"You Send Yourself To Hell"

7 Ways to Celebrate The National Day of Reason

National Day of Reason, held on the first Thursday of May, was created not only to celebrate reason but to inspire the secular community to be visible and active in contrast to the Congressionally-mandated National Day of Prayer. There are several ways to show your support and commitment to the separation of religion and government, and one of them is to have your local group host a special National Day of Reason event.

MORE: http://thehumanist.com/commentary/7-ways-to-celebrate-the-national-day-of-reason

New Report Shows That Only 36% of Millennials Say 'Religious Person' Describes Them Well

According to a recently-released report from the Pew Research Center, only 36% of Millennials (ages 18-33) feel like the description "religious person" describes them well.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/09/new-report-shows-that-only-36-of-millennials-say-religious-person-describes-them-well/

See also...

The destructive myth about religion that Americans disproportionately believe
http://www.salon.com/2014/03/18/the_destructive_myth_about_religion_that_americans_disproportionately_believe_partner/

World Poll Finds Striking Connection Between Wealth And Belief In God

Opinions broke down along largely economic lines. The higher a country's GDP, the less likely its citizens were to believe God necessary for a moral life. The exceptions were the United States and China.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/13/god-morality-poll_n_4959921.html

Denominations Downsizing and Selling Assets in More Secular Era

"They're finding themselves pressed for finances, and making some hard choices about property, and so we're seeing more sales in the last decade than we had for the last century," Professor Hudnut-Beumler said. "The first things to go were camps and conference centers, and now there is some downsizing of prime-location land, churches and facilities."

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/us/denominations-downsizing-and-selling-assets-in-more-secular-era.html?_r=0

See also...

U.S. Religious Denominations Are Feeling the Pinch; Luxury Disappears as Real Estate Is Sold Off
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/21/u-s-religious-denominations-are-feeling-the-pinch-luxury-disappears-as-real-estate-is-sold-off/

Reason Arrives In Washington?

Robyn Blumner left her job as a Tampa Bay Times columnist in January to run the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science.

MORE: http://www.bisnow.com/association/1082-reason-arrives-in-washington/

An Invitation to Women in Secularism 3

For a couple of years now, the Center For Inquiry has been putting together a conference to discuss issues of importance to non-religious women.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/08/an-invitation-to-women-in-secularism-3/

Steven Pinker: 'We don't throw virgins into volcanoes any more'

In this domain as elsewhere, in Pinker's judgement, science plus judicious optimism may yet win the day. Or, as he puts it: "We're not on a trolley-track to oblivion."

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/05/world/steven-pinker-interview/index.html

Neil deGrasse Tyson Squashes Creationist Argument Against Science on National TV

Watching the Christian Right struggle to counter "Cosmos" each week is like watching a frightened, cornered animal that knows it's about to die.

MORE: http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/neil-degrasse-tyson-squashed-creationist-argument-against-science-national-tv?paging=off&current_page=1#bookmark

See also...

Creationists demand equal airtime on Neil deGrasse Tyson's 'Cosmos' to provide 'balance'
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/21/creationists-demand-equal-airtime-on-neil-degrasse-tysons-cosmos-to-provide-balance/#.Uy3f_fs3Qk8.twitter

As Fox-TV re-creates 'Cosmos' series, Carl Sagan's following grows
http://www.religionnews.com/2014/03/05/fox-tv-re-creates-cosmos-series-carl-sagans-following-grows/

Creationists Attack Neil deGrasse Tyson for Blind Faith in Science
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/03/13/creationists-attack-neil-degrasse-tyson-blind-faith-science.html

Neil deGrasse Tyson sees no evidence for Judeo Christian god

While promoting his new television series Cosmos, celebrated scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson argues there is no evidence for the Judeo Christian god.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2014/03/neil-degrasse-tyson-sees-no-evidence-for-judeo-christian-god/

See also...

Neil deGrasse Tyson on Why He Doesn’t Call Himself an Atheist
http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/pigliucci20140310

Help Save an Atheist Alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous

After nearly 30 years, the atheist alternative to super-spiritual Alcoholics Anonymous will no longer be funded in full by the Council for Secular Humanism (a part of Center for Inquiry) due to budget constraints. That means, in order to continue helping people achieve sobriety without resorting to the supernatural, it needs to raise quite a bit of money.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/01/help-save-an-atheist-alternative-to-alcoholics-anonymous/

Ohio Ministers, In Cahoots With Cops, Stage Their Own Mock Arrests to Illustrate 'Christian Persecution'

You heard right. The histrionic clergymen staged mock arrests -- with the help of publicly funded police officers no less -- to drive home how severely their Jesus faith has come under attack.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/06/ohio-ministers-in-cahoots-with-cops-stage-their-own-mock-arrests-to-illustrate-christian-persecution/

See also...

Ohio police swoop on local pastors in Akron - and haul them off to jail for 'defending the faith'
http://freethinker.co.uk/2014/03/09/ohio-police-swoop-on-local-pastors-in-akron-and-haul-them-off-to-jail-for-defending-the-faith/

False Arrest: Ohio Cops' Play Acting At Church Garners Bad Reviews
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/false-arrest-ohio-cops-play-acting-at-church-garners-bad-reviews

And...

Ridiculous Report: Catholic League Finds Anti-Catholicism Lurking Under Every Rock
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/ridiculous-report-catholic-league-finds-anti-catholicism-lurking-under

The Bitter Tears of the American Christian Supermajority
http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/3/christians-persecutioncomplex.html

False Facebook 'No Religion' Campaign
http://www.snopes.com/computer/facebook/noreligion.asp

"If we look back into history for the character of present sects in Christianity, we shall find few that have not in their turns been persecutors, and complainers of persecution."

- Benjamin Franklin, Letter to the London Packet, June 3, 1772

Cuyahoga Falls City Council Prays 'In Jesus' Name' At Meetings

If you're a member of a City Council, how do you not understand this by now? If you're giving an invocation prayer, it must be non-denominational; you can't pray to Jesus when you're supposed to represent everybody.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/07/cuyahoga-falls-city-council-prays-in-jesus-name-at-meetings/

Dangerous Defiance: Md. Official Ignores Court Ruling On Sectarian Prayer

A member of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners in Maryland may be about to learn that the hard way. Robin Frazier opened a meeting last week with a prayer that included a reference to Jesus Christ -- even though the county is under court order to stop using sectarian prayers.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/dangerous-defiance-md-official-ignores-court-ruling-on-sectarian-prayer

See also...

County Official Defies Federal Court Prayer Order, American Humanist Association Issues Warning
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-03-update-county-official-defies-federal-court-prayer-o

Earlier...

Christian Prayers at Carroll County Meetings Must End, Rules Federal Judge
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-03-christian-prayers-at-carroll-county-meetings-must-en

Judge issues injunction to temporarily stop commissioners' sectarian prayer
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/judge-issues-injunction-to-temporarily-stop-commissioners-sectarian-prayer/article_3a0fe090-b514-11e3-8646-001a4bcf887a.html

George Washington Never Wrote That Jesus Prayer

Frazier introduced the prayer as having been authored by George Washington, saying, "This might be a good opportunity to demonstrate how our founding fathers, and leaders all throughout our history, have upheld the idea that we are a nation based on biblical principles. We're one nation under God and I believe that's where our unalienable rights come from."

MORE: http://thehumanist.com/news/religion/george-washington-never-wrote-that-jesus-prayer

5 disturbing ways the religious right is trying to rewrite American history

Disregarding the separation of church and state is just the beginning...

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2014/03/05/5_disturbing_ways_the_religious_right_is_trying_to_rewrite_american_history_partner/

7 absurd things America’s kids are learning thanks to conservatives

With public education gutted, children are being taught that gun control is a gateway to tyranny and worse.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2014/03/04/7_absurd_things_americas_kids_are_learning_thanks_to_conservatives_partner/

NJ bank won't notarize American Atheist documents for 'personal reasons'

"In New Jersey, notaries are not required to abide by any code of conduct or ethics that prevents them from refusing service to people based on 'personal reasons,'" explained Knief. "Even though we had a valid, legal document and valid, legal identification -- she was legally able to refuse me service."

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/26/nj-bank-wont-notarize-american-atheist-documents-for-personal-reasons/

Sex workers rounded up in Arizona and pushed into church-based programs without charges

The sex workers are not officially "arrested," police told Vice, but are "lawfully detained" in windowless church rooms without a lawyer present.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/03/sex-workers-rounded-up-in-arizona-and-pushed-into-church-based-programs-without-charges/

See also...

Sex workers in Arizona given choice of therapy in church or arrest
http://rt.com/usa/sex-workers-arizona-church-arrest-698 

Some Air Force Cadets So Angry Over What Happened With Bible Verses on Campus They Have Staged a 'Revolt'

The leader of a church-state separatist group says that there's a "revolt" underway at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., after officials there removed a Bible verse from a white board outside a cadet's bedroom door following complaints that its presence was offensive.

MORE: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/03/12/some-air-force-cadets-so-angry-over-what-happened-with-bible-verses-on-campus-they-have-staged-a-revolt/

Russell Crowe film 'Noah' edited to appease Christians upset by 'historical inaccuracies'

At the request of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), Paramount added a disclaimer which reads, in part, that "[t]he film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis."

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/06/russell-crowe-film-noah-edited-appease-christians-upset-by-historical-inaccuracies/

Why Hollywood Thinks Atheism Is Bad for Business

This month, major movie studios are doing more evangelizing than Pat Robertson, with the release of two Biblical blockbusters. Darren Aronofsky’s "Noah," which arrives in theatres at the end of March, dramatizes the famously incredible story of a man and his ark, while the unambiguously titled "Son of God," released last week, provides the umpteenth dramatization of the Biblical story of Jesus. For those that like their religion more saccharine, April will bring "Heaven is for Real," the film adaptation of the best-seller about a young boy who, after nearly dying on the operating table, convinces his family that he actually visited heaven during surgery. The evidence? He describes his experience in terms that bear a remarkable resemblance to the visions of heaven he had likely been exposed to at home.

MORE: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2014/03/hollywoods-hidden-hostility-to-atheism.html

This Is the Real Reason an Atheist Club Isn't Forming at Pisgah High School

I spent most of Friday afternoon speaking to multiple people involved with the Pisgah High School saga and you won't believe what's happening there now... I thought the story ended after I wrote my last post about it, but there's so much more to it. And it's nasty stuff.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/03/this-is-the-real-reason-an-atheist-club-isnt-forming-at-pisgah-high-school/

See also...

Battle Brewing at High School Over Student Rights
https://www.secularstudents.org/PisgahHigh

After Filing a Lawsuit Against a Public School District That Hosted a Christian Rapper, an Atheist Family Needs Help

Since we often talk on this site about the need for young atheists to stand strong against religious indoctrination in their public schools, it's only fair that we also discuss the backlash that sometimes results from that.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/05/after-filing-a-lawsuit-against-a-public-school-district-that-hosted-a-christian-rapper-an-atheist-family-needs-help/

Freethinkers to display books in Casey County grade schools

A Christian group, Gideons International, visited three elementary schools in Casey County earlier this school year.

An Atheist group, Tri-State Freethinkers, says it's their turn on Friday.

MORE: http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/Freethinkers-to-display-books-in-Casey-County-grade-schools-252767181.html

American Atheists Will Argue Before an Appeals Court Against the 'World Trade Center Cross' Display

Their main argument is that the cross isn’t part of 9/11 history. Rather, it was "created" after the fact (not hard to believe, since falling steel beams often form cross shapes) and it's an example of Christian privilege at the exclusion of symbols from all other faiths.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/06/today-american-atheists-will-argue-before-an-appeals-court-against-the-world-trade-center-cross-display/

In Oregon, Students Are Skipping Math Class to Learn About the Bible

There's a law in Oregon -- it's been around for decades -- that allows public school students to skip classes for up to two hours a week (or five if they're in high school) in order to get "instruction in religion."

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/11/in-oregon-students-are-skipping-math-class-to-learn-about-the-bible/

Government Endorsed Religion in State Bills

In reality, these bills merely make it easier to evangelize to captive audiences in a government setting.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/legislative/government-endorsed-religion-in-state-bills

Georgia Is One Signature Away from a Ten Commandments Monument in the State Capitol Building

Earlier this week, the Georgia state House passed a bill on a 138-37 vote that would install a Ten Commandments monument on or around the state Capitol grounds... much like they did in Oklahoma.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/14/georgia-is-one-signature-away-from-a-ten-commandments-monument-in-the-state-capitol-building/

See also...

Monumental Mischief: Ga. Lawmakers Back Ten Commandments Display
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/monumental-mischief-ga-lawmakers-back-ten-commandments-display

Atheist Initially Denied U.S. Citizenship Due to Her Secular Ethics Gets Decision Reversed & Will Take Oath Soon

The American Humanist Association’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center filed a complaint with the USCIS -- just as they had done with Margaret Doughty last summer -- and there's finally some good news to report: Ramirez will soon become an official citizen!

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/20/atheist-initially-denied-u-s-citizenship-due-to-her-secular-ethics-gets-decision-reversed-will-take-oath-soon/

See also...

Secular Conscientious Objector's Citizenship to Move Forward
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-03-secular-conscientious-objectors-citizenship-to-move

AHA's Legal Center Demands Clarification on Conscientious Objector Status
http://americanhumanist.org/news/details/2014-03-ahas-legal-center-demands-clarification-on-conscient

Nate Phelps Issues Public Statement After His Father's Death

Nate has issued a public statement by way of Recovering From Religion, a group for which he serves on the board.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/21/nate-phelps-issues-public-statement-after-his-fathers-death/

Despite Supreme Court Decision, Homeschooling Family That Fled Germany For U.S. Is Allowed To Stay

Would the U.S. Christians who fought to allow the Romeikes to stay in America, ostensibly on the principle of the thing, have lifted a finger if this had been a German Muslim family that came to the U.S. for the right to homeschool their kids according to the Qur'an?

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/05/despite-supreme-court-decision-homeschooling-family-that-fled-germany-for-u-s-is-allowed-to-stay/

On 'Sundays Are the Worst' Website, a Pastor Tries to Make Amends for Poor Tipping by Christians

Over time, U.S. Christians have gotten a reputation for being terrible tippers.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/09/on-sundays-are-the-worst-website-a-pastor-tries-to-make-amends-for-poor-tipping-by-christians/

KKK Leader: 'We Don't Hate People Because of Their Race... We're a Christian Organization'

Frank Ancona, the "Imperial Wizard of the Traditional American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan," said something the other day that would make just about anyone cringe.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/23/kkk-leader-we-dont-hate-people-because-of-their-race-were-a-christian-organization/

Pastor says he tried to save man swept out to sea during baptism

"A big wave came and took Benito," Cervantes said. "I tried to take him out -- he was heavy -- and then another big wave came."

MORE: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-santa-maria-man-sea-baptism-20140331,0,6208710.story?track=rss#axzz2xYpkhdSh

How Hobby Lobby supporters talk about "religious liberty": 5 outrageous quotes that show it's all about sex

Court briefs from Hobby Lobby's supporters show how the case is all about controlling women's sex lives.

MORE: http://www.salon.com/2014/03/06/how_hobby_lobby_supporters_talk_about_religious_liberty_5_outrageous_quotes_that_show_its_all_about_sex/

See also...

Here's what you need to know about the Hobby Lobby case
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/03/24/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-hobby-lobby-case/

Hobby Lobby Wants to Stop Doctors From Talking to Its Employees About Contraception
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2014/03/20/_hobby_lobby_doesn_t_just_want_to_avoid_covering_contraception_it_wants.html?wpsrc=upworthy

How Hobby Lobby Is Secretly Funding a Vast Right-Wing Movement
http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/22799-how-hobby-lobby-is-secretly-funding-a-vast-right-wing-movement

After Former Students Say They Were Sexually Assaulted on Campus, Christian College Accuses Them (!) of Harassment

Like other fundamentalist institutions, they’re brushing off reports of sexual assault on their campus basically saying those things didn't happen, have never happened, and never would happen.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/14/after-former-students-say-they-were-sexually-assaulted-on-campus-christian-college-accuses-them-of-harassment/

Quiverfull-Friendly Minister Placed on Leave After 34 Sexual Harassment Allegations

In a dramatic (if commonplace) turn of events, a prominent Christian luminary who advocated home-schooling, traditional gender roles, and purity before marriage has been removed from his position following allegations of sexual misconduct.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/02/quiverfull-friendly-minister-placed-on-leave-after-34-sexual-harassment-allegations/

Fall From Grace: Fundamentalist Preacher Gothard Resigns Following Abuse Allegations

While Gothard and his allies worked to make his Dominionist dreams reality, he allegedly abused over three dozen young women.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/fall-from-grace-fundamentalist-preacher-gothard-resigns-following-abuse

South Carolina pastor arrested again for sexually assaulting teen girl in 'private prayer'

Durant was also arrested in June 2013 and charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct after three other female church members reported Durant coerced them into sex by calling it "private prayer," both at the church and at his home.

MORE: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/11/south-carolina-pastor-arrested-again-for-sexually-assaulting-teen-girl-in-private-prayer/

Louisiana Pastor Accused of Repeatedly Raping Mentally Challenged Women After Her Father Offered Her For Sex

When a man of God meets a mentally challenged young woman who has the brain capacity of a seven-year-old, what ensues?

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/02/louisiana-pastor-accused-of-repeatedly-raping-mentally-challenged-women-after-her-father-offered-her-for-sex/

Church Couple in Wisconsin Is Convicted of Spanking Kids, Including Babies, With Wooden Dowels

Spare the rod, spoil the child? That’s the credo that members of a church in Wisconsin live by. The courts, however, call it child abuse.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/11/church-couple-in-wisconsin-is-convicted-of-spanking-kids-including-babies-with-wooden-dowels/

Muslim Father Kills His 'Possessed' Three-Year-Old Son After Prayer Brings No Relief

The exorcism continued. Washington held his son's face under water for about 10 minutes.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/11/muslim-father-kills-his-possessed-three-year-old-son-after-prayer-brings-no-relief/

Montana Diocese Implicated in 350 Sex-Abuse Cases Discovers Morality, Fires Teacher For Getting Pregnant

The case centers on Shaela Evenson of Butte Central Elementary-Junior High School, a literature and phys-ed teacher of eight years. An anonymous letter the school received a few months ago charged that Evenson, who isn't married, was pregnant; when she confirmed it, the Catholic institution felt it had grounds to fire her.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/03/montana-diocese-implicated-in-350-sex-abuse-cases-discovers-morality-fires-teacher-for-getting-pregnant/

In South Dakota, The Wolf Has Lost Its Clothes

Next week, the South Dakota legislature is expected to pass HB 1162, a bill that stereotypes Asian immigrants and restricts access to abortion. Supporters of the measure are using racially inflammatory language, invoking nativism and warning of the supposed danger created by the presence of Asians in the state. The bans purport to criminalize doctors who perform "sex-selective abortions," which supporters claim are being sought out by Asian-American women.

MORE: https://www.aclu.org/blog/reproductive-freedom-womens-rights/south-dakota-wolf-has-lost-its-clothes

How One Right-Wing Christian Group Is Leading Arizona's March Toward Conservative Extremism

Since the group's 1995 establishment, 123 CAP-supported measures have been signed into law, including the state's 2008 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. That effort was spearheaded by the group's president, Cathi Herrod. Twenty-nine bills backed by CAP have been vetoed by various Arizona governors after being passed by the state legislature.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/28/arizona-anti-gay-bill_n_4860817.html

Michigan Courtroom Deals Fake Anti-Gay Research Strategy A Stinging Blow

The right wing's playbook is wide open. It failed in the past, and it failed today in court. But the religious right is not going away, and clearly the plan is to keep churning out skewed research to create the illusion of a good-faith debate where none actually exists. At a certain point, delaying justice when you know you'll lose becomes bitter and even vengeful.

MORE: http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/03/21/michigan_same_sex_marriage_ban_struck_down_along_with_fake_regnerus_research.html

Tennessee passes bill allowing the bullying of LGBT students in the name of 'religious freedom'

The ACLU warns that the bill, SB 1793/HB 1547, "crosses the line from protecting religious freedom into creating systematic imposition of some students' personal religious viewpoints on other students."

"Should this pass, students with a range of religious beliefs, as well as non-believers, would likely routinely be required to listen to religious messages or participate in religious exercises that conflict with their own beliefs," the ACLU adds. "Conversely, if a student of a minority religious faith (e.g., a Buddhist, a Wiccan, etc.) or a non-believer were to obtain a 'position of honor,' as defined under this bill, that student would be permitted to subject all classmates to prayer and proselytizing specific to his or her faith tradition in connection with school events. In both cases, parents would have no recourse to ensure that their children were not coerced into such religious exercise."

MORE: http://www.thegailygrind.com/2014/03/25/tennessee-passes-bill-allowing-bullying-lgbt-students-name-religious-freedom/#.UzIp8Emt2Ys.facebook

The Salvation Army's White-Flag Surrender to Secularism

For more than a decade, while receiving federal funds, the Salvation Army allegedly has been forcing the hungry to sit through sermons in order to receive the food they desperately need, and forcing their employees to be held to fundamentalist religious standards, standards that have come into question in the past when an Australian media relations director for the Salvation Army implied that gays and lesbians deserve death because that punishment is supposedly in line with scripture.

MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-arel/the-salvation-armys-white-flag-surrender-to-secularism_b_5003298.html

See also...

Salvation Army Promises, After $450,000 Settlement, to Eliminate Religious Discrimination in Taxpayer-Funded Work
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/24/salvation-army-promises-after-450000-settlement-to-eliminate-religious-discrimination-in-taxpayer-funded-work/

Army Surrenders: Religious Charity Gives Up On Fight To Discriminate
https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/army-surrenders-religious-charity-gives-up-on-fight-to-discriminate

Blinded By The (Religious) Right: Christian Group That Receives Federal Grants Accepts, Then Rejects LGBT Employees

World Vision, which uses child sponsorships to deliver aid to developing communities, announced the change to its hiring policies on Monday.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/blinded-by-the-religious-right-christian-group-that-receives-federal-grants

Christian School Pushes Out Eight-Year-Old Girl Because She Doesn't Look Feminine Enough

Timberlake Christian Schools in Virginia is essentially forcing her out because she doesn't look feminine enough.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/26/christian-school-pushes-out-eight-year-old-girl-because-she-doesnt-look-feminine-enough/

Stick A Fork In It?: Polls Demonstrate Growing Support For Marriage Equality And Against Discrimination

The poll, released today, reveals that 59 percent of Americans now support the legal right to same-sex marriage. And 81 percent believe that businesses owners should not be able to discriminate against LGBT clients - even if they say it violates their religious beliefs.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/stick-a-fork-in-it-polls-demonstrate-growing-support-for-marriage-equality

Bible Belt leads the nation in consumption of gay porn

Multiple reports indicate similar findings concerning the Bible Belt's voracious consumption of pornography. One can only speculate on the connection between the consumption of porn and professed conservative Christian values.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2014/03/bible-belt-leads-the-nation-in-consumption-of-gay-porn/

Historic ruling: Judge orders anti-gay Scott Lively to stand trial for crimes against humanity

Extremist anti-gay US pastor is accused of engineering the Uganda 'Kill The Gays' bill, saying LGBT people are the 'new Nazis' and recommending Russia's 'gay propaganda' laws.

MORE: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/historic-ruling-judge-orders-anti-gay-scott-lively-stand-trial-crimes-against-humanity150813

What's In A Name?: Okla. Judge Who Denied Transgender Name Changes On Biblical Grounds Gets Overruled

U.S. law does not come from the Bible. No court should be issuing rulings based on biblical principles, because that is not what the U.S. Constitution instructs or allows.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/what-s-in-a-name-okla-judge-who-denied-transgender-name-changes-on-biblical

West Virginia Governor Vetoes Fetal Pain Bill, Claims It's Unconstitutional

The governor of West Virginia has vetoed a bill that would have outlawed most abortions after 20 weeks gestation, claiming the bill is unconstitutional.

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/west-virginia-governor-vetoes-fetal-pain-bill-claims-its-unconstitutional-117097/

Missouri lawmakers consider changing abortion law

Missouri would become the third state to make women wait three days to have an abortion after seeing a doctor under legislation passed by the state House on Tuesday.

MORE: http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/missouri-lawmakers-consider-changing-abortion-law/nfBKy/

Bigfoot 'tracker' admits to hoax

The man who claimed to have shot and killed Bigfoot in South Texas is now admitting that both his claim and the preserved "body" he charged admission to view was a hoax.

MORE: http://www.ksat.com/news/bigfoot-tracker-admits-to-hoax/25248280?hpt=us_bn8

Third Grader's Attempt to Make the Wooly Mammoth South Carolina's State Fossil Foiled by Bible-Believing Senators

In short, an eight-year-old's suggested bill to make the Wooly Mammoth South Carolina's official state fossil was interrupted by one Christian's attempt to inject the Bible into it... and is now being held up by another Christian senator.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/26/third-graders-attempt-to-make-the-wooly-mammoth-south-carolinas-state-fossil-foiled-by-bible-believing-senators/

A Voucher By Any Other Name: Catholic Cardinal Supports 'School Choice' Scheme In New York

A voucher by any other name is still problematic. The bottom line is that the Catholic Church's private school system is an arm of the church and is frequently used for evangelism and spreading church doctrine. Members of the church, not the taxpayers, should be responsible for bailing out Cardinal Dolan's sectarian schools.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/a-voucher-by-any-other-name-catholic-cardinal-supports-school-choice-scheme

Politico: A Major Push to Expand Voucher Programs Will Mean More Creationism in the Classroom

It's not enough for private Christian schools to teach Creationism in the classroom; many states are now supporting voucher programs that use taxpayer funds to help students attend these schools.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/25/politico-a-major-push-to-expand-voucher-programs-will-mean-more-creationism-in-the-classroom/

The U.S. Spends as Much Teaching Creationism in Schools as 23 Nations' Annual GDP

Concerned about government waste? Then you're probably not too pleased with American taxpayers in 14 states bankrolling nearly $1 billion in public funding for private schools -- which as POLITICO reports, includes "hundreds of religious schools that teach Earth is less than 10,000 years old, Adam and Eve strolled the garden with dinosaurs, and much of modern biology, geology and cosmology is a web of lies."

MORE: http://www.policymic.com/articles/86415/the-u-s-spends-as-much-teaching-creationism-in-schools-as-23-nations-annual-gdp

After School District Pushes Creationism, Jesus, & the Bible on Students, a Buddhist Family Finally Prevails in Court

A few months ago, the Sabine Parish School District in Louisiana was sued by the state's ACLU because of its "long history of proselytizing students and promoting religion."

The laundry list of complaints at Negreet High School alone was enough to make your jaw drop.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/16/after-school-district-pushes-creationism-jesus-the-bible-on-students-a-buddhist-family-finally-prevails-in-court/

See also...

Judge rules against creationist teacher who called Buddhist student's faith 'stupid'
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/17/judge-rules-against-creationist-teacher-who-called-buddhist-students-faith-stupid/

Educational Swamp: In Louisiana, Scientific Literacy Remains A Flashpoint

Hinson slammed the articles for treating creationism as an unproven theory, and evolution as fact. "That is strictly opinion," she wrote.

MORE: https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/educational-swamp-in-louisiana-scientific-literacy-remains-a-flashpoint

Antiscience bill passes the Oklahoma House

Responding to a previous incarnation of the bill, House Bill 1551 in 2011, the American Association for the Advancement of Science's chief executive officer Alan I. Leshner wrote, "There is virtually no scientific controversy among the overwhelming majority of researchers on the core facts of global warming and evolution," adding, "asserting that there are significant scientific controversies about the overall nature of these concepts when there are none will only confuse students, not enlighten them."

MORE: http://ncse.com/news/2014/03/antiscience-bill-passes-oklahoma-house-0015438

Science study: Republicans struggle with evolution, Democrats struggle with the Earth going around the Sun

Only 32 percent of Republicans believe in evolution. And most Democrats (51 percent) don't know both that the Earth goes around the Sun and that it takes a year to do so.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/02/25/most-democrats-dont-know-it-takes-a-year-for-the-earth-to-go-around-the-sun/

Biggest predator ever to stalk Europe: 4-inch teeth and 33 feet long

Erickson called the discovery exciting. It demonstrates that large theropods -- meat-eating dinosaurs -- lived in Europe during the Late Jurassic.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/05/world/europe/dinosaur-predator-europe/index.html

A Scientific Breakthrough Lets Us See To The Beginning Of Time

If the discovery announced this morning holds up, it will allow us to peer back to the very beginning of time—a million billion billion billion billion billion times closer to the Big Bang than any previous direct observation—and will allow us to explore the fundamental forces of nature on a scale ten thousand billion times smaller than can be probed at the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest particle accelerator.

MORE: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2014/03/a-scientific-breakthrough-lets-us-see-to-the-beginning-of-time.html

See also...

Big Bang breakthrough announced; gravity waves detected
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/17/tech/innovation/big-bang-gravitational-waves/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Planetlike object nicknamed Biden could help explain solar system's origins

More than 7 billion miles away from the sun, out on the far reaches of the solar system, astronomers have spotted a planet-like object they've never seen before, and they've nicknamed it Biden.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/planet-like-object-nicknamed-biden-could-help-explain-solar-systems-origins/2014/03/26/1bb123fa-b52f-11e3-b899-20667de76985_story.html?wprss=rss_politics

Canadian Pastor Tells Congregation Not to Vaccinate Their Children... and Surprise! Now There's a Measles Outbreak

There's a measles outbreak in parts of Canada, leading government officials to urge citizens to get vaccinated. I wonder why people aren't vaccinated... wanna take a wild guess?

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/17/canadian-pastor-tells-congregation-not-to-vaccinate-their-children-and-surprise-now-theres-a-measles-outbreak/

Atheist Bus Ad in Canada Goes Missing Before Group's Next Campaign...

In January, the Sudbury Transit Authority (in Ontario, Canada) approved a month-long ad campaign for the Sudbury branch of the Centre for Inquiry with the message "Don't believe in God? You're not alone!"

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/13/atheist-bus-ad-in-canada-goes-missing-before-groups-next-campaign/

Minister Let His Bedridden Wife Die Horror Death

The reverend Nico Vanderstoel had pleaded guilty to the charge, which came after his wife of 44 years, Heather, became bedridden with the effects of multiple sclerosis. Vanderstoel soon stopped providing adequate care, neither requesting medical nor social help for his wife.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/07/minister-let-his-bedridden-wife-die-horror-death-i-wouldnt-want-to-be-the-judge-in-this-heartbreaking-case/

Gay couples say 'I do' in England and Wales

The marriage law was the final victory in a long battle that has secured the same age of consent as heterosexuals and the right to adopt. England and Wales are among 15 countries as well as parts of the United States and Mexico that allow same-sex marriage. The Netherlands was the first in 2001, and last year Brazil, Uruguay, New Zealand and France also joined the list.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/28/world/europe/uk-same-sex-marriage/index.html

British Government Allows Religious Schools to Censor Questions About Evolution on Standardized Tests

It's hard to take these groups seriously when they think allowing religious schools to withhold science education from students is okay in order to "respect" their religious beliefs.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/04/british-government-allows-religious-schools-to-censor-questions-about-evolution-on-standardized-tests/

Seventh-Day Adventists Go To Jail For Letting Their Infant Son Die of Rickets; Calling Doctor 'Would Have Been a Sin'

A British mother and father who invoked religious teachings to refuse medical help for their young son will be spending up to three years in jail.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/03/seventh-day-adventists-go-to-jail-for-letting-their-infant-son-die-of-rickets-calling-doctor-would-have-been-a-sin/

Old Anglican Churches Hold Local Homeowners Liable For Church Repairs

How would you feel if you got an official letter that held you, an ordinary homeowner, responsible for the repairs of a local church? Even if you didn't belong to the congregation and never set foot inside the building?

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/14/old-anglican-churches-hold-local-homeowners-liable-for-church-repairs/

Dead, Frozen Indian Guru Ashutosh Maharaj Is Just Meditating, Followers Insist

When a man is declared clinically dead and his body subsequently spends six weeks in a freezer, a good guess would be that he's no longer alive. But followers of Ashutosh Maharaj insist that their beloved guru is just in deep meditation (and possibly pining for the fjords).

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/14/dead-frozen-indian-guru-ashutosh-maharaj-is-just-meditating-followers-insist/

Kenyan Church Pastor Bans Female Parishioners From Wearing Underwear

A local pastor has ordered all women who attend service at Lord's Propeller Redemption Church to refrain from wearing undergarments while attending so that they can more easily receive the spirit of Jesus Christ.

MORE: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/03/03/kenyan-church-pastor-bans-female-parishioners-from-wearing-underwear-bras/

Megachurch Pastor David Yonggi Cho Convicted of Embezzling $12M Says 'Suffering' Taught Him Individuals 'Shouldn't Possess Anything'

The 78-year-old pastor of the world's largest Pentecostal church convicted of embezzling $12 million told his congregation on Sunday that through "this suffering" he had learned that "an individual shouldn't possess anything."

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/megachurch-pastor-david-yonggi-cho-convicted-of-embezzling-12m-says-suffering-taught-him-individuals-shouldnt-possess-anything-115178/

Dozens killed in spate of Nigeria attacks

Boko Haram is an Islamist militant group that has waged a campaign of violence in northeastern Nigeria, trying to impose its strict version of Sharia, or Islamic law.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/02/world/africa/nigeria-blasts/index.html

At least 10 killed in car bombing at Libyan military base, Health Ministry says

While no one has claimed responsibility for the violence that has gripped the city for more than a year, many residents and officials blame it on Islamist extremist groups operating in eastern Libya.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/17/world/africa/libya-benghazi-blast/index.html

Dozens of students killed at Nigerian college

Tuesday's attack is the latest in a string of deadly attacks -- more than 300 civilians killed this month alone.

MORE: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/25/nigeria-school-killings/5802225/

Concern as Buddhist mobs target foreign aid groups in Myanmar

Rakhine, located along Myanmar's west coast, has been at the center of an ongoing sectarian conflict between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, which has seen hundreds of people killed and tens of thousands more made homeless.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/28/world/asia/myanmar-rakhine-ngos-violence/index.html

Egyptian Christians and Muslims Finally Come Together -- To Exorcise Demonic Spirits

Anyway, it's lovely that Christians and Muslims can be engaged in fighting a common enemy, rather than each other.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/06/egyptian-christians-and-muslims-finally-come-together-to-exorcise-demonic-spirits/

Controversy stirs anew over Saudi textbooks with Obama set to visit

President Barack Obama's trip to Saudi Arabia this week comes amid accusations the State Department has hidden the results of a study that concludes textbooks in the Kingdom remain rife with Islamic extremism.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/world/meast/obama-saudi-texbooks/index.html

Islamic Advisory Council in Pakistan Says Girls Should Be Permitted to Marry at Any Age

They want no marriageable age set by law. None.

MORE: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/03/14/islamic-advisory-council-in-pakistan-says-girls-should-be-permitted-to-marry-at-any-age/

Taliban attack Afghan election commission compound ahead of vote

Taliban insurgents attacked Afghanistan's election commission headquarters in Kabul on Saturday, staff and a government official said, a week before the April 5 presidential election.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/29/world/asia/afghanistan-attacks/index.html

See also...

Afghanistan: Taliban militants carry out deadly attack on Kabul election office
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

Afghanistan attack: AFP reporter among 9 dead in Kabul hotel
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/21/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

More deadly violence, more targeting of suspected militants in Iraq

Iraq has been beset with political and sectarian violence for months, oftentimes pitting Sunnis -- a minority in Iraq -- against Shiite Muslims, who came to dominate the government after Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/20/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

See also...

2 car bombs hit Iraqi Sunni neighborhoods
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/27/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Sunnis targeted across Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/21/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Suicide bomber kills 34 at Iraq police checkpoint
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/09/world/meast/iraq-suicide-bombing/index.html

Suicide bomber kills 3 soldiers in Lebanon

A group operating under the name Free Sunni Brigade in Baalbek claimed responsibility for the attack via Twitter.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/29/world/meast/lebanon-suicide-bomb/index.html