From: Cgastbook@aol.com
To: aanews@listserv.atheists.org
Subject: [Atheist] re: AANEWS for October 12, 1998
Date: Monday, October 12, 1998 2:23 PM
from: AMERICAN ATHEISTS
subject: AANEWS for October 12, 1998
A M E R I C A N A T H E I S T S
~~ A A N E W S ~~
#491 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10/12/98
http://www.atheists.org
ftp.atheists.org/pub/
http://www.americanatheist.org
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A Service of AMERICAN ATHEISTS
"For Reason and the First Amendment"
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In This Issue...
* Religious Hose Job in North Carolina?
* Vatican attacks Nobel Prize winner
* At Atheist responds... Liz Burcin on tolerance of unpopular ideas
* On the AA web sites...
* Upcoming AA events
* Resources
* About this list...
SENYSZYN HELPS TO STOP TAXPAYER ''HOSE JOB'' IN CHARLOTTE, N.C.
American Atheist activist Jim Senyszyn helped to defend the wall of
separation between church and state, and even saved local taxpayers from a
religious "hose job." On Sunday, a mass baptism of over 2,000 faithful
occurred at the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte, N.C., a
local Pentecostal church celebrating its 72nd anniversary. The congregation
is noted for its mass-baptismal ceremonies, which usually take place in a
swimming pool located behind the sect's "mother house." Since the building
was being renovated, though, church leaders proposed using a fire hose to
spray "holy water" of the faithful -- the closest the group could come to an
immersion-baptism.
But when plans were announced to have Charlotte taxpayers pick up the tab
for the religious ritual, separationists -- including Charlotte activist Jim
Senyszyn -- swung into action. Last year, Senyszyn led a successful campaign
to discourage local officials from erecting a display of the Ten Commandments
at the local government center. Pointing out that the use of public resources
to help the House of Prayer ceremonies violated the Establishment Clause of
the First Amendment, Senyszyn contacted local officials, and made his point in
local media, including television stations. He also touched base with City
Attorney Mac McCarley, who last Friday went on record as saying that it would
unconstitutional for Charlotte to provide water pumped by a city fire truck.
Spokespersons for the House of Prayer seemed oblivious to any
constitutional concerns, who according to the Charlotte Observer newspaper,
"don't care where the water comes from."
The ceremony did proceed, but not using city fire trucks. A private firm,
the Newell Volunteer Fire department finally stepped in, providing the hoses
which sprayed a torrent of water over the faithful. One lifelong member of
the sect declared, "It takes me back to Jesus' time. It's like in his
presence, in the Jordan River, and my mind is not on the things f this world."
The festive atmosphere of the ceremony including band music, clapping and
speaking in tongues (glossolalia) which some psychologists consider to be a
dissociative state of consciousness. One woman declared, "This is the kind of
power you can't explain. You've got to know it for yourself."
**
VATICAN: ATTACKS NOBEL LITERATURE PRIZE WINNER
Not everyone, including atheists, will agree with Jose Saramago communist
political philosophy. Some communists even find him an irritant, and an
intellectual nonconformist. But for many who read his novels, Saramago is a
craftsman who displays an exuberant imagination in his works; he finally
received recognition last Thursday when it was announced that he had won the
1998 Nobel Literature Prize. The 75-year old writer had just left the
prestigious Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany minutes before his prize was
announced; at the airport, his publisher caught up with him, and beaming with
pride, Saramago returned to the fair for a thunderous reception, and questions
from reporters. Praise for his achievement poured in from across the world.
Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes cited Saramago's human rights campaign on behalf
of indigenous peoples in Chiapas, Mexico earlier this year, when he traveled
into the combat zone to protest a massacre where 45 Indians had been gunned
down in December, 1997 by paramilitaries. "He came to say that atrocities
like this must not happen, must not be repeated, cannot be forgotten and need
witnesses, " declared Fuentes. Writers, literary groups and others were
almost universal in their praise for Saramago, and his achievement in winning
the coveted Nobel.
Everyone except the Vatican, though ... the Holy See's newspaper
L'Osservatore Romano, on the same day as Saramago won the award, denounced the
novelist as "an old-fashioned communist" who espoused "a substantially anti-
religious vision." The paper also accused the Swedish Academy, which grants
the Nobel, of selecting the writer as part of "yet another ideologically
slanted award."
He Offends The Faithful
Saramago's works have been translated into 25 languages, and are known for
combining a "magical realism" reminiscent of other writers such as Gabriel
Garcia Marquez, with a biting and often anticlerical social commentary. His
first novel, "Country of Sin," published in 1947 told the story of a peasants
in a moral crisis. Real success, though, had to wait until the 1982
historical fantasy, "Memorial do Converto" which was published six years later
in English as "Baltasar and Blimunda." The background for this work was the
Vatican orchestrated Inquisition. He continued his social commentary in novels
such as The Stone Raft," (1986) and "The History of the Siege of Lisbon"
(1989). The latter tells the tale of a proofreader who, as a prank, inserts
the word "not" into a historical text describing the capture of the Portuguese
capital from the Moors, thus changing the course of known history. Fuentes
cited works like this and others as clear proof that Saramago's ability to
construct a novel full of "vitality" and surreal vision.
In 1991, Saramago "scandalized" the Roman Catholic Church with the novel
"The Gospel According to Jesus Christ," which was censored in Portugal at the
request of the church by the former government.
Following the attacks in L'Osservatore Romano, Saramago was gracious and
quick-witted. "I applaud the Swedish Academy that my beliefs weren't an
obstacle," he told reporters in Frankfurt. "But if the pope were on the jury
they wouldn't have given me anything." He added, "The Vatican is easily
scandalized, especially by people from outside."
"They should just focus on their prayers and leave people in peace,"
declared the novelist. "I respect those who believe but I have no respect for
the institution."
**
COMMENTS WORTH READING: AN ATHEIST RESPONDS
When two local atheists were the subject of a write-up in the York
(Pennsylvania) Dispatch newspaper, a deluge of letters soon followed -- many
of them attacking atheism. "Yes, they have a right to freedom speech,"
declared one reader, "but it says nothing of printing their blathering. Let
them talk, but don't print it." Another called "their ridiculous anti-
Christian comments ... an insult." Many seemed to question the role of a free
press in dealing with controversial subjects; one reader incorrectly asserted
that "The burden of proof (in the debate over the existence of a deity) is on
the non-believer, not the believer." Others urged the paper to provide less
space for contributions from atheists, or told how they were "shocked" to see
such a discussion in their local paper. Occasionally, there was a writer who
rose to the defense of atheism and atheists, such as the one gentleman who
observed that "the fellows supporting the atheist position came across as
reasonable and tolerant, while the Christians seemed dogmatic, closed-mouth,
and even violent."
American Atheist Pennsylvania State Director Elizabeth Burcin entered the
fray with what we consider to be an appropriate, calm and proportional
response. It's written in plain, everyday language, free of the baggage of
philosophical terms and ideas that some people, at least, are not ready for.
Indeed, as the situation in York indicated, a segment of the population still
considers atheists the equivalent of the plague. "Displaying a human face,"
breaking through a curtain of fear, suspicion and distrust may be the first
step in some communities toward even getting the discussion in "the Great God
Debate" on the table for a reasonably calm conversation! For more
background on this story, check out the web site of the Pennsylvania State
Director at www.atheists.org/Pa/, but we include in this AANEWS Ms. Burcin's
response, which appeared in the "Other Voices" section of the York Dispatch on
October 8, 1998:
ATHEIST LEADER: We're Not Proselytizing
Liz Burcin
For some reason, I feel the need to respond to the majority of the 34
letters published in response to the "Great God Debate."
I was surprised, saddened, and disappointed in the anger and hatred that
came across for atheists, such as Steven Neubauer, Stephen Frey, and also
myself.
I shouldn't have been surprised, since I have gotten similar reactions so
many times before in my experiences with religious people.
There is so much that I would like to address specifically, but there isn't
nearly enough room for that here. Wishing that we were in the obituaries, not
wanting to breathe the same air, thinking that we don'd do anything for
society. (I suppose people think that atheists just sit around all day
worshipping Satan or something. Just to set you straight, if there is no God,
there is no Satan, nothing complicated about that.)
There were a few suggestions of having a debate or getting together to
talk, and that would be great. Since there is no realistic hope or desire (on
our part, anyway) to convert anyone, the best we can expect is to learn from
each other, try to understand, and coexists peacefully.
I am not only an atheist, but also a nurse, a golfer, a motorcyclist, an
animal lover, an avid Penn State fan. In other words, I am a person, with
hopes and dreams and wishes for a better world.
It is cruel and hateful to think badly of me, without even knowing me, just
because I don't believe as you do.
Atheists do not want to convert anyone. We want you to see where we are
coming from, hoping for an open mind, which would let another opinion in, and
maybe even some critical thinking about belief systems. We don't go around
knocking on people's doors. Like I always say, I don't want to begrudge
anyone his or her religion; I don't care if you want to spend 24 hours a day
in church. Just don't make it an expectation of anyone else; don't judge me
and tell me I am wrong because I don't believe as you do. And most of all,
don't force it on me in a public place. That is when you will hear from me
and from Steven Neubauer and from Stephen Dry and from any other atheist brave
enough to stand up for his or her rights.
**
Now on the American Atheist web site...
OFFICIAL CALLS ON TASLIMA NASRIN TO "SURRENDER": MOSLEMS RIOT FOR BLASPHEMY
LAWS
Islamic militants riot again, and demand the arrest and execution of writer
Taslima Nasrin. A government official urges her to "surrender." Check out the
latest, and get an update in the Salman Rushdie case!
Visit us on the world wide web at http://www.atheists.org/flash.line for
news, analysis and commentary.
* SHOULD BLASPHEMY BE A HATE CRIME? SHOULD RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION BE PART OF
US FOREIGN POLICY?
American Atheist Magazine wants to know your opinion. Congress has just
passed the International Religious Freedom Act (a compromise version of the
Freedom From Religious Persecution Act.) Do you agree that this act is
necessary?
Check out our on line poll, vote, and leave your opinion for others to
read! Visit us at www.americanatheist.org for this and other features.
Polling ends Sunday night, 9 p.m. ET.
* PHOTOS FROM THE SATURDAY PK DEMO IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA are now on the
magazine web site.
**
THEISTWATCH SHORT SHOTS
After "downsizing" its national staff last year, Promise Keepers is again
laying off workers. As of October 31, the group will trim its work force at
its Colorado headquarters from 250 to 180. Sources claim that the change
reflects a drop in revenues, especially after Promise Keepers opened its
stadium events to anyone, and solicited donations as an alternative to ticket
sales. But don't let this fool you. Promise Keepers has gone international,
and now has organizations in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Peru, Mexico,
Sweden, Denmark, France, Costa Rica and elsewhere. Plans are still underway
to have a gathering of PK-ers at every state capitol in the nation on January
1, 2000.
**
Christian Coalition has begun a fund drive to raise $2.7 million to spend
getting out the vote in the Nov. 3 election. The group will distribute
between 20 million and 48 million (figures vary considerably in different news
reports) voters guides and other pieces of campaign literature. The Federal
Election Commission is continuing its suit against the Coalition, charging
that it is spending funds to promote Republican candidates.
**
The Roman Catholic Church in France has succeeded in defeating a
controversial bill which would have given legal recognition to homosexual
marriages. The measure would have given gays the same tax and financial
advantages as heterosexual couples presently enjoy. Prime Minister Lionel
Jospen said that the legislation reflected "the evolution" of French society,
but the Catholic Bishops of the country launched a vigorous campaign against
the bill, calling it "useless and dangerous." The clerics also charged that
it would have undermined the "fundamental structures of society."
**
UPCOMING AMERICAN ATHEIST EVENTS
* October 19, 1998 (Monday). Join us in Washington, D.C. as American
Atheists hosts a peaceful demonstration outside of the Embassy of Bangladesh,
2201 Wisconsin Ave., NW between noon and 1:00 p.m. We will be speaking out in
defense of atheist writer Taslima Nasrin; picket signs and banners will be
provided. For more information, including updates about other activities
related to the picket, call the telephone "hotline" of the Washington, DC
Director at 202-234-7765.
* October 25, 1998 (Sunday). Michigan Atheists will host the return of the
REGIONAL ATHEIST MEET (RAM) at the Holiday Inn in Livonia, suburban Detroit,
Michigan. RAM events are official American Atheists conferences and
workshops. The theme of this RAM will be "Millennium Madness: The Road Ahead,
democracy or Theocracy?" The day-long activity will include lectures and
other events. For more information, or to sign up for the Michigan RAM on
line, visit www.atheists.org/visitor.center on our web site, or contact
henry@atheists.org.
* January, 26-27, 1999. Join us in St. Louis as we picket Pope John Paul
II! This event will feature a special conference with panels and lecture
presentations, and a picket at the Transdome Arena during JPII's papal mass.
Among the issues we will be focusing on: the right to dissent from religious
ideology, and the constitutionally suspect diplomatic recognition of the
Vatican by the U.S. Government. Stay tuned for more news on this event!
* April 2-4, 1999. Join us for the 25th National Convention of American
Atheists, and the dedication of our new American Atheist Center in Rahway, New
Jersey. Stay tuned for more details about this "Easter weekend" extravaganza
on the web site, or in the membership newsletter.
**
RESOURCES FROM AMERICAN ATHEISTS
* For information about American Atheists, send mail to info@atheists.org.
Please include your name and postal mailing address.
* For a free catalogue of American Atheist Press books, videos and other
products, send mail to catalogue@atheists.org. Kindly include your postal
mailing address.
* The American Atheist Magazine is now on the web! Check out select
articles from the current and back issues, as well as special web-only
features. Visit us at http://www.americanatheist.org.
* If you are a member of American Atheists, sign up for our e-mail
discussion group, aachat. We have over 100 participants who discuss topics
such as Atheism, religion, First Amendment issues and lots more! Contact
Margie Wait, the moderator through mdwait@atheists.org.
**
ABOUT THIS LIST...
AANEWS is a free service from American Atheists, a nationwide movement
founded by Madalyn Murray O'Hair for the advancement of Atheism, and the
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appropriate credit is given to AANEWS and American Atheists. Edited by Conrad
Goeringer, cg@atheists.org. Internet Representative for American Atheists is
Margie Wait, irep@atheists.org.
**