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Freethought Association of West Michigan Meeting Minutes 3-31-99 This was our first meeting at the Wyoming Library. The Best of Ingersoll, by Roger Greeley, was made available for reading. The most current Skeptic Magazine has been mailed to subscribers. Jeff mentioned that the E-mail discussion list of the Great Lakes Humanist Society of Mt. Pleasant has been merged with ours. Wally stated that the Grand Rapids main library turned down his donation of three books, and since he felt it was a censorship matter, he contacted the Grand Rapids Press who expressed an interest in his story. Tim displayed a recent issue of "Christianity Today" which printed a fairly reasonable article about freethought and atheism. From here on, instead of meeting on every other Wednesday evening, our meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays to adhere to library policy. On 4-14 Ben Ingerbretson will present "Civil Discourse in the Age of Road Rage". On 4-28 Howard Foster will discuss "What's a Bigot"? On 5-12 Dirk Nebbeling will moderate "Humanism and Spirituality". Tonight's program featured Charles LaRue and "Fundamentalism and Abuse". After obtaining a degree in art he worked with people who were mentally challenged and became acquainted with those who suffered from extremist religious views. He said his remarks were not intended to be anti-religious nor condemnatory of fundamentalism, but the correlation of fundamentalism and self abuse was evident. Feeling pain is a common attribute, as well as a lack of love in their lives. One way of coping is to hurt oneself, cutting with a sharp object being a common act. The flow of blood seems to play a significant role in this process. Early church history indicated that self abuse was considered worthy based on the claim that it was scriptural. Priests practiced self flagellation. Castration was performed, creating eunuchs who were revered for this sacrifice. Amputation was considered to be an offering to God. Eye gouging appeared to be a practice, unique to Christianity only. It was essential to suffer; it was a basic belief. Fundamentalism, with its low perception of humans, was especially critical of children. Some groups considered them as evil beings and this led to child abuse. In day care programs sponsored by fundamentalists, force is more likely to be used on children. If kids are 'demon possessed' then the evil needs to be beat of them. "Don't sit down with the devil" became a tenet. Some find comfort with the theory that using an authority figure relieves one from having to make his or her own decisions in difficult situations. The Bible has not been sympathetic to women, as male domination is manifest. The Koran of Islam also puts down women. Female sexual mutilation has been promoted by clergymen, claiming it promotes greater morality because it diminishes eroticism. Medical neglect has been practiced, the most notable group being known as Christian Scientists. Illness is considered delusional, an insult to God's handiwork. Religious exemptions from treatment, including vaccinations and medical exams, have resulted in the death of children. Handicapped people have been looked down upon by some fundamentalist groups because in their conditions, God cannot be glorified. The charge is made that their "faith was not strong enough" to overcome their difficulties. Finally, fundamentalists are accused of environmental abuse. If there is a life after this one, there is no need for the concern of earth. During the discussion a question was asked as to what groups like ours can do to make a difference. Providing books in libraries; involvement with the internet; encouraging laws prohibiting abuse are some examples. It's important to be mindful that some religious laws have resulted in persecution. We also need to consider if atheists have better records on sensitive issues than fundamentalists. It may be fair to consider that there could very well be a difference between child abuse, and the denial of medical care to children, whose parents may be well-intentioned in their religious beliefs. Another thought on the environmental issue is that if Christ is returning, why worry about starvation, over-population. Fortunately, there are signs that society may becoming less authoritative, as is being practiced in some businesses and industry. _____________________ Note: Two videos loaned out by Wally Van Dam would like to be viewed by other members, and the return of them would be helpful. The videos are: Wally's interview by Pastor Ben Ingebretson Demon-Haunted World, Carl Sagan Our new mailing address: P.O. Box 9873, Wyoming, MI 49509 - 0873 |
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