Varieties of atheist experience

My biggest disappointment about the study is that it left out the largest category: closeted atheists. They are the elephants in the room and the ones most likely to change the culture by coming out. However, many of them feel they have good reasons not to, including potential ostracism from family and friends as well as loss of income or employment. Another unmentioned category is what I call functional atheists, those who may or may not have vague supernatural beliefs that play no practical role in their lives. They live as if there is no god, just as all atheists do.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/07/31/varieties-of-atheist-experience/

Why are millennials leaving church? Try atheism

Christians can no longer hide in a bubble, sheltered from opposing perspectives, and church leaders can't protect young people from finding information that contradicts traditional beliefs.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/30/why-are-millennials-leaving-church-try-atheism/

See also...

Why millennials are leaving the church
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/27/why-millennials-are-leaving-the-church/?hpt=us_bn3

Only 0.07% Of Prisoners Are Atheists, According To A 2013 Federal Bureau of Prisons Report

Mehta contacted the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and asked them about the religious affiliation of prisoners, by filing a Freedom of Information Act request. In a short time the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons responded and sent the Frequency of Religious Affiliation of inmates in the federal prisons figures, as of April 27, 2013. The data proved that atheists made up only 0.07% of the prison population, even a lower number that was previously thought.

MORE: http://natskep.com/only-0-07-of-prisoners-are-atheists-according-to-a-2013-federal-bureau-of-prisons-report/?goback=.gde_43782_member_261448836

Pennsylvania Activist Receives Humanists Making a Difference Award

The first recipient of the Humanists Making a Difference award from the American Humanist Association was Lyn Alexander of the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia. She was recognized Sunday for her efforts to educate lawmakers and the public about the effects of fracking, starting a free book giveaway program, volunteering with libraries, and working on local revitalization efforts.

MORE: http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-07-pennsylvania-activist-receives-humanists-making-a-di

St. Paul Saints to again become St. Paul Aints in honor of Minnesota Atheists

On August 9, for the second year running, the St. Paul Saints will lose their religion.

MORE: http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2013/07/st_paul_saints_to_again_become_st_paul_aints_in_honor_of_minnesota_atheists.php

The United States Marine Corps Officially Declares 'Lack of Spiritual Faith' as a Sign of Instability

"Lack or loss of spiritual faith" is included as a "Guidance/moral compass issue" in both of these documents under a list of risk indicators for use by "leaders at all levels" to "identify and address risky behavior or events that may lead to risky behavior, as soon as possible." This apparent character flaw is juxtaposed with such things as "lack of courage," "history of psychiatric hospitalizations," "past or current substance abuse history," and being "anti-social." In the simplest terms, it is the current official position of the United States Marine Corps that those who do not profess a religious belief or choose to leave their religion are to be considered a potential hazard to themselves and the Corps and be placed under greater scrutiny than their peers.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blake-page/marine-corps-religious-discrimination_b_3647235.html

Crosses will not be allowed on Evansville's riverfront

A federal judge says the crosses will not be allowed to be displayed along the riverfront in Downtown Evansville. Ruling that the "Cross the River" display would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

MORE: http://www.14news.com/story/22978586/crosses-will-not-be-allowed-on-evansvilles-riverfront?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer2cc15&utm_medium=facebook

Pastor: 'In God We Trust' signs on Tennessee courthouse are part of 'majority rule'

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank's husband, Lee Frank, echoed the views of many who dismissed concerns about the signs, saying, "We don't need to deal with that ACLU crap here."

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/25/pastor-in-god-we-trust-signs-on-tenne=ssee-courthouse-are-part-of-majority-rule/?utm_source=3DRaw+Story+Daily+Upd=ate&utm_campaign=3D6da01a66c5-7_25_137_25_2013&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_term==3D0_1b6404e40c-6da01a66c5-194844913

Group seeks humanist wedding in USNA's main chapel

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- An attorney for the American Humanist Association said Tuesday the organization will consider taking legal action after the U.S. Naval Academy denied a request for a humanist wedding ceremony in the academy's main chapel.

MORE: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Group-seeks-humanist-wedding-in-USNA-s-main-chapel-4696218.php

Judge stops enforcement of N.D. fetal heartbeat law

In March, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed three abortion bills into law in March, one to require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital; another to ban abortion for the purpose of sex selection or genetic abnormality; and a third to ban abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which could be as early as six weeks.

MORE: http://thecatholicspirit.com/news/nation-and-world/judge-stops-enforcement-of-n-d-fetal-heartbeat-law/

Catholic ethicist to head international religious freedom commission

He was one of the drafters of 2009's Manhattan Declaration, a joint statement of more than 140 Christian leaders, including 14 Catholic bishops, who pledged renewed zeal in protecting religious freedom as well as defending the unborn and upholding the traditional definition of marriage between one man and one woman.

MORE: http://ncronline.org/news/people/catholic-ethicist-head-international-religious-freedom-commission

The 'MIA' Church on Unreality TV

It will likely add further fuel to the smoldering cultural fires about the lifestyles of some Christian clergy. The Oxygen channel's promotion of its new show, Preachers of L.A., touts a "candid" program about six "mega-pastors" and their "sometimes provocative lives." Viewers can undoubtedly expect lavish houses, expensive cars, and outrageous situations. All of it promises to be a sad misrepresentation of what Gospel-preaching ministries are really about.

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-mia-church-on-unreality-tv-101004/

See also...

Christian Media Leader Concerned 'Preachers of L.A.' Will Create IRS Backlash
http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-media-leader-concerned-preachers-of-l-a-will-create-irs-backlash-100914/

Nessie Nixed: Fundamentalist Biology Textbook Publisher Drops Claim That Scottish Lake Monster Is Real

It's good to see that ACE has abandoned some of its ridiculous claims about dinosaurs, but clearly the group is still peddling a monstrous amount of bogus science in its curriculum.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/nessie-nixed-fundamentalist-biology-textbook-publisher-drops-claim-that

U.S. judge rules against forcing Milwaukee archdiocese to use cemetery funds for sex abuse claims

Victims have alleged that the archdiocese created the trust to protect funds from any legal liability in lawsuits. They believed their viewpoint was bolstered on July 1, when the archdiocese released a trove of documents, including a 2007 letter from then-Archbishop Timothy Dolan to the Vatican saying the creation of the trust would offer "improved protection of these funds from any legal claim and liability."

MORE: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/07/31/3120762/us-judge-rules-against-forcing.html

Nuptials at midnight as same-sex marriage hits Minn.

Dozens of Minnesota gay couples made last-minute preparations Wednesday for midnight marriages, determined to exchange vows at the earliest possible moment under a new state law legalizing same-sex marriage.
 
Weddings were scheduled to start at the stroke of midnight at Minneapolis City Hall, St. Paul's Como Park, Mall of America's Chapel of Love and at county courthouses around the state. One group planned a cluster of weddings in a Duluth tavern.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57596471/nuptials-at-midnight-as-same-sex-marriage-hits-minn/

Marriage Malarkey: R.I. Man Loses 'Faith-Based' Lawsuit Against Same-Sex Unions

To hear Religious Right groups tell it, the actions of others -- whether it's the use of birth control or someone's decision to marry the person he or she loves -- can be an assault on a third party's religious liberty.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/marriage-malarkey-ri-man-loses-faith-based-lawsuit-against-same-sex-unions

Public reacts to East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office sting operations targeting gay community

At least 12 men have been arrested since 2011 on suspicion of "crimes against nature," after undercover East Baton Rouge sheriff’s deputies had been meeting gay men at local parks and arranging sexual rendezvous with them.

MORE: http://www.nola.com/news/baton-rouge/index.ssf/2013/07/east_baton_rouge_sheriff.html

See also...

Gay activists worried about Jindal's stance as push to remove sodomy language from law faces uphill battle
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/07/gay_activists_in_louisiana_wor.html

Alarm Bells Are Ringing: Creationists Get Influential Positions in Texas Science Textbook Review

It looks like the Lone Star State's reputation as a hotbed of anti-science fanaticism is about to be reinforced. At least six creationists/"intelligent design" proponents succeeded in getting invited to review high school biology textbooks that publishers have submitted for adoption in Texas this year. The State Board of Education (SBOE) will decide in November which textbooks to approve. Those textbooks could be in the state's public school science classrooms for nearly a decade.

MORE: http://tfninsider.org/2013/07/30/alarm-bells-are-ringing-creationists-get-influential-positions-in-texas-science-textbook-review/

Next Generation Science Standards In Kentucky Draw Hostility From Religious Groups

Matt Singleton, a Baptist minister, is one of the opponents who spoke to the board about why the standards should not be adopted, according to The Courier-Journal. "Outsiders are telling public school families that we must follow the rich man’s elitist religion of evolution, that we no longer have what the Kentucky Constitution says is the right to worship almighty God," Singleton said. "Instead, this fascist method teaches that our children are the property of the state."

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/next-generation-science-standards_n_3672418.html

Do dogs go to heaven?

Two churches located across the street from each other. At least the Catholics have a sense of humor.

MORE: http://trilliansthoughts.tumblr.com/post/56379573415/two-churches-located-across-the-street-from-each-other

Scientists stop light completely for a record-breaking MINUTE by trapping it inside a crystal

Heinze said it should even be possible to achieve longer light storage times with other crystals, because they have pushed their current material close to its physical limit.

MORE: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2380028/Scientists-stop-light-completely-record-breaking-MINUTE-trapping-inside-crystal.html

6,000-year-old 'Halls of the Dead' unearthed in England

"Archaeologists have talked for a long time about the idea that you've got a relationship between houses of the living and houses of dead," Thomas said. "Here, you've got it manifested in the sense that the debris of a house was incorporated into a tomb."

MORE: http://www.nbcnews.com/science/6-000-year-old-halls-dead-unearthed-england-6C10805643

Catholic Church of Ireland Loses Major Abortion Law Battle

Irish President Michael D. Higgins signed the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act into law Tuesday, making abortion legal in cases where the mother’s life is at stake. Despite the shift in beliefs from the Irish government, the Catholic Church is remaining constant in their opposition to the amendment.

MORE: http://www.policymic.com/articles/57349/catholic-church-of-ireland-loses-major-abortion-law-battle

Gay Athletes Could Be Prosecuted at 2014 Winter Olympics, Russian Lawmaker Suggests

In Russia it is now illegal to even speak about homosexuality around minors, much less openly display gay pride. Technically the ban is against "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" around minors, but the implication for openly gay individuals is clear. Public displays of affection by gays, including holding hands or displaying symbols like a rainbow flag, are now banned. Violators face steep fines and jail time; foreigners face similar penalties plus deportation.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/russian-lawmaker-suggests-gay-athletes-prosecuted-2014-winter/story?id=19829868

Saudi activist receives 7-year sentence, 600 lashes for insulting Islam

A Jeddah Criminal Court found Raif Badawi, who has been in prison since June 2012, guilty this week of insulting Islam through his website and in television comments.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/31/world/meast/saudi-blogger-sentenced/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Police: 6 killed in attack on Turkish embassy in Somalia

Al-Shabaab -- a militant Islamist group with connections to al Qaeda -- claimed responsibility for the attack.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/27/world/africa/somalia-turkish-embassy-attack/index.html

8 soldiers killed in Tunisia

Marzouki blamed Islamic militants and extremists for the violence.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/30/world/africa/tunis-violence/index.html

See also...

Tunisian opposition leader shot dead outside his home
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/25/world/africa/tunisia-politician-killed/index.html

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan up by nearly a quarter, U.N. says

Nearly three-quarters of all civilian casualties in the first half of the year resulted from actions by anti-government groups, notably the Taliban, the U.N. report found.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/31/world/asia/afghanistan-civilian-casualties/index.html

43 dead after car bombings pummel Baghdad and other areas of Iraq

Iraq has been in the throes of relentless violence, much of it stemming from discord between Sunnis and Shiites.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/29/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

See also...

Roadside bomb, suicide attack kill at least 10 in Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/28/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Ultra-Orthodox protesters shatter bus windows after female passenger refuses to sit in back

Two buses were stoned by a group of Haredim in Beit Shemesh on Wednesday after the police arrested a man and woman who had asked a female passenger to move to the back of the bus.

MORE: http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/1.538978

What religion has contributed to the world this month - Episode 8 (June-July 2013)

Mr. Deity and the Myth

Atheism Expanding Across Globe

59% of the world said that they think of themselves as religious person, 23% think of themselves as not religious whereas 13% think of themselves as convinced atheists.

MORE: http://www.skepticmoney.com/atheism-expanding-across-globe/

See also...

GLOBAL INDEX OF RELIGIOSITY AND ATHEISM - 2012
http://redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/RED-C-press-release-Religion-and-Atheism-25-7-12.pdf

Most Religious Countries And Most Atheist Countries

Globally, the number of those claiming to be religious has dropped by 9 percent from 2005 to 2011, while the number of people identifying themselves as atheists has risen by 3 percent.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/23/most-religious-countries-least-religious_n_3640033.html?icid=hp_religion_popular_art

Religion to Disappear By 2041 Claims New Study

Author and noted biopsychologist Nigel Barber has completed a new study that shows Atheism is most prevalent in developed countries, and, according to his projections, religion will completely disappear by 2041.

MORE: http://guardianlv.com/2013/07/religion-to-disappear-by-2041-claims-new-study/

Secular Coalition for America Unveils Websites for State Chapters

Over the past year, the Secular Coalition for America has been working on expanding into all 50 states -- all the better to track state and local issues.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/14/secular-coalition-for-america-unveils-websites-for-state-chapters/

Blackout Secular Rally: Atheism Makes Minority Inroads

In yet another sign of how the American secular demographic is emerging – in terms of both raw numbers and organizational commitment - the first-ever rally featuring nonbelievers of color is scheduled for later this month in New York. The Blackout Secular Rally takes place on the afternoon of Saturday, July 27, at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens.

MORE: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/our-humanity-naturally/201307/blackout-secular-rally-atheism-makes-minority-inroads

Some Mormons Search the Web and Find Doubt

Around the world and in the United States, where the faith was founded, the Mormon Church is grappling with a wave of doubt and disillusionment among members who encountered information on the Internet that sabotaged what they were taught about their faith, according to interviews with dozens of Mormons and those who study the church.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/us/some-mormons-search-the-web-and-find-doubt.html?pagewanted=2&_r=3&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130721&pagewanted=all

Six Types of Atheists' study wakes a sleeping giant

The study clearly struck a chord, particularly among triumphal atheists and uneasy believers. Articles appeared in in Polish, German, Russian and Portuguese, Silver said.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/18/the-story-behind-the-six-types-of-atheists-study/

See also...

Atheist Study Reveals That Non-Believers Are Just As Varied As People Of Faith
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/13/atheist-study_n_3587748.html

The 6 Types of Atheists and Non-Believers in America
http://www.alternet.org/belief/6-types-atheists-and-non-believers-america?akid=10686.275909.gJzwJl&rd=1&src=newsletter867743&t=5

A Catholic, a Baptist, and a Secular Humanist Walk Into a Soup Kitchen...

In his Time Magazine cover story last week on veterans and public service, journalist Joe Klein stepped outside the line of his narrative to take a swipe at secular humanists. Describing his personal experience in the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornado working alongside an "army of relief workers" including "church groups from all over the country," he remarked, "funny how you don't see organized groups of secular humanists giving out hot meals..."

It turns out that Klein was wrong on the facts.

MORE: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/06/a-catholic-a-baptist-and-a-secular-humanist-walk-into-a-soup-kitchen/277379/

The Women of 'New Atheism' Are All Around Us

For whatever reason, Salon loves to take digs at the New Atheist authors and the atheist movement in general.

The latest salvo is Katie Engelhart's piece asking, "Where are the women of New Atheism?"

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/22/the-women-of-new-atheism-are-all-around-us/

The word ‘religion’ has fallen from grace with many Americans

Experts say a bit of both. Polling shows that young Americans are considerably less apt to have religious affiliations than earlier generations were at the same age. They attend religious services less often, and fewer of them say religion is important in their lives.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/religion-is-in-trouble-the-word-that-is/2013/07/11/759c6644-e416-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html

Public Esteem for Military Still High, Clergy in the Middle, Lawyers at the Bottom

[J]ust 37% of Americans surveyed think the clergy make a big contribution to society, about the same as in 2009. Regular churchgoers tend to be more positive about ministers, priests and other clergy members. But even among adults who say they attend religious services at least once a week, only about half (52%) rate clergy in general as contributing "a lot" to society, while 29% say the clergy make "some" contribution, and 11% say the clergy contribute "not very much" or "nothing at all."

MORE: http://www.pewforum.org/Other-Demographics/Public-Esteem-for-Military-Still-High.aspx

The Rise of the Christian Left in America

The religious right has been in decline for years. Can progressives build a new "moral majority"?

MORE: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/07/will-the-religious-left-become-the-new-moral-majority/278086/

See also...

Religious progressives hold stronger appeal among Millennials
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/07/18/the-coming-rise-of-the-religious-left/

Selling Religion: 5 Companies Humanists Should Boycott

The CEOs of these companies can't seem to keep religion out of their (and your) business. Meghan Hamilton reports on five companies that humanists should avoid if they don't want to see their dollars supporting religion.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2013-07-selling-religion-5-companies-humanists-should-boycot

Muddled Message: Most Americans Support The First Amendment, But Many Remain Confused

A poll released this week by the First Amendment Center found that 64 percent of Americans believe the First Amendment does not go too far in protecting freedom. The survey consisted of 1,006 responses, and we're glad to see almost two-thirds of those people support this critical aspect of our legal system.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/muddled-message-most-americans-support-the-first-amendment-but-many-remain

Whither The Religious Right?: New Report Examines Future Of Theocratic Movement

A partnership between the largely fundamentalist Protestant Religious Right and far-right Catholics has given new life to the theocrats among us.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/whither-the-religious-right-new-report-examines-future-of-theocratic

See also...

Conservative Catholics and Religious Right Unite for Revamped Culture War
http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18110-conservative-catholics-religious-right-unite

Deja Vu All Over Again: After Over Three Decades, The Battle Against The Religious Right Goes On
https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/deja-vu-all-over-again-after-over-three-decades-the-battle-against-the

The Atheist Daughter of a Notable Christian Apologist Shares Her Story

Rachael is Matt Slick's daughter. She's not a Christian. This is her story.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/15/the-atheist-daughter-of-a-notable-christian-apologist-shares-her-story/

St. Louis Cardinals Nix Christian Symbols Etched Into Pitcher's Mound

The general manager of major league baseball's St. Louis Cardinals has ordered the grounds crew at Busch Stadium, the team's ballpark, to stop etching a cross and the number "6" - which very much resembled the Christian "fish" symbol - into the pitcher's mound, after a fan complained about what he insisted was a nod to Christianity.

MORE: http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2013/07/st-louis-cardinals-nix-christian-symbols-etched-into-pitchers-mound-2712530.html

Marine Corps states Atheism as risk indicator for risky behavior

We are reaching out to the US Marine Corps to see this policy change take place.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rockbeyondbelief/2013/07/26/marine-corps-states-atheism-as-risk-indicator-for-risky-behavior/

Republican-Led House Approves Amendment Banning Non-Religious Military Chaplains

"Chaplains for nontheistic military service members are absolutely crucial for so many men and women who are serving our country," said Edwina Rogers, executive director of the Secular Coalition for America. "Religious chaplains are ill equipped to handle the problems of nontheistic service members and unfortunately, seeking psychiatric help can stigmatize a service member for the rest of their career."

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/24/republican-led-house-approves-amendment-banning-non-religious-military-chaplains/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

See also...

House rejects call to allow nonreligious military chaplains
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/07/24/house-rejects-call-to-allow-nonreligious-military-chaplains/

House Republicans vote to ban nonbelievers from serving as military chaplains
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/24/house-republicans-vote-to-ban-nonbelievers-from-serving-as-military-chaplains/

House Republicans vote to ban nontheist military chaplains
http://www.examiner.com/article/house-republicans-vote-to-ban-nontheist-military-chaplains

Humanists want a military chaplain to call their own
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/07/22/humanists-want-a-military-chaplain-to-call-their-own/

Chaplain Ordered to Remove Religious Essay From Military Website

A chaplain at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska was ordered to remove a religious column he had written titled, "No Atheists in Foxholes: Chaplains Gave all in World War II," because it allegedly offended atheists serving on the Air Force base.

MORE: http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/chaplain-ordered-to-remove-religious-essay-from-military-website.html

Freedom From Religion

As they begin to overhaul the tax code, Senators Baucus and Hatch announced that they would be starting from a "blank slate," demanding that lawmakers step forward to justify every single exemption. Thus, charitable tax deductions have come into the line of fire. Since 2009, President Obama has been trying to limit the value of these deductions -- and it's a good idea. The range of eligible charities needs to be narrowed as well, and religious organizations in particular should be excluded.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eliot-glenn/freedom-from-religion_b_3577281.html

Dave Silverman Appears on FOX News to Debate Jewish Star on Ohio’s Holocaust Memorial

While the monument will be paid for mostly through private donations, the state is kicking in about $300,000 for the preparation of the site.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/26/dave-silverman-appears-on-fox-news-to-debate-jewish-star-on-ohios-holocaust-memorial/

American Atheists Bench in Florida Gets Vandalized... and We Know Who Did It

We all knew the American Atheists bench outside the Bradford County Courthouse in Florida was a prime target for vandals...

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/20/american-atheists-bench-in-florida-gets-vandalized-and-we-know-who-did-it/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Princeton deputy fire chief fights for 9/11 memorial despite cross etched into World Trade Center beam

That cross had town officials concerned this week that displaying it on public property could violate the separation of church and state and leave the town vulnerable to legal action.

MORE: http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/07/princeton_deputy_fire_chief_fights_for_911_memorial_despite_cross_etched_into_world_trade_center_bea.html

Judge Blocks 'Religious' Southern Calif. Monument

A federal judge has blocked a city in Southern California from putting up a memorial for veterans because it includes a cross.

MORE: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2013/July/Judge-Blocks-Religious-Southern-Calif-Monument/

See also...

Monumental Mistake: Calif. City’s Memorial Doesn't Honor All Veterans
https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/monumental-mistake-calif-city-s-memorial-doesn-t-honor-all-veterans

The People Speak: Parents With Children In School Say No To Vouchers

Fifty-six percent said they are opposed to voucher plans. The only thing surprising about this is that the number isn't higher. When people are given an opportunity to vote directly on "education choice" referenda, they always reject vouchers by hefty margins.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/the-people-speak-parents-with-children-in-school-say-no-to-vouchers

See also...

AHA Signs Coalition Letter to U.S. House Opposing School Vouchers
http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2013-07-aha-signs-coalition-letter-to-us-house-opposing-scho

Judge Rules That Public School District Had No Business Sending Expelled Students to Christian Alternative School

The average student that attended Kingswood would arrive on campus and see a church within the grounds. She would then see an intake staff member who was also an ordained minister. After intake, the student would attend secular classes, but would take home report cards branded with Christian language and symbols. In order to progress though the level system, she would need to have her parents routinely sign and return Family Feedback Forms that also contained bible verses. If she visited Kingswood’s website, she would be greeted by the phrases "Christian environment" and "Christian education" among others. Benefactors would receive fundraising correspondence that contained Christian references and iconography, and assemblies would be held in the campus church.

Any of these facts, taken alone, might not rise to the level of a constitutional violation; however, when considered together and as applied to relevant case law, the facts plainly establish that Kingswood is a religious institution.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/15/judge-rules-that-public-school-district-had-no-business-sending-expelled-students-to-christian-alternative-school/

See also...

Poor Partnership: Federal Court Derails Tenn. County's Relationship With Christian Academy
https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/poor-partnership-federal-court-derails-tenn-county-s-relationship-with

These People Wrongly Believe Atheists Will Be Angry About the Ten Commandments Monument on Their Church's Property

Over the weekend, a Ten Commandments monument was unveiled in front of St. Paul's AME Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, courtesy of the group Thou Shall Not Move.

You're probably thinking: Who cares? That's not a story.

You'd be right.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/22/these-people-wrongly-believe-atheists-will-be-angry-about-the-ten-commandments-monument-on-their-churchs-property/

See also...

Pastor Cites ‘Majority Rule’ in Favor of ‘In God We Trust’ Sign at Anderson County Courthouse
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/25/pastor-cites-majority-rule-in-favor-of-in-god-we-trust-sign-at-anderson-county-courthouse/

FEMA Fight Resumes: Senate Ponders Taxpayer Aid For Damaged Houses Of Worship

The bill, sparked by Hurricane Sandy, mandates the inclusion of churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other houses of worship in the list of institutions eligible for federally funded repair, restoration and replacement.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/fema-fight-resumes-senate-ponders-taxpayer-aid-for-damaged-houses-of

Ohio school district won't host U.S. Constitution course

SPRINGBORO, OHIO: A Southwest Ohio school district has abandoned its plans to host courses for staff and parents on the U.S. Constitution that critics complained are religiously oriented.

MORE: http://educationviews.org/ohio-school-district-wont-host-u-s-constitution-course/

Humanist Delivers Godless Invocation at Wilmington City Council Meeting

The lesson I have taken is that positive human values of community, social responsibility, rational thought and action can thrive without any need for Christian or other religious trappings. Humanist thinking can find acceptance even here in the South. This is the truth of our human spirit and we must never stop invoking it.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/18/humanist-delivers-godless-invocation-at-wilmington-city-council-meeting/

'Let Us Pray' Before Town Council Becomes High Court Case

The town’s solemn prayers are now the focus of a U.S. Supreme Court fight that may reshape the legal limits on religious expression at official functions across the country. The case, a highlight of the nine-month term that starts in October, will mark the first time the court has considered legislative prayer since upholding the practice 30 years ago. Under Chief Justice John Roberts, the court has been receptive to efforts to bring religion into the public square.

MORE: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-07-26/let-us-pray-before-town-begins-business-is-supreme-court-battle

Florida governor responds to protesters with a 'day of prayer' declaration

After meeting with protestors occupying the lobby outside his office in the state capitol, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a "day of prayer" over the Zimmerman verdict in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. About 60 protesters had camped outside of Scott's office demanding repeal of the state's "Stand Your Ground" law and expressing their discontent over the Zimmerman acquittal.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/113407/florida-governor-responds-to-protesters-with-a-day-of-prayer-declaration/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GodDiscussion+%28God+Discussion%29

Court: Rowan County Commissioners Must Cease Delivering Unconstitutional Prayers at Government Meetings

GREENSBORO -- Today the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina issued a preliminary injunction in Lund, et al. v. Rowan County, ordering the Rowan County Board of Commissioners to immediately cease its practice of opening government meetings with unconstitutional prayers specific to one religion.

MORE: http://www.acluofnc.org/index.php/blog/court-rowan-county-commissioners-must-cease-delivering-unconstitutional-prayers-at-government-meetings.html

Mississippi Tells Public Schools to Develop Policies Allowing Prayers

The new law requires public schools to develop policies that will allow students to pray over school intercoms, at assemblies and at sporting events.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/us/mississippi-requires-public-schools-to-develop-policies-on-prayer.html?_r=2&

See also...

Mississippi public school prayer policy now requires a disclaimer
http://www.goddiscussion.com/113521/mississippi-public-school-prayer-policy-now-requires-a-disclaimer/

And...

My July 2013 objection to government-led prayer at Wilkes-Barre Council meetings
http://justinvacula.com/2013/07/23/july-2013-objection-to-government-led-prayer-at-wilkes-barre-council-meetings/

Prayer Posturing: La. Officials Seek Taxpayer Support For Religious Program

An arm of the government, such as a sheriff's office, should not support a religiously biased program, and the federal government certainly should not fund it.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/prayer-posturing-la-officials-seek-taxpayer-support-for-religious-program

School Voucher Nightmare: Louisiana 'Choice' Scheme Is Rife With Shoddy Bookkeeping

It's safe to say Louisiana is the worst state in the country right now when it comes to church-state separation issues.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/school-voucher-nightmare-louisiana-choice-scheme-is-rife-with-shoddy

Why is This Mayor Writing About God in Her Monthly Newspaper Column?

The Hancock Clarion is the local newspaper for residents in Hawesville, Kentucky (part of Hancock County). Like many small-town newspapers, the mayor writes a monthly column talking about local government issues, but what makes Mayor Rita Stephens' columns stand out is that she sprinkles them with God and Jesus.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/25/why-is-this-mayor-writing-about-god-in-her-monthly-newspaper-column/

The Faithful's Failings

Early this month, 19 former students of the Yeshiva University High School for Boys in Manhattan filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by two rabbis in the 1970s and 1980s who continued to work there even after molestation complaints. The rabbis were also allowed to move on to new employment without ever being held accountable. School administrators, the lawsuit alleges, elected not to report anything to the police.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/23/opinion/bruni-the-faithfuls-failing.html?_r=2&

Catholic Church lobbies to avert sex abuse lawsuits

SB 131 would give some victims of sexual abuse more time to file suit against employers. But church officials argue the bill opens it up to suits that are too old to fight.

MORE: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-church-bill-20130715,0,5709596.story

See also...

Catholic Church lobbies against Calif. abuse bill
http://santamariatimes.com/news/state-and-regional/catholic-church-lobbies-against-calif-abuse-bill/article_5893149e-afa8-551d-a791-e69feecb6662.html

A guide to where abortion laws are being rewritten, state-by-state

Whether it's banning abortions before the 24th week of pregnancy, imposing a mandatory ultrasound test before performing an abortion or requiring doctors to obtain admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, this guide will let you see how lawmakers are handling this controversial issue.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/07/26/a-guide-to-where-abortion-laws-are-being-rewritten-state-by-state/?wprss=rss_politics

North Dakota Bishops Condemn Judge's Expansive Abortion Ruling

On July 15, Corwin, a North Dakota district judge, ruled that there was no "compelling state interest" to justify the "infringement" upon abortion access caused by banning the drug's use. He said restricting abortion access would impinge upon women's "autonomy and self-determination."

MORE: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/north-dakota-bishops-condemn-judges-expansive-abortion-ruling

See also...

North Dakota law banning medical abortion struck down
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/15/north-dakota-abortion-ban-struck-down

North Carolina's Voter ID, Abortion Bills Pass the Legislature

The North Carolina State legislature, now running on a Republican supermajority, just passed a handful of bills on the last full day of the North Carolina legislature's session, including a strict, omnibus voter law bill and an anti-abortion measure that will increase regulations on clinics performing abortions, and bar abortion coverage from several publicly-linked insurance schemes.

MORE: http://m.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2013/07/north-carolinas-voter-id-abortion-bills-pass-legislature/67630/

See also...

North Carolina Abortion Bill Passes Senate
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/25/north-carolina-abortion-bill_n_3655733.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

Gov. Perry signs bill that puts new restrictions on abortion in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas (CNS) -- The drama in Texas over abortion that drew national and international attention came to an end for the moment after the state House of Representatives then the state Senate voted to adopt tougher abortion regulations.

MORE: http://www.catholicfreepress.org/national/2013/07/23/gov-perry-signs-bill-that-puts-new-restrictions-on-abortion-in-texas/

See also...

Texas governor signs strict abortion law that sparked protests
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/18/us-usa-abortion-texas-idUSBRE96H05920130718

Marriage equality opponents to gather for 'pray-in' at Pennsylvania county register's office

The Huffington Post reported yesterday that D. Bruce Hanes, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania's register of wills, announced that his office would issue marriage licenses to gay couples, defying a state law that has been in existence since 1996.

MORE: http://www.goddiscussion.com/113525/marriage-equality-opponents-to-gather-for-pray-in-at-pennsylvania-county-registers-office/

Gay spouses have same rights as straight couples, FEC rules

The Federal Election Commission said Thursday that legally married same-sex couples must be treated in the same manner as opposite-sex couples under election law, reversing its position in response to the Supreme Court's ruling last month that struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gay-spouses-have-same-rights-as-straight-couples-fec-rules/2013/07/25/2da7144c-f541-11e2-a2f1-a7acf9bd5d3a_story.html?wprss=rss_politics

Ohio must recognize gay couple's marriage, judge rules

Black found that Ohio recognized opposite-sex marriages between first cousins and minors that are legally performed in other states, though they are otherwise illegal in Ohio.

MORE: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ohio-gay-marriage-20130724,0,1167011.story

Indiana should not criminalize religious same-sex wedding ceremonies - even by accident

Religious liberty protects the freedom of religious groups to conduct religious wedding ceremonies without government penalty, and that includes same-sex wedding ceremonies.

MORE: http://www.becketfund.org/indiana-should-not-criminalize-religious-same-sex-wedding-ceremonies-even-by-accident/

As Minnesota prepares for same-sex weddings, churches debate their role

The state will legally recognize same-sex marriages beginning Aug. 1, and a rush of weddings is expected. But how many of those weddings will take place in churches or other houses of worship?

MORE: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/07/22/daily-circuit-same-sex-marriage-churches

Virginia Gov. Candidate Cuccinelli Asks Supreme Court to Revive Ban on Oral, Anal Sex

Cuccinelli made clear that he objected to oral and anal sex (at least between gay people) on principle, telling the Virginian-Pilot, "My view is that homosexual acts--not homosexuality, but homosexual acts--are wrong. They're intrinsically wrong. And I think in a natural law-based country it's appropriate to have policies that reflect that...They don't comport with natural law."

MORE: http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/06/ken-cuccinelli-virginia-oral-anal-sex-sodomy

Boy Scouts should finish job of ending discrimination

Did you know that atheist, humanist and nontheist youth are still strictly forbidden from joining the Boy Scouts?

MORE: http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021451328_faithdority20xml.html

Atheist Political Party Makes Big Announcement, Wants 'Worldwide Network of Secular Organizations'

After launching the group more than two years ago in an effort to create an electoral structure that represents non-believers, the coalition has now announced that, effective August, it will be changing its name to the Secular Party of America. This evolution comes after the NAP, which claims to represent 3,100 non-believers across America, experienced perceived internal turmoil and funding problems.

MORE: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/07/16/atheists-reboot-aspirations-for-political-power-hope-to-create-worldwide-network-of-secular-organizations/

How Many People Did God Slaughter in the Bible? Steve Wells Has Written a Book Documenting Every Kill

Each chapter in the book describes a killing. When death estimates are required, Wells offers an educated guess and explains how his numbers aren't just being pulled out of nowhere.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/25/how-many-people-did-god-slaughter-in-the-bible-steve-wells-has-written-a-book-documenting-every-kill/

Woman sues DMV, claims driver's license picture is 'mark of the beast'

The Oklahoma woman has filed a lawsuit, saying her religious rights are violated by laws that force her to keep a potentially demonic piece of plastic in her wallet.

MORE: http://kfor.com/2013/07/16/local-woman-claims-drivers-license-photo-start-of-mark-of-beast/

Welcoming Unitarian Universalists Home to Humanism

Former American Humanist Association President Michael Werner has a new book, Regaining Balance: The Evolution of the UUA, the first in a series being released by the publishing arm of the HUUmanists, that exposes what he feels is behind the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)'s growing anti-humanist sentiment in favor of what he calls radical tolerance. "The value of reason in religion has been discarded along with critical thinking, science, and progressive thought," Werner wrote, adding that a "narrow ideology has taken over the UUA."

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-speckhardt/welcoming-unitarian-unive_b_3542149.html

Home schooling without God? Humanists find a way

While two-thirds of home schooling families are Christian evangelicals, the number of secular home-schoolers is significant - 25 percent, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/home-schooling-without-god-humanists-find-a-way/2013/07/02/b8eb1400-e33e-11e2-bffd-37a36ddab820_story.html

Belief in Evolution Up Since 2004

Overall, 21% of Americans believe that "human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, and God did not directly guide this process," while 25% believe that "human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions, but God guided this process" and 37% believe that "God created human beings in their present form within the last ten thousand years".

MORE: http://today.yougov.com/news/2013/07/22/belief-in-evolution-up-since-2004/

Lizards Show Evolution Is Predictable

If you could hit the reset button on evolution and start over, would essentially the same species appear? Yes, according to a study of Caribbean lizards by researchers at the University of California, Davis, Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130719104931.htm

See also...

New Insight Into the Human Genome Through the Lens of Evolution
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130711103142.htm

NASA Releases Images of Earth by Two Interplanetary Spacecraft

NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured the color images of Earth and the moon from its perch in the Saturn system nearly 900 million miles (1.5 billion kilometers) away. MESSENGER, the first probe to orbit Mercury, took a black-and-white image from a distance of 61 million miles (98 million kilometers) as part of a campaign to search for natural satellites of the planet.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130722172824.htm

New Large Hadron Collider Discovery: Measurement of Predicted Particle Decay With Implications for Dark Matter Search

LHC experiments have succeeded in measuring "one of the rarest measurable processes in physics," the decay of B-subscript-s mesons into two muons. The evidence, which scientists have been seeking for 25 years, matches predictions made using the Standard Model of Particle Physics.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130719135959.htm

Neuroscientists Plant False Memories in Mice: Location Where Brain Stores Memory Traces, Both False and Authentic, Pinpointed

The phenomenon of false memory has been well-documented: In many court cases, defendants have been found guilty based on testimony from witnesses and victims who were sure of their recollections, but DNA evidence later overturned the conviction.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130725141711.htm

The Toll of Growing Up in a Religious Cult

Jill Mytton says: "Second-generation adult survivors of high-demand groups face particular difficulties, not only during their childhood, but also upon leaving the group, because they face assimilation into a culture that is not just alien to them but also one that they have been taught is wicked and to be hated."

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130712084501.htm

Restrictions on Religion among the 25 Most Populous Countries

Among the world's 25 most populous countries, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia and Pakistan stand out as having the most restrictions on religion in 2011 when both government restrictions and social hostilities are taken into account.

MORE: http://www.pewforum.org/Government/arab-spring-restrictions-on-religion-findings.aspx#interactive

Wiki wars: The 10 most controversial Wikipedia pages

As for religion, Mohammed, Jesus and Christianity were all among the top 10.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/24/tech/web/controversial-wikipedia-pages/index.html?hpt=hp_t5

Vatican offers 'time off purgatory' to followers of Pope Francis tweets

Papal court handling pardons for sins says contrite Catholics may win 'indulgences' by following World Youth Day on Twitter.

MORE: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/16/vatican-indulgences-pope-francis-tweets

UN Human Rights Office Unveils Gay-Rights Campaign

Called Free & Equal, it's an unprecedented effort by the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to change public attitudes around the world on issues that have bitterly divided the U.N.'s own member states.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/human-rights-office-unveils-gay-rights-campaign-19779386

The Oxford Dictionary Is Changing The Definition Of 'Marriage' To Include Gay Couples

In light of gay marriage being legalized in the UK, the Oxford English Dictionary editors are changing the definition of marriage.

MORE: http://www.businessinsider.com/oxford-dictionary-re-defining-marriage-2013-7

Humanist marriage move could open way to surge in sham weddings, claim registrars

Moves to use the Government’s same-sex marriage bill to introduce humanist weddings could lead to a surge in sham ceremonies and "demean the whole status of marriage", registrars have warned.

MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10137883/Humanist-marriage-move-could-open-way-to-surge-in-sham-weddings-claim-registrars.html

Long backlog for godless wedding services in Ireland

(Reuters) - Traditionally Catholic Ireland has allowed an atheist group to perform weddings this year for the first time, and the few people certified to celebrate them are overwhelmed by hundreds of couples seeking their services.

MORE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/23/us-ireland-marriage-humanists-idUSBRE96M0H620130723?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews

In Russia It Is Now a Crime to Insult Someone's Religious Feelings

The protection of religious believers' feelings has been enshrined in the Russian Civil Code for quite some time, but making it a criminal offense to insult the feelings of religious believers could bring with it much harsher penalties.

MORE: http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/7183/in_russia_it_is_now_a_crime_to_insult_someone_s_religious_feelings/

In Indonesia, Where You Can Be Sent to Prison for Not Believing in God, Atheist Parents Are Meeting on Facebook

These are some brave people who stand to lose a lot if they’re discovered. Let's hope they stay safe. It's really incredible how they've managed to create a group like this despite the anti-atheist climate in their country.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/16/in-indonesia-where-you-can-be-sent-to-prison-for-not-believing-in-god-atheist-parents-are-meeting-on-facebook/

Report: Millions of girls still at risk of female genital mutilation

More than 125 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of female genital mutilation in 29 countries across Africa and the Middle East, according to the report, "Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A statistical overview and exploration of the dynamics of change."

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/23/world/female-genital-mutilation-report/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Religious Groups in Haiti Protest Marriage Equality and Threaten to Burn Down Parliament

More than a thousand people took to the streets in Port-au-Prince, Haiti last week to protest homosexuality and a proposed same-sex marriage bill.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/25/religious-groups-in-haiti-protest-marriage-equality-and-threaten-to-burn-down-parliament/

Zimbabwe president calls for the beheading of gays

MUTARE, Zimbabwe -- Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe stepped up his campaign against LGBT Zimbabweans during an election rally of his Zanu PF party supporters in Mutare earlier this week, calling for the beheading of gays.

MORE: http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2013/07/zimbabwe-president-calls-for-the-beheading-of-gays/

Militants in Yemen kill man they said was gay, security official says

Homosexuality is against the law in Yemen. The performance of homosexual acts, even between consenting adults, is punishable by death.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/16/world/meast/yemen-militants-slaying/index.html

5 killed in suicide blast near peacekeepers in Somali capital

This is the latest in a series of attacks in the city, the heart of an unstable nation beset with civil strife. Government and African Union forces have been battling Islamic militants for years in an effort to bring stability to the land.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/12/world/africa/somalia-violence/index.html

See also...

Somali lawmaker's car bombed; 1 dead
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/24/world/africa/somalia-car-bomb/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Pakistani Christian Gets Life in Prison for Blasphemous Text Messages

A court in Punjab's Toba Tek Singh district sentenced the Christian man, Sajjad Masih, for sending blasphemous text messages from a mobile phone to Muslim clerics and others in Gojra town in that district, according to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/pakistani-christian-gets-life-in-prison-for-blasphemous-text-messages-100051/

See also...

Gunmen kill 7 in Pakistan's restive Quetta
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/15/world/asia/pakistan-violence/index.html

Police: At least 30 killed as violence rocks Iraq

The deadly fighting is the latest in a string of violence in recent months, much of it stemming from discord between Sunnis and Shiites.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/25/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

See also...

Police: More violence hits Iraq with 23 dead in shootings, explosion
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/24/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Militant group claims responsibility for Iraq prison attacks
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/23/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Prisons, army, mosque targeted in Iraq; nearly 50 dead
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/22/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Baghdad bombings target mostly Shiite neighborhoods
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/20/world/meast/iraq-bombings/index.html

Blast during sermon in Iraq mosque kills at least 18
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/19/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Bombers strike in Iraq; more than 20 dead
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/14/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Roadside bombs kill 14, injure 49 in Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/13/world/meast/iraq-bomb-deaths/index.html

Suicide bomber kills 33 as Iraqis play Ramadan game in Kirkuk cafe
http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/12/world/meast/iraq-suicide-bomber/index.html

Kidnapped for Christ -- official trailer

Growth of the Nonreligious

The new, nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life asked Americans whether having "more people who are not religious" is a good thing, a bad thing, or doesn't matter for American society. Many more say it is bad than good (48% versus 11%). But about four-in-ten (39%) say it does not make much difference. Even among adults who do not identify with any religion, only about a quarter (24%) say the trend is good, while nearly as many say it is bad (19%); a majority (55%) of the unaffiliated say it does not make much difference for society.

MORE: http://www.pewforum.org/growth-of-the-nonreligious-many-say-trend-is-bad-for-american-society.aspx

Atheism study authors: Congratulations, non-believers, you're just like everybody else

A report released Monday by University of Tennessee at Chattanooga researchers is one of the first comprehensive studies into the types of individuals who are categorized as non-believers of any particular religious faith. The project, conducted by doctoral student Christopher F. Silver and project manager Thomas J. Coleman III, found that atheists as a group are as varied among themselves as people of faith can be different from each other.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/02/atheism-study-authors-congratulations-non-believers-youre-just-like-everybody-else/

See also...

Studying Non-Belief
http://www.atheismresearch.com/

You Aren't Religious, But Who Are You?
http://www.centerforinquiry.net/blogs/entry/you_arent_religious_but_who_are_you/

Christian Polling Group Finds Atheists Divorce Less Than Christians

"It is obvious that you do not have to believe in a higher power in order to live a moral and successful life. Quite the opposite," the Knoxville News' Al Westerfield writes of the study, adding that "the groups with the highest crime rate, the poorest marriages and the lowest education continually strive to force their beliefs on the nonreligious. And the politicians pander to them. Why else would they pass laws to put religion in the schools and on courthouse facades? And then they wonder why the godless could possibly be upset."

MORE: http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/christian-polling-group-finds-atheists-divorce-less-than-christians/news/2013/07/02/70328

See also...

Atheists victims of hypocrisy by some groups
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/jun/29/al-westerfield-atheists-victims-of-hypocrisy-by/?print=1

Leaving religion but finding community

Roy Speckhardt, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association observes that as the overall numbers of people coming out as atheists grows, the large minority that do want to get together to share experiences is also on the rise. "Many have estimated that the true majority of non-theists haven't been involved until now, because they've been waiting in the wings for just such a fulfilling opportunity as only a robust community can provide." The interest surrounding groups like the Humanist Community Project at Harvard, the Sunday Assembly and Community Mission Chapel indicates the need for a community by those who abandoned the institutional church.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/07/10/leaving-religion-but-finding-community/

See also...

Home schooling without God? Humanists find a way
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/07/01/home-schooling-without-god-humanists-find-a-way/

Atheists celebrate marriage without religion

The Northwest Side couple wanted a wedding that didn't include references to God but something more than a courthouse ceremony. Who, they worried, would marry them?

A friend recommended August Brunsman, one of about a half-dozen celebrants in Ohio endorsed by the nonreligious Humanist Society to preside over weddings, memorials and other life events.

MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/faith_and_values/2013/07/05/atheists-celebrate-marriage-without-religion.html

To Fight Religious Monuments, Atheists Plan Their Own Symbols

Atheists unveiled the nation’s first public monument to secularism outside a county courthouse in Florida last week -- a 1,500-pound gray granite bench engraved with quotations extolling the separation of church and state.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/05/us/to-fight-religious-monuments-atheists-plan-their-own-symbols.html?_r=1&

See also...

A Response to the 'Top 10 Awkward Facts About the Atheist Monument'
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/02/a-response-to-the-top-10-awkward-facts-about-the-atheist-monument/

A right for the religious is a right for nonreligious
http://www.doorcountyadvocate.com/article/20130702/GPG0706/307020283/Charles-C-Haynes-column-right-religious-right-nonreligious

Atheist monument added to 'free speech zone' in Bradford County
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/318332/483/Atheist-monument-added-to-free-speech-zone-in-Starke

This Week in God
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/07/06/19320752-this-week-in-god?lite?=TWIG

'Friendly atheist' speaks to thousands at Oak Hills

Not many atheists spend their Sunday mornings at a Texas megachurch as the guest of honor.

MORE: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Friendly-atheist-speaks-to-thousands-at-Oak-4651612.php

Time for an 'atheist church'?

The Sunday Assembly, a group for unbelievers to connect with like-minded individuals, is expanding from the UK to US.

MORE: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/02/atheists-sunday-assembly-coming-to-america

Tales of Roman Emperors Feeding Christians to the Lions Are Titillating to Christians... and Wholly Made Up

There are zero authentic accounts of Christian martyrdom in the Colosseum until over a century after Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. In fact, not a single legitimate record exists of the Romans executing any Christians in the Colosseum. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/10/tales-of-roman-emperors-feeding-christians-to-the-lions-are-titillating-to-christians-and-wholly-made-up/

Did the Daily Oklahoman Reject a Full-Page Ad from an Atheist Group?

A full-page ad set to run July 4 celebrating 'our godless Constitution' by the national Freedom From Religion Foundation was censored by the Daily Oklahoman, apparently to avoid offending the Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/08/did-the-daily-oklahoman-reject-a-full-page-ad-from-an-atheist-group/

South Carolina Is Faulted on Child Services

The study found that church communities were least likely to report abuse and sometimes covered it up, urging victims to forgive their abusers instead of reporting them, Mr. Vieth said.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/10/us/south-carolina-is-faulted-on-child-services.html?_r=0

Orange schools reviewed atheist material, but not Bible

Lawyers for Orange County Public Schools did not review the Bible before it was given out to high-school students but did review atheist materials before they were distributed, school officials said Monday.
MORE: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-07-08/features/os-atheists-orange-bible-review-20130708_1_central-florida-freethought-community-district-schools-woody-rodriguez

See also...

Atheist materials censored in Orange schools at center of lawsuit
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-06-28/features/os-atheists-censored-orange-schools-20130628_1_central-florida-freethought-community-orange-schools-atheist-group

The Spiritual and Political Warfare of the New Religious Right

As many of the pre-Reagan era Religious Right leaders retire and/or die off, beware of the new breed. Lou Engle is one of the new breed. Although Engle has been kicking around for more than a decade, it is only in the past few years that he and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), the charismatic evangelical political and religious movement that he has come to personify, has made such a splash that it threatens to drown out the more traditional voices of the Christian Right.

MORE: http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18074-spiritual-political-warfare-new-religious-right

No track to sainthood

The Catholic Church has demoted saints like Christopher from the universal calendar after learning that they never existed, but as far as I know they’ve never reversed sainthood after a horrendous scandal had been uncovered. Since Pope Francis seems to care about public relations, I would advise him to slow down. After all, with abundant evidence that Pope John Paul II shielded pedophile priests, what’s the rush? Sainthood is for an eternity, so a few more years shouldn’t make much difference.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/07/09/no-track-to-sainthood/

On religious atheists

Many churchgoers, religious or not, are more interested in experiencing love and support within a community than in defining God or finding evidence for God's existence. They can feel joy in religious fellowship and tradition even if they believe their official church doctrine is silly. Fred Edwords, Executive Director of the United Coalition of Reason, phrased it succinctly: "How many put up with nonsense for the smell of incense?"

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/07/01/on-religious-atheists/

The 'Proof of Heaven' Author Has Now Been Thoroughly Debunked by Science

In his book, Alexander claims that when he was in a coma caused by E. coli bacterial meningitis, he went to heaven. Of course, Dittrich's piece is not the first time that Alexander's text has come into question. In April, Michael Shermer at Scientific American explained how the author's "evidence is proof of hallucination, not heaven." But Dittrich calls into question not what Alexander experienced so much how he did.

MORE: http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2013/07/proof-heaven-author-debunked/66772/

High School Atheist Wins Ingersoll Oratory Contest

Over the weekend, the third annual Robert G. Ingersoll Oratory Contest was held in Washington, D.C. Competitors recite excerpts from the Great Agnostic's speeches and a panel of judges vote on the best speakers -- who receive hundreds of dollars in prizes.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/02/high-school-atheist-wins-ingersoll-oratory-contest/

Advocacy effort has Jewish schools reaping hundreds of millions in gov't money

Tax credit programs are among the growing number of ways that private Jewish day schools and yeshivas nationwide are corralling hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars annually. The money is helping to defray operating costs, provide teacher training, assist students with tuition bills and enhance educational offerings.

MORE: http://www.jta.org/2013/07/01/life-religion/thanks-to-advocacy-effort-jewish-schools-reap-hundreds-of-millions-in-govt-money#.UdMNPtwRorY.email

God missing from Fremont County park

FREMONT COUNTY, Colo. - Commissioners say they've been flooded with calls from concerned citizens since the word God was removed from an "In God We Trust" display.

The display is located at Fremont County War Memorial Park.

The letters were temporarily removed to be refurbished.

MORE: http://www.krdo.com/news/god-missing-from-fremont-county-park/-/417220/20908830/-/s82vaf/-/index.html?hpt=us_bn10

Oregon faith healing parents get 90 days jail - 3 years probation

Even though the Wylands prayed over Alayna, anointed her with oil and used other spiritual rituals endorsed by their church, they failed to seek medical attention for their daughter's obvious ailment. From January to June of 2010 the couple did nothing while their daughter's condition deteriorated.

MORE: http://www.examiner.com/article/oregon-faith-healing-parents-get-90-days-jail-3-years-probation

False Choice: Wisc. Private Schools Are Happy To Take Tax Money But Don't Want Certain Students

Private schools (most of which are religious) are happy to take all of the taxpayer money they can get their hands on. But they don't want any accountability, oversight or regulation.

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/false-choice-wisc-private-schools-are-happy-to-take-tax-money-but-don-t

What's The Matter With Springboro?: Ohio City Grapples With Religious Right-Dominated School Board

Wrote Throckmorton, "As it stands, the Springboro School District is offering to the public a course in the Constitution developed by members of an organization who desire to promote the dominance of the Anglo-Celtic people, the secession of Southern states from the nation, and align themselves with the pro-slavery fire-eaters of the Confederate South."

MORE: https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/what-s-the-matter-with-springboro-ohio-city-grapples-with-religious-right

Expanding the Freedom to Marry: Here's What's Next

Today, the ACLU launched three new federal marriage cases -- in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia (this last as co-counsel with Lambda Legal). These cases are step two of our two-pronged, post-DOMA, post-Prop 8 plan for winning the freedom to marry nationwide.

--snip--

Our goal is at least 20 states with the freedom to marry by the end of 2016...

--snip--

In the second prong of our post-DOMA strategy, we will litigate federal court cases that will bring the marriage issue back to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has the power to create a federal solution by declaring that the entire country must have fair marriage laws.

MORE: http://www.aclu.org/blog/lgbt-rights/expanding-freedom-marry-heres-whats-next

Supreme Court Rules on DOMA, Prop 8 and the Voting Rights Act. What's Next?

The Supreme Court is a mysterious institution in contemporary American political society, as most Americans couldn't really tell you what it does or even what the names are of the people who serve as justices.

The large number of controversial rulings the court issued in June only added to the mystery that surrounds the court, as Americans are left wondering why the justices ruled the way they did and what the impact of these rulings will be on American society.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2013-07-supreme-court-rules-on-doma-prop-8-and-the-voting-ri

See also...

After Supreme Court ruling, Obama presses the world on gay rights
http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/27/world/africa/africa-obama-visit/index.html

A Gay Pride March With Added Spring in Its Step
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/01/nyregion/a-gay-pride-march-with-added-spring-in-its-step.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes&_r=2&

Liberty Counsel: DOMA Repeal Will Lead to Christian Revolution

There’s a revolution coming -- led by Christian Americans who are furious that the Supreme Court has redefined their marriages.

Or so says Mat Staver, the chairman of notoriously anti-gay Liberty Counsel.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/07/09/liberty-counsel-doma-repeal-will-lead-to-christian-revolution/

See also...

Conservatives brace for 'marriage revolution'
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/28/conservatives-brace-for-themarriage-revolution/