As I have said before, this group is unofficial. You won't need to read a constitution, say any oaths, or vote on anything. There's no president, no treasurer, and there are no dues or obligations. If you wish, the extent of your participation may be limited to simply receiving these newsletters.
However, this group was established with a vision and a goal, and the help of those who opt to be actively involved in achieving this goal is certainly appreciated. The extent of your participation is entirely up to you.
Now I would like to discuss this publication. First, I want your articles. Everyone has something to express, and freethinking goes hand in hand with free expression. Take advantage of this forum and let people know what you think. This is your publication. If you write something, it will be published (with maybe a few revisions, if necessary).
Second, we must realize that expression is meaningless unless it is heard. Share this publication with others.
The very word "religion" is derived from the Latin word which means "to tie back." Since it is in every religious species interest to inject their inalterable vision of truth into as many hosts as possible, it is to their benefit to quell any possiblility of intellectual dissent. They accomplish this by restraining the minds of the believers, by assuring them that there is no possible way their religious beliefs could be wrong, and by warning them not to question the perfect truth of their religion. The imaginary means of "faith" in acquiring knowledge is emphasized, while critical thought is stigmatized as "the foolish wisdom of man." Why should believers waste their time with critically examining their religion, when faith can instantly demonstrate its truth?
And so religion ties back the minds of men, and the human nature which drives us from childhood onward to inquire and explore is snuffed by the stifling bind of religion.
A freethinker does not fear uncertainty, in contrast to the religionist, who clings to rigid doctrines which provide him false security. A freethinker is not afraid to critically examine the world around him and to modify or discard old ideas as their faulty foundations are uncovered. The religionist, however, is afraid to look at the basis for his ideas, and prefers instead to declare such self-examination unneccesary, since he already "knows" the truth. The religionist is bound to his unexamined ideas, for if their basis is found to be weak, he will be without his security. Criticism and reason are discarded as "worldly," and are replaced with naked affirmations.
Reason is man's only tool for comprehending the universe. "Faith" and "revelation," if such things exist, must ultimately pass through the sieve of reason, our only window to reality. Through reason, man may perceive reality, and, as our perception of reality comes nearer the truth, we become empowered to change things for the better. All things which cloud our reason only serve to increase our suffering.
But, most importantly, the first year's subscription is FREE! Subscribing is easy: just send your name and regular mail address to Farrell Till. To get an idea of what types of topics are covered, visit the Skeptical Review web site.
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March 15, 1996.