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# Godless in America with George Ricker

Conversations and writings with an atheist

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## Posts

- [From the Shores of Tripoli](https://godlessinamerica.com/from-the-shores-of-tripoli/) - The importance of some words in a treatyBy George A. RickerBy coincidence, my birthday, May 26, falls on the anniversary of the date in 1797 on which the Treaty of Tripoli was communicated to the United States Senate for its consideration. Treaties are negotiated by the executive branch of our government but must be approved by a
- [Garbled 'God' Leads to Flawed Studies](https://godlessinamerica.com/garbled-god-leads-to-flawed-studies/) - Belief claims present a bait and switch on ‘God’By George A. RickerTwo recent reports on religion and god-belief illustrate some of the difficulties inherent in our national conversation on these two subjects. The first is the second installment of the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey conducted by The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. The second
- [Let Us Think: Thoughts on the National Day of Reason and the Reasons Behind It](https://godlessinamerica.com/let-us-think-thoughts-on-the-national-day-of-reason-and-the-reasons-behind-it/) - By George A. RickerOn May 1, my wife and I joined other members of the Space Coast Freethought Association (SCFA) at a local seafood restaurant to observe the National Day of Reason—an unofficial event created as a counterweight to the official National Day of Prayer, which was legislated by the U.S. Congress and is proclaimed
- [The Trouble with Miracles](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-trouble-with-miracles/) - Why ‘magical thinking’ explains nothingOn the last weekend of February, a fishing trip went tragically wrong in the Gulf of Mexico. A boat manned by four friends capsized in rough seas. Three of the four, two of them NFL players, could not be found and are presumed dead. The fourth, 24-year-old Nick Schuyler was rescued
- [Whining for Jesus: Part Deux](https://godlessinamerica.com/whining-for-jesus-part-deux/) - The truth about the “war” on ChristianityIn October 2003 I had an essay called “Whining for Jesus?” printed in Freethought Today, the monthly newspaper published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (yes, I am a member and have been for years). The essay discussed the constant carping and complaining being heard from some segments of the
- [Dueling Billboards: Minor Skirmish Illustrates Important Differences](https://godlessinamerica.com/dueling-billboards-minor-skirmish-illustrates-important-differences/) - By George A. RickerA recent skirmish in the so-called “culture war” between the Religious Right and those who dare suggest there might be other, possibly even better, ways to view the world has been waged in the unlikely town of Chambersburg, PA. It’s a battle of dueling billboards that has spilled over into the local
- [Concerning “The New Atheism”](https://godlessinamerica.com/concerning-the-new-atheism/) - By George A. RickerMuch has been said and written during the last 18 months or so about a cultural phenomenon called “The New Atheism.” The phrase has been used widely in the media. A Google search conducted recently yielded references to articles in such diverse locations as Dissent, Wired Magazine, The Nation, Newsweek, and ZNet.com, to name just a few.“The
- [Rethinking the ‘A’ word](https://godlessinamerica.com/rethinking-the-a-word/) - * A talk delivered at the Friendship Fellowship at Pineda, a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Brevard County, FL, on January 27, 2008.Introduction:Good morning.I want to begin my talk with a brief disclaimer. Though I’m sure it was done innocently and may simply have been a newspaper typo, I have to make it clear that I
- [Capitol Gods, Historical Fictions](https://godlessinamerica.com/capitol-gods-historical-fictions/) - By George A. Ricker“Not Godly enough!”That’s the verdict rendered on the newly opened Capitol Visitor’s Center by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) and a few other conservative lawmakers. Specifically, DeMint objected to the erroneous presentation of the phrase “E Pluribus Unum”—the words are Latin and mean “from many, one”—as the national motto, instead of “In God We Trust.” Architects also
- [About "Mere Atheism" Book](https://godlessinamerica.com/about-mere-atheism-book/) - mere atheismno gods…no problem! Atheism doesn’t require anger, bitterness or constant rants about gods and religions. George Ricker’s new book, mere atheism, tells you why…and more.Buy the book:My new book, mere atheism: no gods…no problems!, is now available for purchase online at:Amazon.com and iUniverse. (Note: if you scroll to the bottom of the page at iUniverse, you'll see
- [About "Godless in America" Book](https://godlessinamerica.com/about-godless-in-america-book/) - Why I wrote it:I wrote Godless in America: conversations with an atheist with two goals in mind.The first was to explain atheism, as I understand it, and to show how it can lead to a positive outlook. The second was to address the status of nonbelief in the United States and the dangers I see in the
- [Signs Signal Changing Times ](https://godlessinamerica.com/signs-signal-changing-times/) - Toward a more rational 21st Century societyWhile the political flacks and religious hucksters gear up for another round in the fictitious “War on Christmas” that is so beloved by Fox News and the Christian Right in the United States, new ad campaigns in the U.S.A. and England will doubtless be seen as throwing fuel on
- [Answering Atheism's Critics](https://godlessinamerica.com/answering-atheisms-critics/) - Common retorts to atheism debunkedWhy it’s right to criticize religion, gods and all the restBy George A. RickerIn the most recent issue of Free Inquiry, author Sam Harris talks about his experiences at a recent conference he attended at the Salk Institute. His op-ed piece, titled “Beyond the Believers,” described some of the statements and actions
- [Why Darwin Was Right—and Why it Matters](https://godlessinamerica.com/why-darwin-was-right-and-why-it-matters/) - A talk given before the Friendship Fellowship at Pineda, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, on Feb. 15, 2009. (This is a revised and updated version of a talk originally delivered at the Space Coast Freethought Association meeting on Feb. 5, 2006) Introduction: Charles Robert Darwin was born on Feb. 12, 1809—the same date as Abraham Lincoln—and
- [Wholeness](https://godlessinamerica.com/wholeness/) - I’m not sure exactly when I had this epiphany, but it came when I suddenly realized what Einstein’s E=mc2 really meant.1Energy is matter liberated. Matter is energy stored. They are, in a nutshell, two faces of the same coin. They reflect the essential unity of all that exists.“Wholeness!”If I had to sum up my philosophy
- [When Faith Trumps Reason](https://godlessinamerica.com/when-faith-trumps-reason/) - The dishonest veto of stem cell researchThe photo op so carefully arranged by the Bush Administration after the president’s first veto points up the basic dishonesty of the fundamentalist minority in the debate over stem cell research.There was the president, surrounded by various young children and their parents, declaring, in his first-ever veto message, “These
- [When Atheists Attack](https://godlessinamerica.com/when-atheists-attack/) - Debunking religion without apologyRichard Dawkins, Daniel C. Dennett and Sam Harris all have come under fire recently for having the temerity to suggest that (a) the god-idea is make believe, (b) religion is irrational, and (c) religious moderates sometimes enable the activities of religious extremists. Harris and Dawkins are especially associated with the latter view.These
- [What the Thunder Says](https://godlessinamerica.com/what-the-thunder-says/) - Random thoughts on being human This happened more than half a lifetime ago. The image has stayed with me through the passing decades.I stood on the back porch of my home in South Florida and watched the advance of a thunderstorm moving in from the north. The clouds, massive and ominous, were dark, purpling bruises
- [Amendment Protects Bigotry, Not Marriage](https://godlessinamerica.com/amendment-protects-bigotry-not-marriage/) - In the November general election, residents of the state of Florida will be asked to vote on an amendment to the state constitution that is billed as the “Florida Marriage Protection Amendment.” The amendment will be on the ballot by virtue of its having acquired more than the necessary 611,009 signatures of registered voters. If
- [Under Sail: A Voyage of the Spirit](https://godlessinamerica.com/under-sail-a-voyage-of-the-spirit/) - * One criticism that gets leveled at atheists is that we are too obsessed with the negative aspects of gods and religions and, thus, are defined by negatives. It probably would surprise those critics to learn how little merit there is in the complaint. As I noted in another essay (“Rebutting Rabbi Gellman: an angry
- [The Trouble with NOMA](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-trouble-with-noma/) - Why science and religion come into conflictBy George A. RickerLately there seem to be a number of people asserting the essential harmony between science and religion and insisting the two are not in conflict but are, in fact, complementary views about the nature of reality. Advocates of this view assert that, while science deals with
- [Tom Paine—Voice of Revolution](https://godlessinamerica.com/tom-paine-voice-of-revolution/) - IntroductionIn December of 1776 the cause of revolution was in serious trouble in Britain’s American colonies. The Rebel army, under the command of General George Washington, had suffered a string of defeats which left the troops demoralized. With many enlistments due to expire, there was the very real fear that, in the absence of a
- [Sitting Still? It All Depends](https://godlessinamerica.com/sitting-still-it-all-depends/) - Perception determines your view of realityAre you sitting still?I raise the question because I want to talk about perceptions, yours and mine, and how they color our view of the world. Those perceptions lead us to make assumptions about the way things work that really don’t hold up under scrutiny. Nonetheless, the assumptions are useful
- [See No Evil](https://godlessinamerica.com/see-no-evil/) - In the kingdom of the blind, an ancient wisdom tells us, the one-eyed man is king. If we were cloaking the aphorism in modern garb, no doubt we would dress it in the language of political correctness, thus sparing feelings and disguising meaning. In any society, those who have an advantage and seek power will
- [Same-Sex Marriage: Rights and Wrongs](https://godlessinamerica.com/same-sex-marriage-rights-and-wrongs/) - The reaction of many Americans to the issue of same-sex marriage astounds me. Otherwise liberal or progressive people seem to want to run away from it. During the 2004 presidential campaign, Democrat John Kerry said he “opposed” gay marriage but supported civil unions. A position that was mirrored—though with considerably less fanfare—by Republican George W.
- [R*E*S*P*E*C*T—Cartooning Religion](https://godlessinamerica.com/respect-cartooning-religion/) - In case you missed it—maybe you were living in a cave somewhere without any means of communication with the outside world—we’ve been having a bit of a flap about a handful of cartoons that were published in a Danish newspaper last fall. The cartoons contained some caricatures of Muhammad and tried, with mixed success, to
- [A Remembrance: Rosa’s ‘No’ Echoes Still](https://godlessinamerica.com/a-remembrance-rosas-no-echoes-still/) - “No” is such a simple word. Yet, even simple words can have profound consequences depending upon when and how they are used.Rosa Parks was a woman who said “no” more than 50 years ago. I doubt she could have foreseen the ramifications of her use of the word when she said it. I'm sure she
- [Remembering the Storm of ‘47](https://godlessinamerica.com/remembering-the-storm-of-47/) - Almost anyone who has lived in Florida for any length of time has a story or two to tell about a close encounter with a hurricane.Mine is six decades old. It’s from a time before the tropical cyclones were given women’s names. The memorable ones were usually recalled by the year in which they occurred.
- [Rebutting Rabbi Gellman](https://godlessinamerica.com/rebutting-rabbi-gellman/) - An ‘angry’ atheist speaks his mindHopefully, by now Rabbi Marc Gellman has a better understanding of angry atheists and what makes them tick.Gellman, as you may or may not be aware, published a online commentary on MSNBC.com Newsweek at the end of April in which he proclaimed he needed to understand atheists better and then demonstrated his
- [Sham Battles Obscure Real War](https://godlessinamerica.com/sham-battles-obscure-real-war/) - By George A. RickerOver the past month or so we have been regaled with complaints from many Christians about a so-called war on Christmas. The mavens of public morality have demanded—with threats of economic boycott for recalcitrants—that retail outlets wish customers a “Merry Christmas” instead of using such nonspecific, and entirely appropriate, phrases as “Season’s
- [Q & A: Dialogue with a Christian](https://godlessinamerica.com/q-a-dialogue-with-a-christian/) - By George A. RickerLike most of you, I get lots of unwanted email. Most of the time I simply trash it without ever opening it, a practice that has doubtless caused me to miss a few things but also has made me much less susceptible to the malignant viruses, trojan horses and all the rest
- [Poems](https://godlessinamerica.com/poems/) - For BenjaminOne ChildOne child can make a difference.One hand can mold the clay.One heart can beat the rhythmthat drives a roundelay.One voice can lead a chorus.One word can start the play.One step can launch a journeythat takes us far away.One love can last a lifetime.One smile can light the day.One mind can find an answerthat
- [Out of the Mainstream](https://godlessinamerica.com/out-of-the-mainstream/) - By George Ricker(Author’s note: I first wrote this piece in 2001, just after the inauguration of George W. Bush and well before the tragic attacks of September 11th. Although it was never published in any national forum, I did distribute it to a few people via a modest newsletter called “One Voice” that I was writing
- [Only Words: How Attitudes Come Through](https://godlessinamerica.com/only-words-how-attitudes-come-through/) - By George A. RickerSome years ago, while I was earning my living as a newspaper editor, a press release that came across my desk caught my eye. It opened this way:“Why are some of the nation’s suburban and affluent kids committing some very ugly violent acts?”Why, indeed.The thrust of the piece was that there was
- [The Truth About ‘Atheist’ Atrocities](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-truth-about-atheist-atrocities/) - By George A. RickerIn most discussions between believers and nonbelievers there comes a time when people start arguing over atrocities. Non theists recite a litany of abuses of groups and individuals perpetrated by various religious sects. Religionists counter with their own list of savageries perpetrated by this or that “atheist” regime, usually the names Stalin,
- [Obama](https://godlessinamerica.com/obama/) - By George A. RickerWhile it is certainly true there are times when political matters are of concern to atheists, and other secularists who prize individual rights of conscience and value the wall of separation between governments and religions, it is also true that atheism has no direct connection to politics. Atheists don’t believe in a
- [The Numbers Game: Who Counts?](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-numbers-game-who-counts/) - By George A. RickerOne of the questions that gets asked frequently by nonbelievers and believers alike is: “How many atheists are there, anyway?”The answer is difficult to find, especially here in the United States. It depends very much on who gets asked, how they are asked and who is doing the asking.It’s a difficult answer
- [Mythic Lies and Political Realities](https://godlessinamerica.com/mythic-lies-and-political-realities/) - By George A. RickerTwo questions always plague those who would rule. The first is how to gain power. The second is how to keep it. Though lots could be said about the role of propaganda in political campaigns, this essay is intended to explore the underlying myths that make that propaganda work and are so
- [Mockingbird: A Joyous Noise](https://godlessinamerica.com/mockingbird-a-joyous-noise/) - By George A. RickerThe concert usually begins around dawn and may last for two hours, sometimes even longer. It’s a solo performance by a virtuoso and never ceases to bring a smile to my face. Sometimes, lying in bed, debating whether or not to leave my own warm nest, I catch myself wondering what it’s
- [Mere Atheism](https://godlessinamerica.com/mere-atheism/) - No gods…no problem!By George A. RickerAt the end of my book, Godless in America: conversations with an atheist, I make the following statement, “As I said at the outset, atheism is the absence of god-belief. It is a simple thing, a place to stand without fear and without apology.”Atheism is a loaded word. It provokes controversy.
- [Memo to Messrs. McCain and Obama Concerning a Wall That Needs Mending](https://godlessinamerica.com/memo-to-messrs-mccain-and-obama-concerning-a-wall-that-needs-mending/) - By George A. RickerTo Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama: since you are the presidential nominees of your respective political parties, I wanted to take this opportunity to raise an issue that probably will not get much attention this fall. Each of you wants to be my president. I assume each of you wants
- [Lethal Bliss: Turning Our Backs on Reason](https://godlessinamerica.com/lethal-bliss-turning-our-backs-on-reason/) - By George A. RickerA talk delivered at the Second Annual National Day of Reason Banquet, sponsored by the Space Coast Freethought Association on May 4, 2006.Introduction“Ignorance is bliss.”We all have heard that statement.Sometimes it’s meant as a joke.Others use the words to declare their own willful ignorance.Some people just don’t want to know. They don’t
- [A last rite and some wrongs — with apologetics](https://godlessinamerica.com/a-last-rite-and-some-wrongs-with-apologetics/) - What follows is a one-act play that I wrote last year. It touches on end-of-life issues and other matters. The characters are not based on any real people although Rev. Brown is a composite of many preachers I have known over the years. The arguments will be all too familiar to most of you. I
- [Facts and Fictions about ‘Intelligent Design’](https://godlessinamerica.com/facts-and-fictions-about-intelligent-design/) - By George A. RickerPerhaps the biggest fiction put forth by the advocates of “Intelligent Design” is that evolutionary theory is in trouble and is widely rejected by many scientists. It’s a claim that gets made regularly in the popular media and is often attributed to the doyens of the ID movement—William Dembski, Michael Behe and
- [Inaugurating Change in Inaugurations](https://godlessinamerica.com/inaugurating-change-in-inaugurations/) - By George A. RickerHere is a press report I would love to see coming from our nation’s capitol on January 20, 2009.(Washington, D.C) President Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States of America in a simple inauguration ceremony that was notable for a lack of religiosity and
- [How to Spot a Monkey Trap—and Avoid It](https://godlessinamerica.com/how-to-spot-a-monkey-trap-and-avoid-it/) - By George A. RickerIn parts of Asia, and other places in the world as well, indigenous people use a method for trapping monkeys that is simplicity itself.To make the trap, you must first hollow out a gourd, leaving an opening just large enough for a monkey’s open paw to go through. Place a sweet treat—or
- [God—Losing Its Religions?](https://godlessinamerica.com/god-losing-its-religions/) - By George A. RickerThe theocrats of the Religious Right have succeeded in accomplishing something nonbelievers would not have thought possible, let alone attempted. They have divorced “God” from religion.That’s right. In their zeal to get the “God” label plastered wherever possible in our society, the religionists apparently haven’t heard the rationale being used by judges,
- [‘God’ and the Professional Athlete](https://godlessinamerica.com/god-and-the-professional-athlete/) - By George A. RickerWith the National Football League about to kick off its 2006 season, I thought I would offer a few remarks on a genuine cultural phenomenon here in the United States.One of the most interesting religious revelations of recent years has been the discovery by some in the U.S.A. that “God” takes a
- [The Gifts We Give](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-gifts-we-give/) - By George A. RickerAround the Winter Solstice, maybe 36 years ago, I received a gift that was unexpected—a treasure I keep to this day.It was unexpected because it came from my cousin, Dave Curry, and for the two of us exchanging presents has been a custom honored more in the breach than the observance, both
- [Getting Fooled Again?](https://godlessinamerica.com/getting-fooled-again/) - The coming conflict with IranBy George A. RickerA historian of some note, the late Will Durant, once wrote, “It may be true that ‘you can't fool all the people all the time,’ but you can fool enough of them to rule a large country.”I find myself recalling those words as I listen to the Bush
- [Genes Don’t Care](https://godlessinamerica.com/genes-dont-care/) - Random thoughts on evolutionBy George A. RickerLet me lay my cards on the table.I’m a reductionist. I think everything that exists can be broken down to constituents of matter/energy and the rules governing its operation. Rules, I must add, that are simply inherent in the nature of matter/energy. Divine rule-makers need not apply.Now reductionism has
- [Friday Night at Curry’s](https://godlessinamerica.com/friday-night-at-currys/) - By George A. RickerBank shots, like long shots, sometimes happen. Most of mine go drifting.It’s 7 p.m. on a Friday.Already the pool hall (billiards parlor, if you prefer the more refined parlance) has begun to take on the aura it will hold through the night.Smoke-filled, the air in the room is hazy.Over the click and
- [Freedom of the Press and Why It Matters](https://godlessinamerica.com/freedom-of-the-press-and-why-it-matters/) - A speech delivered at the Space Coast Freethought Association’s first-ever First Amendment Rally on July 1, 2006.By George A. Ricker Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.The protection given freedom of the press is one of the most unique provisions in the Bill of Rights because it
- [The First and the 10: Why the 10 Commandments shouldn’t be Displayed on Government Property](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-first-and-the-10-why-the-10-commandments-shouldnt-be-displayed-on-government-property/) - By George A. RickerIntroductionWith all the discussion about when and where it may be appropriate for a government agency to display the Ten Commandments, I thought it would be useful to discuss the question as it relates to the First Amendment and also to provide some historical background.I am going to begin with a discussion
- [Finding the Line …](https://godlessinamerica.com/finding-the-line/) - Rebuilding the wall of separationBy George A. RickerThere is probably no more contentious subject in American politics today than the relationship between federal, state and local government agencies and religions—questions focused on the “wall of separation between church and state.” The arguments range from whether there should be such a separation at all to how
- [Excommunicating Reason and Humanity](https://godlessinamerica.com/excommunicating-reason-and-humanity/) - Concerning the immoral tunnel vision of the Catholic ChurchBy George A. RickerYou may have read about the incident* but, in case you did not, here are the facts as I understand them. A nine-year-old Brazilian girl had been repeatedly raped by her stepfather and, when she was taken to the doctor complaining of stomach pains,
- [Elections: Much too Important to be Left to Politicians](https://godlessinamerica.com/elections-much-too-important-to-be-left-to-politicians/) - By George A. RickerWith the presidential nominating process well under way and the fall elections approaching, I wanted to offer a few observations about elections and the way we conduct them here in the United States. This is not a partisan issue. It should not matter whether one is a Democrat or a Republican, a
- [An Economic Fix: Going Cold Turkey](https://godlessinamerica.com/an-economic-fix-going-cold-turkey/) - By George A. RickerThere is a curious naiveté reflected in all the commentary about our nation’s economic difficulties. The American people have been told by various pundits and prognosticators that our current difficulties are due to the housing crisis (Who did not see that coming?), the high cost of fuel, the high cost of food,
- [Divine Fictions: The DaVinci Controversy](https://godlessinamerica.com/divine-fictions-the-davinci-controversy/) - By George A. RickerAnyone who doubts the power of religion to distract us from things that really matter needs only consider the current flap over the movie, The DaVinci Code. Based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel of the same name (which I have not read), the movie is directed by Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks,
- [A Disagreeable Agreement](https://godlessinamerica.com/a-disagreeable-agreement/) - By George A. RickerI made an old friend angry the other day. Actually, I didn’t do it personally. It was my book, Godless in America, that did the trick. She said she had to put it down because I didn’t show the proper respect for her beliefs.My friend is a Christian, as she has reminded me
- [A Death in the Life of a Controversy](https://godlessinamerica.com/a-death-in-the-life-of-a-controversy/) - By George A. RickerThis is Barbara’s story, and it’s true.Except, Barbara was not her real name. I won’t give you that because her parents are still alive out there somewhere, and while I would assume they have come to terms with what happened after all these years, I would not want to cause them any
- [Some shootings in Colorado:On Columbine - five years after](https://godlessinamerica.com/some-shootings-in-coloradoon-columbine-five-years-after/) - By George A. RickerIn all the discussion and breast-beating about the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20, 1999, some connections that should have been made were either overlooked or avoided by the dominant media in our society. Major broadcast networks and print media were too busy hyping the story and
- [Chance, Karma and the Roll of the Dice](https://godlessinamerica.com/chance-karma-and-the-roll-of-the-dice/) - By George A. RickerI once worked for a man whose favorite question—one he asked his employees at every opportunity—was, “Is everything under control?”My response—like those of my co-workers—was invariably a dutiful “Yes.”I lied. Understand, I was much younger then and, at the time, was not aware I was lying. The lie wasn’t as much to
- [Carl Sagan Remembered](https://godlessinamerica.com/carl-sagan-remembered/) - By George A. RickerPeople who know me well enough to have a valid opinion will tell you that I don’t do hero worship. I have no use for the cult of celebrity that infects our culture. I have written one fan letter in my life. Count ‘em. One.But on December 20, 2006, we observed the
- [The Art and Science of Baloney Detection](https://godlessinamerica.com/the-art-and-science-of-baloney-detection/) - • A talk before the Space Coast Freethought Association on Oct. 1, 2006Note to the web edition: A large part of the material reproduced in this talk is from other sources, specifically the late Dr. Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted Word: Science As A Candle In The Dark and Michael Shermer’s two columns written for Scientific American in November and December
- [Arguing the Inarguable](https://godlessinamerica.com/arguing-the-inarguable/) - By George A. RickerThere is an argument that gets made with maddening regularity by religious believers. What they do not seem to understand is that in making the argument, they remove themselves from any possibility of rational discourse and the benefits associated with such discourse. The argument goes something like this.“Since my religious beliefs are
- [A Violation by Prayer: How an official national day of prayer violates not only the spirit but the letter of the Constitution](https://godlessinamerica.com/a-violation-by-prayer-how-an-official-national-day-of-prayer-violates-not-only-the-spirit-but-the-letter-of-the-constitution/) - “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;….” So says the portion of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America that has to do with the relationship of religions and the government.The words seem very clear to me, yet our society is unable to
- [Irreconcilable differences: the myth of compatibility between science and religions](https://godlessinamerica.com/irreconcilable-differences-the-myth-of-compatibility-between-science-and-religions/) - It is one of the great debates of our time, the ongoing argument between those who maintain that, ultimately, science and religions are compatible and those who claim they are not. There have been books, blogs, online debates, opinion columns, such as this demurral called “God and Science Don’t Mix” by Lawrence Krauss in a recent Wall Street
- [An open letter to the religious from one who is not](https://godlessinamerica.com/an-open-letter-to-the-religious-from-one-who-is-not/) - OK... Here’s the deal.I’m an atheist. I have no belief in gods, not any gods.I have no belief in the god of any religion, or the god of nature, or a god who is said to be the “ineffable essence of an otherwise inexpressible reality.” I have no belief in gods, and I follow no
- [Godless in America: errata](https://godlessinamerica.com/godless-in-america-errata/) - In spite of our best efforts, authors don’t write flawless copy. Sometimes we get things wrong. At other times, we don’t say things as well as we might. Rarely is any text so good that it can’t be improved. However, at some point one must simply turn it loose and move on to other things.
- [My Left Lung](https://godlessinamerica.com/my-left-lung/) - I know this sounds like one of those horrid assignments from a high school English class. “Now students, write a 500-word essay about a body part.” But that is not what this is about. Not at all.Those of you who know me or have read my book, Godless in America, will know that I suffer from

## Pages

- [](https://godlessinamerica.com/) - For too long religion has been regarded as immune from the sort of critical give and take characteristic of other aspects of existence. This web site is intended to contribute to the honest discussion of those ideas.
- [Links](https://godlessinamerica.com/links/) - These are some of my favorite places to visit on the web. Some have to do with atheism, free thought and religions. Others belong to friends and organizations I belong to or support, even if not a member. Then, there are those that I just like to visit from time to time because I find
- [News](https://godlessinamerica.com/whats-new/) - A running commentary on whatever strikes my fancy and an update on new developments with the book and additions to the web site.July 9, 2009Buy the books—Both of my books: Godless in America: conversations with an atheist and mere atheism: no gods...no problem!, are being given 10 percent discounts on Amazon.com. This is the first time both books
- [Books by George Ricker](https://godlessinamerica.com/books-by-george-ricker/) - To learn more about George, check out the About page "Godless in America" is a testimonial about the advantages of life without gods and religions. It's also a no-holds-barred look at some of the problems with both concepts. Written in a style that is conversational, yet provocative, it is a candid assessment of the real
- [All Posts](https://godlessinamerica.com/all-posts/) - Latest Posts from George View all posts by year (note: years are correct, but actual month posted by George is not)
- [About George Ricker](https://godlessinamerica.com/about-george-ricker/) - My name is George Ricker. I'm an author, an activist and an atheist. I have worked as a full-time journalist and have done a bit of free-lance writing. At different times in my life, I have worked as an English teacher, an associate pastor, a purchasing agent and a warehouse manager. I have been a

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