Dec 12, 2010
August Berkshire, President of Minnesota Atheists, and Steve
Petersen, Associate Chair, will interview Tom Flynn, an author,
journalist, novelist, entertainer, folklorist, Executive Director
of the Council for Secular Humanism, and Editor of its journal Free
Inquiry magazine. Much of his work addresses church-state issues,
including the best-selling book The Trouble With Christmas, about
which he has made hundreds of radio and TV appearances in his role
as the curmudgeonly "anti-Claus." He is also the author of the
critically acclaimed anti-religious black comedy science fiction
novel, Galactic Rapture (2000) and its sequel, Nothing Sacred
(2004). His latest work, The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief (2007),
is a comprehensive reference work on the history, beliefs, and
thinking of America's fastest growing minority: those who live
without religion. Tom is affectionately known as the Anti-Santa
Claus and Scrooge. A happy curmudgeon, he will discuss his book The
Trouble With Christmas. His book and research put into historical
context the Western celebration of Christmas. He challenges his
fellow atheists and freethinkers to leave this holiday alone and
raise the consciences of everybody. We will discuss what many
secular humanists celebrate - The Winter Solstice, HumanLight, or
Festivus - and talk about those who just ignore the religiosity of
the holiday and celebrate the togetherness of one another and
humanity. Oh, yes, we will also cover the culture war of Christmas,
Happy Holidays, and government's enchantment of supporting
religious displays. So Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy
Chanukah, Happy Eid, Happy Holidays, Happy Festivus, or Bah Humbug
everybody!