Society of Edmonton Atheists

That’s right! Summer is upon us and so we just decided to make this one a free-for-all. If you happen to have a topic that you would like to bring along and moderate, feel free. If you’d just like to come and chat to people about how you came to atheism, what atheism is, or how to best discuss things with family, friends, and co-workers, we’re up for that too.

As usual, the discussions will continue at the downtown Elephant & Castle pub once we leave the library.

Tuesday, 03 August 2010

19:00 – 20:30

Room 7, 6th Floor, Stanley A Milner Library, Downtown Edmonton

RSVP here!

Religions are powerful institutions in society; so, too, are the military, especially the enormous US military might. Of concern over the past several years is that role that religion, especially the right-wing evangelical faith, plays within the US military. What is the proper role of religion in the military? Does a pro-Christian culture permeate the armed forces? Is the experience different in the Canadian Forces, or do we have similar concerns?

Also, the old canard “There are no atheists in foxholes.” continues to circulate in the public consciousness, despite the clear tradition and fine examples of freethinkers in both the US and Canadian military who nobly serve their countries while being true to their own beliefs. Our own resident foxhole-dweller, Paul Welke, will shatter this myth, and provide comment and insight on his experience within the Canadian Armed Forces.

One group, founded by Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein in 2005 to address the growing concern of religion in the military, is the Military Religious Freedom Foundation . The MRFF also maintains a blog. Another such group is the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers , which among other issues advocates for secular counselling for the ranks to access, a role traditionally filled only by the military chaplain. The financial support for such a chaplain in under constitutional scrutiny in the US for potentially violating the doctrine of separation of church and state, and this doctrine may be a way to stem the tide of undue influence on American military power in the future.

Join us for a round table discussion on these issues and more at the Edmonton Public Library, one of our monthly series of subjects intended to provide for thoughtful discussions among our members and the public. All are welcome to attend.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing your voice!

Tuesday, 06 July 2010

19:00 – 20:30

Room 7, 6th Floor, Stanley A Milner Library, Downtown Edmonton

RSVP here!

The 2010 Solstice Party went as well as we’d hoped, with 28 adults and 5 children making appearances. We had tons of food and great weather…and then we had torrential rain. Some of the party moved on to hang out and play games at the house of a SEA member, and a few determined souls stuck around until the sun came out again and their hamburgers were finished cooking.

This was our largest Solstice Party to date, and we hope they keep getting larger!

Some Damp Atheists

Here are some photos from yesterday’s parade. Thanks to long time SEA member Bill Burris for these. Check out his other photos on Flickr.

Pens and t-shirts for sale

Flying Spaghetti Monster

The FSM and SEA banner

SEA table after the parade

Thank you to everyone who came out to help or stopped by our table at Edmonton’s Gay Pride Parade today. It was a roaring success!

Our pirate-costumed group, including a significant and wonderfully costumed UAAA contingent, marched down Jasper Ave. with our Flying Spaghetti Monster (more photos coming soon). More than one spectator requested a touch from His noodly appendages during the parade, and we received plenty of cheers.

Afterward, at the table in Churchill Square, we had many, many people stop by to say that they were glad to see us there, exclaim over the FSM, and generally make the day a whole lot of fun. Thank you also to everyone who purchased a SEA membership, t-shirt, pen, or just donated some change. We couldn’t afford these events without you.

For anyone sad that they missed us, you can still come out to the Summer Solstice picnic next weekend!

On Saturday, June 12 the Society of Edmonton Atheists is participating in the Gay Pride Parade. Assembling for the parade will take place  just south of Jasper Avenue on 108 Street at 12:30pm. The parade starts at 1:00 pm.

After the parade is over, SEA has a coveted booth on Churchill Square. We will need volunteers to man the booth until 7:00 pm. The booth will be next to the pool in front of City Hall.

RSVP HERE!

We’ve booked a park this year, so we’ll be able to throw a Frisbee around. All are welcome. This is intended to be an all ages event.

This is a potluck. There are small wood-burning BBQs on site. We’ll also have a Coleman stove. We also recommend bringing your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets as picnic table space may be limited. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on city parkland, so this is a dry event.

Veiw Map

Summer Solstice Party
Saturday, 19 June 2010 at 16:30
Emily Murphy Park Edmonton, AB
RSVP HERE!

Re: The Role of Religion in Secular Society.

Recently one of our members responded to Margaret Somervile’s article which was published in the Edmonton Journal :

If you’ve paid any attention to the media over the last week — for instance, regarding whether the G8 “maternal and infant health initiative” should include abortion, or The Current’s and The National’s programs on CBC that focused on Marci McDonald’s new book, The Armageddon Factor, that raises alarm about the rise in political power and influence of the “Canadian religious right” — you’ll find this secularist truism espoused front, centre and behind the scenes: Religion and religious voices and views have no valid role to play in the public square. Indeed, many secularists are openly hostile to any such participation. But are they correct?”

Read more of the article

Letter to the Editor by Frank Friesacher

Margaret Somerville has created a straw man (or rather, men and women, in this case): where are these secularists who argue that freedom from religion means that “religion has no valid role to play in forming our shared  values and has no place in the public square?” This is certainly not the mainstream understanding of secularism, which predominantly focuses on the right to be free from religious rule and teachings, and the right to freedom from the government imposition of religion upon the state.

Read More…