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from militaryatheists.org: Atheists in Foxholes News 10 Nov 2011

November 30, 2011 By Jason Torpy Leave a Comment

MAAF has selected 26 recent articles of interest in the areas of atheism humanism in the military, society, and government, both in the US and internationally.  MAAF was covered in Mother Jones, the Atlantic, the Alyona Show on RT, the Boston Globe, and the Baltimore Sun.  The Baltimore Sun added an editorial in support of MAAF efforts to recognize humanists.

Congratulations to Justin Griffith for reenlisting.  Dustin Chalker recently left the military and took the opportunity to call out a senior officer using his blog to disparage junior atheists.

Several church-state separation stories have come up in preparation for the “holiday” season.  An atheist Egyptian blogger represents the importance of free press, free speech, and the rights of atheists.  The Harvard Humanist Chaplaincy had several great events.  Books reviewed include Christopher Hitchens’s “Arguably” and Steven Pinker “The Better Angels of our Nature.”

MAAF In the News

Atheists in Foxholes News Recap

Military Atheists In the News

Separation of Church and State

Humanist Authors

International Humanism

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/11/atheists-in-foxholes-news-10-nov-2011/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=atheists-in-foxholes-news-10-nov-2011

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from militaryatheists.org: Atheists in Foxholes News 11 Oct 2011

November 30, 2011 By Jason Torpy Leave a Comment

MAAF has selected 63 recent articles of interest in the areas of atheism humanism in the military, society, and government, both in the US and internationally.  The tenth anniversary of 9/11 happened during the past month and played a prominent role in the news.  MAAF highlighted those stories in a separate 9/11 section, including coverage of comments by MAAF President Jason Torpy at a 9/11 Memorial at the Harrisburg State Capitol.  Unfortunately the passionate feelings of 9-11 have also caused several journalists to lash out at atheists, disparaging our service to the nation.  Others took the time to recognize atheist hero Pat Tillman.

Christopher Hitchens has also been provided a feature section as several stories came out.  His life continues to outshine even the shadow of cancer.  Eulogies for Leonard Weinglass and Andy Rooney are included.  In the Atheist Art section, George Clooney’s new role as an atheist president in Ides of March is covered.

Chaplain and Military Reform includes several articles on MAAF successes in military funerals and chaplain publications as well as the recent repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

Dustin Chalker has posted a White House Petition to end military discrimination.  The petition is half way to the 5000 needed to reach the President.  Sign up today.

Atheists In Foxholes News Recap

Disparaging atheists in foxholes

Chaplain and Military Reform

Atheist Art

Christopher Hitchens continues to Inspire

Humanist Legacy

9/11 Memorials

Secular Studies

Humanism and Religious Studies in the News

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/10/atheists-in-foxholes-news-11-oct-2011/

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MAAF News 30 Mar 2011

April 3, 2011 By Jason Torpy Leave a Comment

Trending stories about Atheists, Atheists in the Military, MAAF, and occasional other news items of interest.

Atheists in foxholes in the media
Justin Griffith makes news with local MASH Ft Bragg chapter
Army NG Chaplain Steven Veinotte in Kuwait denies atheists in foxholes
Hospital chaplain converts sick atheists
Christopher Hitchens shows there are atheists in foxholes
Gainseville writer denies our service
Student writer confused about science
Rock Beyond Belief coverage
PZ Myers of pharyngula comments
Christian post comments
Humanism in culture and politics
Ethics and purpose from Rutgers humanist chaplain
Cecil Bothwell, atheist Congressional candidate
Australia beats back sectarian coup
Newt Gingrich targets atheists
Islamic resurgence and secular humanism
Humanist entertainment
Movie “127 hours” cites atheist determination
Movie “Paul” treats audiences to atheist humor
Secular humanism influences Musician Anthony David’s new album

Atheists in foxholes in the media

Justin Griffith makes news with local MASH Ft Bragg chapter, AP, MSNBC, Yahoo news, USA Today
“The cliche notwithstanding, there are atheists in foxholes. In fact, atheists, agnostics, humanists and other assorted skeptics from the Army’s Fort Bragg have formed an organization in a pioneering effort to win recognition and ensure fair treatment for nonbelievers in the overwhelmingly Christian U.S. military.” Find a chapter or start one where you are.

Keeping the world safer for all of us, The Union Leader
Active NH National Guard chaplain disparages atheism, “Major Steven Veinotte of Campton has seen the truth of that old adage that there are no atheists in foxholes. “I think that’s natural,” he said.” MAAF is following up with New Hampshire NG and other leaders.

Reaching out, Evansville Courier Press
Staff chaplain who went in surreptitiously to convert an atheist: “John Charles has been a staff chaplain at St. Mary’s for eight years and will never forget an experience he once had with a patient who was atheist.”

COLUMN: And if there is no God?, The Utah Statesman
A Utah editor realizes there are atheists in foxholes, “A favorite euphemism of many deists is the widely used, “No such thing as an atheist in a foxhole;” but in Hitchens’ case this does not seems to be so.”

Senate approves guns in church bill, Gainesville Times
Melissa Weimann disparages atheists in foxholes: There are no atheists in foxholes. But, hypocrites go to church with guns.
? I would never take my children to a church where guns are allowed.

I seek God, but I seek bread first, Student Press
Student writer mulls need for faith, trotting out apologetics such as faith answering why and science answering how, and chooses to set . “There are no atheists in foxholes, so they say.”

Rock Beyond Belief coverage

Only Christian soldiers allowed, ScienceBlogs (blog)
Coverage from PZ Myers: “The US military has been sponsoring evangelical Christian events for the troops, basically subjecting our soldiers to religious propaganda.”

Atheists Cancel Concert after Military Refuses to Sponsor, Christian Post
Christian post offers coverage of the Rock Beyond belief event; also see interesting related stories.

Humanism in culture and politics

Ashvegas: How do you define Democrat, Republican in Western North Carolina?, Asheville Citizen-Times
Atheist Congressional candidate Cecil Bothwell: “Bothwell is clear about his progressive ideals, from championing mass transit planning to defending his personal beliefs as an atheist.”

Seismic shift shapes nation, The Daily Telegraph
Coverage of how Australia is saving itself from sectarian influences in politics

Humanism gives ethics, purpose to people, RU Daily Targum
Comments on ethics and purpose from the chaplain at Rutgers University

Gingrich Fears America Will Be Filled with Secular Atheists, God Discussion
Newt Gingrich chooses atheism as his Great Satan to radicalize his followers, “I am convinced that if we do not decisively win the struggle over the
nature of America, by the time they’re my age they will be in a secular
atheist country, potentially one dominated by radical Islamists and with no
understanding of what it once.”

Islam Will Not Be the Loser, Spero News
Georgetown professor studies Crusades for insight on modern Islamic “resurgence”: “If terrorism is to be defeated, the world of Islam must take on board the secularist-humanist principles on which the modern is based, and without which Muslim countries’ freedom will remain a distant dream.”

Humanist entertainment

Why “127 Hours” is a cut above your average film, Christian Post
Christian post and 127 hours sends shout-out to atheist, “And as a bonus for the atheists out there, Touching the Void proves that there can be an atheist
in a foxhole.”

‘Paul’ can’t match comedy duo’s earlier efforts, Hamilton Spectator
Tough review of new atheist film Paul, featuring Seth Rogan as Paul, and writers Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (of Sean of the Dead)

The new truth about Anthony David’s old soul, Creative Loafing Atlanta
Atheist artist puts out new album: “The biggest change is I became what I call a secular humanist, or an atheist. All I know is that I’m interested in being nice to people but I’ve never believed in any religion.”

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/03/maaf-news-30-mar-2011/

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Military atheist visits chaplains

March 27, 2011 By Jason Torpy Leave a Comment

(by MAAF President Jason Torpy)

From March 16th to 22nd, I traveled to Virginia and North and South Carolina to put out the MAAF message and improve the support of atheists, humanists, and other nontheists in the military.  The intention was to visit local civilian organizations, meet MAAF members, and speak with chaplains.  Six local humanist groups came out to hear the message, and those audiences included several MAAF members.  I was also able to meet with Justin Griffith and members of MASH Ft Bragg.  Chaplains at Ft Bragg, Naval Station Norfolk, and the Air Force Chaplains College at Ft Jackson reviewed MAAF resources and listened to some of the issues facing us.

[Read more...]

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/03/military-atheists-visit-chaplains/

Filed Under: Chaplains, Featured, MAAF, News, Press Tagged With: , ,

MAAF Atlantic Coast Trip, March 2011

March 10, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment
NoVA : Norfolk : Raleigh : Bragg : Jackson
Mar 13-22, 2011

MAAF President Jason Torpy is visiting several locations in the Atlantic coast from March 13th through March 22nd.  With invitations from representatives and Ft Jackson, Ft Bragg, and Naval Station Norfolk, Mr Torpy is helping military leaders and chaplains understand why and how to help atheists, humanists, and other nontheist service members.

Mr Torpy will give three presentations to civilian organizations on the status of the military and MAAF strategies to build community within the military on March 13th and 20th (2).  He will present updates on Air Force Academy training, humanist chaplaincy, local group development, and spiritual fitness and the ongoing Rock the Fort / Rock Beyond Belief saga.

[Read more...]

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/03/122/

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MAAF News 16 Feb 2011

February 16, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Trending stories about Atheists, Atheists in the Military, MAAF, and occasional other news items of interest.

  • Podcast Frostcall interviews MAAF, MASH Ft Bragg, and MASH Ft Campbell leaders
  • Reddit atheism trends, atheists joining the military and MAAF in Tampa
  • Backward, Christian Soldiers, The Nation about proselytism in the military
  • Humanist Hip Hop, San Diego CityBEAT
  • New atheist film “Paul, Breitbart
  • New Tufts humanist chaplaincy, Tufts Daily

[Read more...]

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/02/42/

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Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers

October 15, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Military Association of Atheists Freethinkers

Fighting for the Freedoms We Defend

The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers an independent 501(c)3 project of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs. MAAF is a community support network that connects military members from around the world with each other and with local organizations. In addition to our community services, we take action to educate and train both the military and civilian community about atheism in the military and the issues that face us. Where necessary, MAAF identifies, examines, and responds to insensitive practices that illegally promote religion over non-religion within the military or unethically discriminate against minority religions or differing beliefs. MAAF supports Constitutional State-Church Separation and 1st Amendment rights for all service members. We also coordinate with other national organizations who hold the same values.

There are uphill battles to protect our freedoms and many members throughout the world that need support. We benefit greatly from the support of supporters around the world who offer their time, effort, and experience. Regional representatives are selected after dedicated support of MAAF over time, generally beginning with many available volunteer opportunities. MAAF requires that representatives associated with the military act only within the boundaries of applicable regulations.

  • Dr Jennie Kiesling, Professor of History, US Military Academy at West Point
  • Dr Carlos Bertha, Army Reserve Lt Colonel, Associate Professor of Philosophy, US Air Force Academy
  • Kenton Brown, Air Force Reserve Major, Tempe, Delegate to Secular Coalition for Arizona
  • Oak DeBerg, Retired Colonel, San Antonio, Delegate to Secular Coalition for Texas (proposed)
  • John Kieffer, Retired Army Major, Delegate to Tampa Coalition of Reason
  • Dustin Chalker, Army Specialist, prior plaintiff in Army religious discrimination case

Join MAAFMAAF is open to all personnel regardless of affiliation. Free membership is extended to personnel on active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retirees, and veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Cadets and recruits qualify upon induction into service and successful completion of 90 days in service. Service members who have left the service prior to retirement must have received an Honorable or General Discharge, but exceptions can be made by the council on a case-by-case basis. While the issues and discussions on MAAF tend to center around issues particular to the American Constitution and United States policies, we welcome atheists and freethinking service members from any of the world/’s armed forces. The military family is also welcome. We understand that the military lifestyle affects more than just service members. Spouses of service members who qualify for membership and their minor dependents are eligible for free membership. Again, those who do not qualify for free membership are welcome and asked to donate to the organization to support membership materials, marketing, web maintenance, and other support and administrative costs. We especially encourage those DoD Civilians that work so closely with us to join.

Article source: http://blog.militaryatheists.org/2011/02/16/

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