By Bjorn Watland

 

Do people behave better the older they get, because they fear "Judgement Day?"  Are the problems of our economy due to actions made by people who believe there is no heaven or hell?  David Lebedoff seems to think so in his opinion piece at the Star Tribune.

 

The reaction from Minnesota Atheists should not be surprising.  Of course I think that people can and do behave well, regardless of whether they fear a punishment prescribed by theology.  In fact, I think it is more noble to act irregardless of such demands and to make choices based on principle rather than dogma.

 

I reject the claim that most of the decisions which have been made about our economy have been made by people who do not believe in a heaven or hell based on polling which indicate that atheists and people who do not believe in heaven or hell are in a minority status in this country.  Our government is a secular government, but we are a diverse nation, full of decision makers who are believers and non believers.

 

Our current economic situation needs level headed, rational thinking, and not attempts to associate George Orwellian thinking to blame those who choose to reason in the natural world with all of its problems without regard to a supernatural concept of eternal punishment or reward.

 

As an atheist, I am offended by Mr. Lebedoff's claim and could counter that, using his reasoning, we should fear any attempts to accelerate tensions in Israel in order to bring about the Apocalypse.  Apocalyptic thinking could be blamed for ignoring the current economic crisis, as well as impending environmental problems for our planet, because it is all a part of the End Times.

 

If you find Mr. Lebedoff's claim compelling, consider what doors his theory opens.  What a waste of resources to sling mud over each other's views on theology when what is called for is cool headed reasoning.  Minnesota Atheists and those who do not believe in eternal punishment or reward will not stand to be discriminated against so broadly for the world's troubles.

By Vic Tanner

There are many good, rational reasons for not believing in gods. Logically, the existence of one is very low, and scientifically there just isn't any real evidence. But, for some reason, I always gravitate toward the really stupid reasons. Like religious clothing.

According to the Judeo-Christian myths, God created mankind naked. It was Adam and Eve's idea to invent clothes, not God's. God didn't even seem to be real keen on the idea of clothes at first, but once the ball started rolling, God caught on pretty quickly.

By George Kane

The Final Exit Network provides counseling and instruction to those who wish to end their lives. According to their web site, "Final Exit Network is the only organization in the United States that will help individuals who are not ‘terminally ill' - 6 months or less to live - to hasten their deaths." Our speaker for the April 19 public meeting, Jerry Dincin, became the president of FEN one month ago, when the previous president, Ted Goodwin, was arrested by the state of Georgia for alleged direct participation in the suicide of a long-time member. The arrest of several FEN officers and the seizure of all of their bank accounts culminated a multi-state sting operation.

Opposition to assisted suicide is based on religious conviction of the "sanctity of life," to the exclusion of consideration for the quality of life and for personal dignity. When, after several trials, Dr. Jack Kevorkian was convicted in Michigan and sent to prison, Minnesota Atheists recognized him in absentia with an award for his courageous defiance of religion-based law in service to his clients. The Final Exit Network follows the path Dr. Kevorkian blazed in support of the self-determination of life outcomes.

Jerry Dincin will speak not only of the mission of the Final Exit Network, but we hope also of the criminal case against them in Georgia. Due to his flight schedule, his presentation will begin at 1:00, and will conclude by 2:30. For this meeting we will return to the Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. The Business Meeting will follow afterward, and at 4:00 there will be a dinner buffet at Wanderer's Garden, 13059 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka.

Come bring your pirate hat, or arrive as ye be!  Minnesota Atheists will be honoring that great noodly deity, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, by dining on noodles prepared in His image.  There will be salad, bread, noodles and sauces galore, including vegetarian and vegan options.  We will also have dessert and drinks.  If you are interested in helping out by bringing a sauce to share, or some other booty, we'll take yer treasures if you comment below.

We'll be crewing up in the Party Room at the Larpenteur Estates on March 29 at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Sail in when you can, deport when you must.  Bus route 61 will get you there.  Just park behind the complex, and follow the signs to the Party Room to take part in the spoils.  Bring a donation of at least $6.66, and you can eat all you please.

March 29 4 to 7 p.m.

Larpenteur Estates
1276 Larpenteur Ave. W.
Saint Paul, MN 55113

By Steve Petersen and James Zimmerman

In January James Zimmerman led a panel discussion with members Jack Caravela and Ryan Sutter on the Christianity of America. In Part One, they discussed America's formative years.  The program began by discussing the freedom of religion many European settlers desired.  Next, they discussed the beliefs and religious affiliations of the Founding Fathers.  They also discussed arguments put forth by those who assert America is a Christian nation.

In Part Two, they compared the Christianity of contemporary America with several time periods in the past.  They discussed the religion climate during the first decades after independence, as well as the temperance movements, abolitionists, and progressives that proliferated during the Gilded Age. They lastly address the religiosity of America during the era between the two World Wars and during the post-war years.  The show concluded with Jack suggesting books to read for more information.. If you would like to help on the cable program or sponsor the program on your cable access station or have ideas for future programs please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

By Mike Haubrich

Atheists Talk continues to be a solid outreach program for the Minnesota Atheists, and I am pleased to report that plans are in the works to branch into two separate projects related to the show.

August Berkshire is going to pilot a hybrid version of the show on KTNF radio, using his skills at outreach and dialog with the religious. There is the possibility that the new show, a shared program with a theistic co-host, may be picked up by KTNF as one of their own shows! Please show support for this project by listening and encouraging your friends to listen.

By George Kane

The first vote of the 111^th Congress with significance to the separation of church and state was a success, but not everyone on the religious right realized that they had suffered a defeat. One of the provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was originally to be $10 billion for repairs and facility construction at eligible colleges. Funds were not to be available for theological seminaries, or at secular colleges for buildings used for religious instruction. Republican Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina offered an amendment "to allow the free exercise of religion at institutions of higher education that receive (repair and reconstruction) funding." In other words, the amendment would have opened up the government funding to religious education.

By Jeannette Watland

As an atheist, I am often secluded and out of place in society. I can only imagine how different a child feels when they realize they are the only non-believer in their classroom. When I found out about Camp Quest a year ago I was filled with hope and excitement. Here is a place where adults and children alike can be themselves in a comfortable and welcoming environment. I had to check it out and doing so was one of the best choices I have ever made. The adult volunteers are wonderful people and I really feel like I can relate to them. The children and young adults I have encountered are absolutely amazing. All the kids I have had the pleasure to mentor at Camp Quest are funny, smart, and intuitive. I couldn't think of a better place for growing freethinkers.

Scott Lohman, President of the Humanists of Minnesota, has found an appreciation for a certain low budget science fiction television show from the 1960s. Lohman learned out about the Humanists of Minnesota through a table the group had at a Star Trek convention. Since then, he has been able to live long and prosper by learning more about Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and the Humanist principles present in the show. Star Trek, like many science fiction shows, has more freedom to express ideas that are outside of popular culture and can be used to raise awareness in ways other genres cannot. Lohman will be explaining the Humanism of Star Trek through his research, as well as viewing clips to express this unique method of presenting the Humanist message. We invite all fans of humanism, atheism, free-thought and science fiction to boldly go.

MNA Meeting on
Sunday March 15,
Southdale Library
7001 York Ave. South
Edina, MN 55435
1:00-1:15 p.m. - Social time.
1:15-1:45 p.m. - Business Meeting.
1:45-2:00 p.m. - Break.
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Program
3:00-3:30 p.m. - Social Time.
4:00 p.m. -- Dinner at Q.Cumbers.

The Minnesota Atheists and the Humanists of Minnesota have established the First Amendment Watchdog committee which has been meeting monthly since 5/27/08.  The committee purpose is to focus on church-state separation violations in the State of Minnesota.  Early in its existence our committee addressed the matter of a large Christian banner hanging from the ceiling in the high school cafeteria at Kimball, Minnesota.  It was observed by one of our members while attending a basketball game there in the evening.  This matter was referred to ACLU-MN by the committee.  Chuck Samuelson, Executive Director of ACLU-MN, immediately sent a letter to the Superintendent of that school district, pointing out the potential violation of the law and recommended remedial action.  This incident is an example of the role our committee can play in addressing such violations. 

Other issues addressed by the committee include:  1. Questionable practices of Charter Schools in relation to church-state separation.  2. Tax supported programs like Positive Alternatives (anti-choice counseling services for pregnant women).  3. Tax credits and deductions for Christian home schools. 4. Tuition write-offs for parochial school tuition.  5. Property tax exemptions for church property.  6. Creationism in public high school science classes (an estimated 25% of our students are being taught creation science in public school biology classes as an alternative to evolution).  Due to our actions FFRF might be interested in Positive Alternatives.

The committee has decided to develop a network of watchdogs throughout the state.  Any member of a Freethought group can volunteer.  They would report violations observed in their area to the committee which would offer consultation on how the issue might be addressed.  Other resources such as ACLU-MN, FFRF and American's United would be utilized.  If legislative issues arise that the committee believes should be addressed, the watchdog advocates may be asked to contact their respective legislators.  Our goal is to establish a watchdog advocate in each of the 67 Senate Districts.  If there are more than one in a district we will connect you with each other.  We have come to the realization that the Freethought community needs to organize to make their voice heard.

If you are interested in becoming a watchdog contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (MN Atheists) or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (H of M).  We will need your name, email address, phone number, Senate district #, State Senator or State Representative if known.  If you do not know who represents you or what district you are in we can supply that information based on your address.

Bob Schmitz, Chair

First Amendment Watchdog Committee