Secular Coalition for America: Difference between revisions
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The SCA was founded in 2002 as a coalition of four U.S. secular organizations: [[Atheist Alliance International]], the [[Institute for Humanist Studies]], the [[Secular Student Alliance]], and the [[Secular Web]]. In 2005 the [[American Humanist Association]] became the coalition's fifth member organization. The [[Society for Humanistic Judaism]] and the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] joined the SCA coalition in January of 2006. In February of 2007, the [[Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers]] joined the SCA coalition. |
The SCA was founded in 2002 as a coalition of four U.S. secular organizations: [[Atheist Alliance International]], the [[Institute for Humanist Studies]], the [[Secular Student Alliance]], and the [[Secular Web]]. In 2005 the [[American Humanist Association]] became the coalition's fifth member organization. The [[Society for Humanistic Judaism]] and the [[Freedom From Religion Foundation]] joined the SCA coalition in January of 2006. In February of 2007, the [[Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers]] joined the SCA coalition. |
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==Criticism== |
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Many argue that organizations like [[Secular Coalition for America]] promote censorship of religion and are bigoted in their views and political expressions. |
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It is clear that the United States is a Christian nation, rooted in Christian principles and founded largely by Christians. All the founding fathers came from Christian backgrounds, and thus, none of whom were of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or even Buddhist backgrounds. In such a democracy, the majority rules |
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There are many reasons for the stigmatization of atheists in America. One is that their views and actions are easily perceived as religious bigotry. Another reason is that their advocacy for a separation of Church and State is excessive, even draconian as some would describe, and most importantly, unconstitutional. It largely inhibits free speech and freedom of religion; the US Constitution promotes religious equality and neutrality- not censorship. |
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Finally, it has been proven that although there are some millions of atheists in the United States, most of them come from Christian backgrounds and would still celebrate and appreciate their Christian heritage. This is why so many are opposed to the complete censorship and oppression of Christian, religious activity in this country. |
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Lori Lipman Brown, President of SCA, stated the following in response to the House Committee's decision to increase funds for Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage programs: We support comprehensive sex education programs that are developed by professional educators -- not "abstinence only until marriage" programs which are developed by individuals who put theology above education. |
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According to comprehensive studies and statistics, there has been a strong correlation between said programs and lower unwanted teen pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases. These kinds of programs are clearly scientifically merited. |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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Revision as of 12:20, 17 July 2007
The Secular Coalition for America is a lobbying group representing atheists, secular humanists, and freethinkers in American politics. It is currently represented in Washington, D.C. by former Nevada state senator Lori Lipman Brown, who became its first full-time executive director in September of 2005.
The SCA is the first lobbying organization in the United States that works to increase the visibility and respectability of nontheistic viewpoints in the United States and to protect and strengthen the secular character of the U.S. government. The SCA advocates that American politics espouse the complete separation of church and state as called for in the U.S. Constitution. The SCA holds reason and science as its guiding tenets for public policy.
History
The SCA was founded in 2002 as a coalition of four U.S. secular organizations: Atheist Alliance International, the Institute for Humanist Studies, the Secular Student Alliance, and the Secular Web. In 2005 the American Humanist Association became the coalition's fifth member organization. The Society for Humanistic Judaism and the Freedom From Religion Foundation joined the SCA coalition in January of 2006. In February of 2007, the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers joined the SCA coalition.
Criticism
Many argue that organizations like Secular Coalition for America promote censorship of religion and are bigoted in their views and political expressions.
It is clear that the United States is a Christian nation, rooted in Christian principles and founded largely by Christians. All the founding fathers came from Christian backgrounds, and thus, none of whom were of Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or even Buddhist backgrounds. In such a democracy, the majority rules
There are many reasons for the stigmatization of atheists in America. One is that their views and actions are easily perceived as religious bigotry. Another reason is that their advocacy for a separation of Church and State is excessive, even draconian as some would describe, and most importantly, unconstitutional. It largely inhibits free speech and freedom of religion; the US Constitution promotes religious equality and neutrality- not censorship.
Finally, it has been proven that although there are some millions of atheists in the United States, most of them come from Christian backgrounds and would still celebrate and appreciate their Christian heritage. This is why so many are opposed to the complete censorship and oppression of Christian, religious activity in this country.
Lori Lipman Brown, President of SCA, stated the following in response to the House Committee's decision to increase funds for Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage programs: We support comprehensive sex education programs that are developed by professional educators -- not "abstinence only until marriage" programs which are developed by individuals who put theology above education.
According to comprehensive studies and statistics, there has been a strong correlation between said programs and lower unwanted teen pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases. These kinds of programs are clearly scientifically merited.
External links
- Organization Website
- USA Today: Non-believers raising voice in capital
- Poll finds 91% Americans believe in God
- Fewer teens having sex
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