"Death, Civilization, and the Pride of Ownership"

On July 25th, 2012, Jerry DeWitt gave a lecture to the Cape Fear Humanists and Freethinkers and we were there to film it.  This video is a small portion of Jerry's presentation, although it is only a fraction of his speech, it is very touching.  Jerry's story is very powerful and encouraging to atheists and religious people alike.  Please watch this video, and then check out Jerry and his organization - Recoveringfromreligion.org


Jerry DeWitt - "Death, Civilization, and the Pride of Ownership" from Not a Monster on Vimeo.

March for the Separation of Church and State

On July 29th, 2012 we organized our first public display of real action.  Around 50 people gathered together in downtown Wilmington, NC to march for the Separation of Church and State.  This event was in part a reactionary movement to Amendment 1, we decided that it was time to make out voices heard on the matter.  Whether the audience wanted to listen or not, we made our stance clear. Although this was important and done in an effective manner, we also managed to have quite a bit of fun along the way!  This event was sponsored by the Cape Fear Humanists and Freethinkers group, and it's success is ultimately what led to this project and blog!  

Below are some links to the resulting news coverage and photographs from the march:

Wilmington FAVS - Preliminary

NBC/WECT Coverage (Video included)

ABC/WWAY Coverage (Video Included)

Wilmington FAVS - Follow Up (Video Included)

NPR/WHQR

Full Photo Set

534 Words for Humanity

Samuel J. West

I am of the seemingly unpopular opinion that a group of people from all different walks of life banding together for one cause is a good thing.  This is precisely what happened on July 29^th during the Wilmington march for the separation of church and state.  This event could not have gone any better and I am more than pleased with the turn out, general message, and dedication of all of the participants.  However, we are receiving some flak from of our ideological adversaries for being “annoying,” or “intolerant”.   I believe that this is a clear indication that we have accomplished the goal set for this event, which was to raise awareness and to open a dialog.

                So what now?  What now indeed.  What we need now in this country, more than ever, are people who are willing to stand up for humanity.  In many cases this means upsetting those close to you, and even maybe risking some type of personal damage.  This fear is natural and totally justifiable, but we must not allow fear of social repercussions to deter us from remaining actively progressive.  If we as humans are ever going to clean up this massive mess that we have ALL helped to make, then the time for silence is over.  I hope that this message will resound in the hearts of those who accept it, we must continue to act openly and aggressively.

                Now, some of you may be curious about my language here, I am using the term “aggressive,” in an ideological sense.  As such, that we must continue to carry our torch where others can see it, we must no longer be ashamed of our belief structure.  This is essential to not only the happiness and fulfillment of our individual lives, but it is also necessary to the happiness of future generations.  Although we risk becoming politically incorrect, or being seen as intolerant, we must ignore this type of pathos charged rhetoric and realize that it is nothing other than a diversion intended to derail progress.  Ultimately, what I am suggesting here is that human happiness should forgo any political, religious, or moral hang ups that anyone may have.

                In short, will it offend your very religious friend when you explain to them that you think their entire belief system is a lie?  Yes, it will.  Every damn time.  But for every 10 friends you offend, one will see reason to your argument, and the task of fixing this world must occur in such a manner, one mind at a time.  Otherwise, we will be working against one another for the rest of our time on this planet.  So to those of you waiting for the “right time” to come out of that closet, the time is now.  Atheists are one of the fastest growing minorities of this country; it is time that we were no longer a minority at all.  If this means pissing off the rest of humanity to save it, so be it.

              I don’t want to change the world by outlawing religion and labeling it a monster.  I want to change the world by changing minds and labeling religion a cultural misstep.  Won’t you join me?

Truthorconsequences120@gmail.com

Monster Bash

     This idea has been rolling around in our heads for quite sometime, and we are finally acting on it.  For too long our species has been plagued by the hateful ideology that there is a right way to live and a wrong way to live.  This type of blind generalization is not only a tremendous leap in logic, but it is downright socially irresponsible.  Regardless of what you believe, religiously, politically, or otherwise; "different," or "counter culture," people will always exist, thus, we must find a way for the less tolerant to co-exist peacefully....or change their minds.

   We are fans of the latter; this project operates under the idea that most of the anger, fear, or hatred that ends up being directed at counter culture groups is due largely in part to the avid distribution of misinformation.  While it is impossible to talk about this without involving discussion of the church, religion is not solely to blame here; we all are.

     This project and ones like it are our chance to make a difference, to undo the damage that has already been done.  It is time for us to prove our humanity by learning about one another instead of assuming.  It is time for us to begin aiding one another instead of fighting one another.  It is time for people to care about other people.

    It is important to note that we do not subscribe to any particular political ideology or party either.  The ideologies purported on this page will line up with the tenants of Humanism, and one of our members is a professing Humanist.  However, this should not suggest that this project is for Humanists exclusively.

     That being said, this blog will become increasingly active over the next few weeks.  We will be adding pictures from our previous events and updates about what we have in the works....keep your eyes open.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop us a line at truthorconsequences120@gmail.com