Ask an Atheist

[madskeptic]

I would like to propose an "Ask and Atheist" round for a teach-in (of sorts). As an Atheist, I could lead the discussion but it usually works best with more than one Atheist.

Should this be a workable idea, I'd need to know when it would happen in advance so that I could make the appropriate arrangements about scheduling, etc.

[flashmob]

I'm an atheist. I don't really see too much interest in this but if there is I'll jump on panel.

[madskeptic]

I noticed a lot of interest in Pagan stuff on the board and saw a prayer circle on Friday (I think).

I think people should realize there are Atheists in the group and we're just like everyone else. Ask and Atheist is informal and allows people to ask whatever questions they want.

I hope there is enough interest for an Academy but I'd do it on the side as well.

[calsherman]

As an Atheist and a philosophy major at UAlbany, I would be interested in this sort of an informal, meet-and-greet, hello we don't eat babies we're just Atheists, sort of a thing.
However, I feel that the proposition of and language of this is verrrryyyyy important. One of the first things a theist will accuse an atheist of, if given a reason to be suspicious of their motives in any way, will be pompousness, disrespect of others' views, etc. therefore, we may want to discuss the reasons for having such a teach-in before hand to ensure that everyone knows we are simply spreading consciousness of the Atheist's paradigm, and not putting down anyone's differing theistic, paganistic, pantheistic, polytheistic, or etc. views.

[madskeptic]

Let's run with this idea then. I've heard, basically, nothing from the WG I thought would be interested.

I don't think I'll be around tonight but am planning on being onsite on Thursday. Private message me and we can just set up a little "Ask and Atheist" spot and take questions as they come.

[Albanius]

The teach in, etc WG is open to a wide range of topics.
Bomb-making would NOT be welcome, for example,
but we intend to accomodate many views on many subjects, including religion and philosophy.

However we are still working on WG process for scheduling events, and the lead person was away this past week.

As I understand it. we are giving initial priority to topics relating to encampment safety, and to actions coming up soon, as for example the millionaires tax and Robin hood tax actions this past week, and the big bank withdrawal day this coming Friday.

A broader range of topics can be scheduled once the WG gets its operation running smoothly.

[Albanius]

IMO the world needs a lot more non-theistic evangelism.

Free Thought Radio is broadcast on WRPI , 91.5 FM, Wednesdays 10 - 11:00AM. You may want to get in touch with the hosts - I believe they are students, but the discussion is fairly sophisticated.

I will be out of town Thurs - Sun Nov 10-13, back next week.
If you want to schedule a formal presentation & discussion. You might want to pick a title that is more affirmative, less reactive.

[madskeptic]

How exactly is ask an atheist reactionary?

I should also point out that ask an atheist is not evangelical. People come to us with questions. Honestly, being"evangelical"about what you don't believe is kind of laughable.

Regardless, there really hasn't been any interest. Don't know if that's a good or bad thing.