KENTUCKY ATHEISTS NEWS & NOTES Date: November 26, 2008.

Kentucky Atheists, P.O. Box 666, Union, KY 41091; Email: [email protected]

Phone: 384-7000; Fax: (859) 384-7324; Web: http://www.atheists.org/ky/

Editor’s personal web site: www.edwinkagin.com

Editor’s personal blog: http://edwinkagin.blogspot.com

Edited by:

Edwin Kagin, Kentucky State Director, American Atheists, Inc.

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

What Is An ATHEIST?

“ANOTHER THINKING HUMAN ENGAGED IN SEEKING TRUTH” (Edwin Kagin, 2008)

To Unidentified Recipients:

Y’all come, y’hear.

Edwin.

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AMERICAN ATHEISTS ~ WINTER SOLSTICE
BASH & OPEN HOUSE UPDATE…
http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html
 
 
DOWNEY, KAGIN, TABASH, ZINDLER ON ROSTER FOR WINTER SOLSTICE BASH,
CENTER OPEN HOUSE!
(AND DID WE MENTION FUNNY MAN MICHAEL WEISS?)
 
AMERICAN ATHEISTS will host it annual Winter Solstice Bash and Open House Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008  Events include:
 
* Dedication of the EDDIE TABASH CONFERENCE AND MEDIA STUDIO on Friday, coincident with an Open House at the American Atheist Center, 225 Cristiani St. in Cranford, NJ.  We honor First Amendment activist Eddie Tabash with this state-of-the-art multimedia facility for meetings, social events, video taping, web casting, live press conferences and other outreach events.  The Open House runs from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 PM.  The event is open to the public.  
 
* Tours of the newly remodeled CHARLES E. STEVENS AMERICAN ATHEISTS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES.  This collection includes approximately 25,000 volumes of rare and current books covering the history of Atheism, Freethought, religion and related topics, along with nearly one million periodicals, pamphlets, letters, documents and other items.  It is the largest private holding of such materials in the country, and perhaps the world.
 
* The WINTER SOLSTICE 2008 BASH will be held at the nearby Crowne Plaza Hotel, 20 Valley Road in Clark, NJ, beginning at 11:30 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2008.  At 4:00 PM, you’re invited back to the American Atheist Center for a live taping of The Atheist Viewpoint show.  Host David Silverman will MC the Winter Solstice bash which includes a lavish buffet-style lunch ($34/person),  Register on-line at http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html.  Make reservations with the Crowne Plaza Hotel directly and take advantage of our special rate at 732-574-0100. Be sure to mention that you are with American Atheists to qualify for the rate!  Deadline for guaranteed reservations is November 27, so book now!
 
* Join us for a blockbuster lineup of speakers and distinguished guests this weekend, including:
 
* ED BUCKNER, the new President of American Atheists.
* EDWIN KAGIN, National Legal Director
* HELEN KAGIN, Cofounder with Edwin of Camp Quest
* FRED EDWORDS, American Humanist Association
* MARGARET DOWNEY, Atheist activist, founder of the Anti-Discrimination Project
* FRANK ZINDLER, author, historian, Editor of American Atheist Magazine
                                                                 and…
MICHAEL WEISS, Comic and Comic Producer looks at the Season with his unique brand of comedy! 
* DAVE SILVERMAN, National Communications Director
 
* On Sunday, December 14, 2008 get together with the New Jersey Humanist Network for their annual celebration.  Visit http://www.njhn.org .
 
WHO & WHAT: Eddie Tabash, Ed Buckner, Edwin & Helen Kagin, Fred Edwords, Margaret Downey, Frank Zindler, Michael Weiss & more at the annual Winter Solstice Bash and celebration weekend hosted by American Atheists
 
WHEN: December 12-14, 2008
 
WHERE: The American Atheists Center, 225 Cristiani St. in Cranford, NJ, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clark NJ.
 
MORE INFO and to register on line: http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html
 
(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for nonbelievers; labors for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

 

DAWKINS.
(Evolutionary Biologist, author)
ATLANTA.
APRIL 9-12, 2009
 
 
AMERICAN ATHEISTS NATIONAL CONVENTION
 
APRIL 9, 10, 11, 12, 2009
 
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
 
Emory Conference Center Hotel/Emory Inn
1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
 
Said to be the “Best Kept Secret” in Georgia the Emory is a hidden oasis as its’ Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture and serene wooded views combine diverse meeting space, beautiful gardens, walking trails, and much more to create a one of a kind experience.
*
 
The Emory is just 20 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.  The downtown business district and vibrant Buckhead are less than 12 minutes from the hotel.  Complimentary on site parking is an added bonus.
*
 
The Emory offers a two-tiered guest room rate.  Guest rooms in the hotel are $109 plus tax for single/double.  Guest rooms in the inn (directly connected to the hotel) are $89 plus tax for single/double and include breakfast.  You must make your reservations directly with the hotel/inn on or before March 10, 2009 to enjoy our special convention rate. Be sure to tell them you are with the American Atheist convention. Emory Hotel/Inn reservations: 1-800-933-6679.   Visit the Emory Conference Center Hotel/Emory Inn at www.emoryconferencecenter.com
 
*
Confirmed Speakers at this time:
Ed Buckner: President, American Atheists, Inc.
Richard Dawkins: Evolutionist/recognized author
Mike Malloy: Nationally-syndicated talk radio personality
Jim Morrow: Writer
(D)evangelical: Stand Up Comedy Troupe
 
*
Thursday, April 9th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
 – Great Hearth Room: Registration and informal reception with cash bar.
*
Friday, April 10th,
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM  Lullwater Ballroom
7:00 – 11:00 PM Silverbell Room, Open Banquet, Award Ceremony, Members Meeting
*
 
Saturday, April 11th
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Lullwater Ballroom
7:00 – 11:00 PM Silverbell Room, Open Banquet, Honor Lifetime/Gift and Legacy Members
*
 
Sunday, April 12th
Dining Rm; Hosted Breakfast. Arrive anytime between 8:00 and 11:00 AM and be greeted by your board members and state directors who will be eager to chat with you, enjoy a cup of coffee together or maybe a place at you breakfast table.
*
Sunday afternoon group outing.
Destination and time to be announced 
*        *        *
 
Of course, our convention will feature a host of speakers, entertainment, books, products, various vendors, endless conversations, greeting old friends and making new friends.  
 
 Stay tuned for updates

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American Atheists now has a presence on Facebook. See: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51502800791

Y’all join up, y’hear.

Many thanks to Blair Scott and Dave Silverman for this.

Edwin.

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From time to time (well, frequently) we get letters from believers who are not content with the knowledge that they are saved and are going to heaven and that we are damned and are going to hell, but who rather feel it is their duty (perhaps under what is known as “The Great Commission”) to convert and to save us. Sometimes we answer them. Most times we (or at least I) do not.

Reproduced below is a wonderful such exchange (from the answer them category) between such a writer and Ed Buckner, our stand up President of American Atheists.

You might find Ed’s comments of use in dealing with such people.

Enjoy.

Edwin.

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On Nov 20, 2008, at 11:10 PM, Chris Evans wrote:

> Dear Atheist,
> I am a CHRISTian and I would like to have a discussion about our
> opposing beliefs with you. I would like to know the Atheist’s basis of
> beliefs from an actual Atheist.
>
> Thank You

—————————————————

— On Thu, 11/20/08, Ed Buckner wrote:
From: Ed Buckner
Subject: Re: I would like an Intelligent discussion on our beliefs. Please Respond
To: [email protected]
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2008, 10:19 PM

——————————–

Mr. Evans,

Before I invest a great deal of time responding to you,
could you please advise as to how much of our quite
extensive archives on our website you have read, how many of
the large number of good books on Atheism you have read, and
why you ask what you ask.

The short answer is that we lack religious beliefs because
we see no good evidence or reasons to harbor such beliefs.

Regards,

Ed B.
Ed Buckner
President
American Atheists
www.atheists.org
[email protected]

——————————-

From: Ed Buckner [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 12:10 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: I would like an Intelligent discussion on our beliefs. Please Respond
 
Some answers interleaved, below.

Regards,

Ed B.
On Nov 21, 2008, at 7:31 AM, Chris Evans wrote:

I have read all the points on your website that concern me, most of them being the Bible contradictions (you take the Bible out of context) and other points you have made about the falsehood of Christianity. Honestly, I have not read any books on atheism, nor have a read any NONfiction books on Christianity besides the Bible. I have a few questions for you

My experience with Christians varies, but many take their biblical guidance out of context quite regularly. And all Christians who I’ve known accept only parts of the Bible, picking and choosing whether it’s OK to take virgin girls as trophies in war, accept human slavery (with, perhaps, some restrictions), support theocracy, oppress women, and much more.

(1) On your website you make a huge stereotype about Christians, and in your doing so it seems like you are trying to build up a lack of maturity and kindness towards us Christians. You make us sound like we are stuck up and a very large ego. I have honestly only met one or two Christians like this, yet I have met many Atheists who are like this and act above everyone else. Why is this?

My experience with Christians varies, as I said–but on average they are at least somewhat less thoughtful, witty, tolerant, mature, gracious, etc., than my Atheist friends and acquaintances. Plenty of jerks in both (all) camps, to be sure, and I have at least a few friends or loved ones who are religious but trustworthy, decent, and kind.

(2) Do you and any other atheists begin to become depressed after you {falsely} conclude that their is no God and no hope?

Not surprisingly, we don’t become depressed after we realize, accurately, that there is no reason to conclude that there are any supernatural forces at work, either to threaten us or assist us. It is liberating and uplifting, of course, to take responsibility for our own affairs and to recognize our own power–limited though it is, of course. There are good grounds to hope for much and no grounds for wasting time or effort on self-deception or false hopes.

(3) On your website why is your main focus on attacking Christians, not all of the Theistic and Pantheistic religions? It seems as though you are afraid the Christians may be right so you are throwing all you have at us. Why is this?

We don’t accept any religions or gods, though we do find that the god-based religions (a minority of all religions) tend to be the most dangerous, least rational religions. Christianity gets more attention on our web-site because we live in, and are often disadvantaged or threatened in, a society where an extraordinarily high proportion of the citizens accept some form or another of one of the Christian religions. Pointless, cowering fear is the province of religionists, not of Atheists.

Thank you

You’re welcome. Please read far more widely and please learn to think critically.

Regards,

Ed B.