Stepping into a Moral Matrix ‘other than MY own’ Atheists/Agnostics/Non-Theists

1. Stepping into a Moral Matrix ‘other than MY own’ Atheists/Agnostics/Non-Theists A Fieldtrip experience By: MarLa M. Kepler Evolutionary Psychology University of Washington - Spring 2013

2. Getting invited to attend:

3. 2nd I fielded the input /responses ‘mostly’ from members who were considered leaders of the 1488 person meetup group. 3rd: I conducted some personal interviews with leadership members. Vicky - (VP, co-organizer, Event host – mid 20’s?) Dogpark chat suggested I read: “Atheism For Dummies” http://www.amazon.com/Atheism-For-Dummies-Religion-Spirituality/dp/111850920X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367127494&sr=8-1&keywords=atheism+for+dummies& The Idiots Guide to Atheism http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CLjYHqfilE • Eliza: suggested video clips at Chris Johnson's YouTube Channel. • From his for his project: • “A Better Life: 100 Atheists Speak Out On Joy & Meaning" Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doxUk88Lk9c • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFuy0gergBE

4. I learned - basic terms: • Atheist: There is no god(s) [unseen, omniscent / omni-present beings] watching over /guiding us all. There is no bible or theistic text that offers "the" answer(s). • Agnostic: (The same as above except ) they might add: ‘as far as I know ‘ or ‘as far as I have experienced’ or ‘such things are unknowable’ but, there ‘might be! • ‘Please be aware that few atheists consider themselves to be "anti-theists" . Many see that term as a negative stereotype. Some do refer to themselves this way. But, it usually denotes an aggressive form of atheism.

5. Both Atheists & Agnostics = Non-theists • Hi Marla, • I am kind of a hybrid, not easily categorized as either a theist or an atheist.  I feel pretty strongly that we do have a "soul" that continues after death but don't really believe there's a "God" (in the traditional sense) out there judging and directing us.  These two beliefs put me firmly in neither of these distinctions. If you'd like to interview me for your school project let me know! (Betsy)

6. THE DAWKINS’ SCALE: Strong Theist: “I do not question the existence of God. I know he exists” De-Facto Theist: I cannot know for certain but I strongly believe in God” Weak Theist: I am very uncertain, but I an inclined to believe in God” Pure Agnostic: God’s existence and non existence are equi-probable. Weak Theist: I do not know whether God exists but, I am inclined to be skeptical De-Facto Atheist: I cannot know for certain but I think the existence of God is very improbable. Strong Atheist: Ian 100% certain that there is No God. Supplemental images:

7. THE DAWKINS’ SCALE: Strong Theist: “I do not question the existence of God. I know he exists” De-Facto Theist: I cannot know for certain but I strongly believe in God” Weak Theist: I am very uncertain, but I an inclined to believe in God” Pure Agnostic: God’s existence and non existence are equi-probable. Weak Theist: I do not know whether God exists but, I am inclined to be skeptical De-Facto Atheist: I cannot know for certain but I think the existence of God is very improbable. Strong Atheist: Ian 100% certain that there is No God.

8. Society & Non-Theists: • “The NEW Atheists consider the concept of people, and religions who believe in the idea of there being a God to be offensive. (her explanation) Anything that teaches to ‘leave all that you came from and whole heartedly follow ME’ is inherently immoral” (Vicky). • “I believe religion to be a symptom of mental illness” • ( Stan) • A list of what Atheists are angry about re: religion. (Greta Christina) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUI_ML1qkQE (48 minjutes)

9. THE FASTEST GROWING WORLDWIDE RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT IS THE MOVE ‘AWAY FROM RELIGION’. • It was not possible to list all the key issues or presences that GRETA stated make atheists angry. Many of those issues I found were things that bothered me and were offensive to me too. • A core concept: Atheists are Angry and Anger is good. ‘Anger has accompanied all the major social movements throughout the history of mankind. When theists tell you that (‘you should be able to discuss with out anger because it is off-putting’), you should know that they are just trying to shut you up. There is power in anger don’t let theists disempower you!’

10. Other Sanctioned Resources: • The American Atheist Magazine • The Friendly Atheist http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/ • Mike Clawson, a liberal Christian Clawson requested, received and used comments from atheists as background for, and as one collective information source for, this paper. (written for his divinity course). "Atheists as Outsiders: America’s Most Despised Religious Minority". • https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/1/?ui=2&ik=90ac6bf51d&view=att&th=13e4db2b76a75c93&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_hg1dkj9j0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P-zuoVpLazyoEV-vzMvE_Z1&sadet=1367176774675&sads=b-b0a4xf6cTCx82ykToW_ib3AvI

11. Does Science Debunk Religion? • Since the renaissance, atheist academics have preached: Science is the antidote to belief in God. • Response, World-renowned philosopher Alvin Plantinga claims that atheism undermines scientific theories and that religious beliefs support and encourage scientific inquiry. • Plantingas tackles this topic in his most recent book: • Where the Conflict Really Lies. http://www.discovery.org/e/3361 • http://www.meetup.com/seattle-atheists/events/111625462/ • http://www.meetup.com/seattle-atheists/photos/14253762/224062382/#224061892

12. Lobbying group kick off – 9 attending! • Do you believe in supporting the separation of church & state?  Want to help promote public policy that supports science & reason based solutions to problems in our society?  Think atheists should be heard heardin govt? • The NEW Seattle Atheists - lobby team will be discussing issues we care about & developing strategies for shaping public policy in our area. • Current Issue: Catholic takeover of secular hospitals.   • If this issue worries you, join the lobby team / voice your concerns.

13. What draws atheists together?United via community service = “Doing more than just praying to a non-existent being”. • Monthly: blood donation • Every other month: Working at Food Lifeline • Frequent /sporadic opportunities: Youth care, Seattle Children's Hospital, Marriage Equality Campaign, summer kids science camp, etc. • Annual charity events: Day of Caring; Public Radio Pledge Drives; Pineapple Classic; Relay for Life-etc.

14. Specific Topics: • Abortion: The right to bodily autonomy is well accepted in our culture. It is exceedingly rare to find a pro-life atheist.   • Circumcision: At the intersection of Religion, Medicine, and Human Rights http://www.meetup.com/seattle-atheists/events/111226472/?a=md1_grp&rv=md1&_af_eid=111226472&_af=event • From a group member: “This is a clip from my Atheist, Agnostic or Just Unconvinced podcast, Funny to the Moon! Circumcision?!http://thebigfunny.com/circumci... • I wrote: A good listen, I always like to Google Scholar - so I get "both sides of the argument' based on 'current research.  • http://www.cfp.ca/content/53/12/2096.fullhttp://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/08/22/peds.2012-1989 Thanks A lot!!! ----->>>

15. **Events attended: • Jeff Lauder (Atheist Speaker) : At the Creationist Association of Puget Sound – “Why Atheists disagree with Creationism”. -A rationalist discussion – • Saturday May 11th, 2013 • Avondale Bible Church-17010 Avondale Road Northeast • Woodinville, WA 98077 • DanielDennett (Renowned Atheist Philosopher) • At Town Hall- Seattle (8th & Spring) • Monday May 13th, 2013

16. All ‘groups’ have sub-groups & individuals who bring their own variation to the core messages. • Suggestsed Video by several people: • “What if we Atheists are Wrong?” • IMO: Scott did this very well! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqz0plz6DEs

17. The Fastest Growing Worldwide Religious Movement is:the move ‘Away From Religion!