I am very proud of my good friends Mandisa Thomas and Todd Stiefel for their great job on their interviews for CBS Sunday morning. Also, Neil Carter did a great job. I’m not sure if we have met (I tend to think we have), but I surely can relate to his “testimony.”

Here is the video of their CBS Sunday Morning segment with correspondent Mo Rocca:

I personally support the Openly Secular campaign, and Atheist Nexus is very proud to be one of its Movement Partners.

Also, I could not agree more with Todd’s statement:

“The word ‘atheism’ has really bad branding. A lot of people don’t want to associate with the word even if they are. I’ve had people say, ‘Oh, I don’t believe in God, but I’m not an atheist.’ They don’t want to use the term because it brings such baggage and hatred.”

However, I believe we err slightly by choosing the word “secular.” Most evangelicals know it as one of our “sneaky” monikers, and it has nothing to do with the lack of belief in god(s). Many believers are devoutly religious, but consider themselves to be secular when it comes to politics. Case in point, Americans United Executive Director, Barry Lynn (he is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ).

Yes, the word atheist has horrible press. Yes, we are the most distrusted people. Yes, a lot of us who are more vocal are jerks. Nonetheless, the word atheist is the only one that truly defines who we are concerning belief in deities. It is up to us to reclaim the word, and to distance ourselves from those who wish to add to its definition.

I really like how Penn Jillette and Teller gave their endorsement to Open Secular:

I really do not want harp on about this issue, but I urge you to read my article: Understanding Newer Atheists. I belief it will supply you with much needed understanding and the needed ammunition to use when explaining the word atheist to friends and family.

Remember: Openly Secular Day is April 23. Take the pledge by going to the “Openly Secular” website.

For more about Mandisa, check out: Black Nonbelievers.

For more on Todd, check out his great foundation: Stiefel Freethought Foundation.

For more about Neil, check out his blog here on Patheos: Godless in Dixie.

Brother Richard

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