The first sentence of Professor Paul Kurtz's column (Feb. 28) titled, 'In defense of secular rationalism' - lamenting a concerted effort under way, to repeal the secular society" -- expresses a fact that "- I have endeavored, for a long time, to convey to readers of The Forum. Despite my efforts, I must say that I have not yet experienced treatment as a "pariah" around here. Ignored, condescended to or pitied -- yes-- but rarely have detractors shown fear or revulsion.
But Kurtz's description of "closet" atheists among professors, doctors, lawyers, prominent business and community leaders does pertain to our regional scene as well. There are quite a few who do not wish to publicly reveal their lack of religious belief. It is easy to understand why in a time when religious bigots are on the increase. All media have joined in thinly veiled support of Christian cosmology versus scientific astronomical data being gathered daily. We have seen them all from Time, Newsweek, U.S. News (even National Geographic) as well as national newspapers, some of whom who have hired "religion" reporters, nearly always fail the test of objectivity. As for religious radio and TV broadcasters -- so many that they have become ludicrous -- they provide sources for parody and satire by comics and cartoonists. The depressing state of decline of our "pre-eminent scientific and technological society" due to the demagoguery practiced by preachers and politicians is true. Overt campaigns by the Religious Coalition, band-wagoned by raising conservatism, seek to promote legislation of Christian views and lifestyles through the so-called "Religious Freedom amendment -- co-sponsored by "blue dog" Democrat Collin Peterson, D-Minn. Politicians have now reconstituted the religion "gimmick" added to the hoary, rabble-rousing favorites of flag, mother, apple pie, baseball and baby-smooching. Such moves are dangerous to our once-deserved pride in a country of progressive, thinking peoples. -The teaching of Christian versions of the planet's origin and first life (i.e., creationism) is finding some muddle-headed support and is confusing the thinking of public school students and just may be a factor in accounting for the downward trend of their, Test scores.
Finally, about Kurtz's; views appearing on The Forum editorial page -- two observations. Why was this divergence from the usual comfortable local religious mediocrity selected for re-printing? For titillation? Provocation? Education? Secondly, it is surprising to me that not one religious reader of this newspaper expressed reaction to Kurtz's defense of rationalism and free inquiry. It could be that they do not appreciate, let alone understand, the gravity of his views.
Marcel Stratton
July 1998