Members of a church in Kansas City, Ks., are protesting the secularization of Christmas by dressing like Jesus at their jobs, malls and restaurants.

Pastor Kelly Lohrke advised parishioners of the Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship to wear at minimum a crown of thorns and a sash or robe during the week leading up to Christmas.

"A lot of businesses and people are saying that they have to say, 'Happy Holidays' and 'Season’s Greetings,'" church receptionist Chelsea Johnston told FOXNews.com. "They’re not allowed to say 'Merry Christmas.' It makes us upset because that is the holiday and it goes against our freedom of speech."

The 600-member church posted videos on YouTube of congregants wearing Christ-like garb in public — which they say has led other churches across the country to consider similar demonstrations.

OK Folks one more time: Christmas is secularizing BECAUSE it was made a national holiday. This is ONLY happening to Christmas because it is the ONLY religious holiday that has been nationalized -- e.g, made mandatory for all Americans. I cannot get my mail, or do my business on Christmas, but I certainly can on Passover or Ramadan. When you make unbelievers comply by force, they will comply the way they can without changing their views, and that's why Santa is more important than Jesus this time of year. The only solution is to deal with it. It's too late to change.

It's not rocket science.

But it's OK, because it's not JUST Christmas anyway. Check out our new Christmas page, and don't forget to read about other gods whose birthday was December 25.

AND -- check out that new quote generator!

AND -- Stay tuned for a new guest announcement for the convention (just trust me -- book your tickets now).

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

I wrote that new poll because I was reminded of a discussion I've heard/overheard many times: attending a religious event being thrown by friends or relatives.

I'm not only talking about "services" (weddings, confirmations, etc.), but also Christmas parties - where they really get into the religion. Do you go?

I do. I figure it's OK to go to someone else's house from time to time. I won't participate in any prayer or hide my atheism (of course), but I would have missed many important moments with my friends and family if I had skipped out on all those Bar Mitzvas, weddings, and yes, funerals.

Some atheists refuse to go. They say that going, in and of itself, implies acceptance or inclusion. In fact, when I tell them I disagree, they look at me with a sense of disappointment or betrayal.

But that's bunk. Friends and family are important, and as long as you are not breaking any of your own personal rules or closeting yourself, I say go and try to have a good time. After all, sometimes, people come to your house too.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Recently, I went to a friend's house for a drink, and another of his friends came over. As we spoke, she talked on and on about her Judaism, rather incessantly.

She was one of those "cafeteria" Orthodox Jews. She turned on light-switches on Saturday, but didn't drive. As most of you know, I was raised Jewish, and I know my way around religious Judaism. This girl was wrong -- very wrong -- about a few things about which she really should have been right.

But when I mentioned I was an atheist, I got a very unexpected reaction. She said I hurt her feelings. Again, I said I was an atheist, and the said that I had hurt her, because I don't believe in god. Talk about Jewish Guilt -- I hurt her by simply stating that I disagreed!

I don't usually get that kind of glazed-eyes reaction from Jews. I usually get a much more measured response, because atheists are more common in Jewish families, and critical thought is more tolerated than Christians.

...or so I thought. Now, here was a perfect contradiction. A self-righteous, in-your-face, cafeteria-style, self-contradictory, and clearly brainwashed Orthodox Jew. She sounded as if she had just graduated from Liberty University, as opposed to a Yeshiva. A very predictable (with a Christian!) discussion ensued -- she wanted to talk about god, I wanted to talk about her bigotry. We talked about her bigotry.

I made my point very clear: bigotry is bigotry, no matter what side you're on. Nobody gets to be offended because I say what I am. That's step one. You want to debate? Argue? Sure, but first get over yourself. You are not offended, hurt, or owed an apology, just because I don't believe in your god. Neither am I hurt because you believe in an invisible man in the sky (actually, she thinks God's a woman -- Like I said, cafeteria).

Happy Chanukah

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNeY1cEauqU

Thus Sayeth the Lord, learn not the way of the Heathen (that's us)... for the customs of the Heathen are vain, for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with an axe. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers, that it move not...Be not afraid of them, for they can not do evil, neither is it in them to do good" Jeremiah 10:2-5.

Ahh yes, Using the Bible to prove us right.

The Winter Solstice is a celestial event that effects every living thing on the planet. It is the shortest day of the year, and the true and primary "reason for the season" (as opposed to atheism, which is the "reason there's reason").

To those who say this holiday is Christian I challenge you to look it up. There is not a single piece of Christmas that is in the bible, except in the above quote (Old Testament). Everything, from Santa, to trees, to gifts, to virgin births, to December 25, to carols, to yule logs and chestnuts roasting on an open fire, PREDATE Christianity.

But none of it predates the Winter Solstice. This is everyone's season. American Atheists wishes all humans a Happy Winter Solstice.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

As I drove today through the snow and ice-ridden streets of highland park, NJ, I came upon a group of protesters from Move On. I remembered as I passed, that these protesters have been there for the entire war. Every Saturday, same spot.

They each carried manufactured signs reading "US out of Iraq" and "No More War", but what caught my eye was an older fellow sitting down. He looked truly weathered and tired. His sign, clearly hand-made, read "I Can't Believe I Still Have to Protest this Crap".

I feel for this activist. This man has done a lot for what he sees as his patriotic duty, and he know it, and he does it anyway.

There's a parallel here. The Atheist movement, like the Anti-war movement, has now firmly taken hold and will likely see substantial success over the next few years. We are also tired and weathered, in our own way, and we are all about to see payoff.

So I would like to say thank you to all the activists who have fought with us in the past, and to those who are considering activism, well, now would be a pretty good time to start!.

There's a lot of crap in our fight too, but together we can make progress.

Lastly, I'd like to add a nod to those who protest every Saturday, rain or shine, to promote their ideals. Just to be clear, American Atheists has taken no official position on the war, but weekly protest is real dedication, and I respect that.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,469928,00.html

A 49-year-old Florida woman says her former church is threatening to reveal her sins to its congregation after learning that she is in a "sexually immoral relationship."

Rebecca Hancock told FOXNews.com that Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Jacksonville, Fla., was against her relationship with boyfriend Frank Young because the two were sexually active but not married.

When she wasn’t willing to obey the church's orders to leave him, she decided to leave the church instead, allowing her two children to remain active members.

Now, she says, church elders have given her the worst ultimatum yet: In a Dec. 8 letter, they told her she either has to meet with them and end her "immoral" relationship or she will face public humiliation.

“Bottom line, on January they 4th they are going to the church publicly with my sins, and my children will be sitting in church at the time,” Hancock told FOXNews.com.

Click (the link) to see a copy of the letter (pdf).

A church leader wouldn't commit to an interview when contacted Thursday by FOXNews.com. The Rev. T. Scott Christmas, pastor of the church, told the Florida Times-Union that the "process of loving accountability" is made very clear to members, and the church is doing "nothing more than following the practices of what biblical churches have done through history."

I wonder if "loving accountability" translates to the immoral behaviors by the preacher. After all, he is supposedly there to protect the parishioners, not persecute them. Also, if I remember correctly, the penalty for adultery (according to "what the Bible teaches") is death by stoning.

A personal note to Ms. Hancock: Church leaders lie for a living. They make stuff up as they go along, in order to extend their own power. They are dishonest, immoral, and unworthy of respect. They will hurt you if they see fit, and justify their actions by pointing to the Bible/Koran/Torah/whatever. My opinion: Ms Hancock should be a lesson to all believers -- religion only benefits those who profit from it, at the expense of those who believe it.

I wonder what kind of car Rev Christmas drives.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

(CNN) — Prominent liberal groups and gay rights proponents criticized President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday for choosing evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration next month.

Warren, one of the most powerful religious leaders in the nation, has championed issues such as calling for the reduction of global poverty, human rights abuses, and the AIDS epidemic.

But the founder of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, has also adhered to socially conservative stances — including his opposition to gay marriage and abortion rights that puts him at odds with many in the Democratic Party, especially the party's most liberal wing.

"[It's] shrewd politics, but if anyone is under any illusion that Obama is interested in advancing gay equality, they should probably sober up now," Andrew Sullivan wrote on the Atlantic Web site Wednesday.

People for the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert told CNN she is "deeply disappointed" with the choice of Warren, and said the powerful platform at the inauguration should instead have been given to someone who is "consistent mainstream American values.

"There is no substantive difference between Rick Warren and James Dobson," Kolbert said. "The only difference is tone. His tone is moderate, but his ideas are radical."

Dobson, a social conservative leader, is founder and chairman of Focus on the Family.

Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for Obama, defended the choice of Warren, saying, "This is going to be the most inclusive, open, accessible inauguration in American history."

Sorry, Mr. President, this will NOT be an inclusive event. If you are to dismiss the 16% of the population by INSISTING on preaching about God, you are not being inclusive. The prayer at the nomination was bad enough, and you're making it worse for your inauguration by employing Rick Warren to preach at the country on your behalf.

Reminder: You're a Democrat.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Work-at-home volunteers are needed to plow through the documents and pictures from the old site and enter them into our Wiki. It's a big job, and it will be broken up into pieces. But if anyone has a few days to donate, it'd be greatly appreciated. WIKI experience is required. Volunteer below, and include when you will be available.

Thanks!

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

http://www.venganza.org/2008/12/12/fsm-holiday-lights/

http://www.venganza.org/2008/12/12/fsm-holiday-lights/

Now THIS I can get behind. Ramen.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Yup. Sure enough, Phreedm was right. I fixed the Jefferson quote.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Now that the new blog is up and running, I'd like to ask your opinion on the policies. Although I may or may not agree, I'd like to hear your ideas:

1) Should all posts be OK'd before published, to make sure there is no preaching or the like? This would mean a delay before your post showed up. Is that good or bad?

2) Should Christians or other religious people be allowed to post? Some have complained I am lax on this issue, and let certain regular religious posters do so at their, um, phree will, but I think they inspire returns and encourage debate.n Your thoughts?

3) Should members of American Atheists be allowed special privilege or moniker? Would it encourage you to join?

4) Any other policy input?

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

I just saw Santa. He drove right by my house, in a fire engine, with sirens blaring, giving candy out to children. No religion, just Santa and candy.

Two young Hindu kids across the street came out to wave to Santa and get some candy. They squealed and cheered at their new friend and ran back inside to their waiting parents.

I saw this as the perfection of Christmas -- a completely secular one, where everyone is positively affected and included, regardless of religious belief. Oh yeah... It's called the Winter Solstice.

It even says so in the Bible! Here's one Bible passage that everyone should learn:

Jeremiah 10:2-4: "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." (KJV).

Ho Ho Ho.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=213774

http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=213774

I'm really beginning to love Stephen Colbert. If you're an activist, and you can't take a few good jokes, you shouldn't be active!

Thanks for the publicity Steve!

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

The Winter Solstice Celebration was a smashing success.

Over seventy-five people attended to hear eloquent and rousing talks by Ed Buckner (Prez), Edwin Kagin, and Frank Zindler, Margaret Downey, Fred Edwords, Woody Kaplan, and of course, Eddie Tabash. Thanks to everyone who attended and gave a RECORD amount in donations and charge-brigades (fixed amounts every month charged to a credit card). Comics Mike Weiss and Reno left us all with smiles on our faces.

An awesome time. I'll post pictures on the Winter Solstice Page soon. Right now, I am going to bed.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Directions to the HQ
Garden State parkway to the Cranford Exit
Take EXIT 136 toward LINDEN/ROSELLE/WINFIELD PK.
Take the ramp toward CRANFORD.
turn LEFT onto CR-615/CENTENNIAL AVE.
Turn RIGHT onto MYRTLE ST.
Turn LEFT onto BRYANT AVE.
Turn RIGHT onto DERMODY ST.
Turn LEFT onto LUDLOW AVE.
Turn LEFT onto CRISTIANI ST. (go to end)
End at 225 Cristiani St Cranford, NJ 07016-3214

Solstice Bash Directions here

No comments this thread please (it will be deleted)

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

George W. Bush's recent statement that he believes the Bible is "probably not" literally true has apparently left many Christian conservatives reeling in shock.

David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network told CNN"s John Roberts on Thursday, "I think a lot of social conservative evangelicals were surprised -- probably grabbing the smelling salts as we speak."

Bush made the controversial statement during a Monday interview on ABC's Nightline. When asked whether he thinks the Bible is literally true, he replied, "Probably not. No, I'm not a literalist, but I think you can learn a lot from it."

One blogger at the conservative Washington Times, commented the next morning, "I already have an e-mail from a former Bush administration official who writes, 'This just completely alienated his evangelical supporters.'"

Bush further stated in the interview, "I think that God created the Earth ... and I don't think it's incompatible with the scientific proof that there is evolution."

Brody suggested that Bush may have merely been referring to what creationists call "microevolution" -- small-scale changes that do not rise to the level of creating new species. However, he didn't appear altogether confident, telling Roberts, "The problem was, the president didn't seem all that -- if you want to use the word -- coherent on the subject."

What we have learned is very simple. Bush was not so much a moron, and he was a whore to morons. The Faith-Based initiatives, the Terry Schiavo case, the god sent us to Iraq thing, all lies to please another group with money. Like a whore. A whore who did things that he knew were not in the best interest of the country, in porder to benefit himself instead. There's a word for that: Treason, and it's why every political candidate should acknowledge that this duty is first to his country, then to his god.

PS can anyone login yet? The link is in the upper right...

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Exempting churches from taxes is simply illegal and unAmerican. Nearly everyone in this country is being pinched right now, and the government is in a deep deficit. How then, is it fair to say that a club, which serves NO PURPOSE to non-members, should not pay taxes because they believe in an invisible magic man in the sky?

"Recruitment" and "outreach" are just other words for "Sales and marketing", and very few synagogues, churches, or mosques do anything at all for their community. And yet, because they say they believe in a deity, they skip out on taxes.

And remember, the federal, state, and local governments have a budget -- a finite amount of income that must be met. So when that huge megachurch pays no taxes, the rest of us make up for it. In other words, the government is forcing every citizen to fund religion against their will.

It's not fair, and it should stop. If a church actually performs a good civil service, then that's a different story. But it's not my business, nor is it my intent, to fund religious buildings and services out of my tax dollars. If having to pay taxes means the church fails, this is not my problem, because it means the government was keeping the church alive by force all this time. Churches are the responsibility of the membership, not the whole community at-large.

American Atheists, for example, is not a religious organization. We declare our income, file taxes, work (mostly) for free, and have an open public library that anyone can use. Moreover, we volunteer to help people understand the plight of the nonreligious people in this country. We are TRULY non-profit. THIS is community service. BUT, if we did none of that, and we called ourselves religious, we'd get MORE of a tax break. That's wrong.

So TAX THE CHURCH (and the synagogue, the mosque, and the Moonies and Scientologists), and give the money back to the rest of us. Church members can donate the savings back to their churches, and I can pay my bills.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

http://atheists.org/press_releases/what_do_atheists_do_this_season%3f__celebrate

Christianity does not own this season, and it never did. Indeed, Christianity is only the latest in a long line of mythologies that have adopted the Solstice for their religion and called it their own. Mythras, Zarathustra, and of course the Pagan holiday of Yule (as in Yuletide, and Yule logs) come to mind. Indeed, nothing about Christmas is Christian at all..

I love celebrating the shortest day of the year -- a celestial event that affects all life on the planet, and is of course the source of all these holidays. I'm not much for the Jesus songs, but I like the lights, and the eggnog. I really like the eggnog.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

http://www.atheists.org

It worked (this time)! Look around and check it out. You may need to reset your password. If there are problems let me know!

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Now, we wait for the changes to propagate.