Changes

[[File:Beggar.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A child in [[Thailand]] where the nontheistic form of [[Buddhism]] called the Theravada school of Buddhism is prevalent. In 2010, the Pew Research Forum indicated that 93.2% of the people of Thailand were Buddhists.<ref name="pew2010">[http://www.pewforum.org/files/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf Pew Research Center - Global Religious Landscape 2010 - religious composition by country].</ref>  

[[File:Beggar.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A child in [[Thailand]] where the nontheistic form of [[Buddhism]] called the Theravada school of Buddhism is prevalent. In 2010, the Pew Research Forum indicated that 93.2% of the people of Thailand were Buddhists.<ref name="pew2010">[http://www.pewforum.org/files/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf Pew Research Center - Global Religious Landscape 2010 - religious composition by country].</ref>  

 

 

 

[[Per capita]] [[atheism|atheists]] and [[agnosticism|agnostics]] in America give significantly less to charity than [[theism|theists]] even when church giving is not counted for theists (See: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]). ]]

[[Per capita]] [[atheism|atheists]] and [[agnosticism|agnostics]] in America give significantly less to charity than [[theism|theists]] even when church giving is not counted for theists (See: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]). ]]

Historically,  the [[secular left]] has been dominant within the [[Atheism|atheist]] population, (see: [[Atheism and politics]]).  

Historically,  the [[secular left]] has been dominant within the [[Atheism|atheist]] population, (see: [[Atheism and politics]]).  

See also: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and women]]

See also: [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and women]]

[[Desecularization]] in China is partly occurring due to its association with equality, individual freedom and democracy (see: [[Asian atheism]]).<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/encounter/the-rise-of-christianity-in-asia/5934564 The rise of Christianity in Asia] by Masako Fukui, Australian Broadcasting Corporation's website RN </ref>  See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

[[Desecularization]] in China is partly occurring due to its association with equality, individual freedom and democracy (see: [[Asian atheism]]).<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/encounter/the-rise-of-christianity-in-asia/5934564 The rise of Christianity in Asia] by Masako Fukui, Australian Broadcasting Corporation's website RN</ref>  See also: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]

According to atheist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]], there is a "vacuum in secular [[social justice]] leadership" and that is why she and other skeptics founded the People of Color Beyond Faith network.<ref>[Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference - See more at: http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2014/10/09/atheism-social-justice-sikivu-hutchinson-first-people-color-beyond-faith-conference  Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference], Chris Stedman, 2014</ref> Hutchinson says about the network, "We’re not only interested in working with nonbelievers and secularists of color, but also with progressive faith organizations that share a similar vision."<ref>[Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference - See more at: http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2014/10/09/atheism-social-justice-sikivu-hutchinson-first-people-color-beyond-faith-conference  Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference], Chris Stedman, 2014</ref> See also: [[Atheism and liberal Christianity alliances]]

According to atheist [[Sikivu Hutchinson]], there is a "vacuum in secular [[social justice]] leadership" and that is why she and other skeptics founded the People of Color Beyond Faith network.<ref name="chrisstedman.religionnews.com">[Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference - See more at: http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2014/10/09/atheism-social-justice-sikivu-hutchinson-first-people-color-beyond-faith-conference  Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference], Chris Stedman, 2014</ref> Hutchinson says about the network, "We’re not only interested in working with nonbelievers and secularists of color, but also with progressive faith organizations that share a similar vision."<ref name="chrisstedman.religionnews.com"/> See also: [[Atheism and liberal Christianity alliances]]

In June of 2014,  Sikivu Hutchinson wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church/state separation and [[creationism]] issues and not the concerns the less affluent African-American population faces.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do offer significant help to poor African-Americans.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> See also: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]  

In June 2014,  Sikivu Hutchinson wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church/state separation and [[creationism]] issues and not the concerns the less affluent African-American population faces.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do offer significant help to poor African-Americans.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> See also: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]  

== Social justice and progressive values according to leading progressive/leftist websites ==

== Social justice and progressive values according to leading progressive/leftist websites ==

''The Guardian'' reported in 2012, "Britain has some of the lowest social mobility in the developed world - the OECD figures show our earnings in the UK are more likely to reflect our fathers' than any other country."<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/may/22/social-mobility-data-charts Social mobility: the charts that shame Britain]</ref>

''The Guardian'' reported in 2012, "Britain has some of the lowest social mobility in the developed world - the OECD figures show our earnings in the UK are more likely to reflect our fathers' than any other country."<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/may/22/social-mobility-data-charts Social mobility: the charts that shame Britain]</ref>

See also: [[Social Darwinism|Britain and the history of social Darwinism]]

{{See also|Social Darwinism|l1=Britain and the history of social Darwinism}}

== Atheism and lack of empathy ==

== Atheism and lack of empathy ==

As far as the progressive values of caring/protection, the American atheist population gives less to charity [[per capita]] than Christians even when church giving is not counted (see: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]).  

As far as the progressive values of caring/protection, the American atheist population gives less to charity [[per capita]] than Christians even when church giving is not counted (see: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]).  

In June of 2014, the African-American atheist woman [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church/state separation and creationism issues and not the concerns the less affluent African American population faces.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do focus on helping poor African-Americans.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref>  

In June 2014, the African-American atheist woman [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church/state separation and creationism issues and not the concerns the less affluent African American population faces.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do focus on helping poor African-Americans.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>  

In addition, the historical record shows that atheists have often been uncaring and atheists have engaged in barbarous/uncivilized behavior (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army]] and [[Atheism and cannibalism]] and [[Atheism and bestiality]]).  

In addition, the historical record shows that atheists have often been uncaring and atheists have engaged in barbarous/uncivilized behavior (see: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army]] and [[Atheism and cannibalism]] and [[Atheism and bestiality]]).  

[[Image:Cycle.gif|thumbnail|205px|right|Research suggests that irreligiousity is a causal factor for domestic violence.<ref>doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://vaw.sagepub.com/content/13/11/1094.abstract ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'',]  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref> ]]

[[Image:Cycle.gif|thumbnail|205px|right|Research suggests that irreligiousity is a causal factor for domestic violence.<ref>doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://vaw.sagepub.com/content/13/11/1094.abstract ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'',]  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref> ]]

The abstract for the 2007 article in the journal ''Violence Against Women'' entitled ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'' indicated:

The abstract for the 2007 article in the journal ''Violence Against Women'' entitled ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'' indicated:

{{cquote|The authors explored the relationship between religious involvement and intimate partner violence by analyzing data from the first wave of the National Survey of Families and Households. They found that: (a) religious involvement is correlated with reduced levels of domestic violence; (b) levels of domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; (c) the effects of religious involvement on domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; and (d) religious involvement, specifically church attendance, protects against domestic violence, and this protective effect is stronger for African American men and women and for Hispanic men, groups that, for a variety of reasons, experience elevated risk for this type of violence.<ref>doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence''],  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref>}}   

{{cquote|The authors explored the relationship between religious involvement and intimate partner violence by analyzing data from the first wave of the National Survey of Families and Households. They found that: (a) religious involvement is correlated with reduced levels of domestic violence; (b) levels of domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; (c) the effects of religious involvement on domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; and (d) religious involvement, specifically church attendance, protects against domestic violence, and this protective effect is stronger for African American men and women and for Hispanic men, groups that, for a variety of reasons, experience elevated risk for this type of violence.<ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov">doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence''],  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref>}}   

Also, a quote from the journal article ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'':

Also, a quote from the journal article ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'':

{{cquote|Another line of thought suggests that religious people may be less likely to perpe- trate domestic violence (Fergusson, Horwood, Kershaw, & Shannon, 1986). A 1999 study of U.S. couples found that both men and women who attend religious services regularly are less likely to commit acts of domestic violence than those who attend rarely or not at all (Ellison et al., 1999). A follow-up study identified three pathways through which religious involvement may operate; namely, increasing levels of social integration and social support, reducing the likelihood of alcohol or substance abuse, and decreasing the risk of psychological problems (Ellison & Anderson, 2001). However, even after considering such indirect effects of religion through the use of sta- tistical controls, that study found that regular religious involvement still had a protec- tive effect against the perpetration of domestic violence by both men and women (Ellison & Anderson, 2001). In addition, that study showed that evidence of such pro- tective religious effects persisted regardless of whether domestic violence was measured using data from self reports or partner reports, which makes it difficult to attribute these observed religious effects to simple social desirability or other response bias.<ref>doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence''],  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref>}}

{{cquote|Another line of thought suggests that religious people may be less likely to perpe- trate domestic violence (Fergusson, Horwood, Kershaw, & Shannon, 1986). A 1999 study of U.S. couples found that both men and women who attend religious services regularly are less likely to commit acts of domestic violence than those who attend rarely or not at all (Ellison et al., 1999). A follow-up study identified three pathways through which religious involvement may operate; namely, increasing levels of social integration and social support, reducing the likelihood of alcohol or substance abuse, and decreasing the risk of psychological problems (Ellison & Anderson, 2001). However, even after considering such indirect effects of religion through the use of sta- tistical controls, that study found that regular religious involvement still had a protec- tive effect against the perpetration of domestic violence by both men and women (Ellison & Anderson, 2001). In addition, that study showed that evidence of such pro- tective religious effects persisted regardless of whether domestic violence was measured using data from self reports or partner reports, which makes it difficult to attribute these observed religious effects to simple social desirability or other response bias.<ref name="ncbi.nlm.nih.gov">doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 ''Violence Against Women'', ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence''],  November 2007 vol. 13 no. 11 1094-1112</ref>}}

See also:  

See also:  

''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] and  ''[[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science#Embezzlement allegation|Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science - Embezzlement allegation]]''

''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] and  ''[[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science#Embezzlement allegation|Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science - Embezzlement allegation]]''

Two recent atheist nonprofit scandals which received some publicity were the organizations [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] and the We Are Atheism organization.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/09/15/an-update-on-we-are-atheism/ An Update on We Are Atheism] by Hemant Mehta, September 15, 2015]</ref>  

Two recent atheist nonprofit scandals which received some publicity were the organizations [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] and the We Are Atheism organization.<ref name="patheos.com">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]</ref><ref name="patheos.com"/><ref name="Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen">[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/09/15/an-update-on-we-are-atheism/ An Update on We Are Atheism] by Hemant Mehta, September 15, 2015]</ref>  

In addition, David Gorski at Scienceblogs indicated that many atheist/skeptic organizations are poorly run from a financial standpoint.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref>

In addition, David Gorski at Scienceblogs indicated that many atheist/skeptic organizations are poorly run from a financial standpoint.<ref name="Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen"/>

For more information, please see: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]

For more information, please see: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]

As far as the values of freedom, militant atheists continue to deny basic freedoms to people (See: [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and intolerance]] and [[Atheism and forced labor]]).

As far as the values of freedom, militant atheists continue to deny basic freedoms to people (See: [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and intolerance]] and [[Atheism and forced labor]]).

== Atheists and deception ==  

== Atheists and deception ==

As far as honesty, atheists have a poor record in this area as well (see: [[Atheist indoctrination]]).

As far as honesty, atheists have a poor record in this area as well (see: [[Atheist indoctrination]]).

''See also:'' [[PZ Myers and social justice]]  

''See also:'' [[PZ Myers and social justice]]  

The Irish atheist [[Michael Nugent]] wrote to [[PZ Myers]] in September of 2014:

The Irish atheist [[Michael Nugent]] wrote to [[PZ Myers]] in September 2014:

{{cquote|Some of the content of your blog is hurtful and unjust in itself, it also undermines the effectiveness of attempts to promote compassion and empathy and social justice, and it is additionally harmful because of your prominence as a perceived spokesperson for organised atheism...

{{cquote|Some of the content of your blog is hurtful and unjust in itself, it also undermines the effectiveness of attempts to promote compassion and empathy and social justice, and it is additionally harmful because of your prominence as a perceived spokesperson for organised atheism...

PZ, is this really how you want to be remembered? Having defended you against unjust attacks from others, I am now asking you to take a long hard look at what you are doing, consider apologising to people who you have unjustly hurt and defamed, and start focusing on actually promoting compassion and empathy and social justice if those ideas are important to you.<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-lbj-legend-and-my-email-to-pz-myers/ The LBJ legend and my email to PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent on September 19, 2014</ref>}}

PZ, is this really how you want to be remembered? Having defended you against unjust attacks from others, I am now asking you to take a long hard look at what you are doing, consider apologising to people who you have unjustly hurt and defamed, and start focusing on actually promoting compassion and empathy and social justice if those ideas are important to you.<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/09/19/the-lbj-legend-and-my-email-to-pz-myers/ The LBJ legend and my email to PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent on September 19, 2014</ref>}}

On April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/  

On April 2015, Atheist Ireland announced, "Atheist Ireland is publicly dissociating itself from the hurtful and dehumanising, hateful and violent, unjust and defamatory rhetoric of the atheist blogger PZ Myers."<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2015/04/07/atheist-ireland-dissociates-from-pz-myers/ Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

Atheist Ireland publicly dissociates itself from the harmful and hateful rhetoric of PZ Myers] by Michael Nugent, April 7, 2015</ref> The atheist biologist Massimo Pigliucci said of Myers, "one cannot conclude this parade without mentioning P.Z. Myers, who has risen to fame because of a blog where the level of nastiness (both by the host and by his readers) is rarely matched anywhere else on the Internet...".<ref>[http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/piggliucci20150513 Reflections on the skeptic and atheist movements] By Massimo Pigliucci ''Scientia Salon'', Posted: May 13, 2015</ref>

Due to its notability requirements, the website [[Wikipedia]] (which was founded by an atheist and agnostic), does not make mention of any specific accomplishments PZ Myers may have achieved in the area of social justice. Wikipedia does mention the social justice accomplishments of Christians such as [[William Wilberforce]], [[Harriet Beecher Stowe]] and others.

Due to its notability requirements, the website [[Wikipedia]] (which was founded by an atheist and agnostic), does not make mention of any specific accomplishments PZ Myers may have achieved in the area of social justice. Wikipedia does mention the social justice accomplishments of Christians such as [[William Wilberforce]], [[Harriet Beecher Stowe]] and others.

''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]] and [[Secular humanism]]

''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]] and [[Secular humanism]]

[[File:Laurence Krauss.JPG|thumbnail|right|175px|In response to the question, "Why is [[incest]] wrong?", the atheist [[Lawrence Krauss]] said, "It's not clear to me that it is wrong."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp7dRpWIdBo Lawrence Krauss on incest]</ref> See: [[Atheism and incest]] ]]

[[File:Laurence Krauss.JPG|thumbnail|right|175px|In response to the question, "Why is [[incest]] wrong?", the atheist [[Lawrence Krauss]] said, "It's not clear to me that it is wrong."<ref name="Lawrence Krauss on incest">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp7dRpWIdBo Lawrence Krauss on incest]</ref> See: [[Atheism and incest]] ]]

[[Secular humanism]] is [[humanism]] that is atheistic in nature. It is a philosophy which holds that human beings are the most important figures, and that social problems are best solved without the involvement of religious doctrine. People who are secular humanists purport to focus on ways to better themselves and human beings as a whole. The American Humanist Association's motto on the the main page of their website is "good without a God".<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/ American Humanist Association website]</ref>

[[Secular humanism]] is [[humanism]] that is atheistic in nature. It is a philosophy which holds that human beings are the most important figures, and that social problems are best solved without the involvement of religious doctrine. People who are secular humanists purport to focus on ways to better themselves and human beings as a whole. The American Humanist Association's motto on the the main page of their website is "good without a God".<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/ American Humanist Association website]</ref>

In 2015, Arizona State University professor [[Lawrence Krauss]] was named the 2015 Humanist of the Year by the American Humanists Association.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterfliesandwheels/2015/02/humanist-of-the-year/ Humanist of the year]</ref>  

In 2015, Arizona State University professor [[Lawrence Krauss]] was named the 2015 Humanist of the Year by the American Humanists Association.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterfliesandwheels/2015/02/humanist-of-the-year/ Humanist of the year]</ref>  

In response to the question, "Why is [[incest]] wrong?", Krauss said, "It's not clear to me that it is wrong."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp7dRpWIdBo Lawrence Krauss on incest]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and incest]]

In response to the question, "Why is [[incest]] wrong?", Krauss said, "It's not clear to me that it is wrong."<ref name="Lawrence Krauss on incest"/> See also: [[Atheism and incest]]

=== PZ Myers: Humanist of the Year in 2011 and his inappropriate previous behavior ===

=== PZ Myers: Humanist of the Year in 2011 and his inappropriate previous behavior ===

The American Humanist Association defines humanism thusly: "Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity."<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/Humanism/Definitions_of_Humanism Definition of humanism], American Humanist Assocation</ref> The American Humanist Association's slogan is "Good without God".<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/Humanism/Definitions_of_Humanism Definition of humanism], American Humanist Assocation</ref>

The American Humanist Association defines humanism thusly: "Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity."<ref name="Definition of humanism">[http://americanhumanist.org/Humanism/Definitions_of_Humanism Definition of humanism], American Humanist Assocation</ref> The American Humanist Association's slogan is "Good without God".<ref name="Definition of humanism"/>

In 2011, the atheist [[PZ Myers]] won the International Humanist Award from the International Humanist and Ethical Union.<ref name=IHEU>{{cite web|title=IHEU Awards for 2011|url=http://iheu.org/story/iheu-awards-2011|publisher=Internation Humanist and Ethical Union|accessdate=16 August 2013}}</ref>  Prior to that in 2009, Myers won the Humanist of the Year award from the American Humanist Association.<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/AHA/Humanists_of_the_Year American Humanist Association: Humanist of the year]. American Humanist Association.</ref>

In 2011, the atheist [[PZ Myers]] won the International Humanist Award from the International Humanist and Ethical Union.<ref name=IHEU>{{cite web|title=IHEU Awards for 2011|url=http://iheu.org/story/iheu-awards-2011|publisher=Internation Humanist and Ethical Union|accessdate=16 August 2013}}</ref>  Prior to that in 2009, Myers won the Humanist of the Year award from the American Humanist Association.<ref>[http://americanhumanist.org/AHA/Humanists_of_the_Year American Humanist Association: Humanist of the year]. American Humanist Association.</ref>

[[Paul Kurtz]] is an [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] who formerly taught at the State University of NY at Buffalo. Dr. Paul Kurtz founded the modern secular humanism movement which is a form of philosophical skepticism. In addition, he also founded the organization the [[Center for Inquiry]] which focuses on promoting secular humanism. In 2009, Dr. Kurtz lost his leadership position at the Center for Inquiry.<ref name="godless">[http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/18/1023513/redirecting-a-long-life-of-godlessness.html Redirecting a Long Life of Godlessness]</ref>  

[[Paul Kurtz]] is an [[atheism|atheist]] [[philosophy|philosopher]] who formerly taught at the State University of NY at Buffalo. Dr. Paul Kurtz founded the modern secular humanism movement which is a form of philosophical skepticism. In addition, he also founded the organization the [[Center for Inquiry]] which focuses on promoting secular humanism. In 2009, Dr. Kurtz lost his leadership position at the Center for Inquiry.<ref name="godless">[http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/18/1023513/redirecting-a-long-life-of-godlessness.html Redirecting a Long Life of Godlessness]</ref>  

[[File:Paul Kurtz.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Paul Kurtz]] ]]

[[File:Paul Kurtz.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[Paul Kurtz]] ]]

Currently, there is an ideological struggle within the modern secular humanism [[atheist factions|faction of atheism]] concerning how militant the movement should be which primarily arose post [[New Atheism]] movement which is a more militant form of atheism. (see also: [[Militant atheism]]).  [[Paul Kurtz]] is against the secular humanism movement becoming more militant but some newer followers of secular humanism disagree with Kurtz.<ref name="godless">[http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/04/18/1023513/redirecting-a-long-life-of-godlessness.html Redirecting a Long Life of Godlessness]</ref>   

Currently, there is an ideological struggle within the modern secular humanism [[atheist factions|faction of atheism]] concerning how militant the movement should be which primarily arose post [[New Atheism]] movement which is a more militant form of atheism. (see also: [[Militant atheism]]).  [[Paul Kurtz]] is against the secular humanism movement becoming more militant but some newer followers of secular humanism disagree with Kurtz.<ref name="godless"/>   

==== Kurtz's ouster from the Center of Inquiry leadership position ====

==== Kurtz's ouster from the Center of Inquiry leadership position ====

On October 10, 2010, a contentious exchange between members of the [[Secular Humanism]] faction of atheism founded by [[Paul Kurtz]] and the atheist Ron Lindsay was caught on tape.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hniP6Ivr5g Video - Part one] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Video - Part 2]

On October 10, 2010, a contentious exchange between members of the [[Secular Humanism]] faction of atheism founded by [[Paul Kurtz]] and the atheist Ron Lindsay was caught on tape.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hniP6Ivr5g Video - Part one] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Video - Part 2]

During the exchange Ron Lindsay said that infighting has been occurring within the Secular Humanism faction of atheism for years.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2WgcPaul Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref> A Paul Kurtz supporter said that Kurtz was censored by Ron Lindsay and his supporters and Kurtz was driven out of the organization that he founded (Center for Inquiry).<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  Lindsay claimed, however, that Kurtz voluntarily resigned from the organization he founded and Kurtz was never censored. Furthermore, Lindsay said that Kurtz's idea of a "planetary federation" was impractical. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  Kurtz countered that he was never allowed to publish why he resigned from the organization and that he was censored by the organization that he founded.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  

During the exchange Ron Lindsay said that infighting has been occurring within the Secular Humanism faction of atheism for years.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2WgcPaul Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref> A Paul Kurtz supporter said that Kurtz was censored by Ron Lindsay and his supporters and Kurtz was driven out of the organization that he founded (Center for Inquiry).<ref name="youtube.com">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U22xTou2Wgc Kurtz and Ron Lindsay Argument Audio Part Two]</ref>  Lindsay claimed, however, that Kurtz voluntarily resigned from the organization he founded and Kurtz was never censored. Furthermore, Lindsay said that Kurtz's idea of a "planetary federation" was impractical.<ref name="youtube.com"/>  Kurtz countered that he was never allowed to publish why he resigned from the organization and that he was censored by the organization that he founded.<ref name="youtube.com"/>  

Dr. Kurtz described the events surrounding the loss of his leadership position as a "shattering blow".<ref name="godless"></ref>

Dr. Kurtz described the events surrounding the loss of his leadership position as a "shattering blow".<ref name="godless" />

== Atheism plus, Jen McCreight and  Richard Carrier ==

== Atheism plus, Jen McCreight and  Richard Carrier ==

[[Atheism plus]] is a faction of atheism which holds to a [[liberal]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] political agenda. It developed out of the atheist and political ideology of [[Freethought]] blogs and was partly a response to the [[New Atheism]] and to the [[Elevatorgate]] scandal.  

[[Atheism plus]] is a faction of atheism which holds to a [[liberal]]/[[progressivism|progressive]] political agenda. It developed out of the atheist and political ideology of [[Freethought]] blogs and was partly a response to the [[New Atheism]] and to the [[Elevatorgate]] scandal.  

In October of 2014, the popular YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] commented on how [[Jen McCreight]], the founder of the atheist feminist movement Atheism plus abandoned her movement within two weeks. Thunderf00t also commented on how [[Richard Carrier]] "the intellectual artillery" of the movement, quit promoting the movement within a month.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref>

In October 2014, the popular YouTube atheist [[Thunderf00t]] commented on how [[Jen McCreight]], the founder of the atheist feminist movement Atheism plus abandoned her movement within two weeks. Thunderf00t also commented on how [[Richard Carrier]] "the intellectual artillery" of the movement, quit promoting the movement within a month.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inqcLXNlEes Atheism+ Stream: How SJWs pushed their way into Atheism]</ref>

[[File:Richard Carrier.jpg|thumbnail|150px|left|[[Richard Carrier]] ]]

[[File:Richard Carrier.jpg|thumbnail|150px|left|[[Richard Carrier]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Richard Carrier, adultery, divorce and polyamory]] and [[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships]]

''See also:'' [[Richard Carrier, adultery, divorce and polyamory]] and [[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships]]

The atheist [[Richard Carrier]] divorced his wife and now practices polyamory.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/carrier/archives/6737 Coming Out Poly + A Change of Life Venue]</ref> Before divorcing his wife, he was involved in adulterous affairs.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/carrier/archives/6737 Coming Out Poly + A Change of Life Venue]</ref>  

The atheist [[Richard Carrier]] divorced his wife and now practices polyamory.<ref name="freethoughtblogs.com">[http://freethoughtblogs.com/carrier/archives/6737 Coming Out Poly + A Change of Life Venue]</ref> Before divorcing his wife, he was involved in adulterous affairs.<ref name="freethoughtblogs.com"/>  

The Christtian apologist Jason Engwar at the Christian blog Triablogue wrote:

The Christtian apologist Jason Engwar at the Christian blog Triablogue wrote: