Subject: [Atheist] AANEWS for July 19, 1996 (Special Edition, Part Two) Date: Fri, 19 Jul

Subject: [Atheist] AANEWS for July 19, 1996 (Special Edition, Part Two)
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 1996 18:04:27 -0700
From: AMERICAN.ATHEISTS@listserv.direct.net
Reply-To: aanews@listserv.atheists.org, AMERICAN.ATHEISTS@listserv.direct.net

     nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
     nnnnnnnnnn   AANEWS   nnnnnnnnnn
     #100 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu 7/19/96  (Special Edition, Part Two)

   THE RELIGIOUS EQUALITY AMENDMENT ~ AN ATHEIST RESPONSE
                                      (Part Two of Two)

                                                         V
   Atheism is the weltanschauung which eschews acceptance of these doctrines.
 However, a free marketplace of idea exchange in which criticism of these
basic tenets of religion might be permitted has been deliberately precluded
in the culture of the United States and the four tenets consequently have not
been challenged.
   The current attempt to obtain a Constitutional amendment to restore prayer
necessarily brings with the prayer the (above) baggage of the ideas upon
which prayer is predicated.  The object is to indoctrinate immature minds to
the acceptance of basic religious dogma by repetition of religious formulae.
 This is despite the pedagogical knowledge that a child should not be
subjected to lies or absurdities lest his educational experience be
completely undermined.
                                                            VI
   What we have at hand here is the mind-set of the religious.  Their
assumption is that there are certain inherent values in religion which (1)
must be appreciated by all.  Therefore, religious practices (2) must be
protected, (3) have an enlarged arena in which to function and (4) be openly
accepted by government.  All of this is under the banner of "protection of
religious belief."  But the intent is really to promote religion and to force
inclusion of the populace in the religious belief system.
   The religious position is that religion must be a pervasive factor in our
culture that penetrates and permeates every institution without exception.
 If the influence of religion in any given public institution or area is
curtailed even partially, then that area is attacked not alone as being
"wholly secular" or "religious free" but accusations of religious intolerance
are voiced.  The religious mind cannot accept a situation in which religion
has its areas and then there are separate secular concerns in which religion
is an unnecessary part of the equation.  This, of course, relates back to the
New Testament, Romans 14:11, "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord,
every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God" -- the
ultimate sectarian demand.
                                                        Conclusion
   American Atheists urges the Congress of the United States to back away
from the Religious Equality Amendment and to encourage and endorse the
concept of "religion free" public schools.

(Signed)
Madalyn Murray O'Hair
                                                             ******
                           SPEAK OUT FOR ATHEIST CIVIL RIGHTS!
           STOP THE PROPOSED RELIGIOUS EQUALITY AMENDMENT!

   Your help is urgently needed if we are stop any version of the Religious
Equality Amendment.  Unfortunately, many of the groups and individuals
identified with the "against" side in this fight are part of religious
organizations who happen to object to the Amendment.  While their arguments
often raise valid points, they frequently ignore the fact that it is not just
"minority" religions which may find school prayer or other
government-sponsored religious ritual to be offensive.
   American Atheists is attempting to have The Constitution Subcommittee of
the House Judiciary Committee hear the testimony of the President of the
organization, Ellen Johnson.  Those of you who wish to support this effort
may help by faxing the following members of The Constitution Subcommittee,
asking that they call Ms. Johnson for the hearing scheduled this coming
Tuesday, July 23.  Here are names and FAX  numbers of Congressional
Representatives to contact:
(Democrats)
Rep. Barney Frank (Mass.)  202-225-0182
Rep. Melvin Watt  (N.C.)   202-225-1512
Rep. John Conyers (Mich.)   202-225-0072
Rep. Pat Schroeder (Colo.)   202-225-5842
(Republicans)
Rep. Chalres T. Canady (Fl.)     202-225-2279
Rep. Henry Hyde (Ill.)   202-225-1166
Rep. Bob Inglis (S.C.)   202-226-1177
Rep. Michael Patrick Flanagan (Ill)   202-225-3128
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (Wis.)   202-225-3190
Rep. Martin R. Hoke (Ohio)   216-356-2010
Rep. Lamar Smith (Tx.)   202-225-8628

   It is suggested that you "personalize" and sign each letter if possible.
                                                    **********************
   If you are a member of American Atheists, consider participating in our
moderated discussion forum, AACHAT.  We discuss Atheism, state-church
separation, religion, AA activities, and related topics.  To participate,
contact our moderator, Margie Wait by e-mail: aachat@atheists.org; be sure to
include your name and postal address.
                                                             *********
  Coming Next Week... The AMERICAN ATHEISTS WEBSITE!  Watch for the Launch
Announcement on AANEWS!
                                                                 ****
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