Secularists need to speak forcefully

Editor,

If one person has serious conversations with imaginary forces or sees hallucinations, that person might at least be called "eccentric." If the behavior is pervasive, a diagnosis of mental illness might even be considered.

What if several people together spoke to imaginary friends and relied upon superstition? This often is described as a "cult" but it could be just a theater group.

And if these people had children and indoctrinated them with those same beliefs, the numbers would grow until eventually you would have a "religion."

Shermer (2005) has estimated that it takes about 100 years (several reproductive generations) for a cult to become accepted as a new religion … Children are at the mercy of adults. They rely upon big folks for sustenance, shelter, protection and approval. It is very difficult for children to break the bonds that early bind them to the eccentricities, pre-judices, gullibilities and superstitions of significant adults (parents, teachers, preachers, etc.)

It is little wonder why religious groups are pressing for religion to be in the school pledge and creationism in the curriculum. And it is not surprising that most politicians fear confronting them. A lot of power is being negotiated and exchanged. Political rulers (kings, despots, popes, mullahs, presidents — and, yes, congressmen) — have consistently wrapped themselves in the glory (and unquestioned power) of a divine cloak.

In the United States there is movement to lessen scientific thinking and rely upon superstition. The key to where this all goes in the future is the next generation of children.

Secularists (and there are many more than commonly thought) are going to have to unmuzzle themselves and begin to speak forcefully to counter the directions that religious extremists are taking this country.

Elections are coming. Don't be shy.

Gene Johnson

Polson