About the International Coalition Calls

Every first Thursday of the month, the Secular Policy Institute holds an international coordinating call for its 300 members to discuss the future of the secular movement.

Call for June 4, 2015

Here’s the latest recording of the Secular Policy Institute’s international coordinating call.

The weekly report on research and demographics of the secular movement
by Julie Esris

A recent study reveals that the Seattle metropolitan area has the highest rate of atheists in the United States. In fact, only an estimated 3% of Americans are atheist, but in the Seattle metropolitan area, the rate is a whopping 10%. 37% of those in the Seattle metro area are religiously unaffiliated, compared to the 23% national average. Seattle is comprised of 16% atheists and agnostics versus 7.1% nationally. Meanwhile, 52% of Seattleites identify as Christian; the national average is 70.6% The article which presented this study quotes James Wellman, the comparative religion studies chair at the University of Washington, as saying, ÔÇ£When people come to the Northwest, they come across the Cascades and all their old affiliations just drop out the door.ÔÇØ

While WellmanÔÇÖs explanation seems to be a little simplistic, he may have a pointÔÇönot just about Seattle, but about costal areas in general. In fact, a 2012 Gallup poll reveals that the majority of the least religious statesÔÇöranging from 23%-32% religiousÔÇöare those along the coasts. With the exception of Alaska and Nevada, all of the twelve comparatively non-religious states are those in the Northeast and the Pacific Northwest. Vermont is ranked as the least religious state, at only 23%. Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and New York tie at the bottom of this list of comparatively-secular states at 32%. On the other end of the spectrum, the ten most religious states are overwhelmingly those in the Deep South, with Mississippi topping the list at 59% religious.

Another survey that examined individual cities reveals a pattern that correlates with the Gallup poll. Released in 2015, the study presents a list of 100 major cities, with the most religious at the top and the least religious at the bottom. Not surprisingly, the twenty cities at the bottom of the list include Los Angeles, California; Madison, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C.; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; and Providence, Rhode Island. San Francisco (15%), Boston (14%), and Providence (9%), fall within the bottom five least religious American cities. It is important to note that this study ranks Seattle as the 75^th most religious, rather than at the bottom of the list. One must bear in mind that this study measured religiosity. The study that examined Seattle presented it as the city with the highest percentage of atheists specifically.

These statistics, again, indicate that the least religious cities and states are primarily those along the coasts. But why? And why is Vermont the least religious state? The answers to these questions are probably somewhat complicated, but it is worth speculating some possible reasons. First of all, cities have historically been formed near large bodies of water to facilitate transport of goods, which, naturally, would mean that many cities would have formed along the coasts. Major cities such as New York, Seattle, Boston, and San Francisco are host to diverse communities, to people from a variety of religious backgrounds. This means that these citiesÔÇÖ inhabitants are probably more likely to be exposed to a larger variety of ideas and viewpoints. For example, religious person who migrates to a major city like Seattle might begin to question his faith when he meets those of other religions or atheists. It could make him realize that there are more religions than just the one to which he adheres and not all of themÔÇöor maybe even none of themÔÇöcan be right.

Another possibility is that there is simply more to do on a Sunday in a major metropolitan area, whereas in a more remote, rural area church may be one of only a few diversions on a SundayÔÇöor any day of the week.

But why is Vermont ranked the least religious state? It does not boast a major metropolis like New York, San Francisco, Boston, or Seattle, although it does have Burlington, which ranks #89 in religiosity among the cities surveyed. Still, it is counterintuitive that Washington, New York, or California wouldnÔÇÖt top the list as the least religious states, but this could be because these aforementioned states are much larger in terms of land area possibly have more areas that are sparsely populated. Additionally, Vermont is in the Northeast, home of several metropolitan areas in relative close proximity to each otherÔÇöBoston, New York, Portland (Maine), Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.ÔÇöwith Boston and Portland only a couple hoursÔÇÖ drive away.

There is no definitive answer as to why SeattleÔÇöand other major metropolitan areasÔÇöare among the least religious parts of America, but it is worthwhile to think of these areas in the way many secularists have come to think of the Internet: a diverse meeting place for an exchange of ideas. Like the Internet, cities could be where religion goes to die.

The weekly report on the SPI Coalition
by Julie Esris

Recently, Steve Hurd and Hilary Hurd of SPI Coalition member┬áUganda Humanist Schools Trust went to Uganda to see the progress of its new humanist schools. The presence of humanist schools in Uganda is important, as most Ugandan schools have a religious affiliation. This ongoing project has been highly successful, as illustrated in Steve Hurd’s new blog post.

How are single genes responsible for complex sexual behaviors? How does oxytocin affect people with autism? How does a variant of one gene cause otherwise intelligent people to have severe language problems?  Recently, SPI Coalition member Atheist Community of San Jose hosted scientist Dr. Peter Schattner, who answered these questions and more. Understanding biology, he argues, helps us better understand humanity.

Many countries that America is on friendly terms with have blasphemy laws. But SPI Coalition member┬áEx-Muslims of North America aspires to help fix that. Learn about their support of HR 290, a bill that would implore the President and the Department of State to make removal of blasphemy laws in America’s allies a priority.

SPI Coalition member Conway Hall Ethical Society always hosts exciting events. Its recent London Thinks event– a discussion between physicist Brian Cox and geneticist Adam Rutherford– is no exception. Join these great scientists┬áas they discuss physics, biology, and the importance of science education.

Despite dramatic advances in equal rights for women, we as a planet still have a long way to go, particularly in countries with a religious stronghold. That’s why SPI coalition member,┬áBritish Humanist Association, is stepping in to help. Learn more about their efforts!

Right now, many┬áMuslims are celebrating Ramadan. But what if you are an ex-Muslim who has to pretend to believe during this holiday in order to stay on good terms with your family? If you are in this situation, why not check out SPI Coalition member┬áCouncil of Ex-Muslims‘s forum? There is a thread called Haramadan Guide 2015, in which many ex-Muslims are coming together to voice their concerns.

Praise Bacon! SPI Coalition member┬áThe United Church of Bacon wants you to know what its beliefs are. Check them out, and don’t forget to praise Bacon when you’re done!

Recently, a white man named Dylann Roof opened fire in a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people and injuring one. SPI Coalition member Atheist Alliance of America offers its condolences.

Do you enjoy shopping on Amazon’s UK site? Would you like to help SPI Coalition member┬áNational Secular Society?┬áLearn how you can kill two birds with one stone and do both!

The Weekly SPI Fellows Update
by Julie Esris

Many fundamentalist Christians lobby to limit teens’ access to contraception, education, and medicine that prevents STDs. They are determined to outlaw pornography and strip clubs for adults. All of this is in the name of morality, and in the minds of these people, sex is immoral except in the context of marriage.┬áIt is America’s war on sex and an important public health issue, argues sex therapist, author, and SPI Fellow┬áMarty Klein. Check out Klein’s sobering presentation on this important topic.

Marty Klein

Just how did cognitive psychologist and SPI Fellow Elizabeth Loftus get interested in learning about memory? At a recent talk she gave at The University of California- Irvine, she explains just that. She also explains how easy it is to plant false memories into unwitting subjects. Scary? Yes, but also fascinating! Her lecture is now available on YouTube.

Elizabeth Loftus

Moral philosopher Peter Singer was invited to speak at the Cologne Philosophy Festival, only to be subsequently disinvited due to his controversial utilitarian viewpoints on bioethics. Is there ever justification for barring people– even those who espouse fringe viewpoints– from speaking at an important intellectual event? Philosopher and SPI Fellow┬áRussell Blackford┬áanswers this important question.

Recently, Dylann Roof opened fire on a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people and wounding one. Many┬ápeople have questioned why we call acts like this “hate crimes” but reserve the term “terrorism” for similar acts committed by Muslims. Should the Charleston church shooting be classified as an act of terrorism? The answer is more nebulous than one would think, argues┬álinguist, political commentator, and SPI Fellow┬áJohn McWhorter.

And speaking of this debate, writer and SPI Fellow┬áMark Juergensmeyer has his own opinion on this issue, which is somewhat different than McWhorter’s.┬áHe also┬áasks the important question as to why we aren’t as quick to look into the political/religious affiliations of a white man as we would be if an ethnic minority had committed the same crime.

Dear SPI Coalition Members:

We need your help!┬áJoin the Secular Policy Institute┬áand your fellow coalition members in our pursuit of human rights. Please include┬áyour organization’s name as a signature for┬áthe following letter in order to urge┬áthe leaders of Bangladesh to take action regarding the recent attacks against bloggers in their country.┬á Please reply to this email by Friday, July 3rd, and let me know if your organization would like to be listed.┬á All organizations will be listed below the letter in alphabetical order.

Warmest Regards,

Edwina Rogers

(Thursday June 25: We have several signatories and will update this list soon.)

Signed:

Secular Policy Institute

 United Coalition of Reason (United CoR)

The weekly report on research and demographics of the secular movement
by Julie Esris

It is common knowledge that strong religious beliefs positively correlate with the rejection of scientific consensus, particularly in terms of evolution and climate change. It is tempting to conclude that science denial is entirely religionÔÇÖs fault, but there are also religious people who accept both evolution and climate change. In fact, there may be other ideological factors at play. Examining political beliefs in addition to religious beliefs may elucidate just how ideology plays into the acceptance or rejection of evolution and climate change, particularly in America.

A 2013 Pew study reveals that only 60% of Americans accept evolution. Of American Christian groups surveyed, mainline Protestants are most likely to believe in evolution, at 78%. The religiously unaffiliated are slightly less likely, at 76%. 68% of white Catholics and slightly fewer Hispanic Catholics (53%) accept evolution. The two groups that are the most likely to reject evolution are black Protestants (44%) and white evangelical Protestants (27%).

It is surprising that the religiously unaffiliated are slightly less likely to accept evolution than white mainline Protestants. However, the percentages are so similar that it might not even be worth considering: perhaps polling more people from these groups would yield slightly different results. Except for white evangelical Protestants, black (presumably) non-evangelical Protestants are the most likely to reject evolution. This could be due to of perceived racism of Darwinism: Sometimes people with racist agendas distort evolutionary theory, dismissing blacks as ÔÇ£less evolvedÔÇØ than and inferior to whites. Additionally, many people fear that evolution could be used as justification for persecuting minorities and people with disabilities. It is a common misconception that acceptance of evolution fueled the Holocaust when, in fact, On the Origin of Species was among the books banned in HitlerÔÇÖs Germany.

But what of climate-change denialism?

A Pew study released last week surveyed the same Christian groups about their views on climate change. Unsurprisingly, at 77%, the religiously unaffiliated are among the most likely to accept climate change (the average acceptance among the general public is 68%). Black Protestants accept it at a slightly higher rate, at 78%. 63% of white mainline Protestants believe in climate change versus 50% of white evangelical Protestants. At 71%, Catholics are more convinced of climate change than almost any Christian group. However, this poll also illustrates that acceptance of climate change is more influenced by race and political beliefs than by religious beliefs. In fact, blacks are the ethnic group most likely to accept climate change. While it is true that the religious are more likely to reject it, they are also more likely to vote for Republican politicians, who accept climate change at a much lower rate than Democrats.

It is curious that race plays a role in oneÔÇÖs views on climate change. As with blacksÔÇÖ reluctance to accept evolution, it could be that their viewpoint has its roots in historic injustices. Perhaps it is the manifestation of a certain cynicism, a suspicion about rich and powerful white people, often the CEOs of corporations that are responsible for damaging the environment. It is also possible blacksÔÇÖ acceptance of climate change could be due to the fact that an overwhelming majority of them vote for members of the Democratic Party, whose members are more likely to believe in climate change.

It makes sense that the religiously unaffiliated are the most likely to accept evolution (76%)ÔÇöwithout religious dogma, they are receptive to the scientific consensus that evolution is a fact. While this level of acceptance of climate change (77%) is similar to that of evolution, it is also important to know that this group of people largely votes Democrat. Moreover, it seems that acknowledgement of this issue in the general population is not based on examining the evidence but rather political leanings. There may even be a similar phenomenon in terms of oneÔÇÖs views about evolution. After all, it is possible to be an atheist as unthinkingly as it is to be a religious zealot. Some people may accept evolution merely because it is intrinsically contrary to religion, not because overwhelming evidence confirms its veracity. If there is one important lesson to learn from these studies, it is the importance of putting aside fearsÔÇöhowever understandableÔÇö and ideologies when drawing conclusions about such divisive issues.

The weekly report on the SPI Coalition
by Julie Esris

Author and SPI Fellow┬áTaslima Nasrin┬árecently evacuated from India to the United States to escape death threats. This frightening situation and efforts to help her– including an emergency fund– are┬ádiscussed in depth during SPI Coalition member┬áAtheist Foundation of Australia‘s recent podcast.

SPI Coalition member British Humanist Association wants you to work for them! Would you like to be their head of education? Or maybe you would like to be chair of the board. Learn how you can apply.

Help Ugandan children go to schools that are unaffiliated with religion–┬áhumanist schools. SPI Coalition member┬áUganda Humanist Schools Trust┬áis making this a reality, but your help is important. Learn about how you can donate to this wonderful cause.

If you are a fan of the weekly call-in show┬áThe Atheist Experience, then SPI Coalition member┬áAtheist Community of San Jose has a real treat for you.┬áThe Atheist Experience‘s Tracie Harris┬árecently spoke about religious family values, and why they are harmful. A video of this event is now on Atheist Community of San Jose’s YouTube channel.

Is “Islamophobia” a legit term, or does it just shut down rational discourse? If leftists denounce that term, are they enabling bigotry? Benjamin Jones of SPI Coalition member┬áNational Secular Society (UK) weighs in on this issue.

And what’s up with celebrity culture? Why do we have reality shows about celebrities? Why do celebrities sell us products we probably don’t even need? And why do we gossip about celebrities’ personal lives? Is there an evolutionary explanation? Check out this┬áPoint of Inquiry podcast from SPI Coalition member┬áCenter for Inquiry to find out!

SPI Coalition member United Church of Bacon does it again! This time, “it” is a billboard of one of America’s secular founding fathers and one of his many insightful quotes. Praise this founding father, and praise Bacon!

SPI Fellow Phil Zuckerman‘s new book┬áLiving the Secular Life has just been published! Check out the review in the newsletter of SPI Coalition member┬áOntario Humanist Society.

It’s another great podcast by SPI Coalition member┬áFilipino Freethinkers! This time, the hosts discuss “eavesdropping” in the age of social media. What does it mean? And is it ethical?

How does one explain the ubiquitous phenomenon of religion? Study its demographics, says Jon Lindgren of SPI Coalition member Red River Freethinkers, in a recent blogpost.

The Weekly SPI Fellows Update
by Julie Esris

Philosopher and SPI Fellow┬áRussell Blackford would like to introduce himself— and philosophy– to you. Learn about Blackford’s┬álife, career, and his philosophy of, well, philosophy!

Russell Blackford

Once again, journalist, Middle East expert and SPI Fellow Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi sheds some light on the tragic violence that often befalls the Middle East. In a recent blog post, Al-Tamimi examines a heartbreaking massacre of a Druze village in Syria.

Is it right to compare Rachel Dolezal to Caitlyn Jenner? No, argues linguistics professor and SPI Fellow John McWhorter. Find out why.

For our Arabic speaking friends, here is an article about homosexuality and religion by ex-Muslim activist, journalist, and SPI Fellow Elham Manea.