The Furious Spinner

Just watched Godless in America, a fascinating doc about Madalyn Murray O'Hair. O'Hair was the woman who got prayer out of the schools. She was known as the most hated woman in America. She spent a lifetime rabble-rousing. I appreciate her fight. I absolutely believe in the separation of church and state. The claim that christians are under seige in our country is specious, to say the least. She risked a great deal by speaking out, although from what I remember and what I saw on this doc, she was just telling the truth as she saw it. She thought people who believed in god were delusional. She didn't think "godless" people should be coerced into participating in religious ceremonies via prayer in the school or any other place. Phil Donuhue knew her and talked about her in the film. He said that we needed someone like her now—we need vigorous debate in our country on all kinds of issues. And he said, "In this country, you don't have to believe in anything."

Madalyn Murray O'Hair was murdered at the age of 76, along with her son and her granddaughter. According to most accounts I have read, the police were not vigorous in their investigation of her disappearance because she was an atheist. 2 comments

2 Comments:

Haven't yet seen Godless in America but it sounds intriguing. I came across a google video link to two of Richard Dawkins' newest doc's called "Root of all Evil?"
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6169720917221820689&q=root+of+all+evil
and "The Virus of Faith" http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5752208690443739173&q=root+of+all+evil

If these links are broken go to video.google.com and search for "root of all evil."

He's a bit more media savvy than O'Hair though still manages to garner a lot of vitriolic hate-mail which typifies the rantings of fundies & "true believers." His newest book "The God Delusion" is an excellent read, albeit with a somewhat confrontational title, which puts forth several compelling arguments on the topics of faith and reason.

By Craig, at 10:42 AM  

Hi Kim,
It's Craig, Joanna's partner, checking in. I posted a response to "Godless in America." I am rather new at blogs so am not sure how it all works or what protocol is required. hopefully all is well.

Just want to say "Thank you!" for mythology, memes and background on the old mermaids. Joanna really likes the idea, even performed as "Mother Star Stupendous Mermaid" at our recent Santa Lucia party.

Blessed be well,

Craig
(craig@craigolson.net)

By craig, at 1:56 PM  

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