American Atheists | Speak Out: Columnist Attacks Camp Quest, Atheism

Speak out: Columnist attacks Camp Quest, Atheism

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AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT

hgttp://www.atheists.org

August 15, 2009

SPEAK OUT: COLUMNIST ATTACKS

CAMP QUEST, ATHEISM.

"NEW ATHEISTS"

Dallas Morning News editorial columnist Rod Dreher has written an op/ed titled "Against atheist fundamentalism" at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-dreher_0816edi.State.Edition1.286dccf.html

Mr. Dreher begins with unflattering remarks about Camp Quest UK and Richard Dawkins, and a one-day Camp Quest event in Texas. He segues into a paean on behalf of a program sponsored by the Templeton Foundation, and broadens this to an attack on "evangelical atheists." Mr. Dreher then suggests that belief in religion is "hard wired" into our brains, and continues with puzzling statements like: "We ought to reject the shibboleth, advocated by both religious and secular fundamentalists, that religion and science are doomed to be antagonists."

Mr. Dreher's column invites feedback from readers. It is an excellent opportunity for Atheists to speak out against many misconceptions, including the stereotype than when we express views, somehow this is inappropriate or an example of "fundamentalism" on the other side. We urge you to carefully read his latest op-ed, and provide a measured, thoughtful response. Be polite and courteous, and concise. You may wish to share your remarks at the NoGodBlog (http://www.nogodblog.com) as well.

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)