Although religious belief is correlated with climate change denialism and less commitment to the environment, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Evangelical Christians have all issued calls for better environmental stewardship. And yet, on Wednesday, as Key West was experiencing a record heat index of 115°F, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis disappeared climate change, effective July 1. In the Governor’s own words: “The legislation I signed today — HB 1645, …
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ALABAMA: “… each human being, from the moment of conception, is made in the image of God …”
On Feb. 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that destroying frozen embryos harvested for in vitro fertilization (IVF) violated the state’s Wrongful Death of a Child Act. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by people whose embryos were destroyed during a 2020 break-in at a Mobile clinic that provided IVF services.“The People of Alabama …
Humanist Imprisoned in Nigeria Needs Our Support
In 2022 Mubarak Bala, the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for “creating a public disturbance” in online posts which allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad. At the time, the American Humanist Association and other groups concerned with freedom of conscience and human rights called for letters of …
“I was wrong. Famines are back.”
I said the era of famines might be ending. I was wrong. READ MORE HERE: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/09/opinion/famine-war-gaza.html
Chaplains in the schools
Link to bill: https://m.flsenate.gov/Bill/931/2024 Links to articles for more information: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/02/22/commentary-religious-chaplains-dont-belong-in-public-schools/ https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/28/satanic-temple-awaits-passage-of-florida-school-chaplains-bill/72702146007/ As of February 29, 2024; HB 931 has passed the House and is headed to the Senate. There is still time to ask your state Senator to propose an amendment. Here’s my suggestion for an amendment: Public schools (district-run or charter) may not …
CSI: Climate Science Investigation
This is an excellent educational module that explains the nature of scientific inquiry. Differentiates between science and other ways of knowing. Explains the variety of methods that scientists use to revise and produce new knowledge. Describes the components of an evidence-based scientific argument. Explains the role of skepticism in scientific inquiry. Explains how the scientific …
2024 State of the Secular States
The 2024 State of the Secular States report is the sixth edition of the American Atheists annual review of state law and policy that affects religious equality and the separation of religion and government. READ THE REPORT HERE: https://states.atheists.org/
A FEW REASONS WHY ATHEISTS DON’T BELIEVE IN A GOD
REASONS TO BELIEVE… OR NOT? People give different reasons why they believe in a god. Some are: 1. I hear god’s voice – he speaks to me. 2. My holy book tells me god exists. 3. My parents told me god exists and I believe them. 4. Lots of people believe in a god so …
Riverside Parks Now
Riverfront Parks Now of which the First Coast Freethought Society is a partner, is a coalition of non-profit organizations that “advocates for a connected network of parks and green spaces in downtown Jacksonville,” and a group whose coalition members have spent countless hours studying successful riverfront parks . . . READ MORE HERE: https://sherrymagill.substack.com/p/keep-it-simple
An Interview with Daniel Dennett
In his new memoir, “I’ve Been Thinking,” Daniel Dennett, a professor emeritus at Tufts University and author of multiple books for popular audiences, traces the development of his worldview, which he is keen to point out is no less full of awe or gratitude than that of those more inclined to the supernatural. How to …