Author Archives: Hemant Mehta

About Hemant Mehta

Hemant Mehta is the chair of Foundation Beyond Belief and a high school math teacher in the suburbs of Chicago.

Trailer for the James Randi Documentary

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

This looks like it’s going to be a great movie about a fascinating human being: If you’d like to help turn “An Honest Liar: The Amazing Randi Story” into a reality, please contribute anything you can here.

Posted in General, Pop Culture | 2 Comments

Helen Ukpabio, Witch Hunter, May Be Coming to Texas

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

You may have heard of Helen Ukpabio, the evangelical Christian from Nigeria who holds some despicable beliefs: … Ms. Ukpabio’s critics say her teachings have contributed to the torture or abandonment of thousands of Nigerian children — including infants and … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 26 Comments

Atheist Group Forms at UPenn

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

After seeing religious groups of all kinds form at the University of Pennsylvania, a few freshmen have started a group for atheists called “Rekindle Reason: Atheists, Agnostics, and Freethinkers.” Navin Sasikumar, a grad student there, is pleased with their mission … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Secular Student Alliance | 4 Comments

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Latest Book Will Be Published Next Week

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

So, Neil deGrasse Tyson’s latest book Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier comes out next week! (And, says one commenter, it’s already available on Kindle.) Who’s excited? You’re excited. The book explores “NASA and the future of space travel.” Dr. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, General, Science | 4 Comments

In Georgia, a School Board President Faces Opposition Simply Because He Won’t Reveal His Religious Preference

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

A man named Leonard Presberg was recently elected to the Fayette County Board of Education (in Georgia). That was back in November. In January, he was named Chairman of the board. What are his views on education? You would think … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, General, Politics | 101 Comments

Jessica Ahlquist Appears on CNN

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

Email conversation I had earlier today (slightly paraphrased): Random Guy: I was gonna donate to Jessica Ahlquist’s scholarship fund but my money said “In God We Trust” and I knew you wouldn’t like that, so forget it. Me: I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 38 Comments

If You’re Thinking of Visiting Orlando, Next Week Would Be a Good Time to Go

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

For those of you who want an appetizer to the Reason Rally on March 24th or for those of you who can’t go and want another chance to meet other atheists, the Center for Inquiry is hosting a conference in … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 8 Comments

I Guess Conservative Christians are Geminis

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

I think The Onion found out how to read the minds of all those Christians who pray before city council meetings or who demand that a prayer banner should stay up at a public school: (Thanks to Alan for the … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Humor | 13 Comments

Atheist Group at Colgate University off to a Great Start

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

I’m always amazed when first-year college atheist groups manage to put together a popular event but Matthew Knowles and Thomas Wobby just began the Secular Association of Skeptical Students at Colgate University (in New York) and their Darwin Day celebration … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Secular Student Alliance | 1 Comment

Free Atheist Conference in the Bible Belt Taking Place This April

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Hemant Mehta

The Wichita Coalition of Reason is planning a free conference April 21st-22nd — call it a sequel to last year’s Rapture Day conference. They have some great speakers for the occasion, too. Even though it’s a free conference, it takes … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheist Generosity, General | 1 Comment