Welcome to issue #7.39 of Free Thought Now!, the Agnosticism / Atheism site newsletter. This week we'll take a look at effort to fund religious discrimination via the government's Head Start program, the introduction of a new secular lobbyist to Washington, D.C., a recent study on how secular and "godly" nations compare, an honest supporter of Intelligent Design, and more.

Society is Worse off when God is on Its Side
A recently published study claims that there is a strong correlation between social dysfunction and high rates of religiosity. The more people believe that God is on their side and the side of the nation, the worse off that society is when compared to more secular societies.

Weekly Quote: Andre Maurois on Arguments and Opinions
"The difficult part in an argument is not to defend one's opinion, but rather to know it." Follow the link for analysis and discussion...

Presumed Guilty: How Jews Were Blamed for the Death of Jesus
The relationship between Christianity and Judaism looms large in the background of both religions. This relationship has undeniably been horrible and caused incalculable suffering for the Jews. An important question for Christians is to what degree Christian misdeeds have been due to individual Christians and to what degree due to something fundamental within Christianity itself.

Head Start on Religious Discrimination
Your tax dollars at work

'Under God' Has Served Its Purpose
Time for a replacement

Secular Lobbyist Infuriates Christians
What are they afraid of?

Evolution or the Bible, Not Both
Finally, the truth

Forcing a Bar to Sell to a Catholic School
For better

Coven's Halloween Plans Stir Up Town
But they can't do anything about it

John Roberts Supports School Prayer?
Sounds like it

 

Forum Discussions:

1) Iraq is a Mess
"The either/or mindset used to justify the war is becoming more laughable. I don't really need to repeat that Saddam was a dreadful tyrant and deserves everything that happens to him. The question still is, was the invasion justified? Has it created a better Iraq? Was there a need to destabilise the region in order to get rid of a tyrant?"

2) Evangelization in Schools
"I received a permission slip from my son's elementary school for "Discovery Time" which is a program offered by CEF, Child Evangelism Fellowship. "The classes stress excellent moral teaching and are filled with fun activities. This year the students will learn about Daniel, Big Questions about Prayer, and the life of Joni Aerickson Tada". The classes are once a week at lunch hour and are 30 minutes long. I know this is voluntary and extracurricular, but what I read in Ms Tada's website is just disturbing to me. That woman is a whack and I vehemently disagree with every single one of her views. I know my children don't have to attend. But why is this program being offered in a public school?"

3) Atheism as a Religion
"I and every atheist with whom I have discussed this issue oppose [Michael] Newdow's position that atheism is or should be treated as a religion. I understand his motivation; basically that atheists receive the same protection, favor--and money--that religious denominations are now or will be receiving from the government. There are times when it is prudent to "beat them at their own game", but I don't think this is one of them. The legal and ideological price is too high. By claiming atheism to be a religion, not only is Newdow setting back centuries of freethought, he is purporting to speak for millions of atheists who in no way regard themselves as being part of a religion. Lastly, atheism by definition indicates lack of belief in a god--not the organized lack of belief in a god."