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# Minnesota Atheists

Positive Atheism in Action™ Since 1991

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://mnatheists.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://mnatheists.org/news/) - News, announcements, and commentary.
- [Minnesota Atheists Becomes a Supporter of ARAP](https://mnatheists.org/2026/06/arap/) - Minnesota Atheists has become the first local American organization to be an official supporter of the Atheist Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP), located in Turkey. Other supporters of ARAP include the international organizations Center for Inquiry (CFI) and Atheist Alliance International (AAI). To become a supporter requires a minimum donation of $3000 a year. ARAP was
- [Rally for the Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2026/04/rally-for-the-day-of-reason/) - Presidents Column, April 2026 By Heather Hegi The people of the State of Minnesota ended the month of March with an enormous March, a protest of President Trump. Over 200,000 people attended the No Kings rally at the State Capitol alone! People are legitimately upset by the overreach of power and the inhumanity of the
- [The Frosty Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2026/04/the-frosty-atheist-5/) - By Ross Meisner Today I offer the most profound insight I’ve ever had. Like most people, I have pondered the meaning of life. Like many atheists, I have probably spent way too much time dissecting this question from many angles. It’s fascinating to think about why we humans exist. But the urgent and essential question
- [April Public Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2026/04/april-public-meeting/) - Trends in State/Church Litigation Minnesota Atheists invites you to our April Public Meeting featuring Kyle Steinberg from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). He will speak on current trends in state/church litigation and how FFRF is actively responding. Hybrid MeetingFree and Open to the PublicIn person and via Zoom(Zoom link will be posted closer to
- [National Day of Reason May 4th](https://mnatheists.org/2026/04/day-of-reason-2026/) - Rally for Secular Government on the National Day of ReasonMonday, May 4, 1:30-2:30 PMMinnesota State Capitol Rotunda75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St Paul, MN Minnesota Atheists has been hosting a rally for the National Day of Reason at the Minnesota State Capitol nearly every year since 2005! Cohosts this year include Rochester Area Free
- [Board Nominations](https://mnatheists.org/2024/12/board-nominations-3/) - Minnesota Atheists holds elections for the Board of Directors every year. The board of directors consists of: President Associate president Chair Associate chair Secretary Treasurer Three directors-at-large All positions are up for election. If you are interested or would like to know more about a board position, please contact chair@mnatheists.org or any board member. Nominations
- [News and Notes: More SCOTUS Religion Cases](https://mnatheists.org/2025/01/news-and-notes-more-scotus-religion-cases/) - By George Francis Kane This week, reports crossed my desk of milestones in two upcoming cases that may have enormous influence on the separation of church and state in America. First, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case United States v. Skrmetti, concerning new restrictions in Tennessee on gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. A
- [January Public Meeting: Black Humanism: Past, Present, Future](https://mnatheists.org/2025/01/january-public-meeting-black-humanism-past-present-future/) - NOTE: Our speaker will appear live, via Zoom from Texas, on the library screen or you may watch from home. Over the past several decades, there has been increased attention to disbelief within African American communities. The growth in the percentage of the African American population labeled "nones" made this attention unavoidable. However, while statistical
- [September 2024 Meeting Review: Standing Up to Project 2025 and Other Threats to Democracy](https://mnatheists.org/2024/11/september-2024-meeting-review-standing-up-to-project-2025-and-other-threats-to-democracy/) - By George Francis Kane On Saturday, September 21, Hemant Mehta gave a presentation at the First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis titled “Standing Up to Project 2025.” The event was co-sponsored by Minnesota Atheists and Humanists MN. For both organization it was the resumption of a lecture series that is annually on a 3-month hiatus for
- [Book Review: Separating Church and State](https://mnatheists.org/2024/11/book-review-separating-church-and-state/) - Separating Church and State: How the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union Led the Nation in Religious Liberty by Bruce J. Dierenfield By George Francis Kane Separating Church and State covers the history of the early years of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union. It is the definitive history of church-state legal struggles in Minnesota from the MCLU’s
- [News and Notes: Democracy Is on the Ballot](https://mnatheists.org/2024/11/news-and-notes-democracy-is-on-the-ballot/) - By George Francis Kane This is the last issue of The Minnesota Atheist of 2024. According to our production schedule, you should be receiving it already knowing the winner of the presidential election. I write this with the cautious verb “should” rather than the confidently predictive “will” because of plans by both major parties to
- [September Public Meeting: The Scopes “Monkey” Trial — 100 Year Anniversary](https://mnatheists.org/2025/08/september-public-meeting-the-scopes-monkey-trial-100-year-anniversary/) - By Greg Laden The Scopes “Monkey” Trial (The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes) was one hundred years ago. Charles Darwin’s first thoughts on the role of natural selection in the process of evolution were 200 years ago. Carl Linnaeus published Systema Naturae almost exactly 300 years ago. 100 years before that? Well, Francis
- [October Public Meeting: Standing Up to Christian Nationalism](https://mnatheists.org/2025/09/october-public-meeting-standing-up-to-christian-nationalism/) - Presentations by:Matt Lewellyn-Otten of Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism& Jerry Gale of Christians Against Christian Nationalism MATT LEWELLYN-OTTEN of Minnesotans Against Christian Nationalism This presentation explores the rise of white Christian nationalism in the United States, examining how it has shaped political and cultural life. By unpacking its blend of racial hierarchy, religious fundamentalism, and claims
- [Presidents Column: It’s Been (and Continues to Be) a Busy Year](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/sept-oct-presidents-column/) - By Heather Hegi This has been an active year with the American Atheists Convention and our Day of Reason event at the capitol, but the year is not over yet! There is still time to get involved and become an active member of Minnesota Atheists if you haven’t yet. Well, you can drop in and
- [News and Notes: Protecting (Christian) Human Rights](https://mnatheists.org/2026/02/news-and-notes-protecting-christian-human-rights/) - By George Francis Kane At the beginning of November President Donald Trump officially declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for severe violations of religious freedom. On his Truth Social media platform, he threatened that the United States would halt all foreign aid payments and “go into that disgraced country, guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian
- [Immigrants Make America Great](https://mnatheists.org/2026/02/immigrants-make-america-great/) - February 2026 Presidents Column I’ve been appalled at the sheer disregard towards human lives and disregard of the rule of law that ICE has been inflicting on our state. They are picking up legal immigrants and even US born citizens due to the color of their skin, and don’t face any repercussions for holding them
- [Nominees to the Board](https://mnatheists.org/2026/02/nominees-to-the-board/) - Nominee Statements for the Board of Directors Heather Hegi, PresidentThank you for the nomination to be president for a second year. My goal this year is to boost our dues-paying membership. I personally haven’t put enough value on being a dues-paying member, not enough to ask others to pay their dues. But there’s a reason
- [Feb Public Meeting, the Dawn of Modern Science](https://mnatheists.org/2026/02/feb-public-meeting-the-dawn-of-modern-science/) - “Natural Magic: Emily Dickinson, Charles Darwin, and the Dawn of Modern Science”, Presentation by Renée Bergland Minnesota Atheists Hybrid Meeting, Free and Open to the Public The speaker will appear live via Zoom. She will be projected on the library screen or you may watch from home. Zoom URL is available through Meetup or by
- [The Frosty Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2026/01/the-frosty-atheist-4/) - By Ross Meisner Fortunately for us, atheism has nothing to do with politics. OK OK, relax! Catch your breath … when you’re done laughing in outrage, I will start again. Unfortunately for us, even though atheism SHOULD have nothing to do with politics, it is one of those culture-war issues being forced into modern politics.
- [February 2025 Meeting Review: Atheist Alliance International (AAI)](https://mnatheists.org/2025/05/february-2025-meeting-review-atheist-alliance-international-aai/) - By Kazi Ahmed Habib Speakers: Tonoy Emroz Alam — President of Atheist Alliance International (AAI), an ex-Muslim atheist Bangladeshi who currently resides in Germany as a refugee. Onur Romano — Development Director of AAI and an ex-Muslim from Turkey who resides in Canada as an Asylee. Tonoy starts off the meeting with a brief introduction
- [News and Notes: Crashing Through The Wall](https://mnatheists.org/2025/05/news-and-notes-crashing-through-the-wall-2/) - By George Francis Kane During the last electoral campaign secularists were sounding alarms about the plans of Project 2025 to demolish American democracy and to herald the triumphant dawn of the age of Christian nationalism. Since Donald Trump won a second term, the news on every site that monitors church/state separation has been continuously frightening
- [President's Column: A Time for Action](https://mnatheists.org/2025/04/presidents-column-a-time-for-action/) - By Heather Hegi This is a pivotal time to take the helm as President of Minnesota Atheists! We are enthusiastic for the American Atheists Convention to be in Minneapolis this month! This is going to be a big event, so I encourage anyone who can to attend, even if it’s just for one day. We
- [May Public Meeting: Meet Minnesota Atheists!](https://mnatheists.org/2025/04/may-public-meeting-meet-minnesota-atheists/) - NOTE: We were unable to get our usual spot at Rondo Library in St. Paul. If you need a ride to the Roseville Library, or to the Panda Garden Buffet restaurant, please contact us at info@mnatheists.org or 612-588-7031 as soon as possible and we’ll see if we can arrange one. In the wake of the
- [March Public Meeting: Atheist Alliance International](https://mnatheists.org/2024/02/march-public-meeting-atheist-alliance-international/) - Tonoy Emroz Alam, president of Atheist Alliance international (AAI) (and possibly other speakers from AAI) will join us via Zoom to discuss the organization and specifically their atheist refugee program, where they help resettle atheists whose lives are in danger, usually due to blasphemy laws in Muslim countries. He is an ex-Muslim atheist blogger from
- [MN Atheists Building Fund Survey](https://mnatheists.org/2026/01/mn-atheists-building-fund-survey/) - By Steve Petersen Since 1996 the members of MN Atheists have donated generously to “The Building Fund,” an initiative established with the intent to obtain a building as a long-term physical place for us to gather, meet, host events, engage with the community, and provide office and work space. According to the original wording of
- [News and Notes: Religion Trumps Empirical Reasoning](https://mnatheists.org/2026/01/news-and-notes-30/) - By George Francis Kane In November, a class at the University of Oklahoma at Norman became the national focus of a conflict between a student’s claim of religious liberty and the separation of State and Church. The Psychology Department class in “Lifespan Development” was taught by a transgender female teaching assistant, Mel Curth. The assignment
- [President's Column](https://mnatheists.org/2026/01/presidents-column-2/) - Be Seen, Then Heard by Heather Hegi As atheists, I think it is important for us to be engaged in our local community. Then if your local city decides to add a prayer before city council meetings and you show up to protest, you aren’t a nobody to them. In fact, being engaged might make
- [Atheist Voices in Politics](https://mnatheists.org/2026/01/atheist-voices-in-politics/) - Presentation & Workshop on Precinct Caucuses Minnesota Atheists January Public MeetingSunday, January 18, 2026Free and Open to the Public Hybrid: In person and via ZoomZoom info posted at: https://www.meetup.com/minnesotaatheists/events/312545559 NEW LOCATION!(Same place as November 2025 meeting.)Merriam Park Library1831 Marshall Ave.St. Paul, MN 55104(There is a small library parking lot, but there is also free parking in
- [In Memoriam: Don Allan](https://mnatheists.org/2024/09/in-memoriam-don-allan/) - By Bonnie Ploger, Wife of Don Allan I am sad to inform you that my loving husband Don Allan died in my arms on July 4th. The Minnesota Atheists was an important part of our lives before Don got dementia, which stole his intellect but not his love and ability to recognize me and others
- [MN Atheist Philanthropy: Pad Project](https://mnatheists.org/2024/09/mn-atheist-philanthropy-pad-project/) - By Nancy Hertz and Caroline Brunner At the Pad Project events we make washable, re-useable maxi pads for girls and women in impoverished areas around the world. These durable and long-lasting maxi pad kits consist of two waterproof base units, four heavy liners and four light liners. They can be washed and re-used many times.
- [October Public Meeting: Reproductive Rights on the Ballot](https://mnatheists.org/2024/09/october-public-meeting-reproductive-rights-on-the-ballot/) - In its 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that women no longer have a constitutional right to an abortion. Instead, states were free to decide how much or how little freedom women would have to control their own bodies. Since then we have seen ballot initiatives and new
- [News and Notes: Threats of Theocracy](https://mnatheists.org/2024/09/news-and-notes-threats-of-theocracy/) - By George Francis Kane Early this year, an AP poll reported that 67 percent of likely voters believe that the outcome of the presidential election will be very important for the future of democracy. Voters were fearful for democracy regardless of their political affiliation. Republicans and Democrats alike believe that our democratic form of government
- [November Public Meeting: Minnesota Secular Government Caucus](https://mnatheists.org/2024/11/minnesota-secular-government-caucus/) - When: Sunday, November 17, 2024.Where: Rondo Community Library and online. Rep. Mike Freiberg, Rep. Athena Hollins, and Sen. John Marty In the Fall of 2022, about two dozen Minnesota State Representatives andSenators formed the Minnesota Secular Government Caucus (MSGC) tocombat the Christian Nationalist agenda. The caucus is co-chaired by SenatorJohn Marty, Senator Jen McEwen, Representative
- [September Public Meeting: Standing Up to Project 2025 and Other Threats to Democracy](https://mnatheists.org/2024/09/september-public-meeting-standing-up-to-project-2025-and-other-threats-to-democracy/) - In September, we will forego our usual third Sunday meeting to join with our colleagues HumanistsMN to welcome Hemant Mehta, founder and editor of The Friendly Atheist. The stakes are high in the November elections, with Christian Nationalism on the ballot in races nationwide. Hemant will discuss why it is important for secular voters to
- [Board of Directors Nominations](https://mnatheists.org/2026/01/board-of-directors-nominations/) - During the Minnesota Atheists Business Meeting at 1:30 pm (which immediately precedes our Public Meeting at 2 pm) at Merriam Park Library on Sunday, January 18, 2026, we will be taking nominations for the annual election of our Minnesota Atheists Board of Directors. All terms of office are for one year. The elections themselves will
- [Presidents Column](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/presidents-column-thank-you-volunteers/) - Thank You Volunteers It’s cliché but sometimes it is good to give thanks. As a non-profit organization, we depend on our volunteers; we are entirely run by unpaid volunteers! But if you take them for granted and don’t thank them, volunteers may feel unappreciated and discouraged, and I hope no one has felt that way
- [News and Notes: Crashing Through The Wall](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/news-and-notes-crashing-through-the-wall/) - By George Francis Kane During the last electoral campaign secularists were sounding alarms about the plans of Project 2025 to demolish American democracy and to herald the triumphant dawn of the age of Christian nationalism. Since Donald Trump won a second term, the news on every site that monitors church/state separation has been continuously frightening
- [The Frosty Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/the-frosty-atheist-3/) - By Ross Meisner As you may have deduced by now, I like to highlight the awe and wonder in our real world. I try to blend that awe with a bit of philosophy when I can, but am no expert. Thus, my musings may not cover much new ground. Howev­er, revisiting thought-provoking ideas is definitely
- [The Frosty Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/the-frosty-atheist-2/) - By Ross Meisner Allow me to switch gears entirely. Last month in my first column referencing Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot, I concluded that our existence on a mote of dust in the infinite cosmos is, unfortu­nately but unavoidably, insignif­icant. The universe just doesn’t care that we are here. Today I’m delighted to inform you
- [News and Notes: Trump’s War on Free Speech](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/news-and-notes-trumps-war-on-free-speech/) - By George Francis Kane I try to stay abreast of news stories that touch on issues of the separation of church and state. This year I think that these stories have been more frequent and significant than ever before, but I think that none has been more reported or consequential than the assas­sination of Christian
- [Winter Solstice Party](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/winter-solstice-party/) - 2025 WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY!Hosted by Minnesota Atheists Sunday, December 14, 20255:00-6:00 pm. Social Time6:00-7:30 pm. Dinner7:30-8:30 pm. Entertainment Gabe’s Bar & Kitchen991 Lexington Parkway N.St. Paul, MN 55103(NW corner of Energy Park Drive & Lexington Parkway N.) Join us for a festive time, with a great meal, joyful company, and engaging entertainment! FOR DINNER CHOICES WE HAVE: • Chicken
- [News and Notes: Positive Activism](https://mnatheists.org/2025/02/news-and-notes-positive-activism/) - By George Francis Kane Presidential campaigns are usually not very informative concerning the challenges that shape the winning candidate’s administration, but this year feels different. The parties have drawn especially clear divisions along culture wars issues such as reproductive and GLBTQ+ rights. Minnesota Atheists sees the clear imprint of religion on these issues. Christian nationalists
- [November Public Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/november-meeting-giving-thanks-to-our-members-and-supporters/) - Giving Thanks to Our Members and Supporters! Minnesota Atheists has been in existence since 1991. During that time a number of people have been recognized with awards for their contribu­tions to the success of our group. Unfortunately, many more have not! At our November meeting we will begin to correct this oversight. The Minnesota Atheists
- [Dick Hewetson Memorials](https://mnatheists.org/2025/08/dick-hewetson-memorials/) - Honorary member Dick Hewetson died on July 19, 2025, at the age of 95. Dick lived a long, productive and active life. Dick was a trusted advisor when we incorporated and started forming Minnesota Atheists, helping to write both our Constitution and bylaws. At a 1992 Spring Equinox gathering, we presented Dick with honorary membership
- [Paul Heffron Remembrance](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/paul-heffron-remembrance/) - Paul Heffron died this past September at the age of 88. Paul, a professional musician provide musical entertainment to solstice gathers, and picnics over the years. Paul started as an ordained minister, although he left the ministry and lived as a secular humanist, he had religious credentials in order to preform secular marriages and did
- [Evolution vs. Creationism](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/opinion-evolution-vs-creationism/) - By August Berkshire [The following letter to the editor / opinion piece was submitted to the Minnesota Star Tribune newspaper on July 25, 2025. As of August 17, 2025 it had not been printed.] The 100 year anniversary of the Scopes Trial has elevated, but only slightly, the ongoing debate in some religious circles as
- [What I Gained by Giving Up God](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/what-i-gained-by-giving-up-god/) - By Charles Owens I was an ordained minister for over a decade, but now I say, “I’m an atheist,” whenever someone asks about my religious beliefs. This is not my deconversion story. Instead, this story is about what I’ve gained by giving up God, and how embracing atheism has led to living a fuller and
- [News & Notes: Johnson Rolls in His Grave](https://mnatheists.org/2025/11/sept-oct-news-notes/) - By George Francis Kane In July, the Internal Revenue Service filed a consent agreement with National Religious Broadcasters in a District Court in Texas to cease enforcing a restriction in the tax codes that prohibits 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations to engage in electoral campaigns, or to endorse candidates. That restriction, known as the Johnson Amendment, was
- [Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2025/06/day-of-reason/) - Speeches at the State Capitol April 30, 2025 Minnesota Atheists Associate Chair, August Berkshire – Emcee Introduction: Good afternoon. My name is August Berkshire and I’m the Associate Chair of Minnesota Atheists. Welcome to the Day of Reason, our alternative to the Day of Prayer. We have been hosting a Day of Reason celebration here
- [The Frosty Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2025/06/the-frosty-atheist/) - By Ross Meisner I’m torn between desperately wanting to change the world, and happily hiding in my corner as the world passes by. As a Pisces (atheists all believe in astrology, right?) this has always been my character: like two fish swimming in opposite directions, I see the benefit of both going out and staying
- [News and Notes: Secularists Getting Schooled](https://mnatheists.org/2025/06/news-and-notes-secularists-getting-schooled/) - By George Francis Kane This term the Supreme Court will decide on the validity of the decision by the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board to approve a state charter for St. Isidore of Seville, a parochial virtual school. When the court took testimony in this case at the end of April, the majority of the
- [Summer Events](https://mnatheists.org/2025/06/summer-events/) - Minnesota Atheists invites you to join us in person at our usual summer events. We will be hosting freethought summer potluck picnics on Sundays June 15 and August 24. We will donate $5 per attendee to RECLAIM in June and Camp Quest in August, so show up and support a good cause while you socialize
- [Donate to Minnesota Atheists... with good reason](https://mnatheists.org/2014/11/donate-to-minnesota-atheists-with-good-reason/) - The end of 2014 is right around the corner. For some, the end of the year is a time to reflect, and for some it is a time to plan. For some, it is both. The following information might help you evaluate the value of donating to Minnesota Atheists as the year comes to an
- [Board of Directors Nominee Statements](https://mnatheists.org/2025/02/board-of-directors-nominee-statements/) - Heather HegiPresident I have been on the board of directors since 2012, serving as chair for many years, but this is the first time being nominated for President! I feel the president should, with engagement with members, help set the course of the organization. I will try my best to put time into the organization
- [February Public Meeting: AACon Preview](https://mnatheists.org/2025/02/february-public-meeting-aacon-preview/) - NOTE: Our speaker will appear live, via Zoom on the library screen or you may watch from home. The American Atheists National Convention is an annual event that brings together atheists from across the United States to celebrate secularism and promote the separation of church and state. The 2025 convention will be held from April
- [American Atheists Comes to Minneapolis](https://mnatheists.org/2025/02/american-atheists-comes-to-minneapolis/) - American Atheists' 2025 National ConventionApril 17-20Minneapolis, MN From American Atheists: Join us in Minneapolis for American Atheists' 2025 National Convention! Featuring dynamic speakers, fun social activities, workshops, performances, and community events, this is a conference you don’t want to miss. Tickets for local activists and affiliate members are only $99! American Atheists is proud to
- [2024 Winter Solstice Party](https://mnatheists.org/2024/11/2024-winter-solstice-party/) - When: Sunday, December 22.Where: Gabe's Bar & Kitchen, St Paul.Register online or by mail. Cost is $40, with a $5 discount for members of Minnesota Atheists or Humanists MN. Become a Member of Minnesota Atheists. *Social Hour at 5 PM *Dinner at 6 PM, choice between: Chicken Breast (dill-lemon white wine sauce), roasted broccolini, roasted
- [In Memoriam: Donald Allan](https://mnatheists.org/2024/07/in-memoriam-donald-allan/) - We received the following news from Bonnie Ploger, Don's wife: I am sad to inform you that my loving husband Don Allan died in my arms on July 4th. The Minnesota Atheists was an important part of our lives before Don got dementia, which stole his intellect but not his love and ability to recognize me
- [Twin Cities Pride Festival](https://mnatheists.org/2024/06/twin-cities-pride-festival-2/) - By Chris Matthews Minnesota Atheists invites you to join us in our Loring Park, Minneapolis, booth on Saturday and Sunday June 29 and 30 as part of this year’s Twin Cities Pride Festival. Pride is one of our major membership recruiting efforts of the year, and we will ask for volunteers to staff the booth
- [May 2024 Meeting Review: An Atheist Speaker At A Christian High School](https://mnatheists.org/2024/06/may-2024-meeting-review-an-atheist-speaker-at-a-christian-high-school/) - By Cathy Prody Southwest Christian High School has for the past ten years invited August Berkshire to provide an atheist perspective to its junior and senior level philosophy and worldview classes. In return, August invited a group from the school to come to our public meeting to give their perspectives and engage in a discussion
- [News and Notes: Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2024/06/news-and-notes-day-of-reason/) - By George Francis Kane Gathering at the State Capitol in May to celebrate the Day of Reason is one of the favorite traditions of Minnesota’s freethought community, probably surpassed only by the Winter Solstice party and picnics in the summer. The National Day of Reason arose as a display of opposition to the National Day
- [Freethought Rainbow Picnic](https://mnatheists.org/2024/06/freethought-rainbow-picnic/) - Celebrate Pride Month with June’s Freethought Picnic!Sunday, June 16 at NoonJaycees Shelter, 2540 Lexington Ave N, Roseville Minnesota Atheists will donate $5 per attendee to an organization called RECLAIM (whether you’re an Ally or LGBTQ+ yourself). All you have to do is attend! RECLAIM’s mission is to increase access to mental health care for queer
- [Public Meeting Review: March](https://mnatheists.org/2024/04/public-meeting-review-march/) - By Heather Hegi Before the meeting began, August ran the business meeting. One interesting update is that August will be speaking on a religious discussion panel of five speakers at Eagle Ridge Academy (event is not open to the public). Member Bob Maline gave us an impromptu presentation on top five voting efforts in Wisconsin
- [News and Notes: Regulating Healthcare Regulations](https://mnatheists.org/2024/04/news-and-notes-regulating-healthcare-regulations/) - By George Francis Kane The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) are responsible to set regulations for medical institutions that secure both the rights of patients against discrimination and protections for acts of conscience by health care providers. The regulations must ensure compliance with standards for
- [May Public Meeting: An Atheist Speaker at a Christian High School](https://mnatheists.org/2024/05/may-public-meeting-an-atheist-speaker-at-a-christian-high-school/) - What’s it like for an atheist to speak at a Christian high school? On March 23, 2011, August Berkshire, then-president of Minnesota Atheists, was invited to a friendly debate with theist Dr. David Clark from Bethel University, in front of all the high school students in an auditorium at Southwest Christian High School (SWCHS) in
- [April Public Meeting: The Future of the Atheist Movement](https://mnatheists.org/2024/04/april-public-meeting-the-future-of-the-atheist-movement/) - How has the atheist movement changed and where should we go from here? We will have a discussion between panelists who are Minnesota Atheists leaders and everyone in the audience who would like to be part of the conversation. We welcome your thoughts and ideas. August Berkshire, and perhaps other panelists, will have just returned
- [Seeking Membership Committee Volunteers](https://mnatheists.org/2023/11/seeking-membership-committee-volunteers/) - By Chris Matthews Minnesota Atheists is searching for volunteers for our Membership Committee. The Membership Committee reports to the Board and makes recommendations intended to attract new members and retain existing members. The recommendations may include one-time or recurring events, outreach activities, website or social media content, or anything else you can imagine. We’re seeking
- [News and Notes: American Birthright curriculum standards](https://mnatheists.org/2023/11/news-and-notes-american-birthright-curriculum-standards/) - By George Francis Kane Public schools are a perennial battleground for promoting religion with the endorsement of government. There is always opposition to the teaching of evolution, but for a couple of decades the conflict has been most apparent over the teaching of US history, as Christian nationalists try to exaggerate and glorify the role
- [Progressives Vote in Force!](https://mnatheists.org/2023/11/progressives-vote-in-force/) - By Milo Grika Abortion rights were on the ticket in a number of states in November and the voices of the people were loud and clear. Even in red states, moderates, seemingly in all the different parties, upheld a woman’s right to self-determination. Ohio, which voted for Donald Trump by 8 percentage points in the
- [November Public Meeting: Witness Underground](https://mnatheists.org/2023/11/november-public-meeting-witness-underground/) - Witness Underground is a documentary film about how some young people made a creative outlet for themselves despite growing up in the oppressive, insular cult of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The film went on the festival circuit last year and won a couple awards. The film’s producers are trying to finish it up now and plan to
- [Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Conversion](https://mnatheists.org/2024/01/ayaan-hirsi-alis-conversion/) - By August Berkshire Ayaan Hirsi Ali, former Muslim, former atheist, is now calling herself a Christian. Her critique of radical Islam is accurate. She was brutalized when she was young by Islam (female genital mutilation, among other things). Then, for over ten years in America, she has had to live with the fear of being
- [Board Nominations](https://mnatheists.org/2024/01/board-nominations-2/) - Minnesota Atheists holds elections for the Board of Directors every year. The board of directors consists of:• President• Associate president• Chair• Associate chair• Secretary• Treasurer• Three directors-at-large All positions are up for election. If you are interested or would like to know more about a board position, please contact chair@mnatheists.org or any board member. Nominations
- [Freethought Toastmasters Club](https://mnatheists.org/2024/01/freethought-toastmasters-club/) - By Bob Maline Freethought Toastmasters club met January 1 as it does every first and third Monday each month. Two prepared speeches were presented: One new member described a personal obstacle he overcame as a young man and an experienced member reported on former president Trump’s plans to gut the professional civil service with Project
- [News and Notes: Make America Facist Again](https://mnatheists.org/2024/01/news-and-notes-make-america-facist-again/) - By George Francis Kane Project 2025 is an ambitious plan to transform the government of the United States — and then the nation itself — into an instrument of conservative dominion, to be launched upon the election of a Republican president in 2024. The germinal concept underlying the plan is that the great obstacle that
- [January Public Meeting: The ERA: Forward to Fruition](https://mnatheists.org/2024/01/january-public-meeting-the-era-forward-to-fruition/) - Betty Folliard, Founder of ERA Minnesota, will give a presentation on the history of the Equal Rights Amendment and why it is so needed today. She will outline arguments for and against the ERA and provide up-to-the-moment progress on both the federal ERA and the Minnesota State ERA Ballot Initiative that passed the Minnesota Senate
- [September Public Meeting: Greta Christina](https://mnatheists.org/2023/09/september-public-meeting-greta-christina/) - Sunday, September 17th 2:00pmZoom Author Greta Christina is one of the most popular writers and speakers in the atheist movement. We tried to have her join us for our April public meeting, but that didn't work out. She joins us instead at the September meeting for an informal conversation about her work, herself, and the
- [Twin Cities Pride Festival](https://mnatheists.org/2023/06/twin-cities-pride-festival/) - By Chris Matthews Minnesota Atheists invites you to join us in our booth at Loring Park, Minneapolis, on Saturday and Sunday June 24 and 25 as part of this year’s Twin Cities Pride Festival. Pride is one of our major membership recruiting efforts of the year, and we will ask for volunteers to staff the
- [News and Notes: Defending the Educational Wall of Separation](https://mnatheists.org/2023/06/news-and-notes-defending-the-educational-wall-of-separation/) - By George Francis Kane In 1985, the Minnesota Legislature instituted a program for high school students to take classes at accredited colleges to receive both college and high school credit. This Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program provided funds to pay to the postsecondary institution (PSI) the cost of enrollment in the classes. This program has
- [News and Notes: Christian Nationalism; the Very Vocal Minority](https://mnatheists.org/2023/04/news-and-notes-christian-nationalism-the-very-vocal-minority/) - By George Francis Kane In February the non-partisan Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and Brookings Institution released the findings of their survey of the attitudes of Americans towards Christian nationalism. The study sought to quantify the support and opposition to Christian nationalism and to see how that breaks down by factors such as religion, political
- [President’s Column: Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine](https://mnatheists.org/2023/06/presidents-column-summer-breeze-makes-me-feel-fine/) - By Ben Blanchard Dear fellow members of Minnesota Atheists, I hope this message finds you well. As President of Minnesota Atheists, I am happy to share some updates on our recent community outreach and visibility efforts. We continue to make strides in our of building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values through
- [Summer Picnics!](https://mnatheists.org/2023/06/summer-picnics/) - Join us for the first Freethought Picnic of the summer, Sunday, June 18, hosted by Minnesota Atheists. All are welcome. Feel free to make this one a family affair and celebrate Father’s Day! New Location: Jaycees Shelter, 2540 Lexington Ave N, Roseville. Park in the parking lot off Lexington Ave N (it’s in line with
- [CONvergence 2023: All Dressed Up](https://mnatheists.org/2023/06/convergence-2023-all-dressed-up/) - By Ben Blanchard CONvergence is coming up soon, and Minnesota Atheists is once again hosting the Magic School Party Room. This annual multi-genre convention has thousands of dedicated attendees every year and is a great opportunity for us to interact with a broader audience who are still generally aligned with our mission and values. Over
- [Kamrin's Corner: A Short History of Nearly Everything](https://mnatheists.org/2021/06/kamrins-corner-a-short-history-of-nearly-everything/) - By Kamrin Duncan The first time I realized I no longer believed in God was during a visit to the planetarium when I was in college. The show being featured at the time was about how Earth was created. Bill Bryson’s book, A Short History of Nearly Everything took me back to that moment. Bryson
- [New Director’s Directions: Getting Normal and How To Do It](https://mnatheists.org/2021/06/new-directors-directions-getting-normal-and-how-to-do-it/) - By Mike Trombley In spite of all the rumors that no one is spreading, I’m still around. Okay, I have to admit, I haven’t stayed around, having taken a trip to both Las Vegas / Phoenix and a second trip to Ft. Myers in Florida, It’s great to be vaccinated. I highly recommend it to
- [News and Notes: National Day of [Christian] Prayer](https://mnatheists.org/2021/05/news-and-notes-national-day-of-christian-prayer/) - By George Francis Kane January 6, 2021, when an angry mob intent on overturning the result of the presidential election laid siege to the U.S. Capitol, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the nation’s history. There was, however, one candle in that darkness. In the months since then, the Capitol has
- [It’s Good to Be Seen](https://mnatheists.org/2021/06/its-good-to-be-seen/) - By Heather Hegi After a year where we moved most of our events online, we are finally holding events in person once again! The Month of May saw the return of: In person Trivia with a new event series on every Sunday evening 6 p.m. at Venn Brewery, 3550 E 46th St Suite 140, Minneapolis
- [February Meeting Review: Black Freethinkers: The History of African American Secularism](https://mnatheists.org/2023/04/february-meeting-review-black-freethinkers-the-history-of-african-american-secularism/) - By August Berkshire Christopher Cameron, Ph.D., is Professor of History and the Interim Chair of Africana Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is also the co-editor of Race, Religion, and Black Lives Matter: Essays on a Moment and a Movement. He was the founding president of the African American Intellectual History
- [President’s Column: Remain Vigilant](https://mnatheists.org/2023/06/presidents-column-remain-vigilant/) - By Ben Blanchard Dear Members of Minnesota Atheists, I am honored to address you as your newly re-elected President. I am eager to continue working with our board and leaders, advancing our mission of building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values. As we move forward, I believe we must be aware of
- [April Public Meeting: Coming Out Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2023/03/april-public-meeting-coming-out-atheist/) - Greta Christina literally wrote the book on Coming Out Atheist. At our April public meeting, she'll talk about the book and what she's learned since writing it.
- [Compilation Video](https://mnatheists.org/2023/03/compilation-video/) - We are looking to create a compilation video of several members reading our 'elevator pitch'. If you are interested in participating, please record yourself reading the paragraph below to the camera (either to a webcam or selfie-style is fine). After you are done, please send the video (or a link) to Ben Blanchard at Ben@MNAtheists.org.
- [News and Notes: It's a State Thing, Stupid](https://mnatheists.org/2020/08/news-and-notes-7/) - By George Kane The global COVID-19 pandemic is opening another division between Americans, over the “stay-at-home” regulations that have been issued in every state and by many cities. There are conflicting opinions over how quickly these regulations can be lifted while protecting public health. This division now threatens even the separation of government from religion.
- [Minnesota Atheists at the State Capitol: Report on Civil Marriage Solemnization for Atheist and Humanist Officiants](https://mnatheists.org/2023/02/minnesota-atheists-at-the-state-capitol-report-on-civil-marriage-solemnization-for-atheist-and-humanist-officiants/) - By August Berkshire Currently Minnesota Statutes restrict who can solemnize (conduct) a civil marriage to the following categories of people (Section 517.04): a) certain government officials,b) the residential school superintendent of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind,c) a licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination,
- [News and Notes: A New Texas Law](https://mnatheists.org/2021/09/news-and-notes-a-new-texas-law/) - Photo of George Kane
- [Public Policy Revisions](https://mnatheists.org/2023/02/public-policy-revisions/) - At the February board meeting, Minnesota Atheists approved the latest revisions to our public policies. You can review these policies here on the site. The last few years have seen significant challenges in the political sphere, and the board thanks our committee for all their hard work responding to these challenges. These policies are reviewed
- [News and Notes: National Breach Breakfast](https://mnatheists.org/2023/02/news-and-notes-national-breach-breakfast/) - By George Francis Kane In late December I got to binge on The West Wing on HLN. During a Season 1 episode, President Jed Bartlett’s new body man, Charley Young, was surprised to learn that the president would be speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast. “Doesn’t that violate the separation of church and state?” he
- [Nominee Statements](https://mnatheists.org/2023/02/nominee-statements/) - Board elections will be held during the business meeting portion of our February public meeting. The following candidates are running. Ben BlanchardPresident Greetings! I am honored to be nominated for President of Minnesota Atheists, and I am excited about what we can accomplish this year. Having spent more than a decade in leadership roles in
- [Feb Public Meeting: Black Freethinkers: A History of African American Secularism](https://mnatheists.org/2023/02/feb-public-meeting-black-freethinkers-a-history-of-african-american-secularism/) - Join Minnesota Atheists online for the presentation: Black Freethinkers: A History of African American Secularismby Christopher Cameron, Ph.D. Christianity has been a “mixed blessing” for Blacks in America. It was used on both sides of the slavery issue. It continues to be used to support both racism and Civil Rights. Yet there were many African
- [Thank You from Children's Hospital](https://mnatheists.org/2023/01/thank-you-from-childrens-hospital/) - Minnesota Atheists recently received the following letter from Children's Minnesota. This is a response to our "War on Christmas" gift drive and wrapping event. The board also adds our thanks to Caroline for coordinating this and so many of our other community-service events. Dear Friends, Your generosity is truly appreciated and will have a lasting
- [Religious Freedom Commentary](https://mnatheists.org/2022/01/religious-freedom-commentary/) - By George Kane Each year the President of the United States proclaims National Religious Freedom Day to commemorate the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. That statute, written by Thomas Jefferson and guided to passage in the Virginia General Assembly by James Madison, became the model for religious freedom
- [November Meeting Review (and Book Review): Dr. Sam Montano](https://mnatheists.org/2022/02/november-meeting-review-and-book-review-dr-sam-montano/) - By Joe Smith Dr. Samantha MontanoDisasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis In the November general meeting of Minnesota Atheists, the featured speaker was Dr. Samantha Montano who gave a presentation on Disasterology: Managing Disasters in the Climate Crisis. The lecture was an informative outline of the shortcomings we face with our current
- [In Memoriam: Kerry Lund and Gene Kasmar](https://mnatheists.org/2022/02/in-memoriam-kerry-lund-and-gene-kasmar/) - By Kristine Lund My mom, Kerry Lund, and her life partner, GeneKasmar, are no longer with us in their embodied forms. They spent their last years in Oklahoma City,having left Minnesota to escape the snow. They also left behind their activist life, focusing more on gardening and traveling. My mom’s issue was overpopulation and its
- [News and Notes: Lemon Test Endangered](https://mnatheists.org/2022/02/news-and-notes-lemon-test-endangered/) - By George Francis Kane Secular government is on the brink of oblivion in America. Every reader of this column surely knows that the separation of state and church is legally based in the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment, that “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting
- [The Establishment Clause](https://mnatheists.org/2022/04/the-establishment-clause/) - SCOTUS Takes Aim at the Wrong Basket By George Francis Kane Women’s basketball fans celebrated the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 64–49 thrashing of the UConn Huskies to win the NCAA women’s basketball championship. I stopped following the tournament when Stanford was knocked out, and knew nothing of the South Carolina powerhouse. I was dismayed to read
- [February Meeting Review: Debbie Goddard](https://mnatheists.org/2022/04/february-meeting-review-debbie-goddard/) - By Joe Smith After listening to Debbie Goddard’s presentation at the February public meeting, I found I needed some time to absorb her points. My initial reaction to her presentation was that it seemed geared toward organizers and not towards general members. However, after some thought on the presentation, I found some common ground with
- [News and Notes: The War of Words](https://mnatheists.org/2022/04/news-and-notes-the-war-of-words-2/) - By George Kane In early February, the Star Tribune ran an AP article headlined “Millions in tax dollars flow to anti-abortion centers” detailing how, while Republican-controlled legislatures have done everything they could to make abortion unavailable, state funding of anti-abortion centers has spiked. The article revealed that these anti-abortion centers do not provide medical care
- [2022 Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2022/04/2022-day-of-reason/) - Theme: Follow the Science Hard to believe that the last Day of Reason was in 2019. But we are so excited to finally be bringing our voices and message back to the capital! We encourage attendees to bring hand-held signs indicating the group they represent, or their passion for science-based legislation. Signs must have a
- [Apr Public Meeting: Communities Without Churches](https://mnatheists.org/2022/04/apr-public-meeting-communities-without-churches/) - In April we are excited to spotlight Minnesota Atheists’ President Stephanie Zvan giving, for the first time in the United States, her presentation “Communities Without Churches: What Fandom Can Teach Organized Atheism.” When people leave religion, they often leave behind a religious community. The secular movement has sometimes struggled to build new communities for them.
- [News and Notes: The War of Words](https://mnatheists.org/2022/08/news-and-notes-the-war-of-words/) - By George Francis Kane What a difference five years makes. In 2017, I feared that the Court was “lead[ing] us ... to a place where separation of church and state is a constitutional slogan, not a constitutional commitment.” Today, the Court leads us to a place where separation of church and state becomes a constitutional
- [Religion and Medicine](https://mnatheists.org/2022/07/religion-and-medicine/) - By August Berkshire The following essay was presented at the Day of Reason rally, hosted by Minnesota Atheists in the State Capitol rotunda on May 5, 2022. Religion and medicine have always had an odd relationship. If you believe an all-powerful god created and rules over the universe, then how can this god not be
- [Advertising Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2022/08/advertising-atheists/) - [Reprinted from ffrf.org] A billboard featuring a Saint Paul couple proudly proclaiming “We’re Atheists and We Vote” has gone up at East 7th Street near the state Capitol building as part of a national multimedia secular voter campaign launched by the Freedom From Religion Foundation in this critical election year. The couple, Steve Petersen and
- [Christianity’s Pharisees Rule The Court and The Womb](https://mnatheists.org/2022/11/christianitys-pharisees-rule-the-court-and-the-womb/) - By Lee Salisbury, Axis of Logic In a 1968 symposium sponsored by the Christian Medical Society and the flagship magazine of evangelicals, Christianity Today, evangelicals refused to characterize abortion as sinful, citing “individual health, family welfare, and social responsibility” as justification for ending a pregnancy. In 1971, delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention in St.
- [Nov Public Meeting: Dying Out Loud](https://mnatheists.org/2022/11/nov-public-meeting-dying-out-loud/) - Dave Warnock is bringing his “Dying Out Loud” tour to the Twin Cities! Join us in person to hear him speak, and even get a signed copy of his memoir, “Childish Things.” We will provide a hybrid option to attend as well. Dave Warnock was caught up in the Jesus movement of the 70s and
- [Opinion: Democrats Ignore the Johnson Amendment in Pursuit of Black Voters](https://mnatheists.org/2023/01/opinion-democrats-ignore-the-johnson-amendment-in-pursuit-of-black-voters/) - By George Francis Kane Donald Trump knew that conservative Christians were his core constituency, and so was always eager to promote their political power. In particular, he declared his determination to end the so-called Johnson Amendment, the provision in the tax code that prohibits churches and other non-profit organizations to endorse or oppose candidates for
- [Letters The Star Tribune Did Not Publish](https://mnatheists.org/2023/01/letters-the-star-tribune-did-not-publish/) - By George Francis Kane On December 6 the Star Tribune reprinted a Ross Douthat commentary opposing legal physician-assisted dying for people with a terminal illness. I sent it out to a small working group that is writing letters-to-the-editor to promote the secularist view on current issues. Steve Petersen and I submitted letters that the Star
- [News and Notes: Supremely Awful Opinion](https://mnatheists.org/2023/01/news-and-notes-supremely-awful-opinion/) - By George Francis Kane On December 13, President Biden signed into law the Respect for Marriage Act, which requires states to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages performed in other states. Those marriages were already protected by the Supreme Court, which had overturned state laws denying recognition of interracial marriages (Loving v. Virginia, 1967) and same-sex
- [Board Nominations](https://mnatheists.org/2023/01/board-nominations/) - Minnesota Atheists holds elections for the Board of Directors every year. The board of directors consists of: President Associate president Chair Associate chair Secretary Treasurer Three directors-at-large All positions are up for election. If you are interested or would like to know more about a board position, please contact Heather at chair@mnatheists.org or any other
- [Jan Public Meeting: 26 Reasons God-Belief is Dying](https://mnatheists.org/2023/01/jan-public-meeting-26-reasons-god-belief-is-dying/) - Polls and surveys have shown that religion is losing its grip in most societies, especially among young people. How and why are people losing their faith? Our speaker, August Berkshire, will document the decline of religion and present twenty-six reasons that god-belief is dying and how the efforts of atheists are succeeding. August Berkshire has
- [Join Minnesota Atheists Today](https://mnatheists.org/2022/12/join-minnesota-atheists-today/) - This is the time of year when lots of nonprofits will ask you donate. We'd like to do something a little different and ask you to become a member or renew your membership. What's the difference? Members can nominate and vote for our board members. Nominations will happen at our January public meeting, and the
- [President's Column: Public Meeting Survey](https://mnatheists.org/2022/10/presidents-column-public-meeting-survey/) - The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed quite a bit about how Minnesota Atheists does business. Some of those changes made it harder to meet our community's needs. We suspended all in-person meet-ups for a time. Not all of those activities have returned, and not all of those that have returned can be made safe enough
- [Feb Public Meeting: Debbie Goddard, American Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2022/02/feb-public-meeting-debbie-goddard-american-atheists/) - Join us online for our February Public Meeting for board elections and our featured speaker, Debbie Goddard! Debbie Goddard is the Vice President of Programs at American Atheists. She has over two decades of experience as an organizer and activist. She became involved with the secular movement as a college student in 2000 and attended
- [Jan. Public Meeting: The Necessity of Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2022/01/jan-public-meeting-the-necessity-of-atheism/) - On Sunday, January 23, 2022, join Minnesota Atheists online for a business meeting including board nominations and a featured presentation by past president of Minnesota Atheists, and an active member of the atheist movement since 1984, August Berkshire. The Necessity of Atheism by Percy Bysshe Shelley Presented by August Berkshire In 1811, at the age
- [Secular Ritual Saved My Life, September Public Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2021/09/secular-ritual-saved-my-life-september-public-meeting/) - A hybrid presentation Sunday, September 19, 20211:00 PM to 3:00 PM Watch the Recording Miri Mogilevsky will be joining us from Columbus, Ohio. They are a writer and mental health therapist. Raised in a secular Russian Jewish immigrant family, they turned to ritual as a way to cope when they were diagnosed with breast cancer
- [Feb Public Meeting: From Worship to Wonder](https://mnatheists.org/2021/01/feb-public-meeting-from-worship-to-wonder/) - Dr. Karen I. Shragg, a proud atheist, has just published her second book with Freethought House press. Change Our Stories Change Our World is all about what is behind the momentum to the change we need. One of those six stories that weighs us down is the chapter called “From Worship to Wonder.” Worship handicaps
- [Movie Showing: Hell House](https://mnatheists.org/2021/10/movie-showing-hell-house/) - with producer/director George Ratliff Sunday, October 17, 2021, 2:00-4:15 PM CDT Join us online for a very special movie showing of the documentary, Hell House, along with a live question and answer session with the producer/director George Ratliff! When it's time, press here to join the meeting Do you want to have the Hell scared
- [Freethought Toastmasters Open House](https://mnatheists.org/2021/09/freethought-toastmasters-open-house/) - Featuring Guest Speaker August Berkshire, Monday, October 4, 2021 Hors D’oeuvres at 6:00 PM. Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM. No cost to attend. By Bob Maline Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Toastmasters has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators,
- [Bans Off Our Bodies: March for Reproductive Freedom](https://mnatheists.org/2021/09/bans-off-our-bodies-march-for-reproductive-freedom/) - By Heather Hegi, Chair On October 2nd, organizers in all 50 states are holding marches to stand up for reproductive rights! Medical care should be based upon the needs of the patient, and not be dictated by the religious beliefs and moral prejudices of others. What has happened in TX cannot stand. If you want to
- [Kamrin's Corner: Outbreak](https://mnatheists.org/2021/09/kamrins-corner-outbreak/) - A Crisis of Faith: How Religion Ruined Our Global Pandemic By Kamrin Duncan Outbreak was published last year by Noah Lugeons, and as the title suggests, provides an argument that religion was the reason behind the American catastrophe of Covid-19. Lugeons focuses not just on the current pandemic, but how religious institutions have had a
- [Remembering Jim Barri](https://mnatheists.org/2021/09/remembering-jim-barri/) - Jim Barri and Laurie Weiss Johnson at the June Picnic
- [Kamrin’s Corner: The Invention of Lying](https://mnatheists.org/2021/02/kamrins-corner-the-invention-of-lying/) - By Kamrin Duncan This is an older movie, but if you haven’t seen The Invention of Lying I would highly recommend taking the time to do it now. The Invention of Lying has been a hit amongst atheists and criticized by Christians since it made its debut back in 2009. The premise involves a world
- [News and Notes: Congressional Wish List](https://mnatheists.org/2021/02/news-and-notes-congressional-wish-list/) - By George Kane On the Sunday before the national election, Ryan Jayne, a Freedom from Religion Foundation staff attorney, spoke at the monthly meeting of their Duluth Chapter, Lake Superior Freethinkers. The event was open to the world on the internet. One of his conclusions is that for 20 years, the Supreme Court has been
- [Nominations for the 2021 Board of Directors](https://mnatheists.org/2021/01/nominations-for-the-2021-board-of-directors/) - By Chris Matthews Minnesota Atheists holds elections for the Board of Directors every year. The board of directors consists of president, associate president, chair, associate chair, secretary, treasurer, and three directors at large. All positions are up for election each year. If you are interested in joining the board or would like to know more
- [May Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2009/09/may-meeting-review-2/) - By Crystal Dervetski On May 17, 2009, Chuck Samuelson, the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU MN) spoke at the Minnesota Atheists monthly meeting on the ACLU MN's current lawsuit against a charter school in Apple Valley known as TiZA. Mr. Samuelson also engaged the audience with other cases of
- [Radio Show Offers Exchange Between Theist and Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/radio-show-offers-exchange-between-theist-and-atheist/) - On Wednesday, March 29, "Midmorning" on Minnesota Public Radio, 91.1 FM, presented an interview and dialogue between Minnesota Atheists public relations representative August Berkshire and Northwestern College professor Ronn Johnson. A lively and thoughtful exchange, including calls from listeners, gave the radio audience a chance to hear an atheist's views and examine long-held beliefs in a
- [President Bush: "You're equally American whether you're a Jew, Muslim, Christian, or Atheist."](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/president-bush-youre-equally-american-whether-youre-a-jew-muslim-christian-or-atheist/) - President George W. Bush said the following in an interview with German newspaper BILD: "The President's job is never to promote a religion. The great thing about America—and Germany, for that matter—is that you should be able to worship freely. I like to tell people, you're equally American whether you're a Jew, Muslim, Christian, or
- [Local Study Shows Generational Growth](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/local-study-shows-generational-growth/) - The University of Minnesota's newspaper, The Minnesota Daily, recently released a survey of the religious beliefs of U of M students. 7.5% of those surveyed responded that they were atheists and 14.9% said they were agnostics. This in spite of the fact that only 2% said they were raised as agnostics and only 1.7% as
- [Article Offers a Plan for "Saving Secular Society"](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/article-offers-a-plan-for-saving-secular-society/) - Michelle Goldberg, a senior writer at the online magazine Salon and author of the book, Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, has written a sobering piece on the erosion of civil rights in appeasement of a Christian worldview and what must be done to stop it. She writes, ". . . as long as
- [Religious "Values" Could Kill 3,000 U.S. Women Per Year](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/religious-values-could-kill-3000-u-s-women-per-year/) - In a powerful piece for The Nation, Katha Pollitt has crystallized the consequences of allowing religious interests to control human sexuality. Her case in point: suppression of a vaccine against cervical cancer because the religious right fears it will encourage premarital sex. 3,000 preventable American deaths per year is a conservative number; Ms. Pollitt calls
- [Pledge of Allegiance Protection Act (HR 2389) Goes to Senate](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/pledge-of-allegiance-protection-act-hr-2389-goes-to-senate/) - The Pledge Protection Act would strip federal courts—including the Supreme Court—of the power to decide the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance and its "one nation under god" wording. See update below. If you want to thwart these attempts to whittle away secularism in the U.S. government, use the following link to contact your Representative
- [Senator Coleman Echoes President Bush in Stance Against Stem Cell Research](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/senator-coleman-echoes-president-bush-in-stance-against-stem-cell-research/) - Despite bipartisan support for a bill that passed both Houses of Congress, our own U.S. Senator Norm Coleman voted against legislation that would expand funding for embryonic stem cell research. This position mirrors that of President Bush, who used his veto power for the very first time to block this legislation. Neither Coleman nor Bush
- [Camp Quest 2006: Another Great Year](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/camp-quest-2006-another-great-year/) - Minnesota's great secular summer camp has just adjourned until 2007. Camp Quest is a terrific experience for kids, allowing them to become a part of a young freethought community that values critical thinking and a naturalistic worldview. It's also a heckuva lot of fun. Minnesota Atheists is proud to endorse Camp Quest, and we encourage
- [Confused Piece on Atheism Appears in Newsweek](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/confused-piece-on-atheism-appears-in-newsweek/) - On the one hand, Jerry Adler of Newsweek would dismiss atheism as barely amounting to a "movement," citing the budget and membership of a single organization (American Atheists). On the other, he notes that The End of Faith by Sam Harris has sold over 270,000 copies. He calls the new Dawkins and Harris books (see
- [Rep. Bachmann Co-Sponsors Bill to Honor Christianity](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/rep-bachmann-co-sponsors-bill-to-honor-christianity/) - Yes, you read it right: the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed Resolution 847, known as the "Christmas Bill," intended to support and acknowledge that small and oppressed group known as Christians. Co-sponsored by Minnesota Congressperson Michelle Bachmann, the bill reads, in part, "The House of Representatives . . . acknowledges and supports the role
- ["Operation Foxhole Atheists" Asks for Your Support](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/operation-foxhole-atheists-asks-for-your-support/) - After learning about the harassment endured by atheist soldiers in Iraq who attempted to start a group, the North Alabama Freethought Association decided to start a program intended to show support for their efforts. To find out more and learn how you can help, visit the Operation Foxhole Atheists website by clicking here.
- [Sex Across the Curriculum](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/sex-across-the-curriculum-2/) - A smash hit at last summer's Minnesota Fringe Festival, this one-woman, multi-character show by Jen Tudor will have you laughing, crying, and thinking. The author and actress portrays a sex education teacher, Mrs. Glasscock, who rebels against abstinence-only teaching. We, the audience, get to act as her students. "Course Description: Since this is Mrs. Glasscock's
- [MN Atheists Talk Mentioned on Focus on the Family](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/mn-atheists-talk-mentioned-on-focus-on-the-family/) - Minnesota Atheists Talk radio show was featured in the Focus on the Family Podcast. To hear the full podcast, including a story about the decline in abortions due to stronger legislation, Senate Democrats hosting a prayer and worship service for the pre-born when they usually do, and a story about 40 percent of 8 to
- [Atheist to Offer Parenting Seminars](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/atheist-to-offer-parenting-seminars/) - Dale McGowan, author/editor of, Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion, is introducing a seminar tour and five seminars online for parents and others interested in topics about raising children without religion. The tour schedule is as follows: MINNEAPOLIS, MN Saturday March 1, 2008 / 1:00-4:30pm First Unitarian Society of
- [MN Atheists Celebrate Darwin Day at the Science Museum on Sunday, Feb 10th at Noon](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/mn-atheists-celebrate-darwin-day-at-the-science-museum-on-sunday-feb-10th-at-noon/) - Darwin Day isn't until the 12th, but we're getting started early. On Sunday, Feburary 10, we'll be at the Science Museum of Minnesota around noon. We'll have handouts about Charles Darwin and the work he has done in describing evolution. The Museum is fun for kids and kids at heart. The Omnitheater features the Alps,
- [Lori Lipman Brown Minnesota Tour 2008](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/lori-lipman-brown-minnesota-tour-2008/) - Lori Lipman Brown, Director of the Secular Colation of America will touring Minnesota this week. She'll be visiting Morris, Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, Northfield, and the Twin Cities. Check the calendar below to see when she'll be in your area. Sat., Feb. 16, 2 p.m. – St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. Exact location to be
- [Minnesota Atheists Monthly Meeting: Mormonism](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/minnesota-atheists-monthly-meeting-mormonism/) - Meet the atheists of Minnesota Atheists this Sunday at the Ridgedale Library at 1PM for our monthly meeting. This month's topic is rather light and informal because the American Atheists 34th Annual Conference is taking place next week in Minneapolis. So, not to steal the thunder of Richard Dawkins, I'm giving a short intro to
- [Daniel Dennett Speaks in Mankato, MN April 3rd & 4th](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/daniel-dennett-speaks-in-mankato-mn-april-3rd-4th/) - That's right. Daniel Dennett is appearing in our state for a short while to give a few lectures at Minnesota State University in Mankato. "Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" will be the topic for the lecture at 7:30 PM on April 3rd in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom. On Friday, April 4th at 9 AM,
- [A Call for Member Blogs](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/a-call-for-member-blogs/) - If you are a paid member of Minnesota Atheists, and would like your site promoted in a new Member Blogs section on the website, please email me your site, and I will start building the page.
- [Join Us in North Minneapolis on June 21 for Juneteenth](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/join-us-in-north-minneapolis-on-june-21-for-juneteenth/) - Minnesota Atheists will be at the Juneteenth festival in North Minneapolis at Theodore Wirth Park on June 21 from 11 AM to 7 PM. We'll be at a booth in Zone 2. You can click on this map for more details. Please visit http://www.juneteenthminnesota.org for more information.
- [Minnesota Atheists' Public Policy Positions](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/minnesota-atheists-public-policy-positions/) - Minnesota Atheists have, through the creation of a Public Policy Committee, established positions on various public policies. This is an important step in providing definition to our organization and in educating others about Minnesota Atheists. You can click here to view our position on government entanglement with religion, taxation of churches and other nonprofit corporations,
- [3rd Annual Iowa Secularists Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/3rd-annual-iowa-secularists-conference/) - For those of you itching for a regional freethought conference, we have a solution for you. It's just a short drive over the border in Ames, Iowa on July 12th! Single tickets are $30 and $35. Couples are $55 and $60. Lower prices are for members of Iowa Secularists. Why should you go?
- [Summer Membership Drive](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/summer-membership-drive/) - If you've been sitting on the fence wondering if you should join Minnesota Atheists or not, now is the time to decide. Now through the end of July, any donation over $5, and every new or renewal membership will receive a 3"x4" Minnesota Atheists removable window sticker. You can stick them in your car, in
- [Small Group Discussions](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/small-group-discussions/) - Since the poll on the right of the website hasn't changed in a while, the most popular suggestion for things to do is have small group discussions. Currently, there's nothing stopping anyone from holding small group meetings, but some loose organization might get people motivated. If you are interested in leading small group discussions in
- [Secular Coalition for America Election Resources 2008](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/secular-coalition-for-america-election-resources-2008/) - The Secular Coalition for America, proud sponsor of Minnesota Atheists Talk Radio, has unleashed the Secular Values Voter campaign, and the Election Resources 2008 website. Minnesota Atheists and the Secular Coalition for America are prohibited from endorsing or discouraging canidates, however, the Secular Coalition for America is able to tell you about statements and positions
- [Atheist Coming Out Stories](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/atheist-coming-out-stories/) - Not every atheist is raised in a household that is skeptical of supernatural claims. Growing up in a religion can be a high hurdle to jump if your family is deeply religious, and your faith condems questioning the claims made by its various creeds. Have you come out to your family as an atheist? What
- [Brave Assistants Required for the Website](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/brave-assistants-required-for-the-website/) - To keep my sanity, and the website interesting, I need a few assistants who could be in charge of little parts of the site, requiring no more then 30 minutes of time a week. There is no pay, no benefits, and worst of all, no promise of eternal life. I'll be providing training on Monday,
- [New Calendar Service and RSS Feed for Events](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/new-calendar-service-and-rss-feed-for-events/) - A calendar and RSS feed program has been organized around the Atheist Weekly Newsletter. Events from the newsletter and other groups, such as RAFT and Humanists of Minnesota will be available, along with other atheist/freethinker themed activities. There is also a very nice printer-friendly version of the calendar that will print out events in chronological
- [Attention! Pub Crawl Coming Soon! Oct 3rd @ 7:30 PM](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/attention-pub-crawl-coming-soon-oct-3rd-730-pm/) - Minnesota Atheists hosted a great pub crawl in May with as many as 25 people joining us along the way from bar to bar. I had a great time, and met some really interesting people. Keep in mind that YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRINK TO HAVE A GOOD TIME! There were plenty of teetotalers around,
- [Blood For Pizza - Halloween Edition - Oct 25th](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/blood-for-pizza-halloween-edition-oct-25th/) - How do we chip away at the stereotype that atheists are a bunch of unfeeling nihilists while helping our community at the same time? Charity work! We all give selflessly at one time or another, and now is our chance to do something collectively. For those who can donate blood (a good rule of thumb
- [MN Supreme Court candidate Tom Tingelstad](https://mnatheists.org/2008/10/mn-supreme-court-candidate-tom-tingelstad/) - Just one glance at MN Supreme Court candidate Tom Tingelstad's web page will give everyone a pretty good indication of the his religious agenda. With phrases like, "God's Word is the Light of Truth" and "The Church must return to its vital role of supporting and influencing the State" littered all over it, and featuring
- [Hector Avalos - Intelligent Design: Religion or Science? - Oct 19 @ 2 PM](https://mnatheists.org/2008/10/hector-avalos-intelligent-design-religion-or-science-oct-19-2-pm/) - Dr. Hector Avalos, a professor at Iowa State University, will be our feature speaker at this month's public meeting. He will be speaking on the topic of Intelligent Design and whether it is science or religion. Dr. Avalos has been influential in promoting standards for science which do not leave room for Intelligent Design education
- [Announcing the 2008 Minnesota Freethought Solstice Banquet](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/announcing-the-2008-minnesota-freethought-solstice-banquet/) - Sunday, December 21, 2008 at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel, Minnesota Atheists will host the 2008 Minnesota Freethought Solstice Banquet. This year, social time begins at 5 PM, dinner at 6 pm, and the Freethought Follies at 7 PM. You also have a chance to give a gift to The Bridge of Youth and participate
- [3rd Annual Santa Run to Benefit Legal Aid](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/3rd-annual-santa-run-to-benefit-legal-aid/) - Sponsor an atheist Santa! Mid Minnesota Legal Assistance provides civil legal service to low-income and elderly people in 20 Minnesota counties. They also advocate for Minnesotans with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other disabilities. The Minnesota Atheists Charitable Works Committee will be organizing and participating in the 3rd Annual Santa Run on December 6 at
- [Flying Spaghetti Monster Dinner Nov 30 4 to 7 PM](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/flying-spaghetti-monster-dinner-nov-30-4-to-7-pm/) - FSM Spaghetti Dinner - Sunday Nov 30 - 4 to 7 PM - St PaulSunday, November 30, 2008 at 4:00PM Minnesota Atheists have a fine tradition of eating and talking. Get together with your fellow friendly neighborhood atheists for salad, pasta, dessert, and beverages. There will be meat based sauces, as well as vegan and
- [Sponsor an Atheist Santa!](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/sponsor-an-atheist-santa/) - Saturday, December 6, Minnesota Atheists will be running in the 3rd Annual Santa Run to benefit Mid Minnesota Legal Aid. Here's where you come in. Visit our group page to donate! You can choose to donate to Jack Caravela, Bonnie Marsick, Bjorn Watland, and Jeannette Watland. We'll be standing out of the crowd of
- [Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists present Richard Dawkins 7 PM March 4](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/campus-atheists-skeptics-and-humanists-present-richard-dawkins-7-pm-march-4/) - Minnesota Atheists is pleased to present this message from Hannah Heidt, Advertising Director for Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists at the Univeristy of Minnesota:CASH, in conjunction with U of M Anthropology Department, is pleased to announce world-famous biologist and militant atheist Richard Dawkins will be coming to the U of M! Richard Dawkins is best-known
- [Feb 15 - Darwin Year Panel Discussion Featuring Myers, Laden, Moore, Cotner and Phillips](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/feb-15-darwin-year-panel-discussion-featuring-myers-laden-moore-cotner-and-phillips/) - 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origins of Species. In honor of this, we have assembled a distinguished panel of scientists to give us their thoughts on evolution, creationism, and Darwin. The panelists are: PZ Myers, Randy Moore, Greg Laden,
- [Darwin Day Party at the Bell Museum - $10](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/darwin-day-party-at-the-bell-museum-10/) - Darwin Day Party Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7 to 9 p.m.Bell Museum Auditorium$10/ free to museum members and University students The speakers will present in the auditorium from 7 to 8 pm. Birthday cake and refreshments are served after the presentations. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birthday! Part of a world wide celebration, the Twin
- [Our Inner Ape Event](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/our-inner-ape-event/) - On Tuesday, April 8 at 7PM at the MN Zoo, world-famous primatologist Frans de Waal, Research Professor for the Yerkes Primate Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta, will give a free lecture on "Our Inner Ape: Human Nature as Seen by a Primatologist." Register for free tickets on-line. For additional information, call 952-431-9200.
- [Events for 4th week of March](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/events-for-4th-week-of-march/) - Daniel Dennett will be in Mankato this Thursday at 7:30 PM and Friday at 9:00 AM at MSU. You can find out more at MNSU. Hemant Mehta, author of, "I Sold My Soul On eBay," and friendlyatheist.com will be at the U of MN Twin Cities Campus this Thursday at 7:00 PM. Find out more
- [34th Annual American Atheists Convention in Minneapolis](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/34th-annual-american-atheists-convention-in-minneapolis/) - 34th Annual American Atheists Convention in Minneapolis Come visit scenic Minneapolis Minnesota AND see your favorite atheists, including Richard Dawkins. The Conference is March 21 to 23. For more information, click here .
- [National Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/national-day-of-reason/) - Don't miss your chance to make your voice heard, right in our Capitol! Come Celebrate the National Day of Reason with your fellow supporters of the separation of church and state, Thursday at noon in the Rotunda. Email info@mnatheists.org for more information.
- [First Week of April Events](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/first-week-of-april-events/) - Listen to AM 950 KTNF this Sunday at 9AM for a show on The Beagle Project. No, it's not about Snoopy. If you appreciate having your unique perspective told over the air and online, consider making a donation to keep our all volunteer radio show going. We can't do it without your support.
- [Q&A About Atheists and Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/qa-about-atheists-and-atheism/) - Q&A About Atheists and Atheism by David Gleeson Davis answers questions about atheists and atheism in American Chronicle . Do atheists hate God? No. Are atheists immoral? Some are. Do all atheists believe in evolution? No. Evolution does not require belief if it's a fact. Are atheists afraid of going to hell? Not at all.
- [Atheists In History: Ellen Johnson](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/atheists-in-history-ellen-johnson/) - Atheists In History: Ellen Johnson Ellen is the current President of American Atheists and has been since 1995. Since 1994, she has been the host of The Atheist Viewpoint. Her political science education has allowed her to excell in promoting the seperation of church and state and in organizing the Godless Americans Political Action Committee.
- [All Dogs Go to Heaven](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/all-dogs-go-to-heaven/) - Gary Kurz, author of Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates, says, "We can replace the grief [of the loss of a pet] with joyful anticipation and hope, if we understand that there is a plan for [dogs]." He uses research and the Bible to prove that there is an afterlife for companion animals. Here is
- [Huckabee "Change Constitution to God's Standards"](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/huckabee-change-constitution-to-gods-standards/) - Huckabee wishes to insert God into our neutral government. "I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution," Huckabee told a Michigan audience on Monday. "But I believe it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living god. And that's
- [Sex Across the Curriculum](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/sex-across-the-curriculum/) - Sex Ed teacher Ms. Glasscock has had ENOUGH of abstinence only education. Sunday is her last day in school. Sit back an get education as you've never been before. Class is in session on Sunday, January 20 at 1:00 PM at the Roseville Public Library. RSVP here.
- [Top 10 Science Stories of 2007](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/top-10-science-stories-of-2007/) - Top 10 Science Stories of 2007 This list from Wired magazine includes several advances and discoveries sure to make fundamentalists nervous. Then again, that's true every year.more
- [The Last Word on School Prayer](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/the-last-word-on-school-prayer/) - The Last Word on School Prayer Actually, the subtitle of this article by Joe Bob Briggs is "The First, Last, Final, Ultimate Word on School Prayer." We should be so fortunate, although it is an exhaustive guide to attempts at legislating school prayer, showing how misguided these efforts inevitably are. more
- [Atheists Talk Radio at the State Fair](https://mnatheists.org/2008/08/atheists-talk-radio-at-the-state-fair/) - Calling all Pronto Pups and Cheese Curds! Minnesota Atheists Talk Radio will be at the Great Minnesota Get Together on Sunday August 24 and 31! We'll be broadcasting live from the AM 950 KTNF booth on Randall Avenue between Cosgrove Street and Cooper Street behind the Baldwin Park Bandshell across from the Eco Experience Building.
- [Bill Maher - July 26 - 8:00 PM](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/bill-maher-july-26-800-pm/) - Bill Maher. He's funny, irreverant, and an atheist. What more can you ask for? You can oogle him for yourself on Saturday, July 26th at 8:00 PM at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. Ladies and gents can still get their hands on tickets here.
- [Freethought Picnic](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/freethought-picnic/) - Hang out with friendly neighborhood atheists at Columbia Park in Minneapolis on August 17 at noon to 3PM. Bring some picnic food to share. The shelter area has electricity, a sink and an electric hot plate. (Don't forget to bring your own beverage, plate, and utensils.) Click here for a map.
- [Atheists March in the Twin Cities Gay Pride Parade](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/atheists-march-in-the-twin-cities-gay-pride-parade/) - Join us marching in the Twin Cities Gay Pride parade on Sunday, June 29 at 11:00, near 3d St. and 3d Avenue. It’s always great to hear the cheers we get! Wear your MN Atheists t-shirt, or we’ll give you one. Details are here.
- [Juneteenth in Minneapolis](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/juneteenth-in-minneapolis/) - Juneteenth in Minneapolis Minnesota Atheists will be at the Juneteenth festival in North Minneapolis at Theodore Wirth Park on June 21 from 11 AM to 7 PM. We'll be at a booth in Zone 2 next to the KFAI booth. You can click on this map for more details. Please visit Juneteenth Minnesota for more
- [Rocky Horror Picture Show](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/rocky-horror-picture-show/) - Minnesota Atheists are going to do the Time Warp at Mounds Theater on June 21st at 11 PM. Come see Transvestite Soup as they lead you on a strange journey through a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show with audience participation. Click here for more info.
- [Freethought Picnic for June](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/freethought-picnic-for-june/) - Come out to Columbia Park in Minneapolis on June 8 at noon for friends, fun, and the Freethought Band as the University of Minnesota Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists present the Freethought Picnic for June 2008. A map of the area can be found here.
- [Joy of Sects](https://mnatheists.org/2008/05/joy-of-sects/) - Joy of Sects Join us on Sunday, May 18 at 2PM at the Roseville Public Library for a presentation on cults by Grant Steves. Dinner at the Panda Garden to follow. Details here .
- [MN Atheists Pub Crawl](https://mnatheists.org/2008/05/mn-atheists-pub-crawl/) - MN Atheists Pub Crawl Have you been looking for an excuse to get out of the house and hang out with atheists? Here's your chance! We'll be crawling from Nomad World Pub at 7 PM on May 16th to Town Hall Brewery at 8:30 PM, then stopping at the Corner Bar for some atheist-friendly comedy.
- [May Day Parade](https://mnatheists.org/2008/05/may-day-parade/) - May Day Parade 2008 - May 4 1 PM Parades are one of the most fun things we do as a group. We get to mingle with fellow free thinkers, and the public to provide some education. We meet at Cedar Field at 18th Ave S and 25th St E in Minneapolis at 1:00 PM.
- [Paint the Bridge](https://mnatheists.org/2008/08/paint-the-bridge-2/) - Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists at the University of Minnesota need a few good quotes to paint on the Washington Ave Bridge. Quotes are $10 a word. Help support an exciting freethought student organization through Paypal, check or cash by Sept 8th. Email your quotes and questions here. Paint the Bridge has been postponed until
- [A Discussion on Atheism and Humanism](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/a-discussion-on-atheism-and-humanism/) - Are you an atheist? Are you a humanist? Are you both? Neither? This September 21 at 1 PM at the Ridgedale Public Library, we'll have a panel discussion on these two labels. We hope to provide a good definition, or at least a better understanding to anyone who is curious. If you want to talk
- [Southern Minnesota Atheists Meet Up Group](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/southern-minnesota-atheists-meet-up-group/) - Minnesota Atheists is proud to introduce a new meet up group for atheists, agnostics and other freethinkers that will focus on events in the south of our state. We'll also be working as closely as we can with other organizations and groups, such as RAFT and Humanists of Minnesota in order to coordinate and get
- [Winter Solstice Party 2008](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/winter-solstice-party-2008/) - Sunday, December 21, 2008 at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel, Minnesota Atheists will host the 2008 Minnesota Freethought Solstice Banquet. Social time begins at 5 PM, dinner at 6 pm, and the Freethought Follies at 7 PM. Cost is $45 per person and includes dinner. Contact Steve Petersen for more information. You must fill out
- [MNA Book Club to Start - "Godless"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/mna-book-club-to-start-godless/) - The MNA Book Club book this month is Dan Barker's "Godless." Please RSVP through Meetup.com. It's a free account, and a good way to see who is going to be there with you. We have 385 atheists signed up so far. Can you help us make it to 400? February 28, 1 to 4
- [Design-A-Deity Event Canceled](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/design-a-deity-event-canceled/) - Design-A-Deity Event Canceled Due to weather and a family emergency for the presenter, the meeting at Ridgedale at Noon on Dec 21st is canceled. This does not effect the Winter Solstice Dinner For more information, contact Bjorn Watland.
- [Rochester Area Freethinkers Off to a Strong Start](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/rochester-area-freethinkers-off-to-a-strong-start/) - The recently formed group Rochester Area Freethinkers is offering an oasis of rational thought for local nonbelievers, and has already caught the attention of Rochester's local newspaper, the Post-Bulletin. Minnesota Atheists is proud to have helped this group get started, and encourages anyone in the Rochester area to attend RAF meetings on the second Thursday
- [Brainerd M.D. Makes Case for Atheism in Regional Newspaper](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/brainerd-m-d-makes-case-for-atheism-in-regional-newspaper/) - Dr. Patrick Carey's letter, titled "The Responsibilities of an Atheist," was a reply to recent letters published in the Brainerd Dispatch that maligned atheism. His reasoned and thoughtful approach received mostly positive responses, although there were a few intolerant religious rants. Read the letter and the replies [link obsolete] on the Dispatch website.
- [Atheists Talk on Air America With Guest Richard Dawkins](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/atheists-talk-on-air-america-with-guest-richard-dawkins/) - Minnesota Atheists will launch a weekly, one-hour program on Air America Minnesota (AM 950) beginning Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. It will be broadcast live, streamed live on the internet, and made available later as a free podcast. The name of the program is Atheists Talk (the same as our cable
- [The Responsibilities of an Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/the-responsibilities-of-an-atheist/) - Brainerd Dispatch/LettersDecember 28, 2008 Patrick Carey, M.D.Brainerd, Minnesota I am an atheist, and I am responsible for many things. As an atheist, I am responsible for promoting the pursuit of truth. I am neither bound by ideology nor held hostage by dogmata, but rather speak in the simple manner of a child. "Why?" A favorite
- [What could the Minnesota Atheists Center offer?](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/what-could-the-minnesota-atheists-center-offer/) - The Minnesota Atheists Center, as real now as a pink unicorn, will eventually become a reality. To reach that goal, we need the support of our members, and others in the community who support our issues. But, what would this building be used for? Here's one suggestion. If there is a common place for people
- [Archbishop Suggests Sharia Be Inserted Into English Law](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/archbishop-suggests-sharia-be-inserted-into-english-law/) - The primate of the Church of England, archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, suggests that some aspects of Sharia be inserted into English Law. Why? To make British Muslims feel included, rather then excluded from Law. From a BBC interview, "We must face the fact that some of our citizens do not fully recognise themselves in
- [Happy Darwin Day 2008!](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/happy-darwin-day-2008/) - February 12 marks the 199th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. The Guardian has an excellent site for On the Origin of Species and is a good way to spend your Darwin Day. This year, the Institute for Humanist Studies in charge of DarwinDay.org and in promoting various events around the world. You can check out
- [That's a Foul: Female Referee Prohibited From Officiating Boys Game](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/thats-a-foul-female-referee-prohibited-from-officiating-boys-game/) - In St. Mary's Kansas, a woman was told by St. Mary's Academy that she could not officiate a boys basketball game because the school believes that women should not have a position of authority over men and boys. Michelle Campbell was prohibited from officiating at St. Mary's Academy, which is owned and operated by the
- [The Evolution of Morality](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/the-evolution-of-morality/) - Matthew Richardson interviews Dr. Grant Steves about the evolution of morality and reviews Moral Minds by Mark D. Hauser. This program is part of our Atheists Talk Cable TV program. To keep quality programs like these in production, consider making a donation.
- [A Lobbyist on Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/a-lobbyist-on-atheism/) - No, not Lori Lipman Brown of the Secular Coalition for America in Washington D.C., Jennifer Lange is a lobbyist in Albany, New York. She's a part time lobbyist for the Institute for Humanist Studies. She fights for the rights on nonbelievers in New York, including seperation of church and state issues. From the New York
- ["Blue Laws" in Minnesota on their way out?](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/blue-laws-in-minnesota-on-their-way-out/) - Liquor stores hate them. Car sales people love them. 'Blue Laws' are laws used to govern certain moral standards, and are usually in reference to laws prohibiting actions on Sunday. Most of these 'Blue Laws' around the country have been overturned, declared unconstitutional, or are left unenforced. Minnesota is one of the few states which
- [KSTP features MN Atheists and the American Atheists Convention](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/kstp-features-mn-atheists-and-the-american-atheists-convention/) - August Berkshire, president of Minnesota Atheists, one of "5 People Making News," was interviewed by KSTP about the mission of Minnesota Atheists and about the upcoming American Atheists Conference kicking off with free entertainment Thursday night, and featuring Richard Dawkins on Friday morning. Minnesota Atheists seek to educate the community about atheism, create a network
- [KARE Profiles the American Atheists Convention in Minneapolis](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/kare-profiles-the-american-atheists-convention-in-minneapolis/) - KARE 11 featured a video on the American Atheists Convention taking place the weekend of March 21 to 23. Minnesota Atheists Chairman, Steve Petersen, is interviewed for a bit about atheism. So far, the conference has been a sucess, featuring interesting debates, and discussions in the hallways between fellow atheists. You can read about the
- [PZ Myers, Biology Professor from UMN Morris Removed From 'Expelled,' a Creationist Film Screening](https://mnatheists.org/2008/03/pz-myers-biology-professor-from-umn-morris-removed-from-expelled-a-creationist-film-screening/) - No, we don't mean to imply PZ Myers, a biology professor from the University of Minnesota, Morris, was removed from the footage in the film which had the title "Crossroads," and was to be about religion and science. PZ Myers, who appears in the film, and is thanked in the credits, was removed from an
- [Congress Passes Over 140 Overtly Religious Earmarks Worth Almost $30 Million](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/congress-passes-over-140-overtly-religious-earmarks-worth-almost-30-million/) - The Secular Coalition for America has researched the budget for fiscal year 2008 which was passed by congress and determined that over 140 earmarks , or special directed funding to a project, worth almost $30 million dollars, are going to constitutionally suspect religious activities. Before you blame the "religious right," both parties favor religious earmarks.
- [Public Charter School Accused of Being a Religious School](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/public-charter-school-accused-of-being-a-religious-school/) - Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy is a K-8 charter school in Inver Grove Heights. Star Tribune columnist, Katherine Kirsten, writes that, "Students pray daily, the cafeteria serves halal food - permissible under Islamic law -- and "Islamic Studies" is offered at the end of the school day." School buses don't leave until after extracurricular activities at
- [MN Atheists National Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/mn-atheists-national-day-of-reason/) - Minnesota Atheists strongly value the separation of church and state. To remind our government of who they represent, we make our collective voices heard in the State Capitol while our fellow citizens observe the National Day of Prayer. Every voice counts. If you can take a long lunch break, or have the free time, we
- [Your Turn: It's Time For Lifestyle Rebellion by August Berkshire](https://mnatheists.org/2008/05/your-turn-its-time-for-lifestyle-rebellion-by-august-berkshire/) - St. Cloud Times, April 19, 2008 Times Writers Group member Mike Williamson believes we should turn to the Bible and Christianity as a cure for modern-day sexual immorality. (“It’s time for cultural rebellion” April 11) Really? Williamson condemns, as we all do, the sex crimes alleged to have been committed by a 32-year-old man against
- [MN Atheists President on KKMS Radio](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/mn-atheists-president-on-kkms-radio/) - August Berkshire, President of Minnesota Atheists, was interviewed about atheism on Christian radio station 980 AM KKMS on May 23rd. Feel free to have a listen here.
- [Truth Wins Out Campaign Against James Dobson's Induction into the Radio Hall of Fame](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/truth-wins-out-campaign-against-james-dobsons-induction-into-the-radio-hall-of-fame/) - Truth Wins Out, an organization dedicated to exposing the lies of the "Ex-Gay" movement has launched an online campaign to prevent the induction of James Dobson, leader of Focus on the Family, into the Radio Hall of Fame. TWO opposes the induction because of bigoted statements made by Mr. Dobson regarding homosexuals and his misuse
- [Worlds of Their Own by Bob Schadewald](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/worlds-of-their-own-by-bob-schadewald/) - By Sue O’Donnell Bob Schadewald could – and would – talk to just about anyone. There wasn’t a crackpot too cracked or a true believer too deceived that Bob wouldn’t talk to. Bob died in 2000 at age 57, but he left behind files filled with articles he wrote about the pseudoscientists he had met,
- [Worlds of Their Own Now Available](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/worlds-of-their-own-now-available/) - Worlds of Their Own, A Brief History of Misguided Ideas: Creationism, Flat-Earthism, Energy Scams, and the Velikovsky Affair by Robert J. Schadewald is now available. Minnesota Atheists member Lois Schadewald has posthumously published her brother's collected works on pseudoscience. If you have ever wondered what makes pseudoscientists tick, how they think, and how they can
- [Teaching the Bible as Literature in Public Schools](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/teaching-the-bible-as-literature-in-public-schools/) - Minnesota Atheists member Grant Steves discusses issues surrounding the issue of teaching the Bible as literature in public schools. Teaching the Bible in public schools is not unconstitutional, however, there are concerns which should be raised about which text books should be used, who is writing those books, and why. Also important is how it
- [Blood Drive a Gushing Success](https://mnatheists.org/2008/08/blood-drive-a-gushing-success/) - Over twenty people participated in the first Minnesota Atheists Blood Drive on Saturday, May 31st at Memorial Blood Centers in St. Paul's Midway. Memorial welcomed us with a sign, balloons, a cake, and plenty of other snacks. After eating our dessert, most of us trekked down University Avenue to the Leaning Tower of Pizza to
- [Say Hello to Our RSS Feeds](https://mnatheists.org/2008/08/say-hello-to-our-rss-feeds/) - RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, is a way for you to keep up to date with Minnesota Atheists from a feed reader. What's a feed reader? Well, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer all act as feed readers now with dynamic bookmarks which update their info with headlines from the sites you are subscribed to. Several
- [Sarah Palin and the New Apostolic Reformation](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/sarah-palin-and-the-new-apostolic-reformation/) - The Huffington Post has more interesting information on Sarah Palin's involvement in a religious movement called The New Apostolic Reformation. An independent research team has recently found information about the organization and it's plans to implement a world wide Christian theocracy. As far fetched as it sounds, the organization's leader C. Peter Wagner was quoted
- [Bookmaker Raises Odds for the Existence of God to 4-1](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/bookmaker-raises-odds-for-the-existence-of-god-to-4-1/) - Paddy Power, a bookmaker in the UK which started only two months ago, has begun to offer bets on the existence of God and collected more than £5,000 in bets. Currently, the odds stand at 4-1, spreading as far as 33-1 when the Large Hadron Collider malfunctioned. Citing the recent introduction of atheist advertising on
- [In Times of Trouble, Online Psychics Come To Me](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/in-times-of-trouble-online-psychics-come-to-me/) - According to an article on Wired.com, practitioners of divination, many of them who give out predictions online through email or IM, say that they see a marked increase in business during economic slumps. The hopeful patrons often ask about future financial and employment status. Mmmm, I wonder what kind of economic downturn Jerusalem saw about
- [A Message From Up Above](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/a-message-from-up-above/) - Colorado Springs, long known by some as the The Protestant Vatican, will be seeing some signs ... not from god. On Monday, billboards that say, "Don't Believe in God You are not alone" will wind up peppering the state of Colorado, one in Colorado Springs,and ten in the Denver area. Inspired by the recent bus
- [President's Column: "Electrons R Us - OMG!"](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/presidents-column-electrons-r-us-omg/) - by August BerkshireFor many years, Minnesota Atheists has published a combined November-December newsletter. This is because the main thing that happens in December is our winter solstice party, which we advertise in the November-December newsletter and often with a special separate mailing in December, as we did this year. Furthermore, the production of a newsletter
- [Atheist Advertising Amplifies - Is it our turn?](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/atheist-advertising-amplifies-is-it-our-turn/) - The British Humanist Association led the way in promoting a humanist/atheist advertising campaign. Since then, COCORE and the American Humanist Association have released their own campaigns in the air on billboards and on buses in Washington D.C. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has a long history of ads, including a few which have been taken
- [Sunsara Taylor Presents, "Away With All Gods"](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/sunsara-taylor-presents-away-with-all-gods/) - by Bjorn Watland On a crisp November evening at the University of Minnesota, a surprisingly large crowd gathered in a basement auditorium to hear from Sunsara Taylor, an unapologetic Revolutionary Communist and militant atheist. Hearing the views of a communist isn't as shocking as it may be in other arenas of the public; however, it
- ["Christ the Magician" Explains His Tricks](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/christ-the-magician-explains-his-tricks/) - by Vic Tanner Recently an ancient bowl with the engraving, "DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS," or "Christ the Magician" was found at a sunken archaeological site off the coast of Alexandria. Most intriguing wasn't the bowl itself, but a collection of scrolls that were found near it. Once translated, it was found that the scrolls contained
- [A Cold Slap of Reality](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/a-cold-slap-of-reality/) - by Robin Anderson Many of us undoubtedly celebrated the winnings of certain candidates on Election Day. It was a long time coming. But, come morning, a cold slap of reality came with the new day. In three states, voters approved constitutional amendments banning same sex marriage. And one of them, Proposition 8, approved in California,
- [Merry, Merry Christmas](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/merry-merry-christmas/) - by Crystal Dervetski I am one atheist who is absolutely not involved in any kind of war on Christmas. I personally enjoy the holiday season very much and am very involved in spreading holiday joy!Why do I love Christmas even though I consider myself a militant atheist? Most of all, I'd say it's because the
- [Christ, You Know It Ain't Easy](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/christ-you-know-it-aint-easy/) - by James Zimmerman On November 22nd, the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, reported that the Church has decided to forgive John Lennon for statements he made forty-two years ago. If this seems a long time to hold a grudge, compare this to the 359 years it took the Vatican to make peace with Galileo. Lennon's offending
- [Churches Have No Role In Making Policy](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/churches-have-no-role-in-making-policy/) - by Eric Jayne It's sadly ironic that the same election that gave America its first black president is the same election that denied equal treatment for gays and lesbians in three states. A Nov. 16 Star Tribune article mentioned that representatives from "Join the Impact," who organized several rallies across the United States, including one
- [Transposed Christmas](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/transposed-christmas/) - by James Zimmerman 'Tis the season again. Atheists, free thinkers, and other assorted non-Christians purposely sit out the most over-blown religious holiday of the year. Some are passionate in their non-participation; others simply watch the procession from the sidelines. While some have pointed out the incongruity of an ostensibly secular government proclaiming Christ's birth a
- [December News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/december-news-and-notes/) - by George Kane Thanksgiving, we all learned in school, was created as a national exercise in piety and acknowledgment of the beneficence of God. This year we awoke on Thanksgiving Day to news of acts of extreme evil which religious fanaticism has made so familiar. It began nearly three days of coordinated terrorist attacks in
- [Dan Barker On "Godless," Jan 18 at 2 PM @ Roseville Library](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/dan-barker-on-godless-jan-18-at-2-pm-roseville-library/) - Minnesota Atheists will present Dan Barker, co-founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and author of, "Losing Faith in Faith," at the Roseville Public Library at 2 PM, January 18th. He has written a new book which updates his previous 16 year old book, "Godless: How An Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists,"
- [MN Atheists Run With Santas](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/mn-atheists-run-with-santas/) - by Bjorn Watland On the afternoon of Saturday, December 6th, five atheists braved chilly temperatures and blustery winds to participate in the 3rd Annual Santa Run to Benefit Legal Aid. Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, a secular organization providing legal aid to low income and disabled Minnesotans, received over $600 in donations collected by five proud members
- [Southern MN Atheists Think and Drink](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/southern-mn-atheists-think-and-drink/) - by Victor Tanner and Crystal Dervetski On November, 21st, the Southern Minnesota Atheists Meet-Up Group hosted its first event at Blue Brick's Pub in Mankato. Dubbed "Think and Drink", the meet up saw an estimated 38 atheists and free thinkers from Mankato and the surrounding area get together to share their thoughts and ideas, both
- [Minnesota Atheists Board Nominations and Elections](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/minnesota-atheists-board-nominations-and-elections/) - Nominations for the Minnesota Atheists board of directors will occur at our January 18, 2009 meeting at the Roseville Library and elections will be held at our February 15, 2009 meeting. Nominations will open and close at the January 18 meeting. We will publish and mail candidates' statements prior to the February 15 meeting elections.
- [Thank You From Minnesota Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/thank-you-from-minnesota-atheists/) - To Our Friends Thank you for your support of Minnesota Atheists in 2008! Minnesota Atheists has a lot to be thankful for this year. First, we spent a lot of time working with different media to reach out to the atheist community and to the public. Media With the start of the new year, we
- [Merry Christmas from an Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/merry-christmas-from-an-atheist/) - by Eric Jayne I love Christmas! That shouldn't come as a big surprise since it's arguably the most popular holiday in America. However, I might raise a few eyebrows if I added I am an atheist who loves Christmas. Many people might find a tremendous contradiction in a self-proclaimed atheist wishing friends, family, and neighbors
- [Minnesota Atheists Joins Lawsuit to Stop Religious Activities at Presidential Inauguration](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/minnesota-atheists-joins-lawsuit-to-stop-religious-activities-at-presidential-inauguration/) - Minnesota Atheists has joined as a plaintiff to a lawsuit by Michael Newdow to halt the prayers and religious invocations scheduled for Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration on January 20, 2009, as a violation of separation of state and church . PDF versions of the lawsuit and its four appendices are linked below. According to the
- [Minnesota Atheists Member PZ Myers on Creationism](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/minnesota-atheists-member-pz-myers-on-creationism/) - Reprinted with permission.U of M Morris prof: You got creationism in my zoologyBy Emily Kaiser, City Pages, December 24, 2008http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2008/12/u_of_m_morris_p.php When University of Minnesota-Morris biology professor PZ Myers heard that the Cincinnati Zoo and the infamous Creation Museum were offering a joint ticket deal to lure in customers, he took his outrage to the blogosphere.
- [God and Abortion](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/god-and-abortion/) - by August Berkshire Beginning with some premises (#1-6) that few Religious Right anti-choice people would disagree with, we follow with a scientific fact (#7), leading to a couple surprising conclusions (#8-9). God is all-powerful.God is all-good.Everything God does is good.God wants humans to be good.If humans imitate God, who is all-good, then humans will be
- [On Woo](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/on-woo/) - by Vic Tanner According to Beliefnet, more than one fifth of Americans self-identify with the label "spiritual but not religious," which I've always interpreted as "religious but lazy." Stepping back and viewing the phrase in a slightly less judgmental tone, it is more than likely an attempt to distance oneself from the dreaded term "organized
- [Atheist Dating and Relating: Staying Safe and How to Meet the Old-Fashioned Way](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/atheist-dating-and-relating-staying-safe-and-how-to-meet-the-old-fashioned-way/) - by Crystal Dervetski Last month, we talked about where atheists can meet people online, which is one of the easiest ways to meet people. That leads us into the safety concerns for meeting someone, and other places to meet people who share your beliefs. When meeting someone online, first, assess their profile. Does it seem
- [January News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/january-news-and-notes/) - by George Kane Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) won an important skirmish against South Carolina promoting religion on license plates. Last month, the legislature authorized issuing "I Believe" auto license plates for a fee, embellished with a Christian cross and the image of a stained glass window. AU initiated the suit
- [New Projects and New Leaders](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/new-projects-and-new-leaders/) - by August Berkshire The big news this past month is that Minnesota Atheists was asked by Michael Newdow to join his lawsuit, "Newdow v. Roberts," to stop government-sponsored religious activities at Barack Obama's presidential inauguration on January 20. This came about because I had heard through national atheist sources that he was going to file
- [Isaiah's Virgin Conceived Like Every Other Young Maiden](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/isaiahs-virgin-conceived-like-every-other-young-maiden/) - Reposted from the Sillwater Gazetteby Lee Salisbury As a former bible-believing evangelical pastor, I empathize with Pastor Mark Becker's feelings of offense with Andrew Carnegie comment - calling God a "fiend." Independent thinkers like Carnegie, especially when demonstrative of indispensable magnanimity to society, threaten commonly embraced views that atheists are evil.Pastor Becker correctly observes that
- [Challenging the Deepest Beliefs](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/challenging-the-deepest-beliefs/) - Minnesota Atheists president encourages discussion between those with different views Reposted from the MSU Reporterby Nia Jonesz August Berkshire, president of the Minnesota Atheists, will present "The Top 12 Excuses Religious People Give for the Horrible Behavior of their God" at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Centennial Student Union 284 at Minnesota State. The event is
- ["Atheists Talk" Radio Report: Two Shows for Less than the Price of One!](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/atheists-talk-radio-report-two-shows-for-less-than-the-price-of-one/) - by August Berkshire At our November meeting we announced that we were not going to renew our contract with KTNF AM 950 radio due to cost. Instead, we were going to create a live podcast of our program, which would cost us almost nothing. Now it looks like we're going to have the best of
- [Cable TV Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/cable-tv-report/) - by Steve Petersen We produced four programs in the past two months. In November, James Zimmerman interviewed Grant Steves in two programs titled "Inerrancy: The Christian Text and Christian Fundamentalism Why?" In December, Grant Steves conducted two interviews titled, "Lynn Fellman as Artist and Lynn Fellman as DNA Artist." If you would like to help
- [Minnesota Atheists Co-Sponsors Secular Bible Study](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/minnesota-atheists-co-sponsors-secular-bible-study/) - While it may seem like a contradiction, Minnesota Atheists, along with Trinity United Methodist Church, have organized a secular bible study. By taking a purely secular approach, we seek to provide a safe environment for both sides to engage in dialog, experience different approaches, and focus on the history and different cultural contexts of the
- [A Letter to Minnesota Atheists from The Bridge for Youth](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/a-letter-to-minnesota-atheists-from-the-bridge-for-youth/) - Minnesota Atheists: Thank you for your Winter Solstice Drive to The Bridge for Youth. We will put your donation to use to help young people in need. Since our founding in 1970, The Bridge for Youth has served thousands of runaway and homeless youth and their families. From emergency shelter and family counseling to supportive
- [Where Are All of the Atheist Women?](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/where-are-all-of-the-atheist-women/) - By Crystal Dervetski If you're a woman and you're reading this, chances are you're a skeptical and thinking person. I'd like you to seriously take a moment and congratulate yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back, and just soak the moment in: You are a woman, and you are rational. It's not that I
- [Mayors of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Sign Darwin Day Proclamations](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/mayors-of-saint-paul-and-minneapolis-sign-darwin-day-proclamations/) - Minnesota Atheists president, August Berkshire, drafted a Darwin Day Proclamation which was signed by Saint Paul Mayor, Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak. Coverage of the proclamations can be found at the Pioneer Press and City Pages. An image of the Saint Paul proclamation can be found here. The Minneapolis proclamation can be
- [President's Column: Highlights and Future Stars](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/presidents-column-highlights-and-future-stars/) - By August Berkshire This will be my last column as Minnesota Atheists' president, though I still hope to contribute to our newsletter from time to time. When I took office a year ago, I privately set five major, groundbreaking goals for Minnesota Atheists, all of which we have accomplished or seem to be on the
- [In the Basement with Catholics](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/in-the-basement-with-catholics/) - By George Kane On January 13 I participated in a debate at the Argument of the Month Club (aotmclub.com), a men's club devoted to Catholic apologetics. The debate was with Dr. Arthur Hippler, the Director of Religious Studies at Providence Academy, in Plymouth, on the resolution "That a supernatural authority is necessary for obligatory moral
- [More Woo](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/more-woo/) - By Vic Tanner Irrational beliefs are much more common than many people think and they can be a major handicap. They can lead to dysfunctional behavior and keep us from living satisfying and fulfilling lives. But, of course, they can also be fun. I'm a big fan of them. Not of believing in them, of
- [Minnesota Atheists Board Election Candidate Statements](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/minnesota-atheists-board-election-candidate-statements/) - Every year, Minnesota Atheists nominate and elect board members to serve in leadership roles for our organization. This year, at the January membership meeting. nine atheists were nominated by the membership and await election in February. Nominees for the board are, Bjorn Watland, Jeannette Watland, Grant Steves, Jack Caravela, Andy Flamm, George Kane, Cathy Prody,
- [New Members!](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/new-members/) - By Steve Petersen The members of Minnesota Atheists should be excited about the incoming board of directors. This marks an historic moment in the organization's history. For the first time, no founding member will serve on the board. Minnesota Atheists was incorporated on September 21, 1991, and I filed the papers myself. The gauge that
- [January Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/january-meeting-review-2/) - Dan Barker had a busy day on January 18. He began the day at the KTNF studio for an interview on Atheists Talk Radio, filled the afternoon with an appearance at the Roseville Library as the speaker at our monthly public meeting, and after dinner with some meeting attendees, presented a reading of excerpts from
- [February News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/february-news-and-notes/) - By George Kane Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts stumbled over the words of the presidential oath, momentarily confusing Barack Obama, but he predictably tagged "so help me god" onto the end. Reverend Rick Warren provided for an invocation a prayer in Jesus' name. Reverend Joe Lowery implored the audience to shout "Amen!" to close
- [In Memorium - David Irwin](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/in-memorium-david-irwin/) - Founding and Life member David Irwin died on January 13, 2009. He was 89. David lived a long life highlighted with many accomplishments. David was born on January 1, 1920 in Des Moines, Iowa; he served in the air corps during WWll, went to divinity school for two years and eventually realized he was an atheist. From 1976 to
- [The Pledge of Allegiance Can't Wait Any Longer for a Remedy](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/the-pledge-of-allegiance-cant-wait-any-longer-for-a-remedy/) - By Eric Jayne In the last decade of the 19th century, when the Golden Age of Freethought was at its peak, Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance shortly after his tenure as a Baptist minister. It was published in the popular periodical The Youth's Companion as part of an 1892 celebration of the 400th
- [February Radio Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/february-radio-show-report/) - By Mike Haubrich, Director, Atheist Talk Radio Show I appreciate that August has shown the confidence in me to turn over the directing and scheduling duties to me. I wish to salute August for the hard work he has done in building this project. I think our shows are getting stronger by the month. Stephanie
- [February Cable TV Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/february-cable-tv-report/) - By Steve Petersen In January James Zimmerman led a panel discussion with members Crystal Dervetski, Keith Lodermeier, and Ryan Sutter on Arguments for Believing In God. In the first program they discussed The Universe and Logic and on the second program they reviewed the Holy Books. If you would like to help on the cable
- [August Berkshire on Christian Radio Tuesday at 5 p.m.](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/august-berkshire-on-christian-radio-tuesday-at-5-p-m/) - Minnesota Atheists president August Berkshire will be the guest on "KKMS Live! with Jeff & Lee" on Tuesday, February 24, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Download the show here. PROGRAM NOTES "That Colossal Wreck: A Review of Ravi Zacharias's A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism (1997)" by Doug KruegerGodless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of
- [Richard Dawkins - March 4 at 7 PM @ U of MN](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/richard-dawkins-march-4-at-7-pm-u-of-mn/) - All promotional tickets have been given away. Thank you for your support! Thursday afternoon, Minnesota Atheists sent out an email to people who had signed up for our email list, offering a VIP ticket for new memberships of at least $35 or donations of at least $35. There were five tickets available and all have
- [Thank You For Being Interested in Us](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/thank-you-for-being-interested-in-us/) - Special Thanks All Around I would like to thank everyone who helped make Richard Dawkins' lecture, "The Purpose of Purpose," a success for Minnesota Atheists. Campus Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists could not have arranged or promoted an event as large as this lecture was without the support of Minnesota Atheists, and I'd like to thank
- [President's Column - "Positive Atheism"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/presidents-column-positive-atheism/) - By Bjorn Watland Minnesota Atheists is the state's largest and most active atheist organization. How did we get to be that way? Through the efforts of founding members, such as Shirley Moll, Steve Petersen and August Berkshire, our organization is continually fulfilling its mission to provide a welcoming community for atheists, educate the public about
- [The Secular Bible Study](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/the-secular-bible-study/) - The co-sponsored Secular Bible Study met for the first time February 24. Forty-five people attended and appeared to be engaged in the discussions. Chester O'Gorman is a co-leader and sponsored through the out-reach program offered by Trinity Methodist Church. Grant Steves is a co-leader and sponsored by the MNA. The Secular Bible Study group has
- [Shunning Is Alive and Well in 21st Century Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/shunning-is-alive-and-well-in-21st-century-minnesota/) - By James Zimmerman One of the most effective tools a religion has at its disposal is shunning. Fear of being shunned is what keeps many members loyal to a religion they no longer fully believe. And for those few who are vocal about the hypocrisy they've discovered in their former religion, shunning is a form
- [Religion Required](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/religion-required/) - By Vic Tanner In his excellent book, Breaking the Spell, philosopher Daniel C. Dennett made the modest proposal that classes on world religion should be a requirement in all public and private schools as well as home schooling. One community is doing just that. The Modesto, California school district has made a world religion course
- [The Sunny Skeptic: "A Reinvention Can Gain Attention"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/the-sunny-skeptic-a-reinvention-can-gain-attention/) - By Crystal Dervetski So you're swimming along and trying to meet new people, but sometimes it still feels like you've hit a snag or that you're in a rut. This is the time of year when everyone's New Year's Resolutions start to tank. Perhaps it's time to think about trying a personal reinvention. I know
- [Frist Amendment Watchdog Committee March Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/frist-amendment-watchdog-committee-march-report/) - 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
- [The Humanism of Star Trek - Mar 15 - 1 to 4 p.m. Southdale Library](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/the-humanism-of-star-trek-mar-15-1-to-4-p-m-southdale-library/) - 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
- [Camp Quest of Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/camp-quest-of-minnesota/) - 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
- [March News & Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/march-news-notes/) - By George Kane The first vote of the 111th 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
- [March Radio Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/march-radio-report/) - 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
- [March Cable TV Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/march-cable-tv-report/) - 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
- [Flying Spaghetti Monster Dinner Fundraiser All You Can Eat $6.66 Mar 29 4 to 7 p.m.](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/flying-spaghetti-monster-dinner-fundraiser-all-you-can-eat-6-66-mar-29-4-to-7-p-m/) - 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
- [Final Exit President, Jerry Dincin, April 19 1 p.m., Ridgedale Public Library](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/final-exit-president-jerry-dincin-april-19-1-p-m-ridgedale-public-library/) - 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
- [Lunatic Fringe (God as Fashion Designer)](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/lunatic-fringe-god-as-fashion-designer/) - 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
- [Can You Be Moral Without Heaven and Hell?](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/can-you-be-moral-without-heaven-and-hell/) - 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
- [President's Column "Our Atheist Community"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/presidents-column-our-atheist-community/) - By Bjorn Watland What makes Minnesota Atheists different? In the Twin Cities alone, there are many groups which could fall under the "Freethought" banner. There is a student group - the Campus Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of the University of Minnesota - and non-student groups like the Humanists of Minnesota, Atheists for Human Rights, and
- [Wishing you a Joyous Estrus!](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/wishing-you-a-joyous-estrus/) - By Tom Riddering Quick! What do eggs, flowers, the East, maidens dancing around phallic symbols, the vernal equinox, fecund rabbits, chicks, flowers, Mardi Gras, estrus cycles, and Christianity all have in common? SEX! Well, Christians actually call it Easter, named after Eastre, the Germanic fertility goddess, which comes from the same origin as the word
- [Professor Dawkins Visits the Twin Cities](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/professor-dawkins-visits-the-twin-cities/) - By Ryan Sutter On Wednesday, March 4th, Richard Dawkins delivered a lecture at the Northrup Auditorium in Minneapolis. The title of his lecture was The Purpose of Purpose. The main questions he addressed were: - Why Darwinian natural selection would create a mind that sees purpose and goals everywhere, and - What it is about
- [Movie Review: Watchmen](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/movie-review-watchmen/) - By James Zimmerman Don't arrive late for Watchmen. The first ten minutes, featuring a gasp-inducing fight sequence that doesn't flinch which segues into a back-story montage set perfectly to Dylan's Times They are A-Changing, are the best ten minutes of the film. But Zack Snyder's long-awaited screen adaptation of the classic graphic novel Watchmen certainly
- [April Radio Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/april-radio-report/) - By Mike Haubrich Atheists Talk continues to be an important outreach, but the expense of paying for the show is rather high. We have tried an experiment at the request of KTNF, to see if a dialog between an atheist and a theist would generate a larger audience. The first show in that format didn't
- [March Meeting Review "The Humanism of Star Trek"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/march-meeting-review-the-humanism-of-star-trek/) - By James Zimmerman At the March 15th meetings, attendees were treated to Scott Lohman's presentation of "The Humanism of Star Trek". As both the President of the Humanists of Minnesota and a life-long Star Trek fan, Scott was certainly qualified to deliver such a presentation. And he didn't just talk Trek: he delivered his presentation
- [April News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/april-news-and-notes/) - By George Kane Michael Newdow lost the first round of his suit to end the practice appending, in violation of the constitutionally prescribed script, the words ‘so help me God' to the presidential oath of office. But he asserted that the loss is actually a good thing: It may sound disingenuous, but I have always
- [Easter 411](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/easter-411/) - By Vic Tanner Easter: A Christian holiday with a pagan name dated with a Jewish calendar? There aren't many holidays in which the date needs to be calculated. Moreover, minor variations in the criteria for these calculations has resulted in different Christian groups, specifically the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, celebrating Easter on different
- [April Cable Report](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/april-cable-report/) - By Steve Petersen At the March cable show taping James Zimmerman produced and hosted two programs. The first was an interview with Bjorn Watland on Minnesota Atheists' Meet-ups. This was an overview of meet-up activities listed on our meet-up site and easy-to-follow instructions on how to sign on to our meet-up. For the second program,
- [The Sunny Skeptic: "Atheists Ask Atheists"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/the-sunny-skeptic-atheists-ask-atheists/) - By Crystal Dervetski In the course of writing publicly about atheism, I have come across some questions, and many times opposition, regarding belonging to a formal organization for freethinkers. As with most questions, they are repeated multiple times by a variety of people, and oddly enough, many times they come not from religious persons but
- [Celebration of David Irwin's Life & Legacy](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/celebration-of-david-irwins-life-legacy/) - The Quatrefoil Library will honor its co-founder at a party at the Library on May 16, 2009, 6-9pm. Help to continue a dream come true along with his co-founder, Dick Hewetson. There will be wine, hors d'oeuvers, and music by a jazz trio. David was a book collector, who, along with Dick Hewetson, had a
- [Day of Reason 2009](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/day-of-reason-2009/) - Minnesota Atheists strongly value the separation of church and state. To remind our government of who they represent, we make our collective voices heard in the State Capitol while our fellow citizens observe the National Day of Prayer. Every voice counts. If you can take a long lunch break, or have the free time, we
- [Positive Atheism Is Not Friendly Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/positive-atheism-is-not-friendly-atheism/) - by Bjorn Watland Face it. Just by identifying as an atheist, you will offend some people. If you go one step further and voice your opinion and one more step to actually question what someone means when they say, "I'm a believer," you've already turned a lot of people off. This is the main reason
- [Rota Fortunae](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/rota-fortunae/) - by George Kane I have a new job with a financial services company that provides a lot of training that I have to attend. One recent training session dealt with theoretical mechanics of the market system. As you might expect in a business-training session, the presentation was freighted with assumptions, such as that the self-correcting
- [Joy of Sects Video](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/joy-of-sects-video/) - Grant Steves gives us an informative presentation on religion.
- [ACLU MN vs. AV TiZA](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/aclu-mn-vs-av-tiza/) - Put the energy from the Day of Reason to good use on May 17, as Chuck Samuelson, Executive Director of ALCU MN drops by the Ridgedale Library at 2 p.m. for a presentation on ACLU MN's current lawsuit against a charter school in Apple Valley known as TiZA. Those who are not familiar with the
- [Sunny Skeptic - Atheists Ask Atheists Part 2](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/sunny-skeptic-atheists-ask-atheists-part-2/) - by Crystal Dervetski http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Minnesota-Atheists-Meetup-Group/ Comments? Questions? Email Crystal D. at astrocomfy@hotmail.com
- [April Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/april-meeting-review-2/) - By George Kane On April 19, the featured speaker at our public meeting was Jerry Dincin of Chicago, the new president of the Final Exit Network. FEN is a four year old organization that supports the right of individuals to choose the time of their death. Minnesota Atheists has supported this issue since 1999, when
- [Film Review: Earth](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/film-review-earth/) - By James Zimmerman Earth, 96 minutes, released April 22, 2009Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield Disney attempts to recapture the success of their 1950s series True-life Adventures (their collection of multi-Oscar winning nature documentaries) with the release of Earth. Earth is the first in a line of proposed projects under the Magic Kingdom's Disneynature
- [Losing Miller's God](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/losing-millers-god/) - By August Berkshire On April 8, 2009, I went to the College of St. Catherine, a Roman Catholic university in St. Paul, to attend a presentation by evolutionary biologist Kenneth R. Miller. The lecture was entitled "Finding Darwin's God," after his book by the same name, which came out about ten years ago. I remember
- [Congratulations!](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/congratulations/) - Sorry, Mario, but the princess is in another castle! You have discovered the hidden link in AWE But the prize has already been claimed. Good luck next time! All prizes are donated by an anonymous member and not paid for by Minnesota Atheists. Prize sizes are determined by donor. Both members and non-members of Minnesota
- [Film Review: Star Trek](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/film-review-star-trek/) - By James Zimmerman The erstwhile Star Trek franchise beams back into theaters this spring with its eleventh feature film. But this isn't exactly a continuation of an on-going story-this time, the Enterprise goes where every action hero is going these days: back to the beginning. Kicking off with Lucas' disappointing trilogy of box office smashes
- [God's Location](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/gods-location/) - By Matthew Richardson When I first met my new friend from Sierra Leone, we quickly got on to the subject of religion. To make a point, he asked me to touch to my nose. I looked at him without moving. Insistently, he said again, "Point to your nose!" So, I put my index finger on
- [May News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/may-news-and-notes/) - By George Kane Our Day of Reason celebration in the Rotunda of the state Capitol has made the first Thursday in May a landmark on our annual calendar. While on the steps outside the National Day of Prayer rally proclaimed the nation to be the exclusive property of fundamentalist evangelical Christianity, we stood in opposition
- [Who Wrote the Bible?](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/who-wrote-the-bible/) - By Vic Tanner Believe every word it says, or dismiss it all as bunk, there is no question that the Judeo-Christian Bible is one of the most controversial and perplexing books ever compiled. Conservative Christians commonly claim that all events in it are factual, yet any attempt to study the true historicity of the text
- [The Sunny Skeptic: Tiny (and not-so-tiny) Ways That YOU Can Advance Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/the-sunny-skeptic-tiny-and-not-so-tiny-ways-that-you-can-advance-atheism/) - By Crystal Dervetski When people think of activism, they can sometimes get overwhelmed. A lot of work goes into volunteering for an organization and promoting a cause, but there are many things that you can do to help promote atheism! First, be positive! There's nothing worse than a negative atheist, mostly because that is exactly
- [President's Column: "Why Organize"](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/presidents-column-why-organize/) - By Bjorn Watland Americans who do not believe in any gods (we would call them atheists, although they may not) are a large part of the population. Some polls would say that there are more atheists in America than Mormons and Jews combined, however, we are either underrepresented, or our politicians are lying about their
- [MN Atheists Member, PZ Myers, Wins Award](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/mn-atheists-member-pz-myers-wins-award/) - On Saturday, June 6 in Tuscon, AZ at the 68th Annual Conference of the American Humanist Association, Minnesota Atheists member, PZ Myers, author of the blog Pharyngula, and professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris, received the Humanist of the Year Award. PZ Myers has been a vocal advocate for science education in schools and
- [Atheists at the Movies: Up](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/atheists-at-the-movies-up/) - By James Zimmerman If we take the word Cinema at its root (from the Greek kinesis, meaning "movement"), then pure cinema has been dying since the advent of synchronized sound. Too many movies are simply footage of people talking, or of a camera sitting idly by recording whatever happens to be going on in front
- [CASH at the AHA Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/cash-at-the-aha-conference/) - By Nick Wallin During the first weekend in June, the new directors of the University of Minnesota student group CASH (Campus Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists) attended the annual conference of the American Humanist Association in Tempe, Arizona. The weekend was divided into multiple breakout sessions during which participants could choose one of three presentations to
- [Atheist Top 30](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/atheist-top-30/) - By Eric Jayne Like it or not, Christian music is undoubtedly popular. Among my daughter's peer group "Jesus Take the Wheel," by Carrie Underwood, is a very popular song that her friends sing when they get together. During my own adolescence I was an unwilling participant in an evangelical youth group where many discussions took
- [Atheists at the Movies: Drag Me to Hell](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/atheists-at-the-movies-drag-me-to-hell/) - By Jack Caravela You may be wondering why a group of atheists would choose to see a film titled Drag Me to Hell. The short answer is that the movie's co-writer and director, Sam Raimi, treats the concept of eternal damnation about as seriously as we do. Mr. Raimi, recently at the helm of the
- [Beware the Little People](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/beware-the-little-people/) - By Victor Tanner Is “Atheist” a strong enough word for skeptical thinkers? It really only denotes a non-belief in gods and, as we all know, there are many more wacky things out there. What's stranger than believing that an invisible friend is watching over your every move? Or than believing that the world is only
- [Minnesota Atheists Fossil Hunting at Lilydale Park](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/minnesota-atheists-fossil-hunting-at-lilydale-park/) - By Crystal Dervetski On June 20th, Minnesota Atheists met at Lilydale Park in St. Paul for a fossil hunting adventure. Everyone met outside in the parking lot, grabbed an information packet about the park and the fossils, and then made the hike up to the three fossil beds located in the park. Everyone found something,
- [Hostility to Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/hostility-to-reason/) - By Eric Jayne (editor's note: This article first appeared in the June 17th edition of the Star Tribune. It is a response to Katherine Kersten's article "Hostility to Religion Bodes Ill for Society," which appeared in the June 7th Star Tribune. The premise of Kersten's article was that religion, Christianity in particular, is necessary to
- [How and Why](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/how-and-why/) - By Crystal Dervetski When you join up with Minnesota Atheists, you are asked two questions: "How did you hear about Minnesota Atheists?" and "Why did you join Minnesota Atheists?" I know, you're an atheist, you're a skeptic, and you're cynical about these questions. It's totally understandable if it seems like they are bordering on an
- [The Tiller Murder](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/the-tiller-murder/) - By George Kane On a Sunday morning at the end of May, Dr. George Tiller, who was well known as one of the few doctors in the country who performed late-term abortions, walked into Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita Kansas, which he had attended regularly for years. Inside the church, long-time anti-abortion activist Scott Roeder
- [Why Pride?](https://mnatheists.org/2009/07/why-pride/) - By Bjorn Watland The end of June marks the start of our attendance at GLBT Pride Festivals around the state. First, we attend the Twin Cities Pride Festival and Parade, then Rochester, LaCrosse, Duluth, and Mankato. Some atheists are puzzled. Of all the summer festivals, why do we go to so many GBLT Pride Festivals?
- [Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: For Fans Only](https://mnatheists.org/2009/08/harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince-for-fans-only/) - By George Kane President's Note: This is a great example of the kinds of social events Minnesota Atheists host. For those who think all we do is talk about atheism and religion, think again! To learn about more events like this, sign up for Atheists Weekly Email. Whenever possible I select for the fourth Wednesday
- [Why Do Americans Fail To Understand Science?](https://mnatheists.org/2009/08/why-do-americans-fail-to-understand-science/) - By Ryan Sutter On July 10, Minnesota Public Radio Midmorning discussed the topic "New polls indicate a dim view of U.S. scientific achievement." The polls in question were from the Pew Center and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The short of it is, the vast majority of scientists (97%) accept that life
- [Book Review: Disbelief 101](https://mnatheists.org/2009/09/book-review-disbelief-101/) - By James Zimmerman You're not going to learn anything new reading this book. But that's not an indictment of the book, no, it's a comment on your age. Disbelief is intelligently designed to appeal to the tween/early-teen crowd, and it does a superb job. Indeed, it is the best book on the topic of disbelief
- [Ireland's Blasphemy: A Relic of the Dark Ages](https://mnatheists.org/2009/09/irelands-blasphemy-a-relic-of-the-dark-ages/) - By Vic Tanner On July 9, the Republic of Ireland passed a law against material that is "abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion". Why would the government of an enlightened secular country choose to enact a blasphemy law at this point in history? Though many countries, some of which
- [The Sunny Skeptic: Surveying the Survey](https://mnatheists.org/2009/09/the-sunny-skeptic-surveying-the-survey/) - By Crystal Dervetski Recently, Minnesota Atheists sent out a survey to gauge interests and opinions of our membership. The response was absolutely overwhelming, mostly in a good way. There appear to be many questions regarding what Minnesota Atheists as an organization actually does, what we offer, and who we are as a group of people.
- [Obama Makes Health Care a Religious Issue](https://mnatheists.org/2009/09/obama-makes-health-care-a-religious-issue/) - By George Kane With his health insurance reform initiative bogging down in the face of declining public support, President Obama is calling on religious leaders to turn it into a moral crusade. On one day in August he held two teleconferences to this end. In the morning he asked about 1,000 rabbis to preach his
- [2009 Secular Student Alliance Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2009/09/2009-secular-student-alliance-conference/) - By Bjorn Watland On Friday, August 7, 300 atheists descended onto the Creation Museum in Petersberg, Kentucky. The Creation Museum, an Answers in Genesis project, is designed as a more traditional science museum than some carnival ride (as other "creation museums" have been). It presents evidence to support their pre-drawn conclusion that all that has
- [Africa: Hall of Horrors](https://mnatheists.org/2009/10/africa-hall-of-horrors/) - By Kirumira Mpagi Michael, former missionary, now Public Relations Officer for Atheist Association of Uganda Africa is perhaps the most miserable place the world has ever known. This fact is all but ignored by the media in western Countries. Most of the governments here, although calling themselves promoters of democracies, are ruthless dictatorships, ruled by
- [The Economist and Camp Quest](https://mnatheists.org/2009/10/the-economist-and-camp-quest/) - By Bob SchmitzThe July 18th issue of The Economist has a very positive article (p 32) about Camp Quest. It describes the activities of the campers and offers some commentary on the status of atheists in America. Despite the fact that atheists are broadly disliked there has been some improvement according to the writer, who
- [Book Review: The Family](https://mnatheists.org/2009/10/book-review-the-family/) - By Grant Steves The Family, Jeff Sharlet, Harper Collins Publishing, 2008, 454 pages Complacency is a luxury given to the comfortable. To paraphrase M. Niemöller, ‘First they came for the gays, and I didn’t speak up, because I was not gay. Then they came for the Humanists, and I didn’t speak up, because I was
- [Film Review: Into Temptation (95 minutes, Directed by Patrick Doyle)](https://mnatheists.org/2009/10/film-review-into-temptation-95-minutes-directed-by-patrick-doyle/) - By James Zimmerman Into Temptation, the new film written and directed by Patrick Coyle, takes its viewers on a trip through guilt, sin, and redemption. The film explores the causes and effects in a person’s life that lead, ultimately, to desperate decisions. If it sounds like heavy subject matter, it is. But the film manages
- [Trick or Threat: Fundamentalist Christianity's Aversion to Halloween](https://mnatheists.org/2009/10/trick-or-threat-fundamentalist-christianitys-aversion-to-halloween/) - By Vic Tanner Halloween is undoubtedly my favorite holiday. It just has an attitude about it that other holidays could only hope to have. For many Fundamentalist Christians, however, Halloween is seen as an unholy celebration of all that is evil. This fear of Halloween is known as Samhainophobia, and it isn't just a trivial
- [What's Wrong with Being Absolutely Right?](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/whats-wrong-with-being-absolutely-right/) - By Grant Steves The dogmatic or the enigmatic? Dogmatism, some would say, is the assertion of an opinion without proof or an attitude of arrogance with proof, but without reference to evidence. The dogmatic position is not a religious position, but is reflective of an arrogant attitude toward one’s own position. Milton Rokeach, fifty
- [The October MNA Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/the-october-mna-meeting/) - At the member meeting held at Southdale Library on October 18th, Minnesota Atheists were treated to a lecture by Dr. Hector Avalos titled: “Can Science Prove Prayer Works?” Dr. Avalos discussed the difficulties involved in creating and maintaining a controlled study involving prayer. How, for example, can a study account for random prayers being offered
- [President's Column: Change Doesn't Mean Goodbye](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/presidents-column-change-doesnt-mean-goodbye/) - By Jeannette Watland On October 22nd, Bjorn Watland, President of Minnesota Atheists resigned from the board, due to personal reasons. As Associate President, my initial reaction was to worry about myself. I now have to take on new responsibilities, and anxiety admittedly took a temporary hold on me. Then the emails started coming in, and I realized
- [Book Review: I'm Perfect, You're Doomed](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/book-review-im-perfect-youre-doomed/) - By Eric Jayne Most of us know that Jehovah’s Witnesses are notorious for going door-to-door hocking their religion. They’re kind of like Girl Scouts except the former sells an intangible dubious product that exploits fear while the latter offers delicious chocolate-covered Tagalongs and Thin Mints that exploit your sweet tooth. When it comes to the
- [MNA Board Adopts Code of Ethics](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/mna-board-adopts-code-of-ethics/) - By Grant StevesThe MNA Board has adopted a Code of Ethics that defines fairness where conflicts arise – independence, conflicts of intent, and the need to separate personal needs from those of MNA as an organization. This code describes principles and values to help Board members better understand and meet expectations and requirements of MNA.
- [New Policies](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/new-policies/) - he first annual review of our public policies was completed, and Revision B was accepted at the October meeting of the Board of Directors. Members of the committee that performed the review were Bjorn Watland, Crystal Dervetski, August Berkshire and myself. The review committee made minor, non-substantive edits to existing policies, and added new policies,
- [Constitution Is Clear: No State Money for Religious Schools](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/constitution-is-clear-no-state-money-for-religious-schools/) - By Bob Schmitz (Note: the following appeared as the ‘Letter of the Day’ in the Thursday, October 28th edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. –ed.) Tuesday's commentary "TiZA's success should not be punished" by two representatives of the Minnesota NAACP overlooks one salient fact: TiZA is a religious school collecting tax dollars in violation of
- [Prayer Cancellation](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/prayer-cancellation/) - By Victor Tanner The ever increasing diversity of religious faith in America can cause quite of bit of turmoil amongst their followers. As it turns out, these differences might be more dangerous than previously thought. As America's religious landscape becomes more and more diverse, there is a very real danger that conflicting prayers offered to
- [Jesus of the Old Testament](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/jesus-of-the-old-testament/) - By Matthew Richardson The other day I was reading an article written by a gay expert on religion. He said that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. Well, of course, that's completely untrue. Jesus thoroughly condemned homosexuality in Leviticus and in various books in the New Testament. But a Christian would respond by saying: "No, no,
- [The Sunny Skeptic: CD Review - Here Comes Science](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/the-sunny-skeptic-cd-review-here-comes-science/) - By Crystal Dervetski They Might Be Giants (TMBG) just released their newest addition to their already amazing catalog of children's albums. But before you relegate this one to the kids, it's really important that you take a listen. John Flansburgh and John Linnell have once again achieved new musical heights, and have created a children's
- [Celebrating Biblical Scripture](https://mnatheists.org/2009/11/celebrating-biblical-scripture/) - By Eric Jayne Nearly all Christians have a few favorite bible verses that they find to be deeply inspiring. The texts from many of these verses have been stamped on aesthetic snapshots depicting a variety of scenic natural landscapes. Having observed several such pictures on display in neighboring office cubicles at work, I came to
- [Book Review: The Greatest Show on Earth (by Richard Dawkins)](https://mnatheists.org/2009/12/book-review-the-greatest-show-on-earth-by-richard-dawkins/) - By Ryan Sutter I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and therefore a creationist. I qualified as one of the “history-deniers” that Professor Dawkins describes in his latest book The Greatest Show on Earth. I believed that human beings were created 6,000 years ago and that evolution was a lie. I had never looked
- [News and Notes: Ambiguous Wording](https://mnatheists.org/2009/12/news-and-notes-ambiguous-wording/) - By George Kane The Obama administration achieved a diplomatic coup at the United Nations this month when the Human Rights Council unanimously passed a resolution on freedom of expression that was jointly sponsored by the United States and Egypt (http://www.unitedstatesaction.com/documents/Oct2009-UNHRC/A_HRC_12_L.14_Rev.1-English.pdf.) The unanimous vote appeared to settle a confrontation between the members of the Organization of
- [A Bank with No Prophets?](https://mnatheists.org/2010/12/a-bank-with-no-prophets/) - By Bob Schmitz The business section of the October 24th Pioneer Press contained an article headlined "Regulators close 2 Otsego bank sites." Bank regulators closed two branches of Riverview Community Bank of Ostego after the banks were deemed to be critically under-capitalized. This article points out that when Riverview was opened in March, 2003, founder
- [Lois Schadewald on Skepticality](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/lois-schadewald-on-skepticality/) - Minnesota Atheist member Lois Schadewald is featured in the latest episode of Skepticality, the podcast of Micheal Shermer's Skeptic Magazine. Lois is talking about "Worlds of Their Own: A Brief History of Misguided Ideas; Creationism, Flat-Earthism, Energy Scams, and the Velikovsky Affair", a book written by her brother, Robert J. Schadewald. Robert, the former president
- [January Meeting: "How to Lobby Your State Legislator"](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/january-meeting-how-to-lobby-your-state-legislator/) - The Minnesota State Capitol can seem like a very intimidating place. And yet the legislators there are elected to represent us and they welcome our input. What's the best way to contact our representatives? How do we set up a meeting? How can we find out about upcoming legislation? How do we know what
- [Call for Nominees to the Minnesota Atheists Board of Directors](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/call-for-nominees-to-the-minnesota-atheists-board-of-directors/) - Nominations for the Minnesota Atheists board of directors will occur at the January 17, 2010 meeting at the Ridgedale Public Library and elections will be held at the February 2010 meeting. Nominations will open and close at the January 17 meeting. We will publish and mail candidates' statements prior to the February meeting elections. There
- [The November MNA Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/the-november-mna-meeting/) - David Niose, the recently elected president of the American Humanist Association, gave the feature presentation of the November 15 meeting at the Ridgedale Library. Niose argued that John Dewey’s writings in the early twentieth Century were an important advance for American humanism, and are largely overlooked today. The lively discussion that followed showed that many
- [Inclusive Celebration?](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/inclusive-celebration/) - Minnesota Atheists’ Treasurer Andy Flamm wrote the following letter to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which was published in their December 23rd edition. –ed. I was shocked at "The Christmas season" (Dec. 17). Among the letter writer's outrageous assertions is that we are in the midst of the "Christmas" season, not the "holiday" season. Last I
- [Local Atheist Plans for the Rapture](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/local-atheist-plans-for-the-rapture/) - By James Zimmerman Eternal Earth-Bound Pets, USA is the country’s first post-Rapture pet rescue internet business. Launched in July 2009 by Brad from Minnesota, and Bart Centre of New Hampshire, the business offers Christian believers in the Rapture a guarantee that if the Rapture occurs and they are called to Jesus, their pets will be rescued
- [A Message of Thanks from The Bridge for Youth](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/a-message-of-thanks-from-the-bridge-for-youth/) - By Chelsea MillerThank you so much for choosing The Bridge to be the recipients of the items gathered at winter solstice donation drive, which we received on December 20, 2009. Your generosity will make an immediate difference in the lives of the runaway and homeless children at The Bridge for Youth this winter. The winter
- [Congressman Wants Christmas "Protected"](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/congressman-wants-christmas-protected/) - By Vic Tanner On 08 December 2009, Representative Henry Brown (R-SC) introduced H Rev. 951, a resolution to protect the "symbols and traditions of Christmas". The text of the resolution is as follows: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected for use by those
- [Improvement at the UN](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/improvement-at-the-un/) - By George Kane Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in October criticized the anti-defamation policies that are repeatedly proposed at the United Nations by the members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Clinton stated that “an individual's ability to practice his or her religion has no bearing on others' freedom of speech.” This statement is
- [Northwestern College Offers One Hell of an Education](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/northwestern-college-offers-one-hell-of-an-education/) - By Eric Jayne How is it that a well educated biology teacher refuses to accept the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection? How is it that otherwise articulate and intelligent people believe in ghosts, angels, demons, and literal interpretations of bible stories? In his book Why People Believe Weird Things, Michael Shermer posits that
- [President's Column: My Family of Cats](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/presidents-column-my-family-of-cats/) - By Jeannette Watland Christmas day saw me sitting around a table eating Dim Sum in a Chinese restaurant with about nine other atheists. At one point during the meal, one of the diners told the table that this has been the first Christmas in awhile that has actually meant something. I’m lucky enough to have
- [The Atheist's Bible Companion to the New Testament, by Mike Davis](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/the-atheists-bible-companion-to-the-new-testament-by-mike-davis/) - By James Zimmerman The Atheist’s Bible Companion to the New Testament, by Mike Davis.©2009, Outskirts Press, 460 pages If you’ve ever wondered how there can be so many branches of Christianity, with each denomination somehow able to back up its doctrines with scripture, look no further. The Atheist’s Bible Companion to the New Testament
- [Local Events Show Intelligent Design in Public Education Is Still Contentious](https://mnatheists.org/2010/01/local-events-show-intelligent-design-in-public-education-is-still-contentious/) - By George Kane On November 10 the Journal of Law and Public Policy conducted a symposium on “Intelligent Design and the Constitution” at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. This free and open-to-the public event was not advertised at all in the local freethought community. It seemed to me that the great majority
- [February Meeting - Safeguard Your Religious Freedoms](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/february-meeting-safeguard-your-religious-freedoms/) - There are groups in Minnesota that are busy tearing down the wall that separates church and state. These groups are well staffed, well organized, and well funded. They are also highly motivated. When their activities go unchecked, the religious freedom of all Minnesotans –believers and non-believers alike – is slowly eroded. It’s time for us
- [President's Column: Where are the Atheist Women?](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/presidents-column-where-are-the-atheist-women/) - By Jeannette Watland It's a familiar scenario. You go to an atheist event and walk into a room full of men. There may be a few women, but in many cases men make up the majority of atheist groups. Why is this? There is no original sin in atheism. There is no book telling us
- [Camp Quest News](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/camp-quest-news/) - By Jeannette Watland If someone were to ask me four years ago what my happy place was like, the answer would be very different than what it is today. I have never been a fan of the outdoors. I'm not athletic and have never been camping. Camp Quest of Minnesota has completely changed my perception
- [January Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/january-meeting-review/) - By George Kane Our first public meeting of the decade got off to a rocky start as members and interested newcomers arrived at the Ridgedale Library. The meeting room there, it turned out, was booked for a local Democratic Party meeting. A phone call over to the Southdale Library discovered that we were, in fact,
- [Looking Ahead](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/looking-ahead/) - By Eric Jayne Predicting the future has been as popular throughout human history as sex and war. The problem with most prognosticators, however, is that their predictions are so vague that just about any significant event can be interpreted as a validation of said predictions. My following predictions for the next decade might be many
- ["Let My People (and ONLY my people) Go!"](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/let-my-people-and-only-my-people-go/) - By John RobinsonI recently had a conversation on the subject of gay marriage with an acquired relative who is proudly, loudly Catholic. It is her adamant opinion that gay citizens should accept only civil union status and that the term “marriage” is entirely out of bounds for homosexuals. Curious about how she could defend a
- [Remembering Vic Chesnutt (November 12, 1964 - December 25, 2009)](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/remembering-vic-chesnutt-november-12-1964-december-25-2009/) - By Greg Peterson A week after Vic Chesnutt's death by intentional overdose at Christmas, I wanted to do a little homage to the musician at a gathering of friends and family. I was the real fan...not everyone there knew him. So I put on one of his recent albums, Skitter on Takeoff, and poured a round of drinks
- [President's Column](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/presidents-column/) - By August Berkshire I’d like to begin where our previous president, Jeannette Watland, left off last month, by highlighting three more women who have made extraordinary contributions to Minnesota Atheists. I join Jeannette in encouraging more women to step forward as atheist leaders. The first woman I’d like to mention is Marilyn Nienkerk. In 1982,
- [March Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/march-meeting/) - Beyond Errancy:How to Use Bible Contradictions to Refute Christianity When you discuss religion with Christians, do you just end up talking past each other? Most of us have had such encounters, where our arguments from science and reason are rebutted by biblical myths. We walk away from these discussions dismayed by our adversary’s shortcomings in
- [February Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/february-meeting-review/) - By George Kane Our February Meeting opened with the election of officers for the 2010 year. All of the candidates were unopposed, and were elected by voice acclamation: President, August Berkshire; Associate President, Laura Hutt; Chair, George Kane; Associate Chair, Steve Petersen; Treasurer, Brian Knoblock; Secretary, Rick Rohrer; Directors-at-large Karen Burke, Mike Haubrich and Cody
- [What's in a Name?](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/whats-in-a-name/) - By Bjorn Watland Atheist, humanist, secular humanist, Bright, freethinker, secularist, naturalist: these are all words I've heard people use to describe themselves. I recall the diversity of identifiers used at the Atheist Coming Out Day last year. I was reminded of this diversity when an issue came up with the newsletter for a secular organization: Should "humanism"
- [Waiting for Armageddon: Review and Panel Discussion](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/waiting-for-armageddon-review-and-panel-discussion/) - By James Zimmerman REVIEW:Waiting for Armageddon details the lives of several Americans who live in expectation of a rapture. And, as the film stresses, these evangelical Christians expect the End to arrive very, very soon—one young girl was nearly in tears as contemplated the future she was never going to have. Later, a mother pointed
- [No Amazing Grace in the Amazing Race](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/no-amazing-grace-in-the-amazing-race/) - By James Zimmerman During the February 28th episode of the CBS reality show the Amazing Race, contestants Monique and Shawne (billed as “Moms/Attorneys”) attempted to curry favor with the prime deity of the New Testament. During the leg’s Roadblock, teams were required to lasso a target 18 feet away and pull it towards them to
- [Book Review: The Heathen's Guide to World Religions](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/book-review-the-heathens-guide-to-world-religions/) - By James Zimmerman William Hopper’s The Heathen’s Guide presents a light-hearted, at times comical, overview of the world’s religions. It’s a short book, and thus doesn’t capture every detail about every little sect or cult in existence, but it spends a chapter on each of the biggies. The book is laid-out in a logical order:
- [Taxes from Hell](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/taxes-from-hell/) - By Eric Jayne Last month Joseph Stack flew his single-engine airplane into the side of an IRS office building in Austin, Texas. The attack killed Stack, one other man, and injured 12 others. The flurry of complaints and unhinged anger in Stack’s suicide note made it difficult to read but it was clear that he
- [Mountains of Money Out There](https://mnatheists.org/2010/03/mountains-of-money-out-there/) - By Matthew Richardson There is simply no reason why we of Minnesota Atheists should be struggling to get members to tithe or donate mere dollars when, if we used our brains (which atheists, as a community, have plenty of) we could get hundreds of thousands of dollars from rich atheists. We've never tried this in the
- [April Meeting: Existentialism](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/april-meeting-existentialism/) - Existentialism, as defined and described by Jean-Paul Sartre, is a lucid, compelling account of what it means to live a meaningful life in a world devoid of ultimate meaning. His famous dictum “existence preceded essence” says it all: by accepting the fact of our existence and by acting appropriately on it, one can fashion an
- [March Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/march-meeting-review/) - By George Kane The March public meeting featured local author Mike Davis speaking about how to use the Bible in discussions with Christian believers. Davis noted that most atheists steer wide of the Bible in such discussions, because they feel that they do not know it very well. Davis claimed that very few Christians have
- [The End](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/the-end/) - By James Zimmerman Mark your calendars: the end of the world is coming. No, not the literal demise of the planet, but the end of civilization as we’ve come to know it. To be precise, the end is coming on April 23rd of this year. That’s actually the latest possible date; it could come even
- [President's Column: Ambassadors of Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/presidents-column-ambassadors-of-atheism/) - By August Berkshire While I am not in favor of atheist evangelists who, as atheist comedienne Paula Poundstone joked, would go door-to-door with a book full of blank pages, I am in favor of us doing more to meet the second goal of our organization: Educating the public about atheism. Since 1989, when we were
- [Highway Clean-up](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/highway-clean-up-2/) - The highway clean-ups for Rice, MN and Lakeville, MN are set. The Rice clean-up will be on Sunday, April 25. We will start the clean up at 1:00 pm. Some will gather at noon for brunch at the Old Creamery Café in Rice, at 405 Main Street, just west of the stoplight on Highway 10.
- [Minnesota Atheists Meetup Events in the South Suburbs (and Target Field)](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/minnesota-atheists-meetup-events-in-the-south-suburbs-and-target-field/) - By Eric Jayne The public elementary school I attended had a no homework policy on Wednesdays. This policy was implemented to assure schoolwork didn’t interfere with church activities which were commonly held on Wednesday evenings. I was one of the many children who experienced the weekly indoctrinating, mind conditioning, brain washing AWANA classes (Approved Workmen
- [I Don't Believe in Theists](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/i-dont-believe-in-theists/) - By Ryan Sutter In an interview during the Vancouver Olympics on February 24th, bobsledder Lyndon Rush took advantage of his position as an Olympic athlete to tell the world that he doesn’t believe atheists exist. He went on record stating that there are no atheists at the top of bobsled runs, arguing: “Maybe they're not
- [Minnesota Atheists at the Movies: Shutter Island](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/minnesota-atheists-at-the-movies-shutter-island/) - By Jack Caravela For our March 7th Reel and Meal, fifteen intrepid atheists journeyed to the Rosedale 14 Theatre in Roseville, Minnesota to see Martin Scorsese's recently released film Shutter Island. This homage to film noirs of old seemed a natural choice for us, promising both suspense and fine performances by a number of distinguished
- [Encountering Naturalism](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/encountering-naturalism/) - By Grant Steves Fundamental in my search for answers has been to turn to science and philosophy. Science provides the evidence, and philosophy provides the reasoning strands that bring the evidence together for answers. In Thomas W. Clark’s book, Encountering Naturalism, you will find one rational answer through the philosophical school of naturalism. Clark’s presentation
- [Minnesota Atheists Committees](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/minnesota-atheists-committees/) - By Andy Flamm It's Springtime, and that means we have a new Board of Directors, along with a renewed energy focused on taking the great organization we have and making it even better. . To that end, the Board has updated the list of standing committees which exist to plan and carry out the various
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2010/04/news-and-notes-29/) - By George Kane On March 11, Michael Newdow suffered two setbacks in the type of church/state separation cases that have made him famous. A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 in the first suit that the words “In God We Trust” are constitutionally permissible on coins and currency, and later
- [Atheist 'Day of Reason' Celebration to be Held at the State Capitol](https://mnatheists.org/2010/05/atheist-day-of-reason-celebration-to-be-held-at-the-state-capitol/) - St. Paul, MN, April 21, 2010 -- Minnesota Atheists, a positive atheist organization that actively promotes secular values through participation in public affairs, educational programs, and social activities, plans for the fifth consecutive year to celebrate a Day of Reason as a secular alternative to the religious Day of Prayer event to be held simultaneously
- [Science vs. Religion: How Faith Makes Us Wrong](https://mnatheists.org/2010/05/science-vs-religion-how-faith-makes-us-wrong/) - On Sunday, May 16th, Minnesota Atheists will host a presentation by Dr. P.Z. Myers. Myers is a biologist, associate professor at U of M Morris and webmaster of the popular site Pharyngula. His discussion will feature three examples - from physics, developmental biology, and neuro-science - where religion has clearly led people down the wrong
- [May 23rd: Mark Your Calendars](https://mnatheists.org/2010/05/may-23rd-mark-your-calendars/) - By Steve Petersen Get ready for a Minnesota Atheists double-header: First, our Lakeville Highway Clean-up: The date will be Sunday May 23. We will meet at the McDonald’s at 21044 Kenrick Ave, Lakeville this is just off Highway 35 at the 210th Street exit. We will gather about 11:30 a.m. for a short lunch and
- [April Membership Meeting Provided No Exit From Existentialism](https://mnatheists.org/2010/05/april-membership-meeting-provided-no-exit-from-existentialism/) - By George KaneDr. Nick Pease, adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, presented a lecture on the moral philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre at our public meeting on April 18 at the Ridgedale Library. Dr. Pease explained that Sartre focused on the role of the individual in creating meaning and value in life through his actions.
- [Book Review: Don't Be Such a Scientist](https://mnatheists.org/2010/05/book-review-dont-be-such-a-scientist/) - By Grant Steves Minnesota Atheists does not identify as a proselytizing organization. However, we do believe in informing and educating the community about atheism. Many atheists would benefit from the book, Don’t Be Such a Scientist by Randy Olson. He has been a professor of marine biology who left to pursue a career in film
- [Festivals!](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/festivals/) - By August Berkshire This year we once again plan to have a booth at the Juneteenth Celebration, held in north Minneapolis on Saturday, June 19th. As a bonus, we are hoping to have a special presentation later that week by one of our members that we will advertise at the event. African-Americans are greatly underrepresented
- [June Festivals: Volunteers Needed](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/june-festivals-volunteers-needed/) - Juneteenth Saturday, June 19, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Minnesota Atheists will have a booth at the Juneteenth Festival again this year. It is one of the ways in which we reach out to communities that are underrepresented in the organized atheist movement. Juneteenth commemorates the day, in 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached
- [Easter, Elk River Style](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/easter-elk-river-style/) - by Nathan Ray I was raised in Elk River and went to church as a child with my family. Around age twelve I was given a choice of continuing to go to church or stop going. The choice was clear: I was done. I knew church was not for me. There were always more questions
- [Atheists and Humanists raise funds for kids: Freethinking community gathers to support campers](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/atheists-and-humanists-raise-funds-for-kids-freethinking-community-gathers-to-support-campers/) - “It is time to stand up and support children from non-religious families,” says one freethought community leader. “For years, non-religious families have been ignored by the larger freethought community. Now is the time to change that,” said Jeannette Watland. Jeannette is the Chair of Camp Quest of Minnesota, a nonprofit secular summer camp which holds
- [Secular Humanism Is Not a Religion](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/secular-humanism-is-not-a-religion/) - By Lee Salisbury In a recent letter to the Stillwater Gazette editor, Chris Nitardy claims that Secular Humanism is a religion and that this religion kicked God out of our schools, thereby prohibiting prayer in schools. Wow! Too bad Chris' religion isn't as powerful; it too would be able to kick his God's enemies out
- [We Need to Abort Prayer](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/we-need-to-abort-prayer/) - By Eric Jayne About one in five known pregnancies ends in a natural abortion (i.e. miscarriage) according to the Mayo Clinic website. If the American Pregnancy Association is right there are about 6 million known pregnancies every year in the United States. That means that there are roughly 1.2 million natural abortions each year in
- [The Minnesota Atheists Center](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/the-minnesota-atheists-center/) - by August Berkshire Minnesota Atheists is the state’s oldest, largest, and most active freethought organization. We promote not only our own activities but, through our Atheist Weekly E-mail (AWE), those of many other groups. We supply atheist speakers to other freethought groups, especially at colleges. At our recent Day of Reason celebration at the Minnesota
- [May Membership Meeting: Myers Draws a Full House](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/may-membership-meeting-myers-draws-a-full-house/) - by George Kane Our public meeting in May was our largest of the year, with over 100 people turning out to hear the American Humanist Association’s Humanist of the Year and celebrated science blogger P. Z. Myers tackle the question of whether science and religion can coexist. Myers answered that question at the very outset
- [Richard Dawkins Answers "What If You're Wrong?"](https://mnatheists.org/2010/06/richard-dawkins-answers-what-if-youre-wrong/) - Richard Dawkins October 7, 2009 Berkeley, CA
- [No God Required to Feel Awe in the Universe](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/no-god-required-to-feel-awe-in-the-universe/) - By Jeremy Fejfar Anyone who has seen the pictures sent back by the Hubble space telescope knows that a belief in a god or the supernatural isn't necessary to inspire awe. Through science, reality's wonder is revealed to us. Despite not being able to discern our movement directly, reasoning and careful observation lead us to
- [Communicating Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/communicating-atheism/) - By Grant Steves Atheists may have an intelligence that is above average. We may have more education than most groups, and we might conclude, we are better at communicating ideas. Not true! Education and intelligence do not equal successful communication. Successful communication is not a natural ability. It is not a gift, but it is
- [Minnesota Atheists at Target Field](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/minnesota-atheists-at-target-field/) - By Eric Jayne If you were at the Minnesota Twins game this past Mother’s Day you may have noticed a geeky-looking individual wearing a purple Minnesota Atheists t-shirt, standing on the main plaza holding a yellow sign that read “Minnesota Atheists” written in black marker. That "geek" was me. The purpose of the sign was
- [Your Summer Reading List](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/your-summer-reading-list/) - By Grant Steves Reading allows us to escape into sand castles, solve the great murder mystery, connect with the population of the planet Msiehta, or live vicariously through a romantic love story. Summer seems to seduce us into such easy reading. The following reading list does not meet the escapist standard. It is a list to
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/news-and-notes-28/) - By George Kane At the end of April, a 5-4 majority on the Supreme Court once again found that a monument on government land that features a Christian symbol does not constitute endorsement of religion. In the case Salazar v. Buono the Supremes reversed a lower court ruling that the transfer of the land
- [The First Minnesota Atheists Debaptism Event](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/the-first-minnesota-atheists-debaptism-event/) - By Eric Jayne On Sunday, May 23, in the quiet suburban community of Eagan, the very first Minnesota Atheists Debaptism event was performed. We had a pretty good turnout of about 25 ex-Christians—mostly former Catholics and Lutherans, but also two former Jehovah’s Witnesses, one former Southern Baptist, and one former Mormon. The Hair Dryer of
- [Atheists Talk Radio Set to Go Again!](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/atheists-talk-radio-set-to-go-again/) - by Mike Haubrich I am excited to announce that our Atheists Talk radio show is going to return to Sunday mornings beginning August first on AM 950 KTNF . This station was formerly known as “Air America Minnesota” and is now called “The Voice of Minnesota.” The original show served as a great way for
- [Paint the Bridge](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/paint-the-bridge/) - by CASH The new school year is fast approaching, which means student groups at the University of Minnesota are given the opportunity to paint the panels on the Washington Avenue Bridge. Student group Campus Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists are again raising funds for the promotion of secularism on campus by filling their panel with atheist,
- [President's Column: A Variety of Activities](https://mnatheists.org/2010/07/presidents-column-a-variety-of-activities/) - By August Berkshire Most of my past President’s Columns have focused on one particular aspect of our organization. I have done this because some of our newer members might not know our history, and as a way to publicly acknowledge and thank those members who have contributed to our success. I will resume this approach
- [June Cable Report](https://mnatheists.org/2010/08/june-cable-report/) - By Steve Petersen "Summer Reading Suggestions" For the first June show, host James Zimmerman interviewed MNA member Ryan Sutter on ideas for what to read while on vacation this summer. Ryan suggested an eclectic range of texts, including God, by Alexander Waugh, which consists of hundreds of vignettes on humans' depiction and beliefs in supernatural
- [2010 Twin Cities Gay Pride Festival](https://mnatheists.org/2010/08/2010-twin-cities-gay-pride-festival/) - By August Berkshire This year, 41 people took part in our annual participation in the Twin Cities Gay Pride Booth and Parade. We would especially like to thank Matthew Richardson for coordinating the booth volunteers; Steve Petersen, Shirley Moll, Rachel Wilson, and August Berkshire for setting up and tearing down the booth; and Richard Trombley
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2010/02/news-and-notes-27/) - By George Kane I have for many years held that it is more important to listen to media commentators who are direct ideological opponents than those with whom I am likely to agree. To that end I try to arrange my weekday schedule so that I am in my car driving off to a restaurant
- [Book Review - Leadership: From the Inside Out](https://mnatheists.org/2010/08/book-review-leadership-from-the-inside-out/) - By Grant Steves Leadership: From the Inside Out, Kevin Cashman.© 2008, 215 pages. Perhaps the pastoral setting of Minnesota inspired Kevin Cashman to reflect on what makes a leader. His own experience has grounded him in the practical aspects of leadership. What he discovered in his reflection on leadership was that it comes from
- [Happy Harmonies](https://mnatheists.org/2010/08/happy-harmonies/) - By Eric Jayne Looking for a cult-like experience without the dangerous mind control, cyanide laced Kool-Aid,* and pungent commune? Allow me to introduce you to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Besides my childhood experience at Bible camp, their June 6 performance at First Ave. in Minneapolis was the closest I have come to encountering
- [You Will Read This Title](https://mnatheists.org/2010/08/you-will-read-this-title/) - By James Zimmerman In novels, plays, and motion pictures, it’s always the same. From Star Wars to the Matrix, Lord of the Rings to Battlestar Galactica to Harry Potter and even Julius Caesar, there’s a prophecy, and the characters have been holding to it for many years, generations even. The problem is, the prophecy is
- [American Atheists Minnesota Conference on September 19th](https://mnatheists.org/2010/09/american-atheists-minnesota-conference-on-september-19th/) - A sure sign that the summer is over is the return of our monthly meetings. In September, however, we will have only a business meeting, from noon to 12:45. We are ceding the floor for the rest of the afternoon to American Atheists for their Minnesota Conference, presented by their state director, Randall Tigue. Five
- [Recent Events](https://mnatheists.org/2010/09/recent-events-2/) - By George Kane Presentation on Religious Indoctrination On Sunday, July 25, Grant Steves gave perhaps his last public presentation for Minnesota Atheists, before he moves to Wisconsin in September. Speaking to about 40 attendees at the Golden Valley Library, Grant deconstructed the processes of religious conversion and deconversion, based on his personal journey as a
- [Footprints on the Web](https://mnatheists.org/2010/09/footprints-on-the-web/) - By Eric Jayne My digital footprint has been causing me a little stress lately now that I have joined a very competitive labor market vying for a job. Not that I’m ashamed of my digital footprint but I feel that my outspoken support for atheism, science, and civil liberties (via secularism) may be a turnoff
- [President's Column: Memberships](https://mnatheists.org/2010/09/presidents-column-memberships/) - By August Berkshire This month I’d like to talk about membership in Minnesota Atheists. Keeping track of memberships (and donations) is very detailed work, and I would like to thank Steve Petersen, Shirley Moll, and Brian Knoblock for the tremendous job they do. Steve has compiled the following data about members and supporters of our
- [July and August Cable Report](https://mnatheists.org/2010/09/july-and-august-cable-report/) - By Steve Petersen For the month of July, Grant Steves conducted two interviews, one with James Zimmerman (see photo at left) on Religion’s Use of Science and the second was with Matthew Richardson on Religion and the US Drug Policy. For the month of August, George Kane interviewed Randall Tigue (see photo below), American Atheists
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2010/09/news-and-notes-26/) - By George Kane Federal Court Finds California’s Proposition 8 UnconstitutionalFederal District Court Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling in Perry v. Schwarzenegger early in August that overturned California’s Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as a union between “a man and a woman,” set off a predictable storm of outrage from the religious right. Tony
- [Minnesota Atheists Denounce Minnesota Catholic Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/minnesota-atheists-denounce-minnesota-catholic-conference/) - Minnesota Atheists denounces the Minnesota Catholic Conference for mailing 400,000 DVDs to the homes of Catholics as a clear intent to influence the upcoming state elections. The videos, which feature John Nienstedt, Archbishop of Minneapolis and St. Paul, call for Catholics to take political action to demand an amendment to the Minnesota State Constitution to
- [Celebrate Sanity and Reason with a De-Baptism on October 30 in Eagan, MN](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/celebrate-sanity-and-reason-with-a-de-baptism-on-october-30-in-eagan-mn/) - On Saturday, October 30 a Rally to Restore Sanity will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. There will also be a March to Keep Fear Alive held at the same place at the same time. Both events (the latter one satirically mocking Glenn Beck's recent "tea party" rally) are being held for
- [The Pew Forum U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/the-pew-forum-u-s-religious-knowledge-survey/) - On Tuesday, September 28th, the Pew Forum reported in an executive summary that “atheists agnostics, Jews and Mormons are among the highest-scoring groups on a new survey of religious knowledge, outperforming evangelical Protestants, mainline Protestants and Catholics on questions about the core teachings, history and leading figures of major world religions.” Out of 32 questions
- [President's Column: Freethought Cooperation](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/presidents-column-freethought-cooperation/) - By August Berkshire Cooperation among atheist and humanist groups of goodwill is always an admirable goal. For many years Minnesota Atheists has been a leader in this area. In just this year, we have worked cooperatively with the following groups: Humanists of Minnesota - Ongoing co-hosting of summer picnics and the winter solstice party. Making
- [From Darwin to Hitler? How Creationists Revise History](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/from-darwin-to-hitler-how-creationists-revise-history/) - Once again in October, Minnesota Atheists is honored to have as our speaker Dr. Hector Avalos. One of the most persistent arguments being used against evolution is that it led to the Holocaust. The movie, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed makes this argument a cornerstone of its creationist agenda. Dr. Avalos will refute this myth, and
- [Recent Events](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/recent-events/) - By George Kane For several years, we have celebrated the fifth Sunday of any month with a highly successful fundraising meal for our special projects. For the last couple of years, this has been a Flying Spaghetti Monster feast featuring a wide variety of sauces donated by members. This August, however, the fifth Sunday fell
- [Fifty Years Ago...](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/fifty-years-ago/) - John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered the following address (reprinted below is a portion) to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, on September 12, 1960. He was campaigning for president, and many conservative Protestants opposed him because he was a Catholic. This speech is considered a classic exposition of American separation of church and state. Reverend Meza, Reverend
- [Project 42](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/project-42/) - By Jason Schoenack The Red River Freethinkers held an enthusiastic conference in Fargo on September 18. The conference, called “Project 42”, attracted an overflow crowd at the downtown Hotel Radisson. The name was taken from the novel The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, where 42 was the ultimate answer to everything. Attendees came from six
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/news-and-notes-25/) - By George Kane Two stories of religious strife between Christians and Muslims in America played out in September. First came manufactured Christian outrage over the approval by New York City planners of a Muslim culture center down a side street two blocks from Ground Zero. Presidential hopefuls Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich demanded that the
- [Book Review: Disproving Christianity](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/book-review-disproving-christianity/) - by James Zimmerman Disproving Christianity: Refuting the World’s Most Followed Religion, by David McAfee96 pages, CreateSpace, ©2010 In Disproving Christianity, author David McAfee sets out to deftly, succinctly point out all the reasons why the Holy Bible can’t possibly be the word of a loving, all-knowing deity. And he does a respectable job. McAfee begins
- [La Crosse Gay Pride Festival Participation](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/la-crosse-gay-pride-festival-participation/) - Members of the La Crosse Area Freethought Society (LCAFS) (Jan Contreras and Hank Zumach) and Minnesota Atheists (August Berkshire and Matthew Richardson) took turns staffing a booth at the La Crosse Gay Pride festival on August 28. The weather was sunny, hot, and windy. Speaking of hot wind, outside the festival gates a handful of
- [VOTE!](https://mnatheists.org/2010/10/vote/) - Exercise your right as a Minnesotan and make sure your voice as an atheist is heard! Election day will be Tuesday, November 2nd. At the Federal level, elections are being held for U.S. Representatives. Elections are also being held for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, Attorney General, and many State
- [Dropping Jehovah: James Zimmerman's Critical Thinking Presentation](https://mnatheists.org/2010/11/dropping-jehovah-james-zimmermans-critical-thinking-presentation/) - By Eric Jayne On September 11, James Zimmerman delivered an engaging presentation before the Critical Thinking Discussion Group in Maple Grove. Zimmerman spoke about his experience as a practicing Jehovah’s Witness (JW) and the struggle he encountered from leaving the church and eventually becoming an atheist. Zimmerman began his presentation by giving the 21 attendees
- [The Trouble with Christmas](https://mnatheists.org/2010/11/the-trouble-with-christmas/) - Tom Flynn has been recounting the history of the year-end holidays – and offering his rollicking rationale for why secular humanists should just sit the merriment out – since his book The Trouble with Christmas came out in 1993. But 2010 is the first year that his presentation is fully illustrated in a lavish PowerPoint
- [President's Column: Memberships and Meetups](https://mnatheists.org/2010/11/presidents-column-memberships-and-meetups/) - By August Berkshire Thank you, thank you, thank you! We received such a large increase in members and other financial supporters last month that, had any of us prayed for it, it would have caused us to rethink the power of prayer. Instead, as Dan Barker would say, we tried not praying – and it
- [God and the Army](https://mnatheists.org/2010/11/god-and-the-army/) - By Jacob Budd I want to make it clear that I do not hold ill will toward the United States Army, or any branch of the military for that matter. I enjoy being a part of something larger than myself, and hopefully having the opportunity to make a difference. I have never regretted my decision
- [October Cable Report](https://mnatheists.org/2010/11/october-cable-report/) - By Steve Petersen In part one of the two-part show, host James Zimmerman interviewed Eric Jayne. Eric organizes and heads up the south-of-the-metro bookclub (a.k.a. Burnsville Book Club). Eric gave details on where and when the bookclub meets and how many people usually attend. Eric then discussed some of the books the club has discussed
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/news-and-notes-24/) - By George Kane When I drive my car I often listen to Christian radio station KKMS, because I like to hear what the opponents of church/state separation are up to. In early October, I heard their drive-time host, Pastor Brad Brandon, announce his plan to challenge the tax code regulation that forbids tax-exempt organizations from
- [Creche Display](https://mnatheists.org/2010/11/creche-display/) - To: Governor Tim PawlentyOffice of the Governor130 State Capitol75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.St. Paul, MN 55155Governor Pawlenty:The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights announced that it is purchasing and shipping to every governor a crèche, with a request to display it in a government building to commemorate the Christmas season. An
- [Exploring Positive Atheism in Action](https://mnatheists.org/2010/12/exploring-positive-atheism-in-action/) - By Eric Jayne The concept of positive atheism in action is undoubtedly a valued principal among members of Minnesota Atheists (MNA). Some members have suggested that positive atheism in action precludes some events from happening in order to spare the feelings of religious believers who might be keeping track of our events. This was the
- [Winter Solstice 2010](https://mnatheists.org/2010/12/winter-solstice-2010/) - Freethought Follies and Solstice CelebrationSunday, December 19th.The most fun you’ ll have all year! Sign up for the 2010 Winter Solstice Banquet and Follies ProgramWniter Solstice 2010Freethought Follies and Solstice CelebrationSunday, December 19th.The most fun you’ ll have all year!The Doubletree Park Place Hotel1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416(Highway I-394 and
- [Merry Christ-Myth!](https://mnatheists.org/2010/12/merry-christ-myth/) - By Eric Jayne For the past 12 years my wife and I have put up our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving and this year was no exception. This year we celebrated in our usual fashion which includes eggnog and the Bing Crosby White Christmas album. Our three children eagerly rummaged through the boxes of
- [God & Abortion](https://mnatheists.org/2010/12/god-abortion/) - By August Berkshire Many religious people claim that the god they believe in is “pro-life” when it comes to abortion. They also believe in “ensoulment” at conception: that a “supernatural” “soul” somehow enters a human egg the moment it is fertilized by sperm. Let us examine these and other religious claims to see if they
- [Biblical Commandments Are Unconstitutional](https://mnatheists.org/2010/12/biblical-commandments-are-unconstitutional/) - By August Berkshire There are many Ten Commandments monuments on public property throughout the United States. They are often found on the lawns outside courthouses, city halls, state capitols, and in public parks. Many of these monuments were erected from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. This was done at
- [Top 10 in 2010](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/top-10-in-2010/) - By Eric Jayne When people take time to remember the events of 2010 they’ll probably think back to the Chilean miners who were trapped underground for 69 days before being rescued; or they might remember the horrific earthquake in Haiti that killed over 200,000 people. Perhaps they’ll remember the signing of the health care bill,
- [President's Column: The Year in Review](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/presidents-column-the-year-in-review/) - By August Berkshire 2010 was a very challenging year for Minnesota Atheists. Yet despite difficult economic times that affected all nonprofits, we managed to hold our own. Not only that, but we were able to reinstate our radio show, thanks to generous donations from our members and advertising from the Humanists of Minnesota and Q.Cumbers
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/news-and-notes-21/) - By George Kane The Supreme Court of the United States took a sledge hammer to the separation of Church and State in March when it refused to hear an appeal by the University of Wisconsin of a suit brought by Badger Catholic, a student organization. While the university provided routine funding for the student group,
- [Book Review: God Hates You, Hate Him Back](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/book-review-god-hates-you-hate-him-back/) - By James Zimmerman God Hates You, Hate Him Back, by CJ Werleman, 298 pages, Dangerous Little Books, ©2009Werleman definitely gets an 'A' for idea: his goal is to make "the ultimate case for the claim that the God of the Bible is the most wicked character in the pages of history" (back cover) by discussing
- [Flynn Presentation](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/flynn-presentation/) - By George Kane Tom Flynn, the Executive Director of the Council for Secular Humanism, provided the educational presentation at our November 21st public meeting at the Ridgedale Library. He spoke on the problems that the Christmas celebration presents to atheists, a topic with which he has been identified since the 1993 publication of his book
- [Cable Report 2010](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/cable-report-2010/) - By Steve Petersen This past year was an active one for our cable program. Here is a recap of our programming. In Janaury, host James Zimmerman interviewed author Mike Davis about his book The Atheist's Bible Companion to the New Testament. Mike discussed how he came up with the idea for the book and explained
- [Remembering Steve Landesberg](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/remembering-steve-landesberg/) - By Grant Hermanson Steve Landesberg , best known for his role as police detective Arthur Dietrich on the TV sitcom Barney Miller, has died of cancer. Steve played what might have been the first openly atheist character on TV (who wasn't some kind of villain). Upon learning that Dietrich was an atheist, Barney asks, somewhat
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/01/news-and-notes-23/) - By George Kane I am quite aware that most members of Minnesota Atheists regularly vote for Democratic Party candidates. It is obvious from chatting at our social events that most of you saw the November elections as a downer. Republicans took control of the House, erased the Democrats’ super-majority in the Senate and cast serious
- [President's Column: The New Year](https://mnatheists.org/2011/02/presidents-column-the-new-year/) - By August Berkshire I’m very excited about our upcoming year. We start out having restored our membership to the level it was at two years ago, mostly through lapsed members having renewed, but also through gaining many new members (welcome!). We will once again have a strong, talented board of directors, supplemented by numerous other
- [Make It a PZ Myers Weekend!](https://mnatheists.org/2011/02/make-it-a-pz-myers-weekend/) - Internationally acclaimed science-atheist blogger PZ Myers (http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula) will be in the Twin Cities on Saturday and Sunday, February 19th and 20th. Professor Myers will give different presentations at each of the three following venues. Humanists of MinnesotaSaturday, Feb. 19, 10:00 a.m.-noonNokomis Recreation Center2401 East Minnehaha Parkway, MinneapolisMyers will present on the topic “The Evolution of
- [Minnesota Atheists Should Support Ending the War on Drugs](https://mnatheists.org/2011/02/minnesota-atheists-should-support-ending-the-war-on-drugs/) - By Matthew RichardsonMinnesota Atheists has taken official positions on a number of social and political issues, and has subsequently written policy papers on these issues. These positions and policies are based on separation of state and church, human rights, and humanitarianism. I think the time is long overdue for Minnesota Atheists to take a position
- [News and Notes: Mount Soledad Cross Opponents Win the Latest Decision](https://mnatheists.org/2011/02/news-and-notes-mount-soledad-cross-opponents-win-the-latest-decision/) - By George Kane Since I started writing this column in 2001, I have covered litigation over the Mt. Soledad Cross many times. It has been of particular interest to me because I could see the cross from Rancho Bernardo, where I lived in the early ‘90s before I came to Minnesota. I think that we
- [Fighting for Family Acceptance](https://mnatheists.org/2011/02/fighting-for-family-acceptance/) - By Eric Jayne About an hour after Alabama governor Bob Bentley was inaugurated on Martin Luther King Day, he delivered a speech saying that he would serve all Alabamans regardless of party affiliation or race. In the next breath, however, the governor indicated that anyone “who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior” is
- [Atheists Talk: January Radio Report](https://mnatheists.org/2011/02/atheists-talk-january-radio-report/) - By Steve Petersen Atheists Talk’s director is Mike Haubrich. He and Scott Lohman host. The radio program is live every Sunday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 at the KTNF studios in Eden Prairie, MN AM 950. Live steaming can be done through our web page mnatheists.org. Original music is composed, played and recoded by Brent
- [President's Column: Reaching Out to Religious People](https://mnatheists.org/2011/03/presidents-column-reaching-out-to-religious-people/) - By August Berkshire How important is it to dialogue with religious people? I like to say that I don’t care what people believe; I care how they vote: what they believe affects them; how they vote affects me. But since what religious people believe often affects how they vote, we can’t ignore what they believe
- [Charter Schools and Religion](https://mnatheists.org/2011/03/charter-schools-and-religion/) - The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) filed a lawsuit in January 2009 in Federal District Court against Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy (TIZA) and the Minnesota Department of Education, stating that the charter school has violated the Establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution by using taxpayer money to illegally promote religion. The Minnesota Department
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/03/news-and-notes-22/) - By George Kane In early February, a three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio that Judge James DeWeese must remove from his Richland County Court of Common Pleas courtroom a poster that includes the Ten Commandments. The court
- [Minnesota Atheists Speaking Against Religious-Based Blue Laws](https://mnatheists.org/2011/03/minnesota-atheists-speaking-against-religious-based-blue-laws/) - Minnesota Atheists testified on March 16th at the State Capitol in favor of repealing the blue law that forced liquor stores to be closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and to close early on Christmas Eve. This is some of the press coverage we received: Duluth News Tribunehttp://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/194095/group/homepageCapitol Newshttp://hometownsource.com/2011/03/16/sunday-liquor-store-sales-bill-nudges-forward-in-senate
- [Book Review: The Moral Landscape](https://mnatheists.org/2011/03/book-review-the-moral-landscape/) - By Grant Steves The Moral Landscape, by Sam Harris, ©2010, 304 pages, Free Press. In two forthcoming books, by Patricia Churchland (Braintrust) and Joshua Greene (unknown publisher), there will be a discussion of neuroscience and morality. Their research parallels in time Sam Harris’ research for The Moral Landscape. In this review I will reference their
- [Godless Fun in Des Moines During the American Atheists Convention](https://mnatheists.org/2011/03/godless-fun-in-des-moines-during-the-american-atheists-convention/) - By Eric Jayne In 1988 the popular and controversial television evangelist, Pat Robertson received an impressive second place finish in the Iowa Caucus for the Republican presidential nomination. It’s worth noting that he beat the eventual president, George H. W. Bush by six points (Bob Dole finished first). Twenty years later Iowa voters overwhelmingly selected
- [Public Hearing to Be Scheduled to Rename the City of St. Paul](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/public-hearing-to-be-scheduled-to-rename-the-city-of-st-paul/) - Breaking News from the St. Paul Sentinel Saint Paul City council members and Mayor Chris Coleman will be meeting next Monday to discuss preparations for a public hearing to possibly restore the city’s name to “Pig’s Eye”. The preliminary meeting was scheduled after city lawmakers received a wave of emails, letters, and phone calls petitioning
- [President's Column: Defeating an Old Religious Blue Law](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/presidents-column-defeating-an-old-religious-blue-law/) - By August Berkshire Currently, liquor stores in Minnesota are not allowed to sell intoxicating liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, and they must close two hours earlier than normal on Christmas Eve. This law (Statute 340A.504) is clearly an old blue law enacted for religious reasons. This year, identical bills were introduced in
- [The Day of Games](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/the-day-of-games/) - Our public meeting on Sunday, April 17th, will be a Game Day at the Roseville Library. Game Day is a fun opportunity for families and people of all ages. It has been a couple of years since we have held this event, and it was always a lot of fun. Test your knowledge of atheist
- [May Day Parade and Festival - Sunday, May 1st](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/may-day-parade-and-festival-sunday-may-1st/) - How to find us: Look for the MNA banner and all the MNA t-shirts. You can't miss us! Click HERE for the May Day parade route. The May Day Parade and Festival in South Minneapolis is one of the most fun things Minnesota Atheists get to do during the year. We gather at Cedar Field
- [The Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/the-day-of-reason-2/) - From noon to 1:00 on Thursday, May 5th, Minnesota Atheists will once again hold a Day of Reason rally in the State Capitol Rotunda. This is the sixth year that we have held this celebration of the separation of church and state to protest the “Day of Prayer” event held at the same time outside
- [Jesus "No Vine" Christ!](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/jesus-no-vine-christ/) - By Eric Jayne I was driving south on 35E in St. Paul the other day and just before I took the downtown exits a billboard caught my attention. Written in big letters, that looked like they were cut from ancient parchment, was the name “Jesus”. Below his name, in bold black letters, was the proclamation:
- [High on God, or High on Dope?](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/high-on-god-or-high-on-dope/) - By Peter HolsteIn the February issue of The Minnesota Atheist, life member Matthew Richardson argued that our organization should support the legalization of drugs. Referring not to prescription medicines but to now-illegal recreational drugs, which he likens to a “humanitarian effort.” Yikes—there are so many things wrong with that, it’s hard to know where to
- [Why the Impending Rapture Is Good News for Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/why-the-impending-rapture-is-good-news-for-atheists/) - By James Zimmerman In case you haven’t heard, the Rapture is slated to occur on May 21st of this year. On that Saturday, Jesus will call his faithful and true followers up to heaven to spend eternity with Him. Left on the Earth will be the evil souls who have willfully rejected Jesus and hatefully
- [Book Review: Jesus Lied, He was Only Human](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/book-review-jesus-lied-he-was-only-human/) - By Grant Steves The label found on the cover of CJ Werleman’s new book states “Explicit Content – WARNING – Harmful to Faith.” A plethora of similar books has been released in the last few years. Books from significant New Testament scholars with the ability to reach the general reading audience are among those published.
- [Welcome to Pig's Eye, Minnesota!](https://mnatheists.org/2011/04/welcome-to-pigs-eye-minnesota/) - By Eric Jayne (This is a separate article from the April Fools' spoof that appeared on this website April 1) There’s a Birdseye in Colorado, Frogeye in Maryland, Hogeye in Texas, and even a Pigeye in both Alabama and Ohio. For a long time there was a Pig’s Eye in Minnesota until a Catholic
- [The (Hypocritical) Day of Prayer](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/the-hypocritical-day-of-prayer/) - By James Zimmerman On May 5th, while the Day of Reason celebration was happening inside the Capitol, the Day of Prayer was happening outside. Here is a short (~3 minutes) video showing some of the events of the Day of Prayer. MNA member James Zimmerman added in some scriptures to highlight the (non-)biblical nature of
- [August's Day of Reason Speech from 05.05.11](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/augusts-day-of-reason-speech-from-05-05-11/) - By August Berkshire America is under attack by Religious Right Christians. They are attacking women, gay people, workers, voters, doctors, our educational system, our healthcare system, nonChristians, and the poor. Their policies will result in a loss of civil rights, intolerance, ignorance, illness, suffering, poverty, physical violence, and death. There seems to be very little
- [Mike's Day of Reason Speech from 05.05.11](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/mikes-day-of-reason-speech-from-05-05-11/) - By Mike Haubrich (Picture courtesy of Richard W. Trombley) Welcome to the Day of Reason. We call this the Day of Reason not because we think of the participants in the National Day of Prayer as unreasonable people. Rather, we see them as surrendering their reason; to appeal to a higher authority that either does
- [George's Day of Reason Speech from 05.05.11](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/georges-day-of-reason-speech-from-05-05-11/) - By George Kane “The separation of church and state is nowhere in the constitution.” That’s a favorite mantra of conservative Christians that they are always eager to repeat. On any day, if you undertake a google search for news of church/state separation, you are certain to find an editorial, commentary or letter to the editor
- [Letter to the Editor in the St. Paul Pioneer Press - 05.08.11](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/letter-to-the-editor-in-the-st-paul-pioneer-press-05-08-11/) - By Eric Jayne (Letter to the editor, titled "Day of Reason" was published in the Sunday's 05.08.11 edition of the St. Paul Pioneer Press) It was disappointing that Gov. Dayton chose to celebrate the National Day of Prayer with church pastors on the Capitol's steps instead of celebrating reason with the Minnesota Atheists in the
- [Attend the Blasphemer's Ball on May 21 in Hell's Kitchen!](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/attend-the-blasphemers-ball-on-may-21-in-hells-kitchen/) - Here's a party you just can't miss—a chance to mix and mingle with the coolest heretics, infidels, and idolaters you'll ever meet while we revel in the sights and sounds of the most unholy entertainment ever assembled on one stage: Le Cirque Rouge! Robots from the Future! Ocean Cats! and a surprise special guest!
- [Book Review: Revolutionary Deists](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/book-review-revolutionary-deists/) - By James Zimmerman In the latter half of the 18th century, America was in the throes of revolution. In the midst of the better-known political revolution, there was also a revolution of thought. Kerry Walters, in his latest book Revolutionary Deists: Early America’s Rational Infidels (©2011, Prometheus Books), takes readers on a cogent journey that
- [The End of Christianity?](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/the-end-of-christianity/) - ohn W. Loftus is the author of the book Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity. He is a scholar who has, in his own words, “pretty much the equivalent of a Ph. D". Loftus will be the guest speaker at the Minnesota Atheists Monthly Members Meeting at Southdale Library on Sunday,
- [President's Column: Common Secular Objections to Same-Sex Marriage Rebutted](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/presidents-column-common-secular-objections-to-same-sex-marriage-rebutted/) - By August Berkshire Last year Minnesota Atheists participated in six Gay Pride celebrations because the attempt by religious people to deny equal rights to people based on sexual orientation is one of the most prevalent violations of separation of state and church in America. The Republican majorities in the State Congress are trying to place
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/news-and-notes-20/) - By George Kane A ruling in April by the Supreme Court may well have disastrous consequences for the separation of church and state in the United States. By a 5-4 ruling in the case Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn, the court overturned a 43 year-old precedent that had allowed tax payers to sue
- [Book Review: Brain Trust](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/book-review-brain-trust/) - By Grant Steves Braintrust, by Patricia S. Churchland ©2011, Princeton University Press, 288 pages. Patricia Churchland is an outstanding philosopher and scientist. In her career, she has published several articles and books of importance in the area of neurophilosophy. Starting in 1986, her book Neuro-philosophy: Towards a Unified Understanding of the Mind-Brain was published; in
- [Take Me Out to the Ballgame...Not Church](https://mnatheists.org/2011/05/take-me-out-to-the-ballgame-not-church/) - By Eric Jayne If you’re a baseball fan like me then you’re happy that the Major League Baseball season is underway. Even if the Minnesota Twins continue to have a rough season I will be spending my hard earned money at a few games in Target Field this year. It’s fun to root for my
- [Do You Have a Unique Story to Tell?](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/do-you-have-a-unique-story-to-tell/) - Dear Minnesota Atheists, You are invited to submit a paper for possible inclusion in a new book scheduled to be published in late 2012. The book, with the working title Atheist Voices of Minnesota, will be a collection of primarily autobiographical writings from atheists living in or who are from Minnesota. All proceeds from the
- [March with Us in the Pride Parade](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/march-with-us-in-the-pride-parade/) - There is currently a hostile attempt to alter our secular state Constitution with a narrow religious amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Consequently, this pride parade and festival could be one of the most active yet. Come show your support for separation of government and religion, and protecting Minnesota’s Constitution
- [President's Column: MNA Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/presidents-column-mna-day-of-reason/) - By August Berkshire When dealing with religious people, I can usually maintain a calm, even friendly, demeanor. This is because I think atheists have already won the intellectual argument (whether religious people acknowledge it or not), and now we need to win the emotional argument and the political argument. But when it comes to politics,
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/news-and-notes-19/) - By George Kane At the end of April, the Washington Post published an article by two sociologists that provided many useful facts that argue that atheists are socially well-adjusted by comparison to god-believers: On numerous respected measures of societal success — rates of poverty, teenage pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, obesity, drug use and crime,
- [Oh God!](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/oh-god/) - By Nicole HelgetNicole Helget is a writer and teacher from the Mankato area. Here, she offers her witty perspective on Jesus, religion, and belief. -ed.I like Jesus. I imagine he was the kind of guy I would enjoy hanging out with. And I think he’d probably be happy to chill with me. Honestly, if Jesus
- [May Cable Report](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/may-cable-report/) - By Steve Petersen For our May cable program George Kane interviewed Sandhya Bathija on Thomas Jefferson’s Wall of Separation. Bathija is the Communications Associate for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. She joined the staff in May 2008. Bathija previously worked as a reporter for the legal trade publication The National Law Journal,
- [Atheists Talk: May Radio Report](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/atheists-talk-may-radio-report/) - By Steve Petersen Our radio program is live every Sunday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 from the KTNF studios in Eden Prairie on AM 950. Minnesota Atheists is the producer and the Director is Mike Haubrich. Hosts include Mike Haubrich and Scott Lohman. Original music is composed, played and recorded by Brent Michael Davids. Live
- [Genuine Atheists and Illegitimate Christians Support Gay Rights](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/genuine-atheists-and-illegitimate-christians-support-gay-rights/) - By Eric Jayne The brutal practice of slavery was arguably the nation’s most disturbing human rights disaster in the 19th century. It was a subject that profoundly impacted Mark Twain who grew up in pre-Civil War Missouri. Even though many Christians today credit their religion for the abolitionist movement and the end of slavery, Twain
- [Book Review: Reasonable Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/book-review-reasonable-atheism/) - By James Zimmerman Reasonable Atheism, by Scott Aikin and Robert Talisse ©2011, Prometheus Press, 220 pages. In Reasonable Atheism, authors Scott Aikin and Robert Talisse set out to present a moral case for atheism. They attempt to "show religious believers that atheism is a morally and intellectually responsible position" (9). They do a rather
- [Your Turn: COEXIST without Religion](https://mnatheists.org/2011/06/your-turn-coexist-without-religion/) - by August Berkshire (This rebuttal opinion was printed in the St. Cloud Times on May 14, 2011. It was also published in the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. -ed.) As I pondered the April 28 Times’ Writers Group column “Religion gives adherents guide,” I came up with my own list of meanings for the
- [4th of July Atheist Aerial Banners to Fly over Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/4th-of-july-atheist-aerial-banners-to-fly-over-minnesota/) - The American Atheists have paid for aerial banners to fly over 27 states on the 4th of July throughout the country including right here in Minnesota! The aerial banners will say "God-Less America" or "Atheism is Patriotic". The plane will be flying the banner over 4th of July community celebrations in Minnesota from 1:00-2:00pm over
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/news-and-notes-18/) - June is the time of year for high school graduation ceremonies, and the time for that annual battle of the culture wars when Christians try to turn them into religious services. This year the outcome was a distinct and disappointing setback for the separation of church and state. Louisiana’s Bastrop High School distributed programs for
- [Genesis 51:33-51 (Not All Gods are Good)](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/genesis-5133-51-not-all-gods-are-good/) - Kyle Rogers, a young and ambitious local filmmaker, is completing his latest project titled Genesis 51:33-51. Although he’s directed many short films this one is the first he’s worked on with a significant budget. For more details about Kyle, the movie, and how you can help him with the project visit his movie page by
- [Book Ideas for Young Freethinkers](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/book-ideas-for-young-freethinkers/) - James Zimmerman interviewed Mindy Rhiger during June’s cable show taping of Atheist Talk. Rhiger recommended many freethought books during the show which are all listed here under one of two categories: Science and Religion. Happy Reading! Science On the Day You Were Born, by Debra FrasierThis poetic picture book may make natural phenomena seem miraculous,
- [Coping with Christmas—2016](https://mnatheists.org/2016/11/coping-with-christmas-2016-2/) - It’s inevitable, before the leaves have fallen, Christmas items are on store shelves and it starts: the unavoidable fervor of Christmas. If that wasn’t bad enough, it’s the season of major family gatherings celebrating the holidays. Some have this part easier than others, with family who welcomes your atheism, or don’t have the traditional family
- [The Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/the-beak-of-the-finch-by-jonathan-weiner/) - By Brett Welch There have been many fine books regarding evolution and Darwinian ideas written by names we are all familiar with: Dawkins, Gould, Dennett, Eldredge, etc. All these books are good with their own particular perspective on an evolutionary principle. However, I would like to point out a book you may have overlooked. While
- [Doubt: A History by Jennifer Michael Hecht](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/doubt-a-history-by-jennifer-michael-hecht/) - By Greg Peterson A friend and I were commiserating about the relative dearth of good atheist books. Say what you will about the Christian faith we left (and we’ve both said plenty), there is within the church a tradition of heady literature. From Augustine and Pascal to G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, we never lacked
- [Min Liv Som Humanist (My Life as a Humanist) by Edd Doerr](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/min-liv-som-humanist-my-life-as-a-humanist-by-edd-doerr/) - By Rick Rohrer Edd Doerr came to the twin cities some years ago when he was president of AHA to be the keynote speaker at the first ever banquet for the Humanists of Minnesota. Those who were present got to know Edd Doerr as a gifted speaker, tireless worker, and accomplished coalition-builder. Doerr collects the
- [Natural Atheism by David Eller](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/natural-atheism-by-david-eller/) - By Grant Steves Professor Eller teaches Cultural Anthropology in Denver, Colorado. In his research on religion, he gained great insight into the affects of religion and the advantages of freethinking. Natural Atheism has some challenging material, but it appears Professor Eller’s aim was to address a general audience. At the beginning, he clarifies what he
- [Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/leaving-the-saints-by-martha-beck/) - By Bjorn Watland Mormon, atheist, Mormon and then spiritualist. How? Martha Beck, a Harvard graduate of Sociology, now a life coach, tells the story of her life growing up Mormon, leaving for Harvard, turning atheist, giving birth to her son Adam, who has Down syndrome, returning to Utah and the warm embrace of Mormon hospitality,
- [Religious Literacy by Stephen Prothero](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/religious-literacy-by-stephen-prothero/) - By Bjorn Watland Stephen Prothero, author of American Jesus and chair of the religion department at Boston University, believes there is a crisis at hand in America. The crisis is the lack of religious literacy among America's citizens. His book, Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know--And Doesn't, talks in length of the problem,
- [The End of Biblical Studies by Hector Avalos](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/the-end-of-biblical-studies-by-hector-avalos/) - By Grant Steves Professor Avalos has constructed a strongly argued case against the need for biblical studies in his book, The End of Biblical Studies. This attack examines the relevance of continuing studies in areas of: translation, biblical history and archeology, historical Jesus studies, literary criticism, and biblical theology. He maintains that professionals in these
- [34 Unconvincing Arguments for God](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/34-unconvincing-arguments-for-god/) - By August Berkshire Atheism – the lack of belief in gods – is based upon a lack of evidence for gods, lack of a reason to believe in gods, and difficulties and contradictions that some god ideas lead to. Nevertheless, atheism is a tentative state, subject to change if compelling theistic arguments are presented. Following
- [The Morality of Barbaric Oaths: Finding Middle-Ground for the Secular Reader](https://mnatheists.org/2008/01/the-morality-of-barbaric-oaths-finding-middle-ground-for-the-secular-reader/) - by Keith Lodermeier This essay considers two biblical tales each involving a paternally initiated oath to the Israelite god, YHWH. Both fathers unintentionally offer his child as a sacrifice, one for a fulfillment of the oath and the other for transgression. Both oaths arise from the misguided and unwise actions of the fathers. The first
- [Letter to a Young Religious Friend](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/letter-to-a-young-religious-friend/) - By August Berkshire My friend, you have asked me how I became an atheist. Here is my story. I was raised as a Roman Catholic and was even an altar boy with my brother. In the small towns in which we were raised, everyone I met was also a Christian. When you're a child, you
- [Watch Out for Those Terrible Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/watch-out-for-those-terrible-atheists/) - By Lee Salisbury February 12th, 2008 Reprinted from dissidentvoice.org with permission from the author. A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota shows that atheists are more distrusted and despised than any other minority and that an atheist is the last person for whom Americans would vote in a presidential election. “Muslims, recent
- [History's Troubling Silence About Jesus](https://mnatheists.org/2008/04/historys-troubling-silence-about-jesus/) - By Lee Salisbury How many people have never heard about Jesus of Nazareth? Of course everybody has heard of Jesus. The bible tells us his fame spread throughout the lands of Palestine and Syria. This is the god-man / savior of the world who performed miracles only a God could perform: He turned water into
- [The Problem of Evil: Top 12 Excuses for God's Horrible Behavior](https://mnatheists.org/2008/06/the-problem-of-evil-top-12-excuses-for-gods-horrible-behavior/) - By August Berkshire If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, then why is there evil in the world. For the sake of argument, let’s concede the harm that humans do as a misuse of our free will, for which God cannot be blamed (although a good case can be made that a loving god would
- [His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/his-dark-materials-by-philip-pullman/) - By Jeannette Sorensen While reading Philip Pullman's, His Dark Materials, you need to remind yourself that this book was marketed toward children. There are some strong themes, including violent death which are uncharacteristic of children's novels. However, with references to physics, philosophy and theology, it is easily enjoyed by adults. While I won't talk about
- [Cults In Our Midst by Margaret Thaler Singer](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/cults-in-our-midst-by-margaret-thaler-singer/) - By Grant Steves Atheists should be in the pursuit of knowledge through a rational process. Margaret Singer has used this rational process to examine the world of cults. In her book, Cults In Our Midst, she outlines the research and analysis of what a cult is. She applies the term to groups that are on
- [The Secular Conscience by Austin Dacey](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/the-secular-conscience-by-austin-dacey/) - By Grant Steves The Secular Conscience is a highly commendable statement on the need to reclaim the moral compass from the religious right and left. The assumption that only the religious people have a moral compass is blatantly false. Because the Pharisaic religious people pray in public and make a show of their moral compass,
- [Moral Minds by Marc Hauser](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/moral-minds-by-marc-hauser/) - By Grant Steves If all moralities were rooted in the Bible or the god of the Bible, we would have the solution to all moral questions. However, did the morality of indigenous people's from the Australian aborigines to the Amazon tribal groups develop their morality from the Bible? In both cases, they were not exposed
- [The Bible and Its Influence by Cullen Schippe and Chuck Stetson](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/the-bible-and-its-influence-by-cullen-schippe-and-chuck-stetson/) - By Grant Steves It may be argued that Bible literacy is the first step to a realization that the Bible is not as it claims to be - "God breathed" or "inspired by God." - 2 Tim. 3:16. It may be argued that a public school should teach the Bible as literature, so that students
- [The Character of God in the Bible](https://mnatheists.org/2008/07/the-character-of-god-in-the-bible/) - It is alleged that the Bible is the word of an all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving, unchanging god. The Bible supposedly records direct actions by this god and also actions this god commands others to take on his behalf. As you read the following passages, decide for yourself: If this god really exists, does he deserve our
- [The Five C's of Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2008/08/the-five-cs-of-atheism/) - By August Berkshire Like many of you reading this, I describe myself as a flaming liberal. Yet in one area I am a conservative. I am an atheist. Yes, atheism is a conservative position. We accept statements only so far as there is reason and/or evidence to back them up. Anything else is speculation. We
- [10 Things Christians Do Better than Atheists - #1 Charity Work](https://mnatheists.org/2008/09/10-things-christians-do-better-than-atheists-1-charity-work/) - By Bjorn Watland Based on suggestions from Hemant Mehta. For all of the faults in theology, Christians have a lock on charitywork. When someone thinks of Christian kindness, I doubt that theyimagine brainwashing children to fear a non existent Hell and a deitywho watches every move and knows your thoughts. Instead, images ofsoup kitchens, food
- [Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin](https://mnatheists.org/2008/10/your-inner-fish-by-neil-shubin/) - By Victor Tanner Your Inner Fish: A Journey Into the 3.5 Billion-Year History of the Human Bodyby Neil Shubin Neil Shubin, a professor of anatomy at the University of Chicago, writes an entertaining book that feels much more like a journey through time in which we can watch the evolutionary process take place. But, instead
- [Season's Greetings from the Secular Side](https://mnatheists.org/2008/11/seasons-greetings-from-the-secular-side/) - Reprinted with permission from the Star Tribune. Motivations may vary, but we all can spread joy and goodwill at this time of year. By AUGUST BERKSHIRE 'Tis the season. With winter coming, some members of the religious right have begun bracing themselves for the so-called annual atheists' "war on Christmas." While we think that the
- [Letter to the Editor: Another Reader Disagrees with Scarbro](https://mnatheists.org/2008/12/letter-to-the-editor-another-reader-disagrees-with-scarbro/) - Posted at thenewsleaders.com August Berkshire, President Minnesota Atheists, MinneapolisRon Scarbro claims “One of the tenets of Christianity, thankfully, is tolerance.” He then spends the rest of his column berating atheists and pagans. (Newsleaders, Sartell, Opinions, “So this is Christmas - peace and goodwill to all!” Dec. 12).Christmas is not to be found in the Bible.
- [Misquoting Jesus by Dr. Bart Ehrman](https://mnatheists.org/2009/01/misquoting-jesus-by-dr-bart-ehrman/) - By Grant Steves Misquoting Jesusby Dr. Bart EhrmanHarper Collins Publishers2005 Why be even remotely concerned or interested in the debate over the inerrancy of the Bible? Because approximately forty million or more people in this country do believe the inerrancy of the Bible and about two hundred million more people believe the Bible to be
- [The Bible Unearthed by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/the-bible-unearthed-by-israel-finkelstein-and-neil-asher-silberman/) - By Vic Tanner The Bible Unearthed Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman Free Press 400 pages Since Israel and the religions that formed there receive so much attention worldwide, it is odd to remember that it is one of the world's countries that we know least about historically. Not only has archaeological research been difficult
- [Godless by Dan Barker](https://mnatheists.org/2009/02/godless-by-dan-barker/) - By Grant Steves Godless Dan Barker Ulysses Press, 2008 392 pages The subtitle of this book is How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America’s Leading Atheists, and thus Dan Barker gives his background from when he was born again to when he became a preacher at age 15. Dan had a ‘call to the
- [The Atheist's Way by Eric Maisel](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/the-atheists-way-by-eric-maisel-2/) - By Greg Peterson The Atheist's Way: Living Well Without GodsBy Eric MaiselNew World Library208 pages Ever since Sam Harris first got our attention with The End of Faith, a parade of atheist-themed books has come out. Thanks to people like Richard Dawkins, Victor Stenger, Taner Edis and others the scientific case for the implausibility of
- [The Atheist's Way by Eric Maisel](https://mnatheists.org/2009/03/the-atheists-way-by-eric-maisel/) - By Grant Steves The Atheist's Way: Living Well Without GodsBy Eric MaiselNew World Library208 pages Embracing atheism means leaving religion behind. You give up the crutch of prayer, and the unknown of spirituality. In the last few years, you may have noticed books that address spirituality and the atheist. None of these books gave an
- [Jesus Interrupted by Bart D. Ehrman](https://mnatheists.org/2009/04/jesus-interrupted-by-bart-d-ehrman/) - By Grant Steves Jesus, InterruptedBart D. EhrmanHarper Row, 2009, 292 pages Bart Ehrman, as the Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, has specialized and taught about the New Testament. In his latest book, Jesus, Interrupted, he reveals hidden contradictions in the bible, and why we don't know about them. In
- [Introducing Anthropology of Religion by Jack David Eller](https://mnatheists.org/2009/05/introducing-anthropology-of-religion-by-jack-david-eller/) - By Grant Steves Routledge , 2007 352 pages American atheists are familiar with and focused on Christianity in its various forms. However, it is important for us to expand our knowledge of what religion is and how it operates in various cultures. In understanding the evolution of religion, we will understand its role in any
- [Cultural Intelligence by Brooks Petersen](https://mnatheists.org/2009/06/cultural-intelligence-by-brooks-petersen/) - By Grant Steves In the many books I have reviewed in the Newsletter the focus has been on religion and atheism. They were excellent books that challenged our thinking about how we confronted our religion and became atheists. At the base of this is the problem of communication and understanding others. The others we come
- [Others Should Delve Into Info About Religions](https://mnatheists.org/2008/02/others-should-delve-into-info-about-religions/) - By Jack Richter, Sartell There have been a number of letters in the Times recently about atheism that accuse or imply atheists “have not done their research” when it comes to religion. On the contrary, all of the atheists, agnostics and secular humanists I know across the country have done extensive reading, research and investigation
- [Book Review: The End of Christianity](https://mnatheists.org/2011/09/book-review-the-end-of-christianity/) - By James Zimmerman The End of Christianityby John Loftus, et al, ©2011Prometheus Books, 438 pagesThe first thing you will notice when picking up Prometheus Books’ latest anthology The End of Christianity is the blurry cross dominating the cover. Whether the book is sitting on your desk or in your hand at a coffee shop, one
- [Book Review: The Knowledge of Good and Evil](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/book-review-the-knowledge-of-good-and-evil/) - By James Zimmerman The Knowledge of Good and Evil by Glenn Kleier, ©2011 TOR Books, 416 pages Kleier’s latest novel takes readers on a globetrotting hunt for answers to life’s toughest questions. A lapsed Christian and his skeptical fiancé are trying to uncover the knowledge of good and evil by searching for clues in classic
- [Book Review: Letters to Christian Leaders - A Hatchet Job](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/book-review-letters-to-christian-leaders-a-hatchet-job/) - By Ryan Sutter Letters to Christian Leadersby Jake Farr-Wharton, ©2011Dangerous Little Books256 pages When I was asked to review the book “Letters to Christian Leaders” by Jake Farr-Wharton I was happy to do so. The premise of the book, a series of letters to leading Christian cultural figures, sounded potentially interesting. I read the book
- [Book Review: The Matter With Us](https://mnatheists.org/2011/12/1444/) - By James Zimmerman The Matter With Usby John Rawles, ©2011Pen Press, 516 pages Rawles’ cleverly titled book begins most ominously. In comparing our planet to a space craft, a stark page appearing event before the table of contents details our predicament: “The bridge of spaceship Earth is deserted,” it begins, “nobody is in charge.” Mentioning
- [News and Notes: Religiosity Declining According to Gallop Poll](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/news-and-notes-religiosity-declining-according-to-gallop-poll-2/) - By George Kane At the end of July, Gallop International released its Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism 2012, which shows that the atheist movement is advancing rapidly worldwide. The international survey asked respondents, “Irrespective of whether you attend a place of worship or not, would you say you are a religious person, not a
- [News and Notes: Disputes over the Gettysburg Address](https://mnatheists.org/2014/01/news-and-notes-disputes-over-the-gettysburg-address-2/) - By George Kane November 19th marked the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. To commemorate the occasion, Ken Burns filmed 61 political and cultural leaders, including all living presidents, reading the speech. From these videos he put together a pastiche, taking a few words from each reading. The film of President Obama’s full
- [Responding to the Response](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/responding-to-the-response/) - By Eric Jayne Back in April, on Good Friday, a tornado ripped through St. Louis, Missouri. There was some property damage but not one single person was killed or badly injured. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon credited divine intervention for this fortunate circumstance. Sadly, Nixon’s omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent god failed to intervene five days later when
- [Press Release: Minnesota Atheists File Court Brief to Support Marriage Equality](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/press-release-minnesota-atheists-file-court-brief-to-support-marriage-equality/) - MINNEAPOLIS—July 13, 2011 On June 1, 2011, The Minnesota Atheists filed an amicus curiae brief in the Minnesota Appellate Court on behalf of three same-sex Minnesota couples who are suing the government for the right to get legally married in Minnesota. At least two of these six individuals are atheists. The Appellate Court accepted the
- [June Cable Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/june-cable-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen We had a two-part program for June. In Part One, local librarian Mindy Rhiger discussed her ten favorite books for young children on the topics of religion, faith, belief, and death. She noted that the books were great for introducing children to these difficult topics without indoctrinating them. Some of the books
- [Book Review: The Unbelievers](https://mnatheists.org/2011/07/book-review-the-unbelievers/) - By James Zimmerman The Unbelievers, by S.T. Joshi ©2011, Prometheus Books, 272 pages.S. T. Joshi’s latest book sketches the lives and teachings of the main players in the non-belief arena from the time of Darwin until today. In some ways, The Unbelievers: The Evolution of Modern Atheism could be read as a sequel to Kerry
- [Jon Stewart Joins Fox News in Attacking Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2011/08/jon-stewart-joins-fox-news-in-attacking-atheists/) - By Eric Jayne The clever, satirical, and silly Jon Stewart has made a successful career out of lambasting the hyperbolic, hyper-partisan media. While he has poked fun at MSNBC and CNN, it’s Fox News that receives most of his unrelenting, albeit justified, acerbic wit. Who else but ATHEISTS could possibly bring these two diametrically opposed
- [Book Review: The Atheist Camel Rants Again](https://mnatheists.org/2011/08/book-review-the-atheist-camel-rants-again/) - By James Zimmerman The Atheist Camel Rants AgainBy Bart Centreself-published312 pages, © 2011In his new book The Atheist Camel Rants Again, Bart Centre reprises his role as Dromedary Hump, pontificating in a humorous, pseudo-grumpy, and often blunt manner on a spectrum of theological matters that capture his attention. Comprised of several two- and three-page chapters
- [Angry Atheists?](https://mnatheists.org/2011/08/angry-atheists/) - Why are you atheists so angry? The atheist movement is often accused of being driven by anger. What are so many atheists so angry about? Is this anger legitimate? Do the firebrands and diplomats in our community deal differently with this anger – and how can those differences be resolved? And can anger be an
- [President's Column: Welcome Back!](https://mnatheists.org/2011/09/presidents-column-welcome-back/) - By August Berkshire Welcome back from summer vacation! We hope you were able to enjoy at least one of our picnics. We have a number of events and opportunities to report on this month. We are very excited to have Greta Christina kick off our fall schedule of speakers. She'll be followed next month by
- [July Cable Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2011/09/july-cable-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen In July, we recorded a two-part program on deism. James Zimmerman headed up a discussion with Ryan Sutter exploring the origins of deism and its basic ideology. Sutter explained the impact scientists and philosophers, such as Isaac Newton and John Locke, had upon the religiosity of the early eighteenth century. He explained
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/09/news-and-notes-17/) - By George Kane I've noticed that Christians seem to have a particular difficulty with the names of atheist organizations. When I debated at a Catholic men's club, I was introduced as the representative of The Atheist Society. I have heard August Berkshire mentioned on a Christian radio station as the president of "the local chapter
- [Freethinkers Don't Drink Tea](https://mnatheists.org/2011/09/freethinkers-dont-drink-tea/) - By Eric JayneNote: Editorial; Eric Jayne’s opinion does not necessarily reflect that of Minnesota Atheists. -ed. We are freethinking atheists because we are not persuaded by the extraordinary theistic claims that go against the laws of nature. We also reject religion (theistic or political) for its rigid control and fear-based mind-manipulation that shields and fosters
- [President's Column—Greta Christina: A Diplomatic Firebrand](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/presidents-column-greta-christina-a-diplomatic-firebrand/) - By August Berkshire Last month we were graced with the presence of one of the nation’s top atheist bloggers and speakers: Greta Christina. I use the word “graced” in the good (non-religious) sense of the word, as Greta is one of the most gracious people I have ever met. Greta’s presentation was called “Atheist Anger?”
- [Who Ended Slavery in America? Christianity and Secularization in Context](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/who-ended-slavery-in-america-christianity-and-secularization-in-context/) - Christians have a habit of opposing positive social change, until it occurs, at which point they take credit for it. (Years from now, you can expect them to take credit for legalizing same-sex marriage.) Many Christian scholars have argued that reliance on Biblical principles eventually led to the abolition of slavery by Western civilization. Our
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/news-and-notes-16/) - By George Kane New laws to prevent courts from considering Islamic laws in their decisions have been proposed in half of the states. Last November in Oklahoma, a ballot measure to that effect passed with a 70% margin. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) immediately challenged the new law, arguing that it violates the Establishment
- [Rapture and Debaptism Party: Saturday, October 22](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/rapture-and-debaptism-party-saturday-october-22/) - Remember May 21st, 1988, when the ground quaked, planes fell from the sky, flames roared over the Earth, and heathens repented in their last remaining seconds? Er, wait . . . No, it was September 7th, 1994 when virulent outbreaks devastated entire populations, continents were swallowed by the oceans, trumpets sounded, Um . . .
- [Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/inside-scientology-the-story-of-americas-most-secretive-religion/) - By Eric Jayne The Minnesota Atheists Burnsville Book Club recently discussed Janet Reitman's book Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion. After reading Reitman's investigative report many of us at the book discussion discovered the violent history, marketing campaigns, private rituals, and unique vernacular that not only contributed to make Scientology America's most
- [The Secular Side of Marriage Equality](https://mnatheists.org/2011/10/the-secular-side-of-marriage-equality/) - Minnesota Atheists add nonsectarian viewpoints to a debate often dominated by religion Minnesota Atheists has been fighting for decades to keep religion out of government, according to August Berkshire, the group's president. When three same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses in Hennepin County for their sexual orientation, filed a lawsuit in March 2010 to strike
- [Ethics, Science, or Religion: Which Has the Answer?](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/ethics-science-or-religion-which-has-the-answer/) - If God does not exist, anything is permitted,” concludes Ivan Karamazov, a character in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, The Brothers Karamazov. “Anything is permitted” – leads to ethics. What is the right thing to do? How has evolution influenced our ethical behavior? Has religion influenced our behavior? Are our values defined by our culture or our
- [President's Column: Benson v. Alverson Update](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/presidents-column-benson-v-alverson-update/) - By August Berkshire There have been three recent developments regarding Benson v. Alverson, the court case in which Minnesota Atheists has filed the sole amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) brief on behalf of the Appellants. As you may recall, the case involves three same-sex couples (collectively known as “Marry Me Minnesota”) who are trying to get
- [Pardon a Turkey This Thanksgiving](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/pardon-a-turkey-this-thanksgiving/) - By Rohit Ravindran In the spirit of the holiday season, I’d like to suggest that you not only spare a turkey, but also the cows, pigs, and chickens that you consume every day. This is, of course, an unpopular opinion to voice. A majority of Americans are deeply attached to their succulent meat, and it
- [12th Annual Freethought Winter Solstice Celebration](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/12th-annual-freethought-winter-solstice-celebration/) - A joint production of Humanists of Minnesota and Minnesota Atheists. Hosted this year by Humanists of Minnesota. Sunday, December 18, 2011 at The Doubletree Park Place Hotel1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park(Highway I-394 and Park Place exit just west of Hwy 100) Featuring The Freethought Follies: A Theatrical and Musical Celebration of Rational Thinking
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2011/11/news-and-notes-15/) - By George Kane I hate to portray atheists as victims. After all, religions are so good at wallowing in self-pity that we can never hope to match them. Christians always don the mantle of victimhood whenever they are forbidden to use sectarian prayers as part of public meetings, or to teach creationism in public schools.
- [Gospel Goof Ups: How the Bible Makes a Compelling Case Against the Nativity](https://mnatheists.org/2011/12/gospel-goof-ups-how-the-bible-makes-a-compelling-case-against-the-nativity/) - By Eric Jayne Every year around Christmas, the church I belonged to as child held a Nativity play for the congregation. The performers consisted of about 20 kids from the elementary and middle school aged youth groups. It’s possible that I played different parts, but I can’t remember being anything other than a shepherd year
- [Twin Cities Billboard Project Under Way](https://mnatheists.org/2011/12/twin-cities-billboard-project-under-way/) - American Atheists is helping Minnesota Atheists finance the two billboards that were recently revealed. One is in the warehouse district on North Washington Ave. (near 10th Ave. North) in Minneapolis and the other is on University Ave. (near Lexington Ave.) in St. Paul. Even though the billboards are up, they're not fully paid for with
- [Minnesota Atheists Board of Directors Nominations and Elections](https://mnatheists.org/2011/12/minnesota-atheists-board-of-directors-nominations-and-elections/) - Nominations for the Minnesota Atheists board of directors will occur during the business portion of our January 15th, 2012 meeting. Elections will be held during the business portion of our February 19th, 2012 meeting. Nominations will open and close at the January 15th meeting. We will publish candidates’ statements in our February 2012 newsletter.
- [Fool Me Twice: Fighting the Assault on Science in America](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/fool-me-twice-fighting-the-assault-on-science-in-america/) - Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” Thomas Jefferson wrote this with great hope as he and the founders crafted the new Republic. But we have a huge problem in modern America because the value placed in science is losing its cachet. Politicians are ignoring or disputing the policy
- [November/December Cable Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/november-december-cable-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen In part one of our November show, guest Ryan Sutter provided an overview of the popular fantasy series Discworld, by British author Terry Pratchett. During part two, Ryan offered a continuum of atheist approaches, from the fictional worlds of Pratchett, to the friendly scientist approach of Carl Sagan, to increasingly more polemical
- [President's Column: Our Year in Review](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/presidents-column-our-year-in-review/) - By August Berkshire Many, many people volunteered their time and talents to produce the great success Minnesota Atheists had this past year. Nine people served on our board of directors (see list on page two), but this represents only a fraction of the leaders in Minnesota Atheists. We produced ten newsletters with great articles and
- [Atheists Explore Scientology](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/atheists-explore-scientology/) - By Eric Jayne The Church of Scientology opened their new 82,000 square-foot building to the public last October. The building, formerly home to the Science Museum, sits kitty-corner to the Fitzgerald Theater and is currently the largest Church of Scientology in the Midwest. One month after its ribbon cutting ceremony about 35 atheists invaded the
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/news-and-notes-14/) - By George Kane We get far too little good news from the conservative Roberts Supreme Court. It was therefore a rare pleasure in December when it refused to consider a case that could have forced school boards to permit church groups to hold worship service in public school buildings outside of normal school hours. The
- [Our Gift Donation to Children's Hospital of Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/our-gift-donation-to-childrens-hospital-of-minnesota/) - By Eric Jayne On Saturday, December tenth, several local atheists gathered with their gift donations at the Green Mill restaurant in St. Paul. Their mission: to donate and wrap presents for patients at Children’s Hospital of Minnesota. After enjoying a feast, accompanied by nontraditional Christmas music, we wrapped the many donated gifts. They consisted of
- [Welcome to Minnesota Atheists' Website!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/welcome-to-minnesota-atheists-website/) - Maybe you've always been an atheist, or you've overcome several decades of religious indoctrination to become an atheist. Maybe you're a devout god believer who's just curious, or skepticism is already diminishing your religious beliefs. Whatever your beliefs (or non-beliefs) are, we're glad you came! We hope that you stay to check out some of
- [We Are All Born Without Belief in Gods; Learn How To Be a Born-Again Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2012/01/we-are-all-born-without-belief-in-gods-learn-how-to-be-a-born-again-atheist/) - What do Billy Graham, Charles Darwin, Paul the Apostle, Mother Theresa, Richard Dawkins, and YOU have in common? They, you, and everyone were all born without beliefs in any god (Yahweh, Allah, Vishnu, Gilgamesh, Zeus, Poseidon, Odin, Baal, Thor, Anu, etc.). Of course we are all born without knowing a whole lot of things like
- [February Public Meeting: Darwin, Evolutionary Biology, and Race](https://mnatheists.org/2012/02/february-public-meeting-darwin-evolutionary-biology-and-race/) - Anti-science and creationist rhetoric, coming from organizations like the Discovery Institute, often paints Darwin as handmaiden to the Nazis and founder of racist biology. The eugenics movement of the early twentieth century is uncritically melded with Darwin’s writings that touched on race, and the genetic determinism of certain aspects of modern biology is uncritically melded
- [President's Column: Marry Me Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2012/02/presidents-column-marry-me-minnesota/) - By August Berkshire Several years ago, three same-sex couples, collectively known as the organization “Marry Me Minnesota,” went to court in Hennepin County to apply for marriage licenses. They were refused. They then went to Minnesota District Trial Court, suing for the right for same-sex couples to get married in Minnesota and for their own
- [Shawn Lawrence Otto Explores the Dismal State of Science Policy in America](https://mnatheists.org/2012/02/shawn-lawrence-otto-explores-the-dismal-state-of-science-policy-in-america/) - By Greg Laden “Whenever the people are well informed,” Thomas Jefferson wrote, “they can be trusted with their own government.” With this quote, Shawn Lawrence Otto, author of the newly published book "Fool Me Twice: Fighting the Assault on Science in America," opened his talk before the Minnesota Atheists gathered at the Southdale Library on
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/02/news-and-notes-13/) - By George Kane The Supreme Court opened the new year by issuing a landmark ruling on the separation of Church and State. In a unanimous ruling in the case Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC, SCOTUS found for the first time that the Constitution requires a “ministerial exception” that protects the personnel decisions
- [Atheist Voices of Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/atheist-voices-of-minnesota/) - Atheist Voices of MinnesotaAn Anthology of Personal Stories All net proceeds from the sale of this book go to Minnesota Atheists. "As much as we can, whenever we can, we have to tell our stories. Exactly as the writers in this book have done." -from the Foreword by Greta Christina Atheists have turned a corner
- [Book Review: Secrets and Wives](https://mnatheists.org/2012/02/book-review-secrets-and-wives/) - By Jennifer Zimmerman The book Secrets & Wives: The Hidden World of Mormon Polygamy, by Sanjiv Bhattacharya, slowly reveals the secrets of a world that not many have had access to. Bhattacharya, a journalist and an atheist, travels through parts of Utah and Texas and befriends and interviews people from many different fundamentalist Mormon sects
- [We Need Your Help to Sustain Our Weekly Radio Show](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/we-need-your-help-to-sustain-our-weekly-radio-show/) - Dear Listener: We hope that you are enjoying Atheist Talk Radio each week, whether live over the air, on internet simulcast, or as a podcast on our web site. To date, we have produced 156 programs on issues of importance to atheists and the public at large. The reason we produce this program is simple:
- [President's Column: God, Gays, and Genes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/presidents-column-god-gays-and-genes/) - By August Berkshire Why is it that whenever the Religious Right gets power, they always go after gays and women first? Is it because their faith is basically a fertility cult, and so all sex must be procreative and women must be submissive? If there is a genetic component to being susceptible to believing in
- [March Meeting Featuring Jen McCreight](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/march-meeting-featuring-jen-mccreight/) - God’s Lady Problem: Breaking Up With Abusive Supernatural Beings Why are women more religious than men when most religions are so anti-woman? Jen McCreight will address this paradox, make the case for why it’s time for women to leave religion, and discuss why skepticism and atheism are empowering for women. Jen McCreight is a lifelong
- [February Atheists Talk Cable Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/february-atheists-talk-cable-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen In February, we recorded two episodes for our TV show. With the anti-marriage constitutional amendment proposal appearing on the ballot this November, there has never been a better time to discuss the state of GLBT rights in Minnesota. In the first episode, host James Zimmerman interviewed GLBT activist Arthur Schultz on the
- [Successful Billboards! Now Let's Fund Other Projects](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/successful-billboards-now-lets-fund-other-projects/) - By Eric Jayne The first ever foray into billboards for the Minnesota Atheists turned out to be a success that exceeded expectations in many respects except one: generating donations for other Minnesota Atheists campaigns. But before I get into that, let’s celebrate some of the successes that came from our billboards. The goal was to
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/news-and-notes-12/) - By George Kane Separation of Church and State was back on the front page when the Department of Health and Human Services announced the employer mandates for the rollout of the new health insurance reform. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops screamed that the rules violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment
- [April Public Meeting: Famous Black Freethinkers](https://mnatheists.org/2012/03/april-public-meeting-famous-black-freethinkers/) - Can you name a famous black atheist other than Neil deGrasse Tyson? There is a stereotype that all (or nearly all) African Americans believe in the existence of a god. Our April speaker will be pleased to dispel this notion. Ayanna Watson, the founder and president of Black Atheists of America, headquartered in New
- [Traditional Clothing Amendment Added to November Ballot](https://mnatheists.org/2012/04/traditional-clothing-amendment-added-to-november-ballot/) - Almost one year after state lawmakers passed the Marriage Amendment Bill, and just days after the house and senate passed the Voter ID Bill, it appears that Minnesota voters will be asked to approve a third constitution-altering ballot measure. Lawmakers in both chambers rapidly worked out a narrow vote over the weekend to pass a
- [President's Column: After the Afterlife](https://mnatheists.org/2012/04/presidents-column-after-the-afterlife/) - By August Berkshire Question: What do vampires, zombies, and Harry Potter spirits have in common? Answer: They are all alternatives to the traditional Christian afterlife and they are all very popular with young people. I see this as part of a larger trend away from Christianity and towards atheism. Let’s face it, with modern telescopes
- [Food and Cash Donated to Local Food Bank](https://mnatheists.org/2012/04/food-and-cash-donated-to-local-food-bank/) - By Eric Jayne The month of March was Food Drive Month so on Sunday, March 25 the Minnesota Atheists organized a food drive party at Green Mill—one of St. Paul’s oldest and most well-known pizza restaurants. Twenty-five atheists attended the food drive party with their donations then proceeded to settle down for lunch, conversations, and games.
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/04/news-and-notes-11/) - By George Kane In past columns I have criticized President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partner-ships. It was Obama’s attempt to correct the flaws of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives created by George W. Bush, which was nothing more than an apparatus for dispensing government funds to evangelical Christian
- [April Meeting Review: Famous Black Freethinkers](https://mnatheists.org/2012/05/april-meeting-review-famous-black-freethinkers/) - By Aly Jiselle Ayanna Watson, founder and president of Black Atheists of America, presented on the topic “Famous Black Freethinkers.” An attorney and New York native, Ayanna focused primarily on individuals who were prominent during the Harlem Renaissance, a period between the 1920s and 30s when Harlem experienced a burgeoning of African-American culture following the
- [May Meeting: Representative Mindy Greiling](https://mnatheists.org/2012/05/may-meeting-representative-mindy-greiling/) - The speaker at our May 20th meeting will be State Representative Mindy Greiling, who is retiring at the completion of her current term. In twenty years representing Roseville (District 54A), Greiling has been a consistent supporter of the separation of church and state, on issues such as abortion, science and history education standards, vouchers for
- [President's Column: Outreach](https://mnatheists.org/2012/05/presidents-column-outreach/) - By August Berkshire There are some things we do that mainly involve us talking and socializing with each other, such as picnics, our winter solstice party, and most of our dozens of Meetups each month. Then there are other things that bridge the gap between internal and external, such as when we post our newsletter
- [Unbelievable Fun and Regional Conference this August in St. Paul](https://mnatheists.org/2012/05/unbelievable-fun-and-regional-conference-this-august-in-st-paul/) - By Eric Jayne Save the date! Minnesota Atheists is co-hosting an all-day, regional atheist conference on Saturday, August 11. The conference will be held at the Double Tree Hotel (formerly the Hilton) in downtown St. Paul. We’re still getting speakers lined up, but we have some already scheduled that includee PZ Myers, Hector Avalos, Teresa
- [Supporting Marriage Equality in Stylish Comfort](https://mnatheists.org/2012/05/supporting-marriage-equality-in-stylish-comfort/) - By Eric Jayne Minnesota Atheists has traditionally released an annual T-shirt design for the past several years. The color combination of shirt and logo has changed every year – blue on white, blue on gray, red on gray, blue on yellow, magenta on pink, yellow on green, white on purple, blue on wheat and orange
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/05/news-and-notes-10/) - By George Kane At the end of March, American Atheists, The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers and the Military Religious Freedom Foundation held a rock concert at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. This “Rock Beyond Belief” event was held as a response to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s “Rock the Fort” concert last September
- [2012 Regional Atheist Conference & Atheist Baseball Game](https://mnatheists.org/2012/06/2012-regional-atheist-conference-atheist-baseball-game/) - Minnesota Atheists is once again teaming up with American Atheists, this time to sponsor a Regional Atheist Conference and an Atheist Baseball Game in August. Minnesota Atheists is a Local Partner of American Atheists. Our last venture together was the billboards we put up in January. Atheist Baseball Game On Friday, August 10, 7:00 p.m.,
- [The Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2012/06/the-day-of-reason/) - From noon to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May third, Minnesota Atheists hosted the annual Day of Reason rally inside the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. This is the seventh year that we have held this celebration of the separation of state and church to protest the Day of Prayer event held at the same time outside
- [Book Review: Candidate Without a Prayer](https://mnatheists.org/2012/06/book-review-candidate-without-a-prayer/) - By George Erickson Candidate Without a Prayer: An Autobiography of a Jewish Atheist in the Bible Belt,by Herb Silverman702 pages©2012 If a man is going to publish his life story, he had best take the precaution of leading an interesting life first. Or at least to being a very funny writer or of lacing his
- [Associate President's Column: Help!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/06/associate-presidents-column-help/) - By Eric Jayne If you are thumbing through this month’s newsletter looking for the President’s Column, you’re not going to find it. Since August was busy with other adventures, including a debate with theists in Canada, I agreed to fill in with an “Associate President’s Column.” I’m going to use this platform to make a
- [Book Review: Inventing Jesus](https://mnatheists.org/2012/06/book-review-inventing-jesus/) - By Bill Lehto Inventing Jesus: The New Testament Narrative as Fiction, by Paul Gabel702 pages©2012, Paul Gabel In Inventing Jesus, Paul Gabel, a history teacher, argues that Jesus was an entirely fictional character, with no historical basis, having been completely invented by the writer of the Gospel of Mark. The book is 700 pages long,
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/07/news-and-notes-9/) - By George Kane The Secular Coalition for America ignited a major controversy when it announced that it had hired Edwina Rogers as its new Executive Director. Without question, Rogers brings to the job an impressive inside-the-beltway résumé; the problem is that her work has been entirely for the Republican Party. That party is firmly established
- [President's Column: Pride!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/07/presidents-column-pride/) - By August Berkshire Almost fifty people took part in marching in our contingent in the Twin Cities Gay Parade on June 24, or staffing our booth in Loring Park during the Gay Pride Festival on June 23 and 24. Our friendly volunteers collected lots of hugs and handed out a hundred “Saved By An Atheist”
- [Play Ball and Enjoy 20 Hits with the Atheists!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/07/play-ball-and-enjoy-20-hits-with-the-atheists/) - By Eric Jayne Many will be coming to the Twin Cities in a few weeks to play ball with the atheists! It appears that there will be at least 70 atheists at Midway Stadium on August 10th rooting on the Mr. Paul Aints—which is what the team will be renamed that night—and cheering for American
- [Radio Fund Needs Your Help!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/07/radio-fund-needs-your-help/) - Do you enjoy listening to our “Atheists Talk” radio show, either live on air on AM 950 KTNF radio, or streaming live on-line, or as a podcast later? What many people don’t realize is that we have to pay for our time slot – over $10,000 a year. We think it’s worth it because we
- [Board Adopts a New Anti-Harassment Policy](https://mnatheists.org/2012/07/board-adopts-a-new-anti-harassment-policy/) - By George Kane Everyone is looking forward to the Regional Conference that we are co-sponsoring with American Atheists in St. Paul on August 11. It prompted one of our members to write to our board on a very serious matter, however. She noted that it is becoming standard for atheist and skeptic organizations to adopt
- [Atheists Just Want to Have Fun](https://mnatheists.org/2012/08/atheists-just-want-to-have-fun/) - By Eric Jayne Thank you for visiting our website and taking an interest in us. If you’re reading this you likely know about our upcoming sponsored St. Paul Saints baseball game. As a way to celebrate our identity and extend our fun to others, the St. Paul Saints agreed to an atheist sponsored game in
- [Book Review: Atheist Voices of Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2012/08/book-review-atheist-voices-of-minnesota/) - By Nathan Curland When I was first offered a copy of Atheist Voices of Minnesota to review I was less than intrigued. After all, I knew plenty of atheists and had heard many stories of miserable childhoods and escape from religion, so reading 36 variations on this theme seemed a bit less than stimulating. Boy
- [Minnesota Atheists Hit a Home Run!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/08/minnesota-atheists-hit-a-home-run/) - By Eric Jayne After months and months of planning, the Minnesota Atheists successfully pulled out big win for atheist outreach by sponsoring a professional baseball game in St. Paul. The St. Paul Saints—one of 13 teams in the league of American Association of Independent Baseball—became the Mr. Paul Aints on Friday, August 10. Every player
- [September 16: A Date with the Authors](https://mnatheists.org/2012/09/september-16-a-date-with-the-authors/) - Minnesota Atheists’ monthly meetings will begin again starting on Sunday, September 16. The much anticipated book, Atheist Voices of Minnesota (published by Freethought House), was just officially released late last month! To celebrate this very special occasion, 16 of the 36 contributors will briefly present their own personal stories by reading excerpts of their writings
- [Mr. Paul Aints and Regional Atheist Conference Thank Yous](https://mnatheists.org/2012/09/mr-paul-aints-and-regional-atheist-conference-thank-yous/) - It takes many people to pull off two successful back-to-back events like we did. Minnesota Atheists would like to thank the following people for their help with our Mr. Paul Aints baseball game and Regional Atheist Conference. So, thank you to: Eric Jayne for being the main organizer of the Aints game, the Aints tailgate
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/09/news-and-notes-8/) - By George Kane The Romney campaign insists that the 2012 presidential election will be a referendum on Obama’s handling of the economy, but the religious right is not sitting it out. In the first post-Citizen’s United presidential campaign, its political organizations are planning campaign spending that will dwarf their efforts in every previous election. The
- [President's Column: Teen Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/presidents-column-teen-atheist/) - By August Berkshire The following letter to the editor was published in the [Minneapolis] Star Tribune, Sept.15, 2012, p. A8 under the title "Parent Should Embrace Daughter's Choice. As president of Minnesota Atheists, I appreciated Carolyn Hax's advice to the mother who is concerned about her 16-year-old daughter, “Emily” (Daughter ‘comes out’ as an atheist,
- [September Cable Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/september-cable-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen The September cable taping featured local musician Jason Tuthill discussing his intense religious upbringing. Jason talked about his doubts about the his church's teachings, particularly regarding dinosaurs and a supposedly loving god. Jason said he was upset that the god of the bible purportedly used the man Job - by killing his
- [MN Atheists Authors' Event at Barnes & Noble](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/mn-atheists-authors-event-at-barnes-noble/) - Join us at the Barnes & Noble in Har Mar Mall in Roseville at 7pm, Wednesday, October 10 for a fun evening! The Atheist Voices of Minnesota will be featured for an authors' event and we would love to see a room full of occupied seats. Six of the book authors will read and/or discuss
- [The Times They Are A-Changin’](https://mnatheists.org/2020/08/the-times-they-are-a-changin/) - By Chris Matthews These past few months have been turbulent times. This has affected Minnesota Atheists in ways that no one expected when the current board took office on March 1. We expected to review the radio show, the building search, membership building plans, and other topics of inter- est. The first unexpected change was
- [Disaster at the Supreme Court](https://mnatheists.org/2020/07/disaster-at-the-supreme-court/) - By George Kane Some readers may remember that in my column about the Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue case in the November 2019 issue I wrote that if the Supreme Court overturns the Montana decision, “‘Religious freedom’ would be reinterpreted to be a protection only for recipients of government largesse, but denied to federal
- [In Memoriam: Otto Link](https://mnatheists.org/2020/09/in-memoriam-otto-link/) - By Steve Petersen We are sad to announce the death of Otto Link, long time member, at the age of 91. Otto and his wife Jeanette were regulars at our Winter Solstice banquets and summer picnics. Otto was a great storyteller, excellent teller of jokes and just enjoyed talking with people and getting to know
- [Kamrin’s Corner: Godless](https://mnatheists.org/2020/09/kamrins-corner-godless/) - By Kamrin Duncan Godless is a young adult novel, published in 2004, by Pete Hautman. Godless stands out with its bold title, especially in the YA genre. Surprisingly, the book does maintain a neutrality between religion and atheism and rather evaluates the dangers of religion and power while exploring the idea of questioning religion and
- [A Note from the Board on Community](https://mnatheists.org/2020/06/a-note-from-the-board-on-community/) - By Stephanie Zvan, Alyssa Ehni, and Maddy Love Minnesota Atheists posted the following statement on our Facebook page on June 17 at 6:50 p.m. At the end of May, Minneapolis police callously murdered George Floyd in the middle of the street, in the middle of the day, and in the middle of a group of
- [Sept Public Meeting: Operations During a Pandemic](https://mnatheists.org/2020/09/sept-public-meeting-operations-during-a-pandemic/) - The September public meeting will be the first-ever online public meeting for Minnesota Atheists. We do not have a planned speaker and topic that one might typically expect at a public meeting. The board plans to discuss recent events and solicit member thoughts on an array of topics. We plan to discuss Atheists Talk, which
- [Justice in a Just World](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/justice-in-a-just-world/) - Is the world we live in fair? We tell children it isn't, though we often do that just to get them to be quiet. The idea that the world is fair is embedded in many of the world's religions. Galatians six tells us that we shall sow what we reap, that if we do good,
- [MN Atheists Light the Night for Cancer Research](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/mn-atheists-light-the-night-for-cancer-research/) - The Minnesota Atheists raised $700 for blood cancer research and participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Light the Night Walk on Sunday, September 23rd. Special thanks to Bill Lehto, Caroline Brunner, Phil Cunliffe, Chris Pederson, Norman Barrett Wiik, and Eric Jayne who raised the money and participated in the walk festivities. As part of the
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/news-and-notes-6/) - By George Kane I never expected God to be an issue at the Democratic National Convention. Christian conservatives are obviously a core constituency of the Republicans, and their stamp was unmistakable on everything that transpired at the Republican National Convention a week earlier. I expected the Democrats to make routine obeisance to religion that should
- [Help Promote Atheist Voices of Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/help-promote-atheist-voices-of-minnesota/) - By Jill Carlson Did you enjoy reading Atheist Voices of Minnesota? Will you help us promote the book? Here are a few easy ways you can help get Atheist Voices to as many people as possible, and raise money for Minnesota Atheists at the same time: If you don’t own a copy yet, buy one
- [Highway Clean-up](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/highway-clean-up/) - Many thanks to those who helped out with our recent highway clean-up in Rice: Steve PetersenRichard TrombleyTom StavrosMorg ChristianDeb DoucetteRachel WilsonAugust BerkshireDecker AlsopBreonnaRob TaylorSarahScott Forschler … and more.
- [Atheists Cook Dinner for Homeless Families](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/atheists-cook-dinner-for-homeless-families/) - By Eric Jayne Homelessness is a tragic reality. It exists in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and just about every city, suburb, and community throughout Minnesota. With rising rent, low apartment vacancy rates, foreclosures, and scarce housing resources, low-income families have faced extraordinary devastation. Perhaps even more devastating is that children and youth account for nearly
- [Vote NO...Twice!](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/vote-no-twice/) - By Eric Jayne Editorial. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of Eric Jayne and are not necessarily those of Minesota Atheists. Voters will be going to their polling place in just a couple of weeks. Besides voting for state legislators, U.S. legislators, and president, Minnesotans will also be voting on two constitutional amendments. One
- [How the 2012 Election Affects State-Church Separation](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/how-the-2012-election-affects-state-church-separation/) - Considerable attention in the press has been focused on the constitutional amendment referendum to forbid the state to recognize same-sex marriages. This is the ballot measure with which we at Minnesota Atheists are most concerned, because the only serious reason in support of the amendment is ancient bigotry based on religion. Additionally, there are candidates
- [Pew Review](https://mnatheists.org/2012/10/pew-review/) - By George Kane The number of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated is growing rapidly, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center that was released on October 9. That report states: In 1972, only 7% of the adults in America were religiously unaffiliated. That number now stands just under 20%. In the last five
- [October Atheists Talk TV Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2012/11/october-atheists-talk-tv-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen Audrey Kingstrom and Kevin Eich, founders of the Secular Parenting Group, discussed their reasons for creating the group and their recent activities. They noted the importance of children having a sense of community and the need to celebrate special events in our lives and in the changing of the season, without having
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2012/11/news-and-notes-5/) - By George Kane The October issue of our newsletter included an article by Minnesota Atheists’ Associate President Eric Jayne on the voter photo ID constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Beneath the banner the Editor ran a disclaimer stating “The opinions expressed herein are solely those of Eric Jayne and are not necessarily those of
- [Give to the Max Day: November 15, 2012](https://mnatheists.org/2012/11/give-to-the-max-day-november-15-2012/) - Dear Friend, As you may already know, Minnesota Atheists is making a difference every day by building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values through educational programs, social activities and participation in public affairs. Your generous support will enable us to continue our hard work to build a secular America. Join us on
- [Freethought Winter Solstice Celebration](https://mnatheists.org/2012/11/freethought-winter-solstice-celebration/) - Announcing the 13th Annual Freethought Winter Solstice Celebration! It's the most fun you will have all year! This is a joint production of Minnesota Atheists and the Humanists of Minnesota and will be hosted this year by Minnesota Atheists. Join us on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Jimmy’s Event Center - 3565 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 (two blocks east of I-35
- [Unholy Days: An Atheists Talk Radio Special](https://mnatheists.org/2012/12/unholy-days-an-atheists-talk-radio-special/) - "You're an atheist? Oh, you must be lonely and miserable during the holidays." "No, not at all. I celebrate too." "What? What do you celebrate?" You know how it goes. People who have never gotten far enough outside Christianity to look back in and realize that Santa Claus isn't Jesus and eggnog wouldn't have kept well
- [2012: An Unbelievably Positive Year for MN Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2012/12/2012-an-unbelievably-positive-year-for-mn-atheists/) - By Eric Jayne Minnesota Atheists had an incredible (some might say “unbelievable”) year in 2012. Thanks to great leadership and enthusiasm from our board and general members we were able to take on new and significant projects that helped to promote our brand of Positive Atheism in Action. I’d like to take a moment to
- [Public Meeting - "Reproductive Justice" & Board Nominations](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/public-meeting-reproductive-justice-board-nominations/) - By Heather Hegi This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade ruling. Reverend Kelli Clement will be speaking at the upcoming Minnesota Atheists’ monthly meeting to discuss the importance and subsequent impact of this ruling. Rev. Clement is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
- [Victory Declared in War on Christmas!](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/victory-declared-in-war-on-christmas/) - By August Berkshire Christmas continues to become more diluted and secularized. Consider the following: • Jewish and Muslim holidays have retained their religious meaning precisely because their followers have not tried to foist them on the rest of the public. • People are becoming more aware of the pagan origins of Christmas. • The percentage
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/news-and-notes-4/) - By George Kane A sad result of November’s election was the loss by Congressman Peter Stark, a Democrat from the southern region of the San Francisco Bay Area, ending a 40-year stint. As every avid secularist in America knew, Stark was Congress’ only professed non-believer in a supernatural god. That role will now be filled
- [An Atheist Response to Sandy Hook](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/an-atheist-response-to-sandy-hook/) - By Eric Jayne Even though the world didn’t come to an end last year, 2012 concluded with a horrible tragedy in Connecticut that deeply disturbed people all around the world. I was so personally distraught from following the events through news reports that I had to reach for my tissues while trying to concentrate with work.
- [President's Column: Atheism Plus Humanism](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/presidents-column-atheism-plus-humanism/) - By August Berkshire When we began as the Twin Cities Chapter of American Atheists in 1984, and when we became Minnesota Atheists in 1991, we chose the word “Atheists” for three reasons. First, it is an accurate description of who we are. Second, we did not want to choose a more euphemistic word, such as
- [2014 All-Star Conference & Atheist Baseball in St. Paul](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/2014-all-star-conference-atheist-baseball-in-st-paul/) - 2014 Atheist Game and All Star Conference (July 11-12, 2014) Friday, July 11 - St. Paul Saints are secularized to the Mr. Paul Aints for the third year in a row! It’s called the Night of Unbelievable Fun: The 3rd Strike sponsored by MN Atheists and Freedom From Religion Foundation. Game time is 7pm at
- [Nov. and Dec. TV Show Report](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/nov-and-dec-tv-show-report/) - By Steve Petersen In November, we recorded one program, “The War on Science.” In this program, Stephanie Zvan interviewed Greg Laden about the historical begins of the war on science and how this continues today. Laden starts with Darwin's time and evolution, the theory that caused many religious people to fight science and the theory
- [Report from the Christmas Battlefield](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/report-from-the-christmas-battlefield/) - By Eric Jayne A couple battles that took place during last year’s War on Christmas happened in St. Paul. The first one came the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Family Place shelter. Fourteen atheists cooked up sloppy joes, beans, and homemade cookies for about 25 shelter guests. In addition to the kitchen cooking and cleaning,
- [Book Review: Damned Good Company](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/book-review-damned-good-company/) - By James Zimmerman Damned Good Companyby Luis Granados, 382 pagesHumanist Press, ©2012 In Damned Good Company, part-time historian and religion student Luis Granados takes readers across continents and centuries to find fascinating tales of fellow humans who bucked the religious trends of their day. Each of the copiously annotated twenty chapters in the book is set
- [2012 Solstice Celebration](https://mnatheists.org/2013/01/2012-solstice-celebration/) - Ninety-five people attended the 13th annual winter solstice celebration held by Minnesota Atheists and the Humanists of Minnesota on December 16th. For the first time, the event was held at Jimmy’s Event Center in Vadnais Heights. After a banquet dinner, the Freethought Band led off the entertainment, joined by singer Tracie Hodgdon. George Kane and
- [Fun Myths about Evolution Explored](https://mnatheists.org/2013/02/fun-myths-about-evolution-explored/) - In honor of Charles Darwin's birth month, our February speaker will be Sehoya Cotner, who will discuss "Fun Myths About Evolution Explored." Evolution is among the most contentious topics in our society, in part due to key misconceptions about the theory. Some of these are iconic (humans evolved from chimpanzees, survival of the fittest), some
- [President's Column: Atheist and Humanists Together?](https://mnatheists.org/2013/02/presidents-column-atheist-and-humanists-together/) - By August Berkshire A personal long-term goal has been to persuade enough members of each group that Minnesota Atheists should merge with the Humanists of Minnesota. The roots of our groups started independently, and with no knowledge of each other, in the mid-1980s. Back then it made more sense to have two groups. Atheists (inspired
- [Cancel My Subscription to the Resurrection](https://mnatheists.org/2013/02/cancel-my-subscription-to-the-resurrection/) - By Eric Jayne One week after 2013 arrived, my dad called and said he began receiving hospice care for congestive heart failure. I went to Iowa to visit him two days later. When I got there he was lying in his bed, struggling to breathe because his heart was having trouble pumping oxygenated blood. We talked
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/news-and-notes-3/) - By George Kane I was pleased to learn before this election that my polling place had moved from Como Park Lutheran Church to the North Dale Recreation Center, even though it is a couple of miles from my home. When I lived in California, I always voted at a public school. I don’t know if
- [Unitarian Universalists?](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/unitarian-universalists/) - By August Berkshire In the early days of the atheist/humanist movement, we looked to the Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches for some of our new members. This made sense because, until our groups formed, the UU churches were the most nontheistic organizations around. They offered humanistic programs and tended to use words like “god” and “spirit”
- [February Cable Report: Atheist Volunteerism](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/february-cable-report-atheist-volunteerism/) - By Steve Petersen Minnesota Atheists President Eric Jayne discussed the importance of giving time, energy, and money by volunteering for important causes. Eric first cited reasons why humans, whether or not they are religious, feel impelled to volunteer. He also provided reasons for rejecting the claim that religion is what makes people want to help
- [Atheist Organizing and Activism in Small-Town Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/atheist-organizing-and-activism-in-small-town-minnesota/) - Our guest speaker for March will be Ken Kressin. Ken organized the Cannon Falls Freethinkers group about three years ago – shortly after an episode at his daughter’s high school set him on an unexpected journey. Before that, Ken was an apathetic atheist and was unfamiliar with the basic tenets of skepticism, humanism, or atheism.
- [MN Atheists Testifies in Favor of Marriage Equality](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/mn-atheists-testitfies-in-favor-of-marriage-equality/) - Below is the testimony by August Berkshire, representing Minnesota Atheists, at a Minnesota House Civil Law Committee hearing, in favor of the bill HF 1054, changing state law to allow for marriage equality. March 12, 2013, 6:00 p.m. The bill passed the committee on a 10-7 party line vote – Democrats for, Republicans against. The
- [President's Column: Proclamation from the New President](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/presidents-column-proclamation-from-the-new-president/) - By Eric Jayne Although I have been regularly contributing to the Minnesota Atheist newsletter, this is my very first “President’s Column” since being elected president of the Minnesota Atheists last month. In my upcoming columns, readers of this fine publication can expect to find exciting information about events, partnerships, and other efforts happening with the
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2013/03/news-and-notes-2/) - By George Kane I have participated in two debates at the Argument of the Month Club. This is a Catholic men’s club that meets in the basement of St. Augustine Church in South St. Paul. Looking through their online recordings of their events I see that my first debate there was in January of 2009,
- [April Meeting - "Have We Turned a Corner?"](https://mnatheists.org/2013/04/april-meeting-have-we-turned-a-corner/) - Have we turned a corner?Progress on LGBT issues in Minnesota and beyond The modern phase of the LGBT equality movement is generally about forty years old, but it seems as if in recent years, progress toward that goal has picked up steam. From advances regarding relationship recognition, to employment equality, the movement for LGBT rights has
- [Celebrate the Day of Reason: One Nation Indivisible](https://mnatheists.org/2013/04/celebrate-the-day-of-reason-one-nation-indivisible/) - On Thursday, May 2, 2013, from noon to 1:00 pm, Minnesota Atheists and other organizations that recognize the need for separation of state and church will be observing the Day of Reason at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. This year’s theme is One Nation Indivisible. Speakers will include: Eric Jayne, President of Minnesota Atheists, Scott
- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/2013/04/news-and-notes/) - By George Kane Republicans took a thumping in the November elections, but they behave as if voters gave them a mandate to advance conservative Christian goals. House Resolutions 940 and 973 would both create faith-exemptions to the requirement for contraceptive coverage in employee insurance plans. HR 940 would amend the Affordable Care Act, so-called “Obamacare,”
- [President's Column: One Nation Indivisible](https://mnatheists.org/2013/04/presidents-column-one-nation-indivisible/) - By Eric Jayne Twenty-seven years after the last shot was fired in the Civil War, a socialist, Baptist minister named Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance as a visionary celebration of a unified, undivided nation. Published in 1892, the Pledge first appeared in a popular children’s magazine entitled The Youth’s Companion. The publication’s purpose
- [May Meeting: A Story about a Rebel](https://mnatheists.org/2013/05/may-meeting-a-story-about-a-rebel/) - Our speaker for the May meeting will be Dan Allosso. Dan is a freethought history writer who has recently come out with the book An Infidel Body-Snatcher and the Fruits of His Philosophy. This book is the story of a freethinker. Charles Knowlton. Charles was an outsider for most of his life, swimming against the
- [Root Root Root for the Atheists!](https://mnatheists.org/2013/05/root-root-root-for-the-atheists/) - By Eric Jayne There’s been a lot of excitement about NBA Center Jason Collins coming out publicly as gay. Even though he’s a mediocre basketball player, Collins will be forever remembered as the first male professional athlete from one of the big four leagues (National Football League, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and Major
- [President's Column: Godless Resilency](https://mnatheists.org/2013/05/presidents-column-godless-resilency/) - By Eric Jayne The Boston Marathon bombings showcased the good and the bad of humanity. The bad comes from the two Muslim brothers from Chechnya who killed three people and gruesomely injured over 100 more with two pressure cooker bombs. The good is from the bystanders, some who just completed a marathon (!), who quickly
- [News and Notes: May 2013](https://mnatheists.org/2013/05/news-and-notes-may-2013/) - By George Kane As was the case with the Cartoon Intifada in 2006, extremists are inciting street mobs to violence with cries of “Blasphemy!” to bring about a political crisis. This time the scene is Bangladesh, and the objects of religious fury are atheist bloggers who campaigned for secular government. The background to the current
- [MN Atheists Stand United for 8th Annual Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/mn-atheists-stand-united-for-8th-annual-day-of-reason/) - By Jack Caravela Since 2006, Minnesota Atheists members and supporters have gathered at the state capitol building on the first Thursday in May to celebrate the annual Day of Reason. Begun as a response to the federal and state supported Day of Prayer, an annual abuse of the U.S. Constitution that was officially endorsed this
- [May Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/may-meeting-review/) - By Blake Page When most of us think of the roots of free thought communities in the United States, we recall Madalyn O’Hair and the 1960’s. In his book An Infidel Body-Snatcher and the Fruits of his Philosophy, Dan Allosso shatters that misconception by detailing the life of Dr. Charles Knowlton, a physician who championed
- [Day of Reason Speech: One Nation Indivisible](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/day-of-reason-speech-one-nation-indivisible/) - By Grant Steves The following is a transcript of the speech written by Grant Steves and delivered by James Barri at the State Capital during the Day of Reason The Pledge of Allegiance is described as an oath, a national prayer, and a statement that elevates the government and flag to religious icons. Its major
- [The 2013 May Day Celebration](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/the-2013-may-day-celebration/) - Twenty-five people helped with our booth or marched with us at the May Day festival in Minneapolis on May 5th. The predictions for nasty weather didn't come true and it was a nice, sunny day instead. Most of us wore this year's Minnesota Atheists' patriotism-themed t-shirts that have the message "One Nation Indivisible" on back.
- [Atheists Talk TV Program Review: May 2013](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/atheists-talk-tv-program-review-may-2013/) - By Steve Petersen For the first part of the show, Dr. Sharon Preves, sociologist and professor, discussed her research of intersex individuals. Sharon first defined terms, such as "intersex," "hermaphrodite," and "transgender," then explained how and why she became involved in this research. Sharon next explained the cause for negative stigma of intersex individuals, including
- [President's Column: FSM Junction Separates Church and State](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/presidents-column-fsm-junction-separates-church-and-state/) - By Eric Jayne If you look from a bird’s-eye view of the state capitol and zoom out to a six-block radius, you will notice that there are actually two large domed buildings near downtown St. Paul—each one serving a distinct purpose—separated by a stretch of intertwined urban freeway. This section of freeway is commonly identified
- [News and Notes - June 2013](https://mnatheists.org/2013/06/news-and-notes-june-2013/) - By George Kane In 2008 our board of directors issued a document stating Minnesota Atheists’ positions on public policy issues of concern to atheists. This document is useful to everyone who has to represent the organization, so that whether commenting to the press or testifying at a legislative committee hearing, Minnesota Atheists’ position will not
- [Top Ten Reasons to Buy Mr. Paul - Ms. Paula Aints](https://mnatheists.org/2013/07/top-ten-reasons-to-buy-mr-paul-ms-paula-aints/) - 10. Merchandise is available in Mr. Paul and Ms. Paula versions and in both black and white. 9. Hats and T-shirts are available for the low price of $15. 8. You get your choice of two Aints items, hats and shirts, for the discounted price of $25. 7. You can personalize your own authentic, stitched
- [Annie Laurie Gaylor to Speak at American-MN Atheists Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2013/07/annie-laurie-gaylor-to-speak-at-american-mn-atheists-conference/) - American Atheists - Minnesota Atheists Regional ConferenceSaturday, August 10, 2013 - 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Ramada Plaza, 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE, Minneapolis, MN For more information and online registration: MinnesotaAtheists.org/conference Annie Laurie Gaylor will be the featured speaker at the upcoming American Atheists/Minnesota Atheists regional conference in Minneapolis. Ms. Gaylor is the co-founder and co-president
- [R.T. Rybak Proclaims Day of Celebrating Reason](https://mnatheists.org/2013/07/r-t-rybak-proclaims-day-of-celebrating-reason/) - By George Kane Bill Weir, a board member of the newly formed Minnesota chapter of the Secular Coalition for America, read the following mayoral proclamation while introducing David Niose at the First Unitarian Society on June 9. Mr. Niose is President of the national Secular Coalition for America. Proclamation Whereas. the City of Minneapolis
- [The Mr. Paul Aints Game (Let's All Go to the)](https://mnatheists.org/2013/07/the-mr-paul-aints-game-lets-all-go-to-the/) - Lyrics by Paul Heffron and Jerry Rauser To the tune of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”(Verse 1) Let’s all go to the Aints game.Let’s all show who we are.The big red A says a lot about us.We’re here for fun, so please don’t make a fuss.So we’ll root for the Mister Paul Aints
- [Book Review: An Infidel Body Snatcher](https://mnatheists.org/2013/05/book-review-an-infidel-body-snatcher/) - By Scott Lohman An Infidel Body-Snatcher and the Fruits of his Philosophy: The Life of Dr. Charles Knowltonby Dan Allosso, 270 pages, CreateSpace Independent Publishing The history of Freethinking people is not always about the big characters of our movement. Most of what has happened was done by those of us who do boring jobs
- [President's Column: Weekend of Unbelievable Fun: The 2nd Coming](https://mnatheists.org/2013/07/presidents-column-weekend-of-unbelievable-fun-the-2nd-coming/) - By Eric Jayne Since I’ve been so incredibly busy planning for our second annual Mr. Paul Aints game on August 9 and joint American Atheists/Minnesota Atheists regional conference on August 10, I will use this column to talk about our Weekend of Unbelievable Fun: The Second Coming. The conference planning committee of August Berkshire, Jill
- [Atheism and Baseball Providing a Second Season of Unbelievable Fun](https://mnatheists.org/2013/08/atheism-and-baseball-providing-a-second-season-of-unbelievable-fun/) - By Eric Jayne Originally appeared in MinnPost (7-29-13) Atheism and baseball is an unlikely combo, but nevertheless, the Minnesota Atheists organization is celebrating the atheist community with America’s pastime for the second year in a row. The Minnesota Atheists will again be secularizing the St. Paul Saints to the Mr. Paul Aints during their Aug.
- [Minnesota Atheists: The Next Generation of Leadership](https://mnatheists.org/2013/07/minnesota-atheists-the-next-generation-of-leadership/) - By Steve Peterson For our June taping of the Atheists Talk cable television show, Minnesota Atheisits president Eric Jayne and Minnesota Atheists chair Heather Hegi joined host George Kane to discuss Minnesota Atheists: The Next Generation of Leadership. Both Eric and Heather bring a fresh point of view to Minnesota Atheists and they discuss how
- [MN Atheists Responds to Local Anti-Atheist Billboard](https://mnatheists.org/2013/08/mn-atheists-responds-to-local-anti-atheist-billboard/) - By Eric Jayne Originally appeared in the St. Cloud Times (8-4-13); picture courtesy of Mary Carlson. “With atheism there is no hope, only despair.” At least that’s what a billboard tells us on Stearns County Road 75 near Interstate Highway 94 in St. Joseph. Of course, a lot of billboards say things that aren’t true,
- [Get your Mr. Paul Aints Baseball Hats and Shirts Here!](https://mnatheists.org/2013/08/get-your-mr-paul-aints-baseball-hats-and-shirts-here/) - The Mr. Paul Aints is a team atheists can root for whether they’re from St. Paul, St. Louis, east coast, west coast, or in a different hemisphere altogether! You don’t even need to be a baseball fan or sports enthusiast to get behind this team because we above all else team atheist fun! For the
- [News and Notes: Religiosity Declining according to Gallop Poll](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/news-and-notes-religiosity-declining-according-to-gallop-poll/) - By George Kane At the end of July, Gallop International released its Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism 2012, which shows that the atheist movement is advancing rapidly worldwide. The international survey asked respondents, “Irrespective of whether you attend a place of worship or not, would you say you are a religious person, not a
- [MN Atheists Receives Heart of Humanism Award](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/mn-atheists-receives-heart-of-humanism-award/) - The Minnesota Atheists organization is honored to receive a Heart of Humanism award from Foundation Beyond Belief for our volunteer activities which are organized by a team of dedicated Minnesota Atheists members and supporters. Minnesota Atheists was one of eight team winners out of more than 70 teams among the Beyond Belief Network. The Humanist
- [PZ Myers to Speak at MN Atheists Meeting September 15](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/pz-myers-to-speak-at-mn-atheists-meeting-september-15/) - PZ Myers will be our featured speaker at the September Minnesota Atheists meeting. Myers is an associate professor of biology at the University of Minnesota Morris. His research focuses on the evolutionary developmental biology of zebrafish. He is an active critic of religion who makes no attempt to be courteous in his condemnation. Noting
- [President's Column: Why I'm an Atheist Activist](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/presidents-column-why-im-an-atheist-activist/) - By Eric Jayne Now that our second annual regional conference and Mr. Paul Aints game weekend is behind us, I’ve been able to take a deep breath and remind myself why I volunteer so much of my time and energy toward the cause of atheism. I recognize that there are many self-identified atheists in the
- [Weekend of Unbelievable Fun a Success for the 2nd Year in a Row](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/weekend-of-unbelievable-fun-a-success-for-the-2nd-year-in-a-row/) - We did it again! We pulled off another unbelievably fun weekend this summer for the second year in a row thanks to the help of a lot of members and supporters of Minnesota Atheists! The fun started in the late afternoon on Friday, August 9th, in the Midway Stadium parking lot, where we tailgated until
- [Book Review: An Atheist Guerrilla Debating Manual](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/book-review-an-atheist-guerrilla-debating-manual/) - By Lewis Campbell Playing Chess with Pigeons: A Compendium of Fundamentalist Apologetics and their Refutations by Chuck Hall. BMDO Publications. Chuck Hall says he has been debating fundamentalist Christians for over forty years. Playing Chess with Pigeons certainly contains the largest arsenal of anti-fundamentalist debating points you are likely to find anywhere. Hall provides a
- [James Zimmerman to speak at October MN Atheists Meeting in Apple Valley](https://mnatheists.org/2013/09/james-zimmerman-to-speak-at-october-mn-atheists-meeting-in-apple-valley/) - The October meeting of Minnesota Atheists will feature James Zimmerman discussing his new book Deliverance at Hand! Much of Zimmerman's book takes place in Apple Valley which is partly why we selected this location. James is a member of the Minnesota Atheists Editorial Board and a former editor of The Minnesota Atheist newsletter.He is a frequent host
- [News and Notes - October 2013](https://mnatheists.org/2013/10/news-and-notes-october-2013/) - By George Kane Wisconsin’s state constitution provides excellent protection for the separation of church and state, defining it more clearly than the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Since the state legislature is now firmly in thrall to the religious right, however, both houses have taken up a constitutional amendment to eviscerate that protection.
- [September Meeting Featuring PZ Myers Draws Large Crowd](https://mnatheists.org/2013/10/september-meeting-featuring-pz-myers-draws-large-crowd/) - By Alyssa Ehni The room was packed for September’s Minnesota Atheists meeting at the Roseville Public Library. The meeting featured PZ Myers, an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Minnesota, Morris, who has become well known in the atheist community through his Pharyngula blog at Freethought Blogs. He has recently released a book
- [Action, Not Semantics, Defines Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2013/10/action-not-semantics-defines-atheism/) - By Steve Peterson At the September Minnesota Atheists meeting with PZ Myers, a classic issue came up in the question-and-answer session: Atheism only defines what we do not believe rather that what we do believe. I argued that many people are proud to be independent, not dependent, even though this also defines only what they
- [Board Report - October 2013](https://mnatheists.org/2013/10/board-report-october-2013/) - By Jill Carlson At the September board meeting, the Board voted to sign a lease on rental space at the Wesley Center in Downtown Minneapolis for $200 per month for one year. This arrangement failed when it was later determined that the space was already rented by another tenant. The Board agreed to continue to
- [MN Atheists Seeks to Change Law to Allow Atheists to Perform Marriages](https://mnatheists.org/2013/11/mn-atheists-seeks-to-change-law-to-allow-atheists-to-perform-marriages/) - By August Berkshire Minnesota Atheists has restarted our process to change Minnesota state law to allow atheist leaders to conduct civil marriages. We began this project a few years ago but then the marriage amendment and the marriage equality legislation intervened. We knew that the Minnesota state legislature was not going to tackle both gay
- [Sexual Harassment Policies Should Be Gender Neutral](https://mnatheists.org/2013/11/sexual-harassment-policies-should-be-gender-neutral/) - By Bernadette Chlebeck and Phil Cunliffe When you hear the words “Sexual Harassment Policy,” what image comes to your mind? Most likely you envision a female victim and a male perpetrator. If you do, you are not alone. Statistics from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission show that 82.2% of reported sexual harassment charges were
- [President's Column: Know your Local Nonprophet Nonprofits](https://mnatheists.org/2013/11/presidents-column-know-your-local-nonprophet-nonprofits/) - By Eric Jayne Our recent, first-ever, “Dinner with the Board” event was delightfully fun. The board members had a chance to talk with several supporters while enjoying delicious drinks and food. A couple of the guests I spoke with wanted to learn more about the philanthropic endeavors of Minnesota Atheists. We talked about our ongoing
- [Deliverance at Hand! Author Delivers Impressive Talk at Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2013/11/deliverance-at-hand-author-delivers-impressive-talk-at-meeting/) - By Mike Haubrich For our October meeting at the Apple Valley Community Center, James Zimmerman gave us an informative and witty presentation. Zimmerman started speaking in front of audiences when he was just eight years old, and a few years of experience have made him into an entertaining and accomplished presenter. It does make a
- [A Scottish View of the MN Atheists Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2013/11/a-scottish-view-of-the-mn-atheists-conference/) - By Charles Coventry As part of my third holiday to Stillwater, Minnesota, to visit my friend Ken Moses, we attended the Minnesota Atheists conference this past August. At the conference, my Humanist Society of Scotland T-shirt aroused interest because of our motto “We’re A’ Jock Tamson’s Bairns.” This is an old proverb meaning that everybody
- [News and Notes: SCOTUS could Eviscerate Establishment Clause](https://mnatheists.org/2013/11/news-and-notes-scotus-could-eviscerate-establishment-clause/) - By George Kane I’m scared. I’m really scared. I’m afraid that when the Supreme Court decides Town of Greece v. Galloway this term, it will overturn the endorsement standard of Establishment Clause jurisprudence, leaving nothing of the wall of separation between church and state but scattered rubble. This was not regarded as a particularly important
- [Opening Statement from "Can we be Good without God" Debate](https://mnatheists.org/2013/12/opening-statement-from-can-we-be-good-without-god-debate/) - By August Berkshire On October 20, 2013, I debated Rev. Scott McMurray on the topic of “Can We Be Good without God?” at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. The debate was sponsored by the La Crosse Secular Student Society and the La Crosse Area Freethought Society. Following is my fifteen-minute opening statement. As
- [Announcing the Secular Women Work Conference](https://mnatheists.org/2015/01/announcing-the-secular-women-work-conference/) - Minnesota Atheists is doing something different with our summer conference this year. We've teamed up with Campus Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists and Secular Woman to bring you a conference by activists and for activists, the Secular Women Work Conference. Tickets are on sale now. Here's the press release we sent out in the past few
- [Atheist Night at New CHS Field - Leave Your Soles at the Gate](https://mnatheists.org/2015/02/atheist-night-at-new-chs-field-leave-your-soles-at-the-gate/) - Minnesota Atheists is teaming up with Foundation Beyond Belief this year for the 4th annual “Atheist Night” minor league baseball game in St. Paul, MN on Saturday, August 8. This year’s game will be played in the St. Paul Saints’ brand new downtown stadium, CHS Field! It’s billed as Leave Your Soles at the Gate because
- [February meeting: Varieties of African American Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/2018/02/february-meeting-varieties-of-african-american-atheism/) - Sunday, February 18th 2:00pmRondo Public Library You are invited to the February Public Meeting of Minnesota Atheists:In honor of February being Black History Month, we are pleased to feature Professor Michael Lackey, who will speak on “Varieties of African American Atheism.” Prof. Lackey will start by pointing out that there are many types of atheists.
- [Secular Woman Work Conference Kickstarter](https://mnatheists.org/2018/03/secular-woman-work-conference-kickstarter/) - Minnesota Atheists is bringing back the summer regional conference! Our last conference was the first Secular Women Work conference in 2015. We teamed up with Secular Woman and Campus Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists to provide a weekend of activist training and inspiration at the University of Minnesota. It was a great success, so we're bringing
- [A Night of Magical Disbelief - Winter Solstice Banquet 2018](https://mnatheists.org/2018/11/a-night-of-magical-disbelief-winter-solstice-banquet-2018/) - Join us for a magical night! This year's Winter Solstice Banquet will be on December 15th at the Embassy Suites in Brooklyn Center. Our theme highlights the performing art of magicians. The featured entertainment will be mentalist David Gamut. Schedule 5:00 p.m. - Social hour with a cash bar & magic tricks6:00 p.m. - Dinner
- [Small Group Discussion Format Generates Ideas in November](https://mnatheists.org/2014/01/small-group-discussion-format-generates-ideas-in-november/) - By Charity Campbell The Minnesota Atheists November meeting featured small-group discussions on topics such as dealing with religious relatives, death and dying, and morality. In the discussion about religious relatives, it was agreed that the holiday season is an especially appropriate time to share more about one’s religious beliefs with family members, but that atheists
- [Marriage Celebrants Law to Be Topic at January Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2014/01/marriage-celebrants-law-to-be-topic-at-january-meeting/) - At our January meeting, Minnesota Atheists will be revisiting the issue of Minnesota’s law on marriage celebrants, which August Berkshire discussed briefly at our September meeting and at length in the October issue of The Minnesota Atheist. Since then, we have met with Minnesota state senator John Marty and have requested further feedback from our
- [News and Notes: Disputes over the Gettysburg Address](https://mnatheists.org/2014/01/news-and-notes-disputes-over-the-gettysburg-address/) - By George Kane November 19th marked the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. To commemorate the occasion, Ken Burns filmed 61 political and cultural leaders, including all living presidents, reading the speech. From these videos he put together a pastiche, taking a few words from each reading. The film of President Obama’s full
- [President's Column: 2014 Will Be An Unbelievable Year With Your Help](https://mnatheists.org/2014/01/presidents-column-2014-will-be-an-unbelievable-year-with-your-help/) - By Eric Jayne It’s been another great year for the Minnesota Atheists! Since January 2013 we’ve added over 400 members on our Meetup site and held over 200 events in the Twin Cities area. Our paid membership has increased by more than 10 percent, which brings us up to almost 250 paid members—each of whom
- [James Bond Meets Darth Vader](https://mnatheists.org/2014/01/james-bond-meets-darth-vader/) - By Lewis Campbell Book Review: The Messiah Game: A Comedy of Terrors, Part I by Tom Flynn. See Sharp Press. In a far distant future, humans have colonized 42,000 planets in the Milky Way galaxy through a process that is no longer remembered. Only 2,000 of these planets have technologically advanced civilizations. On the other
- [News and Notes - Mount Soledad Cross Case](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/news-and-notes-mount-soledad-cross-case/) - By George Kane In mid-December, US District Court Judge Larry Burns issued a decision in the case Trunk v. San Diego that may open the final chapter for the Mount Soledad Cross after more than twenty years of litigation. Judge Burns ordered the cross to be removed within ninety days, although the order was stayed
- [President's Column - Assembling Helpful Freethinking Support](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/presidents-column-assembling-helpful-freethinking-support/) - By Eric Jayne When I joined the Minnesota Atheists board three years ago, I wanted to increase our community outreach and volunteer efforts because I know how much cash-strapped nonprofits rely on donations and volunteer labor to address the growing needs within their service areas. I also wanted there to be a safe and welcoming
- [Sunday Assembly Forming in Twin Cities](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/sunday-assembly-forming-in-twin-cities/) - By Rebecca Chesin You may have heard some of the buzz about Sunday Assembly as an “atheist congregation” that’s popping up in cities around the world. While it’s true that Sunday Assembly gatherings are a-theist (without gods), Sunday Assembly does not actively address the question of belief or disbelief. Rather, as one member of the
- [Are We Still Evolving? MN Atheists presents Sehoya Cotner at February Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/are-we-still-evolving-mn-atheists-presents-sehoya-cotner-at-february-meeting/) - Sehoya Cotner is a professor of biology at the University of Minnesota. Her research interests include evolution education for the non-scientist and using sex to teach evolution. In an interview with Specimen Magazine, Dr. Cotner said: It’s clear that we have a big science problem in our country. . . . I don’t think it’s
- [Repeal the Ban on Sunday Liquor Sales](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/repeal-the-ban-on-sunday-liquor-sales/) - By August Berkshire Once again a bill has been introduced in the Minnesota legislature to try to repeal the state’s ban on Sunday liquor sales at liquor stores. Governor Mark Dayton has signaled his willingness to sign the repeal, though it is not a priority for him. On January 14th, Representative Jenifer Loon issued the
- [Toward a Prayer-Free Minnesota Legislature](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/toward-a-prayer-free-minnesota-legislature/) - By Jo Marsicano I recently sent an email to my state representative, Paul Thissen, who’s also the Speaker of the House, declaring my atheism and my right as a citizen and taxpayer to be represented equally, strongly urging separation of church and state and a strong secular government. Among other things, my letter stated, “I
- [The Fight for Reproductive Rights is Not Just About Abortion](https://mnatheists.org/2014/02/the-fight-for-reproductive-rights-is-not-just-about-abortion/) - By Jennifer Zimmerman When we talk about reproductive rights the first thing that comes to most people’s mind is the right to abortion. However, reproductive rights encompass much more than that. The prolife movement has been pushing fetal personhood legislation that can potentially affect the rights of every pregnant woman, both those who want to
- [MN Atheists March Meeting: "Hug an Atheist" movie showing](https://mnatheists.org/2014/03/mn-atheists-march-meeting-hug-an-atheist-movie-showing/) - Minnesota Atheists is pleased to sponsor the first authorized public showing of “Hug An Atheist” in Minnesota. This is a documentary film by Sylvia Broeckx about atheism in the USA, dispelling myths and untruths by following ordinary American atheists on their journey through life. The money to produce this film was raised by a crowd-funding
- [Book Review: Doubting Jesus' Resurrection](https://mnatheists.org/2014/03/book-review-doubting-jesus-resurrection/) - By Greg Peterson Doubting Jesus' Resurrection: What Happened in the Black Box? (Retails for $21.93 in Paperback) “Nothing is esteemed a miracle,” wrote brilliant Scottish philosopher David Hume, “if it ever happen in the common course of nature. It is no miracle that a man, seemingly in good health, should die on a sudden: because
- [News and Notes: March 2014](https://mnatheists.org/2014/03/news-and-notes-march-2014/) - By George Kane The next session of the Minnesota legislature opens on February 25. It will not be as intense for secular activists as last year’s session, when same-sex marriage dominated attention, but every year there are bills of concern. Conservative Christians are eternally committed to undermining Jefferson’s wall of separation between church and state,
- [God-less America at the Ol' Ballgame](https://mnatheists.org/2014/04/god-less-america-at-the-ol-ballgame/) - By Eric Jayne Walt Whitman once said that “baseball is the hurrah game! well—it's our game: that's the chief fact in connection with it: America's game: has the snap, go, fling, of the American atmosphere—belongs as much to our institutions, fits into them as significantly, as our constitutions, laws: is just as important in the
- [April Meeting: Religion and Climate Change](https://mnatheists.org/2014/04/april-meeting-religion-and-climate-change/) - Minnesota Atheists welcomes anthropologist and science blogger Greg Laden to talk to us about the intersection of religious communities and climate change denialism at our April 27 meeting in Maplewood. A frequent guest on our radio show, this month, he'll join us in person. Most of the important events in the Bible are linked to
- [Proclaiming Reason at the Capitol](https://mnatheists.org/2014/04/proclaiming-reason-at-the-capitol/) - We will be celebrating our ninth annual Day of Reason celebration at the State Capitol Rotunda on May 1st. Our program will start at noon and will last about an hour. We welcome you to join us! The National Day of Reason was instituted as a protest against the National Day of Prayer, which was
- [Atheist Wedding Celebrant Bill](https://mnatheists.org/2014/04/atheist-wedding-celebrant-bill/) - By August Berkshire On March 12, 2014, atheists and humanists in Minnesota made history when Minnesota State Representative Phyllis Kahn introduced what is believed to be the first legislative bill to ever mention us. House File 2966 (HF 2966) is titled “Marriage solemnization by atheist and humanist celebrants authorized.” It allows for our celebrants to
- [Win the opportunity to throw the first pitch at an Atheist ballgame!](https://mnatheists.org/2014/04/win-the-opportunity-to-throw-the-first-pitch-at-an-atheist-ballgame/) - On Friday, July 11 the city of Saint Paul will be unofficially renamed “Mister Paul” while it hosts an atheist-themed minor league baseball game and you can toss out the first ceremonial pitch at Midway Stadium! The Saint Paul Saints minor league team will change their name to the secular-friendly Mister Paul Aints for the
- [May Meeting: Illusion of Free Will and Its Impact on Moral Responsibility](https://mnatheists.org/2014/05/may-meeting-illusion-of-free-will-and-its-impact-on-moral-responsibility/) - The question of whether or not we have free will has been debated for thousands of years. What affects do determinism, indeterminism, and randomness have on free will? What are the obstacles to perceiving free will as an illusion? If free will is an illusion, what does this say about praise, blame, responsibility, ethics, justice,
- [April Meeting Review](https://mnatheists.org/2014/05/april-meeting-review/) - Greg Laden's talk on global warming nicely tied in themes of biblical disaster to the coming catastrophic changes our global home is going to visit on us even to the seventh generation. Well, not so nice, in review of the ways that the earth's ecosystem will respond to the “sin” of overusage of carbon consumption
- [Atheist Baseball and All-Star Conference in July](https://mnatheists.org/2014/06/atheist-baseball-and-all-star-conference-in-july/) - St. Paul, MN, June 23, 2014 – Atheist baseball and the All-Star Freethought Conference is coming to Minnesota in July! The Minnesota Atheists and Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) are partnering with the Saint Paul Saints minor league baseball team for a night of “unbelievable” fun on Friday, July 11 at 7:05pm at Midway Stadium
- [News and Notes: June 2014](https://mnatheists.org/2014/06/news-and-notes-june-2014/) - By George Francis Kane Since Sandra Day O’Connor’s retirement in 2006, supporters of Jefferson’s wall of separation between church and state have feared that the Supreme Court would dismantle its Establishment Clause protections. That came to pass on May 5 when the Supreme Court rendered its decision in the Town of Greece v. Greenwald case.
- [Atheist and Family Night with Minor League Baseball](https://mnatheists.org/2014/07/atheist-and-family-night-with-minor-league-baseball/) - By Eric Jayne Published in the St. Paul Pionner Press on July 10, 2014 A Google search for "Faith and Family Night" pulls up a long list of professional sports teams holding a celebratory day dedicated to religious faith. This list includes several major league and minor league baseball teams across the nation. Of course,
- [Thirty Years of Atheism in Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2014/07/thirty-years-of-atheism-in-minnesota/) - By August Berkshire In March 1984, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, then president of American Atheists, came to Minneapolis as the featured speaker for the annual fundraising dinner for the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (now the ACLU-MN). Afterwards, in a meeting room in the basement, she was joined by her son, Jon Murray. They had previously notified
- [Atheist Baseball Team Wins and Makes History in Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/2014/07/atheist-baseball-team-wins-and-makes-history-in-minnesota/) - By Eric Jayne Baseball history was made in Minnesota on July 11, 2014! That’s when the first ever win was recorded by an atheist-sponsored professional baseball team. It happened at Midway Stadium in St. Paul just four days before the Major League Baseball All-Star game took place in that other city (Minneapolis) across the river.
- [News and Notes: July 2014](https://mnatheists.org/2014/07/news-and-notes-july-2014/) - By George Kane In the June issue, this column reported with alarm the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case Township of Greece v. Galloway, which did more to undermine the Establishment Clause than any previous decision. This month, surprising good news came from the Court: it denied certiorari to an appeal of a ruling
- [Minnesota Atheists at Twin Cities Pride](https://mnatheists.org/2014/07/minnesota-atheists-at-twin-cities-pride/) - The Minnesota Atheists continued our tradition of participating in Twin Cities Pride again this year. Several LGBTQ supporting atheists marched in the parade and hosted a booth in Loring Park in Minneapolis last month. If pictures are worth a thousand words, enjoy “reading” these:
- [Local Response to Atheist Sponsored St. Paul Saints Game](https://mnatheists.org/2014/07/local-response-to-atheist-sponsored-st-paul-saints-game/) - Here are three letters to the editor from the St. Paul Pioneer Press about our atheist-sponsored baseball game where the St. Paul Saints were re-branded to the Mr. Paul Aints. 7/16/14: I went to a Saints game on a date night with my wife on July 11 ("A night of 'unbelievable' fun," July 10). Imagine
- [Atheist Volunteers Serving Our Community](https://mnatheists.org/2014/08/atheist-volunteers-serving-our-community/) - Atheist volunteers from Minnesota Atheists did it again. They cooked a genuine gourmet meal at the Family Place shelter in St. Paul as they do every third Saturday of each month. July’s menu featured Tarragon Chicken and Potatoes Italiano followed by cookies for dessert. There were 33 guests, including 11 children, and 10 atheist volunteers
- [Public Meeting: Relevance of Religion for Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2014/09/public-meeting-relevance-of-religion-for-atheists/) - Grant Steves is a past member and chair of the board of directors as well as host for the Atheists Talk program on both cable and radio. He has presented several lectures to Minnesota Atheists, including one on cults and fundamentalism and another titled “Ethics: Science or religion – Which has the Answer?” Grant has
- [Highway Cleanup and Lunch](https://mnatheists.org/2014/09/highway-cleanup-and-lunch/) - By Steve Petersen Our long tradition of helping beautify our highways and getting public recognition for atheism (in the form of a road sign informing motorists that this stretch of highway is maintained by Minnesota Atheists) continues. On Sunday, September 28, Minnesota Atheists will be performing its Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup. The work goes from 10:00 am
- [President’s Column: Fun Ain't Free](https://mnatheists.org/2014/09/presidents-column-fun-aint-free/) - By Eric Jayne Fun is good. That is the mantra of Mike Veeck who co-owns the local minor league St. Paul Saints baseball team along with “team psychologist” Bill Murray. Thanks to the support and feedback from members and board officers the Minnesota Atheists offered a heaping amount of summer fun for the third year
- [October Public Meeting: Pathfinders Project with Ben Blanchard](https://mnatheists.org/2014/10/october-public-meeting-pathfinders-project-with-ben-blanchard/) - Ben Blanchard recently returned from a year abroad. He was one of the first participants of the Pathfinders Project, which, according to its website, is a yearlong international service trip sponsored by Foundation Beyond Belief, a nonprofit created to focus, encourage, and demonstrate humanist generosity and compassion. Through Pathfinders Project, humanist volunteers (the Pathfinders) are supporting
- [News and Notes - October 2014](https://mnatheists.org/2014/10/news-and-notes-october-2014/) - By George Francis Kane It is back-to-school time. That means a new round of battles over the separation of church and state, against people who want to use the public schools to turn the students into good little Christians. In Florida, a new state program provides tax credits to donors to private schools, most of
- [President's Column: Why I'm Not a Secular Humanist](https://mnatheists.org/2014/10/presidents-column-why-im-not-a-secular-humanist/) - By Eric Jayne A favorite TV show from my youth was ALF. The popular NBC sitcom, which ran from 1986 to 1990, was about a three-feet tall furry, wisecracking Alien Life Form (“ALF”) who crash landed his spaceship in a suburban family’s backyard garage. The family protects ALF from the military and nosy neighbors throughout
- [Animal Liberation and Atheism: Two Author Events for Kim Socha in November](https://mnatheists.org/2014/11/animal-liberation-and-atheism-two-author-events-for-kim-socha-in-november/) - Join local author Kim Socha at two local author's events in the Twin Cities this month as she reads from her new book Animal Liberation and Athesim, which is now available at Freethoughthouse.com and Amazon.com. Books will also be on sale at both events. Kim's first author's event will be at May Day Books in
- [President’s Column: War on Christmas Continues](https://mnatheists.org/2014/11/presidents-column-war-on-christmas-continues/) - By Eric Jayne The passing of Halloween brings another cause for celebration: The annual War on Christmas. In our own unique way, the Minnesota Atheists has participated in the War on Christmas for several years and I think we’ll have plenty to keep us busy for the 2014 war. Our objective in the War on
- [News and Notes - November 2014](https://mnatheists.org/2014/11/news-and-notes-november-2014/) - By George Francis Kane Writing the decision in the 1968 Epperson v. Arkansas case, Justice Abe Fortas noted that “(t)he First Amendment mandates governmental neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion.” Justice David Sutter referred to this principle of neutrality as the bedrock concept of the Establishment Clause, and it has been
- [Press Release: Minnesota Atheists Doing God's Work](https://mnatheists.org/2014/11/press-release-minnesota-atheists-doing-gods-work/) - St. Paul, MN, November 26, 2014 – As we prepare for another “War on Christmas”, Minnesota Atheists is proud to help fight hunger and make the holidays a little brighter for individuals and families in Minnesota. The Minnesota Atheists/Volunteers Beyond Belief team has raised nearly $800 (so far) for a local east metro food shelf
- [Book Review: Waking Up by Sam Harris](https://mnatheists.org/2014/12/book-review-waking-up-by-sam-harris/) - By Grant Steves Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion (Sam Harris) - 256 pages; Simon & Schuster (September 9, 2014) Sam Harris appears to be a contradiction. Can you be an atheist and be spiritual? Harris has, through his past books and debates, established himself as an atheist. However, people sometimes stray into eccentric
- [Join Us in the May Day Parade](https://mnatheists.org/2015/04/join-us-in-the-may-day-parade/) - By Heather Hegi Hooray for spring! What better way to celebrate it than to walk in the May Day Parade with Minnesota Atheists.I really enjoy walking in the parade and holding signs representing secular values. It makes your day when you overhear someone from the crowd reading one of our signs exclaiming “Hug an Atheist”,
- [The Secular Watch](https://mnatheists.org/2015/02/the-secular-watch/) - By Grant Steves In 2007, Charles Taylor published his book, A Secular Age. It is a 900 page treatise on the philosophical and sociological history and critique of secularism. Since the Reformation secularism in Western culture has increased and the signs of that can be seen in three ways. 1) The ‘public spaces’ of politics,
- [Secularism: Minnesota Atheists Responds to David Brooks](https://mnatheists.org/2015/02/secularism-minnesota-atheists-responds-to-david-brooks/) - David Brooks recently wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times about what he views as the perils of secularism. Several media outlets, including the Minneapolis Star Tribune, picked up his article. The president of Minnesota Atheists had a rebuttal published in the Sunday, February 8 edition of the Star Tribune. Two other rebuttals
- [January Business Meeting: Reproductive Justice Activism](https://mnatheists.org/2015/01/january-business-meeting-reproductive-justice-activism/) - Over this past summer there was quite a bit of talk about abortion clinics and the people who oppose them. This was due in large part to the U.S. Supreme Court case McCullen v. Coakley. In that case the justices ruled that a Massachusetts law which makes it a crime to stand on a public
- [Children's Hospital of MN Offers MN Atheists a Distinctive Thanks](https://mnatheists.org/2015/01/childrens-hospital-of-mn-offers-mn-atheists-a-distinctive-thanks/) - By Eric Jayne Minnesota Atheists recently received a nice thank you letter from Children’s Hospital of Minnesota after we donated two carloads of toys and other gifts to benefit hospital patients and their families as part of our comprehensive War on Christmas campaign. The letter starts off with a standard greeting, and, is in all
- [Why I Am Not a Rationalist](https://mnatheists.org/2015/02/why-i-am-not-a-rationalist/) - By Stephanie ZvanReprinted from the blog Almost Diamond with permission I am not a rationalist. I have friends who are rationalists. I do my best to think of it as a nice little hobby of theirs. I do cryptograms and other puzzles in my down time. They spend time hacking their thinking processes, or trying
- [President's Column: Atheism & Chapel Hill](https://mnatheists.org/2015/02/presidents-column-atheism-chapel-hill/) - By Eric Jayne On February 10, Craig Stephen Hicks, a white middle aged atheist, gunned down three young Muslim college students—all of whom were of Palestinian descent. Deah Shaddy Barakat, the oldest victim at the age of 23, was pursuing a doctorate in dentistry and planning a trip to Turkey to assist children in a
- [Robertson's Wager: The Duck Dynasty Quackery of Morals](https://mnatheists.org/2015/03/robertsons-wager-the-duck-dynasty-quackery-of-morals/) - By Eric Jayne Phil Robertson, from A&E’s popular Duck Dynasty show has shared his Bible-based philosophy about many things including same-sex relationships and race. Last week he argued for absolute morality as decided by God. To illustrate his position he shared an imaginary scenario. I’ll make a bet with you. Two guys break into an
- [News and Notes: Marriage Equality Laws](https://mnatheists.org/2015/04/news-and-notes-marriage-equality-laws/) - By George Francis Kane The marriage equality movement has had a string of successes in referendum elections and the courts. Today same-sex marriages are recognized by the federal government and are legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia. The bans on same-sex marriage are being challenged in court cases in the remaining 13
- [The Thing About Cops](https://mnatheists.org/2015/04/the-thing-about-cops/) - By Mike Haubrich (Reprinted from apexofludicrous.wordpress.com with permission) An acquaintance unfriended me on Facebook a few weeks ago because I had hit the “Like” button for a story in which a cop had been killed by a criminal. He assumed that I had hit the “Like” button because I hate cops so much that I
- [Minnesota Atheists Visit Church of Scientology](https://mnatheists.org/2015/05/minnesota-atheists-visit-church-of-scientology/) - By Eric Jayne A group from Minnesota Atheists visited the Church of Scientology this past Memorial Day weekend. It was the second time we toured their building after first visiting shortly after it opened in 2011. Just like last time, the church members were hospitable, but a little unclear. About 50 of us gathered inside
- [President's Column: Thank God for Millennials!](https://mnatheists.org/2015/05/presidents-column-thank-god-for-millennials/) - By Eric Jayne It was initially discouraging when the state of Indiana passed their discriminatory Religious Restoration Act. The law gave religiously faithful people increased power and special privilege which was used to legally justify refusal of service to gays, lesbians, and genderqueer people. Discouragement didn’t last long though since the response in Indiana and
- [Unbelievable Baseball with St. Paul Saints](https://mnatheists.org/2015/05/unbelievable-baseball-with-st-paul-saints/) - Sports teams have been holding faith and family nights for many years, but in 2012 the St. Paul Saints became the first ever professional sports team to feature atheists night in what was billed “A Night of Unbelievable Fun” (sponsored by Minnesota Atheists and American Atheists). Even though the morning show hosts at Fox &
- [The Something (rather than nothing) That I Attended](https://mnatheists.org/2015/07/the-something-rather-than-nothing-that-i-attended/) - By James Zimmerman Recently, I had the opportunity to attend and present at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, held at Eastern Washington University (near Spokane). My presentation was in the History discipline, and I made an effort to support and attend other History presentations. However, in the listing of presentation descriptions, one topic caught my
- [Remembering Bob Nienkerk](https://mnatheists.org/2015/07/remembering-bob-nienkerk/) - August Berkshire wrote and read this tribute at the memorial for Robert Nienkerk on June 29, 2015. Nature just provided us with a brief rainstorm, so we would all have something that Bob would have appreciated: nice clean cars! In early 1984, Madalyn Murray O’Hair and Jon Murray came to the Twin Cities, on their
- [Washington County Decision Is Status Quo for Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2015/07/washington-county-decision-is-status-quo-for-atheists/) - By Stephanie Zvan On May 4, U.S. District Judge Joan Ericksen dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of Atheists for Human Rights as moot. The suit was filed when a marriage officiant certified by AFHR had their filing of that certificate rejected by Washington County on the basis that atheists were not among the groups
- [Atheism and Religion at the Ol' Ballgame](https://mnatheists.org/2015/08/atheism-and-religion-at-the-ol-ballgame/) - By Eric Jayne The Minnesota Twins will be holding their first ever “Faith Night” at Target Field on Aug. 29. That’s exactly three weeks after the minor league St. Paul Saints hold “Atheist Night” at CHS Field. I’m certain that both games will be fun but since I’m from the expanding group of religiously unaffiliated
- [MN Atheists Needs You for the 2015 War on Christmas](https://mnatheists.org/2015/11/mn-atheists-needs-you-for-the-2015-war-on-christmas/) - Snow is on the ground, eggnog is readily available, twinkling lights are brightening up the cold winter night, and conservative Christians are complaining about the holiday decorations at coffee shops and other retailers. All of this signals that the annual "War on Christmas" is upon us! To celebrate the War on Christmas, some local atheists
- [No Bell Ringing or Red Kettles: Fundraiser for Foundation Beyond Belief](https://mnatheists.org/2015/11/no-bell-ringing-or-red-kettles-fundraiser-for-foundation-beyond-belief/) - Forgo the army of bell-ringers, red kettles, and faith-based charities which are too concerned with misguided bible-based morals and ideas of salvation. Consider, instead, making a financial donation to Minnesota Atheists and/or Foundation Beyond Belief who acknowledges that there's no supernatural power to make this world a better place. They know that it's up to
- [Atheist Night with Saints Aug 12, 2017 at CHS Field](https://mnatheists.org/2016/02/atheist-night-with-saints-aug-12-2017-at-chs-field/) - The Minnesota Atheists and Freedom From Religion Foundation are sponsoring a St. Paul Saints minor league baseball game at CHS Field on Saturday, August 12, 2017. We are calling this night of unbelievable fun, "Food for Thought" because we are asking fans to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Food Group food bank,
- [God Less America: Atheists Want Your Soles](https://mnatheists.org/2016/06/god-less-america-atheists-want-your-soles/) - On July 16, atheists will take over the St. Paul Saints minor league baseball team for the 5th year in a row! The Minnesota Atheists organization is joined by Freedom From Religion Foundation to sponsor this year's game. As with the previous years, the goal of this event is to celebrate secularism, promote positive atheism,
- [Winter Solstice Banquet 2016](https://mnatheists.org/2016/10/winter-solstice-banquet-2016/) - We have an exciting night lined up for one of the longest nights of the year! The Winter Solstice Banquet on Sunday, December 18, 2016 will feature renowned secular humanist/atheist blogger, speaker, and author Greta Christina! Greta will speak on her newest content which we can all relate to, “Practicing atheism in everyday life.” This
- [Give to the Max Day is over but you can still help...](https://mnatheists.org/2016/11/give-to-the-max-day-is-over-but-you-can-still-help/) - Give to the Max Day is over, thank you to all those who donated. Your support makes a big difference. If you didn't get time to donate on the day you can still do so right now if you'd like. Click on the link below to help! While we do have a large team of
- [Walk to End Hunger - Thanksgiving Day](https://mnatheists.org/2016/11/walk-to-end-hunger-thanksgiving-day/) - Thanks to everyone who participated in yet another successful Walk to End Hunger event. We raised $680! Our group was one of the largest for The Food Group and we helped them reach their goal of 100 walkers which earned them a $2,500 match from No Name Meats! One in five families face hunger or
- [Coping with Christmas - 2016](https://mnatheists.org/2016/11/coping-with-christmas-2016/) - It’s inevitable, before the leaves have fallen, Christmas items are on store shelves and it starts: the unavoidable fervor of Christmas. If that wasn’t bad enough, it’s the season of major family gatherings celebrating the holidays. Some have this part easier than others, with family who welcomes your atheism, or don’t have the traditional family
- [Minnesota Atheists Is on Instagram](https://mnatheists.org/2017/01/minnesota-atheists-is-on-instagram/) - Many of you know we're very active on Twitter, @mnatheists, but did you know we've started an instagram account? We've put a lot of work into making our account unique and interesting. It's not just another stream of atheist memes. Instead, you'll see a lot of local photography and original commentary on all kinds of
- [The War on Christmas - Article by George Francis Kane](https://mnatheists.org/2017/01/the-war-on-christmas-article-by-george-francis-kane/) - The so-called “War on Christmas” began a few years ago when Bill O’Reilly of Fox News complained that some retail stores were instructing their employees to greet customers with “happy holidays” rather than “merry Christmas.” The perception of victimhood and persecution by Christians, some of whom insist that America should be declared a “Christian nation,”
- [Life in a Pre-Feminist world: Shirley White Pearl](https://mnatheists.org/2017/01/life-in-a-pre-feminist-world-shirley-white-pearl/) - Announcing Minnesota Atheists' January Public Meeting: Life in a Pre-Feminist World by Dr. Shirley White Pearl Sunday, January 15th. 1:00pm. With Donald Trump as our new President, the road towards progression for women is a concern for many. It seems fitting to have someone who has lived through these struggles as our guest speaker. Dr.
- [Is Human Activity Changing Animal Brains?](https://mnatheists.org/2017/02/is-human-activity-changing-animal-brains/) - Announcing the February Public Meeting of Minnesota Atheists Is Human Activity Changing Animal Brains? By Dr. Emilie Snell-Rood. How have the brains of some animals adapted to the changes that humans have made to the environment, from the complexity of urban cities to deforestation and farming in rural areas? In honor Charles Darwin’s birth month, we
- [Minnesota Atheists Meetup Page](https://mnatheists.org/2017/04/minnesota-atheists-meetup-page/) - Would you like to meet fellow atheists and make some new friends? We'd love to meet you! You can stay up to date on our many charitable, networking, educational or just good old godless fun events at Minnesota Atheists Meetup. You'll see we enjoy bowling, pizza parties, gaming, book clubs, cooking, educational seminars and donating
- [Join Us at the Minnesota March For Science!](https://mnatheists.org/2017/04/join-us-at-the-minnesota-march-for-science/) - On April 22, a coalition of Minnesotans from all professions and all walks of life, various non-profits, labor unions, and religious groups are marching on the state capitol to show support of higher education and the discovery, access, and understanding of scientific information. We are working to protect and defend science funding, regulatory agencies, and
- [April Public Meeting of Minnesota Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/2017/04/april-public-meeting-of-minnesota-atheists/) - Announcing the April Public Meeting of Minnesota Atheists: Organizing the Minnesota Women’s March On January 21st, 2017, we marched at capitols across the nation, in Washington, D.C., and in cities around the world in recognition that women’s rights are human rights. The mission was to send a strong message to our administration on their first
- [March with Us in the May Day Parade!](https://mnatheists.org/2017/04/march-with-us-in-the-may-day-parade/) - March in the May Day Parade with Minnesota Atheists! The parade starts at noon, but there's no need to hurry, we are toward the end of the parade so it takes a while before we start moving. We line up at Cedar Field Park in Minneapolis (2500 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis). You may come wearing your
- [Day of Reason! Thursday, May 4th](https://mnatheists.org/2017/04/day-of-reason-thursday-may-4th/) - Join us in the State Capitol Rotunda where we will hear from several groups and state representatives standing together for Reason! We will together be Celebrating the National Day of Reason, a protest instituted against the National Day of Prayer, which are both held annually on the first Thursday in May.http://nationaldayofreason.org/ This year's theme for
- [Atheist Night with St. Paul Saints: August 12th](https://mnatheists.org/2017/05/atheist-night-with-st-paul-saints-august-12th/) - Atheist Night with St. Paul Saints: August 12th Back by popular demand, Minnesota Atheists and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) are cosponsoring a Saint Paul Saints game for the sixth year in a row! We are going to demonstrate to the public how saintly atheists are with a food drive benefiting the The Food
- [September Public Meeting: Not on My Dime](https://mnatheists.org/2017/09/september-public-meeting-not-on-my-dime/) - Sunday, September 24 at 2 PM - 3:30 PMRamsey County Library - Roseville, 2180 Hamline Ave N, Roseville, MN Not on my dime: How school vouchers fund religion and harm public education, by Patrick Elliott, Senior Counsel, Freedom From Religion Foundation School voucher proponents have pushed legislation to fund private schools with public money in
- [Atheist "War on Christmas"](https://mnatheists.org/2017/11/atheist-war-on-christmas/) - Saturday, December 9 at 12 PM - 3 PM Green Mill - St. Paul57 Hamline Ave S, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105 The Halloween decorations are already out of stores and the Xmas ones are up! To celebrate the War on Christmas, some of us atheists will be joining up for some fun, secular, holiday cheer
- [Walk to End Hunger: Thanksgiving Day 2017](https://mnatheists.org/2017/11/walk-to-end-hunger-thanksgiving-day-2017/) - Join Minnesota Atheists for the Thanksgiving Day Walk to End Hunger! Thursday, November 23 at 7:30 AM - 10 AM Mall of America - We will meet in front of Barnes & Noble on the first floor.--One in five families faces hunger or food insecurity in Minnesota. Join your freethinking friends and Minnesota Atheists on
- [November Public Meeting: Finding a Job as an Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/2017/11/november-public-meeting-finding-a-job-as-an-atheist/) - Sunday, November 19 at 2 PM - 3:30 PM Augsburg Park Library7100 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, Minnesota 55423 Announcing the November Public Meeting of Minnesota Atheists:Finding a job as an atheist, a panel discussion & networking The November Public Meeting will be a discussion about finding a job as an atheist. This is a topic that
- [American Atheists National Convention 2019](https://mnatheists.org/2018/11/american-atheists-national-convention-2019/) - American Atheists National Convention, Easter Weekend, Cincinnati, Ohio. Three days of speakers, social events, comedy, music, workshops, and community events. American Atheists is proud to present one of the most diverse and compelling line-ups of speakers, activists, community leaders, academics, musicians, and artists that you’ll see at any atheist event in America. As always, they’re
- [President’s Column: Iconic Resolution](https://mnatheists.org/2018/03/presidents-column-iconic-resolution/) - President’s Column: Iconic Resolution By Alyssa Ehni Happy New Year to my fellow heathens! I hope the holiday season treated you well and that you had a very merry whatever it is that you and yours celebrate. Cliché, I know, but the new year makes room for fresh beginnings and change. One thing the board
- [Winter Solstice Celebration: A Festivus for the Rest of Us](https://mnatheists.org/2017/11/winter-solstice-celebration-a-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us/) - Saturday, December 16 at 5 PM - 8 PM Minnesota Humanities Center987 Ivy Ave E, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106 Join us for a fun secular celebration of the season! Humanists of Minnesota are hosts this year of this annual event that we sponsor with Minnesota Atheists. Freethinkers are re-making the holiday based on the real
- [Atheist Talk Radio celebrates 10 year anniversary](https://mnatheists.org/2018/01/atheist-talk-radio-celebrates-10-year-anniversary/) - A big Thank you goes out to all the hard-working volunteers and supporters of Atheist Talk Radio, on the air now for ten years! An amazing effort that could not have been achieved without you, our critical thinking listeners. A special thanks to Q.Cumbers Restaurant, a sponsor for all ten years! To learn more about the show
- [January 21st, listen to LGBT rights activist, Marissa McCool](https://mnatheists.org/2018/01/january-21st-listen-to-lgbt-rights-activist-marissa-mccool/) - You are invited to the January Public Meeting of Minnesota Atheists. We will start at 1:15 PM with our Business Meeting and our annual Board Nominations. At 2:00 PM we welcome our featured speaker LGBT rights activist Marissa McCool. Marissa is an atheist, LGBT rights activist and speaker, multiple podcast host, author, columnist, and stage
- [Are the "Nones" done with Civic Engagement?](https://mnatheists.org/2018/02/are-the-nones-done-with-civic-engagement/) - Martin Olav Sabo SymposiumFebruary 28, 20186-8 PM Augsburg University, Hagfors Center, Room 150700 21st Street, Minneapolis, 55454 Are the "Nones" Done with Civic Engagement?Organizing the religiously unaffiliated in today's climate of polarization How do the religiously unaffiliated factor into this current moment of political polarization, when many are seeking to increase political and civic participation?
- [Atheists Feeding Families in the Walk to End Hunger](https://mnatheists.org/2018/02/atheists-feeding-families-in-the-walk-to-end-hunger/) - Thanksgiving Morning, Minnesota Atheists participated in the Walk to End Hunger 5K at the Mall of America. Our team raised $815 for The Food Group, surpassing our goal of $500. That’s over 2,400 meals! Special congratulations to member Les Stordalen, he individually ranked 3rd for the most funds raised for The Food Group. And thank you

## Pages

- [Front Page](https://mnatheists.org/) - Minnesota Atheists is Minnesota’s oldest and largest atheist organization. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization that seeks to promote the positive contributions of atheism to society and to maintain separation of state and church. Minnesota Atheists is dedicated to building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values through educational programs, social activities, and participation in public affairs.
- [Newsletter Archive](https://mnatheists.org/newsletter-archive/) - Minnesota Atheists newsletters are archived online as pdfs where possible.
- [Become a Member](https://mnatheists.org/become-a-member/) - Find out how our members help Minnesota Atheists meet our goals, and sign up today!
- [Membership Application](https://mnatheists.org/membership-application/) - MNA membership form.
- [Current Board](https://mnatheists.org/current-board/) - The MNA 2023 board.
- [CiviCRM](https://mnatheists.org/civicrm/) - Do not delete this page. Page content is generated by CiviCRM.
- [Area Communities](https://mnatheists.org/area-communities/) - Minnesota Atheists is the oldest and largest atheist group in Minnesota, but these groups also cater to nonbelievers in the area.
- [Public Meetings](https://mnatheists.org/public-meetings/) - Minnesota Atheists holds periodic meetings through the year on the third Sunday of the month.
- [Atheist Voices of Minnesota](https://mnatheists.org/atheist-voices-of-minnesota/) - Atheists have turned a corner in public visibility but remain one of America's most misunderstood and mistrusted groups of people. Atheist Voices of Minnesota addresses these preconceptions as thirty-six atheists share their personal and unique stories.
- [Committees](https://mnatheists.org/committees/) - Minnesota Atheists is a volunteer organization, with most of our activities carried out by committees. Get involved!
- [Public Policy Positions](https://mnatheists.org/public-policy-positions/) - Public policy positions of Minnesota Atheists. Last updated February 1, 2023.
- [National Organizations](https://mnatheists.org/national-organizations/) - Minnesota Atheists is proud to be part of a dynamic national movement supporting a secular society and local communities of nonbelievers.
- [Store](https://mnatheists.org/store/) - Go to our original store for: Events Donations & Memberships Books & Merchandise
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- [Steal Our Governance](https://mnatheists.org/steal-our-governance/) - Minnesota Atheists views the secular movement as a collaboration, not a competition. We're happy to share our tools.
- [The Uff Da](https://mnatheists.org/steal-our-governance/the-uff-da-2/) - MNA brand and style guide.
- [Recuring Event Plan](https://mnatheists.org/steal-our-governance/recuring-event-plan/) - Recuring-Event-PlanDownload
- [Major Events Plan](https://mnatheists.org/steal-our-governance/major-events-plan/) - Major-EventsDownload
- [Bylaws](https://mnatheists.org/bylaws/) - Minnesota Atheists Constitution and Bylaws. Adopted February 22, 1992. Last updated September 18, 2016.
- [Contact Us](https://mnatheists.org/contact-us/)
- [Contact Us](https://mnatheists.org/contact/) - Email, mail, or call us.
- [History](https://mnatheists.org/history/) - Minnesota Atheists was formed in 1991, when American Atheists closed their Twin Cities chapter.
- [Subscribe](https://mnatheists.org/subscribe/) - Minnesota Atheists provides several ways to keep up to date. Sign up.
- [Atheists Weekly Email](https://mnatheists.org/atheists-weekly-email/) - Sign up to hear about atheist events in the area each week.
- [Regional Conferences](https://mnatheists.org/regional-conferences/) - Minnesota Atheists works with national and local secular groups to bring educators and activists to speak to a local audience.
- [Day of Reason](https://mnatheists.org/day-of-reason/) - Join us at the capitol each May!
- [MNA at CONvergence](https://mnatheists.org/mna-at-convergence/) - We are science and so can you!
- [Code of Conduct](https://mnatheists.org/code-of-conduct/) - How you help us provide a harassment-free experience for everyone attending our events and where to find help if this isn't your experience.
- [Solstice Celebrations](https://mnatheists.org/solstice-celebrations/) - We don't need religion to gather together in the cold and the dark, especially considering how cold and dark Minnesota winters get.
- [Lending Library](https://mnatheists.org/lending-library/) - The lending library is for the use of MNA members.
- [Volunteer With Minnesota Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/volunteer-with-minnesota-atheists/) - The work of Minnesota Atheists is currently done 100% by volunteers. Do you want to join us?
- [Make a Donation](https://mnatheists.org/make-a-donation/) - Minnesota Atheists is member- and community-funded. Help us fulfill our mission!
- [Partner with Us](https://mnatheists.org/partner-with-us/) - Would your organizations like to work with Minnesota Atheists?
- [Secular Celebrants](https://mnatheists.org/secular-celebrants/) - Minnesota Atheists have trained and vetted several members who want to help you commemorate your special life events.
- [Speakers](https://mnatheists.org/speakers/) - Minnesota Atheists is happy to connect you with speakers for talks, panels, group discussions, and interviews.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://mnatheists.org/frequently-asked-questions/) - Coming soon.
- [Atheists Talk](https://mnatheists.org/atheists-talk/) - There was atheist media in Minnesota before there was Minnesota Atheists. Atheists Talk began as a public-access cable program in 1989 under the Minnesota chapter of American Atheists. When the chapter disbanded in 1991, Minnesota Atheists was formed, and the cable program continued under the wing of the new organization. It ran until 2019. In
- [Atheists Talk Television](https://mnatheists.org/atheists-talk-television/) - Atheists Talk began as a public-access cable program in 1989 under the Minnesota chapter of American Atheists. When the chapter disbanded in 1991, Minnesota Atheists was formed, and the program continued under the wing of the new organization. It ran until 2019. Shows were filmed in-studio in Minneapolis and shared with cable stations across the
- [Parades & Outreach](https://mnatheists.org/parades-outreach/) - Part of the reason Minnesota Atheists exists is so that nonbelievers can find community when they need it, but we try not to sit back and wait for that point.
- [Summer Picnics](https://mnatheists.org/summer-picnics/) - This is Minnesota. There are only so many months we can spend much time outside, so we do.
- [Board Strategy & Initiatives](https://mnatheists.org/board-strategy-initiatives/) - Stay up to date on our two-year, five-year, and ten-year goals and our progress on meeting them.
- [Planned Giving](https://mnatheists.org/planned-giving/) - Learn how to make Minnesota Atheists part of your legacy.
- [Get Nominated](https://mnatheists.org/get-nominated/) - MNA is run by a volunteer board, with elections each February. We encourage our members to run for the board.
- [Interview an Atheist](https://mnatheists.org/interview-an-atheist/) - Whether you're media or a comparative-religion student, we can help you find the right interviewee(s).
- [Mission & Vision](https://mnatheists.org/sample-page/) - MNA is dedicated to building a positive atheist community that actively promotes secular values through educational programs, social activities, and participation in public affairs.
- [Building](https://mnatheists.org/building/) - Coming soon.
- [Accountability](https://mnatheists.org/accountability/) - Board minutes and financials will be available to all members. This archive is currently being built.
- [Home](https://mnatheists.org/home/) - Minnesota Atheists is Minnesota’s oldest and largest atheist organization. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization that seeks to promote the positive contributions of atheism to society and to maintain separation of state and church.
- [Support Minnesota Atheists](https://mnatheists.org/support-minnesota-atheists/) - There are a lot of ways to support Join or Donate

## Categories

- [President's Column](https://mnatheists.org/category/presidents-column/) - From our newsletter
- [Reviews](https://mnatheists.org/category/reviews/) - From our newsletter
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- [Announcements](https://mnatheists.org/category/announcements/)
- [Events](https://mnatheists.org/category/events/)
- [Articles](https://mnatheists.org/category/articles/)
- [Video](https://mnatheists.org/category/video/)
- [Opinion](https://mnatheists.org/category/opinion/)

## Tags

- [News and Notes](https://mnatheists.org/tag/news-and-notes/)
- [Monthly Public Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/tag/monthly-public-meeting/)
- [In Memory](https://mnatheists.org/tag/in-memory/)
- [Kamrin's Corner](https://mnatheists.org/tag/kamrins-corner/)
- [President's Column](https://mnatheists.org/tag/presidents-column/)
- [Events](https://mnatheists.org/tag/events/)
- [Tax Exemption](https://mnatheists.org/tag/tax-exemption/)
- [Churches](https://mnatheists.org/tag/churches/)
- [Laws](https://mnatheists.org/tag/laws/)
- [Separation of Church and State](https://mnatheists.org/tag/separation-of-church-and-state/)
- [Evolution](https://mnatheists.org/tag/evolution/)
- [Creationism](https://mnatheists.org/tag/creationism/)
- [Opinion](https://mnatheists.org/tag/opinion/)
- [Leaving Christianity](https://mnatheists.org/tag/leaving-christianity/)
- [Atheism](https://mnatheists.org/tag/atheism/)
- [Living as an atheist](https://mnatheists.org/tag/living-as-an-atheist/)
- [Memorial](https://mnatheists.org/tag/memorial/)
- [Public Meeting](https://mnatheists.org/tag/public-meeting/)
- [Recognition](https://mnatheists.org/tag/recognition/)
- [Solstice](https://mnatheists.org/tag/solstice/)
- [Philosophy](https://mnatheists.org/tag/philosophy/)
- [voting](https://mnatheists.org/tag/voting/)
- [politics](https://mnatheists.org/tag/politics/)
- [board](https://mnatheists.org/tag/board/)
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- [Zen](https://mnatheists.org/tag/zen/)
- [Meliorism](https://mnatheists.org/tag/meliorism/)
- [Reality](https://mnatheists.org/tag/reality/)