An Atheist Sunday

Ever wonder what an atheist does on Sunday?

Today my wife and I went to the Freedom From Religion Foundation chapter meeting in Alabama with two friends and fellow atheists. This was the first time we attended a meeting and we are not yet members. The meeting was held at the grounds of the Lake Hypatia compound, a beautiful spot in the hills near Talladega, Alabama.

The Alabama chapter of FFRA, also known as Alabama Freethought Association, is very active and vibrant and have been involved in some landmark church/state battles including the Roy Moore Ten Commandments monument battle at the Alabama Supreme Court. There were several speakers scheduled for this event, George Eighmey and Marsha Temple of Compassion and Choices and Darrell Lambert, the Eagle Scout who was thrown out of the Boy Scouts of America for being an atheist.

I must admit that I was a bit worried that I might find an organized meeting of atheists too much like my old days in church, but my fears were misplaced. The atmosphere was so friendly and relaxed that I immediately felt at home. The members of the AFA were so welcoming and open, I honestly can say that I never felt so at home or welcomed in a church. We all shared a meal and wonderful intelligent conversation and then went into the roomy main hall of the compound for the speakers.

Darrell graciously gave his speaking time to the other speakers which allowed for ample time to discuss the difficult subject of end of life choices with Mr Eighmey and Ms Temple. Mr Eighmey (pronounced Amy) is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon and was the leader in the Oregon medical marijuana amendment and the Oregon right to die amendment. The discussion was very informative and surprisingly uplifting. Both of these speakers are great ambassadors for their cause.

We plan to join the FFRF when we attend the next meeting in November and we look forward to hearing Darrell's story of the discrimination that is alive and well in the BSA firsthand.

To close out a wonderful atheist Sunday, I am about to watch the second part of 'Virgin Queen' on Masterpiece Theatre (PBS). I guess I am one of those boring intellectual Liberals.