MAAF News 30 Mar 2011
Trending stories about Atheists, Atheists in the Military, MAAF, and occasional other news items of interest.
Atheists in foxholes in the media
Justin Griffith makes news with local MASH Ft Bragg chapter
Army NG Chaplain Steven Veinotte in Kuwait disparages atheists in foxholes
Hospital chaplain converts sick atheists
Christopher Hitchens shows there are atheists in foxholes
Gainseville writer denies our service
Student writer confused about science
Rock Beyond Belief coverage
PZ Myers of pharyngula comments
Christian post comments
Humanism in culture and politics
Ethics and purpose from Rutgers humanist chaplain
Cecil Bothwell, atheist Congressional candidate
Australia beats back sectarian coup
Newt Gingrich targets atheists
Islamic resurgence and secular humanism
Humanist entertainment
Movie “127 hours” cites atheist determination
Movie “Paul” treats audiences to atheist humor
Secular humanism influences Musician Anthony David’s new album
Atheists in foxholes in the media
Justin Griffith makes news with local MASH Ft Bragg chapter, AP, MSNBC, Yahoo news, USA Today
“The cliche notwithstanding, there are atheists in foxholes. In fact, atheists, agnostics, humanists and other assorted skeptics from the Army’s Fort Bragg have formed an organization in a pioneering effort to win recognition and ensure fair treatment for nonbelievers in the overwhelmingly Christian U.S. military.” Find a chapter or start one where you are.
Keeping the world safer for all of us, The Union Leader
Active NH National Guard chaplain disparages atheism, “Major Steven Veinotte of Campton has seen the truth of that old adage that there are no atheists in foxholes. “I think that’s natural,” he said.” MAAF is following up with New Hampshire NG and other leaders. [Edit Apr 10] NG NH leadership representatives have opened communication pointing out that the chaplain was not quoted as saying there are no atheists in foxholes. MAAF is still seeking communication from CH Veinotte and the local command.
Reaching out, Evansville Courier & Press
Staff chaplain who went in surreptitiously to convert an atheist: “John Charles has been a staff chaplain at St. Mary’s for eight years and will never forget an experience he once had with a patient who was atheist.”
COLUMN: And if there is no God?, The Utah Statesman
A Utah editor realizes there are atheists in foxholes, “A favorite euphemism of many deists is the widely used, “No such thing as an atheist in a foxhole;” but in Hitchens’ case this does not seems to be so.”
Senate approves guns in church bill, Gainesville Times
Melissa Weimann disparages atheists in foxholes: There are no atheists in foxholes. But, hypocrites go to church with guns.
? I would never take my children to a church where guns are allowed.
I seek God, but I seek bread first, Student Press
Student writer mulls need for faith, trotting out apologetics such as faith answering why and science answering how, and chooses to set . “There are no atheists in foxholes, so they say.”
Rock Beyond Belief coverage
Only Christian soldiers allowed, ScienceBlogs (blog)
Coverage from PZ Myers: “The US military has been sponsoring evangelical Christian events for the troops, basically subjecting our soldiers to religious propaganda.”
Atheists Cancel Concert after Military Refuses to Sponsor, Christian Post
Christian post offers coverage of the Rock Beyond belief event; also see interesting related stories.
Humanism in culture and politics
Ashvegas: How do you define Democrat, Republican in Western North Carolina?, Asheville Citizen-Times
Atheist Congressional candidate Cecil Bothwell: “Bothwell is clear about his progressive ideals, from championing mass transit planning to defending his personal beliefs as an atheist.”
Seismic shift shapes nation, The Daily Telegraph
Coverage of how Australia is saving itself from sectarian influences in politics
Humanism gives ethics, purpose to people, RU Daily Targum
Comments on ethics and purpose from the chaplain at Rutgers University
Gingrich Fears America Will Be Filled with Secular Atheists, God Discussion
Newt Gingrich chooses atheism as his Great Satan to radicalize his followers, “I am convinced that if we do not decisively win the struggle over the
nature of America, by the time they’re my age they will be in a secular
atheist country, potentially one dominated by radical Islamists and with no
understanding of what it once.”
Islam Will Not Be the Loser, Spero News
Georgetown professor studies Crusades for insight on modern Islamic “resurgence”: “If terrorism is to be defeated, the world of Islam must take on board the secularist-humanist principles on which the modern is based, and without which Muslim countries’ freedom will remain a distant dream.”
Humanist entertainment
Why “127 Hours” is a cut above your average film, Christian Post
Christian post and 127 hours sends shout-out to atheist, “And as a bonus for the atheists out there, Touching the Void proves that there can be an atheist
in a foxhole.”
‘Paul’ can’t match comedy duo’s earlier efforts, Hamilton Spectator
Tough review of new atheist film Paul, featuring Seth Rogan as Paul, and writers Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (of Sean of the Dead)
The new truth about Anthony David’s old soul, Creative Loafing Atlanta
Atheist artist puts out new album: “The biggest change is I became what I call a secular humanist, or an atheist. All I know is that I’m interested in being nice to people but I’ve never believed in any religion.”