Atheist Activists Look to Future During Easter Convention

[Synnical]

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=%5CCulture%5Carchive%5C200503%5CCUL20050328a.html


By Randy Hall
CNSNews.com Staff Writer/Editor
March 28, 2005

(CNSNews.com) - More than 100 atheists from California to Connecticut gathered in Philadelphia over Easter weekend to discuss issues of interest to those who call themselves "Godless Americans" and plan activities to advance their cause.

While the 31st National Convention of American Atheists had no official theme, one topic that came up often during the event was the future of "nonbelievers," as well as what's ahead for atheism itself.
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There were closer to 300 people there, but considering the source, it's a fairly decent article.

[fshrink]

1. Some excellent points in there! eom

[Az]

2. I have a friend that attended this confrence

I will be interogating her when she gets back. I will post any juicy info I find out.

[Synnical]

3. I was there

Hmmm, can't think of anything really juicy to report. I thought it went well. I "hosted" all the book signings and was privileged to meet all the speakers mentioned in the article.

We did have some protesters in front of the hotel. I was too busy to give them much mind. First time I've ever been picketed! Usually it's me protesting something, not the other way around. I thought it was cool.

Here's a short article about "them":


http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05085/477997.stm
Atheists meeting in Philadelphia

Saturday, March 26, 2005
By The Associated Press

<snip>

Outside, it was far from quiet, with a dozen members of Repent America, a Philadelphia-based Christian group, holding a sidewalk vigil with banners and bullhorns.

"We just want to share the gospel truth with the atheists," said Nancy Major, 53, of Phoenixville, Chester County. "Everyone needs to hear it because eternity is at stake."

More than 200 members attended the American Atheists' 31st annual convention, which began yesterday and continues through tomorrow. The timing was not meant to offend Christians celebrating the Easter holiday, Dave Silverman said.

"Atheists have nothing else to do on Easter and hotels are cheaper, flights are cheaper."

[Az]

4. As we become more vocal and seen expect more protestors

If you were at the DC march you know what I am talking about. Eesh they were out.

[Synnical]

5. Good Point

Yes, I was also at the DC March. (The red head with the big floppy goofy hat that C-Span focused its camera on while the credits ran.)

They were side show freaks. I thought the DC Capital police did a good job of shutting them down - since it was a permitted rally. What you may not know is that after the rally concluded, and most of us wandered off, the small security force was almost overwhelmed by the protesters. Kathleen Johnson, who formed MAAF - Military Association of Atheists and Free Thinkers - was in charge of security that day and she told me during an interview I did for American Atheists Magazine that she was a little bit intimidated by them - and she was a MP.

(Edit to correct typo)

[Az]

7. I confronted a few of those guys

Some of them were definately of the former biker persuasion. Dropped my fave Luke 6:30 bomb on them and left them sputtering for a while.

The trick with is the use the protestors against themself. As long as we keep to the moral high ground on these issues they will gladdly play the part of fanatical zealot. Let them do all the work for us.

[Synnical]

8. I agree

The trick is to just let the fundies spew their nonsense, which is why I stayed away from them during the Convention. Didn't want the press focus to be on the protesters, wanted it to be on atheism.

To whit, another news item:

On Easter, the atheists went for a cruise (Loved the headline, almost as if we were celebs that the press was following around . . . )

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/11248170.htm

There were no elaborate Easter bonnets. No baskets full of painted eggs. No crosses draped with white cloth.

And the woman wearing the Easter-bunny costume was snubbed by many of the people boarding the Spirit of Philadelphia yesterday afternoon.

For the final group event of their 31st annual convention, members of the American Atheists cruised along the Delaware River, talking about the separation of church and state, making new friends, ignoring the Christian holiday and admiring the cradle of liberty from afar.

"Atheists are people, too," said Jenny Werness, an American Atheists' activism scholarship winner from the University of Minnesota.

[onager]

6. AIEEE! Damn, this attitude torques my jaws...

"We just want to share the gospel truth with the atheists," said Nancy Major, 53, of Phoenixville, Chester County. "Everyone needs to hear it because eternity is at stake."

What? In case we managed to grow up in 'Murica without hearing about Super-JeeZus?

The ONLY way to do that is to commit suicide at a very early age.

I just can't believe the cluelessness of these yobbos. It's been shared with us umpteen times and WE DON'T WANT IT.

One more sales pitch might win us over? Uh...probably not.