much ask, something of their participants. What was apparent was that, while a question of giving in to social pres- FI: That goes to the question that we live in a secular age, most people sure as acceding to social convention in your book explores—not whether chil- aren't ready for it emotionally, just as the sense that few parents felt the need dren need religion so much as whether they aren't ready for the issues raised to combat every reference to God when parents need the help of religious institu- by such scientific breakthroughs as test- their kids were young. I drew a vari- tions and beliefs in raising their children. tube babies or genetic testing, and the ety of responses on this issue, but most I was especially struck by your quoting many sticky questions they create. Reli- people were very comfortable with the a family therapist who said that some- gions have always offered ways to idea that their kids would think for a times nonreligious parents invoked his explain things, and as much as anything, time that God existed. authority. Was that need for an external I think it's these explanations that peo- FI: One of the issues you raise is that authority a major factor in some parents' ple miss. I think this explains the popu- Judeo-Christian values, and biblical reliance on religion? larity of beliefs in UFOs, the imagery literary imagery, are an important part FAY: Among people who were regu- of alien abduction, and soon. Such of our cultural history, and at one point, lar churchgoers, there was a strong sense things help people make sense out of con- for example, you asked whether there that there was a need for support. Not fusion. You know, some people who is any image that better communicates necessarily a substitute authority, but adhere to what seem to be truly bizarre the preciousness of children than the reinforcement for their position. They theologies lead very conventional daily story of the infant Jesus. Not to me! That often felt that in the schools, and else- lives, and have beautifully behaved story wasn't part of my childhood. But Summer 1994 29 I've always loved to read myths of vari- stemming from our own childhoods that Because these histories have a lot to do ous cultures, and I immediately thought we still have as adults. with the way people see themselves and of the story of Ceres and Persephone. FI: Was there material from your re- the way they act in the world; even if Later, you commented that many people search that you wish you could have in- their belief systems are no longer power- no longer identify themselves by their cluded in the book but were unable to? ful, their habits of community, their religion, saying, "I'm a Baptist," or "I'm FAY: What I regret having to omit habits of looking at things, and their a Catholic." And if they did, now they is not an area of traditional concern, like habits of conversation are still power- might say they're Muslim or Buddhist. having left out, say, ethics, so much as ful—even such things as whether they Maybe the change away from a com- how I was taken by people's private like to sing in public or don't. Because mon Judeo-Christian culture has gone stories of a religious or nonreligious past, of the organization of the book, I farther than anybody thinks, and we'll and how closely interwoven that perspec- couldn't fully convey that power of have to find other ways to connect chil- tive is with people's personal histories. religion and how it affects people. It's dren with society at large. They all become artifacts of their past. one of the reasons people find it so diffi- FAY: That's a very good point. You For example, the "saints" of the red cult to let go. made me think of a woman I know, an diaper babies the people they heard FI: Your sympathy is very evident in atheist, who when her son died at the about in socialist summer camps—were the book. It was there even when you age of seven, told the story of Persephone people like Paul Robeson and Sacco and disagreed with people, wasn't it? at his memorial ceremony. But most Vanzetti. I did try to touch on that in FAY: Recently I was talking to a people aren't classicists, and that tradi- the chapter on identity—how interwoven friend, somebody I'd mentioned in the tion isn't available to them, either. religion or its substitutes are with the book, and he said he wondered whether Yet we do need ways to extend the texture of people's personal pasts. They I should have come down more strongly feelings in these stories to children. bring these ideas into their adult lives, against religion and made it more con- Feelings of safety, preciousness, and and when they no longer believe, they troversial. He was half joking; he didn't connection. We haven't been doing this don't quite know what to do with all mean only for the sake of getting the well, and a way has to be found. Maybe those remnants. book more attention, but also in terms Joseph Campbell was right when he said We're all products of our parents, of what I really believe. And I said that that we need a new mythology, though whatever our religious background. you could make a good argument that the one he proposed, a sort of space Whatever people's current belief systems, maybe I should have been tougher, more mythology, is not what I would have their histories and their habits of speech, anti-religious, or conveyed my own posi- chosen. We're bereft several times over; thought, and celebration come out of tion more strongly—but the fact is that people are no longer familiar with either that past. In my apartment, for example, I did feel such tremendous sympathy for Greek or Judeo-Christian mythology. it looks like I'm still a Catholic; I have people when I was writing it, and espe- But the problem with Campbell's sug- a Christmas tree, and certain kinds of cially for their difficulty letting go of the gestion is you can't just declare new religious art, like Mexican shrines and past. myths. They evolve—like the Kennedy Italian holy water fonts. I grew up with And yes, this was true even when I myth. The New Agers who believe in these things, and what I own now is not felt a lot of disagreement with their be- such things as reincarnation are grasping all kitsch—some of it is quite beautiful. lief systems. In terms of actual things for myths, too. I didn't grow up on Buddhist prayer one believes to be true or good, there What I do is use literature. I don't wheels! So, that's part of my culture, just was very little difference except that I have a scheme, but I have read the Greek as anyone who grew up in a Lutheran don't base my belief in God, and some- myths to my daughter, and now she's church grew up with Bach. one else does. That was true with two reading myths from other cultures. We I became aware while working on the of my sisters. We don't have many argu- talk about everything we read. book of how deeply religion was em- ments about what ought to be, or how FI: What was most interesting for you bedded in people's pasts. They recalled people ought to behave. It's just that they about working on the book? Methodist hymns, or chapel at boarding happen to locate their beliefs in a God, FAY: Simply writing the book was im- school, or Baptist rallies in the summer who's some remnant of the traditional mensely interesting intellectually—the in the South. Most everyone had some God, and I don't. I think that that's one reading it entailed, and thinking and such memory, and when they abandoned of the interesting things about where we talking to people. What was rewarding the belief system that went with it, they are now. That people who locate their wasn't a single discovery, but the whole found it hard to know what to do with belief, or anchor it, in different things, process of delving into the most in- the memory. It's one thing to be a fiction may agree in important ways, while often teresting questions that most of us think writer, and to try to make use of it in people who appear to anchor their beliefs about. The focus on children gave it a a story, but most people don't have any in the "same" God are more quarrelsome particular tilt, but most of the time I place to take that part of their lives. It than those of us who are on "opposite" was really talking with people about their was sad and touching, and I wish I could sides. own peace of mind. In thinking about have written about some of the families FI: It seems the book gave you a lot their children, they faced the problems in profile and been able to capture that. of insight into what people go through 30 FREE INQUIRY in making the decision on whether their your child, and how confident you are and how much I felt capable of inter- children need religion. How would you in the way you're going about it? preting for her. advise people on the issue, for example, FAY: I don't think it made me feel That was a worthy attempt that other on whether they should send their kids more confident; it made me feel more people had made, and I suspect that I to Sunday school? persuaded that I haven't any choice. This wouldn't have explored it quite as inten- FAY: What I can say from both my is indeed how I do feel, and there was tionally if I hadn't been working on this own experience and that of the people never any real possibility of doing it any book. It was the only thing I reached I interviewed is that you can pass on other way. for because I had worked on this, that your beliefs successfully. It's not a In the book, I was very honest about I thought about more analytically than guarantee, but you can. The problem— my own feelings, including in the passage I would have just as a parent. for some of us anyway—is that of coming on literature, where I talk about trying You have to raise your child by to terms with the relative grimness in to read the Bible with my daughter. In your own example. You have to do it this culture, and the relative difficulty fact, I do think the Bible is worth by constant attention to the issues that of finding support for the beliefs you do studying, something I wish I did know religion concerns itself with. If you're not have. That's what the book is about, that better. I don't know more about it be- talking about these things at home, if it's harder to answer your child's ques- cause of the way I was raised, and I do you're not answering your children's tions outside the context of a belief have strong feelings about it being part questions about the world and the way system with a God who's going to rescue of what a literate person should know. it works—the mystery, the injustice— you, and outside a social consensus. But I did feel ambivalent about how nothing else will do that job. There's no I don't have any specific advice, ex- much of the moral teaching I could take, free ride. • cept that what was very clear to me, from talking to people about it and thinking about it myself, over and over again, is that it's pointless to do anything you don't believe in. Not only as a matter Children Don't Need Religion of honesty, but also there's a moral and psychological absurdity to it. It seems to me that sending your child to a Edythe McGovern Sunday school in a denomination where you wouldn't feel comfortable would be o Children Need Religion? is a well- a very strange thing to do. If you had Dwritten attempt to deal with what a choice, you wouldn't send your child seems to be a problem, particularly for to a school where you disapproved of nonbelieving parents who feel concern, the teaching, or the methods of dis- and perhaps guilt, about trying to raise cipline, or, if you had strong convictions children in today's society without the about integration, that was all white. religious trappings of their own child- What happens is that sometimes a sense hood. The book is now being reproduced of guilt or anxiety about religious ques- in paper, by Fireside Books (a division tions leads people to override their own of Simon and Schuster) under the title instincts. While it's very appropriate to Children and Religion, so we may question and think about these things, assume some wide interest in the which is the whole reason I did the book, question. people have to resolve it in terms of their But in many ways Do Children Need own best judgment and their own best Religion? is extremely irritating since instincts, not thinking, "This is what I Martha Fay depends largely on inter- ought to do, because other people are views that she has conducted with rela- doing it, or this is what has been done." tives and friends in a sincere attempt to For a large number of people, this get a coherent response to the question probably does require quite a bit of in the title. Therefore, it is an anecdotal wrestling, but then in the end they have account that might well come to different "Eupraxophy Centers—that would to make the choice that corresponds to conclusions were the author to talk with provide the kind of continuity that their own beliefs. a different set of people. Furthermore, My advice is limited to this: Examine most of those she interviewed were very churches offer. They would make it your own conscience, and then plunge ambiguous about the issues she raised. possible to give our children a library of ahead. First, Fay assumes that as soon as books and tapes that would underscore FI: Did writing the book affect how a family has children it begins to ponder what they team at home." you feel about the way you're raising questions regarding religion. However, Summer 1994 31 except when both parents in a mixed whether or not we believe there is a esting discussion regarding other facets marriage are strong believers, so that specific "purpose" to that cycle. of this very important subject. there is potential conflict about the In the section on "Ethics and Virtue" Clark, a teacher in a correctional insti- religious training of the children, it the author makes some unsubstantiated tution, is mandated by California law would seem that the average family is assumptions. After acknowledging that to teach a course stressing empathy for focused on far less esoteric areas of life. there is a conflicting pair of beliefs about victims, which, of course, is literally With almost no exceptions, those who the "innate goodness" and the "evil "moral education" for the incarcerated are interviewed give replies that are unex- nature" of Man, she takes sides in the perpetrators. [See his article on p. 23.— pected. For example, many parents who dispute, stating that "civilizing" is neces- ED.] The problem is that many of the are basically unbelievers allow their sary to curb man's [evil] aggressive young people (ages thirteen to twenty- children to attend religious services with nature, without considering the claim of five) have no conscience, even though friends in order for the children to feel many reputable social anthropologists most have been routinely exposed to part of a peer group. that man is inherently a cooperative some organized religion before being Also, many parents feel the need to animal, and, furthermore, that it is this jailed. The point Clark stressed was that, keep a connection to a tradition/ culture, so-called civilizing that causes his if a child doesn't bond with an adult whether this means actually participating immoral behavior! (usually, but not necessarily, his or her in religious rituals or not. This seems At any rate, Fay has found many mother) between the ages of six and particularly true of Jewish parents who parents who feel that organized religion eighteen months, it leaves a psy- feel that Judaism is an ancient culture is the means by which their children can chological void that may never be filled. that should be preserved, rather than a acquire "moral values." Actually many Certainly this sort of foundation for religion in the usual sense. parents have simply abdicated their socially acceptable conduct falls outside When it comes to belief in a super- responsibility in this area, and have given the purview of any religious group. natural deity, parents usually reflect their it over completely to an organized There is general consensus about what own upbringing, as one would expect. religious group. Or, alternatively, many in educational jargon could be called For instance, one woman, raised a have acknowledged their own part in "outcomes" when we attempt any kind Catholic, told Fay that, although she presenting a desirable moral code, but of teaching. What do we want our chil- answered her young son truthfully about wish to have it validated by an outside dren to accept as "true"? How do we not believing in God, "When he says, authority figure, such as a priest, want them to think about themselves and `I don't believe in God' I get a feeling minister, or rabbi. others? What attitude do we want to in the pit of my stomach." In this section Fay seems to be confused by her encourage regarding the natural world also, Fay goes into the various interpre- findings that some parents wanted to be and humans as a part of that world? tations human beings have of a God- sure that their children were exposed to Questions of this kind raise issues that figure, from a traditional old man with formalized religion and such books as may separate secular humanists from a white beard to a "first cause," and it the Bible. Knowing about different reli- other "good" people in our society. seems that (at least among those she gious practices, rituals, and such books For example, we encourage our chil- interviewed) none but the most intrepid as the Koran, the Bible, the Book of dren to think critically and even skep- atheist is willing as a parent to state his Mormon, and the Torah means being tically regarding notions that many peo- disbelief flatly when questioned by educated. It does not, however, mean ple take as "facts." We want them to children. that the child should be taught to accept be confident of their own identity so that The section on "Big Questions" the tenets of any one group. As a matter it is unnecessary to pretend belief in the concerns the origins of life, death, and of fact, when the child is mature enough shibboleths of religion just to avoid being afterlife. When a young child is faced to realize how the differences among reli- different. We want them to respect all with the loss of a loved one, traditional gious groups lead to anti-social behavior that they experience in the natural world notions of heaven come out of the closet. from name-calling to armed conflict, and be interested in saving this planet How lovely to think that one's grand- broad exposure may well result in a nega- for future generations. And on and on. mother is now a hovering angel, or that tive attitude toward all forms of The crux, of course, is that most children the child will meet his deceased friend religiosity. will follow the best-loved role models, in some paradise. Fay quotes from many which are most commonly their parents. authorities on child-rearing, but again a recent CODESH meeting in Paso Another comment on Fay's book: if finds no consensus. What many parents ARobles, California, I, along with parents are confused themselves about resort to is simply to "beg the question," Brad Clark of our Sacramento group, belief in a deity, an afterlife, and other by saying that we cannot understand all led a discussion on moral education. "Big Questions," they are sending a the mysteries (a traditional Roman Since we were "preaching to the choir," mixed message to their children that may Catholic position) and we must just have so to speak, there was unanimity regard- well detract from an effective moral "faith." Of course, there is also the view ing the view that children do not need education. that we are all part of nature and that organized religion for their moral educa- Honest conversation with children, life and death are an unending cycle, tion. There was, however, some inter- telling them that as parents (or teachers) 32 FREE INQUIRY we don't have all the answers, but that specific sites—Eupraxophy Centers— we are equal to it without depending on we are willing to check facts and draw that would provide the kind of continuity the crutch of religion. logical conclusions, is important. Stand- that churches offer. They would make ing firm on certain issues, such as the it possible to give our children a library Edythe M. McGovern is a Secular Hu- necessity for separation of church and of books and tapes that would under- manist Mentor and founder and state, or evolution as a fact, a disbelief score what they learn at home. Such secretary-treasurer of Secular Humanists in a literal heaven or hell, or refusal to centers would also give secular humanist of Los Angeles. An English professor have faith in any one of the mythical youth a chance to socialize just as many in Los Angeles-area community colleges, figures whom people call God should religious groups do in their churches. she is the author of They're Never Too give children a firm foundation as secular Until such centers materialize, how- Young for Books (Prometheus Books, humanists. ever, secular humanist parents will have 1994), and is interested in fostering moral We agreed at this (and other meetings to do it all. In this confusing world of education and critical thinking through during the weekend) that we need the 1990s, that is no easy walk, but literature.

process of separating his/ her identity Filling a Gap in the Guides from the parent's, and the hybrid figure pieced together from a variety of personal and cultural representations to make up each child's personal view of Lisa Kuhmerker God. And make no mistake: children will construct an image of God from play- t would be difficult to imagine a better ground contacts and television even if Ibook on the many issues and concerns the idea never surfaces in the home. rising out of the broad question, Do What makes the parents' role so children need religion? than the one difficult is the enormous change in belief written by Martha Fay. Her success in patterns that has taken place in the last dealing with "the big questions" in a generation or two. The context and the comprehensive and yet easy-to-read accompanying assumptions that once fashion is especially welcome since ensured religious continuity have dis- almost no major book on parenting solved. Religious belief and practice have written in the last generation deals with become disassociated from everyday the cognitive or emotional aspects of concerns and from the larger culture. either religious belief or a secular life Not until the reality of parenthood—and stance. children's questions do most adults Widely known authorities on child- sort out what they actually believe. Even hood and parenting such as Benjamin then, parents must make decisions about Spock, Barry Brazelton, Penelope what responses are age-appropriate for Leach, Selma Fraiberg, and Haim the questioning child. Secularists must Ginott remain silent on how to answer balance honest answers with concerns children's questions about religion and about whether children need the comfort God. Even Gesell and I1g, who at least or connection of belonging to the religion touch on the subject of religion in The "Widely known authorities on of their forebears. Child from Five to Ten, simply note that childhood and parenting such as Martha Fay interviewed hundreds of during middle childhood, interest in the Benjamin Spock, Barry Brazelton, parents, encompassing an array of belief patterns of the child's family peaks Penelope Leach, Selma Fraiberg, religious positions from staunch believ- around the age of six. They do not offer and Haim Ginott remain silent on ers to agnostics. With great skill, she quotes from the questions parents raised any discussion to contradict common how to answer children's questions cultural assumptions of a homogenous during these interviews, and from about religion and God." Christian universe. Nor does the work parents' reports of conversations they of psychiatrists and psychologists pro- had with children ranging in age from vide concrete help to today's parents. explain how children form their images three or four through their teens. Her Ana-Maria Rizzuto, researching the of God. More recently, D. W. Winnicott, style is so fluid, the reader hardly notices literature on the psychological founda- in Playing and Reality (1990), draws the careful structure underlying the tions of belief some thirty years ago, parallels between the transitional objects organization of the examples. Best of all, discovered that no theory existed to the child invests with meaning in the Fay does not have an axe to grind. She

Summer 1994 33 CSF[AFT Coalition for SecudFlarethuman H ism, Aesm,th i anoure ght cordially invites you to attend its 1994 Conference "The Good Life: A Humanist Perspective" The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.—Bertrand Russell Co-Hosted by: The Bertrand Russell Society, The Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism, and The Humanist Association of Canada Thursday, July 7, to Sunday, July 10, 1994 at the Chestnut Park Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (in the heart of downtown Toronto)

1994 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, JULY 7 I FRIDAY, JULY 8, cont'd.

5:30- Bertrand Russell Society NOON - LUNCHEON (optional) 7:30 P.M.: Board Meeting 2:00 P.M.: Speaker. Nicholas Griffin, professor of philosophy, McMaster University "Bertrand Russell as a 6:00- Humanist Association of Critic of Religion" 7:30 P.M.: Canada General Meeting 2:00- CONCURRENT SESSIONS 7:30- Welcoming Reception 5:00 P.M.: 1. "Humanism and Ethics" 11:00 P.M.: Harry Stopes-Roe, Former President, British Humanist Association Terry Miosi, Executive Director, Toronto Learning Centre Paul Cliteur, President, Humanistisch Verbond (Netherlands) FRIDAY, JULY 8 2. "Dealing with the Religious Right"—A Workshop Facilitator. Marie Castle, Vice President, Atheist Alliance 9:00 A.M.- PLENARY SESSION 3. "Humanism and Spirituality" NOON: "The Positive Reach of Humanism: Pat Duffy Hutcheon, Sociologist and Educator An Agenda for the 21st Century" Thomas Flynn, Senior Editor, FREE INQUIRY Rupert Raj-Gauthier, Secretary, Humanist Association of Canada Moderator. Thomas Flynn, Senior Editor, FREE INQUIRY Paul Kurtz, Editor, FREE INQUIRY 4. "Bertrand Russell Society" Peter Smith, President, Humanist Association of Canada John Shosky, Professor of Philosophy, American University Michael Rockier, President, Bertrand Russell Society Papers by winners of Bertrand Russell Society Essay Contest Jane Wynne-Wilson, Co-President, International Humanist Marvin Kohl, Professor of Philosophy, SUNY Fredonia, and Ethical Union "Russell and the Good Life"—A Workshop Jack Massen, Treasurer, The Atheist Alliance David Goicoechea, Professor of Philosophy, Brock University FRIDAY, JULY 8, cont'd. SAT. , JULY 9, cont'd.

3. Young Adults Workshop (ages 14-30): "What Is 5:00 P.M.- TORONTO (on your own) the Good Life?" UNTIL? Facilitator. Elizabeth Welsh, Continuing Education Department, Brock University SATURDAY, JULY 9 4. Humanism Online: i Promoting freethought through computers Facilitator. Greg Erwin, Pres., Humanist Association of Ottawa 9:00 A.M.- PLENARY SESSION NOON: 1. "What Is the Good Life? 6:00- Red Hackle Hour A Humanist Perspective" 7:00 P.M.: (Bertrand Russell's Favorite Scotch) Moderator. Timothy J. Madigan, Executive Editor, FREE INQUIRY 7:00- AWARDS BANQUET Gladys Leithauser, Board Member, Bertrand Russell Society Albert Lyngzeidetson, Prof. of Philosophy, Florida Atlantic Univ. 10:00 P.M.: Keynote Address Philip Jones, President, CSHAFT Dr. Robert Buckman, Host of TV-Ontario's `Vital Signs": "Twice Gordon Stein, Editor, The American Rationalist Around the World and Still Stupid" Norm Allen, Exec. Dir., African Americans for Humanism ROBERT BUCKMAN Dr. Buckman's hilarious anecdotes, com- NOON- bined with important information on a wide range of health-care issues, make 2:00 P.M.: LUNCHEON (optional) him one of the most sought-after speak Speakers: Rob Tielman, Co-President, International Humanist and ers on the continent. He is the author of Ethical Union, and Levi Fragell, editor, Norwegian Humanist five books, has starred in and cowritten three television series and hosts WO's "International Humanism in the 21st Century" "étal Signs." He is a medical oncologist at Sunnybrook Hospital and an associate 2:00- CONCURRENT SESSIONS professor at the University of Toronto. 5:30 P.M.: 1. "Nonreligious Ceremonies: A Discussion" SUNDAY, JULY 10 Christos Tzanetakos, President, Atheist Alliance Jane Wynne-Wilson, Co-President, IHEU 8:30 A.M.- BUS TRIP (optional) 2. "John Dewey vs. Bertrand Russell on 8:30 P.M.: Visit to FREE INQUIRY and Prometheus Books Religious Belief" headquarters and SUNY Buffalo Campus, Timothy J. Madigan, Executive Editor, FREE INQUIRY Amherst, New York; and Niagara Falls (includes Michael Rockier, President, Bertrand Russell Society lunch) John Novak, Professor of Education, Brock University Other events are also being planned.

❑ YES, I (we) plan to attend "The Good Life: A Humanist Perspective" ❑ Early Registration for person(s) $50.00 u.s./$65.00 CDN each ($60 u.s./$75 CDN after June 15) $ ❑ Friday Luncheon for person(s) $20.00 U.s./$22.00 CDN each $ ❑ Saturday Luncheon for person(s) $20.00 u.s./$22.00 CDN each $ ❑ Saturday Banquet for persons) $30.00 u.s./$40.00 CDN each $ ❑ Sunday Bus Trip to Buffalo for person(s) (includes lunch and visit to Niagara Falls) $40.00 U.S./$50.00 CDN each $ For accommodations at the Chestnut Park Hotel, please call 1-416-977-5000. Mention "Humanist Conference" to receive the conference discount rate of $79 CDN. single/double room.

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Address Daytime phone City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Residents of USA: Please make checks payable to CODESH, Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226-0664, or charge by phone by calling 1-800458- 1366, or FAX to 716-636-1733. Residents of Canada: Please make cheques payable to the Humanist Association of Canada (Conference '94), 116 Ravenscrest Drive, Etobicoke, Ontario M9B 5N3. No credit card service; cheques only. For further information: Call Tim Madigan at 716-636-7571. pitches neither for a religious nor secular Do Children Need Religion? is a "wisdom out of the mouths of babes" stance. She does not stigmatize a secular delight to read either to oneself or aloud that the author supplies with a generous stance by labeling it "unbelief." This sets as a stimulus to dialogue and small- hand. • her apart from the multitude, who group discussion. The questions raised pretend to be evenhanded while concoct- about the meaning of life, about ethics ing what I call "horse and rabbit stew." and virtue, tradition, culture, and Lisa Kuhmerker is the publisher/editor With religion as the horse and a secular identity are always with us. We don't of the journal The Moral Education stance as the rabbit, there's far more have to be in the midst of child-rearing Forum and the founder of the Associ- horse than rabbit in the stew! to ponder them or to chuckle over the ation for Moral Education.

Filling a Child's Head with Nonsense

Timothy J. Madigan

Man excels all the animals even in his chopenhauer, an atheist himself, ex- Piaget and Kohlberg have demonstrated, ability to be trained. Moslems are Spresses a rather jaundiced view of very young children are unable to under- trained to turn their faces towards religious indoctrination, but one with stand reality, or differentiate between Mecca five times a day and pray; they which many humanists—myself in- fact from fiction? Jose Delgado, the do so steadfastly. Christians are cluded—would basically concur. It re- trained to cross themselves on certain famed brain researcher and a member occasions, to genuflect, etc.: while minds one of the quote often attributed of the Humanist Academy, goes so far religion in general constitutes the real to the Jesuits: "Give me a child at an as to argue that we need to fill a child's masterpiece in the art of training, impressionable age and it is mine for head with nonsense. Their young minds namely the training of the mental life." This is an attitude most human- must be stimulated in order to develop capacities—which, as is well known, ists find abhorrent. In fact, humanists properly, and the best way of doing this cannot be started too early. There is no absurdity so palpable that one are often possessed by a strong ethical is by appealing to their imagination. In could not fix it firmly in the head of obligation not to tell absurdities to his article "Neurobiological Bases of every man on earth provided one youngsters. Humanist parents are the Belief," in the current volume Challenges began to imprint it before his sixth only people I know who actually agonize to the Enlightenment (Prometheus year by ceaselessly rehearsing it before over taking their children to see Santa Books, 1994) he writes: him with solemn earnestness. For the training of men, as of animals, can Claus. My own Catholic parents had no be completely successful only in early such qualms, although they did become The brain of a newborn child has a youth. irritated when I continued to profess a huge amount of neurons and path- belief in Saint Nick (an insincere one, ways, with a capacity to learn any —Arthur Schopenhauer language and to receive a rich spec- (1788-1860), I should add) well into my teens, as a trum of sensory information, which Essays and Aphorisms means of getting more presents. will determine the organization of the (Penguin Classics, 1970, p. 177) But what if, as such researchers as personal referential system and con- CALVIN AND HOBBES 01994 Watterson. Reprinted with permission of Universal Press Syndicate. All rights reserved. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

TIME TO IS IT A SNOW I'VE GOT TNE RPM ON, 90 IF SCNOOLS CLOSED, I'LL SUDDENLY Y ANoTNER GET UP, DAY ? DID TNEY WE'LL NEAR. Gt1 READY NAVE THE WµOLE DAY TO DO I FEEL DEATIABED CALVIN. i CLOSE 11IE ANYWAY, TNOUGN THE MATµ µOMEWORK L EXTREMELY . CONVERS1c1\1. SCNOOLS? FORGOT YESTERDAY . IF RELIGIOUS] MAN, I µ01'E SOACOL'S OPEN, I'M IN I NODE I NODE! 81G TROUBLE.

36 FREE INQUIRY tribute to the establishment of indi- out religion might be a courageous How to teach children the proper vidual emotionality. Through these stance for an adult, but is it right to techniques for telling the difference mechanisms, beliefs, ideologies, and deprive a child of experiencing such between myth and reality is a challenge, ethical values will be inculcated in infantile minds, shaping neuronal wonderlands? then, for humanist parents. I like structures and functions. These pro- Still, one shouldn't jump to the con- Schopenhauer's wise words: cesses are automatic without the par- clusion that children raised without ticipation, knowledge, or consent of religion are emotionally and/ or intellec- Because errors imbibed early are the individual because, at birth, the tually damaged. There are plenty of cases mostly ineradicable and because the human brain is very immature and of children who have been harmed by reasoning faculty is the last to mature, lacks the capacity to select or reject children should not, until they are six- sensory information. Later on, when being immersed in too much fantasy, and teen, be exposed to any subject in the "age of reason" is reached the child the children of freethinkers I've encoun- which major errors are possible, that begins to think about, modify, or even tered don't seem to be any more twisted is to say philosophy, religion and reject some behavioral reactions incul- than the children of devout religious general views of all kinds.... [p. 230] cated during infancy. [p. 183] believers. The key difference between religious nonsense and fairy tales is that In theory, this seems quite reason- He adds that a lack of exposure to one is not expected, nor encouraged, to able, but I've yet to meet anyone who religion might result in atrophy or outgrow belief in the former. Also, I only formed a world view after the age neuronal rigidity in the child's capacity suspect that children, even from a very of sixteen. Children don't grow up in for forming belief systems of any kind early age, are often able to differentiate a vacuum, but in a culture with com- later in life. For a child's own mental myths from reality. One of the earliest peting truth claims, fantasies, and myth- well-being, it may be necessary to ini- books I remember reading was Robert ologies. At the very least, they need to tially raise him or her in a world of fan- Graves's Greek Gods and Heroes. From be trained in the art of thinking critically, tasies and fairy tales, rather than hard that point on, I loved to read about so as to be able to evaluate these dif- scientific data and truth tables. Greek and Norse mythologies. I under- fering concepts. But this didn't present stood that millions of living beings once a problem for Schopenhauer. For all of "For a child's own mental well- literally believed in the reality of these his sage advice, he never had any being, it may be necessary to ini- myths, which now seem quaint or children. tially raise it in a world of fantasies bizarre. At some point, it dawned on me that the Christian religion I was and fairy tales, rather than hard raised in might be every bit as myth- Timothy J. Madigan is Executive Editor scientific data and truth tables." ological. of FREE INQUIRY.

It would seem then that the fear that Martha Fay expresses in her book Do Children Need Religion?—namely, is it wrong to deprive one's child of a religious upbringing merely because one does not Peer Pressure and Children's believe in its dogmas anymore?—may be a legitimate one. Perhaps the pageantry, Religious Belief the doctrines, and the community of religious believers do more than simply indoctrinate. They might also help in the very formation of the child's personality. Could it be that freethought is too sterile Norma Howe an environment in which to raise a child? At the very least, parents who raise their a humanist, by definition I am children in a dogmatic religious environ- A committed to the application of ment are giving them something concrete reason and science to the understanding to rebel against once their critical facul- of the universe and to the solving of ties kick in. human problems, and I do not seek to Might, then, the humanist ideal of explain the world in supernatural terms, raising a child "myth-free" be a myth, either to myself or to my children. or an unhealthy goal? This is a difficult Then out of the blue, one Saturday issue for humanist parents, since so many at lunch, it happens: Your four-year-old of them—like Fay—were raised in suddenly bows her head, crosses herself religious households. They often long for in the traditional manner, and whispers the security and communal feeling they a "Thank you, Jesus" as she picks up themselves felt as children. Living with- her Donald Duck fork. What do you Summer 1994 37 do? (No, do not slap her little hands and most important of which is equipping in the extreme. say firmly, "Never, ever do that in this them with that indispensable tool—the Attempting to be fair when discussing house again, Little Missy!") Perhaps you skill of critical thinking. religion may pose an even bigger exchange a furtive look of surprise with Humanist parents are ideal agents for challenge to a humanist parent than whomever else is present at the table and imparting this method of thinking to being honest. The mere teaching of remark in a calm voice that belies your their offspring, since it is a part of their critical thinking in itself may be rightly disquietude, "Oh, a little prayer. And nature. Teaching how to differentiate construed as stacking the deck against where did you learn that, Sweetie?" At between fact and fiction can begin in the religion. This is all the more reason dis- pre-school, she'll tell you. Flora and nursery. Even pre-school children can be cussions with our children about the Dora always say that before they eat, taught elementary scientific experiments meaning of faith and the value placed and they said she should do it, too. and the fallacies of superstitious beliefs. upon it by religious people are in order. Peer pressure—reputed to be more One valuable resource for parents is Hy Older children who have attended reli- powerful than pen and sword com- Ruchli's book, How Do You Know It's gious services with their friends will be bined—has entered the picture and will True: Discovering the Difference even better able to appreciate how real probably be around for quite awhile. Between Science & Superstition (Prome- this "other dimension" is for many Your pre-teen will want to attend Sunday theus Books). Although the book was people and, consequently, will not be school with her best friend (especially written primarily for children ages twelve floored when they read the latest polls since they always go for ice cream after- to fifteen, parents can easily simplify revealing that almost half of all Amer- ward) and your teenager may beg to go many of the concepts in the book so that icans continue to believe in the biblical camping at a summer Bible retreat with version of creation. Curious children a new friend. Is it wise, you wonder, to "Humanist parents should have no who want to delve more deeply into the allow an impressionable child—your mysteries of faith might be directed either child—to be exposed to a view of the qualms about allowing their to that "religious person" in the family world that you personally consider children to join their friends as they (there seems to be at least one such misguided, at best? You may recall with worship as long as they have pre- person in most extended nonbelieving alarm that the daughters of such stal- pared the youngsters beforehand in families) or to a loving friend who wart freethinkers as Bertrand Russell several ways, the most important of happens to hold religious views in direct and Kurt Vonnegut eventually came to which is equipping them with that opposition to your own—if you yourself embrace Christianity, not to mention are open-minded, tolerant, and lucky that renegade son of Madalyn Murray indispensable tool—the skill of enough to have such a friend. O'Hair. Just how did that come about? critical thinking." No matter how honest and fair While I do not know the particulars parents may be, some children will still regarding the Russell, Vonnegut, and they can be understood by younger chil- grow up complaining about their reli- O'Hair defections, I do have an opinion dren as well. Subjects such as the nature gious upbringing or the lack of it. For about the actual influence peer groups of superstition, why astrology is not example, in the Introduction to her have upon children's religious views: science, and how new scientific facts are book, Martha Fay quotes a nonbelieving children may appear to be temporarily discovered are explained in a simple and father who reported that all three of his influenced by their peers, but the long- entertaining style. daughters expressed anger that they term effect is minimal. Peer pressure Besides teaching critical thinking weren't "given a faith" when they were exerts itself more upon overt actions than skills, parents can help children cope young. What an outlandish and irra- innermost thoughts. Children will beg with peer pressure by being both honest tional statement to make to a parent! like crazy to be with their peers, dress and fair when asked about their own reli- And yet, how revealing. Are they saying like their peers, and talk like their peers. gious beliefs. To the question, "Do you that as adults they have outgrown the Although they may also want to think believe in God?" the answer might be, gullibility of childhood and can no longer like their peers, they will soon discover "No, but many other people do." When conjure up "a faith" on their own? But that denying their true selves is not an asked, "Why don't you believe in God?" for every adult who criticizes a parent easy task. Maturity begins when children my response, to children mature enough for not giving them a faith when they finally decide to really be who they are. to understand, was to suggest that surely were young, there are probably even This can be one of the most pain- an all-powerful and loving God could more who maintain that the faith they ful and troublesome periods of growing devise a world with much less disease, were given as children has warped and up—the time when old friends are pain, and cruelty than the one in which confused them. There may come a time dropped and the search for new friends we find ourselves. To older children I when it's appropriate for a parent to say, is begun. Humanist parents should have might explain my philosophical objec- "Hey, I did the best I could. If you have no qualms about allowing their children tion to the concept of original sin. The a problem now, you'll just have to deal to join their friends as they worship as idea of holding the entire human race with it in your own way." long as they have prepared the young- responsible for the alleged sin of dis- Another way parents can help their sters beforehand in several ways, the obedience perpetrated by others is unfair children hold their own with peers when 38 FREE INQUIRY the subject of religion surfaces is to teach nity. As agnostics, we would have been expounded on this theory in discussions all they can about religion. A common interested in all three of his tours, not with my own now-grown children, misconception seems to be that non- just one. explaining that surely it must be "in their believers are neither interested in nor As soon as children have learned the brain chemicals," or "in their genes." know much about religion, when just the rudiments of distinguishing fact from What other explanation could there be opposite is often true. fiction, stories from the Bible can be read for so many people being so caught up An incident that my husband and I and discussed in the light of critical in what, to the rest of us, sounds like experienced during a visit to Jerusalem thinking, if this can be done without too pure hokum? And I am optimistic several years ago illustrates that point. heavy a hand. Children familiar with enough to believe that someday science As we stood just inside the Damascus such things as the names and deeds of will unravel this mystery. (Should it turn Gate, my husband reading aloud from the biblical greats, the meaning and con- out that religious people are somehow a guidebook and me struggling with the cepts embodied in such catchwords as "blessed" with something like a sixth map—we were approached by a self- the Annunciation, the Visitation, the sense—able to see angels that the rest appointed guide, obviously a native, who Transfiguration, and the Ascension, the of us cannot—I will immediately apolo- offered his services at a reasonable price. significance of Yom Kippur, Rosh gize for that "pure hokum" remark!) "I will take you around the Old City," Hashanah, and other Jewish holidays, It is important to remember that he began, "and show you points of the Five Precepts of a good Buddhist, giving our children permission to par- interest. You are Christians? I will take and some knowledge of the life and death ticipate in the religious trappings of their you to all the Christian sites." of Muhammad will be rewarded in many peers is just the beginning. As humanist Well, no," my husband replied. "No, ways. First of all, they will not be intimi- parents we must be prepared to go we are not Christians." dated when discussing religion with their further than that. We must allow our "Aha!" the guide said, smiling peers; indeed, they may find that they children the freedom to make up their broadly. "You are Jewish, then! I will are more knowledgeable about these own minds regarding the part religion show you everything you wish to see in matters than some of their friends who will play in their lives without the debili- the Jewish quarter." are growing up in religious environ- tating burdens of either guilt or the fear of losing our love. After all, as the "Well, actually," I interrupted, slightly ments. Another benefit often overlooked comedian said, "Surely there are worse apologetic, "we are not Jewish, either." is that people who are knowledgeable fates for humanist parents than having The guide gave us a puzzled look, about religion are able to reap much a child turn to religion. What if the kid eyeing us carefully. "You—you are not more pleasure from art and literature wanted to take up the accordion, for Muslims?" he began cautiously. than those who are not. As a kitchen-sink philosopher with instance?" We smiled and shook our heads. "No, vague, unschooled leanings toward a we are not Muslims." The guide turned deterministic viewpoint, I feel that reli- Norma Howe is the author of books for from us with a look of disgust. "Damned gious people truly cannot help believing young adults, including God, the Uni- agnostics!" he muttered, walking away. as they do. Through the years I have verse, and Hot Fudge Sundaes. That guide missed a good opportu-

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Summer 1994 39 Further Reading Below we review two recent books that should be of interest to adults raising children humanistically. —Eos. Constructing Educational Bridges Over Walls of Separation John M. Novak

Educating for Intelligent Belief or some of the substance, complexity, critical presentation of religious, Unbelief, by Nel Noddings (New and subtlety involved in confronting philosophical, and social issues. York: Teachers College Press, 1993), these issues. In the remaining seven chapters, xvi + 157 pp., cloth $37.00; paper Getting right to the point, Chap- Noddings raises more questions and $17.95. ter I shows how math and science takes the reader into such intricate ter- teachers might address such questions rain as "The Nature of Gods" (Chap- ost humanists readily agree as Does God exist? Where did I come ter 2); "Belonging" (Chapter 3); that it is desirable for high from? and "What is the meaning of "Feminism and Religion" (Chapter 4); school students to become deep and life? These are no small issues, to be "Immortality, Salvation, and Pessi- caring thinkers who can articulate, sure, but Noddings provides practical mism" (Chapter 5); "Humanism and defend, and, when confronted with examples to illustrate her quest for Unbelief" (Chapter 6); "Religious and compelling evidence, modify their meaningful curriculum and peda- Secular Ethics" (Chapter 7). Her final views on matters of importance. It is gogy. For example, she suggests that chapter looks at how the program she at least similar to asserting that peo- geometry teachers might have stu- is advancing for high schools might ple committed to education believe dents examine the dubious validity of be implemented. critical thinking, science, and democ- Anselm's axiomatic ontological proof What Noddings does well is to give racy are endeavors worth perpetu- of God. (God is a perfect being and the reader a rich and informative ating and extending. So much for the therefore must exist because perfec- description of some of the many issues obvious. Now comes the tough part: tion implies existence.) This is only involved in pedagogically coming to How do we go about doing this in the beginning, though. To make terms with educating for intelligent our public high schools? things even tougher, Noddings throws belief or unbelief. However, because Nel Noddings, in Educating for in some even more difficult questions: so many issues are just touched Intelligent Belief or Unbelief boldly Are there gods? Why does the Bible upon, some readers may feel slighted takes this educational step and offers have woman being born of man? How because they desire more depth a provocative proposal for inviting did the universe start? In dealing with and analysis for their particular students to pursue matters of exis- questions such as these that might areas of interest. Others might feel tential importance in an appreciative arise in class (either through teacher that Noddings's program could and critical way. Quite simply, she or student initiation), Noddings knock over the wall separating church argues that if we want high school stresses that teachers need to main- and state, and "all hell will break students to experience an education tain pedagogical, but not moral, neu- loose" if we attempt to teach about that matters to them, we should trality. That is, teachers need to stress religion in public schools. People enable teachers to assist students in that moral issues matter to them and taking this perspective think public thinking through the existential and that they have viewpoints which they schools cannot handle this tension metaphysical questions that arise think are defensible, but in their and thus will splinter and ulti- regularly in life. This should be done teaching they seek out good reasons mately die out. Still others might feel as questions arise in math, science, for other positions and attend to that Noddings's plan expects too literature, and social science classes arguments against their own posi- much from already overburdened and be handled in a noncoercive way, tions. As a good teacher, Noddings teachers. These seem to me to be valid free from academic evaluation. The not only makes this assertion but concerns that deserve further atten- eight chapters in this book point out models it through her painstaking and tion. 40 FREE INQUIRY oddings's book provides two sive. This is too bad, but groups who take the educational debates of hu- Nthings: an educational plan for think that thoughtful discussions manists and nonhumanists much working through our convictional dif- about important issues should be further than "God, mother, and apple ferences and a direction worth con- avoided in public education should pie." sidering for teaching and curriculum. seriously examine their commitment Her book will be of importance to to education in and for a democratic John M. Novak is Professor of all those who want to fight bland and society. This is a rich and sensitive Education at Brock University in St. boring curriculum and who think that book that will give teachers, admin- Catharines, Ontario, Canada. His life commitments are worth thinking istrators, parents, philosophers of most recent book is Democratic about in public high schools. Some education—any concerned citizen— Teacher Education: Programs, Pro- will find the very title, Educating for the basis for more substantial discus- cesses, Problems, and Possibilities Intelligent Belief or Unbelief offen- sions and concrete proposals. It will (SUNY Press).

Nel Noddings Replies

ohn Novak, in his generous review intelligent, not on belief or unbelief, more than that, of course. I would of my book, Educating for Intel- and there is no reason why teachers not teach this material as merely "the ligent Belief or Unbelief says, cor- must disclose their own views or stuff" of our culture. This is material rectly, that some might feel that my encourage students to divulge theirs. that responds to a universal human recommendations (if acted upon) Such disclosure may happen, of longing; it has the power to trigger "will knock over the wall separating course, and there are no doubt many reflection and make students feel a church and state and 'all hell will times when sensitive teachers should part of the immortal conversation. break loose.' " This is a valid concern. disclose their own views. But when Parents must not be allowed to pre- My intention, of course, is not to they do so, they have a special moral vent the school from doing its work knock over that wall but to help obligation as teachers to present to develop intelligence. students to understand why it is there opposing views, and they should seek What awesome and horrible things and what tremendous powers lie on out the strongest opposing views so might students hear as such dis- both sides of it. I would like students that critical discussion can be rigor- cussions take place? You must believe to learn also that people of both ous. Both teachers and students must in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. religious and secular orientations ask learn to engage in such discussion There is no god. There are many gods. common questions, that they share appreciatively and sensitively. Better God is cruel. God is good. Maybe, certain anxieties, and that often they to have a version of "all hell breaking even, God is a woman! Are these come to similar conclusions about loose" in schools where we can handle things more terrible than the horrors ethical issues, albeit for different controversy nonviolently than in the and banalities children see and hear reasons. It is fascinating, too, to read larger society where hell can mean every day through the media? And the psychological biographies of physical violence. Surely, if we are there is no teacher sitting beside them people who agree on a wide range of serious about educating for critical in front of the television, no guide to facts and yet come to different con- thinking, we cannot ignore any area steer them through the material with clusions about religion and make dif- of human activity that arouses con- sensitivity and critical intelligence. ferent decisions with respect to their troversy. Despite our best efforts, some will own lives. I am thinking here of Freud How should we answer people who simply be bored by the whole discus- and Jung who surveyed the same phe- do not want their children to hear the sion. But many are starving for such nomena: "Agreeing on the historical voices of Bertrand Russell, Miguel de dialogue, and I think it is long record that shows humankind's uni- Unamuno, Sigmund Freud, and overdue. versal interest in gods over all time, Martin Gardner if those voices speak Freud saw a vast uncured neurosis; on the topic of religion? I think we Jung saw the psychic reality of God" have to respond with some courage Nel Noddings is Lee L. Jacks Pro- (Educating for Intelligent Belief or and firmness that these voices are part fessor of Child Education and Acting Unbelief p. 100). of the historical record and becoming Dean of the School of Education at In educating for intelligent belief acquainted with what they have said Stanford University. She is president or unbelief, the emphasis is on the is part of cultural literacy. But it is of the John Dewey Society.

Summer 1994 41 First Books Molleen Matsumura

They're Never Too Young for Books, alphabet books to tall tales, dino- by Edythe M. McGovern and Helen saurs, poetry, and birthday parties. A D. Muller (Buffalo: Prometheus cross-index, arranged alphabetically Books, 1994), 342 pp., paper $14.95. by author, helps find more works by favorite writers. umanist parents often need to The introductory material care- Hfind new ways to share their fully explains the importance of good values with their children. We don't literature to children's cognitive and always have a supportive community emotional development. It's a bit aca- available, and many traditional ways demic in tone, but thorough and use- of doing things don't appeal to us. ful, as it suggests ways literature can But there's one tested method that's be used to help children grow and also a lot of fun—reading. One of the cope with daily challenges. Another great joys of parenting is getting to chapter explains criteria for selecting do "kid things" with your children, good children's literature. Again, the and rediscovering children's literature authors' suggestions are thorough, is a special treat. But not all children's thoughtful, and reliable; perhaps their books are equally valuable; there's most important point is that stories much that's mediocre or downright need not, in fact should not, be harmful (try reading Hans Christian didactic. Any "moral" to the story will cal—like the one that stories not Andersen's The Red Shoes!). It can be clear enough if the story itself is be read only or primarily at bed- be difficult to find the best books interesting and well told. Very sensi- time, so children won't think of among the bewildering variety that's bly, McGovern and Muller explain reading as something that puts one available, and this is especially true how to evaluate illustrations as well to sleep. when it matters the most—when chil- as text, since both are of primary They're Never Too Young for dren are small and often depend on importance for this age group. Intro- Books would be an ideal gift to a new you to choose. It's hard to make care- ductions to some of the categories parent, but it isn't for parents only. ful, thoughtful selections for a toddler offer more information about the It's a wonderful resource for librarians who is disappearing down the aisles selections and how to enjoy them and teachers building their collections of the bookstore, or needs to get home most fully. and planning activities for young chil- for a nap! A review of the authors' selections dren. It should certainly be added to The ideal solution is reading shows that McGovern and Muller such resources as listings of Calde- They're Never Too Young for Books. applied the criteria they advocate. cott and Newberry awards. But for In this authoritative guide to chil- Any book they have selected can be the best comprehensive guide, this dren's books for ages one through chosen with confidence. And their one is recommended for its thorough- eight, a professor of English and selection is well balanced, with good ness and sensitivity. Just reading the children's development, and a chil- choices of both old favorites, and annotations is a reminder that you're dren's books librarian tell you every- recently published books that meet never too old to enjoy children's thing you need to know to give chil- contemporary needs for books depict- books. dren a joyous introduction to the ing a diversity of children in a vari- world of literature. ety of non-stereotyped roles. The core of the book is an anno- The closing chapter gives a variety Molleen Matsumura is a FREE tated bibliography listing over 1,500 of useful suggestions for reading INQUIRY Associate Editor and a books in seventy categories. The sub- books to children singly and in Senior Editor at Alin Foundation ject divisions are well thought out, groups, and incorporating what the Press. Children's literature and ethical making it easy to select books for any children have read into other activ- education are among her special imaginable occasion or interest: from ities. All the suggestions are practi- interests.

42 FREE INQUIRY I N w From PROMETHEUS BOOKS

Religion, Feminism and Freedom oí Conscience A Mormon / Humanist Dialogue edited by George D. Smith Published in cooperation with Signature Books This important new volume is based on the first Mormon/ humanist dialogue, held in Salt Lake City, and co-sponsored by FREE INQUIRY magazine. The dialogue brought together liberal Mormons and humanists to discuss (1) freedom of conscience, especially the efforts of the Mormon church to repress free thought; (2) academic freedom as it applies to Mormon universities; and (3) women's rights and feminism. Among the papers included are those of Robert S. Alley, Lavina Fielding Anderson, Martha Bradley, Vern and Bonnie Bullough, Cecilia Farr, Maxine Hanks, Paul Kurtz, Gerald A. Larue, Brent Metcalfe, L. Jackson Newell, Ron Peterson, Allen Roberts, and George D. Smith. 220 pages • Cloth $23.95. Paperback edition available through Signature Books, Salt Lake City, Utah. Challenges lo the Enlightenment In Defense of Reason and Science The Academy of Humanism edited by Paul Kurtz and Timothy J. Madigan The Enlightenment is an intellectual movement that espoused an optimistic project: an end to human ignorance, the annihilation of inequality of political rights, and the application of scientific principles to solving the problems that beset humankind. Traditional challenges to the Enlightenment have come from orthodox religious camps, which looked with suspicion upon the possibility of achieving any advances without relying on supernatural support. Is the Enlightenment Project still worth pursuing? How can it be defended in light of contemporary critics? In this volume, several laureates of the Academy of Humanism respond to the challenges to the Enlightenment, among them Elena Bonner, Mario Bunge, Antony Flew, Adolf Grünbaum, Adam Michnik, Jean-Claude Pecker, Sir Karl Popper, Richard Rorty, Carl Sagan, and many others. They hold that rational principles are still the most reliable path for gaining understanding of the natural world. Challenges to the Enlightenment provides a thoughtful defense of the core ideals of the Enlightenment Project, and examines its relevance to the present. This is a publication of the Academy of Humanism, sponsored by CODES H. 320 pages • Cloth $25.95. The Noble Philosopher BLE Condorcet and the Enlightenment plumone Edward Goodell Last in the illustrious line of philosophes who graced 18th-century France and enriched the world with the message of "enlightenment," the Marquis de Condorcet (1743-1794) was entrusted with drafting a constitution for France following the French Revolution. A dispute led Condorcet to flee the French National Convention. While in hiding, he wrote "Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind," (the final chapter of which is included here) a work addressed to the proposition that the human race is progressing toward an ultimate state of perfection. Author Edward Goodell examines the period contemporary with Condorcet's life and the French and American revolutions, contributions to the Enlightenment and the revolution in France; the influences (historical and intellectual) on his mid-18th-century upbringing; and a biographical portrait of both the distinguished ladies who presided over the salons of Paris and the philosophes, who spread the ideas of the Enlightenment and led the way to the French Revolution. 251 pages • Cloth $34.95

At better bookstores or order directly from

t11 4--.‘ Prometheus Books Call toll free (800) 421-0351 (24 hours) • Fax (716) 691-0137 or write to 59 John Glenn Drive • Amherst, NY 14228-2197 Add $3.95 Postage & Handling • NY State residents add applicable sales tax Humanism and the Arts

'The Humanist' Warren Allen Smith

hat does a secular humanist look Wlike? Well, as pictured, he is about five feet ten inches tall. He is the athletic type, sturdy as a combination of glass fibers and plastic resins can be. He appears to be of no particular race. He is a caring individual with his two arms out- stretched: one for giving, one for receiving. And he dresses informally, or to be more accurate, classically. "The Humanist" is the work of Anita Weschler, a sculptor known nationwide for her multi-figure groups, life-size figures, translucencies, constructions, stone collages, and portraits. She has used such media as bronze, aluminum, cast stone, wood, plastic, plaster, terra cotta, and, as illustrated by "The Humanist," fiberglass. Her abstract paintings include synthetic glazes on plywood and plastic resins, which are "translucencies" backlighted in shadow box frames—as the light shines through, a translucency exudes a pattern of design Warren Allen Smith with "The Humanist." something like that seen through the lens of a stationary kaleidoscope. of Art and the Whitney Museum of featured an eye-catching photo of Miss Miss Weschler has received awards American Art in New York City; Yale, Weschler carrying the sculpture on her from the U.S. Treasury Department's Brandeis, Iowa, Nebraska, and Witchita back, the magazine explained that it was Commission for Sculpture; the Corcoran State universities, and the State Univer- not a result of trick photography. Gallery in Washington, D.C.; the San sity of New York at Binghamton; the Although much sculpture is extremely Francisco Museum of Art Fellowship of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; heavy, this experimental work was made the Pennsylvania Academy; the National Amherst College; the Art Students of bonded bronze, plastic resins, and Association of Women Artists; and the League; the Smithsonian; and a variety fiberglass, materials now in general use. American Federation of Artists Travel- of other national as well as foreign col- The petite Miss Weschler, who weighed ing Show. She has also received the lections, both private and public. One less than one hundred pounds and was Audubon Artists Medal of Honor. Her of her particularly striking sculptures is barely five feet tall, was photographed work has been exhibited in over fifty a full-size nude of José Limon, the as she walked with the work on her back. group shows and is in the public dancer, which is in the collection of If Venus of Milo had been constructed collections of the Metropolitan Museum Syracuse University. of such materials, a wag remarked, the "The Humanist" received much goddess would still have her arms! Warren Allen Smith is an Editorial attention in 1955 at a show of the Soon after the photo appeared in Associate of FREE INQUIRY. Sculptors Guild in the Guggenheim Look, I asked Weschler to explain how Museum's outdoor garden. When Look she had come up with the intriguing title

44 FREE INQUIRY

for such an inspiring sculpture. When I purchased the work, we discussed philosophy, symbolism, and representa- tional art. Weschler is not one to put labels on either her work or outlook. An outspoken freethinker from youth, she has never been interested in criti- cizing organized religion, and she is not a joiner. Aside from art, she is most interested in poetry (which she can quote for hours) and efforts to stop illegal immigration. I have taken the statue with me wherever I have lived. When I taught in New Canaan, Connecticut, the work followed (providing students with tales of the different hats the statue was seen wearing); during the three decades I lived in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen, the work followed (once frightening a burglar, who caught a glimpse of its body in the unlit apartment and fled down a fire escape into the arms of the police); and now the work is the centerpiece of my Greenwich Village apartment in New Artist Anita Weschler in her Manhattan studio. York City, where it serves as my special muse. On the wall hangs another devoted to photographs of each of the queath in order to highlight Weschler's Weschler work, "Hex," a circular paint- Humanist Laureates along with mater- humanistic creations. ing of synthetic glazes on plywood. ials describing their contributions to the So what does a secular humanist look What is the future for "The Human- cause and, where appropriate, examples like? When "The Humanist" moves to ist"? It has been offered to the Council of their work. Such a room will contain the new Center for Inquiry building in for Democratic and Secular Humanism not only "The Humanist" but also other Amherst, New York, viewers not only to grace a special room (in the addition Weschler's works—two hexes and two will be able to see what he looks like, to its headquarters presently being built) translucencies—which I propose to be- they will even be able to shake his hand. •

FREE INQUIRY magazine sponsors ROBERT G. INGERSOLL ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21, 1994 Radisson Hotel at Rochester Plaza, Rochester, New York A commemoration of Ingersoll's work on behalf of women's equality, held in conjunction with the Susan B. Anthony Museum. Includes: Bus ride to Ingersoll Museum, National Women's Hall of Fame, Women's Rights National Historical Park, Elizabeth Stanton Home, dinner at the Belhurst Castle, and participation in the Susan B. Anthony memorial parade. REGISTRATION FORM ❑ Yes, I (we) would like to attend Ingersoll on Women's Rights Enclosed is a check or money order for: D Registration for — person(s) $80 ea. (includes bus trip and Belhurst Castle Dinner on Saturday) ❑ Friday Lunch for — person(s) $12 ea. $ ❑ Friday Dinner for — person(s) $20 ea. $ Name Address Day Phone # Evening City State Zip For accommodations at the Radisson, call 716/546-3450. Mention FREE INQUIRY to receive a special room rate of $55.00 single or double For details, contact Timothy J. Madigan, P.O. Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226-0664. Or call (716) 636-7571.

Summer 1994 45 African coast in their search for a passage to the "Indies." The Portuguese were soon followed by the English, Ghana and Humanism: French, Danes, Germans, Dutch, and Swedes, all of whom built castles with Report of a Visit great dungeons in which the slaves were held until they could be shipped to the FREE INQUIRY and CODESH recently sent Vern and Bonnie Bullough to Americas. In 1807 Great Britain abol- Ghana as part of a goodwill tour. We are pleased to publish their report ished the slave trade and shortly after below.—EDs. sent troops to capture the castles along the Gold Coast. Though the slave trade existed sporadically in other parts of Africa, British control of the seas eventually eliminated it. Vern L. Bullough and Bonnie Bullough The Ghana castles, which are now national historical monuments, are the hana, where the equator crosses the fever were endemic, and Europeans who symbolic equivalent of the Nazi con- GGreenwich meridian, is, at least in went there often fell victims. In fact, the centration camps, and anyone who visits a geographic sense, the center of the eleventh edition of the Encyclopedia the dark and dank dungeons with their world. It certainly looms large in history Britannica (published in the first decade cavelike passages to the docks from for African Americans, since it was here of the twentieth century) pronounced the which the slaves were shipped comes that the European slave trade started and climate uninhabitable for most Euro- away with a similar feeling about the officially ended. Ghana was also the first peans. It was not until the Ashanti suffering humans have inflicted upon African state to gain independence in the (centered at Kumasi about 100 miles each other. Though undoubtedly many aftermath of World War II, and it and inland) were defeated by the British in of the slaves were sold to the Europeans nearby Nigeria were the first African 1873 that the Gold Coast was declared by their fellow Africans, including some countries to have an incipient human- a British colony. of the ancestors of the present Ghanians, ist movement. It is also one of the most This lack of European settlement, slavery in Africa was quite different peaceful countries in this period of tur- however, did not hinder the slave trade, among the Ghanians that it became in moil in sub-Saharan Africa, and after which was started in Ghana by the Portu- the Americas. years of economic problems and political guese in the last part of the fifteenth It seems important to humanism that instability, it finds itself at the center of century to finance explorations along the an indigenous humanist movement has African development. What distinguishes Ghana from most African nations formerly under Euro- pean colonial rule is that native Ghanians always played an important role in the government of what was earlier known as the Gold Coast. There was never a large European settlement in the country. Those Europeans who did establish themselves there stayed in fortified castles along the coast until well into the nineteenth century. A major reason for the lack of European settlement was the climate, which is hot and humid for much of the year. Malaria and yellow

Vern Bullough is a faculty member at the University of Southern California and California State University, North- ridge, and a State University of New York Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Bonnie Bullough is professor of nursing Some Ghanian humanists at a meeting in Pokasiwith. Vern and Bonnie Bullough (first row, at the University of Southern California. on left). Chief Nu Otto Kwame (first row, center), and his assistant (seated next) wearing traditional clothing. Between them (back row) is Hope Tawiah, a Ghanian humanist leader.

46 FREE INQUIRY appeared in the ancestral land of many holiday lasting from Thursday afternoon pharmacy and bought a vermifuge which African Americans. Humanists, how- to Tuesday morning. he administered to the patient. After the ever, are late arrivals in Ghana. Christian Ghanians take their religion seriously, patient had recovered, he explained to and Islamic missionaries were there long and humanists walk with a cautious the mother that the illness had been before. Part of the north has long been tread. The humanists emphasize that caused by worms and it could be cured Muslim, and Christian missionaries they are rationalists, and that they by the medicine, an approach she made their appearance in the eighteenth believe men and women must solve their accepted. Such is the work of a rational- century (the Moravians) and operated own problems and not rely upon God ist in Ghana. in force in the nineteenth century. They or the gods. Hope Tawiah, one of the Another member of the rationalist found a wide variety of beliefs, rituals, leaders, has gathered a small group of group is Professor Niitse Akufo Awuku and ceremonies among the various followers together in what he calls the Ado-Dwanka, a nuclear physicist (he has tribes. There was a strong emphasis on Rationalist Centre of Ghana, the motto a Ph.D. from Cambridge), who spent the importance of honoring ancestors of which is "Down with Superstition." much of his professional career in and tradition. About 35 percent of the The center is in reality only a post office Europe before returning to Ghana. Ado- population still practices their traditional box, although Tawiah is hoping to build Dwanka is not unique, since the British, religions. Christians outnumber Mus- a facility in Pokuasi, one of the villages either by government action or through lims about two to one. Though Christian near the capital of Accra that is on the missionary groups, established tradi- baptisms originally were few—only way to becoming a suburb. The chief tional English public schools that, like about 40,000 by 1900—the twentieth of the village, Nu Otto Kwame II, con- their English counterparts, were board- century saw rapid growth of a variety siders himself a rationalist, and has given ing schools for boys. One of these of Christian sects. Churches from store- land for the center. As chief (he had been schools, Achimota College, just outside fronts to cathedrals and mosques are an accountant before he was chosen as of Accra, was particularly noted for everywhere, and religious proclamations chief), he is a combination social worker, preparing its graduates for English appear on buses, taxis, trucks, and auto- counselor, priest, and medicine man who universities and the British civil service. mobiles. Small shops bear such names must deal with the problems of his six Ado-Dwanka is an alumnus of Achi- as "Heavenly Dressmaker"; "Jesus Is My thousand villagers in ways set down by mota. The British left Ghana not only Savior Lottery Stall"; "He Has Risen long-established tradition. This means with a highly educated elite, but a vast Store"; and "Jesus Is My Redeemer conducting the necessary ceremonies, number of literate Ghanians whose Chop Bar." Seemingly every American donning the traditional clothes, and educational levels are above those of Christian religious group has followers severely limiting his personal freedom. most Africans. in Ghana, including Seventh-Day He described how one of the villagers Separate schools for girls were also Adventists, Mormons, Catholics, Jeho- came to him with a child suffering from established but not on the same level. vah's Witnesses, Anglicans, and Evan- intestinal worms. Beside offering the tra- Most of the older generation of leaders gelicals. Easter weekend is a national ditional remedies, he also went to the of Ghana attended one of the schools and there is a strong "old boys" network among their alumni. Many are friendly to humanism but, like their American counterparts, few have publicly committed themselves. One of the effects of the boarding schools was to break down tribal animosities, since boys from various tribes were thrown together. Moreover, since there are more than sixty different languages in Ghana, the public schools established English as the basic language of communication, which it remains. Thus, while tribal identity is important, it is not as divisive a factor as in many of the other emerging African countries and there is considerable tribal inter- marriage among the leadership of Ghana.

n our trip to Ghana, and as individuals Iwho lived and traveled in third world The Bulloughs with members of the National Coalition of Women. countries, it seemed clear to us that

Summer 1994 47 Ghana is moving into the first rank contraceptives, followed by the cop- under the leadership of Flight Lieutenant of such countries. It has major natural per IUD, diaphrams, condoms, and Jerry Rawlings, who seized power in a resources including gold; diamonds; oil progesterone injections. In the northern coup in 1979. He resigned a few months (just beginning to be explored); hydro- parts of Ghana, however, they are later when democratic elections took electric power (the dam on the Volta experimenting with Norplant, which place, but again seized power at the River supplies electricity to much of will probably reach the Accra area end of 1981. Recently there have been west Africa); a major crop, cocoa; a soon. Condom use is encouraged, even efforts to democratize his rule, but their strong manufacturing base; and enough in combination with other contra- success is an issue of debate in Ghana food to be self supporting. Interestingly, ceptives, to lessen the threat of sexually today. much of the retail trade is run by women, transmitted disease. We distributed Under its first president, Kwame whose stalls are ubiquitous. The stan- American condoms, which were much Nkrumah, Ghana tried to assume a dard stall is a three-foot by four-foot valued because they appeared to be leadership position in Africa, and as part box with a tin roof and a lockable door thinner than those now available in of this prominent African Americans that remains open during business Ghana. such as W. E. B. Dubois were invited hours. Though their merchandise is Sterilization and abortion can be to Ghana. It was here he died. Other limited, the sheer number of vendors obtained in Ghana, but sterilization is African Americans came to find their assures variety. primarily performed on females. Appar- roots, and Ghana still has a strong pull Accra is a thriving metropolis of over ently only a handful of vasectomies have on African Americans. If it can continue a million people, and it is overrun by been done in Ghana so far. The Ghan- on its present course, holding elections automobiles. Though the majority of ians, however, were interested in encour- and moving to full civilian rule as prom- roads in the city are dirt, major high- aging more. ised, Ghana might well again be in a ways are being developed. Government Certainly the efforts of the Ghanian position to take a leadership role in resources, however, are limited, and Rational Association to introduce us to bringing black Africans into the twen- urban roads have not been a major pri- various ministries and professional tieth century. groups, which was reported in the media, ority. Though most of the automobiles Right now the prognosis looks hope- date from the late 1970s on up, the helped publicize family planning in ful, since, in a troubled continent, Ghana majority are Japanese or German makes Ghana. It also gave some publicity to almost alone is free of the fierce tribal- and enter the country as used cars. They the Ghanian humanists. ism that disrupts much of Africa. It are rebuilt in Ghana. The rush-hour We brainstormed ways to help the seems fitting that Ghana also is home traffic jam makes one feel as if one is incipient Ghanian humanist movement to a nucleus of African humanism, in Los Angeles, albeit without free- grow. While donations would be appre- modest as it is. It would be one of the ways. ciated, banks charge hefty fees for ironies of history that Ghana, where the We spent much of our time speaking cashing American checks (about a third Europeans started the slave trade, would on contraception, something in which of the money goes to the bank). Another be the African country that emerges as both the people and government of way to assist Ghana and our fellow an example for other African countries Ghana are very much interested. In fact, humanists is to send recently printed, to follow for an independent, econom- the president of the International Asso- used books, both to sell and to build ically secure, democratic nation with a ciation of Planned Parenthood, Dr. Fred libraries. Current books are scarce in Sai, is a Ghanian. Planned Parenthood Ghana because they are expensive and pluralistic religious configuration that and family planning clinics are numerous the Ghanian publishing industry is still includes secular humanism. • in Ghana, helping families plan for two in its infancy. What is especially needed or three children instead of the tradi- is large numbers of college texts from tional six or seven. The program has the 1980s and 1990s, even if there are recently received new impetus from the more recent editions. Most of the texts To Our Readers willingness of the United States to con- we saw dated from the sixties or seven- tribute to family planning programs on ties. Trade books in almost any field are If you would like to help the a worldwide basis, something that was also welcome, in paper or hardback, Ghanian Rationalist Centre grow, radically curtailed and even temporarily although nonfiction is much more highly you can do so by donating recently eliminated by President Ronald Reagan. prized than fiction. Ghanians seemed to published books, or you can con- We found the family planning people, be hungry for current knowledge. Since tribute to SHARE (Secular Hu- mostly women, to be dedicated, books enter the country duty free as manist Aid and Relief Effort). knowledgeable, and concerned with educational materials, it is possible for FREE INQUIRY will gladly forward reaching both women and men. We the humanists in Ghana to set up a book- materials and monies to the Ghan- agreed with the National Council of store to distribute books inexpensively. ians. Forward materials or checks Women that the problem was to more to FREE INQUIRY, P.O. Box 664, effectively reach the men. Presently, the hana today fords itself in the fore- Buffalo, NY 14226-0664.—EDs. dominant form of contraception is oral Gfront of progress in Africa. It is still 48 FREE INQUIRY Sowing the Seeds of Secular Humanism in Mexico

Patricia Lopez-Zaragoza

n 1990, I was invited by the International Humanist and We have participated in five radio programs where we both Ethical Union to attend a workshop in Brussels, Belgium, explained our group's views and addressed special-interest and to visit humanist organizations in the Netherlands matters, such as witchcraft, mysticism, and other magical to exchange ideas. I returned to my country convinced of beliefs. We have been invited to a number of top national the importance of spreading secular humanist ideals in Mexico. television programs where we have debated topics like magical After careful planning, in July 1991 the Mexican Ethical predictions, reincarnation, life after death, and others of like Rationalist Association was incorporated. Its general objec- kind. tives are the same as those stated in the IHEU Declaration We have used these programs to disseminate information of Principles. Our particular objectives are as follows: about the secular humanist point of view concerning magical 1. To divulge the ideals and principles of secular humanism and religious thinking and to critically analyze recent con- as a rational, ethical system and let those who identify with stitutional amendments that have granted churches a kind it join into a humanist movement as a specific way to under- of legal recognition. Our views are a complete shock to many stand and evaluate social reality. persons who for many years haven't been exposed to critiques 2. To set up an information system that will offer scien- of religion and superstition. tific facts and humanistic opinions on current affairs. But, what practical results have we obtained with these 3. To promote the efforts of trained individuals and human- early steps? The truth is that we have only received very limited ist groups dedicated to planning and undertaking new feedback from the public. However, we are convinced that academic, cultural, and sociopolitical activities that will include with an office and a phone in the association's name we will the defense of human rights and specific activities aimed at get a much wider response. On those premises we will set improving the integral well-being of minorities and margin- up our information center, where anyone will be able to consult alized groups. books and magazines and translations we will do of humanistic 4. To create humanist projects concerning the future of material from all over the world. Mexico and its relations with the rest of the world. We are now planning a first, large-scale conference, to be All these activities are to be developed in the long run, held within a couple of months. This meeting will be widely but we have started with the first one, that is, to disperse publicized and it will be aimed at younger people experiencing within Mexico the ideals of secular humanism. In November that stage of life where unconformity and the capability of questioning established values are still apparent. We'll maintain 1993 we received a $2,000 grant from IHEU to finance basic our visibility on radio and television talk-shows. infrastructure expenses, such as a logo design, printed All our activities have the basic aim of getting the Mexican stationery, business cards, and leaflets—one of them explaining public acquainted with secular humanism. When this goal the aims of our group and the other stating the basic tenets is reached, we are sure that our group will be able to survive of secular humanism. We convened a press conference where and thrive. But, why is it so important to promote this ideal we presented our association to the media. We had the in Mexico? This country, as well as all Latin American and attendance not only of an important group of very influential most developing countries, faces many pressures. It is journalists, but also of the press representatives of groups continually drained of its resources in order to pay a foreign such as Amnesty International, feminist publications, and of debt brought about by structural and economic causes, and cultural radio stations that cover Mexico City. not merely by the irresponsibility of the government. Recently we have also seen published several newspaper Mexico's sovereignty has become severely impaired by the articles concerning the secular humanist point of view on political and financial pressures exerted by the financial powers matters like the defense of civil rights, the separation of church and their executor, the International Monetary Fund. This and state, and criticism of religion. situation results in a constant deterioration of the standard of living, which now reaches inhumane levels for the greater Patricia Lopez-Zaragoza is the founding president of the part of the population, and also the practical destruction of Asociacion Mexicana Etica Rationalista. national pride and identity, culture, and natural environment. As you may already know, the conservative groups now

Summer 1994 49 in power in Mexico have managed to overturn the article On the other hand, budget cutting in welfare and health in the constitution that denied legal status to the churches. has led to alarming deficiencies even in basic public services. Now these, especially the Catholic church, openly take part Mexicans must cope with deficient vaccination programs and in politics both through the right-wing confessional parties substandard birth control services, partly caused by the open and through so-called business training seminars for govern- opposition of Catholic organizations like the notorious Pro- ment officials. Life group. The majority of Mexican businessmen and high-level Abortion cannot be legalized because of the opposition politicians are practicing Catholics, and many of them are of high-ranking Catholic government officers. Complications under the influence of an extremist right-wing sect, the Opus from clandestine abortion is the cause of one out of every Dei, which gives them constant indoctrination. They educate three deaths among women of reproductive age. During 1990, their children in private confessional schools; in this way, the the Mexican state of Chiapas legalized abortion, but pressure future leaders of the country become more and more by conservative groups was such that the bill was retired for committed to an attitude contrary to the separation of church further consultations over an indefinite period. This problem and state. There is a worrisome deterioration of the public affects women directly and is extremely difficult to solve in education system, now subject to increasing budgetary cuts. a male-dominated society that discriminates against females The prevalence of magical thinking among a large portion in labor, social, and economic matters. Rape and sexual harass- of Mexico's population has paved the way for the formation ment invariably go unpunished. Although exploitation and and growth of many destructive organizations and cults. Some misery are widespread, they are much worse in the case of of these groups are openly religious, like Jehovah's Witnesses, women. Seventh-Day Adventists, the Church of the Complete Gospels, Other human rights are trampled in Mexico. Children, the Foursquare Gospel Church, the Apostolic Church of the artists, intellectuals, minorities, paupers, prisoners, peasants, Faith in Christ-Jesus, the Assemblies of God, and the Summer and workers suffer. The environment is continuously deteri- Linguistic Institute. They bloom in the cities and in the South- orating, and the government only acts when the situation east of the country. becomes almost catastrophic. We have detected a growing activity from fundamentalist, In spite of the disagreeable overall view, Mexicans are United States-based movements and interdenominational increasingly aware that something must be done to change groups with links to Jerry Falwell, the Religious Round Table, this state of affairs. There are now many feminist, professional, Christian Voice, and others. There are many other pseudo- intellectual, and worker's organizations that may be identified scientific-oriented sects, such as Scientology, Silva Mind as humanist-oriented. Their impact is dampened by their Control, and est groups; still others are politically oriented, dispersion and lack of a common and easily identified purpose, such as Larouche's Labor Party, still active in Mexico, and which certainly could be secular humanism. That is the reason DHIAC (Integral Human Development Association)—an we have to undertake actions that lead to the coordination ultra-right wing, Catholic fringe group. of these isolated efforts. The task is a very tough and long Other magically based manipulative groups drive their one, but we have taken the first steps. International backing members to peddling gadgets, foodstuffs, and books with is vital in order to keep a viable and dynamic organization. enormous profits for their masters. There are a large number We will not spare any effort in reaching this end. • of pseudopsychological educational groups that recruit their members by offering fleeting, but satisfying, experiences. There Foster Humanist Growth for Years to Come. is also a great proliferation of so-called self-help groups, like Provide for Alcoholics Anonymous, Neurotics Anonymous, Dysfunc- tional Couples, and others with questionable therapeutic FREE INQUIRY in your will. methods, generally based on supernatural intervention. The Please remember FREE INQUIRY (CODESH, Inc.) when plan- common denominator that these groups share is the practice ning your estate. Your bequest will help to maintain the of deception, fostering ignorance, and promoting blatantly vitality of humanism in a society often hostile toward it. false beliefs. Through these methods they manage to exert We would be happy to work with you and your attorney a kind of mental control that virtually destroys individual in the development of a will or estate plan that meets your freedom and integrity. wishes. A variety of arrangements are possible, including Many other forms of social control, more subtle, are exerted gifts of a fixed amount or a percentage of your estate; living through the formal educational system and through the power- trusts or gift annuities, which provide you with lifetime ful media. This prevents the development of creativity and income; or a contingent bequest that provides for FREE critical thinking among students. The broadcaster or journalist INQUIRY only if your primary beneficiaries do not survive you. who tries to inform with a critical eye frequently is silenced For more information, contact Paul Kurtz, Editor of FREE in a coercive manner. Even if there is legally established INQUIRY. All inquiries will be held in the strictest freedom of expression, this right isn't respected in practice. confidence. Write to: P.O. Box 664, Buffalo, New York The same is true of balloting and electoral rights. Many 14226-0664. Or call 716-636-7571. Mexicans have lost their lives in defense of elemental civil 6,94 rights.

50 FREE INQUIRY atheism guaranteed nothing and was for Rand barely a consideration. Her only critique of theism per se was that it was Was Ayn Rand a Humanist? unworthy of her critique, hardly a humanist perspective. 1994 is the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Ayn Rand's novel The However, she thought that were we Fountainhead, a movie remake of which is scheduled for next year. Below committed to facing reality and coping Jeff Walker examines her work and the movement it spawned.—Evs. with it by 100 percent dedication to "reason" and 100 percent rejection of mysticism, this would inexorably imply a society dedicated to rational selfish- Jeff Walker ness, the supremacy of individual rights, and prosperous laissez-faire capitalism. We dare not, and I mean it, dare not, I cannot myself see that the historical To this end she cobbled together a stay behind.... we have to expand our materialism and determinism [or the philosophy incorporating bits of Aris- primacy of abstract ideas and the totle and Aquinas; Locke, Adam Smith, [defense] ability to twenty times over. absolutism of Rand's] which are the ... Those who do not want to pay for core of Marxism [Objectivism] have other Enlightenment thinkers, and the [such] defense should leave this country any place in the humanist tradition, American Founding Fathers; Gilded immediately [applause]. And ... I hope and Marx [Rand] himself [herself] Age economic history, Nietzsche, and they [America's nuclear forces] blow up would have angrily repudiated any Austrian School economics. such suggestion, rejecting humanism The gist of that philosophy is as the world rather than surrender it to as one more example of the illusions Russia [outburst of sustained applause] and deception with which men con- follows: humans must rely on their Thank you very very much . . . now cealed their class interests [parasitical unique and practical smarts in order to that was an American response. manipulations]. As a closed, dogmatic make the choices that will keep them system it seems to me as hostile and alive—the process of which generates alien to the humanist tradition as —Ayn Rand at her final "Objectivist Calvinism.' distinctively human satisfactions—so Easter" appearance (1981) at the reality calls for the maximum cultivation Ford Hall Forum several years To Rand, any philosophy of life and use of brains. It would be self- prior to the dissolution of the departing from the principles of Objec- destructive for any individual using Soviet bloc, Soviet communism, tivism would necessarily be in error and practical smarts to join a group favoring and the Soviet Union itself. would inevitably lead to destruction. As physical force over brains because force much as she revered Jefferson and other negates brains. She would though Ayn Rand was a ... philosophic genius Founding Fathers of America, she enhance her chances of survival and well- . . . the oustanding figure of the believed that their "self-evident truths" being by initiating a group that respects millennium perhaps of all recorded were anything but self-evident and re- smarts and thus shuns first use of force. history. quired a completely secular neo- She could then benefit from the division Aristotelian validation, which only she of labor and trade. Such a group, thereby —Course description for the August could provide. Such a philosophic base enjoying the fruits of production and 1993 summer school of the official could then ensure that the United States commerce (in ideas as well as goods and Objectivist movement. become forever dedicated to unrestricted services), would eventually outlaw commerce. The only territorial values initiatory force by enshrining individual n Rand, if asked, would not have proper to the country would be those rights and restricting retaliatory force to A called herself a humanist. She was necessary to guarantee the viability of government. This would deter enviers of an Objectivist—period. And a para- free commerce: that is, defense, policing those fruits within and outside the group phrasing of what humanist historian and a court system to try criminals and from stealing them or destroying those Alan Bullock has said of Marxism, of enforce commercial contracts—funded who produce them. Because those with which Objectivism is a kind of distorted without coercion, perhaps by state less practical intelligence but impressive mirror-image, goes for her philosophy lotteries. impractical intelligence (mystics, many as well: To Rand, the Declaration of Inde- intellectuals) chip away at individual pendence was flawed in its contamina- rights so as to claim fruits earned by Jeff Walker is a freelance Toronto writer tion by Christianity, euphemistically others, it becomes necessary for every- whose two-hour Canadian Broadcasting called "mysticism," which subordinates one's survival that someone elaborate a Corporation "Ideas" radio documentary self-interest to sacrifice of self to God, convincing justification for the practical on Ayn Rand, which aired in 1992 and God's spokesmen, and the godly com- values of free commerce. And it would will be rebroadcast, is currently available munity. Atheistic communism merely have to be a moral justification, one on tape thru Laissez-Faire Books. capitalizes on that mentality and sub- more convincing than any spun by those stitutes statist ideology for God. Thus with impractical smarts, who favor

Summer 1994 51 shaking the tree to painstakingly culti- attributed America's drift away from its logical, metaphysical, or materialist. vating it. That someone is Ayn Rand founding principles to the prevalence of It has valued reason not for its system and once her prescription for saving Christian morality, whose espousal of building but for its critical and humanity at its best from humanity at altruism over self-interest could only pragmatic application to the problems encountered in concrete human expe- its worst has been proclaimed, its undermine capitalism and perhaps rience.... I would not, myself, regard dissemination and implementation must accomplish in the long term what as humanist any view which is .. . swiftly follow lest barbarians topple the secularized Christianity in the form of authoritarian and intolerant; [debate] fruit-bearing tree and plunge the world Marxist/ Leninism had accomplished does not issue in final answers that into another dark age. Those who cri- suddenly via revolution. settle the matter. tique Ayn Rand's justification thereby So, after writing her Nietzschean He continues, again depicting an ap- lend credence to the destructive philos- collectivism-bashing novels We The proach utterly foreign to Objectivism, ophies it alone can replace and are thus Living and Anthem, she began to enemies, not just of Objectivism, but of incorporate her reading of Aristotle's reason and all human values. Objectiv- for the same reason [humanism] has morality as "self-development" into her shown a preference for historical over ism's truths, necessitated as they are by work. In The Fountainhead, the cynical philosophical-analytic modes of the reality of human life on earth, are power-mongering Nietzschean self- explanation ... and it has accepted absolute, final, and all-encompassing, destructs, while the hero who combines that there is more than one way to and invite only understanding and appli- the Nietzschean outlook with Aristote- the truth ... and that those developed cation rather than critique and revision. by other civilizations ... are to be lian ethics triumphs. Her next novel, taken seriously and an effort made to Atlas Shrugged, would present and understand them in their own terms. t is instructive to look at the order dramatize a complete package incorpo- Iin which Ayn Rand arrived at her con- rating all the major branches of phi- Rand called her politics "libertarian" clusions. When Rand was a young losophy: metaphysics, epistemology, in the 1940s and 50s when she fell in Russian, her country was undergoing a with the likes of Henry Hazlitt, Rose capitalist boom (albeit state-guided) as "Objectivism's truths, necessitated Wilder Lane, and Ludwig Von Mises. energetic as that of America's gilded age as they are by the reality of human She only dropped the label when decades before. But incipient democracy life on earth, are absolute, final, libertarians balked at her insistence that and capitalism were snuffed out by Objectivism necessarily become their Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin in a tragic and all-encompassing, and invite exclusive morality. This aroused a counter-revolution. The Bolsheviks only understanding and applica- Randian hatred for latter-day libertar- expropriated Rand's father's small tion rather than critique and ians equal to what she had once reserved business, impoverishing her family and revision." for communists and a repugnance for arousing in Rand an insatiable loathing political engagement in politics, even and a resolve to emigrate to a country ethics, politics, and aesthetics—which though the Objectivist position is that whose cherishing of individual rights her later essays of the 1960s and 70s America is sliding toward fascism. would make such expropriation impos- merely fleshed out. Therein is "an ominous parallel." sible. She had long been as atheistic as However, Rand took all of her Professor Bullock attributes the failure the Marxists but found the pervasive philosophic ideas as absolutes. Indeed, of German humanist intellectuals to Russian mysticism particularly repellent the whole package was one take it or thwart fascism to their "[disdain] for for having transmogrified so amenably leave it absolute, an absurd position politics conducted in popular style of into a ruinous ideology. considering that most of these ideas are today's democracies [and to their] Plunked into the midst of roaring derivations of perfectly acceptable abandonment of civic humanism." twenties America, Rand's initial enthu- humanist ideas—only disguised by A major problem with Ayn Rand is siasm turned to worry as the values of having been driven so far into the that utter hatred for a social system and unrestricted commerce gave way to the ground. Her grandiose system, with all every idea that could conceivably have state intervention of the Great Depres- components in an interlocking hierarchy, played a part in bringing that system into sion. Having absorbed Nietzsche, she allegedly rendering each component being is not among the best foundations was appalled by the system's tilt toward impervious to any refutation that failed for an alternative philosophy. Wanting statism and the common man, away to refute the whole as well, is hardly in to place oneself in 180-degree opposition from laissez-faire and the exceptional the humanist tradition. "From the to communism means allowing a proven man. Being of an intellectual bent, she outburst of Petrarch against scholasti- falsehood to set the philosophic agenda. was also appalled that America's fore- cism in the fourteenth century," notes She believed that nothing should ever most intellectuals were on the left, a Bullock, be allowed to risk placing a society on foreshadowing of greater statism yet to the slippery slope. So naturally she ate come. She began to wonder if she had humanism has shown itself distrustful up both Nietzsche's boundless contempt merely jumped from one fire into a frying of the elaboration of abstract ideas in for the masses and for their secular pan headed for another. And she philosophical systems—whether theo- priests (Plato, Kant, leading socialists, 52 FREE INQUIRY etc.) and Aristotle's self-oriented ethics would have none of it. Her successors fail to appreciate her is either their loss and either-or logic. Rand became have copied that stance, unlike libertar- of ideals since adolescence or their obsessed with the idea that if one starts ians who are out there arguing. Objec- opposition to Rand's ideology, the truth with a proper appreciation of reality and tivists act as if the Revelation has is that Rand's admitted "stunt novel" is of reason, then by interpolating a series occurred and spreading the Word is all a painfully resounding belly flop. While of logical steps one could prove abso- that need be done. Rand, banished in- one can admire her ability to come up lutely that unrestricted self-interested tellectual heir Nathaniel Branden, and with and illustrate a "new" philosophy commerce with minimal government is replacement heir Leonard Peikoff have in action, her inability to make her the only proper social system for any not argued the case for Objectivism so characters anything but ventriloquist human society, all others being evil. much as proclaimed it. This is not the puppets mouthing either Objectivist (Every country in the West except the life of reason, and most Objectivists philosophy or caricatures of opposing United States is fundamentally immoral, appear to lack not only the disposition views is a literary disaster. Furthermore, say Objectivists.) That was her challenge: for but many of the actual skills of critical the book is a gusher of hatred and start with reason and prove laissez-faire. thinking, certainly in relation to their contempt for the 99.9 percent of human- But what she had really started with was own beliefs. After lectures by Objectivist ity who fall short of the Randian ideal the capitalism she had seen snuffed out spokesmen, questions from Objectivist man. This is a philosopher who loves in Russia. Thereafter she was seeking audiences are almost never critical. And, not real human beings as they are or sophisticated-sounding rationalizations when I was about to pepper official could reasonably be but only embodi- for pre-existing beliefs that no process Objectivist leader Peikoff with questions ments of her abstractions as they must of inquiry would ever convince her to gleaned from my reading of The Phi- but never will be. In The Fountainhead, Rand's best outing, the subordination of modify. losophic Thought of Ayn Rand (1984), an anthology of fairly sympathetic essays character and plot to ideological polemic is less glaring. Too bad the movie version n the last several years of writing Atlas by libertarian philosophers, Peikoff for which Rand wrote the screenplay was Shrugged, Rand had already drawn declared that he had never read it and I as kitschy a clunker as Atlas. a cultish following consisting of two never would. This—despite so little For most if not all Objectivists, Atlas young Canadian fans of The Fountain- having been published by way of serious is not just the greatest novel of all time head and a pack of their relatives and critique of Rand's work and even though but the greatest human achievement of friends. As the following expanded after Peikoff had spent the years since its all time. Her work towers over that of publication of Rand's magnum opus, it publication writing a synthesis of Rand's Plato, Shakespeare, Galileo, Mozart, became more and more cultlike and philosophic ideas that would obviously Dostoevsky, Einstein—to continue the Rand more and more gurulike until the have benefited from scholarly criticism list would merely lend to their grotesque Objectivist movement was a textbook of those ideas. When I asked his aesthetic a dignity it self-evidently does Canadian colleague at the Ayn Rand case of destructive cultism. It is sad for not merit. Yet it forms the basis of Rand's Institute, Dr. John Ridpath, why Objec- a secular humanist to feel obliged to guruhood and her followers' abject tivists weren't responding to serious condemn a movement that boosts sycophancy—all in the name of, incred- critics, he replied that it was "too early." Aristotle, the Renaissance and the ibly, reason and individualism. To para- Enlightenment, Victor Hugo, the Dec- Apparently, as was the case for Hegel, phrase Voltaire: "Every sensible man, laration of Independence, and Ludwig it takes many decades for a radically new every honorable man, must hold the Von Mises and that lashes out at philosophy like Rand's to be fully under- Randian sect in horror." totalitarianism. But Objectivism itself is stood, so why should Objectivist intel- stridently dogmatic, thunderingly abso- lectuals waste time responding to Note lutist, determinedly totalistic—a largely premature criticism based on misread- anti-intellectual off-the-rack right-wing ings of Rand's work? Yet, this is a philos- I. All Alan Bullock quotes are from The Humanist Tradition in the West (New York, religious fundamentalism substituting ophy outlined in Atlas Shrugged thirty- London: W. W. Norton & Co., 1985). • zealous Randian Reason-talk for the seven years ago. And it's a philosophy usual God-talk. that Peikoff has indeed fully synthesized PROGRAM Neither Rand nor her spokesmen in the 450 rather awful pages of Objec- have ever chosen to debate Objectivism's tivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand OFFERED critics. Rand herself could have had (1991)—a weekend's read for any intel- If you are a college student or faculty access to professional philosophic ligent adult, who would litter the margins member and would like to arrange forums but chose instead to endlessly of every page with objections and be left a debate on your campus about the reiterate her basic ideas on "Phil echoing "Is that all there is?" existence of God, between Dr. Donahue" or before adoring Objectivist Rand's reputation as a guru depends Gordon Stein and a theist, please audiences such as at Ford Hall. Extraor- on the worth of Atlas Shrugged as a write to Dr. Stein at P.O. Box 972, dinary claims require extraordinary novel of ideas. The book is read mainly Amherst, NY 14226. Dr. Stein's by senior high school students. While expenses are paid from a grant. evidence ... well, they at least require 6194 debate, critique, and responses. Rand loyalists maintain that the reason adults Summer 1994 53 CATCH UP ON WHAT YOU'VE MISSED IN

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Return to: FREE INQUIRY, Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226-0664 or call toll-free 800-458-1366. FAX charges to: 716-636-1733. Biblical Contradictions Regarding Salvation

Theodore M. Drange

he Bible not only contradicts itself this article. What I shall do is to describe supported by the Bible (see Note 4). A Ton the topic of salvation, but it may various types of people and show, with person who holds such a belief would do so in as many as four different ways. respect to each of them, that the Bible certainly be "believing in God's son" even First, there is the issue of what people does indeed contradict itself on the issue though he/ she has not repented. So the are saved from, whether it is eternal of whether or not such a person will be objection is a failure. torment or just annihilation. The tradi- saved. tional eternal-torment doctrine is sup- Person #2: ported by various biblical verses.' Person #1: However, there are other verses' that Person #2 believes in God's son, but has suggest the annihilation doctrine, an idea Person #1 believes in God's son but has never, or hardly ever, done good deeds advocated by Jehovah's Witnesses, never repented. He or she believes in for needy people, and has done many Seventh-Day Adventists, and various God, that God has a son, that the son bad deeds. As shown above, the Bible other religious groups. And still other is the savior of humanity. However, this (for example, in John 3) declares such verses declare that unsaved sinners shall person has never reflected on his/ her sins a person to be saved on the basis of his/ perish,3 whatever that means. and repented for them. her belief in God's son. So Person #2 The second way in which the Bible will definitely be saved. However, may contradict itself regards the issue "The entire foundation of soteri- elsewhere (for example, at Matt. 25:41- of whether or not everyone will even- ology, or the doctrine of salvation, 46), the Bible claims that such a person tually be saved. Some verses imply such will not be saved because of his/her lack is undermined by the given biblical a universalistic notion.4 But the tradi- of charity.8 The requirement that one do tional doctrine, that some will be saved contradictions, for there is no good deeds for needy people in order and some won't, is supported by many other basis for that doctrine than to be saved is very clearly set forth in more passages. Jesus even says in the the Bible." Scripture. gospels (Matt. 7:13-14, Luke 13:23-24) It may be objected that there cannot that very few will get saved. That such a person will definitely be exist anyone like Person #2 because to The third form of contradiction saved is established by John 3:36, really "believe in" the Son, one would concerns the issue of whether salvation according to which, "He that believeth have to perform good deeds and avoid is completely predestined by God or on the Son hath everlasting life." It is bad deeds, for that is required of a true whether it instead depends on what supported by other verses as well.? follower of the Lord. But this argument people do or believe in their lives on However, according to Luke 13:3 and is off the track. First, a person's belief Earth. The doctrine of predestination, 13:5, "Except ye repent, ye shall all in the Son could be recently acquired, associated with the theology of John likewise perish." whereas the bad deeds could be in the Calvin, is well supported in Scripture.5 It might be objected that to really person's past. This in itself shows that On the other hand, the opposing idea, "believe in" the Son, in the sense meant one could have belief without perform- which emphasizes human free will, is also in John 3, a person would have to have ing the good deeds. Second, it is not well supported.6 repented, for that is the only way to take necessary to be a "true follower of the Finally, assuming that salvation does the Son as one's Savior. But this Lord" in order to believe in the Son. depend on what people do or believe, interpretation is unsound. A person may As described above, one could be a there is the issue of what exactly is believe that the Son atoned for the sins universalist and believe that the Son required. In other words, what are the of humanity and, when he did that, he atoned for everybody, and all are necessary (and sufficient) conditions for "gave himself [as] a ransom for all" (1 automatically saved. Even if this univer- salvation? This fourth mode of contra- Tim. 2:6). Thus, since mankind's "sin- salist belief is false, the mere possibility diction will be examined in the rest of debt" to God has already been paid, it that someone might hold it guarantees is not necessary for each person to repent the possibility of our Person #2. Hence, Theodore M. Drange is professor of for his/ her sins in order to obtain one could indeed believe in God's son philosophy at West Virginia University. salvation. Now, even if this is not true, without doing good deeds, and that it is nevertheless a possible belief, even makes the objection a failure.

56 FREE INQUIRY Person #3: in Jesus Christ as God's son, in order him. In fact, it even says at Romans 3:11 to be saved.10 In John 8:21-25, Jesus that no one seeks God. A person who Person #3 has called upon the name of himself tells the Jews that if they do not accepts that verse would be unlikely to the Lord, but has never, or hardly ever, believe that he is God's son as he claims, satisfy the fourth condition. The result, done good deeds for needy people, and then they will die in their sins, which then, is that the Bible again contradicts has done many bad deeds. In two verses, means that they would not be saved. To itself. Some of its verses entail that Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13, there is put the matter another way, the Bible Person #5 will be saved, whereas the the remarkable pronouncement that does indeed imply that the billions of verses that proclaim the conditions entail anyone who calls upon the name of the non-Christians in the world are damned, that Person 5, who fails to satisfy those Lord will be saved. However, as we saw no matter how good or kind or charitable conditions, will not be saved. above for person #2, according to other they may be. Christians claim that the meaning of verses, salvation requires charity. So life lies in the attainment of salvation person #3 will not be saved, because of Person #5: in the afterlife. But the entire foundation his/her lack of charity. of soteriology, or the doctrine of If it is objected that one needs to be Person #5 has done everything thus far salvation, is undermined by the given charitable in order to sincerely call upon mentioned (call upon the Lord, believe biblical contradictions, for there is no the name of the Lord, then the reply in Jesus as God's son, repent, perform other basis for that doctrine than the is simply "Not so!" The classic case of good deeds), but fails to satisfy other Bible. repentance and conversion is that of one requirements for salvation specified in who has been wicked in life and now the Bible. Among those other require- Notes wishes to change. So the person now calls ments are the following: be born of water upon the name of the Lord for the first and of the Spirit (John 3:5); eat Jesus's I. Isa. 33:14; Matt. 13:40-42, 25:41, 46; Mark flesh and drink his blood (John 6:53); 9:43-48; Jude 6-7; Rev. 14:10-I1. time. Suppose he/she is then suddenly 2. Ezek. 18:4; Matt. 7:13, 10:28, Acts 3:23; struck dead by lightning. Such a person receive the kingdom of God as a little Heb. 10:39 (perdition = annihilation) 2 Peter 3:7. would have called upon the name of the child (Mark 10:15); believe that God 3. Luke 13:3, 5; John 3:15-16; I Cor. 15:18; rewards everyone who diligently seeks 2 Thess. 2:10; 2 Peter 3:9. Lord without being charitable. Conse- 4. John 12:32; Rom. 5:18, 11:32; I Cor. 15:22; quently, the objection fails. him (Heb. 11:6). Col. 1:20; 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; 1 John 2:2. Each of these is declared to be an 5. Ps. 65:4; Prov. 16:9, 20:24; Isa. 46:9-II; absolutely necessary condition for Jer. 10:23; John 6:44, 64-65, 15:16; Acts 15:18; Person #4: Rom. 8:28-30, 9:18; Eph. 1:4-5, 11; 2 Thess. 2:13; salvation. Anyone who fails to satisfy 1 Pet. 1:2; Rev. 13:8, 17:8. them is automatically damned. But each 6. Passages that specifiy conditions for Person #4 has devoted his/ her life to is somewhat unclear. The first condition salvation that are within human control (such helping needy people, but has never as doing good deeds, for example) would support may possibly refer to the ritual of repented and does not believe in God's this idea. See the references in notes 8 and 9, baptism." And perhaps the second refers below. son. A charitable Muslim or Jew or any to the ritual of "taking communion." 7. John 3:15-16, 6:40, 47, 11:25; Acts 16:31; non-Christian like the Good Samaritan Rom. 10:9; 1 John 5:12. Nevertheless, whatever they may mean, (of Luke 10:30-37) might meet this 8. See also John 5:28-29, Rom. 2:5-10, and it seems quite clear that a person need James 2:14-26. description. Such a person may be quite not satisfy all four conditions to be the 9. Matt. 25:34-40, 46; Luke 10:25-37; John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:5-7, 10; James 2:24. On the devout in his/her religion and may love sort of person previously described (a God maximally (see Luke 10:27). He/ matter of behaving well, see also Matt. 19:16- believer in God's son, etc.). For example, 17, Mark 10:17-21, Luke 18:18-22 and John 8:51. she might be a devout Jew such as Job, someone could believe in God's son 10. Mark 16:16; John 3:18, 36, 14:6; Acts 4:10- 12; I John 5:12. as described in Job 1:1. But the impor- without also having to believe that God tant point here is that he/she loves other 11. Note the references to baptism in Mark rewards everyone who diligently seeks 16:16 and Acts 2:38. • people equally with himself or herself and acts accordingly. To be so charitable, according to the Bible, is sufficient for Support salvation.' Although some evangelists deny that there is any doctrine of African Americans for Humanism "salvation by good works" in the Bible, For just $15.00, subscribers to African Americans for Humanism's it is clear that they are mistaken. Examiner newsletter receive: a 10 percent discount on registration fees However, as we have seen in connec- for conferences and seminars, audiotapes and videotapes, and a select tion with person #1, the Bible also list of Prometheus books. declares that repentance is necessary for salvation, and that in itself would Write to: African Americans for Humanism exclude Person #4. But he/she is doubly Box 664 damned for also not believing in God's Buffalo, NY 14226-0664 son. The Bible very clearly states that Or call toll-free to charge your subscription: 800458-1366 6/94 a person must believe in God's son, or

Summer 1994 57 Kurtz has been a conceptualizer of constructs that have added intellectual strength to the secular humanist move- Books ment. In defense of the belief that persons can be ethical without religion, Kurtz introduced the notion of the "common moral decencies." These are, Kurtz writes, "shared by theists and nontheists Understanding Modern alike and are the bedrock of moral conduct." They are "transcultural in their Secular Humanism range and have their roots in common human needs." According to Kurtz these decencies exist independently of religion; Michael J. Rockier most human beings recognize them and live within them. Kurtz identifies per- Toward a New Enlightenment: The focuses on the need for a new Enlighten- sonal integrity, trustworthiness, benev- Philosophy of Paul Kurtz, edited by Vern ment. Kurtz raises questions about olence, and fairness as examples. Since L. Bullough and Timothy J. Madigan "postmodernism"—a movement away most human beings accept these values, (New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction Pub- from the objectivity of science and one it is not necessary for religions to exist lishers, 1994) 401 pp., $39.95 cloth. that is suspicious of technology. Post- in order to guarantee civil human life. modernism leads to a subjective sense A second concept created by Kurtz aul Kurtz, as much as any contem- of the universe. It seeks to minimize the is the notion of the "transcendental Pporary thinker, is the conceptualizer importance of the gains that have been temptation." Kurtz uses this construct of modern secular humanism. The achieved for human beings as a result to account for the way in which persons editors of this volume—Vern Bullough of the scientific method. are drawn to and support extra-natural and Tim Madigan—have collected some Kurtz effectively points out that in explanations of phenomena, even in the of Kurtz's most significant essays; these "recent years we have observed the re- face of contradictory evidence. Kurtz provide an interesting and enlightening emergence of forces that many moderns notes that the transcendental temptation opportunity to understand Kurtz's work. had thought had long since vanished: exists widely among people, including This volume demonstrates Kurtz's intense nationalistic, ethnic, religious, many who consider themselves rational- ability to communicate complex and and racial passions, and the outburst of ists. Secular humanism, Kurtz argues, important ideas in ways that make sig- multicultural chauvinisms of the worst must both understand and address this nificant thought accessible to large sort...." He argues for the preservation need in order to increase its effective- numbers of people. In this regard, and of the achievements of the Enlighten- ness. perhaps in other ways as well, Kurtz is ment including empirical science, Perhaps the construct Kurtz would a contemporary successor to Bertrand humanism, and a process for defining most like to be remembered for is the Russell, who also was able to com- ethical values. The Enlightenment also concept of eupraxophy. This literally municate philosophic ideas in a clear way provided human beings with nontheistic means "good practice and wisdom." to the general population. ways to understand the meaning of life. Kurtz has introduced it as a term to The many essays in this volume Kurtz presents a strong and effective describe a naturalistic and humanistic enable the reader to see the breadth and argument for maintaining these philosophy of life. A person who depth of Paul Kurtz's vision. The book accomplishments in the face of the con- achieves eupraxophy is one who lives life is a valuable resource for those who wish tinuing attack by the postmodernists. with gusto and exhuberance. He or she to understand the nature of contem- The book is divided into six sections. is committed to excellence and has the porary secular humanism—a philosophy Each part contains an introduction by ability to feel empathy for others. that began in classical Greece, reached either Madigan or Bullough; each one Achieving eupraxophy is the goal of a new heights during the Age of Enlighten- explores one of the many aspects of secular humanist life. ment, and exists today in the work of Kurtz as writer, thinker, and person. The Toward a New Enlightenment con- Kurtz and others. sections contain essays on ethics, democ- tains many other significant ideas Toward a New Enlightenment begins racy, skepticism, and humanism. The developed by Kurtz. He is a globalist with an Introduction by Kurtz that fifth section is entitled "Kurtz in Person who has argued that multiculturalism and Action," while the last section is carried to its extreme can become Michael J. Rockier is a professor of called "On the Barricades" and focuses tribalism. Globalism is still another idea education at National-Louis University on essays in which Kurtz describes spe- of the Enlightenment that has been under in Washington, D.C., and president of cific actions in which he has engaged as attack by contemporary postmodernists. the Bertrand Russell Society. part of his ongoing struggle to strengthen The need to create and maintain an humanism in the world. international community is an ongoing

58 FREE INQUIRY theme of this volume. activism in the pursuit of secular human- of his writings could not have been easy. In many essays Kurtz seeks to define ism. Kurtz has led and helped to con- The introductions to each sections were a meaning for life that he finds both ceptualize the modern secular humanist alternately written by each editor. They potentially tragic and bountiful. These movement. He has also been a person are well written and helpful for setting themes are examined brilliantly in on the barricades. Entertaining and hu- the context for each section, thus helping Kurtz's address to the Bertrand Russell morous accounts of Kurtz's visits to faith to focus the reading. These introductions Society (Chapter 20). Chapter 24 is healers are described in this section. His also make clear the affection and esteem entitled, "Promethean Love: Unbound." attempt to debunk the myth of Bigfoot in which Kurtz is held by those who It examines the relevance of the myth is also discussed. These concluding chap- know him best. of Prometheus for life today by describ- ters provide readers with insight into still Bullough and Madigan have made an ing a process for achieving a meaningful another aspect of Kurtz's character. important contribution to secular life within the finite confines of human The editors of this volume have humanism as a result of this book. It existence. chosen and organized their material well. is essential reading for understanding the The last section of this volume Kurtz has been writing for a long time, development and current status of secu- contains essays that describe Kurtz's and thus the task of creating an anthology lar humanism. •

Michael Faraday in the middle of the The Dreams that Stuff last century: What is matter? What are the basic forces of nature? Is Made Of When Queen Victoria asked Faraday what good was electricity, he reportedly replied, "Madam, what good is a baby?" Victor J. Stenger He could not possibly have imagined the practical uses that would come of elec- Dreams of a Final Theory: The Search senior colleagues who saw the SSC as tricity and magnetism. Today, we can- for the Fundamental Laws of Nature, an investment in the future. not imagine life without the devices made by Steven Weinberg (New York: Pan- Since the death of Richard Feynman, possible by Faraday's work. If the Queen theon Books, 1992), 336 pp., $25.00 Steven Weinberg has become widely had given Faraday a billion pounds to cloth. regarded by the physics community, if do his research, the investment would not the press, as the world's leading have paid off a billionfold and more. n October 1993, the U.S. House of theoretical physicist. Weinberg shared Who today can imagine what the payoff, IRepresentatives canceled the Super- the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1979 for if any, will be for further explorations conducting Supercollider (scc). The his work on the unification of electro- along the same lines pursued by ramifications of this decision for high magnetic and weak nuclear forces. With Faraday? energy particle physics, and fundamental his 1977 popular-level book, The First Dreams does not match the high research in general, remain to be deter- Three Minutes, he established himself as standards set by The First Three Min- mined. Newspaper reports have tended a fine writer as well as a brilliant utes, but it is well worth reading. to support the view that the project was physicist. Weinberg relates how particle physics yet another government boondoggle to Dreams of a Final Theory is largely moved, in the few decades of his career, be compared with Star Wars or the the product of Weinberg's efforts as a from the confusing conglomerate of new manned space program, mismanaged major spokesman for the SSC. The book particles produced in high energy and budget-busting. Rarely have votes represents his attempt to make under- accelerators, to quarks, gluons, and the in the two houses of Congress been so standable to the average citizen what he current "standard model." For some lopsidedly opposite, with the new fresh- and many others feel are the compelling twenty years, the standard model has man class of representatives, especially, scientific reasons to build the SSC, or passed every empirical test to which it refusing to accept the wisdom of their a machine like it. Though the SSC is has been subjected. The SSC was now dead, those reasons remain. Unlike designed to reach an energy where the Victor J. Stenger is professor of physics Star Wars, which most physicists always standard model is almost guaranteed to at the University of Hawaii and the insisted was impractical, and the manned break down, thus pointing the way to author of Not by Design: The Origin space program, which is justified more the next level of understanding. of the Universe (Prometheus Books, on political and public relations grounds Weinberg convinces me of this inevi- 1988) and Physics and Psychics: The than scientific ones, the SSC was tability, but not that we are anywhere Search for a World Beyond the Senses designed to address questions every bit near a "final theory," or even that one (Prometheus Books, 1990). as fundamental and as potentially impor- can be found. He extols the virtues of tant to society as those addressed by superstrings, but admits that its mathe-

Summer 1994 59 matics is so arcane that even most "unreasonable ineffectiveness of philos- prehensible, the more it seems pointless. theoretical physicists do not comprehend ophy." He devotes a chapter to the use- "He protests that he did not mean that what the specialists are doing. lessness, even harm, of too much science teaches that the universe is point- A far more likely possibility in my philosophizing, particularly by posi- less, but rather that "the universe itself mind is that the constants and laws of tivism, relativism, and the more recent suggests no point." physics are accidental. Weinberg notes notion that science is simply another Still, Weinberg finds no place for that we are unlikely ever to derive the arbitrary social activity. Most scientists God, or for a reconciliation between properties of complex matter from basic will love this chapter. science and religion. He does not think principles. He gives an excellent example Weinberg has similar distaste for all the Einsteinian retreat to Spinoza's with the genetic code, which is such an the metaphysical nonsense that has been God as the order and harmony of the illogical "mess" that, instead of providing associated with quantum mechanics. He universe is what most people mean by the evidence for design that the religious says: "So irrelevant is the philosophy of religion. He sees this view as serving no would like to see, can be more reason- quantum mechanics to its use, that one purpose other than in avoiding, as ably interpreted as evidence for lack of begins to suspect that all the deep ques- Einstein did, the accusation of having design—mostly the result of chance. But tions about the meaning of measurement no God. While he admits we cannot rule Weinberg has more faith than I do that are really empty, forced upon us by our out finding God in the final theory— particle physics is different, that an language, a language that evolved in a until we find the theory—Weinberg ultimate, underlying theory will be found world governed very nearly by classical thinks that such an outcome is highly in the beauty of its mathematics. He is physics." unlikely. Science has been an unbroken not yet ready to think that the laws of In another chapter near the end progression of demystification to the physics may be as accidental as the entitled "What about God?" Weinberg point where the "retreat of religion from genetic code. amplifies the atheistic views he expressed the ground occupied by science is almost Being puzzled by what Eugene in The First Three Minutes. He discusses complete." He guesses that, "though we Wigner called the "unreasonable effec- the attention that has been given to his shall find beauty in the final laws of tiveness of mathematics," Weinberg adds most quoted statement from that nature, we will find no special status for another puzzle that he calls the book:"The more the universe seems corn- life or intelligence." •

Bertrand Russell at His Best love, Marx, Parmenides, racism, Rous- seau, sex, sin, skepticism, war, wisdom, Warren Allen Smith and world government. The beauty of the collection is that The Quotable Bertrand Russell, edited their problems to exploitation by the Eisler presents Russell's views as if they by Lee Eisler (Buffalo: Prometheus white man, their main problem is were answers to questions. Eisler asks, Books, 1993), 336 pp., $16.95 cloth. actually population growth (the 1951 "How would you define religion, Lord reference is then cited in parentheses if Russell?" then quotes a 1920 book in nyone who enjoys Bertrand Rus- one wishes to do further research). which Russell writes, "By religion I Asell's work, or has a few of the Under "W," the reader finds what the mean a set of beliefs held as dogmas, eighty-nine books written over his status of women was in Sparta (pecu- dominating the conduct of life, going ninety-eight years on Earth, needs this liar); whether women have achieved beyond or contrary to evidence, and new work. Lee Eisler, long the inspi- freedom from male dominance today (a inculcated by methods which are emo- ration behind the Bertrand Russell little); what effect Christianity has had tional or authoritarian, not intellectual." Society's newsletter, which studies the on the status of women (its emphasis Eisler then asks, "And how would philosopher's continuing impact, has upon sexual virtue has made woman the you describe Hell, Lord Russell?" pored over not only all those books but temptress, the cause of sin, and an object Almost as if we're reading a transcrip- also numerous articles, interviews, and of degradation); and what methods were tion of a Russell appearance on CNN's stories in the media, recording Lord used to make sure that women remained "Larry King Live," the aristocrat re- Russell's salient thoughts on subjects virtuous (women were not trusted with sponds, "Hell is a place where the police any inward control—they were segre- from A to Z. are German ... the motorists French gated, and they were educated to have ... the cooks English." Under "A," the reader learns that a horror of sexual intercourse outside For those of us who have read although Africans mistakenly attribute marriage). Other highlights of the 162 Russell's meaty books, the present vol- Warren Allen Smith is a FREE subjects covered: anti-Semitism, Ca- ume refreshes as it reinforces old memo- INQUIRY Editorial Associate. tholicism, death, euthanasia, free- ries. For those who have not, here is thought, God, Hegel, Islam, Kant, logic, a tempting appetizer. •

60 FREE INQUIRY publication New World News in Febru- ary 1946 (a date close to the "circa 1950" averred by some of Dr. Stein's expert Lies, Credulity, Ignorance, sources), the Rules have been trotted out over the years to prove that "the and More Lies Communists" want gun control (of course they do, but only in nations where they are in power); or to show that the John George sneaky Reds always planned to undermine our morality by "[corrupting] the Encyclopedia of Hoaxes, by Gordon successful fooling of at least some people young" and getting "them interested in Stein (Detroit: Gale Research Inc., for some time, and we all like to fool sex" (therefore we should oppose sex 1993), xxi + 347 pp., $49.95 cloth. people." Stein separates hoaxes from education). Purported to have been swindles by noting that while a hoax may captured in a raid on Spartacist head- reethought history and literature involve money, it includes more and "has quarters in Dusseldorf, Germany, in Fmaven Gordon Stein has done it an enduring quality." Swindles, however, 1919, the Rules were never in that nation again. Always interested in the world of are deceptions "done exclusively or until about thirty years later (if ever). ideas, he has crafted a detailed work that primarily to make money." Dr. Stein Also Spartacist headquarters were in should be in every library and on the also takes the time to differentiate Berlin, not Dusseldorf. The National reference shelf of every radio and between hoaxes and frauds (they can Rifle Association has been reluctant to television station. Dr. Stein's latest overlap), and among hoaxes, myths and let go of this particular fabrication which effort, The Encyclopedia of Hoaxes, legends. A long-lasting hoax, one that the old conservative newsletter Combat should have wider appeal than his books persists undetected over a considerable dubbed "a hoax on anticommunists." on unbelief and freethought history. period of time, can become a legend or Nostradamus's "predictions" have For hoax buffs, all the "favorites" are myth. long fooled many; however, it was not here listed alphabetically in the Table of While nearly all of the entries in this the old French physician who did the Contents: ancient astronauts, the Ber- encyclopedia may be accurately de- hoaxing, writes Stein, but people who muda Triangle, the Cardiff Giant, scribed as interesting, each reader will tried after his death "to take advantage Atlantis, King Tut's Curse, the hollow have favorites. A few of mine follow. of his reputation." James Randi in The Earth, the Hitler diaries, Aimee Semple Perhaps the most widely circulated Mask of Nostradamus gives compelling McPherson's phony kidnapping, Nos- phony document of the twentieth cen- evidence that Nostradamus was only tradamus's "prophecies," the Protocols tury is The Protocols of the Elders of trying to make short-range predictions of the Elders of Zion, biorhythms, the Zion. Given much publicity and distri- about the area in which he lived. Stein bution by auto mogul Henry Ford (who deals convincingly with the claims of Cottingley fairies, Communist Rules for later disavowed it), the fabricated predictions about Hitler and Nazi Revolution, the Awful Disclosures of document was still being circulated in Germany. Maria Monk, the Shroud of Turin, the United States in 1994, but far more The only entry that might well have Bigfoot, crop circles, levitation, and widely and intensely in such nations as been made longer is "Satanism Hoaxes." many more than even the majority of Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Dr. Stein rightly dwells on the out- hoax fans may not have been aware. and Libya. Those who still believe in this rageous lies of "Lauren Stratford," and Gordon Stein seems tailor-made to strange concoction evidently do not discusses animal mutilations and the fear produce a book of this sort given his know that about 45 percent of it was of satanic crime—a most exaggerated wide-ranging background. He holds a taken almost directly from an 1864 satire phenomenon. He might have added master in library science degree from the by Maurice Joly. Entitled Dialogue in some words on the linking of Satanism University of California at Los Angeles Hell Between Machiavelli and Montes- with daycare centers and child moles- and a Ph.D. in physiology from Ohio quieu, Joly's work had nothing what- tation. Also, he could have noted that State. In the Introduction, he informs soever to do with Jews. But anti-Semitic what passes for Satanism comes not us that "hoaxes hold a certain fascination fabricators took the sayings of Joly's from The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey for people ... because they involve the Machiavelli and placed them in the (a freethinker who rejects the idea of mouths of "Jews bent on world con- Satan's existence), but to a large extent John George is professor of political quest." The London Times exposed the from assertions by literalist Christians. science and sociology at the University whole sordid mess in 1921. In other words, the few teenagers of Central Oklahoma. His latest book Another favorite of mine is also a involved in spray-painting symbols on is Be Reasonable: Selected Quotations fabricated document, called Rules for the walls and sacrificing an occasional for Inquiring Minds (co-edited with Revolution or Communist Rules for unfortunate domestic cat first heard Laird Wilcox, Prometheus Books, 1994). Revolution. Making its first appearance about such aberrant behavior through in the British Moral Rearmament fundamentalist churches. •

Summer 1994 61 is not enough merely to be `anti- Academy of Humanism Profiles religious.' One must build a positive force, humanism, that counteracts the The following two reviews give an overview of the life and career of religious influence in the schools, the distinguished Academy of Humanism member George Klein. We will profile army, and the government." I sensed other Academy members in upcoming issues.—EDs. that if he didn't enter more deeply into the matter, it was not because of a lack of concern, but rather be- Science and Culture cause his principal interest lies in scientific issues. Klein's book is a series of vignettes Fabiola Aguirre mixing the spirit of science with the spirit of tragedy. He explores the The A theist and the Holy City, by Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition, ethos and pathos of our industrial George Klein (Cambridge, Mass.: although he does raise fundamental society, exemplified by the towering MIT Press, 1992) 140 pp., $17.95 questions about the nature of religious figure of Leo Szilard, the "father of cloth. beliefs. the atomic bomb," to whom Klein One of the questions the book devotes two chapters. And who is he title of this timely book is made me raise was, Why have the better suited to be the focus of an Tsomewhat misleading, for it deals Jewish people not only survived but examination of the uneasiness, the with far more than atheism. Unfor- excelled in spite of their untenable feverish agitation, the gnawing distor- tunately, a large market of readers credos? There must be a powerful tions, and the travails of our century who might respond to this stirring force motivating them, greater and than Szilard, who knows only too well account turn away because of the more wholesome and urgent than the the cancers of our age in literal as deceiving title. preposterous Old Testament stories. well as symbolic terms? Szilard shared The book's author, George Klein, The answer lies in a devotion to sci- with Klein not only the story of his is a cell biologist and oncologist who ence, which compensates for biblical own cancer, but also his greatest has been honored many times as a mystification. The impressive number tragedy: the burden of his decision to literary figure as well as for his scien- of Jewish scientists cannot be make the United States the only tific accomplishments. A Hungarian- explained by a mere desire for edu- possessor of the fission bomb, a deci- Swedish Jew, he responded to the hor- cational status. Commitment to scien- sion he desperately tried to reverse rors of Auschwitz with heightened tific inquiry has become a Jewish when the danger of the Nazis pos- concern for the ways in which reli- cultural characteristic, a true call of sessing it ended. gious bureaucracies built around the salvation. Szilard's story of his illness in- Jehovah-Jesus myths have directly Science as the existential reaction cludes an observation with profound and indirectly brought about so many of Jews to their environment is well implications for the practice of sci- massacres of the innocent. But Klein illustrated by Klein's own life and by ence in this country. He complained the lives of the fellow scientists he does not use The Atheist and the Holy about his experiences with the med- chooses to discuss in his book. This City simply to criticize religious ical profession, echoing a universal reaction is significant both as an systems. He does not necessarily wish indictment of a system based in large example to follow and as a warning to shake the status quo of the part on falsehoods, competition, and against allowing scientific inquiry to a feeling of mechanization. Such be replaced by religiosity. The danger qualities pervade science in general, Fabiola Aguirre holds doctorates in posed by the latter is evident in the and Klein elaborates on the distor- law, political science, and psychology. threat a fundamentalist Israel would tions produced by cultural values of She was a judge in an administrative pose, not only to its citizens' indi- this sort. court in Colombia (the highest post vidual freedom, but also to the stabil- ever attained by a woman), when she ity of the region and to global peace. Every epoch and every geographi- was forced to flee because her views [The recent Hebron massacre tragi- cal and sociological niche has had conflicted with the Catholic church cally illustrates this point.—EDS.] its dominant powers and pervasive and the government. For the last While Klein did not write a spe- concepts, which the majority hasn't cific essay on religious issues, he is hesitated to follow automatically thirty-five years, she has lectured on and without question. Those who Latin American affairs in American strongly aware of the perils of reli- prefer to believe that these distor- universities. gion and is not embarrassed about tions have little or no effect on the having such concern. He writes, "It pure worlds of laboratory scien- 62 FREE INQUIRY tists, microscopes, cell cultures, winners, patents, pressures, money, of empathy—and which nourished and biochemistry are in for a no money, the rat race." (Quoted in their passionate commitment to sci- surprise. Evelyn Fox-Keller, Feeling for the ence. Klein calls this "pieta" and Organism: A Biography of Barbara McClintock "the feeling for the He then explores how the dominant McClintock, W. H. Freeman and Co., organism." Not many intellectuals, powers and pervasive concepts act as 1983). Hearing of her death while not even social thinkers, have "the central dogmas for those working in reading Klein's book touched me one-another" deep insight that Klein laboratories. deeply, and made me realize what has. Certainly not many laboratory I was reminded of another person these two biologists had in common: researchers have this. His gift of emo- of vision and integrity, the late a sense of true devotion, of decency, tional tuning would have made him Barbara McClintock, who said, foresight, and integrity which sprang as outstanding a figure in the social "Everywhere in science the talk is of from the same root—a strong sense sciences as it has in his own. •

titled "The Ultimate Fear." Klein talks Searching for an Answer about attending a scientific symposium in Los Angeles, where he was to Suffering one of the main speakers. During a coffee break, an old woman came up to him who he recognized as a former Timothy J. Madigan playmate in pre-War Hungary. A survivor of Auschwitz, she told him, Pieta, by George Klein (Cambridge, and die" is not a live one. in a matter-of-fact voice, how, before Mass: The MIT Press, 1993) 297 pp., The hero of this book is Arthur her eyes, her father and mother were cloth $24.95. Schopenhauer, whose ethics of selected by Mengele himself to be sent compassion is one that Klein em- to the gas chamber. While listening eorge Klein is a respected biol- braces, and whose unflinching pursuit to this recitation, Klein is interrupted ogist at the department of tumor of the truth is one that Klein attempts by various colleagues eager to intro- biology at the Karolinski Institute in to emulate. But he also understands duce him to other conference Stockholm who has spent years the dilemmas that arise when the two attendees. immersed in the often hermetic world paths do not converge. of scientific research. But he is also Klein is particularly critical of fel- Then my scientific host appeared. He had been worried about the a brilliant essayist, well versed in low scientists who allow their quest intrusion of the two strange women poetry (with a special affinity for for objective knowledge to dull their and suspected that they were trying Edgar Allen Poe). And in his latest sense of humanity. He mentions the to "monopolize" me. I felt that I collection of essays, Pieta, he uses his case of Professor Hallervorden, one owed him some sort of explana- scientific and humanistic learning to of Germany's most prominent neuro- tion, and I introduced the older woman, explaining that she was on address the age-old question: Why is pathologists, who made a deal with the same deportation train to there suffering? fifty-five doctors during World War Auschwitz as my grandmother and But Klein is no penitent Job, II: "Since you are killing all those my uncles, none of whom ever re- bowing his head before the awesome people anyhow, you might as well turned. My colleague stared at me, groping for words, obviously not powers of the Almighty. He is, rather, send me their brains." Strangely knowing what to say. I have often an unabashed nonbeliever (in his enough, Hallervorden was considered noticed this reaction. Indeed, what previous book, The Atheist And The a highly moral man, and a devoted could one really say? Holy City, he discussed what it was follower of Kant's ethical teachings. like to be a nonreligious doctor toiling Klein's interest in the Holocaust is It is his gentle but unbending away in a clinic in Jerusalem while not merely academic. Many of his insistence to speak the unspeakable, the world's major monotheistic Hungarian relatives perished in the to view the unviewable, that makes denominations jockeyed for position death camps. The theme of this this book so powerful, and so moving. among the sacred sites). He neither collection is the ever-shifting line Klein wrestles with the dichotomy of blames nor exculpates an all-powerful between the objective and the subjec- loving the cancer cells he studies so God for the vast amount of suffering tive, between the scientist's dispas- assiduously in his laboratory, and in the world. But he recognizes that sionate love of the truth and the hating the effect that these cells have the absence of such a force implies humanist's compassionate love for on the living beings they infect. His an awesome responsibility on suffering creatures. Nowhere is this favorite analogy is that of the Escher humans. The option to "curse God better expressed than in a chapter en- drawing of black and white birds—

Summer 1994 63 you can see either one or the other from the funeral with Pista's brother, Paradoxically, by sharing with the but not both at the same time. The talking about the inevitability of reader this "incurable wound," compassionate rationalist must none- death, "an idea we accepted but at George Klein helps to make the theless always be aware of those the same time wanted to ignore." human situation a bit more bear- aspects that are not presently in one's able. He shares this ability with the field of vision. I suddenly felt that there were only poets he so loves, who transform The most haunting passage in three ways to survive this dilem- their suffering into art so that others Pieta occurs at the end of the chapter ma: to believe in spiritualism or may benefit. But he never allows called "Pista," about a troubled other similar nonsense, to rational- his poetic sense to dilute his clear- ize away the whole matter and cousin of Klein's who committed sui- claim that 1 had no more responsi- headed rationalism. It is his ability cide when both were young men. Tor- bility than anyone else, or to store to maintain this delicate balance that mented by the thought that he might it away as what it really was, an makes Klein such a rare indi- have been able to save Pista from his incurable wound deep in my con- vidual and this collection so worth self-inflicted death, Klein walks home sciousness. reading. •

biblical fundamentalism (now mistakenly referred to as "scientific creation- ism'. Secular humanists will find those Books in Brief selections from Richard Dawkins, Julian Huxley, Jacques Monod, E. O. Wilson, and George Gaylord Simpson to be especially significant. This timely Atheistic Humanism, by Antony Flew fossils and artifacts that document the and unique volume makes it clear that (Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, major phases of hominid evolution any sound understanding of and proper 1993), 302 pp., cloth $29.95. Within the in central East Africa. The complex appreciation for humankind within framework of science and logic, secular emergence of humankind had required nature requires not only science and humanist Antony Flew has written four- obtaining bipedality (Australopithecus reason but also the evolutionary frame- teen essays that critically examine afarensis), then the making of stone work. traditional religious beliefs and the implements (Homo habilis and Homo —H. James Birx present human condition. He offers erectus), and finally the social use of penetrating insights that both scrutinize symbolic language as articulate speech Why the Religious Right Is Wrong: the empty claims of Mosaic theism (e.g., (Homo sapiens). Unlike most writers in About Separation of Church and State, god, miracles, and personal immortal- paleoanthropology, these two authors by Robert Boston (Buffalo: Prometheus ity) and support the pragmatic impli- bring their subject matter alive with a Books, 1993), 257 pp., paper $16.95. cations of scientific naturalism. Obvi- clear text, vivid descriptions, and Rob Boston, assistant director of com- ously indebted to David Hume and dramatic illustrations. For secular munications for Americans United for Charles Darwin, Flew's own philosophi- humanists, the essential statement of Separation of Church and State, be- cal position upholds atheism, free will, this book is that our species is a recent lieves that the wall separating church and social responsibility. Other topics product of, necessarily dependent upon, and state is perilously close to crum- treated include mental illness, commu- and totally within organic evolution. bling, mainly as a result of aggressive nism, the right to death, and three Therein is the great value of this work. assaults by the religious right. concepts of racism. Appropriately the Boston explodes many of the myths first volume in the Prometheus Lectures Evolution Extended: Biological Debates advanced by the religious right in its war series, this book offers the readers an on the Meaning of Life, ed. by Connie against religious liberty. He is at his best opportunity to ponder and enjoy the Barlow (Cambridge: MIT Press, 1994), in Chapter 3 in the section titled "False wisdom of one of the major secular 325 pp., cloth $24.95. There is a crucial Stories about 'the Wall.' " He picks thinkers of our time. distinction between the fact of evolution apart the religious right's contention and those critical interpretations of that Jefferson's wall of separation was Extraordinary Story of Human Origins, evolving reality that seriously examine "designed to protect the church from by Piero and Alberto Angela (Buffalo, our species, life on Earth, and this incursion by the state," and "that the N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1993), 328 dynamic universe. This collection of United States government should be pp., cloth $26.95. Translated from the writings presents a wide range of based on `Christian principles.' " Italian by Gabriele Tonne. This volume positions in the relevant literature, from This book is a courageous and un- is an excellent, informative, and provoc- mechanistic materialism to cosmic apologetic defense of church/ state sepa- ative introduction to the origin and mysticism. It addresses the issues of ration, and could not have arrived at history of our species during the past progress, teleology, explanatory mech- a better time. four million years. It focuses on those anisms, and the ongoing challenge of —Norm R. Allen, Jr.

64 FREE INQUIRY (Letters, continued from p. 3) There is famine and hunger in many Jan Narveson's article is an example of parts of the Earth brought on by the head-in-the-sand thinking that is as Narveson's argument is based on the policies of various governments such as destructive as that of the fundamental premise that "the world can hold any collective farming, trade restrictions or, theists. In a number of areas he glibly number of people" and that "these people as in Ethiopia, the use of food as a dismisses reality to suit his world view can all be rich." It so happens that this weapon. To blame the Vatican fails to which appears to consist only of the world has a given land mass and, there- show the true cause—the failed policies human species and commerce. fore, a finite amount of arable land and of central control and socialism—the The population crises is no longer in natural resources. same type of policies of elitists like Dr. the future tense, nor has it been for some Narveson's argument ignores the Mumford wish to impose on the rest of years now. The lessons learned over social and emotional effects of high- us. I for one say "No thank you." hundreds of millions of years of evolu- density living and its stultifying intellec- tion can not be negated by a few tech- tual impact. High-density public housing Ernest J. Allison nological band-aids. developments in major U.S. cities as well Brea, Calif. as in Great Britain are often centers of Jay Holovacs social unrest and crime. Identical condi- South Bound Brook, N.J. tions can be found in many developing Jan Narveson refers to citizens of countries as well as Japan, the free developed countries as "rich nor- world's second-richest industrial democ- therners" (p. 33), while Bonnie Johnson Ode to Football racy, where the size of the average home ("Overpopulation and Reproduction is about one-quarter that of its American Rights," FI, Spring 1994) uses the phrase At first I enjoyed Paul Kurtz's April counterpart. Crowded living conditions "northern perceptions that it [over- First humor ("Ode to Football," FI, in Japan's urban centers must be blamed population] is a southern hemisphere Spring 1994), but I had the uneasy for a variety of social ills including sui- problem" (p. 14). May I beg your writers feeling that he was not joking. Then I cides, juvenile delinquency, and family and most of all your editor to examine thought that the article was a clever violence, according to Kazuo Hayakawa a world map. You will observe rich secular version of the revival testi- at Kobe University. Australia and New Zealand and highly monial, but it was missing the contri- We are assured, however, that there industrialized South America prominent tion after sin, and the Great Trans- is little danger of our running out of open in the southern hemisphere. Even the formation that brought the sinner into space: "North Americans have far southernmost South American countries the tent. greater access to wilderness than their are well off in the context of that under- Could it be that our hero was really ancestors," writes Narveson. No doubt, developed continent. In contrast, two a devotee of a common cult? Of course, those ancestors had no cars and therefore thirds of Africa, all of Asia, all of the it is like shooting fish in a barrel to point much less mobility and that is one of Caribbean and Central America are out the ways that sports use many or today's problems. National Parks had located in the northern hemisphere. most of the same psychological sup- about 60 million visitors last year and There is indeed a relationship between port mechanisms upon which cults, the result was crowding, pollution and underdevelopment and global location. religions, and other group phenomena overuse with development encroaching The countries of the tropics, within thirty depend—revealed truth, us-versus- from all sides. Yosemite today has got degrees of the Equator in both hemis- them dichotomies, dogma, rituals, the the problems of an urban park: crime pheres, without exception are poor and dissolution of the self in the mass, the and infrastructure decay. underdeveloped. In the subtropics the reduction of individual to the point It would be interesting to see the data underdeveloped extend to many desert where one willingly takes part in that allow Narveson to affirm that alum- and near desert regions. In contrast, most outlandish mass activities—many of inum and steel are two resources of but not all mid-latitude countries are which are present in Kurtz's descrip- virtually unlimited supply. According to characterized by the good fortune of tion. him, this is actually true of "virtually all industrialized wealth and high levels of I am afraid that the worst may be natural resources" whose prices, there- living. true, to judge by the limp justification fore, declined steadily over the years. Is Glib phrases about rich north and at the conclusion. It is surely debatable it possible that if prices for raw materials poor south merely obscure the powerful whether violence in sports is really an have decreased with time that it is due correlation between tropical environ- outlet for aggression; it may be on the to vastly improved modes of extraction? ment and national poverty. part of the participants, but the riots While Narveson's confidence in ap- we have seen of late on the part of the plied science has some justification, is Wolf Roder spectators from the winning side sug- it not a gamble to put so much weight Professor of Geography gests darker things afoot. on technology's shoulders? McMicken College of Arts Henry Darcy and Sciences Robert Lee Austin, Tex. Cincinnati, Ohio Manton, Calif.

Summer 1994 65 What is the point of printing an article Since the earliest days the church has The White House has no doubt been that glorifies violence? Why not advo- thrown itself violently against every flooded with letters from those who cate nonviolent competition that in- effort to liberate the body and mind of found the inclusion of atheists in the volves strategy, such as chess? Not only man" (p. 305). Then on page 345 came holiday message an outrage. It is is football itself violent, but fans will a curious and highly dubious statement: important for the President to know that not uncommonly react violently, to each "The King James Bible is unquestion- we appreciate his inclusionary stance other, or by throwing things at the ably the most beautiful book in the and that there are secular humanists out players. As Kurtz himself admits, his world." Following that came a volley here, too. It is not too late to send the passion for football brings out the worst of anti-Semitic sentiments so bigoted Clintons a letter. Their address: The in him. Perhaps he should advocate and absurd that I was momentarily White House, Washington, DC 20500. gladiatorial combat. At least it would incredulous. be more honest. I felt betrayed by an erstwhile Lois Porter mentor, comrade, and ally. It is little Capital District Humanist A. J. Burger wonder that Treatise on the Gods is so Society New Haven, Conn. hard to find nowadays. Sorry to say, Washington, D.C. it is unfit for republication. My congratulations and thanks to Paul Kurtz for his wonderful article on Mark C. Dean A Classic Case football. What Kurtz, I and others like Taunton, Mass. is the nature of the game—the contest, The butchering of Muslims by Jewish the strategies, the uncanny abilities of Doctor Baruch Goldstein in the Ibrahim those who execute the plays. Yes, it's Clinton and Secularism Mosque is a classic example of the raw power but just as often it is the mental devastation and irrational incredible "move"; a fantastic pass, an In the December 19, 1993, issue of actions caused by the psychological unbelievable reception, a glorious fake, Parade magazine, President and Mrs. virus infection, "religion." an astounding interception. Clinton extended a holiday message, In its Summer 1993 edition, FREE For some there is only one sport "From our family to yours." INQUIRY asked the question: "Is Religion worth their interest, "mental gym- This message was memorable a Form of Insanity?" At the time I said nastics." Give me a good game of basket- because for the first time in memory, yes, it frequently is, but not directly. It ball, baseball, football, tennis, golf, and perhaps ever, a president of the United is first a viral infection, caused by a all the others, to play or to watch, and States included the term atheist in an psychological virus deliberately infused I'll leave those who object to play chess inclusive and welcoming statement: into innocent children by their parents and turn off the television. Violence is "Whether we are Protestants, Catholics, and the witch doctors of religion. not the object in football and falling Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or Dr. Goldstein is a classic example of down is not the goal in figure skating, atheists, we are a part of a larger the disease gone berserk. He was not only yet both happen. national family that respects individual a family man with four children, he was dignity and freedom of conscience in a well-educated, highly successful pro- Roger E. Greeley matters of faith." fessional. He was no thug from the The Humanist Institute The message went on: "Our freedoms streets, a deprived orphan, a bitter Kalamazoo, Mich. depend on mutual respect and tolerance, childless would-be father or some yet too often those freedoms are frustrated lover. He has everything a imperiled by people filled with fear and "normal" person could wish for. H. L. Mencken disdain. So today we must work harder But he could not overcome the to understand our differences and cele- infection to which he fell fatally a victim. Congratulations to Harvey Pekar for his brate our diversity. We must remember The loss of his family, career, and the wonderfully balanced essay ("The Life that our own freedom depends on loss of life of many humans could not of H. L. Mencken, FI, Spring 1994). ... respect of others." deter him. I was once an ardent Mencken fan We are quick, and should be, to He had no choice. "Religionitis" is myself. Then one day I pulled criticize when the pious exclude non- often a fatal disease. Mencken's Treatise on the Gods from believers from membership in the If you are a parent or a guardian of the stacks at the Harvard Divinity human race or the "American family" a child have pity. Let him or her grow School. It had taken me a long time and lay all the evils of our society on up first, at which time he or she will to find it. the doorstep of secular humanists. We at least have a chance to use full brain At first it was like ambrosia. "Chris- should be just as quick to thank those capacity to prevent infection. tian theology is not only opposed to the who show respect for diversity and scientific spirit; it is opposed to every inclusion, especially when they are in Noll G. Thompson other form of rational thinking... . positions of influence. Las Vegas, Nev. 66 FREE INQUIRY Fundamentalists seeking to overthrow the government have killed about 30 women in the last two years because of their association with secularist causes In the Name of God or with men who were targets of the fundamentalists. (New York Times)

What Is the Meaning of President Needs Faith "Akumu" in Japanese means devil or 'Thou Shalt Not Kill'? demon. Officials in the Akishima City to Function Toledo, Ohio—Jacqueline Clinton, 29, Office where Sato went to register the was found guilty of manslaughter in boy's birth ordered him to change the Washington, D.C.—President Clinton January in the shooting of her boyfriend. said in an ABC News interview he name, saying it might prove a problem According to her, the shooting occurred considers himself an "honest, struggling" for the boy later in life. A family court during an argument over differing inter- Christian believer who could not do his sided with Sato and ordered Akuma's pretations of the Bible. (News of the job as president without his faith. name restored to Sato's family register— Weird) Clinton, a Southern Baptist, said he an official document required for all "sinned as a child of God, who has Japanese. (AP) sought forgiveness, searched for redemp- Town Drops Plan to tion and is struggling to grow and to Use Bible As Text find the guidance of God in this job." Swaggart Ordered to Pay (USA Today) Bristol, Va.—School officials in the Dallas—A Louisiana district court judge Southwest Virginia city of Bristol said has ordered Jimmy Swaggart Ministries they will drop a plan to use the Bible Man Beaten for to pay more than $1.4 million to a Dallas as a textbook after a threatened lawsuit Teaching Women company for Bibles and religious mate- over its constitutionality. "We can't af- rials that were delivered but never paid ford to fight the case," said Bristol Dhaka, Bangladesh—Fundamentalist for. Swaggart's multimillion-dollar School Board Chairman Ronald R. Morgan. "I've got an IQ higher than a Islamic clerics beat a man with shoes worldwide television ministry and local lawnmower. I know when you can fight and ordered his head shaved because he Bible college have been in financial dis- something and when you're whipped." ignored their orders to stop educating array since he was ousted from the The proposal, signed by four of the five illiterate women. Abdur Rashid's father Assemblies of God for refusing church members of the school board, called for complained to police about the beating, discipline after admitting to unspecified using the King James version of the Bible but no one was arrested, the Banglabazar sins with a New Orleans prostitute in to teach grammar, literature, and history Patrika newspaper reported. The clerics 1988. (Newark Star-Ledger) at the city's only high school. (Washing- accuse most of the 800 volunteer groups ton Post) operating in the predominantly Muslim nation of bribing patients to convert to Bareheaded Women e1994 Farcus Cartoons. Reprinted with permission of Universial Press Syndicate. All rights reserved Christianity and adopt Western ways. Slain in Algiers Rashid, a field worker for Friends of the Village Department, was beaten Algiers—Suspected Mus- publicly by at least five clerics at Haripur lim fundamentalists in village. (A P) Algeria killed two unveiled young women, enforcing a vow made in February that Sympathy for the Devil women who did not cover their heads in public would Tokyo—In a nation where conformity join a list of targets that tends to come first, a man won a court includes the army, the battle to give his son a name sure to police, secularist intellectu- stand out: "Devil." Shigeharu Sato's als, artists, journalists, and highly publicized case struck a sym- foreigners. The women— pathetic chord in a people who rarely Raziqa Meloudjemi, 18, take on the state. Sato named his six- and Naima Kar Ali, 19, month-old son "Akumu, "after a cartoon both students--were killed character who regularly comes to the at a bus station in Algiers rescue of his band of ghostly buddies. by gunmen on a motorbike.

Summer 1994 67 Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (CODESH, Inc.) Paul Kurtz, Chairman The Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism (CODESH) is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt educational organization dedicated to fostering the growth of the traditions of democracy and secular humanism, and the principles of free inquiry in contemporary society. In addition to publishing FREE INQUIRY magazine, CODESH sponsors many organizations and activities, and is also open to Associate Membership. Members receive the Secular Humanist Bulletin. The Academy of Humanism Timothy J. Madigan, Executive Director The Academy of Humanism was established to recognize distinguished humanists and to disseminate humanistic ideals and beliefs. African Americans for Humanism James Madison Memorial Committee Norm Allen, Jr., Executive Director Robert Alley, Chairman Brings the ideals of humanism to the African-American com- Keeps alive James Madison's commitment to the First munity. Amendment and to liberty of thought and conscience. Inquiry Media Productions Society of Humanist Philosophers Thomas Flynn, Executive Director Timothy J. Madigan, Executive Director Produces radio and television programs presenting skeptical Promotes and defends the study of humanist philosophy. and secular humanist viewpoints on a variety of topics. Institute for Inquiry Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) James Christopher, Executive Director Vern Bullough, Dean A secular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous with more Offers courses in humanism and skepticism; sponsors an than 1,000 local groups throughout North America. Pub- annual summer session and periodic workshops. lishes a newsletter available by subscription. Robert G. Ingersoll Memorial Committee Roger Greeley, Honorary Chairman Secular Humanist Aid and Relief Dedicated to running the Robert G. Ingersoll birthplace Effort (SHARE) museum in Dresden, N.Y., and to keeping his memory alive. Assists victims of natural disasters through secular efforts. Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion (CSER) Gerald A. Larne, President Examines the claims of Eastern and Western religions and of well-established and newer sects and denominations in the light of scientific inquiry. The committee is interdisciplinary, including specialists in biblical scholarship, archaeology, linguistics, anthropology, the social sciences, and philosophy who represent differing secular and religious traditions. Alliance of Secular Humanist Societies (ASHS) H. James Birx, Executive Director The Alliance of Secular Humanist Societies is a network created for mutual support among local and/or regional societies of secular humanists. If you are interested in starting or joining a group in your area, please contact PO Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226-0664, (716) 636-7571, FAX (716) 636-1733. ARIZONA: Metro Phoenix Secular Humanist Society, P0 Box 3738, Scottsdale, AZ 85271 (602) 423-8536 / CALIFORNIA: Secular Humanists of the East Bay, P0 Box 5313, Berkeley, CA 94705 (415) 486-0553; Secular Humanists of Los Angeles, PO Box 661496, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (213) 310-3354; Atheists and other Freethinkers, P0 Box 15182, Sacramento, CA, 95851-0182 (916) 682-0477; San Diego Association of Secular Humanists, P0 927365, San Diego, CA 92122 (619) 272-7719; Humanist Community of San Francisco, P0 Box 31172, San Francisco, CA 94131 (415) 342-3999; Secular Humanists of Marin County, P0 Box 6022, San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 892-5243; Siskiyou Humanists, PO Box 223, Weed, CA 96094 (916) 938-2938 / CONNECTICUT: Northeast Atheist Association, PO Box 63, Simsbury, CT 06070 / FLORIDA: Secular Humanists of South Florida, 5009 Arthur St., Hollywood, FL 33021 (305) 966-7505; Humanists of The Palm Beaches, 860 Lakeside Dr., N. Palm Beach, FL 33408 (407) 626-6556; Freethinkers, Inc., P0 Box 724, Winter Park, FL 32790 (407) 628-2729 / Hawaii Secular Humanists, 508 Pepekeo Pl., Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 395-5581 / ILLINOIS: Peoria Secular Humanists, PO Box 994, Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-8907; Free Inquiry Network, P0 Box 3696, Oak Park, IL 60303 (708) 386-9100 / KENTUCKY: Louisville Assoc. of Secular Humanists, P0 Box 91453, Louisville, KY 40291 (502) 899-7640 / LOUISIANA: New 0rleans Secular Humanists, 4811 Bancroft Drive, New Orleans, LA 70122 (504) 283-2830; Shreveport Humanists, P0 Box 17775, Shreveport, LA 71138 (318) 688-7983 / MARYLAND: Baltimore Secular Hu- manists, P0 Box 24115, Baltimore, MD 21227 (410) 467-3225 / MICHIGAN: Secular Humanists of Detroit, 220 Bagley, Room 908, Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 962- 1777 / MINNESOTA: University of Minnesota Atheists and Unbelievers, 300 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 731-1543 / MISSOURI: Kansas City Eupraxophy Center, 3501 E. 9th, Kansas City, MO 64124 (816) 241-9162; Rationalist Society of St. Louis, P0 Box 2931, St. Louis, M0 63130 / NEW HAMPSHIRE: Secular Humanists of Merrimack Valley, P0 Box 368, Londonderry, NH 03053 (603) 434-4195 / NEW YORK: Harlem Atheists, 424 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 (212) 926-7434; Western New York Secular Humanists, P0 Box 664, Buffalo, NY 14226 (716) 636-7571; Capital District Humanist Society, PO Box 2148, Scotia, NY -12302 (518) 381-6239; Secular Humanist Society of New York, P0 Box 7661, New York, NY 10150 (212) 421-2641 / NEVADA: Secular Humanist Society of Las Vegas, 240 N. Jones Blvd. Suite 106, Las Vegas, NV 89107 (702) 594-1125 / OHIO: Free Inquiry Group, Inc., P0 Box 8128, Cincinnati, 0H 45208 (606) 581-4602 / PENNSYLVANIA: Pittsburgh Secular Humanists, 405 Nike Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235 (412) 823-3629 / SOUTH CAROLINA: Secular Humanists of Greenville, Suite 168, Box 3000, Taylors, SC 29687 (803) 244-3708 / TEXAS: Agnostic and Atheist Student Group, M.S. 4237 Philosophy, Texas A & M Univ., College Station, TX 77843; Secular Humanist Association of San Antonio, PO Box 160881, San Antonio, TX 78280 (512) 494-4949 / WASHINGTON, D.C: Washington Area Secular Humanists, PO Box 15319, Washington, DC 20003 (202) 298-0921.