American Atheists
Court hears atheists’ challenge to Ground Zero cross
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — March 6, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) “There’s no constitutional requirement the cross has to be balanced by something else,” attorney Mark Alcott said. “The museum is not a proponent or opponent of religion.”
As Arizona debates LGBTQ rights, American Atheists prepares for CPAC
By Chris Stedman — February 26, 2014
Despite being disallowed from having a booth, American Atheists has pledged to attend CPAC, citing a desire to bring politically conservative atheists into their organization. Does this align with their pro-LGBTQ statements?
5 reasons atheists shouldn’t call religion a mental illness
By Chris Stedman — February 24, 2014
A number of prominent atheists have equated religion with mental illness. Here are five reasons atheists should avoid this problematic parallel.
Atheists vow to fight monument rejection in Levy County, Fla.
By Kimberly Winston — February 7, 2014
(RNS) Local officials in Florida this week rejected an atheist monument proposed for a courthouse lawn, another example of the hurdles religious minorities will face as they continue to press for equal access to displays on public lands.
Can atheists be spiritual? Sam Harris reignites long-running debate
By Chris Stedman — January 30, 2014
With the impending publication of 'Waking Up' by Sam Harris, many in the atheist community will debate whether it makes sense for atheists to use the word 'spirituality.' But this isn't the first time this debate has come up in recent years.
Can you be a Jewish atheist? Ask this Humanist Rabbi
By Chris Stedman — January 27, 2014
Can you be a Jewish atheist? It depends on who you ask.
Atheists debate: Can Christians support LGBTQ rights? Part 2
By Chris Stedman — January 16, 2014
With marriage equality efforts in Oklahoma, Utah, and elsewhere making headlines this month, the intersection of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) rights and religion has been a hot topic of discussion among atheists. Two atheists debate whether Christians can be LGBTQ allies. (Part 2)
Atheists debate: Can Christians support LGBTQ rights? Part 1
By Chris Stedman — January 16, 2014
With marriage equality efforts in Oklahoma, Utah, and elsewhere making headlines this month, the intersection of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) rights and religion has been a hot topic of discussion among atheists. Two atheists debate whether Christians can be LGBTQ allies. (Part 1)
Discussing the “War on Christmas” with Bill O’Reilly
By Chris Stedman — December 21, 2013
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to appear on to the Fox News program “The O’Reilly Factor” to discuss a new Christmas-themed billboard put up by American Atheists. I’ve expanded on my thoughts about this issue in a new piece for CNN Belief: The “War on Christmas:” what —or who—is it good for? […]
Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?
By Chris Stedman — December 13, 2013
American Atheists is perhaps the most visible atheist organization in the United States. As such, it’s not unreasonable for atheists to hold the organization accountable for accurately representing our aims and values. But earlier today, Dave Muscato, the Public Relations Director for American Atheists, made a problematic and offensive comment about LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, […]
Atheists challenge IRS over nonprofit finances
By Kimberly Winston — November 22, 2013
(RNS) Current tax law requires all tax-exempt organizations, including American Atheists, to file a Form 990 financial report -- except churches and church-related organizations.
Canceled Christmas * Billboard wars * ‘Allah’ banned: Religious Freedom Recap: Oct. 7 – 14
By Brian Pellot — October 14, 2013
American schools “cancel” Christmas and Halloween. Atheists and Christians battle with billboards in Times Square. And Malaysia rules that a Christian newspaper may not use the word “Allah."
American Atheists leader wins fight for ‘ATHE1ST’ license plate
By Kimberly Winston — August 28, 2013
(RNS) "'Atheist’ is not an offensive or objectionable word anymore than the word ‘Jew’ or ‘Christian’ or ‘man’ or ‘woman’ is,” said David Silverman, president of the New Jersey-based American Atheists.
Atheists to unveil first monument to unbelief on public land
By Kimberly Winston — June 6, 2013
(RNS) After years of unsuccessful challenges to religious monuments on public land, atheists are adopting a new strategy: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Atheists postpone protests after Bangladeshi disaster
By Kimberly Winston — April 25, 2013
(RNS) Atheist and secular groups were divided on whether to continue with a series of protests aimed at Bangladeshi institutions after a building collapse in the capital city killed at least 244 people.
