Alex McRae Columnist
Published Saturday, July 19, 2008
Believe it or not
In a world where media exposure is critical to an interest group's survival, folks wanting to push their point of view go to desperate measures to earn a one-paragraph newspaper story or 30-second mention on the nightly news.
Those that succeed have two things in common. First, they know how to package their product to make it more appealing to media outlets. Second, they appear to be halfway competent in promoting their cause.
These two things may explain why you haven't seen or heard much about the most talked-about event on the 2008 secular calendar ... Atheist World.
Don't be alarmed. Atheist World isn't a new planet. It's a convention of people who don't believe in much of anything. Small crowds are expected.
Maybe attendance to the Sept. 25-28 event would be higher if it were hyped like a political convention, complete with free whiskey, strippers, red-faced speakers, back-room bargaining sessions and bazillions of balloons.
Apparently, atheists aren't fond of such frivolity. Guess it might imply they actually enjoyed life. Which doesn't sound likely, according to the Atheist World convention agenda.
The promotional brochure on the Internet says ...
"The Atheist Alliance International (AAI) will hold its annual convention on the Queen Mary, in Long Beach, Calif., Sept. 25-28, 2008. Titled "Unsinkable Atheism," the conference will mix freethinking intellectual discussion with charity events, an atheist wedding, a salute to 'atheists in foxholes,' and a children's summer camp."
Intellectual discussion? Atheist wedding? Charity events? Set the snooze alarm and call me when the Cyndi Lauper concert starts.
By the way, if these folks are promoting a "summer camp" that starts four days into autumn, no wonder they're not being taken seriously.
Maybe they could spice things up by offering some fun atheist activities. What non-believer wouldn't want to play "Pin the Tail on the Pope"?
Or how about "Atheist Jeopardy"?
"I'll take 'Billy Graham is a Bozo' for one thousand, Alex."
Sadly, this bunch doesn't appear that creative. Worse, they exhibit poor grammar skills.
For instance, one section of the brochure is titled "Who We Are." But it doesn't tell "Who We Are." It actually describes "How We Live," described in such nuggets as:
"Atheism is living one's life without the supernatural," and "We are responsible for humane interaction with other animals and for the preservation of our habitable planet."
Yawn.
Under the title "We Are Not" (which should be "What We Believe"), the brochure says, "An atheist is anyone who has no belief in any god, whether the god is called Jehovah, Satan, Vishnu, Allah, Loki, Zeus, or any other name. Therefore, atheists hold many varieties of social and political philosophies."
Or none.
The brochure says atheists don't believe in:
1. The appearance of "ghosts" or other spirits of the dead.
2. Reincarnation of human "souls."
3. The denial of established historical events, such as the Nazi mass murder of Jews, homosexuals, Gypsies, and atheists during World War II.
Guess number No. 3 must be a tough one to swallow since former non-believer Adolph Hitler actually created the problem with his "humane interaction" with the Jews.
By the way, AAI bills itself as religion-free. As opposed to sugar-free or fat-free, I guess. But the more you read about this group, it seems like what they're most free of is a sense of humor. There's not a light moment on the agenda.
You wonder why. Here's an "enlightened" guess: Maybe atheists refuse to embrace laughter because they're afraid that one day they'll discover the joke's on them.
(send your e-mail comments to: alex@newnan.com)
Commenting on this story has ended.
ALEX, my friend, you have obviously never been to an atheist gathering. You have never been to one of Rebecca Watson's (Skepchick) parties. The last thing I would call unbelievers like George Carlin, Douglas Adams, Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, Guiseppe Verdi, Salman Rushdie, Kurt Vonnegut, Bad Religion, Beethoven, or Bill Maher is boring. By the way, Hitler was a believer, as were many of his followers, especially the SS, which was very heavily Catholic. They were very enthusiastic about killing Jews because they firmly believed that Jews had killed Jesus. Their belt buckles read 'Gott Mitt Uns' (God is with us). Those Nazis were wild and crazy christians. I guess you would rather hang out with them. I found your column boring, predictable and an obvious example of pandering to a lazy readership that likes their unreflective assumptions about people they don't know confirmed. Mims H. Carter
Posted by mims h. carter at 10:30 PM
Wow. So you take someones doctrines for living, thier defined ideas. and you mock them like a three-year old. You don't debate, you don't argue. You. Yawn. I mean, how friggin boring are most religious texts? I had 4 of them shoved into my skull for the first 20 years of my life. Trust me, theres a yawn. But do you see the atheists mocking religion for being boring? No, they attack it for being self-deceit. How old are you?
Posted by Anon at 9:13 PM
i was going to comment, but i think you've about covered it.
Posted by lisa at 8:50 PM
Wow, i can honestly say that even though i live in the south, i have never felt so attacked in my life. That's harsh; and by the way i laugh daily.
Posted by damian at 6:33 PM
I find it amusing that the author of this article is clearly illiterate. The third item on the list, saying that atheists do not believe in the DENIAL of the holocaust, and then imply that we do not believe the holocaust happened; I mean wow.. that's the kind of delusion only a moron who devotes his/her life to a sky fairy would believe. Also, Hitler was a Roman Catholic (not an atheist), and everything he did was under the approval of the Vatican and the Pope. Secondly, making fun of a minority (no matter how small that minority) with such venom isn't supposed to be tolerated in modern culture, remember. Replace the word atheist with 'hispanics' or 'african americans' and you would be fired. Here's hoping that happens anyway.
Posted by Burglekutt at 2:32 PM
Anyone who thinks science is boring has apparently not been paying attention. Everyone seems to trust science when they fly in airplanes and use cell phones. They demand that scientists ensure our food is safe etc. Science has created nearly every "cool gadget" of our times -- including this computer. Science is the most fun, awe-inspiring, exciting, and (arguably) most worth-while topic on which a person can spend his/her time. We don't need strippers and free whiskey to attract people. (Although "Pin the tail on the pope" does sound like fun!) I don't think someone has to be overly sensitive to be somewhat offended by being told that you and others with your beliefs are "...a convention of people who don't believe in much of anything." There are uncountable books and websites relating some of the many things in which most atheists believe. Just because we don't believe in imaginary characters (Santa, Tooth fairy, Allah, God, etc.) doesn't mean we don't believe in anything. (You might try reading a little.) Also: just because atheists don't have an imaginary deity that might be offended by your criticisms doesn't mean you can say whatever you'd like without offending people. (Try to imagine a world in which most adults believe in some form of Santa Claus (with no evidence) and you are one of few who suspects he's not real. Many people actually devote their lives to him. Does that mean you don't believe in anything?) Imagine… Thank you for reading.
Posted by Jude at 1:48 PM
It's kind of ironic that most of the people commenting on this article are atheists. For those of you who aren't, or even those who are, I highly recommend reading The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins. Now, I'm an atheist myself, but I don't think it's fair to accuse the author of the article of bigotry, and then commit similar bigotry towards Christians. I think we should read this article thoughtfully as a means of better understanding Christian culture and closed-mindedness. Har har.
Posted by jmtroyka at 10:25 AM
Weddings, Summer camps, and intellectual discussion all have more opportunities for positive outcomes, as opposed to writing a column that makes flaws where none exist. Writing like this does not exhibit good Christian behavior; nor does it convey any kind of skill in the craft. This whole column is an ironic joke, because the writer cannot convey any humor or intelligent ideas either.
Posted by Jennifer at 10:09 AM
I think maybe I HAVE been spending too much time hanging out with my boring athiest buddies. I was watching the World Youth Day stuff from Sydney the other day, and I realised I was missing out on a whole lifetime's worth of happy, contented self-delusion.. WHAT WAS A THINKING!! But no more, I am going to devote my life to doublethinking my way into being Christian - or die laughing at myself in the attempt.
Posted by Danno at 10:05 AM
People - its just an opinion column. Lewis Grizzard made fun of somebody in almost all of his comumns and he did not get this kind of reaction. Life is too short to get upset. If you did not like the article, just tell youself to consider the source. Give it a rest, or better yet, thank Alex for getting your "convention" much more press than it ever would have.
Posted by Enjoyed at 9:56 AM
What is there to laugh about? If people are not killing each other in the name of their god, they are trying to make their lives more important by telling themselves they are placed here with a purpose. And, as it seems, that purpose involves a lot of not listening, not thinking and not enjoying this life a lot, because the real one will come next. If there is one thing not showing a sens of humour it is the notion of 'heaven' where everybody will spend eternity praising the Lord. Okay, the streets will be made of gold. But there is not a thing you can do with that over there. And all the real fun people, including the ones that could make up a great orchestra, are all atheists. Oh. And there is a lot to laugh about, but most of it will not be understandable for fairy tale believers. Or suitable.
Posted by Hoof at 9:31 AM
No, Susan, these aren't multiple postings from one person. You're getting your first taste of how many of us atheists are out here, mad as hell about theism and theists, and not taking it anymore. Get used to us, because we won't be quiet anymore. Better yet, we are one of the few "belief" groups that are increasing our ranks. Guess where a lot of us are coming from? If you said Christianity, give yourself a prize. And to think we haven't even been very organized in the past, much less trying hard, and often in the face of stifling oppression! It would be fun to spend the last half of my life watching today's religions become the mythologies of the future, just like Zeus and Thor and Inanna are interesting, amusing, but ultimately pitiable notions of a primitive society.
Posted by Aquaria at 12:29 AM
1) Hitler was Catholic. If you'd ever read anything besides a cereal box, you'd know that. How is it that atheists can't have any fun, and yet be the ones supposedly fornicating like wild things with whomever we please, doing drugs, drinking, eating babies, and all of those other "wild" assertions? You see, this is what's wrong with theists: They want to have it both ways. Sort of like their deal with wanting all the wonders of science and technology...alongside their bronze age Hebrew Fairy Tale
Posted by Aquaria at 11:43 PM
Now Alex, I'm sure, you'd allow us ol' atheists circus-type trousers, but, somehow, we'd rather to quietly gather and laugh at God-bothering wowsers!
Posted by Phillip A. Ellis at 11:34 PM
"complete with free whiskey, strippers, red-faced speakers, back-room bargaining sessions and bazillions of balloons. " "Pin the Tail on the Pope" "I'll take 'Billy Graham is a Bozo' for one thousand, Alex." What I do find funny, is that had the convention actually included the above or something similar, McRae still would have written this column. Instead of atheists being no fun and boring we would be bigoted and hateful. I guess the joke really is on us. Whatever.
Posted by Dawn at 11:12 PM
You are all just plain silly. I can't take any of you seriously.
Posted by Boo at 9:54 PM
There's an improv group in Atlanta called Dad's Garage. I know that some of them are atheists because I went to college with them. Contrary to what you want to believe, they are funny. You should check them out. I wonder if I could find anything worth picking apart or ridiculing at a Christian event. The Southern Baptist Convention just had their annual get together. Let’s see... Tuesday morning: Announcement of Committee on Committees (THAT is funny); Introduction of Motions; Local Arrangements Committee Presentation; and Crossover Evangelism Report. Wow, that is so interesting and fun. And that’s just between 8:30 and 9:30! 10 minutes at 9:05 are scheduled for a “Music Feature.” Those SB’s need to calm down. Seriously. The afternoon just gets better with the Woman's Missionary Union Report! That evening they had what was obviously a scintillating Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Report. That must have been “a tough one to swallow” since prominent SB’s like Bill Clinton and Strom Thurmond didn’t really give a squat about ethics OR liberty. Maybe Southern Baptists refuse to “embrace laughter” because they’re afraid we might notice the big joke that is fundamentalist Christianity. Whoops, too late.
Posted by bullet at 6:54 PM
That was a really dumb article. You wrote it purely on your preconceptions of atheism and a single brochure. And clearly without consulting a single atheist! If you would talk to some of us, you would find that we embrace life and living far more than theists because we know that this life is all we have! I recommend that you do some research and go to the AAI or at least talk to an atheist. I'd be glad to help!
Posted by Greg Burnett at 6:41 PM
Interesting choice of metaphor. The writer (who thinks atheists are an "interest group" pimping themselves for new supporters) expects atheists to behave the same as big-business religion, and 'package a product' in order to 'survive.' He's mightily disappointed when it doesn't happen. That is because the product of religion -- the snake oil of 'salvation' -- needs slick appearances and Xtian rock groups and religious 'comedians.' The unsuspecting have to be hoodwinked by a sales pitch. The rapture is coming to Disneyworld! You'd think a straightforward, plain brochure and Web site would appeal to a Christian perspective, which is supposedly into simplification and the 'real' things in life. I don't know about an 'atheist' sense of humor, but it's screamingly obvious that Christians have no sense of irony.
Posted by Lettuce Prey at 6:34 PM
I'll take "ignorant columnists who write inane articles on subjects about which they know nothing" for 2008, Alex.
Posted by ned rosen at 6:32 PM
Was this supposed to be funny? I find nothing objectionable in the original brochure. "Set the snooze alarm"? Really? You are disparaging the idea of open discussion on moral responsibility? Why would such a person even join a field that rests on the relentless pursuit of truth? Yes, I mean journalism. And speaking of truth, what is your source for "Oh Adolph Hitler was an atheist." Not that that is any kind of argument. You are basically implying "oh, there was this mean atheist once so all atheists are bad." You do see how illogical that is, right? BTW, you can't tell it in this comment but I do have a sense of humor. This commentary is just remarkably un-funny.
Posted by daretoeatapeach at 4:47 PM
"folks wanting to push their point of view" maybe that assumption is the problem here, not the event when's the last time you met an atheist who wanted to push their point of view on anyone?
Posted by blah at 1:41 PM
And why are you using anonymous? Did my post upset hit a nerve?
Posted by Michelle at 1:31 PM
OK. Let's try it your way, Michelle: "Susan the net has a 'full of residents or inhabitants' of billions." Hmmm. No? Populace doesn't somewhat fit, it precisely fits. "Populace" is a noun, and "populous" is an adjective. (Maybe the atheists can squeeze in a grammar session at that convention?)
Posted by Anonymous at 1:15 PM
populous : . full of residents or inhabitants, as a region; heavily populated. 2. jammed or crowded with people: There's no more populous place than Times Square on New Year's Eve. 3. forming or comprising a large number or quantity dictionary.com Populace somewhat fits...It certainly isn't worth correcting me
Posted by Michelle at 1:01 PM
Michelle, I believe you mean "populace."
Posted by Anonymous at 12:43 PM
This is my second note on this article. Susan the net has a populous of billions. Bigot :a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion. To make any type of sweeping observations that belittle or insult a segment of society, regardless of your justification, is being a bigot. Alex McRae does not know me but yet he's made derogatory and untrue comments about me.
Posted by Michelle at 12:20 PM
Adolph Hitler was a Roman Catholic. He never renounced his Catholicism, he often proclaimed to be doing God’s work, and he has been reliably documented as stating that he would be a Catholic until the day he died. Many people know relatively little about atheists, and will welcome the chance to put a face with the philosophy. I, as an atheist, would prefer to be associated with fellow unbelievers Katherine Hepburn, Bill Gates, Dave Barry and Lance Armstrong, rather than be falsely linked with the most evil Catholic in recent history.
Posted by Martin at 12:16 PM
That's interesting because many of the comments made me laugh out loud. As for the amount of comments and their frequency, feel free to check the ISP numbers, but, as with many things, staying ignorant of the truth might be better for your fragile consitution. If you really knew how many atheists there are out there (and how many are willing to stand up for themselves), you might have trouble sleeping. Good day!
Posted by IsThatLatin at 11:49 AM
Actually, after reading some of these comments, I have to agree with the article, not a lot of humor in some of these post. Also I noticed several of this were posted within a minute or two of each other, I'm starting to think maybe if the ISP numbers were checked, just how many are the same poster? I must not be an atheist because Alex's post always make me smile..
Posted by Susan at 11:30 AM
I had no idea it was that easy being a columnist. Just pick up any random piece of information or pamphlet and make childish comments trying to poke fun at it. One doesn't even have to be factual or funny.
Posted by MrC at 11:24 AM
While it can be entertaining to read something written by a misinformed bigot it is rarely time well spent. McRae demonstrates an encyclopedic ignorance of his chosen topic and, worse, an arrogant unwillingness to learn. The first rule of journalism, whether expose or editorial, is to get the facts straight. McRae is either too lazy or too much of an arrogant bigot to be bothered by doing any actual research. Imagine if his tirade had been directed at, say, Baptists, Episcopalians or Catholics? Imagine the outrage! This type of poor "journalism" denigrates the publisher and is insulting to any truly informed reader.
Posted by C. Olson at 11:17 AM
Thanks for publically embarrassing yourself. Unlike the hordes of religious believers who immediately beg for censorship when someone insults their belief system, atheists and freethinkers embrace open debate, even when many of the ideas put forth are patently inane, such as yours. If you’d like to explore this difference in greater detail, I suggest that you publish a “funny” cartoon of the “Prophet Mohammed” (since you claim to value humor so highly), or threaten to desecrate a Eucharist. I’m sure you won’t do the latter, because this wouldn’t fit your pattern of blatantly pandering to your largely Christian readership. Two specific points: (1) Regarding grammar skills, I suggest you take a look at a few fundamentalist bulletin boards or, better yet, some of the Christian hate mail received by several prominent atheist bloggers; you may notice that poor grammar is well represented. (2) If you really want some humor, you should watch some stand-up comedy. I suggest Bill Maher or the late George Carlin, both of whom are (or were) atheists.
Posted by BTJ at 11:00 AM
Thanks for doing your part to promote the Atheist Alliance and The 2008 Convention! Will you be attending the conference? See registration information here: http://www.atheistalliance.org/conventions/2008/index.php
Posted by Anon at 10:52 AM
>Maybe attendance to the Sept. 25-28 event would be higher if it were hyped like a political convention, complete with free whiskey, strippers... I think it's probably more about the quality of attendees, however, and less about the quantity. I'm not surprised Alex doesn't get it, after reading the rest of the article. >We are responsible for humane interaction with other animals and for the preservation of our habitable planet." >Yawn. Alex mentions a Cindi Lauper concert. By all means, if that's where your priorities lie--enjoy. But understand that if/when you ever take the chance to mature past adolescence, the status of the world you live in might actually matter to you then.
Posted by heicart at 10:47 AM
Alex's column strikes a nerve because it is wrong and it is bigoted. Just because something 'strikes a nerve' doesn't make it a positive thing, as I gather you think it is by the apparent glee you've expressed. Would you react similarly if Alex's column was, say, a nasty racist diatribe? Would it be so wonderful if that struck a nerve?
Posted by IsThatLatin at 9:50 AM
I love the guy from Newnan who says Alex's opinion doesn't matter and then LEAVES A COMMENT. About. Alex's. Column! (Maybe you atheists have a sense of humor after all? Irony, anyone?)
Posted by Newnan fan at 9:36 AM
Several comments have been blocked due to length. Please note that comments longer than the original article will not be posted. See the Comments FAQ (link above) for full guidelines. Thanks.
Posted by Web Editor at 9:36 AM
Blame the pamphlet writer for not making the event sound intriguing, if you must, but don't knock the people who'd attend such a thing. Shame on the pamphlet writer if #3 is actually in the pamphlet. I think most atheists have a decent grasp of world history and would disagree with that statement. I don't know how the author can state that atheists don't believe in anything and still be taken seriously. I believe in justice and ethics and reality. I believe the Jews were persecuted and I also believe Hitler was a Christian convinced he was doing good work for a good cause. Christians also decimated other groups of people who weren't Christian, like the American Indians (although perhaps not always on purpose). A serious columnist would go to the convention in September, participate in discussions and actually speak with atheists and hear their perspectives and their rationale. A serious columnist would make an effort to try experiencing the world from the atheist point of view instead of condemning it flat out.
Posted by monique at 9:21 AM
Instead of sitting back and calling people names and making judgments based on absolutely no real experience, why don't you try something stunningly journalistic and actually ATTEND the meeting? I'm sure you'd be welcomed with open arms.
Posted by Gary at 9:03 AM
Unfortunately our world is exposed to those who cannot face reality.
Posted by Vince at 8:49 AM
Boring? Yawn? We just had one. Everyone cried and laughed and had a great time!
Posted by Tony Konrath at 7:38 AM
I'm not crazy religious and I don't follow any king of organized religion. I simply believe that there is a possibility of something greater than me out there. I believe in being the best that I can be and to love others and be a positive part of this world. So don't be a bigot to people like me either. Don't criticize the believer's and I won't criticize you.
Posted by Bigots around at 7:31 AM
Rather pointless piece of writing. It doesn't represent reality at all. The atheists are a dynamic group. It of course includes Carl Sagan, Einstein, George Carlin, etc. etc. Really on the whole quite brilliant, talented and very humourous people. McRae most likely has not attended one of these meetings. I suggest he do so. The last AAI meeting included Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, and so on. I assure you it was not boring or humorless. The next AAI meeting most likely will be a memorable meeting as the last was.
Posted by Douglas Kinney at 5:46 AM
What Good is religion? I’ll tell you. It is by far the greatest labor-saving device ever invented. Why? Because once you believe, you never have to think again. The amount of painful effort this must have saved throughout history is enormous!
Posted by Jean (Port Townsend, WA) at 5:36 AM
Here's a sample: We already have a universal health care system. . . .It's called "prayer."
Posted by Jean at 5:34 AM
The atheist blogs are encouraging people to post comments. Example vjack over at The Atheist Revolution write: "If you'd like to stop by and leave the author a comment, I encourage you to do so. You'll see mine among them, pointing out that anti-atheist bigotry is still bigotry." Having said that, are you a bigot. Not really. To call you a bigot would be to call Mark Twain, Garrison Keillor and George Will bigots. Atheists, many but not all, who love to to toss about phrases like 'imaginary friend' and 'silly superstition' would then too have to qualify. Bigotry is qualified by degree where humor becomes mindless ridicule, where criticism become hateful. John Hagee and PZ Myers are bigots. You, sir, are not. These atheists who are posting here need to lighten up. Was that not your point?
Posted by Not an atheist at 4:48 AM
I wouldn't expect much more than an article like this. But if this clown actually thinks Jesus would write something like this than he truly is as ignorant as I assume. Bigotry is the fastest way of getting attention these days and he jumped on the band wagon.
Posted by DB at 4:33 AM
It's good to see that The Onion is not the only humorous newspaper around. For so long, we've had to put up with a single publication that parodies journalism by approaching issues in an almost orthagonal way. Rather than look at the event and religion in any serious way, it's better to show it through the fractured lens of big media and focus on the lack of marketing for the event and the lack of fun zaniness in the program. While a nod is earned for bringing Hitler into the article, it lacks the pervasive over-the-top air of The Onion. A good try but needs improvement.
Posted by Richard G. at 3:35 AM
I look forward to you trying to and this FAIL with a "I was just trying to stir up a reaction" in your next opinion. Good luck sir.
Posted by M Ratz at 3:35 AM
I don't believe in anything that came out of the Middle East thousands of years ago. Ask most people enough questions and you find out they don't believe in much of it either.
Posted by Me at 2:17 AM
It makes me incredibly happy to see all the comments here. I did my part a few hours ago, and even since then a bunch more comments have come up, only a couple of which have come from incredulous non-atheists who just happened upon the article and saw all of the response. Why comment? Hopefully someone will read a few and realize that, like Jews, Blacks, Christians, Asians, Germans, Zulu, accountants, garbage men, doctors, or any other disparate and diverse group, to make a blanket statement about all atheists (other than the one obvious one which defines our lack of religious belief) is at best silly and at worst pure bigotry.
Posted by David Crespo at 2:05 AM
Secular schools can never be tolerated because such schools have no religious instruction, and a general moral instruction without a religious foundation is built on air; consequently, all character training and religion must be derived from faith … we need believing people. ~ Adolf Hitler I am convinced that I am acting as the agent of our Creator. By fighting off the Jews, I am doing the Lord’s work. ~ Adolf Hitler “…God the Almighty has made our nation. By defending its existence we are defending His work…” — Adolf Hitler
Posted by Marco at 1:30 AM
This column is so bad, it could have been written by Dinesh D'Souza. Take my advice; don’t write about subjects of which you know nothing about. It just makes you look ignorant. Nice try, though. With a little knowledge and hard work, you could become a real journalist when you grow up.
Posted by RLB at 12:51 AM
Your comment that Hitler was a non-believer is in error. Hitler was a conservative Catholic who was strongly aligned with conservative protestants in Germany as well.
Posted by Tom at 11:43 PM
Yeah it sure does explain a lot, I bet you'd give this video 5 stars... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urlTBBKTO68
Posted by Robert (Minneapolitian) at 11:38 PM
Alex must still be getting used to 'the internets.' See Alex, in the good ol' days, you could write your garbage columns and all your loyal Newnan good old boys would slap you on the back and tell you how much they loved it! But now, the whole world can not only read your bigoted columns, but they can take you to task for them too, as evidenced by all the comments in this story. I love it!
Posted by Newnan Atheist at 11:28 PM
Whether Hitler believed in gods and ghosts or not is unclear, what is clear is that, for the most part, the holocaust was carried out by christians, and condoned by the catholic establishment at the time.
Posted by Mike from Canmore at 11:14 PM
First of all, Hilter used religion as a way of sucking in the public to help them identify with him. I seriously doubt he was a diehard God lover. Secondly, why would anyone defend that psycho? You all are nuts.
Posted by Marcy at 11:08 PM
Are all of you people on here Atheists? Hmmm, that explains a lot.
Posted by Mark at 10:58 PM
I've glanced through the comments, and I saw this mentioned once or twice, but I think I should bring it up again. If you had written this piece on any other group, the backlash would be horrible. Because you picked the on group that almost all Americans despise and the one group that is unorganized, you can get away with your up-and-front bigotry. Mr. Alex McRae, you sir are a bigot. You've just carefully chosen the safe target for your bigotry.
Posted by Atheist_Artist at 10:57 PM
Well, he succeeded in grabbing people's attention and creating a big internet stir. If you can't stand the guy don't give him any more attention - positive or negative.
Posted by Sam at 10:52 PM
Life is too short to give a crap what some opinion columnist thinks or writes about. It's nothing I'm gonna lose sleep over, I can tell you that. Plus, I am an Atheist so kiss it. It was written in his opinion with humor. Take it for what you will.
Posted by Beth at 10:46 PM
I know this article is offensive, but it was Alex McRae who wrote it. Aren't most of his articles mindless dribble anyway? Don't get too worked up over Mr. McNobody's comments.
Posted by Carol at 10:42 PM
Do you often find bigotry humorous Beth?
Posted by Topher at 10:29 PM
3. The denial of established historical events, such as the Nazi mass murder of Jews, homosexuals, Gypsies, and atheists during World War II. If Hitler was a non-believer, as you put it, why would he persecute atheists?
Posted by Alexandria at 10:23 PM
Man, have you got it all wrong. No wonder the world is in such a mess. Really..its not worth commenting on. Take care!
Posted by Margie at 10:22 PM
Hahaha! I thought it was quite humorous. I enjoyed it. Don't get your freggin panties in a wad. It's just an OPINION column. That's why it's in the opinion section you morons.
Posted by Beth at 10:17 PM
As someone who enjoys a good chuckle, I absolutely loved this piece of satire. Bravo, Alex Mcrae, as few are able to convincingly come off as ill informed, ignoramus jackasses in such Horatian diatribes.
Posted by Clyde at 10:12 PM
My catholic friend tells me that his priest tells them that Hitler was an Atheist, even the Popes most recent visit to America found him saying that the Nazi's were drunk with Pagan power. Yet, at my suggestion that they read 'Mein Kompf' my friend came back to me and said his priest told him it would be a sin to read that book. First they tell you lies then they damn you to hell for wanting to cooberate them. Sounds like fun to me (sic)
Posted by Pete at 10:09 PM
Can someone tell me how this humourless bigotry is any different to anti-semitism or homophobia - or even just parochial, lackwitted hatred of the neighbouring NFL franchise? It's just as pathetic, ignorant & uninformed (but not really offensive to be honest - it would have to contain some kind of actual content to even register as offensive). This article is to substantive opinion-writing as iced water is to cocktails. So let me guess, Alex: your deadline was looming and you had nothing. So you looked up ONE website dealing with something you've got approximately half a clue about (but you definitely know you hate it) and you bashed out a quick double index-fingered hit-piece. Job done. Paycheck sent. Controversy = legitimacy. Fortunately for me, what this drivel lacks in originality, wit or even the shallowest understanding of the topic at hand is more than made up for by its merficul brevity. Though you did make enough room for that old, oft-debunked canard: "Hitler = atheist, therefore atheism = evil". Three words for you, written on the belt buckles of Hitler's SS: "GOTT MIT UNS". Google it, if you have time. I've probably spent longer writing this comment than you did on your whole piece, research, spellcheck & proofreading included. I have no idea why I've wasted so many minutes of my life to be honest, but ignorant believers tend to bring that out in me.
Posted by mandrellian at 10:07 PM
I want to deconstruct your article piece by piece, but then I would feel as if I am lowering myself to your delusional level to spread evil when I could be speading good.
Posted by Clark K at 9:54 PM
It is sad but worth noting, that the most religious states in America also happen to be the most segregated, the most obese, the poorest, the least educated and frighteningly the fastest growing ... sad or funny.
Posted by Mark at 9:52 PM
Not only do I find your ignorance funny, but you're misinformed judgements are typical of the prejudice christianity represents. I guess your idea of a good time is dancing around a church with rattlesnakes wrapped around your rists, or praying to a fictitious Darth Vador-like character you call 'god'? Your comment about Hitler is off. If you were a real journalist and did some indepth research before printing such dribble, such as maybe reading the book that Hitler himself wrote 'Mein Kompf' you would see that Hitler was a christian, and was motivated by his extreme want to serve Christ when he pursued the elimination of the Jew. Atheists don't deny that particular persecution happened, we just know Hitler wasn't one of us; he was more like you; ignorant, misinformed, and angry.
Posted by Luna at 9:40 PM
If this was supposed to be funny, it wasn't.
Posted by James T. at 9:33 PM
My thoughts on first reading... it was all sarcasm, but only mildly funny, and a bit forced. I decided to read again with a different viewpoint... and realized that no, this sucker actually believes what he's saying. Making fun of groups in general and stereotyping them is generally acknowledged as a journalistic no-no, and it is to our American courts and humanity in general. So what I want to say is... Shame on you. You just don't get 21st century America. Shame, shame on you Doug http://'nilknarf.net
Posted by Doug Franklin at 9:24 PM
Mr. McRae is off base...a theist perhaps? Atheism is just as simple as it sounds. No theism. It's fun to sit back at all the wacky religious nutbags. Oh, the letdown on "judgement day" ! That's funny.
Posted by John Ericsson at 9:19 PM
Imagine my surprise. I thought that just because I publish books, do professional photography, run marathons, coach high school track, carve decorative walking sticks, taught school for 36 years, serve as a forest guide, was "Outstanding Young man of the Year", won the National Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, corresponded with famous scientists, been honored for community service, became a USATF All American in both track & field and long distance racing, was a newspaper columnist, and readily help my neighbors, just to name of a few of the pursuits with which I fill each day, I was apparently deluded. Mr. McRae has shown me that I am in reality a boring, unfulfilled person because I also read books on science, like "The God Delusion." I don't smoke, drink, or engage in illicit sex practices (unlike priests and televangelists); but I do like to laugh. I like to have fun, like going on hikes, playing soccer, working in my garden, engaging in building projects around the property, exchanging jokes by email with my brother. I even attended church regularly for several years, where I learned that there were many people - unethical, immoral, venal, and especially hypocritical - who piously sat in their pews every Sunday looking down sanctimoniously on all who didn't share their blind faith in their irrational beliefs. One thing I especially noticed among these churchgoers: they were mind-numbingly serious. And despite his self-portrayal as one who does possess a sense of humor, Mr. McRae's intense hatred of all who do not share his religiosity suggests just the opposite.
Posted by Dale Headley at 9:19 PM
I suppose we can just ignore the whole "bearing false witness" nonsense, can't we?
Posted by Tom at 8:58 PM
I detest being rude but this can't be what passes for Journalism in the good 'ol South these days, can it? My dear sir, if humor is what you are seeking I refer you to you the "good Book". The humor is only slightly outweighed by the ridicules barbarism of the Idealogs who wrote it. Be careful, your credulity is showing.
Posted by Michael at 8:40 PM
As intelligent commentary is out of your reach, it seems like you might want to rethink this line of work.
Posted by Darin at 8:31 PM
If anyone had penned a sickening piece such as this about believers, Christians in particular, the cries of "persecution" would be resounding loudly enough to be heard across the nation. But since you're only trashing atheists I suppose you and others presume it's acceptable. Atheists are neither dour nor boring. Frankly I'd find a Christian camp as stifling and yawn inducing as you seem to find the atheist camp. To each his own, as they say. And for the record Hitler was a believer.
Posted by Buffy at 8:26 PM
What a mindless piece of drivel.
Posted by stunned at 8:11 PM
The only thing humorless is this column. How dreadfully dull and how poorly written (in style and substance). I live in Georgia. I'm an atheist. I'm one of your neighbors. You'd like me if you met me. You'd think I'm damn funny, too. But your column - it's just sad and ignorant. George Carlin = atheist = funny Ricky Gervais = atheist = funny I won't bore everyone with more names. You get the picture.
Posted by Tara at 7:41 PM
Wow. You can't even be a bigot very well. Did an atheist spurn your advances or something? Whence comes this vitriol?
Posted by Tam at 7:11 PM
Humorless Atheists? Try George Carlin on... BLESSED BE HIS DIVINE NAME! I am an Atheist and use humor constantly to deal with narrow minded bigots like you... for world peace, sanity, intellect and ... a few laughs ;-) Cheers... DUDE!
Posted by Scott Bruneau at 7:09 PM
Alex, we're even. I consider your column as laughable, boring, stupid, and wrong as you apparently consider the AAI's convention. I'm curious where you found your list of things atheists don't believe. I don't see it in the AAI's "Unsinkable Atheism" brochure, or anywhere on their website. I'm also curious where you got the idea that they're a humorless bunch. They have a blood drive, a charity event for cancer patients, a workshop with Troy Conrad (who is, you know, a comedian), and various dinners, happy hours, and banquets. Last, I'll tell you what, Alex: you go ahead and lie about Hitler, and I'll go ahead and tell the truth about priests molesting little boys. Does that work for you? Yours in Christ (just kidding)
Posted by Larry Clapp at 7:01 PM
Atheists don't believe in "anything?" Huh? What you mean is that atheists don't believe mythological creatures exist. I fail to understand how you figure that skepticism that a magical sky-daddy exists (anywhere outside the human imagination, that is), negates all beliefs, values, or enjoyment of life. Methinks you doth protest too much.
Posted by webmaster of http://exchristian.net at 6:51 PM
Hitler was a Christian, and you are a liar. Please leave satire to someone who actually masters it. Epic fail on your part.
Posted by deeta at 6:34 PM
Alex - The biggest point you made with this article is that you're not all that interesting yourself, seeing that you fail to investigate what you're writing about. Try going a little more in-depth and you might find something of interest in the atheist community you dismiss so readily.
Posted by SWEJ at 6:28 PM
I am a bit bewildered by your depiction of atheists as humorless. After all, many of our greatest humorists were unbelievers. The tradition goes at least as far back as Voltare’s “Candide”. Samuel Clemens was the greatest humorist of his century. More recently we have had W. C. Fields, The Monty Python crew (Life of Bryon), Douglas Adams, Scott Adams, and George Carlin. The list goes on and on.
Posted by Harry Kier at 6:17 PM
And Thomas Jefferson is still right. If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. * Thomas Jefferson The columnist (whom I pity) has shown it rather clearly.
Posted by at 6:16 PM
"...people who don't believe in much of anything." You're right. We don't "believe" like naive children. Rather than wait for a fictitious entity to improve our lives, we get to work with what we have -- the human intellect, which is considerable when actually USED. I don't know what "believers" are saving theirs for. Maybe they think there are Green Stamps waiting on the other side of the rainbow. Maybe that's why they keep talking about "redemption."
Posted by Elaine at 6:00 PM
This from the people that gave us Sunday School!!! What do you expect, its Georgia? Not exactly known for its deep thinking.
Posted by Greg at 5:48 PM
wowza!! Congratulations! Here is the typical stereotypical argument. Imply scarce language ability, infer boringness, and the final remark about a war criminal associated with the group on issue. Maybe I'm boring but - believe me - I am much more creative than you when I write something.
Posted by dedalus at 5:26 PM
My feelings as a Christian points me to my Lord and Savior as a fighter. It points me to the man who once in loneliness, surrounded by a few followers, recognized these Jews for what they were and summoned men to fight against them and who, God’s truth! was greatest not as a sufferer but as a fighter. In boundless love as a Christian and as a man I read through the passage which tells us how the Lord at last rose in His might and seized the scourge to drive out of the Temple the brood of vipers and adders. How terrific was His fight for the world against the Jewish poison. To-day, after two thousand years, with deepest emotion I recognize more profoundly than ever before the fact that it was for this that He had to shed His blood upon the Cross. As a Christian I have no duty to allow my self to be cheated, but I have the duty to be a fighter for truth and justice… And if there is anything which could demonstrate that we are acting rightly it is the distress that daily grows . For as a Christian I have also a duty to my own people. -Adolph Hitler We were convinced that the people needs and requires this faith. We have therefore undertaken the fight against the atheistic movement, and that not merely with a few theoretical declarations: we have stamped it out. -Adolph Hitler
Posted by Wisco at 4:58 PM
Mr. McRae You are clearly going to hell for using the internets!
Posted by bhvit at 4:40 PM
I don't think the writer realizes what grammar is. Also, Hitler was Christian. Hitler was raised by Roman Catholic parents, but after he left home, he never attended Mass or received the sacraments,[227] Hitler often praised Christian heritage, German Christian culture, and professed a belief in Jesus Christ.[228] In his speeches and publications Hitler even spoke of Christianity as a central motivation for his antisemitism, stating that "As a Christian I have no duty to allow myself to be cheated, but I have the duty to be a fighter for truth and justice". Woops!
Posted by Jack Stevens at 4:32 PM
Let me see, Editorial cartoons lampooning Islam in Danish newspapers result in burning danish flags and death threats, Prof. PZ Myers "Its a Damn Cracker" blog encourageing someone to give him a stolen eucarist so he can do nasty things to that stupid biscuit results in the Catholic league trying to convince his employer to fire him and your editorial results in a few Dozen Atheists making fun of you pointing out what a total talentless ignorant pathetic bogotted moron you are in many cases rather elaborate and amusing ways and leaves it at that. You seem to have things rather backwards here! You will also notice that the letters are quite literally 100% against you. If you were not such a typical arrogant self righteous humourless blinkered religionist this would probably give you some pause. But I know it wont, you are off to your next bible study session I am sure preparing to pray for all the lost souls out there who have started writing here. Well thats ok you can pray for us, in return we will think for you! :)!
Posted by Brent Thiorkelson at 3:52 PM
Alex McRae, a few wise words of advice: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt"
Posted by FFFish at 3:45 PM
No sense of humor. Are you kidding me. I am rolling on the floor laughing at this "story." Was it printed on the funny pages, because it sure isn't journalism.
Posted by Pdx632 at 3:45 PM
This kind of disgusting slur, masquerading as an opinion piece, wouldn't pass muster in an undergraduate journalism class. It's easy and cheap to slam any minority. What if it was a conference of pharmacists? "Look at the funny people in white coats. They must have really boring lives." What a slacker attitude for a writer! In a country (and especially the southern part of that country) where the Christian religion has been so privileged, it's likely the writer of this column has never hung out in a group of atheists. So he's simply making fun of people he doesn't understand. A sad attempt to make himself feel better at other people's expense. Creating "in-groups" and "out-groups" is a classic divide and conquer tactic. But it won't work with atheists. Because we understand that everyone, even the religious, are primarily human beings. We're just saying let's focus on that shared reality, instead of on the differences in "beliefs" and attitudes stemming from the myriad imaginary worlds the various sects of believers have constructed. And Alex, we know how to party just fine, thanks.
Posted by BlackSun at 3:41 PM
the interesting thing was, I never knew anybody was religious! They were kind, forgiving, and generous but barely spoke of religion. It was only when I got older that I realized how big a part religion played. I respected that. It's sad that now the South is the same as the North, full of obnoxious blowhards who, even when they are right, give religion a bad name.
Posted by GW at 3:39 PM
There's no shortage of quality content on this page. It's shameful that one has to scroll down to the comments section before seeing any.
Posted by Timothy M at 3:10 PM
How someone this uninterested in actual investigation of a topic was able to get a job in journalism is beyond me. It looks like all that went into writing this column was a visit to a website and some bitter and wholly uninformed speculation. Also, the fact that an editor found this fit to publish is absurd. There is no insight whatsoever, no new information. Mr. McRae simply looked at the agenda of a single conference and denounced all atheists as boring and without humor. I assure you, the late George Carlin might disagree, as might the hilarious Patton Oswalt, David Cross, Ricky Gervais, Lewis Black, Adam Carolla, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Silverman. And while not a comedian, it's hard to deny Christopher Hitchens's brilliant sense of humor.
Posted by David Crespo at 3:05 PM
Maybe you should meet a few atheists. Hopefully that will erode your poorly-informed, bigoted view of them. You also need to do some fact-checking, but this should come as no surprise from someone who prides himself about disdaining intellectual discussion. It is too bad that this column is not a hoax - instead it is a serious embarrassment.
Posted by James at 2:47 PM
I'm appalled that the Times-Herald considered your opinion newsworthy.
Posted by Michelle at 2:21 PM
According to the 2001 AMIS survey conducted by the City University of NY, 12% of the people of the state of Georgia profess to following no religion. Its the fourth largest group in GA as defined by the study. 4th. Yep - out of over 15 labels its 4th largest. So this article tells me that you don't know who your neighbors are. My question to the newspaper is why are you telling 12% of your readers to go away by printing this? Newspapers dont stay in business too long by telling their readers to go away.
Posted by mike at 2:16 PM
It has to be said...have you no intelligence? I'm sorry, but aren't Christians the prudes here, demanding that we all live exactly as the Bible says. We can't look at another woman! Or else we have to tear our eyes out. Yawn. Your "column" lacks any real intelligence or commentary.
Posted by Yvette at 1:50 PM
Ironically enough, your statement about we atheists not embracing humor caused me to make a rather embarrassing hooting sound of mirth. I'm fairly certain the woman at the table next to mine (I'm in a café) will be giving me funny looks for the next few minutes or so. At the same time, I am quite horrified that anyone could possibly be so ignorant of their fellow humans to think some of them don't enjoy laughter. However, I find your implication that you believe intellectual discussions and charity events to be boring all the more hideous. What kind of fun-loving person (as I assume you believe to be yourself) finds no fun in using their brains? What kind of compassionate person (as I again assume you believe yourself to be) can find no joy in charity events? No, we atheists do not prefer to provide whiskey and strippers at a family-oriented event. Our lack of belief in a deity does not prevent us from having morals and ethics. In fact, I find it disturbing that some people feel you need the threat of some skydaddy watching you from above sending you to a place of infinite pain in order be a good person. Why isn't Atheist World covered much? Because this country is unfortunately comprised mostly of people like you, who would prefer not to see other points of view in the media, lest the children become corrupted and (*gasp*) develop a critical mind.
Posted by Daniel Flaum at 1:43 PM
Ironically enough, your statement about we atheists not embracing humor caused me to make a rather embarrassing hooting sound of mirth. I'm fairly certain the woman at the table next to mine (I'm in a café) will be giving me funny looks for the next few minutes or so. At the same time, I am quite horrified that anyone could possibly be so ignorant of their fellow humans to think some of them don't enjoy laughter. However, I find your implication that you believe intellectual discussions and charity events to be boring all the more hideous. What kind of fun-loving person (as I assume you believe to be yourself) finds no fun in using their brains? What kind of compassionate person (as I again assume you believe yourself to be) can find no joy in charity events? No, we atheists do not prefer to provide whiskey and strippers at a family-oriented event. Our lack of belief in a deity does not prevent us from having morals and ethics. In fact, I find it disturbing that some people feel you need the threat of some skydaddy watching you from above sending you to a place of infinite pain in order be a good person. Why isn't Atheist World covered much? Because this country is unfortunately comprised mostly of people like you, who would prefer not to see other points of view in the media, lest the children become corrupted and (*gasp*) develop a critical mind.
Posted by Daniel Flaum at 1:42 PM
In this article Adolf Hitler is identified as a "non-believer". This is incorrect. Adolf Hitler was a member in good standing of the Roman Catholic Church. The Third Reich maintained good relations with the Vatican throughout the war. The Vatican never once contradicted Nazi ideology's antisemitism and never once protested against Nazi Germany's mass murder of millions of Jews, Slavs and political dissenters. At the end of the war, the Vatican provided several key Nazi party members with Vatican passports, thus enabling them to leave Europe and escape prosecution at the Nürnberg trials.
Posted by Joshua at 1:41 PM
You obviously know nothing about atheism. Please research a bit before spreading misinformation and negative comments. Ps. Hitler was a Christian. Look it up.
Posted by Jack at 1:37 PM
I guess Alex really doesn't have anything better to write about than how much cooler he and his friends are than the lame atheists. I bet Alex drives a really awesome car with flames on the side and picks up bikini-clad babes in his church's parking lot. Wow, Christians are so cool, I never knew.
Posted by bbk at 1:33 PM
Haven't you heard of the late George Carlin? He was adamantly a non-believer, yet who (in their right minds) would argue he wasn't funny?
Posted by Justin at 1:29 PM
Replace Atheist with Jew or Muslim. If that sounds bigoted to you, then guess what? You're bigoted against atheists.
Posted by Fry at 1:16 PM
I guess there's not much to expect from a person that thinks an intellectual discussion is boring. You must pride yourself in your aversion to intellect. And you didn't disappoint with your asinine assumptions. I don't expect you to actually check your facts, but Hitler was a christian as he states in many of his speeches and his book. Your 'enlightenment' sure is a dark and dreary place. May you be happy in your dismal view of life. It's the only one you get, so feel free to waste it away avoiding reality.
Posted by Kitecraft at 1:09 PM
Wow, you've really opened my eyes. I didn't realise how much more fun life is when you turn to whiskey and strippers instead of intellectual discussions! Now I can really live the American dream - which is apparently to be a sexist, drunken ignoramus. Thanks, Alex! Maybe you should try doing *slightly* more research than just reading one group's website before you decide to write an uninformed piece of drivel about a chunk of the population. There are more nonreligious individuals in the world today (and in the US) than there are Buddhists, Hindus, or Jews. I daresay you would think twice before writing an editorial about how unfunny and foolish Jews are, but atheists are acceptable targets? Hmm, stinks of hypocrisy and bigotry to me.
Posted by Kai at 1:06 PM
Wow. I'm always amazed when someone is allowed publish something so bigoted, ignorant, and wrought with inaccuracy, misconception, and outright falsehood. There are ways, sir, that one can take on the atheist community that would be more productive/enlightening. This is a lazy, cowardly, and pathetic attempt to shoot the two-finger salute at us--it is sad, really, more than anything else. A 15 year old who hasn't left the video game console in his parents' basement for three years could have given a more intelligent argument against atheism.
Posted by IsThatLatin at 12:55 PM
How incredibly predictable that an apparent Christian fundamentalist would have such a narrow, ignorant view of the world around her. This article was worth a chuckle of disbelief and nothing more. That alone should testify to this atheist's sense of humor, at least to anyone intelligent enough to appreciate it.
Posted by Clint in MN at 12:54 PM
Wow, I'm impressed, you even managed to include the old "Hitler was an atheist" myth. That takes a lot of guts to display your ignorance on line like that for everyone to see. But I'm really impressed by the fact that you seem to be able to write a review of the event months in advance of the actual event itself. You must be able to see into the future. I guess God isn't the only supernatural being in the universe? And no, atheists aren't afraid to embrace laughter. Trust me, we are laughing at religion all the time. Oh, I'm sure you would consider that to be anti-religious discrimination. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Posted by Bruce at 12:45 PM
If you want boring, unoriginal, and no sense of humor, just go to church. And you won't find any atheists there!
Posted by stillwaters at 12:42 PM
So you have a bigoted bias against atheists. What next? I suppose you stumble upon a brochure for what should seem to be a mild-mannered atheist convention and decide to pick it apart with transparent ad hominems and submit it as an opinion piece in your local paper. This bilge smacks of bigotry and intolerance of a minority. Nowhere in the brochure did these people list activities that were remotely harmful to anyone and yet you still decided it was newsworthy? The best part is you managed to be thoroughly uninteresting while insulting these people ... for being uninteresting. Good job.
Posted by Kate at 12:36 PM
What a boring article. Maybe if you tried actually attending the conference and not just criticizing the brochure, you would actually know what you were talking about.
Posted by amiable at 12:24 PM
This piece is a shameful example of bigotry and intolerance. If you'd written it about any other group, you'd be denounced around the country and fired, and rightly so. As it is, you are protected by the pervasiveness of anti-atheist bigotry in this country. Not only are you a bigot, but you are laughably misinformed. Google "atheist humor" if you want to see that we are really not humorless. As others have pointed out, Hitler was anything but an atheist, as you'd have learned if you'd bothered to do any research.
Posted by MB at 12:22 PM
Who's the most famous Roman Catholic of the 20th century? Adolf Hitler. The Church never even excommunicated him. So why does Alex McCrae imply that Hitler was an atheist? Maybe he's just another Southern, Christian idiot too lazy to Google Hitler's name.
Posted by Pierre JC at 12:13 PM
How terribly embarrassing it must be to live in the deep south. You teach fantasy instead of science in public school classrooms, and you're writing about how boring atheists are? Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Do you even read the Bible? And why is it that atheists always seem to know your own scripture better than you?
Posted by Willravel at 12:11 PM
Funny thing is you put down a group of people who are alot less harmless then any religious group.Look at the numbers of people who have died from religious wars.Look at people who cut their childrens arms off in the name of God.Or cult groups who brainwash their followers into mass suicide.Bush using God to invade Iraq,killing people who are innocent of any crime.It's sad that someone puts their faith and wastes their life on a book that spreads hate.Open up a bible,but wait I'm sure you never have.
Posted by Freethinker at 11:32 AM
""Atheism is living one's life without the supernatural," and "We are responsible for humane interaction with other animals and for the preservation of our habitable planet." Yawn." That's Boring? ***rolls eyes*** Actually it sounds like a good idea to me and it seems that idea is growing. Try sitting in Church on a Sunday morning, that's what gets a real yawn.
Posted by Robert at 11:22 AM
Could you have written this column on any other group? What would happen if you argued that African Americans did not have a sense of humor? Thank you for the reminder that bigotry is alive and well in 2008.
Posted by vjack at 11:19 AM
The author makes a dubious criticism of the writing by the Atheist Alliance shortly after writing a 'complete sentence' of "Which doesn't sound likely, according to the Atheist World convention agenda." I think the Atheist Alliance did far better than the author.
Posted by Mike (FVThinker) Burns at 10:32 AM
I'm glad they call you a "columnist" because a journalist you most definitely are not.
Posted by LB The Atheist Digger at 9:53 AM
I seriously recommend you pick up a copy of Mein Kampf, Hitler's autobiography. He attests membership to the Christian faith no less than 50 times. You can read quotes from his book discussing his Christian faith here if you don't desire to read his auto-biography: http://www.nobeliefs.com/hitler.htm Here's a good quote to give a flavor of how he used his Christianity to take aim at the Jews: "Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord." Sound like a non-believer to you? More like the rantings of a indoctrinated religious bigot. Read "Mein Kampf" and see if you still view Hitler as a non-believer. I dare you! And trust me, I embrase laughter! I'm laughing at your post now! Science and reason are taking direct aim at dogma and faith. My generation will help shed this religious baggage. Cheers! ~D~
Posted by Darron S at 1:37 AM
Enjoyed
7/22/2008
Link To This Comment
I'm with you - well said.
Posted by Me too at 10:30 PM