Free Inquiry and The Harm Done by Religion
I enjoyed a nice surprise this afternoon. There was a free gift in my mailbox, sent with any subscription to Free Inquiry.
I’ve been a dedicated reader, supporter, and even the occasional contributor to the “skeptics” movement and its various publications for many years. These writers and activists debunk superstition, quackery, and misinformation through intellectual discourse and open debate. Frauds — including devious fortune tellers, corrupt preachers, crooked clairvoyants, and so many other unpunished criminals are exposed for the harm they do, usually fleecing the most vulnerable.
All too often, religion also fits into this fleecing. Though atheism and anti-theism cross heavily into the Venn Diagram, the skeptics’ movement doesn’t necessarily exclude religious believers. In fact, some noted followers of various religions have even been significant influencers in skepticism.
Over the years, I’ve learned so much from the great minds within the skeptics’ movement — from the late James “the Amazing” Randi and Christopher Hitchens, to contemporaries Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Stephen Fry, Salman Rushdie, Tom Flynn, and Penn Jillette. Without them, and others, not only would there be far less understanding, but it would also be more difficult to speak openly about the negative impacts of religions. Openly challenging archaic superstitions can get someone imprisoned or killed in some societies. We need to be their advocates.
In addition to Free Inquiry, I highly recommend Skeptic magazine (edited by Michael Shermer) and Skeptical Inquirer. Surely, there are many other online sites and publications that merit our support, as well.
I’d previously read a few of the essays contained in The Harm Done by Religion, today’s unexpected gift, but most of the content was new to me. I raced through this in a few hours. I particularly enjoyed NYC comedian Beth Birnbaum’s hysterical takedown of the (now bankrupt and shuttered) Jesus-themed amusement park in Orlando. LINK HERE
Free Inquiry deserves our support. I hope readers might consider subscribing to them, and others I’ve mentioned. You could even receive a free book as a gift!
