Barker, MacBain, Dennett and Dawkins? Is that really me?

Have you seen the latest issue of Freethougt Today?

I’m speechless!  (Believe it or not!) LOL

Why did I leave and other questions…

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times since I came out. Everyone in the religious community thinks I walked away because I’m mad at god because of the difficulties of life.  Yes, I’ve had my fair share of tough situations but the doubts began LONG before any of those issues.  Why is it that people want to immediately jump on the ‘angry at god’ bandwagon even while I continually share that science, history and reason were the turning points in my journey? The reality is that we all encounter difficult circumstances, suffering even tragedy in our lives… religious belief is no ‘respecter of persons’ in this regard.  I’ve known people who are very devout in their faith suffer a breakdown after a tragic event and I’ve known just as many people who are not religious who are in the same boat.  By the same token, the reverse can be stated.  Many times the deeply religious choose to ignore the root issues and believe that prayer and trust in a higher power is all that is necessary to overcome the situation.  Psychology proves otherwise.  Problems that are ignored don’t go away, they grow and grow and grow.  Eventually, the issues that have been stuffed away in our psyche explode, usually in devestating ways.

The issue of suffering is a difficult pill to swallow. (pardon the pun) But these situations are a reality of life.  It is only when we acknowledge the issues and deal with them that we find real solutions.

One final note.  I find it very interesting that this same camp that touts prayer as the answer is the same group that turns to science and reason on a regular basis.  Got a headache? Take a pain pill.  Suffering from a disease? See the doctor for a treatment plan/surgery/medication.  Cancer? Chemo and radiation. Broken arm? Cast. Allergies? Heartburn? Even sexual issues are answered by…not prayer…but a visit to the doctor!  I guess when it comes to finding relief from our physical ailments we’re all atheists!

 

Enough for now!

 

Keep Thinking!

Interview with Greta Christina on Minnesota Public Radio

I had the privilege to be interviewed as a part of MPR’s series on Faith and Public Life along with Greta Christina!

Listen to the audio below.

The print copy can be found here: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/05/10/daily-circuit-atheism/

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/www_publicradio/tools/media_player/syndicate.php?name=minnesota/news/programs/daily_circuit_2/2012/05/10/dailycircuitatheism_20120510_64

The Clergy Project Moves Forward

Many of you are familiar with the Clergy Project.  Some, however, have never heard of this wonderful group.  Allow me to share.

The purpose of The Clergy Project is to provide a safe haven for active and former clergy who do not hold supernatural beliefs.

The Clergy Project launched a private, invitation only, website on March 21, 2011 with 52 members. Currently it has more than 200 members.

It originated from a growing awareness of the presence of these clergy and a concern about their dilemma as they moved beyond faith. There were three sources of this awareness and concern:

• Stories of the life experiences of former clergy that Dan Barker of the Freedom from Religion Foundation has been collecting over the years;
• A preliminary study of “Preachers Who Are Not Believers,” by philosopher Daniel Dennett and researcher Linda LaScola, published in March, 2010 in Evolutionary Psychology and The Washington Post;
• Ongoing discussions between Dan Barker and Richard Dawkins, author of “The God Delusion” about the need to help clergy who want to leave the ministry.

The Clergy Project was made possible through a donation from The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science.

This group is expanding its reach in a new program to aid these clergy persons not only through emotional support the site offers but in a tangible manner.  The Clergy Project has begun a new venture to offer re-employment assistance and a short term grant to assist the pastors as they leave the ministry and move into the secular world.

If you’d like to be a part of this life-changing opportunity, please consider making a donation to The Clergy Project.  Together, we can make a difference!

Jerry Dewitt of Recovering from Religion

Jerry Dewitt is the Executive Director for Recovering from Religion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing multi-dimensional support and encouragement to individuals leaving their religious affiliations through the establishment, development, training, and educational support of local groups nationwide.

Jerry spoke at the American Atheists Convention in Washington DC.  He shared his story of walking away from the faith with the crowd gathered at the conference.  Watch his presentation below: