Why Catholic Hospitals Should Scare You

April 26, 2013 By 240 Comments

Who’s running your local hospital?

There’s been an ongoing — and frightening — trend in health care circles: Catholic organizations are merging with secular hospitals and health-care providers, striking agreements that include strict adherence to Catholic teaching. The implications for patient care can be very serious, especially if you’re a woman or an elderly person… but many people don’t know about the possible ramifications until it’s too late.

According to the most recent numbers from the Catholic Health Association of the United States of America (CHAUSA), one-sixth of Americans admitted to hospitals across the country are getting care from Catholic organizations. In some cases, that may not matter. In other situations, it could mean the difference between life and death.

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Filed Under: Abortion, Death, General 240 Comments

In the Wake of the Boston Bombings, a Petition to Remind Political Leaders That Healing is for Everyone

April 26, 2013 By 17 Comments

Atheists were excluded from last week’s “interfaith” service for the victims of the Boston bombing, as if we had no one to mourn or no stake in the matter, and despite the fact that Boston is home to a large non-religious population.

It’s likely that decision was made without ill intent but it’s not because we didn’t make an effort to be included. Governor Deval Patrick and Melissa Rogers (Director of the White House’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships) need to know that we’re not taking this snub lightly.

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Filed Under: Death, General, Politics 17 Comments

Video of the Humanist Memorial Service for the Victims of the Boston Bombings

April 24, 2013 By 9 Comments

Over the weekend, after atheists were excluded from the “interfaith” service for the victims of the Boston bombings, the Humanist Community at Harvard held a secular memorial service to pay their respects to the victims and the wounded. Speakers included representatives from the Harvard group, the Secular Coalition for Massachusetts, and the Boston Atheists:

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Filed Under: Death, General 9 Comments

Rick and Kay Warren Take Positive Steps Toward Mental Health Education After Loss of Son

April 23, 2013 By 21 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, the 27-year-old son of Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay committed suicide. It was especially sad to learn that Matthew Warren had suffered for so long with mental illness. I commended the Warrens for taking him to professionals — something that may have helped prolong his life for an additional ten years.

One of the problems in the Christian church is that mental illness is often seen as a sign of weakness, an indication that Satan has latched onto you. Prayer is the cure and professionals are not.

To their credit, the Warrens didn’t (and still aren’t) taking that approach.

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Filed Under: Death, General 21 Comments