Atheists will have their own National Mall Rally on March 24th. Any Clutchfans going? Link for the rally http://www.reasonrally.org/about/ The Reason Rally: A Celebration of Secular values What is the Reason Rally? The Reason Rally is a movement-wide event sponsored by the country’s major secular organizations. The intent is to unify, energize, and embolden secular people nationwide, while dispelling the negative opinions held by so much of American society… and having a damn good time doing it! It will be the largest secular event in world history. There will be music, comedy, great speakers, and lots of fun… and it’s free! When will the Rally be held? On March 24, 2012, from 10:00AM – 4:00PM at the National Mall, nontheists from all corners of the nation will descend on Washington, D.C. en masse to deliver the good news: “We’re huge, we’re everywhere, and we’re growing.” Why are we doing this? Across America, in every city, every town, and every school, secularism is on the rise. Whether people call themselves atheists, agnostics, secular Humanists, or any of the other terms used to describe their god-free lifestyle, secularism is coming out of the closet. According to the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey (PDF), the percentage of people with no religious affiliation grew in all fifty states. The purpose of this particular rally will be to advance secularism (in the broadest sense of the word) in society. Are we just going to use this opportunity to trash religion? No. This will be a positive experience, focusing on all non-theists have achieved in the past several years (and beyond) and motivating those in attendance to become more active. While speakers have the right to say what they wish, the event is indeed a celebration of secular values. What do you hope to achieve from this Rally? We have three main goals: To encourage attendees (and those who can’t make it) to come out of the closet as secular Americans, or supporters of secular equality. To dispel stereotypes – there is no one “True Atheist”. We will have non-theists from all political persuasions, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. We will show that there are secular Americans in every American demographic. Legislative equality. Secular Americans can run for office and adequately represent theists, just as theists in office can represent their secular constituents proudly and openly. We deserve a seat at the table just like theists, and we hope this rally can put our values in the radar of American voters.
I might attend something like this. I'm not really into rallies or socializing in general but if I'm not doing work around the house, I might take my atheist lady friend.
For real. But at least we can depend on some agnostics to show up to increase the "I am even more reasonable than atheists." factor.
hey, don't hate on freaks and geeks <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/otPxoVQiIGo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Ironically enough, I think avoiding rallies was a big part of why I eventually became an atheist. That and hearing my Episcopalian pastor call Muslims a cult during Saturday "confirmation class" (some things just sound dumb and wrong the first time you hear them).
This seems more about political rights and personal choices. While I'm a proud believer, I don't think people should be discriminated against for any position in the public/private sector or by certain closeminded cultures in our society. There's no way an atheist would ever be elected to a major position in our government by today's voters and it has nothing to do with the job that he/she could do. I think that atheists in rural areas have it much harder than in big cities. Heck, I've even been in towns where people looked at me weird when I told them I was Jewish. While I have been annoyed with some loudmouthed and rude atheists as of late, I can't help but support a rally like this. We should judge people by their actions, not by what we think they believe.
I'd support a rally to reinforce secularism in government. But a rally for atheism is as ridiculous as a rally for any religious concept. I could hold up a sign that said " A sentient being capable of influencing the universe as we know it seems improbable to me but I'll support any system that promotes ethical behavior "
Agree. It takes just as much faith to be an athiest as it does to be a christian. And nobody wants either one shoved down their throat as the "right" answer. Donnymost faints.
And they say atheism isn't a religion. Now they're even having campmeetings. Will Atheist Preacher be there?
I never understood why there are rallies and groups for NOT believing. I'm an atheist, but I see little point... I know! Let's have a convention for people who DON'T collect stamps!
Atheists are no better than radical theists if they decide to do this. Fight for secularism in politics.
