AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President (908) 276-7300
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2007


            History Channel Program on "Godless" Dark Ages
     Historically Inaccurate, Insults Atheists & Other Nonbelievers


An Atheist civil rights group is protesting advertisements for a program
slated to air this Sunday night (March 4, 2007) on the History Channel
dealing with the period referred to as "the dark ages" that describes
the period as "600 Years of Degenerate, Godless, Inhuman Behavior."

In fact, a more accurate description would characterize the time as the
beginning of the Middle Ages; and "godless" had little to do with the
period.  Historians have noted the strong Christian religiosity of those
times marked by stern public piety (coupled with outbursts of dissolute
behavior), the power of religious feudalism, and the pervasive role
played by ecclesiastical institutions.

"Godless?  I don't think so," said Ellen Johnson, President of American
Atheists.  "This is not only about an inaccurate description of the
Middle Ages in European history, it concerns the reckless and unfair
association of the label 'godless' with brutality and ignorance."

Johnson called upon the History Channel to alter its description of the
program's subject matter.

Dave Silverman, Communications Director for American Atheists, said that
the term "godless" was being used by many nonbelievers. "It's totally
wrong from both an historical and modern perspective to characterize
that chaotic period in human affairs as 'godless,' " said Mr.
Silverman.  "Those times certainly were not characterized by what we
mean by the term.  "Godless" means that in the absence of god, you must
rely on reason, logic and compassion in building a society based on
rationality, not blind faith."

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


American Atheists, Inc.
P. O. Box 5733
Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733
Tel.: (908) 276-7300
Fax: (908) 276-7402