About Shannon Burgdorf

A polymath (Greek πολυμαθής, polymathēs, "having learned much")[1] is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas.

I fancy myself this type of person - possibly one day I will live up to it.

So many interests so little time....

Actor, Writer, Mother, Wife, Atheist, Home Educator, Secular Humanist

Missouri GOP Lawmaker Says He’s Gay; Denounces School ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill

May 2, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 18 Comments

Today, someone in a position to (hopefully) get the discriminatory bill, HB2051, to bite the dust, spoke out in a major way.

Representative Zachary Wyatt, a Republican in the Missouri House held a Capitol news press conference today in which he publicly disclosed his sexual orientation and called on the GOP to end the legislation of the Sexual orientation bill, HB2051.

Stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids by addressing bullying in our schools.

In case you haven’t heard, HB2051:

Prohibits the discussion of sexual orientation in public school instruction, material, or extracurricular activity except in scientific instruction on human reproduction.

Over at OkToSayGay.org, many people have left comments and videos opposing the ridiculous bill, and Rep. Zachary Wyatt’s comments on the bill are also there.

Wyatt wrote a letter last week on House Bill 2051, in which he explains his disappointment:

I have become tired and frustrated with bigotry on gay issues from both sides of the aisle. Homosexuality is not a Republican or Democrat issue, and should not be portrayed as such. Students not only need, but have a right to feel safe when they go to school. They should be able to speak with teachers, counselors, or administrators when they get bullied. This bill would make that illegal.

As atheists, we understand the importance of supporting equality in other communities because of the bigotry and hatred our own community faces. As an atheist in Missouri, I am often embarrassed to live here among a population of people who are so ignorant of the world around them. Luckily, there are other populations of people who don’t hurt others with their archaic “values,” hurtful words/actions, and humiliating legislative tactics… and those are the people I support, the people who are railed against because they are “different” or “unnatural.” We are all different, just freaking deal with it.

Thank you Zachary Wyatt, for your honesty, for doing the right thing, for leading by example.

Want to help?

Sign this petition and express why you believe this effort is dangerously wrong for Missouri schools.

You can also upload your own story at OkToSayGay.org

Filed Under: General, GLBT, Politics 18 Comments

The Vatican Fears U.S. ‘Feminist’ Nuns

April 26, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 70 Comments

Last week, the Vatican appointed Archbishop Peter Sartain of Seattle to oversee “reform” of the largest and most influential group of Catholic nuns in the United States, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR).

And by reform, they mean silence.

The LCWR — created in 1956 by request of the Vatican itself — is comprised of 1500 Women Religious (sisters), representing 80% of the 56,000 religious sisters in the United States.

In 2009, the Vatican decided to begin an Assessment of the LCWR “as a result of several years of examination of the doctrinal content of statements from the LCWR and of their annual conferences” with the belief that some statements “disagree[d] with or challenge[d] the bishops, who are the church’s authentic teachers of faith and morals.”

Now, three years later, the Vatican has provided their Doctrinal Assessment of the LCWR.

It begins pleasantly enough:

The Holy See acknowledges with gratitude the great contribution of women Religiousto the Church in the United States as seen  particularly in the many schools, hospitals, and institutions of support for the poor which have been founded and staffed by Religious over the years.

Then they tell you what they really think:

… (The Doctrinal Assessment) does not intend to offer judgment on the faith and life of  Women Religious in the member Congregations which belong to that conference,  nevertheless the Assessment reveals serious doctrinal problems which affect many in Consecrated Life.

The Vatican is up in arms because the LCWR women are exploring their faith and *gasp* forming their own opinions of what living through Christ means to them.

These sisters are being accused of:

…some Religious “moving beyond the Church” or even beyond Jesus.  This is a challenge not only to core Catholic beliefs; such a rejection of faith is also a serious source of scandal and is incompatible with religious life.

… protesting the Holy See’s actions regarding the question of women’s ordination and of a correct pastoral approach to ministry to homosexual persons

… radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith

The LCWR are surprised by what the Vatican had to say and offered this statement on their site:

The presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious was stunned by the conclusion of the doctrinal assessment of LCWR by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. We had received a letter from the CDF prefect in early March informing us that we would hear the results of the doctrinal assessment at our annual meeting; however, we were taken by surprise by the gravity of the mandate.

In an effort to remedy this “grave” situation and “matter of serious concern,” Archbishop Sartain, in taking control of the Conference, is writing new laws, displacing the leadership, and prohibiting “political” activity (like social work, according to Rome).

However, in all of their finger pointing misogyny, the Vatican doesn’t cite specific examples of public statements the LCWR made that are so condemning.

Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of Network, a Catholic social justice lobby founded by sisters and affiliated with LCWR, theorized as to what did it: “I would imagine that it was our health care letter that made them mad… We haven’t violated any teaching, we have just been raising questions and interpreting politics.”  Her group was also cited in the Vatican document, along with the LCWR, for focusing its work too much on poverty and economic injustice, while keeping “silent” on abortion and same-sex marriage

According to Christendom College’s Donna Bethell:

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious is an entity established by the Vatican, approved by the Vatican, its statutes approved by the Vatican for the purpose of supporting the Women Religious in their life and work.

In laymen’s terms, “We own you, no independent opinions or views allowed.”

So how does the Vatican respond? With a traditional Catholic PR move.

Despite the scathing accusations they made in their report, CatholicNewAgency.com has an article in which Pope Benedict and Archbishop Sartain are praising the LCWR:

He said he hopes “to work in a positive way,” recognizing “the wonderful contribution of religious women in the United States, and to work in a way that shows our continued love and support for their extraordinary contribution.”

Archbishop Sartain made his remarks in Rome only days after Pope Benedict XVI also publicly praised the contribution religious women make to the U.S. Church and society.

So, you praise them… yet accuse them of near blasphemy?

How the times never change when it comes to this religion. The outright hypocrisy would be surprising were the whole Church not built upon it.

The Vatican is scared. These nuns are thinking on their own, forming opinions of their own, working through their faith in a modern world and actually helping people in their programs.

As atheists, we see the gross injustice, we can look at these situations and understand the real meaning behind their “assessment”: it’s all about power and control. Specifically, it seems, women in religion still aren’t getting it. The men who run religion believe women to be inferior, are angry and fearful of women not doing exactly as their told, and are exerting their “muscles” to keep women from advancing… all under the cloak of “God.”

There is no love loss between me and the Catholic Church. I see the charity that women like the LCWR are doing, but it doesn’t negate the child rape and sexual abuse program, the hypocrisy of living through Christ and helping the poor while being the greatest possessor of material riches in the world, the inferiority of women, the hatred of homosexuals and all around guilt indoctrinated in people for being… themselves.

Every dollar anyone gives to their Catholic parish helps contribute to their Vatican opinion, their atrocities, their vile teachings. How can anyone continue to support an organization that insists on attacking the women in their own ranks simply because they fear them becoming equal?

What we can do is continue to point out the inequality and injustice and continue to do our own good work for humanity. When those who grow weary of the hate, who realize they are pawns in a power struggle, are ready to break free, we will be there as a vast and diverse community that welcomes reason with our Humanism.

Filed Under: General 70 Comments

Join Us April 28 for the ‘Unite Against the War on Women’ Rally

April 24, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 56 Comments

About a month ago, Karen Teegarden and Desiree Jordan, after venting over the phone for the past year about the legislation and attacks on the rights of women decided to take it to the streets.

On February 19th, 2012, it was time to stop venting and start doing. As Desiree said, “We should just do it… if we build it, they’ll come.”

She was right.

Quickly gaining in popularity via social media, UniteWomen.org has also drawn the support of  NOW, National Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, National Equal Rights Amendment Alliance, and many more. Even their Facebook page has exploded, with over 21,000 likes.

In the 21st century, this backward slide in equal rights is infuriating, unbelievable, and abhorrent. There is well documented history of the fight against anti-women legislation. Can it be that a century later we are still fighting to have politicians see beyond gender, race, color, and religion? It is a somber and angering, “Yes.”

In the words of Barbara Hannah Grufferman,

“Enough Is Enough! The days of standing on the sidelines to watch others control our bodies, health, income and rights are over.”

“We experienced deeper and more painful levels of unemployment, a dearth of senior level private and public sector positions (in fact, according to recent reports, more women lost government jobs than men thanks to cuts, cuts and more cuts), legislation and programs that would compromise our health and safety and witnessed ultra conservatives referring to women as sluts and comparing us to farm animals. And that’s just the short list.”

This Saturday, April 28th, 2012, women (and men) all over the country are taking a stand for anyone, regardless of gender, who wishes to support the stand against the attack on women’s rights:

“Unite Against The War on Women is holding marches and rallies all across the Country on April 28th. We will be standing with women and men in every State making sure that our voices are heard!”

You can check here to find where a march will take place in your state. Join the rally!

Enough is enough. Decisions about our bodies ought to be made in our own homes, not in their House.



Filed Under: General, Politics 56 Comments

Shocking: Herman Cain Makes a Sexist Comment

April 12, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 42 Comments

Never one to disappoint, former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain expressed a few words yesterday on Fox News that almost defy belief.

Almost.

We know he has a special place in his heart for the opposite gender… which is probably in the kitchen portion.

He was asked why, in a Washington Post-ABC News poll, the public felt President Obama addressed women’s issues better than Mitt Romney while men preferred Romney over Obama among men. Good ol’ Cain had this to say (beginning at the 3:10 mark):

Yes, President Obama is very likable to most people, if you just look at him and his family. But if you look at his policies, which is what most people disagree with, it’s a different story. And I think many men are much more familiar with the failed policies than a lot of other people, as well as the general public.

As sexist as this may be, I have to wonder who these “other people” are that he’s lumping into his statement. Robots, werewolves, zombies?

And lest Cain forgot, this same type of language that was used against a race of people many decades ago. You’d think he would know better…

What an ass… on so many levels. But this is not new information.

Filed Under: General, Politics 42 Comments

Bunnies Stay Dead… Jesus Didn’t

April 6, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 62 Comments

The Rock, a community church in Conway, South Carolina, has a special treat for families this Easter weekend:

Wow.  Maybe next year we can look forward to a Zombie Jesus marketing strategy?

Nah, probably not.

Silly rabbit, resurrection is for Jesus.

(via Justin Griffith)

Filed Under: General 62 Comments

Inspiration Comes From All Places

April 3, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 213 Comments

It might sound stupid, but this blog post came about because I saw The Lorax yesterday with my kids.

I am fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to work from home, which in turn allows me to homeschool my kids. We began homeschooling this past fall because there was a bullying issue at our public school, and we decided to not put up with it any longer.

At the beginning of my oldest’s 6th grade year, compounding his dwindling self esteem, middle school kids thought it hilarious to make fun of him. Why? Because he is short. Because he’s in the “gifted” program. Because he’s too eager to be popular. Because he has a shaggy haircut. Because he likes skinny jeans.

One day on the bus — the main forum for unchecked bullying — my son walked back to the kids who were laughing and making fun of him and yelled, “Just stop it! Leave me ALONE!”

He sat back down in his seat and stared out the window. Knowing my son, who has always worn his emotions on his sleeve, he was probably trying so hard to blink away the tears welling up so as to not give those kids one more thing to point and laugh at him for. One of the kids from the back sat next to him and lightly said his name, to which my son turned — only to receive a punch in the chest. This was moments before the bus pulled up in front of our home, and he ran off of the bus, humiliated, angry, and hurt.

I knew something was wrong when he went straight to his room instead of moseying into the living room to see what I was doing.

Of course, we talked to the principal. Of course, we heard nothing more about it because of privacy laws. Of course, the taunting and bullying didn’t stop. And, of course, my son never told us about any of it.

Near the end of the year, a kid in my daughter’s class told me that his older brother referred to my son as “a punching bag.” When I asked my son why he didn’t tell anyone he simply said, “Because it makes it worse.”

I hurt for my son.

Of course, we talked to the principal. Of course, we heard nothing more about it (despite his “promise” to get back to us). Of course…

No.

No “of course”… because this time I made a change.

After months of research that summer, we decided to homeschool. I still have people tell me, “You could go to the school board. You could fight this,” to which I reply, “I’d rather spend my time doing something positive for my kids while I still have them in my care, than use all of my free time fighting a system that puts more care into test scores than the well-being of my child. I made a change that was in their best interest.”

I support public school, the idea of it. And I support the amazing teachers that actually do care. Unfortunately, the folks at the top of the food chain, don’t have my kids’ best interests at heart.

I mention all of this because of one word…

Change.

So, back to The Lorax. (The kids finished their school work early.)

The ideas and lessons in the film really hit me. Yes, I cried at the end. I cried because a few simple words from Dr. Seuss resonated with me on so many levels, in so many dear things in my heart. It applies to the environment, our health, bullying, equality… and yes, even to our cause in the atheist community.

In our atheist/freethinker/skeptic community, we are fighting for change. We are fighting for rights. We are fighting for equality. We are fighting for reason. We are fighting against… bullies.

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not. — Dr. Seuss


Filed Under: Atheist Parenting, Education, General 213 Comments

Jesus Isn’t As Peaceful As You Think

March 19, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 95 Comments

This image has been floating around the interwebs lately:

 

 

While, I really want to appreciate the sentiment — Jesus is a really nice guy — I’m plagued by the OTHER things Jesus is quoted as saying in the very same book from which his peaceful, loving statements come.

A few examples:

Matthew 10:34 — “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

John 15:6 — “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

Luke 12:47 – “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.”

Mark 14:3-7 — “3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.’ And they rebuked her harshly. 6‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ’Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.’”

BUT wait a minute…

Luke 12:33 — “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”

Even plants and animals aren’t safe from the “lamb of God”:

Matthew 8:32 — “He said to them, ’Go!’ So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”

Mark 11:13-14 — “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, ’May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it.”

Theists often accuse non-believers of “cherry-picking.” I’ve even been told, “It’s easy for you to see the Bible as evil when you don’t read the whole thing.” But, in my experience, atheists/agnostics tend to know more about religion. The Pew Research Survey of Religious Knowledge confirms that nonbelievers hold the top spot in this regard.

I have read and continue to read the good and the bad in the Bible. I cannot and will not follow anyone, grandiose claims of supernatural abilities or not, who advocates inequality, violence, and vile behavior even if he says he loves me. This is the cycle of an abusive relationship.

Regarding the funny image above, it’s a nice sentiment, but still a false one. Par for the course for a picture of Jesus.

Filed Under: General 95 Comments

Catholic School Atheist Raises Over $11,000 for Responsible Charity

March 11, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 7 Comments

On February 22nd, Daniel, the Catholic School Atheist, began his fundraiser for Responsible Charity.

We here at Friendly Atheist felt so inspired by Daniel’s story that we decided to post about it.

Originally, Daniel’s goal was to double his Catholic High School’s fundraising goal — they are raising money to build a fence for an orphanage in Africa.

His original goal, $1,200, was reached and surpassed quickly. In fact, over the course of 14 days (through March 7th), Responsible Charity, received $11,184.12 worth of donations from 516 people worldwide thanks to Daniel’s support.

Daniel is beyond pleased with the response:

Thanks to each one of you, a school will be built in Kolkata — a secular school where kids can learn without the baggage of religion. We have literally changed the lives of many kids forever. I am so happy right now! I can’t wait to get the official letter from Responsible Charity stating what we have raised so I can show it to my parents and my school. I’ll be sure to keep you up to date on how it goes. YOU GUYS ROCK! Thank you so much!

I have had the pleasure of short email exchanges with Daniel. And it turns out he recently came out as an atheist to his parents:

[My parents] called me downstairs and asked about some of the posts I’ve had on facebook about reading Hitchens or Bible quotes. I just told them then that I was an Atheist. My mom seemed ok with it and told me just to not be to cocky around other people but my dad wasn’t very happy. He seemed ok once I told him about the page. I’m extremely happy with the results that I’ve gotten and actually I just found out that after 2 weeks my school has gotten $63.25.

Yes, you read that correctly.

In two weeks, Daniel, the Catholic School Atheist, raised over $11,000 to help build a school for kids in the slums of India… while his Catholic School raised just over $63.

Quite the difference.

And on top of that, he has the courage to come out as an atheist to his parents. Brave kiddo.

Truly, the outpouring of support for this new, small charity is remarkable.

The Catholic School Atheist plans to keep his Facebook page open indefinitely to continue helping Responsible Charity.

Meanwhile Responsible Charity had this to say:

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED! — 25K Raised, it took us a while, then a great big push from a brave 14 year old young man over a week ago and we got there! (more about him here: www.facebook.com/catholicschoolatheist) — There were many fundraisers, small and large donations from supporters since day ONE, as well as folks from around the world who learned about our efforts over the last year. The time has come to now build our first secular school for children living in slums. More to come, stay tuned!

Hemley Gonzalez, founder of Responsible Charity, described the school goal on his personal facebook page nearly a year ago:

We need to open a school to eliminate many of the challenges we currently face in the slums. As of today (April 11, 2011) we’ve been able to place 11 children in two schools in the area but it has not been without difficulties and many rejections. We now need to take control of the situation and give more children a place where they are welcome regardless of their caste and can prepare them to enter higher education schools…

The cost of establishing a new school and maintaining it for the first year will run in the neighborhood of $23,000-$25,000USD, this includes deposits, monthly rent, commissions and small to medium repairs if necessary as well as the cost of salaries for teachers, caretakers, uniforms, books, medicines, kitchen, nutritional program and other supplies will have to be calculated in the future as we start to take kids off the streets and into a place that will positively change their lives forever.

Daniel and Hemley have been exceptional examples of not just atheism but of good human beings who want to help the world because it’s the right thing to do.

Bravo!

Filed Under: Atheist Generosity, General 7 Comments

Update on the Catholic School Atheist and Responsible Charity

February 25, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 14 Comments

Yesterday, a Catholic-school-attending atheist teenager named Daniel was highlighted here. Daniel wanted to beat his school in a charity fundraiser, only he wanted to benefit a secular charity instead of the Church. According to Responsible Charity, within 48 hours of Daniel creating the Facebook fundraiser page, $4,925.27 has been donated from 497 people in 19 countries around the world.

This is incredible! The vision of this young teenager to create a worthwhile fundraiser out of a situation that hurt, saddened, and angered him is a testament to the power of knowledge. At that age, I hadn’t examined my faith enough to even stand for a belief, let alone create anything remotely thoughtful in the face of adversity.

As a little bit more background for those who have to kindly donated and to anyone still deciding, allow me to share a few beautiful pictures and quotes from Hemley Gonzalez, who began the organization:

It was during my sabbatical in India that I uncovered a scandal inside the charity founded by Mother Teresa (The Missionaries of Charity) involving serious medical negligence and financial fraud. I began to document and report all that I had witnessed on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/missionariesofcharity) and soon after Forbes-India contacted me for an interview.

The experience of volunteering within an organization marked by egregious fraud inspired me to create a better way to help people overcome poverty and lead a healthy and happy life. Thus Responsible Charity, Corp. was born: http://www.responsiblecharity.org/

Visit Hemley’s site for more info, photos, and his hilarious $#!+ Atheists Say video!

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported Daniel’s vision for Responsible Charity. It’s great to be a member of a community that so often seizes the opportunity to show what it’s made of.

*** Update*** From Responsible Charity:

Update regarding The Catholic School Atheist‘s fundraiser: As of this morning (Feb 27th India time) 448 folks from around the world (not the previously mentioned 497 as MANY supporters actually have doubled and tripled their donations in the last few days and we mistakenly repeated their headcount) have raised $8,664.61USD for Responsible Charity‘s project to build our first secular school for the children of the slums in Kolkata! We are now officially just a few thousands dollars shy of our $25,000USD goal. Thank you for the unbelievable support from everyone who has participated and continues to participate

 

Filed Under: Atheist Generosity, General 14 Comments

An Atheist in Catholic School Wants to Show That He Can Be Charitable, Too

February 24, 2012 By Shannon Burgdorf 49 Comments

Here’s the story of a boy named Daniel.

He was born into a Catholic family.

He is forced to attend Catholic School.

He has come to the conclusion that he is an atheist.

Hello everyone, My name is Daniel and I’m an Atheist who is forced to attend a private Catholic school. I regularly experience harrassment due to my lack of belief in a deity.

A few months ago I decided to read the entire Bible (King James version) cover to cover and just didn’t buy into any of it. My parents and teachers don’t know I’m an atheist…

Recently, Daniel’s school began a fundraiser. In my chat with Daniel, he said the principal rants about how “atheists never give to charity; only Christians do.”

I decided I’d try to beat my school in a fundraiser for a secular charity instead of for the church. So I talked to one of my friends and she managed to get this whole thing organized. I realized it would be more productive to just simply try to help others instead of getting mad at people at my school. Plus, this way I don’t get suspended for “attacking” somebody else’s beliefs.

Daniel chose the charity ResponsibleCharity.org:

They are a secular charity that helps children and women in India and are trying to build a school in Calcutta. Secular Charity was started to do what the corrupt Missionaries of Charity have failed to do: help kids in the slums of India to find a better life. On a shoestring budget they are doing amazing things.

What I find the most intriguing are the photo albums on the Responsible Charity’s Facebook page labeled Transparency with this note:

In an effort to continue to be as transparent as possible we will post as many receipts of all the purchases we make with your donations. Items such as food and supplies in local markets, taxis, street corner clothes and such are impossible to get receipts for, it is India after all LOL! But we’re trying our best and want to honor and respect YOU, our donors and supporters with a view of all we are doing with your help. THANK YOU!

Daniel is asking for donations and this is how you can help:

I’m asking you to please go to www.responsiblecharity.org and donate something. Even if it’s just a dollar I will be proud. Please add a note to the donation saying “Daniel’s fundraiser” so that it counts toward my campaign to out-charity my whole school! I know I may face a back lash for this from those around me but it’s important to me to help other kids get an education without having to deal with religion!

Thank you for reading it and if you can’t donate anything please spread the word!

how to donate:
1. go to http://responsiblecharity.org/
2. click “donate now”
3. enter an amount and click “donate now”
4. sign into paypal. Under your address, click the “Note to Seller”
5. type in “Daniel’s fundraiser”
6. click “save” and then “pay now”

***Update***: If you are unable to find “Note to Seller” go to the Responsible Charity’s Facebook page and let them know! Many people have done this already :)

Give now and spread the word!

Isn’t this the way almsgiving should be done? Add it to the LIST!

…

***Update***: Since a lot of you are having trouble finding the “Note to Seller” on the PayPal page, reader Jesse provided this helpful screenshot:

…

*** Update***:

From Responsible Charity’s Facebook:

Since Daniel’s fundraiser began (The Catholic School Atheist) in less than 48 hours,Responsible Charity has received $4,925.27 (and still going) from 497 folks from all over the world including many of our own supporters who had contributed extra funds in addition to their ongoing support of our work.

Special thanks are also in order to our friends Tracey McPherson, Religion Poisons Everything, The friendly atheist, The Thinking Atheist, and all others who have shared Daniel’s story and continue to do so.

We are incredibly happy to help this young man send a clear and strong message to his religious school about the true and compassionate nature of freethinkers around the world. The funds will be used towards the building of a secular school and our ground work with children and their families living in the slums in Kolkata, India. From all of us here: THANK YOU!


Filed Under: Atheist Generosity, Education, General 49 Comments
« Older Posts