INQUIRER Volume 5, Issue 10, October, 2002, Long Island Secular Humanists Box 119, Greenlawn, NY 11740, Email: LISecHum@aol.com . A Thumbs Up Publication Editor: Gerald Dantone, Art Design: John R. Wilmarth Copyright LISH 2000 (All articles in this newsletter may be reprinted by organizations affiliated with the Council for Secular Humanism with a reciprocating reprinting agreement with LISH, so long as the article is used in full and with complete crediting. Edited versions can be used with written permission.)
LISH QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Based on the facts that are known and the case being made by proponents, should the US "preemptively" invade/attack Iraq in the near future without support from allies and/or the UN? With UN support?
Email LISH @ LISecHum@aol.com or write to LISH, PO Box 119, Greenlawn, NY 11740.TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) The Godless March on Washington
2) Letters to the Editor
3) The “God Squad” Attacks The Secular
4) QUICKIES!
5) The Fallacy of Clericalism
6) Making the Rounds with Norm
7) Origins
8) They're in Charge, and We Don't CountLISH members, our monthly meetings (Calendar) are your chance not only to see and hear a stimulating discussion on an exciting subject, but also to meet with your fellow secular humanists on Long Island.
THE GODLESS MARCH ON WASHINGTON From American Atheists and the Council for Secular Humanism
It's Our Turn Now!
In the fall of 2002, "Godless Americans" of all stripes will follow in a grand tradition and march on Washington, DC! Just about every political and social "cause" organization has done it -- gays, blacks, women, even the Promise Keepers. Groups of every ideological coloration have spoken out and demanded "a seat at the table" by mobilizing their supporters for a march or demonstration in our nation's capital.
It's American as apple pie...
And now, it's our turn!
On Saturday, November 2, 2002, "Godless Americans" -- individuals and representatives of the nation's diverse community of non-religious people -- will make history and march on Washington. At the 28th National Convention of American Atheists, President Ellen Johnson announced this new initiative in giving "Godless Americans" a new voice and presence. We are reaching out to all and everyone in America who has no religious beliefs -- Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists, Rationalists. Whatever the label, we're asking you to come to Washington, DC and be part of this important event.
We are calling this "The Godless Americans March on Washington." Like every other group that has fought its way from the margins of society into the mainstream, we have demands -- a new agenda for a secular America.
The Time For Us To Be Heard Is Now!
There are millions of Godless Americans. The latest American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reflects that nearly 13% of the population has no religion. This includes millions who identify themselves with labels such as Atheist, Freethinker, Humanist and others. There are over 30,000,000 of us, a figure larger than most American religious denominations. And it's time for us to be heard!
President Bush and other political leaders often ignore us and instead attempt to rally the nation to prayer and religious faith. "Godless Americans" have been marginalized and excluded in everything from electoral politics to the public events commemorating the tragedy of September 11, 2001. No other group would tolerate such bigotry and exclusion! It's time to speak out and be heard!
The March on Washington...
Members of Atheist, Freethought, Humanist, Rationalist and other like-minded organizations are being invited to join us in the Godless Americans March on Washington.
* The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2002. . Any changes will be announced in the "Updates" section of the web site (http://godlessamericans.org/).
* The event will be held on the National Mall, west side of the U.S. Capitol Building from approximately 11 AM to 2-4 PM. We are currently negotiating with the Service and other area agencies for a March down the mall (beginning on the east side of 14 St., Washington Monument area) to the rally location.
From the Council for Secular Humanism:
Council to Join Godless Americans March on Washington
The Council for Secular Humanism has endorsed the Godless Americans March on Washington scheduled for November 2, 2002, in the nation's capital. The march is being organized by American Atheists, who have called for the participation of all secular humanists, rationalists, atheists, agnostics and freethinkers.
The Council is dedicated to the March on Washington and we shall network with all our local organizations both on and off campus to generate the largest turnout of secular humanists possible. We urge all of our supporters to join us in D.C. behind the banner of the Council for Secular Humanism. A large turnout will see to it that the voice of secular America is not drowned out by the wave of religiosity currently crashing over the country.
For general information call Katherine Bourdonnay at ext. 313. You can also e-mail us at djgrothe@centerforinquiry.net, adacey@centerforinquiry.net or kbourdonnay@centerforinquiry.net
THE OFFICIAL HOTEL AND WELCOME EVENT BANQUET VENUE FOR THE GODLESS AMERICANS MARCH!
Join us in the nation's capital at the official hotel of the Godless Americans March on Washington -- the Hilton Garden Inn, Arlington Courthouse Plaza. The Hilton is located at 1333 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, Virginia 22201. The nearby Metro can take you from the hotel to the Mall for the rally.
The Hilton Garden Inn will be the site of our Friday night, November 1, 2002 "Meet 'n Greet' Welcome Buffet for representatives of participating groups and individual supporters of the Godless Americans March on Washington!
Rates and Other Info...
* A special room rate has been arranged for GAMOW participants: King/Double/Queen $89 per night. Extra person charge: $15 per night for third person. This special rate is available from Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3, 2002. Room tax is 4.5% with Occupancy tax of 5.25%.
Cut off date for this special rate is October 18, 2002. Reservations made after that date will be accepted only upon availability, standard rates.
* You must make your reservations directly through the hotel. Contact Julie Duchin, Director of Sales at 703-528-4444, or via e-mail through jduchin@hgicourthouse.com. Regular reservations at this new hotel will not be taken until September, but anyone participating in the Godless Americans March can register early through Ms. Duchin.
And Join Us For A Friday Night "Meet 'n Greet" Welcome Banquet t The Hilton For Godless Americans!
We are hosting a special "Meet 'n Greet" Welcome Buffet Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn on Friday night, November 1, 2002 beginning at 8 PM. Everyone participating in the Godless Americans March on Washington is welcome, from representatives of groups to individual participants.
* Rate for the buffet dinner is $32 per person (includes all taxes, gratuities.
* Space is limited for this Welcome event, so mail in your reservations as soon as possible!
* As with the rooms at the Hilton, seating for this Friday night Welcome buffet event is limited! Send check or money order at the rate of $32 per person to: AMERICAN ATHEISTS, PO Box 5733, Parsippany, NJ 07054-6733. Be sure to include your full name, postal mailing address, phone number and e-mail if possible. Reservations for the buffet banquet are on a first-come basis.
The Council for Secular Humanism's Hotel Discount
The CSH also has arranged for a discounted hotel rate. A special discounted hotel rate at the Capital Hilton of $89 a night plus tax, singles or doubles. You must make your reservations directly with the hotel at 1-800-445-8667 between August 19th and Oct. 1 (the sooner the better) and be sure to ask for the Council for Secular Humanism rate. The Capital Hilton is centrally located at the corner of 16th and K St. NW (a block and a half from the Farragut North Metro stop.) Availability is limited so please make your reservations soon!
The Council's Breakfast Buffet!
A breakfast meeting on the morning of the march will be held at the Twigs Grill room in the Capital Hilton. Seating capacity is limited so please indicate your interest in the breakfast at $14 plus tax as soon as possible by contacting Ed Buckner at ebuckner@centerforinquiry.net.
From American Atheists:
SECULAR HUMANISM is the philosophy of life guided by reason and science, freed from religious and secular dogmas, motivated by an appreciation of life and the lives of others, seeking to reach goals of human happiness, freedom and understanding on this earth, in this life.
All articles in this newsletter may be reprinted by organizations affiliated with the Council for Secular Humanism, American Atheists or the American Humanist Association, with a reciprocating reprinting agreement with LISH, so long as the article is used in full and with complete crediting. Edited versions can be used with written permission. [TOC]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Re: What have you learned from 9-11? What should the American people have learned?
8/9/03 What the people of the United States should have learned from September 11, 2001, is that there are fanatic Islamists in large numbers who are either happy that Americans should die, are willing to kill them or are actually PLANNING to do them in. These are people with a murderous doctrine that is incompatible with any reasoned political solution. There is no excuse for failing to recognize this, since there are plenty of sources to review actual expressions of their doctrine and attitudes.
Those who offer the same old stale blame-America-first solutions saying that the US has to stop doing something wrong to rightly aggrieved people, simply do not grasp the agenda of these fanatics. There is nothing reasonable we could offer that would satisfy them. Everything the US (and the West in general) has done for Muslims gets ignored (support to the Afghanis to defeat Soviet expansionism; humanitarian intervention in Bosnia, Kosovo and Somalia, defeat of the Iraqi tyrant in his attempt to annex Kuwait, his threat to Saudi Arabia, moneys to Egypt, the Palestinians...) while everything that can be twisted into looking like an offense against their culture is twisted.
The Islamist fanatics hate the West because they have a zero-sum view of world influence. They have the truth, they are the people, and yet the West has the most power and influence. This state of affairs can only be the devil's work. Having been able to boast of greatness in their past, Arabs especially feel humiliated by their failure and impotence today. And this raises other great lessons to draw from September 11, 2001: People can have grievances that are unjustified -- during and after Reconstruction, poor whites in the US resented blacks; Germans in the 1930s and 40s resented Jews. Also, just because a population is poor and downtrodden, their plight need not have any causal relation to other peoples who are prosperous and free. Poverty is related to capacity for production. Distribution of that production can be a factor, but in general, the riches of the few would make poor provision for the many. Simply put, countries that don't produce wealth, are poor. And of course various cultural and political conditions can foster or impede production.
The right response to a sense of impotence among Arabs and other Muslims is to work at becoming great again. The wrong response is to wallow in self pity, nurse one's own infantile rage, and look for scapegoats. The religious fanatics and bigots trade in scapegoats, and the governments that oppress their own people profit from such a diversion of attention from their deficiencies and crimes to the imagined influence of Westerners and, of course, to the all-time champion scapegoats, the Jews.
Americans must be realistic about this threat and be willing to employ the means necessary to defeat it. The West has a poor record of dealing with terrorism. Terrorists, from Iran to Libya, from the Basque Country to Ulster, found a weakness in the modern attitude. They exploit the humanity of their victims. The bet is their victims not only lack the stomach, but aren't even able to conceive the means of defeating them. In this sense, terrorism is a dirty trick, an ignoble way of waging war. But the bet has mostly worked. As long as enough Westerners feel remote enough from terrorism's threat against survival, Westerners are unlikely to find a way of defeating terrorism. When more severe measures have been taken to combat terrorist barbarism (as by the British, the Spanish and the Israelis) there is an outcry in the West. The attitude that makes that outcry inevitable has resulted in a record of appeasement on the part of all the countries that have suffered terrorism. Even Ronald Reagan played the appeasement game: He backed out of Lebanon and he tried to trade arms for hostages.
The argument against taking harsh measures is that "we will become like the terrorists themselves, and then they will have won." While there is a certain superficial, aesthetic appeal to this sentiment, it is actually nonsense. Whenever civilized peoples go to war, they perforce descend into a sphere of barbarism of a kind long banished by civilized nations. But when the work is done, they return to the business of civilized peoples.
We should take a practical, unsentimental approach to appraising the terrorist threat and dealing with it. We should observe all the restraints of humane law, but go forward in ensuring those that work for our destruction are the ones destroyed, and that the stratagems they use to exploit our humanity will not be allowed to work. We will regret any harm that comes to innocents, but if they use innocents as shields, the responsibility for any harm that befalls them is theirs (a principle which is explicitly affirmed by the Geneva Convention, QV).
Perhaps the most urgent lesson to learn from September 11, 2001, is that it can happen here, and could happen in the near future. Accordingly, we should spare no effort to work at ensuring it does not happen again. Anthony O'Donnell via Internet
Response: It must be said, however, that violent religious fanaticism is blunted, as it is in the U.S., by prosperity and education. Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell and Christian Reconstructionists may be fanatics, but the wealth and education levels of this country make it unlikely that they can whip many people into violent frenzies. Americans have much to lose. In poverty stricken countries, there is nothing to lose, in a material sense, by starting violent confrontations. The U.S. and the modernist nations must import prosperity and freedom to the have-nots, not really to make them non-fanatics, since we have our own share, but more importantly to make them content in their lives. If they have lives worth living, they'll be less likely to destroy life - theirs and ours. The elimination of religious fanaticism is the more difficult task, particularly since our country is run by fanatics in their own right. G.D.
8/15/02 If anything, and I'm sure most of the responses will indicate, 9/11 was proof that the idea of a "God" is purely subjective. Not simply in the way the terrorists believed that they were doing a great favor to their own version of God, but also in the way Americans cope with tragedy.
For example, the families of the victims are surely turning to God for strength during this awful time. Perhaps they draw strength on the possibility that "God has a reason for everything." Maybe it was "their time" and that "they were such wonderful people, God wanted and/or needed them in Heaven."
These same people, if their family members were spared, would be praising the very same God for their good fortune: "Thank GOD you made it out in time!!" "I prayed you were okay, and how about that - you're OKAY!!" "We are blessed that our friends didn't fly that day..." etc. etc.
More than ever, Americans are being confronted with a real test of faith. The fanatics that caused this unspeakable horror did so in the name of God. Who among the most devout Christians, Jews or whatever would go *that* far for the sake of *their* beliefs? Clearly, the terrorists felt very strongly about their own faith. What are we not seeing in ourselves that others consider so intensely evil? If we think *we're* right and proper in our beliefs......well, so did they.
I'm hoping that Americans will come out of this with a better sense of reality, that God is pretty much a mere idea that gives us comfort according to how and when we need it. Church is a distraction; mass, a form of meditation and reflection. And religion has no greater power over life events than superstition.
The religious died alongside the atheists. When the Towers were leveled, so was the playing field. Christine Wagner via Internet
Response: I'm hoping with you. G.D.
Re: The God Squad:
8/25/02 Good for you! I have written to the God Squad on two prior occasions, making very much the same points. I happen to know Hartman personally. He never responded to my first letter; the response to the second was basically, “Well, we are asked to say what we believe.” He didn't mean to offend humanists and admired the work of the Society. I've given up here. It is really juvenile but pernicious. I think the Society's newsletter will carry the second letter I wrote. Keep it up. Arthur Dobrin, Westbury via Internet.
Response: It's pretty crummy to realize he can author what he wrote about “no reason to be good without God” knowing the good work of the Ethical Humanists in Garden City. It not only is ignorant, but it becomes willful ignorance. G.D.
8/25/02 Maybe we ALL should write in and ask them to present a Humanist viewpoint to "balance" their God Squad! (My letter last month was written because of them, also.) Annabelle Glasser, Queens, via Internet.
Response: We all SHOULD write! We have been too docile for too long. G.D.
9/2/02 The God Squad's "For Agnostic Son, a Deity Dialogue" [Part II, Aug. 24] column amounted to nothing more than an attack on rationalism and naturalism. If the reasons they gave for belief truly are their feelings, then its no wonder society is in dire straits these days. Ron Barrier (reprinted from Newsday)
Response: We knew that Mr. Barrier of American Atheists would do his part! G.D.8/24/02 The irony here is that according to the beliefs of the priest's Catholic teachings, recently affirmed by the Pope, the Rabbi is still going to hell. Regards, John Lucania, Queens, via Internet.
Response: Apparently denial trumps irony. G.D.
8/25/02 Your response to the God Squad article is excellent. It's been many a year since I've read Newsday. (I grew up on the Island but left 32 years ago) and wondered what's going on "down there" when it comes to non-theism. Where I am now (Capital District area) has more than it's fair share of religious idiocy and a small non-theistic population. Tough place to be for us. Anyway, keep up the vigilance of these people and could you tell me if there are any get-togethers that anyone could attend. Every so often I like to get there and see what's going on. Thanks, Tony Geloso via Internet
Response: Thanks for writing, and as far as non-theism, it's about what it is everywhere - a certain percentage of people fail to believe in the supernatural, yet find reason to be good, despite the advice of the likes of the “God Squad.”
8/25/02 Having just read Gellman and Hartman's God Squad column in the 8/24/2002 Newsday, in which they replied to a woman agonizing over her son's agnosticism, I must say I'm disappointed by their atheist-bashing. I always considered these two clerics to be harmless, occasionally humorous individuals who had a right to their own views -- until now. First, they say, "be glad (your son) is only an agnostic and not yet an atheist." Excuse me, guys -- is there something unacceptable about being an atheist? To ardent theists, perhaps? The column then goes on to list the "proofs of God's existence." Mind you, Thomas D'Aquinas tried to do just that centuries ago, and he, like the God Squad, relied heavily on blind faith as opposed to accepted scientific proof. Some things never change, but this is not my concern. To me, the greater tragedy is the obvious intolerance some religious leaders show for those who don't share their theistic views. David Shobin, M.D., Smithtown, via Internet.
Response: And you know what is extra scary? The God Squad is viewed as an example of religious tolerance in action! Can you believe that two bigots are known for tolerance? It's proof that intolerance towards non-believers is so acceptable that you're considered tolerant even if you're intolerant of non-theists! G.D.
Re: Animal Rights:
9/3/02 I have to express deep respect of (Carl Schulz' position in his 9/02 INQUIRER article) and also recognize the relative cruelty inflicted on animals in preparation for human consumption. We can seek out alternatives such as free range animals and dramatic reduction of meat consumption.
After watching Evolution I wonder if Humans would have evolved the same way had they remained strictly vegetarian during this period. Is consumption of fish also subjecting this species to similar cruelties?
One other issue I wish to ponder is when a natural predator is removed such as over population of deer if there is not more compassion in hunting starving deer rather than having them starve to death.
I am uncertain about the animal right issues except for the excessive cruelties which seem to me the worst offense here. Vegetarians really have to be very precise to round out their nutritional requirements, however possible this seems to be. I start with reduction of meat products and wait input from other wise voices. Norm Roscoe, Oakdale, via Internet.
Response: It would seem to be that animal “welfare” is an issue that almost all humanists support, thought we must admit that much more is needed to be done. This is definitely an area for future expansion and effort. However, it is the animal “rights” stance as articulated by the more extreme organizations and that would literally outlaw (for humans only) all animal products or uses, including meat, milk, eggs, wool, leather, the use of animals in medicines, zoos, and even outlaw animals as pets that has many humanists scratching their heads.
PETA's most recent campaign, the “Got Beer” ads promoting the drinking of beer instead of milk and targeting underage college students is the latest example. Though they claim to be looking out for human's health, nothing could be less important. If milk were a perfect food, they'd still be against it. G.D. [TOC]THE "GOD SQUAD" ATTACKS THE SECULAR Gerry Dantone
The God Squad column of August 24 hit a new low in misrepresentation and bias towards non-theists. First let's clarify definitions: Atheists are persons without belief in god or gods. Agnostics believe that one cannot know or prove whether a god exists or not. Obviously one can be both an agnostic and an atheist without contradiction.
More to the point, incredibly, they present but one weak argument for God's existence as an example of their best argument: "If there was no God there would be nothing to start the world." Of course this ignores the obvious problem of "if there was no God-maker there would be nothing to start God's existence." The most reasonable stance to take is that the universe, or the potential for the existence of the universe, which at least we know to exist, has always existed. To posit a god explains nothing.
The rest of their diatribe is nothing but bias against a naturalistic world view. They write "If there is no God, there would be no reason to do good." This is an incredible accusation, supported by nothing. Non-theists find ample reason to do good from an appreciation of life, and concern for themselves and others. I love my children and want a better world for them. I care about my fellow travelers on this planet and want misery eliminated as fully as possible. Why would the existence of a god change these feelings? What good would god's existence be if I didn't care? Belief in god can only lead to obedience in order to gain reward or avoid condemnation, and as bin Laden and his followers have proven, obedience to a god's will does NOT lead to human well being necessarily. CARING about others leads to humanity's improvement, and we need no god to care. Making the world a better place because we want a better world is the only "religion" that makes any sense or is of any use. It is simply human to care.
This column is an extension of the animus that motivated believers to deliberately exclude non-theists from saying Pledge of Allegiance by adding the phrase "under God." An apology is owed to non-theists, which can include atheists, agnostics, deists, Buddhists, secular humanists, Ethical Culturists, many Unitarian Universalists, freethinkers, rationalists, Taoists, Confucists, pagans and many others, including up to 25,000,000 Americans, but we're not holding our collective breath.
Newsday desperately needs to balance the simple-minded answers offered by the God Squad with a humanistic viewpoint that is unafraid to ask and answer the tough questions about religion and ethics. (As of this date, Newsday has not responded to the above letter - G.D.)
(The following is the original question and answer as provided by the “God Squad” in Newsday on August 24, 2002.
Q. My 15-year-old son, Sean, is super bright and has just told me he's been wrestling with the existence of God. He said he is only an "agnostic” -- not an "atheist” -- because he isn't convinced there is no God. I am very upset because he's always been close to God, and, in fact, it was his deep faith through the years that inspired me to get closer to God. What should I say to him? Beth, Atlanta
A. First of all, be glad that Sean is only an agnostic and not yet an atheist. Saying he is an agnostic and is not sure about God seems to us to be an important but veiled request for spiritual guidance.
Open up a dialogue about God with Sean. Support and value his doubts and share with him moments in your life when you may have questioned God's existence. Then ask if he would be willing to discuss this matter with your clergyman or clergywoman, perhaps with you present.
Here are our best proofs for God. Use them as conversation starters, but understand that your son's God talk is really just a cover for other questions about the meaning of life and his place in the world.
We think God is real, because if there was no God there would be nothing to start the world.
If there is no God, there would be no reason to do good. If there is no God, there would be no difference between people and animals. If there is no God, there would be no souls and no chance that souls could live on after death.
Mostly, if there is no God, there is no reason to get out of bed in the morning and no reason to believe that life has an edge over death, hope an edge over despair and love an edge over hate.) http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-p2squad2835993aug24.story [TOC]
QUICKIES! Gerry Dantone
Item: (AP) The President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, an association of Roman Catholic religious orders, has told his colleagues that American Bishops have been “paralyzed in remorse” over sex abuse and have been scapegoating molester clergy to regain the public's trust. Rev. Canice Connors said demands from the victims have led US Bishops to abandon the Catholic belief in redemption for sinners - even when they are abusive priests. “In paying this purchase price for their moral credibility, the bishops in effect could be perceived to have become one with the voices of the media, unreconciled victims and a partially informed Catholic public in scapegoating abusers” said Connors a Conventional Francsiscan.
Comment: “God” forbid that the Bishops become “one” with the victims! And what is this “scapegoat” stuff? Exactly WHO is the REAL villain? Could it be … Satan? What the Rev. Connors is saying is that the Bishops don't have to do anything to retain their moral credibility - they have it by simply being Bishops. The scandal is all a media creation, yeah, that's the ticket. Is this further evidence of a strain of elitism, self-importance, and perhaps anti-freedom, and anti-democratic sentiment that runs through much of the Roman Catholic hierarchy?
Item: (LA Times) Residents of the village in Guatemala are praising the Lord for the surgery that separated hometown twin girls joined at the head. “It was our faith that saved them” said the twins' grandmother. Another neighbor said, “This could only be the work of a miracle.
When the children were born with the defect the grandmother had cried “Why did this happen to us? Perhaps it was a test of God?” Now that the surgery was successful thus far a local preacher exulted, “You are with us Lord, when we ask your help.”
Commernt: Isn't it an amazing coincidence that the miracle was only granted after the years of hard work of numerous scientists? After, all, it wasn't as if some local residents who had never studied medicine just hacked away hoping and praying for the best! I guess God works in some not so mysterious ways. There He goes again - delegating the blame and confiscating the credit!
Item: (AP) An Islamic terrorist group in Pakistan is targeting Christian churches and churchgoers as a reaction against the government of Pakistan siding with the US against the Taliban. An attack on a hospital church killed 3 worshipers. The next day three men blew themselves up to avoid arrest after police stopped them. They had boasted that soon other groups would carry out similar attacks against “Christians and nonbelievers.”
Comment: Why not? The bible DOES say "Anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed.” (Ex 22: 20) All we have here is a little difference of opinion of what or who is the “Lord.” Aside from that, the remedy is seemingly agreed upon among the various religions!
Item: (Daily News) An American couple trying to become the parents of the world's first cloned baby says, God really wants us to do this, that this is the next step.” They told Connie Chung on CNN that, “I can't imagine any other reason why we haven't had a child, other than this is what we were meant to do.” The couple has turned to Dr. Zavos and Dr. Antinori, fertility experts, to help them in the cloning procedure. The husband claims he and his wife are “religious people and have searched deep into our selves about this.”
Comment: It is amazing that the doctors have not informed the two that they are not the first couple who have been unable to conceive. How is it that they KNOW God's plan when so many are in the identical situation? Why couldn't it be that God simply does not want THEM to procreate? Why couldn't it be that there is no deity playing games with their lives and they are simply unlucky in the biology department? Why couldn't it be … ahhhhhhh, never mind!
Item: (NY Times) In July, the Boston Archdiocese decided to reject donations from a charitable fund set up by a moderate lay group. The group, the Voice of the Faithful, had set up the fund because many parishioners had refused to give money to the archdiocese. The fund was a way for people to give to programs while bypassing the archdiocese's financial control. Many parishioners were outraged, among them, a prominent Catholic executive saying, “He almost portrayed the folks from Voice of the Faithful … as bad guys - 'We don't want your money.' That was a terrible judgment… I don't think (Cardinal Law) cares what people think.”
Comment: Wait a minute - isn't the Church infallible? Is the hierarchy the Church or is everyone, e.g.: the people, the Church? What if the two don't agree? Flip a coin?
Item: (From the Interfaith Alliance) In a stunning backroom political maneuver that could hand the Religious Right lobby their biggest win in years, Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) reached an agreement with the House leadership to allow him to bring the ``Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act,`` H.R. 2357, directly to the House floor for a vote.
The vote was expected within days of the House returning from the August recess. Caving to the demands of the Religious Right, Jones and the GOP leadership, three of whom are sponsors of the bill, have chosen to bypass the committee process by scheduling the bill for a vote under suspension of the rules in early September. Due to legal and ethical concerns, as well as widespread opposition to the bill from religious and faith-based organizations, the influential House Ways & Means Committee had held the Jones bill in limbo for nearly a year, refusing to schedule the bill for a committee vote.
Crafted by attorneys from Pat Robertson`s American Center for Law and Justice, H.R. 2357 would radically alter the tax code by allowing houses of worship to endorse political candidates, lobby for legislation, create political action committees (PACs) and funnel political donations to partisan political causes and candidates. Currently, houses of worship have an `absolute prohibition` on partisan political activities. Despite the rhetoric surrounding this legislation, however, there is nothing in current law that prohibits houses of worship from speaking to issues of the day.
Comment: It is not enough for Church and religious institutions to pick the pockets of the American Public via their unjustifiable real estate tax exemptions not available to other non-profit (!) organizations. They now must not only be subsidized by the government, but then be able to funnel money right back to the politicians who send that tax money their way. Of course, a non-profit such as LISH would not have any such similar rights. For more info on H.R. 2357, please visit: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:h.r.02357:
Item: US Roman Catholic Bishops and leader of Reform and Conservative Judaism have issued a joint statement affirming that Jews should not be targeted for conversion to Christianity. The statement read, “While the Catholic Church regards the saving act of Christ as central to the process of human salvation for all, it also acknowledges that Jews already dwell in a saving covenant with God.”
Comment: Oh.
Does this mean that the forced conversions during the Inquisition were all a horrible mistake? Does this mean that Jews were not “perfidious” as claimed in Easter services over the centuries? Does this mean that accepting Christ is unnecessary for Jews but necessary for everyone else? Why? Do Jews who believe Jesus never even existed still go to heaven? Is this a biblically backed claim? Is Church doctrine as unchanging as advertised and is this what the Church has always believed? And exactly what is wrong with trying to convert others, as long as no force or intimidation is used? What is wrong with a good debate? Somehow, I doubt that a straight answer is forthcoming. Of course on the positive side, it is good to see the improving relations between American Catholics and Jews.
Item: (NY Times) When questioned about which Amendment in the Bill of Rights faces the greatest threat, Gov. Ventura answered: “The separation between church and state. I think the founding fathers believed religion shouldn't interact directly with government. There is no right religion, and no one can prove that there is… My position is that it isn't government's job to mandate patriotism. To me, mandating a pledge of allegiance to a government is something Saddam Hussein would do.”
Comment: This is a unique politician, in more than one way. He did not run on his views of church-state separation, but his somewhat libertarian yet liberal leanings may be the strategy for other freethinking politicians to get elected. He supports small government AND public schools, for example. Even if one disagrees with some of his messages and policies, at the least he comes from a point of view that revolves around human well being, not religious (or secular) dogma. In other words, he can be reasoned with. We need more like him.
Item: (AP) An Islamic high court in Nigeria upheld the conviction of a woman charged with having sex out of wedlock. She is scheduled to be stoned to death. When the verdict was announced many in the courtroom shouted “God is great.” The country's president has declared sharia such as punishments stonings and beheadings as unconstitutional.
Comment: And people in this country think we need more religion in government!
Item: (Local newspapers) The couple from Virginia accused of having sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral were facing criminal charges for their prank, the radio station that provided a play-by-play report is being threatened with license removal by the FCC, and 4 station employees are suspended. After appearing in court, a man shouted “God is angry at you,” to the accused. The only witness to the event, other than the radio station's “reporter” was a church usher who reported the incident to police.
Comment: It is interesting how quickly the long arm of the law was extended to nab these two consenting adults while many of those sanctimonious guardians of our morals, who kept child sexual abuse which was often perpetrated on “hallowed” grounds, from the public's knowledge, continue to reside in the lap of luxury. Who has done worse, “Opie and Anthony,” of the accused radio station, or Bishop Daly, who it was reported said in a deposition (on the same day of the couple's court appearance) that he had no reason for not taking action against accused pedophile priest, Rev. Paul Shanley? Would it be too extreme to consider that while “Opie and Anthony” may be tasteless, and encouraged a disturbance of the peace, at least they're not enabling child rape? Why does justice acting so slowly (or not at all) when the accused is a cleric? Yank the radio station's license? Why aren't we considering yanking church tax exemptions?
Item: (NY Daily News) The principal of a Catholic school said she was effectively fired after she complained of sexual abuse at the hands of a disgraced former parish priest. Barbara Samide was placed on unpaid leave from St. Elizabeth's in Ozone Park just days after she informed officials about the abuse. Samide, 50, had already blown the whistle on the Rev. Thompson for allegedly pilfering school and parish funds to bankroll his lavish lifestyle with a live-in 19 year old gay go-go dancer/lover.
Parents and parishioners rallied around Principal Samide in June when she accused the Diocese of Brooklyn of protecting Thompson in a $5million sexual harassment lawsuit.
The priest was first shuffled to another parish, then left to live with relatives. He remains a priest. She is out of a job.
Comment: I'm shocked! Not. What can you expect from a church with the following attitude, taken from a pamphlet from Catholic Answers: “ The Church is holy because it is the source of holiness and is the guardian of the special means of grace Jesus established…”Excuuuuuse us for even asking a question! Is this arrogance the result of believing its own dogma?
Be Sure to Watch
"Humanist Perspective" hosted by Joe Beck, on Cablevision Public Access, can be seen on Channel 71 on the Woodbury system, Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM (NEW TIME!); and on Channel 70 on the Hauppauge and Brookhaven systems, Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM (NEW TIME!).
LISH ON CABLE!
“Long Island Secular Humanists; What is Secular Humanism?” a LISH one-hour self-produced show will be shown on the Woodbury Cablevision system, Channel 71, @ 6:30 PM Tuesdays (NEW TIME!); on the Hauppauge & Brookhaven Cablevision systems, it will be aired Sundays @ 2:00 PM (NEW TIME!).
WBAI 99.5 FM Radio
EQUAL TIME FOR FREETHOUGHT!
Listen to the show for and by humanist, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, etc. on Sundays @ 6:30 PM, WBAI FM, 99.5 on the dial.
Please write station manager Bernard White and request an expansion of the time to 1 hour's time. The following is the address:
WBAI
Attention: Mr. Bernard White
120 Wall Street, 10th floor
New York City, NY 10005
[TOC]MAKING THE ROUNDS WITH NORM Norm Roscoe
The Evolution Series:
First of all our evolution series continues with our viewing of the second episode. Here we saw how science and scientists work. In general, we have the observation of a phenomenon followed by a hypothesis. This was then tested by careful observation. An updated hypothesis is posed with expected further testing; perhaps the level of a theory is reached.
In this episode a scientist from England noticed the timing of when limbs evolved in animals. In this case the limbs developed earlier than originally thought. Sea animals evolved the limbs first and then came out of the water onto the land. Old ideas and textbooks had to be changed to respond to this new discovery. We continue to see the self-correcting method that science and scientists undergo. For this reason science must be non-dogmatic about findings and theories; and maybe even “laws.”
We also observed the manipulation of genes. We were noticing that genes were moved around to create strange offspring with limbs in strange places. Was this enough to create mutations and new features on succeeding generations? Some of us wondered if there was a need for a real change in genes themselves for the mutations to occur.
We noted that we learned many things but also created further questions to be studied and pondered. We look forward to further episodes as well as expected articles in our newsletter by Oleg Dei to help us with succeeding questions.
A Pow Wow with Native Americans in Copiague, Saturday Aug 10:
The main thing we notice is the extreme concern for our earth and the care we should take of it. With the appreciation of a life supporting planet the Native Americans engage in rituals enhancing our appreciation of the earth and demonstrate ways to help us do this. These so called primitive cultures seem considerably ahead of us in this important area of ecological concern.
Bellport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Aug. 11: On this day the president of this fellowship delivered a talk showing sailing as metaphor for life. Christopher Capobianco presented us with this metaphor such as winds of change. No winds and support systems work as well as teamwork and cooperation. It was easy to see Humanism here at work. All depends on nature; no supernatural help. Support systems come from either nature or human creativity.
Some of us used other items for our metaphor such as hiking canoeing or kayaking.
I did ask about a special support system. How about that little motor employed when there are no winds on entering and leaving the shore. We still need support systems in life as well as in sailing.
Sunday Aug 18, Ethical Humanist Society Long Island:
During the month of August the Ethical Humanist Society conducts discussions led by Laurel Coston. On this day we dealt with ethical dilemmas. We discussed the case of a man who is cheating on his wife and we are aware of it. The challenge is “what is the best thing to do as a knowing friend?”
It seems quite evident that the classic revealed forms of ethics based on divine dictum or scripture are inadequate in solving such ethical problems. The need for reasoning and consideration of consequences based on empathy is necessary in dealing with these problems.
One needs also to make the distinction between situational ethics as contrasted with relative. Whereas the relative choice is based your own subjective feelings, situational ethics are required to consider the circumstances and possible outcomes. Ethics, like knowledge, (epistemology) requires thought - not simple obedience.
Long Island Islamic Center Sunday, Sept 8, Westbury:
A gathering of over a hundred people convened to review the past year from the view of American Muslims and other Multi Faith folks.
According to accounts at this media event many moderate Muslims suffered attacks from both sides; from American non-Muslims and Literalist and Foreign Muslims. Many were physically attacked and ostracized. Many American Muslim leaders made statements decrying the attacks as early as Sept 12 and for the following week. Many people find it hard to believe that Muslims were not supporters of the attacks but at least in this setting one must feel some sympathies for those Muslims here who, at the bottom line, seem to have the same moral decencies of other folks including Humanists.
Sikh speaker Raj Singh also pointed out that any one who remotely looked like a Muslim were also abused; if fact the first American Casualty of civil strife was not a Muslim but a Sikh citizen.
It appears to me that being in touch with folks of various backgrounds helps to decrease this ignorance prevalent in our so called informed culture.
I was pleased to also hear in further conversations that belief in God was not a requirement for being ethical but just understand people of various views about God whether it be many, one or no god we are finding the common moral values must be sought.
[TOC]ORIGINS - Part 2 THE FORMATION OF A SOLAR SYSTEM Oleg Dei
I wonder on how many worlds has the music of life played its harmonies and organic matter grown to consciousness.
A SOLAR SYSTEM IS BORN
Five billion years ago on the majestic Orion spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy star formation was flourishing. Billions of stars turned on and began to shine like fire flies against the darkness of space. In deep space, on the outskirts of the spiral arm a typical cloud of dust and gas had aggregated under the force of gravity and was drifting aimlessly in space. The cloud stretched across hundreds of light years in space.
Inside that dark cloud, temperatures were a few degrees above absolute zero. In one region of the cloud, enough mass had accumulated and slowly the cloud began to collapse. Under the relentless pull of gravity the cloud continued to collapse, until it condensed into a rotating ball of gas. The dense core began to spin wildly, while the remaining part of the cloud flattened into a disk. Gravity continued to pull on the surrounding material, feeding it to the hungry protostar developing in the center of the disk.
As the protostar grew larger, it began to radiate in infrared light, as it converted the energy of gravitational contraction into heat. The protostar continued to grow larger as it “sucked additional mass” from the accretion disk. Further out on the rings of the accretion disk, pebbles of similar size became packed together until they coalesced into larger and larger objects. Through this process, these objects grew to the size of small moons.
As the moon sized objects grew larger, they collided violently with each other adding bulk to their size. Through this process four inner terrestrial planets formed, orbiting the protostar. Since these four planets were too small and much to close to the star, they never formed massive atmospheres.
Meanwhile further out on the accretion disk, four giant planets formed, their cores 10 to 15 times larger than the small terrestrial inner planets.
With their huge cores developed, gravity became an important factor. Their increasing gravitational fields began to draw in gas from the accretion disk, growing larger in size. Millions of years later four gas giants were born.
The two smaller gas giants that were farther from the star, had longer orbital periods and less material to draw in, therefore they became smaller. Progressively further in deep space, a small planet with a long orbital period, grew slowly until it formed.
Meanwhile temperatures inside the protostar reached millions and millions of degrees. Suddenly the star “turned on” and began fusing hydrogen into helium, burning brilliantly as it illuminated the newly formed system.
The solar winds developing from the new born star blew the remaining gas and dust into space. Three hundred million years after the cloud's initial collapse a solar system with its star and planets were born.
Floating in the new solar system were molecules of water, alcohol, ammonia, and various carbon based organic compounds, a leftover from the original cloud. The “stuff of life” was everywhere.
These organic molecules would play a crucial role in the development of life on the third inner planet from the new star. There matter that was fused billions of years earlier would grow to consciousness and ponder its origins.
On this world intelligent beings would evolve and landscape their planet and visit distant worlds.
THE DISCOVERIES OF SCIENCE
Prior to science, there was a great deal of uncertainty and superstition regarding our place in the cosmos.
It wasn't until science developed, that we humans learned of our origins. The following discoveries led to our understanding of our solar system.
In 1543 Nicholas Copernicus was the first to advance that the earth is not at the center of the universe, but actually was one of several planets that revolved around the Sun.
In the early 1600's Johannes Kepler brilliantly deduced that the orbits of the planets were not circular in nature but rather ellipses. Kepler proved mathematically that there is a precise correlation between the size of the planet's orbit and the period it takes for the planet to travel around the Sun. These became known as Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
About the same time Galileo turned his telescope up towards the heavens and his discoveries changed the way we look at our solar system.
In 1666 at the young age of 23 Isaac Newton invented differential and integral calculus, made fundamental discoveries of the nature of light and laid the basic foundation of universal gravitation.
It wasn't until the early 1900's that Einstein's general theory of relativity changed our understanding of gravity and its effects on the cosmos.
In 1976 the two Viking explorer spacecraft successfully landed on Mars and returned spectacular photographs of the Martian surface. Both craft however failed to find any conclusive evidence of life on Mars.
In 1976 the two Voyager spacecraft took numerous astonishing photographs of the planets Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and their moons.
Our understanding of the solar system increased exponentially. This is just the beginning of our understanding of the wonders of the cosmos.VOYAGE THROUGH THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Our solar system contains the Sun, nine planets, numerous moons and countless numbers of asteroids and comets formed 4.5 billion years ago.
MERCURY
The first planet from the Sun is Mercury. Mercury is the smallest of the nine planets and is thought to be composed of heavy minerals, its mass is .055 that of earth, its size approximating that of Ganymede the largest satellite of the planet Saturn. It is a tiny world that shows countless numbers of craters, a reflection of a violent early era of our solar system formation.
It is the fastest of all planets, due to its proximity from the Sun. It takes Mercury 88 days to complete an orbit around the Sun and 59 days to complete a revolution around its axis.
The planet has a light atmosphere and the planet is constantly bombarded by lethal ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. It is a hostile and inhospitable world, the temperature on the bright side is 330 degrees C, while the dark side is 2 degrees C. No life, under our current understanding, could ever evolve under these circumstances. It is a barren and dead world that never gave birth to life. Mercury is a dead rock, floating aimlessly in space.
VENUS
As we leave Mercury, the next planet from the Sun is Venus. This is another hostile world, its size approximating the diameter of Earth. Venus is covered with clouds that completely obscure its surface.
The atmosphere of Venus is composed of 96% carbon dioxide, while the clouds turn out to be a concentration of sulfuric acid. The surface temperatures on Venus, as deduced from radio astronomy and confirmed by spacecraft measurements reach 900 degrees F., hotter than any household oven on earth. The high surface temperature on this planet is a direct result of a planet wide greenhouse effect. The Sun's rays penetrate effectively well through the cloud layer, but the resulting heat is retained by the cloud cover. The resulting atmospheric pressure is 90 times that of Earth's atmosphere.
Radar pictures of the planet's surface show it to be heavily cratered. With its searing heat, crushing atmospheric temperatures and dangerous sulfuric gases, Venus is a dangerous world, devoid of any life. Based on this inhospitable and dangerous environment, it is believed that life could never evolve here, as all known biological molecules would disintegrate under these circumstances.
Spacecraft that reached this extreme world were quickly destroyed by the environment. Venus is a hostile and inhospitable planet, not only would the extreme environment prevent the evolution of any life, it would also destroy any life from another world reaching its toxic surface.
EARTH
Traveling deeper into space, we reach the third planet from the Sun. This is a beautiful planet of blue nitrogen skies, deep oceans of blue, soft meadows and numerous green jungles and forests. Here is a world positively rippling with life. On this planet organic matter, carried from space, has grown to consciousness and developed a little intelligence and understanding of its place in the universe.
Here a species called humans, has evolved from their tree dwelling ancestors, migrated throughout this world and landscaped their environment. They have constructed large cities of concrete, steel and glass, their structures reaching the skies. These humans have traveled to an alien world and sent their robotic explorers to other planets. They have developed medicine, culture, music, art, and compassion for their fellow humans but they also learned how to kill - a gift from their aggressive ancestors that they have inherited along their long evolutionary journey.
They have built nuclear weapons of mass destruction that now sit atop missiles that are pointed at their neighbors, a nuclear Armageddon now waiting to happen. If it does, it will destroy everything they have accomplished. Their survival and the continuation of their species are now in grave danger and perhaps in serious doubt. We can only wonder what they can be thinking. We will return to this blue world, floating helplessly in space in future origins and learn how life evolved there but first we will complete our voyage of discovery and the study of the remaining planets in Origins Part 3 - The Exploration of the Solar System - A Voyage of Discovery.
For further reading
Cosmos by Carl Sagan, Random House, Inc.
Astronomy by Franklin M. Bradley, Mark Chatrand iii, Helmut K. Wimmer Thomas Y. Crowell co.
Astronomy, February 1998.
(More installments to follow.) [TOC]THEY'RE IN CHARGE, AND WE DON'T COUNT Gerry Dantone
In August 2002, I received an email/press release about a Florida School Superintendent who was boasting about his decision to require the Pledge of Allegiance with the “under God” phrase in it despite a lawsuit. I wrote him a letter with much of the information included in The Obscure but Bigoted History of the “under God” phrase in the Pledge” from a previous INQUIRER. I ended the letter with the following:
I'm sure none of this has made an impression on you. Thanks for making sure my children must hide the fact they do not say the words "under God" when the teacher directs them in school every morning. It really makes them proud. Signed, Gerry Dantone
Typically, these kinds of letters which ask the tough questions do not get answered. To my surprise, however I DID get an answer, as follows:
Thanks very much for your email and for your comments about my position on maintaining the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools. As you may know, the complainants are considering further action so the issue is likely to remain in the forefront. It's good for public officials to hear what folks think, whether the feedback is critical or complimentary. Your support of my position and your kind sentiments mean a great deal to me. I'll keep you advised of further developments and, again, I'm grateful that you took the time to share your thoughts with me. Respectfully, Don Gaetz, Superintendent, Oskaloosa County Florida Schools.
I could not resist writing back one more time! I wrote:
Are you stupid or lazy? I completely opposed your position on the Pledge and I could not have made the point more clearly in my letter. Thanks for either not reading my letter or lying to me. Gerry Dantone.
They answered this note and made the excuse that somehow they hadn't read my letter, yet responded to it with thanks! I'm sure they reported overwhelming support for their position to the media. How can they miss when even opposing views are counted as supporting?
Yes, they're in charge and our tax dollars support them! And we don't count. [TOC]
Errata: In the previous INQUIRER, in Oleg Dei's Origins I, a sentence should have read “Our ancestors worshipped our Sun, they were far from wrong.”
For LI Humanist Coalition members:
EVOLUTION!
LISH will be providing the opportunity to view the PBS Evolution series in member homes and, where needed, in a larger setting.
To attend viewings or schedule episodes contact Norm Roscoe at normrhum@aol.com. This series is open to all Humanist coalition members. Hope to hear from you soon.
Ethical Humanist Society of LI
YOUTH ETHICS PROGRAM
The Ethical Humanist Society of LI (EHSLI), a LI Humanist Coalition member, has a children and youth program that may be of great appeal to many humanists and non-theists (and perhaps non-dogmatic theists as well) on Long Island who have few alternatives for ethical and character training for their children. The EHSLI is located @ 38 Old Country Road, Garden City, Nassau County.
PHILOSOPHY
The Ethical Society Youth Ethics Program seeks to affirm the special worth of every human being and to encourage the development of those values which integrate each child into the greater human family. In a warm, caring atmosphere, where all questions can be asked and no answers dismissed or ignored, children gain a sense belonging and have an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings. An exploration of past and present values and spiritual traditions, as well as the whole fabric of human experience and imaginings will help each child in the search for ultimate values in his/her own life. By identifying ethics as central to religion, children are encouraged to explore their own values and beliefs, with the l2 Ethical Culture values emphasized throughout Sunday morning lessons.
ETHICAL CULTURE CORE VALUES
Every person is important and unique.
Every person deserves to be treated fairly and kindly.
I can learn from everyone.
I am part of this earth; I cherish it and all life upon it.
I learn from the world around me by using my senses, mind and feelings.
I am a member of the world community which depends on the cooperation of all people for peace and justice.
I can learn from the past to build for the future.
I am free to question.
I am free to choose what I believe.
I accept responsibility for my choices and actions.
I strive to live my values.
I view ethics as my religion.
METHODS AND CURRICULUM
At the heart of the curriculum is the belief that a feeling of empowerment is at the root of an ethical personality. Children are given materials and a setting where they can express and explore ethics. The teachers are available to facilitate this expression and to encourage further exploration.
ETHICAL IDENTITY
The first three weeks of classes are devoted to an Ethical Identity unit at every level. Familiarity with out Ethical Society and its activities, as well as a study of the Ethical movement and what it stands for, are the main goals of this unit.
SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAM
Sunday classes are held weekly 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. from the third Sunday in September to the first Sunday in June.
Teachers are committed to helping our children internalize & express ethical principles by which to live.
Classes are held for children aged 3 to 13.
Babysitting is provided for children under the age of 3.
A modest tuition is charged.
SATURDAY EVENING PROGRAM
Third Saturday of each month: 5pm - 8:30pm -- (Begins September 21st) Children are encouraged to join us to prepare a meal together and enjoy group activities. The first Saturday will be a 'town hall meeting' with Anne Klaeysen, our new leader. We will brainstorm ideas for the coming year. On future 3rd Saturdays we will have varied programs and be available to help EHS general membership activities taking place on those nights.PRIMARY LEVEL
The Primary children range in age from three to five. The main goal of this level is to enable the children to identify their feelings both negative and positive, and empower them to express those feelings appropriately.
Through stories, songs, games and discussions the children are helped to understand that all people share similar feelings and this common bond can temporize conflicts of interest.
Empathy is encouraged, family life is celebrated, love for oneself and appreciation of differences are developed, and respect for mother earth and her creatures is fostered.
Nature walks and free play are a regular part of the Primary class.
All activities are carried out in a spirit of cooperation.
INTERMEDIATE 1
The Intermediate 1 levell is comprised of children in Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2. Its primary goal is the beginnings of responsibility.
The major curriculum for this level is DUSO (Developing Understanding of Self and Others), which is published by the American Guidance Services. It spans three years and its units include:
Knowing Oneself
Understanding and Expressing Feelings
Exploring One's World
Becoming Self-reliant and Independent
Solving Problems
Valuing Others
Understanding Feelings
Getting along with others
Facing Challenges
Recognizing and Making Choices
Seeing Effects of Decisions
Learning to Resolve Conflicts
Becoming Aware of the Purposes of Behavior
Also included at this level are discussions and activities on treatig our bodies with respect, fostering peace by being a peacemaker, caring for our environment, and other social issues of interest to the children.
INTERMEDIATE II
The Intermediate II level consists of children in 3rd and 4th grades. Its primary goals include developing tolerance and respect in relationships with others, encouraging integrity and a belief in non-violence, and recognizing the need for a strong sense of self in today's world.
The following units are included in the cycle:
Self-esteem and empowerment
Relationships with others
Caring
Friendship
Conflict Resolution
Honesty
Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical Heroes
Stories from various anthologies as well as games and cooperative art projects are the basis for this curriculum.
Journals are kept by students in this class.
INTERMEDIATE III
The Intermediate III class is made up of 5th and 6th graders. Its primary goals are to develop feelings of empowerment, increase understanding of different cultural and religious views and enhance the students' abilities to self-reflect.
Curriculum units include:
Comparative Religion
Teaching Tolerance
Earth Stewardship
Good Decision Making
Prejudice and Stereotypes
Curriculum resources include "Why Do Bad Things Happen."
Teaching Tolerance magazine and The First Book of Ethics.
Students in this class keep weekly journals to aid in self-reflection.
SENIOR LEVEL
The Senior class is made up of 7th and 8th graders. This level is a culmination of the Sunday School experience. Its goals include understanding the importance of making ethical choices and internalization of one's ethical identity.
The following units are included in the two year cycle:
Ethical dilemmas from the students lives
Identification of Ethical Heroes
Prejudice and Stereotypes
Components of a peaceful society
Cooperation vs. Competitiveness
Civil Rights and Responsibilities
Peer Pressure
Societal and Media Attitudes on Social Issues
Students in this class keep a journal to aid in self-reflection.
In the final year of this level, students meet with the Leader of our Ethical Society; the engage in a community service project and they keep a Coming of Age journal. During this year, the 8th grade students celebrate an their Affirmation as ethical human beings.
Curriculum is gathered from newspaper articles, stories, incidents in the students' lives and relevant films.
YOUTH GROUP
Upon completion of Sunday School, students are encouraged to join the Y.E.S. Group (Youth of Ethical Societies) which meets on Sunday mornings at 11:00.
In a spirit of free inquiry, teenagers explore ethical issues of interest with an adult facilitator.
Outings and get-togethers are a part of this experience. Guest speakers from inside and outside the Ethical Society are often invited to inform the students and enrich their discussions.
(Visit the website: http://www.ehsli.org/sundaysc.htm)
INQUIRIES
For further information about the Ethical Humanist Society of LI Sunday Program or Youth Group programs, please direct your inquiries to: Devorah Weinmann at devww2@aol.com
Guest Editorial
Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Tribe:
Said on ABC's Nightline (August 12):
"It bothers me that the executive branch is taking the amazing position that just on the president's say-so, any American citizen can be picked up, not just in Afghanistan, but at O'Hare Airport or on the streets of any city in this country, and locked up without access to a lawyer or court just because the government says he's connected somehow with the Taliban or Al Qaeda. That's not the American way. It's not the constitutional way. And no court can even figure out whether we've got the wrong guy."
TRANSCRIPTS!
Among the availabilities transcripts are those by Prof. Elof Carlson, Ron Barrier, Prof. Hugh Rance, Kieran McNulty; and Gerry Dantone.
LISH members ONLY can email LISecHum@aol.com to request a copy. [TOC]