Ninety-five people attended the 13th annual winter solstice celebration held by Minnesota Atheists and the Humanists of Minnesota on December 16th. For the first time, the event was held at Jimmy’s Event Center in Vadnais Heights. After a banquet dinner, the Freethought Band led off the entertainment, joined by singer Tracie Hodgdon. George Kane and Laura Hutt presented a comic dialogue as George Burns and Gracie Allen.
By Eric Jayne
A couple battles that took place during last year’s War on Christmas happened in St. Paul. The first one came the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Family Place shelter. Fourteen atheists cooked up sloppy joes, beans, and homemade cookies for about 25 shelter guests. In addition to the kitchen cooking and cleaning, we also sanitized toys in the children’s play area, cleaned some of the common areas, and wiped down additional dining tables and chairs. This was immediately followed up with social time and drinks at a nearby spot in Lowertown.
By Steve Petersen
In November, we recorded one program, “The War on Science.” In this program, Stephanie Zvan interviewed Greg Laden about the historical begins of the war on science and how this continues today. Laden starts with Darwin's time and evolution, the theory that caused many religious people to fight science and the theory of Evolution becuase their creation myth was not compatible and so the war began and continues today.
By August Berkshire
When we began as the Twin Cities Chapter of American Atheists in 1984, and when we became Minnesota Atheists in 1991, we chose the word “Atheists” for three reasons. First, it is an accurate description of who we are. Second, we did not want to choose a more euphemistic word, such as “freethinker” because, in defining it, we would eventually have to admit we were atheists. We felt it was far better to start off with the truth than to hide behind another word. And finally, we chose “Atheists” because it was inclusive. For example, you could belong to any political party and still be an atheist.
By Eric Jayne
Even though the world didn’t come to an end last year, 2012 concluded with a horrible tragedy in Connecticut that deeply disturbed people all around the world. I was so personally distraught from following the events through news reports that I had to reach for my tissues while trying to concentrate with work.
The appeals to God and calls for prayer immediately spread through social and mainstream media. The shooter and his actions were described as “evil” while the young victims were claimed to now be “angels”. Not only are these descriptions inaccurate, but they severely hinder progress to solutions.
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