Atheists and the 'Aints' — seeking to dispel preconceived notions about our (non)beliefs

[rug]

Minnesota Atheists chair Heather Hegi, with an Aints player in 2012. (Courtesy of MN Atheists)

By Eric Jayne | 05:00 am.
Eric Jayne is the president of Minnesota Atheists.

Atheism and baseball is an unlikely combo, but nevertheless, the Minnesota Atheists organization is celebrating the atheist community with America’s pastime for the second year in a row. The Minnesota Atheists will again be secularizing the St. Paul Saints to the Mr. Paul Aints during their Aug. 9 game against the Sioux City Explorers. The purpose for the atheist-sponsored game isn’t to proselytize atheism or to disparage other people’s beliefs. Like last year, our agenda is simply to have fun, build camaraderie, and exhibit our happy and friendly disposition.

According to some recent studies, and a mountain of anecdotal evidence, atheists are perceived to be untrustworthy, unethical, and immoral. Atheists are also thought to be unelectable for public office and many have been shunned by work colleagues, friends, and even family for revealing their identity

We atheists clearly have a public-relations issue we need to address. Intellectual arguments about the existence of a god(s) and church/state separation have an important place in public discourse but they don’t help portray our happy and friendly nature in the public eye. One of the major functions of Minnesota Atheists is to promote positive atheism partly through community outreach and volunteerism and partly by providing a safe and positive outlet for other freethinkers, whether they identify as “atheist” or not so they can talk freely and socialize with those who share their identity.

By partnering with the St. Paul Saints, for what is being billed as “A Night of Unbelievable Fun: The Second Coming,” Minnesota Atheists is working to dispel unfavorable and unfair preconceived notions about atheists while emphasizing our desire and ability to have fun like everybody else.

http://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2013/07/atheists-and-aints-seeking-dispel-preconceived-notions-about-our-nonbeliefs

[cbayer]

1. I love this and hope to see more of it in the future.

And I would really love to attend a game!

[longship]

2. "A night of unbelievable fun: The second coming."

That is great framing, with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

Whoever set this up has my congrats for doing something right.

PZ Myers has said that he will be attending. Wish I had the means to get there and enjoy an afternoon of unbelievable baseball.