Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | Reason : Wingnut News | print version

Help Counter the New Atheist Crusade to 'Evangelize' America!

by Coral Ridge Ministries

The following is a mass email message sent out by Coral Ridge Ministries http://www.coralridge.org. Apparently, we have created a little a stir!

Atheism is nothing new, we all know about it. But in the past 12 months there have been disturbing developments in this country. There is a new breed of atheists on the scene. They are skilled men and women mounting an aggressive crusade to "evangelize" America.

Atheists are a minority of the population, but they have made startling inroads into centers of national influence: the media, the education system, movies and television, and more. Famed market researcher George Barna ominously warns Christians: "The new evangelists are atheists."

Just this summer, while our children and grandchildren were away at Bible camp, hundreds of other children were attending a new, nationwide network of camps designed as training grounds for young atheists. These camps feature talks on famous "free thinkers" such as Isaac Asimov and Ted Turner . . . and games such as the "invisible unicorn exercise" where campers must try to prove that imaginary unicorns, used as a metaphor for God, don't (STET) exist.

Jesus said, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42 NKJV).

Countless people "young and old" wrestle with doubt. For their sake, you and I must respond to the challenge of the New Atheists. Coral Ridge Ministries is dedicated to combating atheist attacks on Christianity through our media ministry. Media is activism and media is influence. We are going to fight back against the attacks of the "new atheists" by growing Coral Ridge Ministries into a media powerhouse to spread the gospel and expose the lies of atheism with greater force, innovation, and effect than ever before, but we can't do it without your help.

That's why, for your gift today; I will send you a copy of Dr. Kennedy's classic book Skeptics Answered. On any given day, you could encounter someone who has doubts . . . has difficult questions . . . or harbors hostility to the Truth. This book will arm you with intelligent answers to the most common arguments and questions that skeptics use.

Thank you in advance for your gift to help spread the Truth to the world and counter the attacks of the "New Atheists."

Please Click Here to order your copy of 'Skeptics Answered'

In His Grace,

Brian Fisher
President and CEO,
Coral Ridge Ministries

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1. Comment #79411 by jimmm33 on October 17, 2007 at 8:02 am

Did this article just advocate drowning to those who teach their children something other than xtainanity?

Makes you really wonder what can come up when you ask, "What would jesus do?"

I welcome the fight they are trying to rally. The new "atheist movement" benefits from these outbursts from the religionists.

Other Comments by jimmm33

2. Comment #79413 by JamesDB on October 17, 2007 at 8:07 am

This is a little bit terrifying and absurd at the same time. It does however help to show the kind of impact we are having on these christian groups. I guess they are finally getting scared enough to change their tactics against us, which I feel is a good sign. Its good to know we are moving forward in this direction, pushing these groups against the wall so they make desparate moves like this one. Lets all hope the trend continues.

Other Comments by JamesDB

3. Comment #79417 by CJ22 on October 17, 2007 at 8:23 am

We should all apply for our free copy of Dr. Kennedy's classic book Skeptics Answered immediately. Drain their resources :) I wonder if they'll do international postage?

Other Comments by CJ22

4. Comment #79418 by Bonzai on October 17, 2007 at 8:25 am

Just this summer, while our children and grandchildren were away at Bible camp, hundreds of other children were attending a new, nationwide network of camps designed as training grounds for young atheists. These camps feature talks on famous "free thinkers" such as Isaac Asimov and Ted Turner . . .

Ted Turner??

Other Comments by Bonzai

5. Comment #79421 by wendelin on October 17, 2007 at 8:29 am

Do Fundies and bad grammar go hand in hand in America? I wonder what he means by putting "young and old" in quotation marks. Very existential.

Other Comments by wendelin

6. Comment #79422 by USA_Limey on October 17, 2007 at 8:30 am

Thank you in advance for your gift

What a racket! Scare the shit out of the believers and then fleece them for a donation.

How does anyone buy into this crap!

Other Comments by USA_Limey

7. Comment #79423 by ThePuckishOne on October 17, 2007 at 8:30 am

CJ22: Somehow I doubt it's a 'free' copy. Notice the traditional "shill for Jesus" in the last sentence: Thank you in advance for your gift to help spread the Truth to the world and counter the attacks of the "New Atheists."

Yes, help defeat such horrid freethinkers as the late Issac Asimov...what, they're terrified of the dead now? Maybe they just want their money back after seeing "I, Robot."

Other Comments by ThePuckishOne

8. Comment #79425 by USA_Limey on October 17, 2007 at 8:33 am

Maybe they just want their money back after seeing "I, Robot."

Hey I liked that movie! My favourite story from the Asimov robot series; "little lost robot". Close second would be, "Escape!"

:-)

Other Comments by USA_Limey

9. Comment #79427 by Ford Prefect on October 17, 2007 at 8:40 am

CJ22
Just checked the website. The book isn't free. They are suggesting a gift of between $20 and $100. God can't do anything without believers money.

Other Comments by Ford Prefect

10. Comment #79429 by Logicel on October 17, 2007 at 8:42 am

"The new evangelists are atheists."
______

But you evangelists have set such clever examples in rounding up your sheepish flock, you only have yourself to blame!

baaaaaaaaa!

Seriously, the religites would be even more riled and apprehensive if they had the goodness-given ability to be discriminating intellectually. Because then they would really realize what the competition represents in daunting challenge. Atheists are not secular evangelists, we offer critical thinking skills, the ability to decide for yourself, etc. They can't compete. And yes, atheists were always around, but THAT WAS BEFORE THE NET. The playing field has changed, guys. You no longer can shield your kids from critical thinking like you once could.

Other Comments by Logicel

11. Comment #79430 by robert s on October 17, 2007 at 8:42 am

I could understand them being upset about Heinlein, but Asimov?

Other Comments by robert s

12. Comment #79431 by Fire1974 on October 17, 2007 at 8:45 am

If you don't mind being outraged, or need a new monitor anyway, you can follow this link to their website and watch their slanderous video.

http://www.coralridge.org/

The misrepresentations, straw men, and just plain mind-numbing ignorance are almost too much to bear.

Other Comments by Fire1974

13. Comment #79432 by quill on October 17, 2007 at 8:46 am

Coral Ridge Ministries was the group responsible for shouting down that Hindu priest who tried to open a Senate session recently, with frantic screams of "Thou shalt have no other gods before me!" Until they were kicked out of the chamber. The more assertive people like this become in THEIR viewpoints, the worse Christianity looks because of it, so I consider their efforts a positive force for atheism.

Other Comments by quill

14. Comment #79434 by Rtambree on October 17, 2007 at 8:46 am

It's possible to select $0 for the book, but you still have to enter your credit card details.

Other Comments by Rtambree

15. Comment #79435 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on October 17, 2007 at 8:47 am

Brilliant:-) Can you say "running scared"?

I must pick up with some of my old Christian friends and see how things are going .... scare the bejesus out of them with my apostasy.

Other Comments by briancoughlanworldcitizen

16. Comment #79436 by Logicel on October 17, 2007 at 8:50 am

Coral Ridge Ministries is dedicated to combating atheist attacks on Christianity through our media ministry.
______

No one is attacking the right for Christians to be Christians. So, essentially you will be confronting criticism, just little old criticism, so you better hone up your intellectual skills, you lovable evangelists! (Hmmm, these protectors of the evangelist way are on rocky ground here, they, by embracing intellectual thought in the courageous process of trying to protect their offspring from the atheist onslaught, may become atheists themselves--I can't bear the irony, damned if they do, damned if they don't!)

Other Comments by Logicel

17. Comment #79437 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on October 17, 2007 at 8:55 am

bugger, almost got an order in for $1, but it balked at my phone number. Anyone managed to order it internationally?

Other Comments by briancoughlanworldcitizen

18. Comment #79438 by Nick Good on October 17, 2007 at 8:56 am

Jesus said, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42 NKJV).

So much for gentle Jesus meek and mild! The fellow punts this hateful bilge, like these are words of wisdom.

Other Comments by Nick Good

19. Comment #79439 by Elli on October 17, 2007 at 8:59 am

Famed market researcher George Barna ominously warns Christians: "The new evangelists are atheists."

Doesn't the word evangelize literally mean to convert someone to christianity? to describe atheists as seeking to evangelize is just plain idiotic.

Other Comments by Elli

20. Comment #79441 by robert s on October 17, 2007 at 9:07 am

Well, the literal meaning is 'spread good news', which doesn't seem so bad to me.

Other Comments by robert s

21. Comment #79442 by USA_Limey on October 17, 2007 at 9:08 am

Comment #79431 by Fire1974:

If you don't mind being outraged, or need a new monitor anyway, you can follow this link to their website and watch their slanderous video.

http://www.coralridge.org/

Thank you soooo much for this link. But I was not outraged Fire1974 and I don't think you should be either. Actually I had immense fun watching it!

Cheers!

Other Comments by USA_Limey

22. Comment #79445 by stereoroid on October 17, 2007 at 9:19 am

Did this article just advocate drowning to those who teach their children something other than xtainanity?

[sarcasm]Well, he's just quoting the inerrant Bible, so no court in the USA would accept a charge of incitement to murder. It's not the fault of this "person with faith" that he was taught to believe the Bible and do its bidding, regardless of what it actually says.[/sarcasm]

Other Comments by stereoroid

23. Comment #79446 by Fire1974 on October 17, 2007 at 9:20 am

USA_Limey:

I agree. It is fantastic to have these books mentioned. Especially in those circles. However, it is irritating to hear them blatantly misrepresent the arguments and recommend "starting early" with indoctrinating children and so on; but of course, what should I expect?

Other Comments by Fire1974

24. Comment #79448 by briancoughlanworldcitizen on October 17, 2007 at 9:21 am

Did that "Professor of Literature" call Dawkins book poignant???

Otherwise they make some really excellent points. Atheism is no longer the province of the rarified academic, and isn't that brilliant?

Other Comments by briancoughlanworldcitizen

25. Comment #79452 by 35bluejacket on October 17, 2007 at 9:36 am

From the apark of disagreement comes truth.

Other Comments by 35bluejacket

26. Comment #79453 by Janus on October 17, 2007 at 9:36 am

Sweet.

Other Comments by Janus

27. Comment #79454 by USA_Limey on October 17, 2007 at 9:37 am

Comment #79449 by Beth:

I figure the more money I make them waste by having them send their books and tapes to me for free, the better.

On the one hand, I agree; drain the bastards dry if you can. BUT, on the other hand, where is that money coming from? Mostly poor vulnerable people they have fleeced of a donation, people who can ill afford it. Living in the states I sometimes watch the Sunday morning televangelist shows just to see them operate; they are a marvel to behold, a true 'how to' handbook of the confidence trick. The people who call in and pledge money are in most cases the elderley, the sick, the lonely; people for whom that $20 bucks might be the difference between making the next gas bill or rent check.

The whole thing depresses the hell out of me.

Other Comments by USA_Limey

28. Comment #79456 by 35bluejacket on October 17, 2007 at 9:42 am

Sorry I didn't proof read.
"From the spark of disagreement comes truth."
Maybe someone can help with the author.

Other Comments by 35bluejacket

29. Comment #79457 by cowalker on October 17, 2007 at 9:42 am

Ford Prefect: "The book isn't free. They are suggesting a gift of between $20 and $100. God can't do anything without believers money."

These religious hustlers are just like the frauds that sell quack health remedies.

"Three simple foods cure cancer and heart disease. Order our book for $39.95 to get this list of miracle foods."

"Arguments and answers that will save souls. Send us $20 to find out what they are."

How much of a money grubber would you have to be to withhold such knowledge, if you had it?

How could a Christian justify forcing people to pay for information that would prevent souls from going to hell? Oh, that's right. Jesus charged the big bucks for personal appearances. No shekels, no message of redemption. And no recording devices allowed.

Of course these big American ministries are all about the money. Period.

Other Comments by cowalker

30. Comment #79459 by Duff on October 17, 2007 at 10:02 am

Please! No one in this world should be surprised that making money is central to all religions. This is the God Business, after all. If one suggests to these pontifical bloviators that their beloved Jesus recommended they leave their worldly goods behind and follow him, they will hem and haw and shrewdly tell you it takes a lot of money to support the "mission of the ______",(fill in the blank) which supports the flock. You are never allowed to find out how much they skim off the top.

Other Comments by Duff

31. Comment #79461 by A.Lex on October 17, 2007 at 10:15 am

There is growing market for millstones! Can Chinese make them (without lead)?

Other Comments by A.Lex

32. Comment #79462 by phasmagigas on October 17, 2007 at 10:17 am

so its a case of your BS is as bad as our BS but listen to ours anyway.

ugh, that horrible americanism (as it has come to seem to me) 'for your gift' it makes me cringe just like 'unconditional love' 'i believe' 'grace'......... sounds like an (soap)oprah show, shudder.

Other Comments by phasmagigas

33. Comment #79465 by artemisa on October 17, 2007 at 10:39 am

This is a beautiful scheme to swindle ignorant people of their money. Imagine we're evangelizing the nation. How many tv stations do we have compared to the religious networks? Only a few books on atheism (very effective ones) have being published in the last couple of years compared to the thousand s published by religious authors. Who's evangelizing who? Give me a break! Another ploy to bilk people of their money. Without being arrogant I'm glad I can see where before I was blind. Hallelujah!!!!!

Other Comments by artemisa

34. Comment #79466 by notsobad on October 17, 2007 at 10:43 am

Yes,
delusion is a very precise term.

Other Comments by notsobad

35. Comment #79468 by DC_Runner on October 17, 2007 at 10:45 am

I knew when I began to read this that it would end with a plea for money. Lo and behold, they did not disappoint. It's ALWAYS about money with these people. Specifically, "Give me money."

Fortunately, in this case, it's a voluntary tax on the stupid and gullible.

Other Comments by DC_Runner

36. Comment #79470 by BAEOZ on October 17, 2007 at 11:19 am

Elli:

Doesn't the word evangelize literally mean to convert someone to christianity? to describe atheists as seeking to evangelize is just plain idiotic.

I think so, and doesn't the word Crusade have the same relationship to cross that escapade has to escape? Christians really do think atheists are a faith, and share their world view....Liars think that everybody else is a liar too I guess.

Other Comments by BAEOZ

37. Comment #79471 by USA_Limey on October 17, 2007 at 11:21 am

I watched the Coral Ridge video again.

Still fun but on the second viewing I was almost reaching my retchold.

Other Comments by USA_Limey

38. Comment #79472 by toddaa on October 17, 2007 at 11:24 am

Man, I wish being an atheist was half as cool as these people make us out to be.

Other Comments by toddaa

39. Comment #79475 by Theocrapcy on October 17, 2007 at 11:29 am

Dear Xian,

Skepticism = good
non-verifiability = bad

repeat after me...

Other Comments by Theocrapcy

40. Comment #79476 by liberalartist on October 17, 2007 at 11:33 am

You can't have christianity without capitalism in America. Everything has a price. I just love it when American christians cry about their liberty being taken away as if they were a minority group while at the same time they try to create consitutional amendments to ban marriage from an actual minority group. Poor little evanglical christians just have it so tough!

"...better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42 NKJV)."

That sounds like a death threat to me, but since it comes from "jesus" they are no doubt safe from legal repercussions.

Other Comments by liberalartist

41. Comment #79477 by Geoff on October 17, 2007 at 11:39 am

There is a misprint in the introduction.

It should read:

"The following is spam sent out by Coral Ridge Ministries..."

Other Comments by Geoff

42. Comment #79482 by PeterK on October 17, 2007 at 11:53 am

Evangelise, Evschmangelise.
The atheists are merely educating and enlightening Americans-as well as everyone else in the world--how to recognize reality as honestly and as thoroughly as possible.
There is no emotionalizing, there are no smoke and mirrors, there is no deceit, there is no offer of everlasting blah blah blah--AND as many have already stated, there is no asking for money.
Coral Ridge simply sees the increased population of those poor souls who are now armed with BS-detecting weapons, as threat to filling their coffers.
And like all similar ministries, they chillingly give the impression they don't give two hoots about the personal lives of their congregation. They just want their money.
If there was a hell to go to, they should be on the priority list of automatic attendees.

Other Comments by PeterK

43. Comment #79486 by Arcturus on October 17, 2007 at 12:04 pm

That's right, we don't EVANGELIZE we ENLIGHTEN ... and bring out closeted BRIGHTS!

Other Comments by Arcturus

44. Comment #79487 by ThePuckishOne on October 17, 2007 at 12:16 pm

Hey I liked that movie! My favourite story from the Asimov robot series

Aw, sorry USA_Limey.

See, look at this little atheist lovefest we've got going on here!! Would we lead little children astray? ;)

Other Comments by ThePuckishOne

45. Comment #79489 by Northern Bright on October 17, 2007 at 12:26 pm

"where campers must try to prove that imaginary unicorns, used as a metaphor for God, don't (STET) [sic] exist."

;-)

Other Comments by Northern Bright

46. Comment #79490 by ridelo on October 17, 2007 at 12:35 pm

I tried to watch the video (http://www.coralridge.org/) but on reaching Christopher Hitchens' image it restarted again and again.

Other Comments by ridelo

47. Comment #79492 by USA_Limey on October 17, 2007 at 12:42 pm

Comment #79489 by Northern Bright:

"where campers must try to prove that imaginary unicorns, used as a metaphor for God, don't (STET) [sic] exist."

;-)

Yes, I smiled at that too.

The image that came into my mind was of a theist reading this and scoffing something along the lines of, 'imaginary unicorns, why how ridiculous! And then their scoffing turning to puzzlement as the cogs turn in their brain...' errr hang on a minute...'

Other Comments by USA_Limey

48. Comment #79494 by savagemickey on October 17, 2007 at 12:48 pm

They're using the same tactics that bush/cheney did to win the last election. A little fundi-fear goes a long way- and raises a lot of money. Does anyone know what Rove has been up to?

Other Comments by savagemickey

49. Comment #79495 by Lauregon on October 17, 2007 at 12:49 pm

CoralRidge Ministries is a politically influential and creepily pernicious bunch.

Other Comments by Lauregon

50. Comment #79500 by kaiserkriss on October 17, 2007 at 1:01 pm

"In His Grace" etc. etc. What a presumptuos twit!! jcw

PS President and CEO = Business title, so this is ALL about making money for Coral Ridge Ministries, not "saving souls". What a bunch of hypocrites!

Other Comments by kaiserkriss