Welcome to the nation's most morally active and innovative atheist organization!
ABOUT OUR NEWSLETTER

Below is information from the newsletter about important Atheists For Human Rights activities. For the complete newsletter mailed to your home, just call or email today! Members of AFHR can request that their newsletter be either mailed or sent electroncally as a PDF attachment.

What's in the May 2008 newsletter?

  • A report on our Moral High Ground scholarship grant to a GLBT atheist student, Rowan-Marie Fakhoury.
  • The announcement that our AFHR communications director, Marie Alena Castle, is being honored as a "Woman of Distinction" by the Minnesota Democratic party.
  • An inspiring but sad article by George Erickson on the scholarship grants he awards to promising students.
  • A two-page compilation of articles about religious vs atheist morality and their respective trustworthiness.
  • Another "Christianity in its Own Words" column by religious historian William Sierichs Jr. showing how supportive most clergy were of slavery in the U.S.
  • And, of course, a bunch of good letters and some miscellaneous items.
ANNEX ARTICLE

  • We're All Doomed
    By Richard Russell
    In Earth's history, there have been 5 previous massive die-offs of almost every species on the planet. We call these Mass Extinction Events. We don't know what caused the 1st 4, but we're pretty sure that the 5th - the one that got the dinosaurs - was caused by a huge meteor striking the Earth near the Yucatan Peninsula. And we're absolutely certain what's causing the 6th, the one we're in now, the Holocene Holocaust. It's us.
    Read more ...
SECULAR SANITY

Religion in the News, as Viewed from the Moral High Ground of Atheism

  • Boulder Students Protest "Under God" In Pledge Of Allegiance
    Some Boulder High School students protested Thursday over having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day.
    Read more ...

  • Are Darwin's Theories Fact Or Faith Issues?
    In January PZ Myers (Associate Professor at University of Minnesota, Morris) debated Jeffrey Simmons (a medical doctor and Senior Fellow with the Discovery Institute) on KKMS radio. At the last minute the topic of the debate was changed to "Are Darwin's Theories Fact Or Faith Issues?".
    Read more ...

  • Way of the Master
    A couple of nights ago I was going through the channels on my TV out of boredom and I came across "Way of the Master". I am familiar with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron so I thought I would watch it for its "entertainment" value. I did learn something from it however. I used to think that these people were afraid of death in the sense that they were frightened of not existing anymore but learned that they are actually more afraid of existing eternally.
    Read more ...

  • Vandals egg house of local atheist
    Here is a sad story of bigotry, threats, vandalism and terror perpetuated by "Christians". I wonder what part of the Bible condones this action?
    Read more ...

  • Pope's exorcist squads will wage war on Satan
    When I read this story in December 2007, I thought it was something from the ONION at first glance. It shows that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
    Read more ...

  • Huckabee: Amend Constitution to be in 'God's standards'
    This to me was very disturbing. I wonder whose version of God Huckabee would like to use. Even among evangelical Christians such as Huckabee there are variations on beliefs. His statements concerning evolution and not knowing how long it took God to create the universe are a prime example. I have heard some evangelicals criticize others and say that they are not "real Christians" for not taking every word of the Bible literally.
    Read more ...

  • Steve Chapman on religion in politics
    On 2 January, Star Tribune columnist Steve Chapman wrote a surprisingly positive piece in support of state-church separation and fairly tolerant of atheism. (At least we didn't get bashed.) We sent the following letter in response, but it was not printed. Too fact-based-positive and informative about atheism? Too fact-based-clear in showing the danger of fundamentalist Christianity?
    Read more ...

  • Archbishop Niensted & Sexual Morality
    Archbishop John Nienstedt is making dogmatic claims about the morality of, and family complicity in, homosexual relationships. Since this is causing considerable mental anguish among his followers and/or their families, and is an issue affecting all of society, it is appropriate to question those claims.
    Read more ...

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CALENDAR

  • Sunday, 15 June, 1-2 PM
    Public Forum
    Location: Edina-Southdale Library
    Dr. Goparaju Vijayam will speak on social reform and the common good, noting the work of Atheist Centre. See article and May newsletter for more details.
  • EVERY MONDAY, 4:30-7 PM
    Richard Dick Memorial Happy Hour
    A gathering of positively happy atheists.
    We have reserved tables on the terrace level by the fireplace.
    Location: Ol' Mexico Restaurant, on Lexington,
    at end of strip mall, two blocks north of Larpenteur, Roseville
    Contact: Paul Craven at 763-788-8918

  • 1ST & 3RD MONDAY, 6:30 PM
    Freethought Toastmasters Club
    Location: Larpenteur Estates Party Room,
    276 Larpenteur Ave W, St. Paul
    Contact: George Kane at 651-488-8225
  • 1ST TUESDAY, 11:30 AM
    Lunch Social
    Location: Old Country Buffet, Cty Rd B2, Roseville
    Contact: Bob/Marilyn Nienkerk at 612-866-6200
  • 3RD WEDNESDAY, 11:30 AM
    Charley French Memorial Lunch
    Atheists and Humanists get together to socialize and exchange opinions.
    Private Room
    Location: China King Buffet,
    Springbrook Mall, 85th & University NE, Fridley
    Contact: Bill Volna at 612-781-4273 or 612-781-1322
  • 3RD FRIDAY, 6-9+ PM
    Fireside Chat
    On 16 May: Our attorney Randall Tigue tells of the time he faced "The Proceedings Against Randall Tigue on Judgment Day" and other legal oddities.
    Food served.
    Non-members are welcome!
    Location & contact info: Hub of Atheism
  • 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD SUNDAY, 12-2 PM
    AFHR Membership Meetings
    Open to members only.
    Coffee and conversation.
    Explore our atheist library.
    Please call first.
    Location & contact info: Hub of Atheism
  • 4TH SUNDAY, 12-2 PM
    AFHR Open Board Meeting
    Except in July and August.
    Food served.
    Location & contact info: Hub of Atheism
  • VARIOUS TIMES & PLACES
    All-Atheist Meetups
    Go to: All-Atheists Meetups to meet and socialize.
    Contact: Scott Muir by e-mail or call 612-386-8821

ARTICLES


LINKS TO OTHER SITES

Welcome to the Hub of Atheism

Atheists For Human Rights has a geodesic dome as its headquarters. This unique architecture was developed by Buckminster ("Bucky") Fuller (1895-1983), an atheist, architect, environmentalist and inventor. His ambition was to use science to help solve human problems and to find ways to do more with less. The tragic death of his young daughter inspired him to find "what a single individual can contribute to changing the world and benefiting all humanity." The epitaph on his tombstone says, "Call me trimtab," referring to a small but critical aircraft part that holds a stabilizing component in position. Much of Fuller's philosophy is expressed in the goals and strivings of Atheists For Human Rights.

Location

5146 Newton Ave. N., Minneapolis MN 5543

Take I-94 to the 53rd Ave exit on the north edge of Minneapolis and go west through the alphabet streets to Newton Ave, then go left (south) 1 & 1/2 blocks to the dome home on the dead-end street. (The 53rd exit is more direct than 49th.) Call 612-588-1597 if you need directions.

New/occasional visitors: To verify schedule has not changed:
Contact: Call 612-529-1200 or 1-866-ATHEIST
Or email: Communications Director.

Entrance

Sign beside entrance


Television


Fireplace


Library


Meeting Room (View 1)


Meeting Room (View 2)


For video questions, comments, suggestions, or special requests for video CDs, contact:
Video Manager.

For corrections or problems with our web pages, contact:
Webmaster.

The Hub of Atheism Atheists For Human Rights has a geodesic dome as its headquarters. This unique architecture was developed by Buckminster ("Bucky") Fuller (1895-1983), an atheist, architect, environmentalist and inventor.
Read more ...

Our Philosophy

  • Atheism accepts the natural world as all there is.
  • To live without god beliefs is intellectually stimulating.
  • To find one's own purpose and be responsible for one's own life is exciting.
  • To be free of the imagined surveillance of good and evil spirits is liberating.
  • To seek a peaceful world through work, friendship, and civic action is life-affirming.
  • Organized atheism supports the right to hold religious beliefs but vigorously opposes religious behavior that is politically and socially predatory or harms innocent people.
  • We support the social and political right to be religion-free.
  • We support state-church separation.
  • We oppose religious authoritarians and support all the rights they attack, including abortion rights, gay rights, physician aid in dying, and all the rest.

During its struggle for independence from Britain, India had a term to express their philosophy: satyagraha. It means "to insist on what is true as a social obligation." This is what Atheists For Human Rights will do in our struggle to be religion-free.

Let us become post-religious, post-national, Universal Humans.

-- Lavanam, Atheist Centre, Vijayawada, India

A Proud Tradition

Atheists For Human Rights is proud to be among those people identified by Nobel Prize winner Leonid Hurwicz as "interveners" in society -- those who behave ethically simply because it is the right thing to do. Our unique Moral High Ground project stands uncompromisingly in support of the victims of inhumane religious doctrines. We find no "gray area" that justifies the harm done to women, gays, children, the hopelessly ill, and human progress by dogma-based laws and policies.

Our moral philosophy is inspired by our colleagues at the Atheist Centre in India, whose commitment is to "speak the truth as a social necessity" as they work for social reform.

Join Us!

Out of the Rocking Chair, into the Fray!

The great majority of the U.S. adult population call themselves Christian: 160 million adults. But what group takes second place? Jews? No. For all their formidable electoral clout, the 2.8 million Jews are massively outnumbered by the nearly 30 million non-religious or secular Americans. . . . [I]f the unbelievers of America could only get their act together a tenth as effectively as the legendarily powerful Jewish lobby, what might they not achieve?
-- Richard Dawkins, discussing his new book, The God Delusion

Last year, Atheists For Human Rights went beyond their usual "getting their act together" and began a series of well advertized public forums that is more bold and visionary than anything done by any other atheistic group we know of. Hunkering down in preach-to-the-choir discussions and conferences may be socially satisfying but does little or nothing to advance our cause.

If atheists speak and no one hears us,
does our message exist?


Atheists For Human Rights invites your comments and welcomes you to join us!
  • Bringing in good speakers is not cheap, but with your help we are doing it.
  • Running effective print/radio ads in high-reader/listener media is not cheap, but with your help we are doing it
Public policy must be based on reality. Atheists know this better than anyone, so we must speak out. For the series of forums to run through 2007, we estimate we will need at least $15,000 for advertising, travel expenses, and honoraria. Your continued support is essential!

Make payments with PayPal. It's fast, free, and secure!

Our Gift to you:

Those who donate $50 or more will receive the following upon request. Please check each one you want on the membership application, and mail it to:.
5146 Newton Ave. N., Minneapolis MN 55430-3459.
THANK YOU!

NEW!  DVD of "Evolution Made Easy," which explains evolution in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. A great DVD to show anyone who is unclear on the concept, including hard core religionists, "cafeteria" religionists, and atheists new to the controversy. NEW!  DVD of "The Truth about Religion," which totally demolishes any credibility religion is thought to have historically or philosophically or even applying a little common sense.
Dan BarkerDVD of Dan Barker's speech, "Beyond Iraq: The Threat to Freedom of an Imperial Presidency," at our Nov 2007 Public Forum.
Andy DawkinsDVD of former MN Rep. Andy Dawkins talking about civic projects legislation, at our Mar 2007 Public Forum.   Rep. Keith EllisonDVD of Cong. Keith Ellison's forceful defense of state-church separation, at our July 2007 Public Forum.
PZ Myers DVD of biologist PZ Myers' illustrated presentation on evolution, at our July 2006 Public Forum. Michael Newdow DVD of Michael Newdow's entertaining, informative presentation, at our Nov 2006 Public Forum.
Richard Dawkins DVD of Richard Dawkins' BBC film, The Root of All Evil? Sam Harris DVD of Sam Harris's discussion of his best seller, The End of Faith.

April Pedersen's 20-page booklet, May the Farce Be With You, a humorous look at religious claims, with many illustrations and cartoons.

Our own illustrated, full color, 36-page booklet, All About Gods. Solid, concise facts to challenge religious mythologies. Includes bibliography.
May the Farce Be With You All About Gods

Call or email today for the current printed version or PDF file, plus three issues free!

E-mail: Communications Director
Or call:
612-529-1200 (Twin Cities area) or
1-866-ATHEIST (toll free long distance)
Or mail membership coupon to:
5146 Newton Ave. N.
Minneapolis MN 55430-3459

About Atheists For Human Rights

Continuing our history of innovative atheist activism in Minnesota and the nation since the 1980s.
See History of Atheist Activism in Minnesota

If god beliefs were socially benign, those without such beliefs would have neither a need for nor an interest in raising questions about those beliefs. Such has never been the case.

Throughout history, religious authoritarians have imposed their beliefs on society. In the US, despite our secular Constitution, they continue to undermine our First Amendment freedoms, harming women, children, sexual minorities and the hopelessly ill, and hindering medical research and science education.

In such an environment, atheists have an obligation as citizens to provide a secular moral balance to public discussions of these issues. The liberal religionists are wonderful, caring people, but a lot of work needs to be done on the fundamentalists.

Atheists For Human Rights was founded specifically to provide this moral balance in an effort to preserve our civil liberties and human dignity. We add our voice to that of other groups challenging the social agenda of religious authoritarians. We oppose all forms of bigotry and discrimination and advocate for a world where human welfare is not compromised by religious dogma.

We are committed to making atheism visible in the community:

  • We produce atheist videos for our website video outreach project and also make them available on CDs.

  • We run high-visibility "bold & proud" ads in mainstream publications at least twice a year.

  • We submit letters and commentary articles to the media that are frequently accepted.

  • We meet with media people to discuss our concerns and encourage fair and balanced coverage of atheism.

  • We meet with public officials to make them aware of the secular community and express our concerns about the intrusion of religion into legislative action and to stress the importance of state-church separation.

  • We wrote a proclamation declaring July 4, 2002, "Indivisible Day," which was signed by Gov. Ventura on our behalf, causing an uproar by "Christian nation" fundamentalists that was front-page news in the St. Paul and Minneapolis papers.

  • Our visibility generates invitations to debate religious-right radio talk show hosts on their political/social agenda and state-church separation.

We are unique among atheist organizations in that, as a matter of official policy, we oppose the religious right's assaults on our freedoms and come to the aid of its victims. We do this with reason, civility, pride, and a passion for truth and justice.

We provide a strong and effective voice for human rights within the atheist community and are developing a national network of citizens who seek the social and political right to be religion-free. We are a member society of Atheist Alliance International (AAI).

We have a Moral High Ground project to provide practical help to those most abused by religious authoritarians. This project includes a scholarship fund for gay/lesbian atheist students, and a fund to help impoverished women pay for abortions where religion-based restrictions make them all but inaccessible, particularly in rural areas. We also contribute, as needed, to legal defense funds set up by established physician-aid-in-dying organizations to protect the right of the terminally ill to determine how and when their lives shall end. In addition, we support the efforts of CHILD, Inc. (Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty) to protect children in faith healing families from death and injury due to medical neglect when parents rely solely on prayer for healing.

Very few groups we know of even approach this level of local activism. We walk the talk. Our board consists only of activists willing to help with the tasks of our organization. Our bylaws impose a high level of ethical standards. We operate openly and honestly at all times.

The stronger our organization, the more we can do, so please join us. Membership is open to all who reject supernatural beliefs and support the principles and policies of this organization. We thrive on new ideas and welcome everyone who shares our goals.

We publish a 12-page newsletter, 10 times a year. It has information about our meetings and activities, plus interesting articles. We offer a free 3-month trial subscription. See also our online newsletter for articles, news, and events.

We take action one way or another on a daily basis, but we also know the importance of socializing. We need to get away from all the god-talk that saturates our culture and say what we think and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Join us at these events.

It is the role of unbelievers
to force religions to be benign.

-- Lutheran theologian Martin Marty
From keynote speech, Religion in Public Life symposium, Minneapolis MN, April 28, 1998, to which Marie Castle (then President of Minnesota Atheists, now Communications Director, Atheists For Human Rights) was invited to represent atheism.

Moral High Ground Project

Practical assistance to members of those groups most abused by religious authoritarians.

The Moral High Ground project has chosen these funds to provide support and protection for these groups and to counter the efforts of religious zealots to impose their religious doctrines through law. Other funding mechanisms may be added as resources increase.

Philanthrofund Scholarship

Like the other Moral High Ground funding projects, it is unique in the freethought community. Each year since 2002 AFHR has donated $500 to be awarded to a GLBT openly atheist student at Pfund's major awards ceremony. This has created visibility and respect for AFHR within the GLBT community.

Grants to poor women to help pay for an abortion

At least $200 each will be given annually to funds such as the Women's Medical Fund, administered by Anne Nicol Gaylor from Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, Wisconsin, and through the North Dakota WIN (Women In Need) Abortion Access Fund, administered by the Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo. These funds serve poor women in areas where religion-generated abortion laws are irrationally restrictive and punitive.

Support for physician aid in dying

As opportunities arise, we support efforts by physician-aid-in-dying organizations so the terminally ill who want to die with dignity on their own terms have the legal right to do so.

Protection for children harmed by faith healing

As opportunities arise, we support the efforts of CHILD (Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty) to protect children from harm where state laws define faith healing as healthcare and exempt parents from prosecution when they allow children to die by substituting prayer for medical care.

Outreach Activities

Atheists for Human Rights is focused primarily on reaching out to the public in morally active ways to advance the atheistic worldview. Our projects include:

Public Forums

This major outreach project was begun in June 2006 and continues. The purpose is to show the public how atheists support our constitutional freedoms, seek rational solutions to issues of civic concern, and promote the common good. These events are heavily advertised in local newspapers and on Air America radio. Speakers through July 2007 have included:

  • Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State

  • Dr. PZ Myers, biologist from the Univ. of Minn.-Morris

  • Susan Sackett, personal assistant to the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of the humanist-oriented "Star Trek"

  • Michael Newdow, who took his challenge to "under God" in the pledge of allegiance to the Supreme Court

  • Andy Dawkins, former state representative who works to strengthen families and create livable communities

  • Dr. Robert Price, the noted biblical scholar who lectures on the non-biblical roots of democracy

  • Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to Congress

Charitable Outreach

Every December, as part of our winter solstice celebration, we collect gifts and money for the at-risk teenagers being cared for by secular non-profit Katahdin Program for Youths and Families. Cash donations have increased from $130 in 2003 to $610 in 2006. This has been due to enclosing colorful gift tags in the newsletter and inviting distant members to send them back signed and with a check for warm clothing. The project was started in 1998 by Marie Castle for the freethought community, with Paul Craven providing the slogan, "You Don't Need a God to Have a Heart."

Philanthrofund Scholarship

This is part of our Moral High Ground project. Like the other MGH funding projects, it is unique in the freethought community. Each year since 2002 AFHR has donated $500 to be awarded to a GLBT openly atheist student at Pfund's major awards ceremony. This has created visibility and respect for AFHR within the GLBT community.

Highway Cleanup

In 2005 we took on an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup project. The work is done three times a year in spring, summer and fall. Large highway signs identify AFHR as the cleanup crew for a 4-mile stretch of highway in Lakeville that passes many churches.

May Day Festival

AFHR member Joe Watercott represents us every year at this popular Minneapolis festival. Dressed in a colorful jester costume, he goes along the parade route with his equally colorful cart, collecting litter and telling little jokes to the kids, giving a cheerful image of atheism.

Minnesota Alliance Of Peacemakers

We joined MAP and have participated in several of their events urging peaceful solutions to world conflicts. MAP is a coalition of churches and secular organizations working together in the cause of peace.

Speakers Bureau

Since 2004, about three times a hear, we have been invited to give presentations on atheism to educational and social service agencies for their diversity training programs

Fireside Chats

These monthly discussions are occasionally advertised in the Star Tribune, attracting a variety of religious and nonreligious participants. One Bible believer has become a regular and gives us an opportunity to gain a better mutual understanding of our differing worldviews.

Media Outreach

We continually make efforts to get media attention for the atheist community through letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, news releases and personal contacts with reporters and editors. Although we have some success, it does not reflect the amount of coverage we should get when compared with the attention paid to religious activities. We keep working at this.

Video Outreach

We have a global outreach with our web videos (some of which are distributed locally on public access stations.) These videos feature guests such as authors, educations, elected officials and experts in various subjects, as well as liberal religionists and an occasional exchange with a Christian fundamentalist.

Freethought Community Outreach

We make an ongoing effort to strengthen the freethought community through social interactions and ideas for joint projects. Our happy hours and various lunches and social events get an overlapping support of all local groups. We have an internet-based all-atheist meetup group. We have supported Camp Quest and the Campus Atheists and Secular Humanists in their projects. Our newsletter carries an occasional column provided to us by Bill van Druten, founder of Lake Superior Freethinkers. Our public forum project is supported by members of other local groups and the idea is being picked up by at least one other local group. AFHR members support activities of other local groups, including helping to produce their video programs. We also helped a member of another group promote his freethought music CD by inserting copies in our newsletter. We understand the value of atheist diversity and cooperation and act accordingly.