Atheists protest by donating blood 4-30-2008

[Synnical]

http://media.www.nyunews.com/media/storage/paper869/news/2008/04/30/Citystate/Atheists.Protest.By.Donating.Blood-3357716.shtml

While New York's worshippers are filling churches, mosques and synagogues to pray tomorrow on the National Day of Prayer, atheists in the city will be gathering to protest.

The Center for Atheism, a national group of atheists based in New York City, will be holding its annual Gift to Life Day as an alternative to the National Day of Prayer on May 1. Atheists - as well as anyone else wishing to participate - will visit their local blood banks to donate blood and sign up for organ donation programs, said Ken Bronstein, president of both the CFA and New York City Atheists.

Each year, the U.S. president proclaims an official day of prayer and encourages citizens to participate. "As Atheists, we don't think this is right," Bronstein said.

He said the blood drive is a positive reaction and it "reflects how an atheist would approach a problem."

Over 1,000 pints of blood were donated in last year's efforts by the CFA. This year, nationwide atheist conventions will also offer blood programs, Bronstein said.

[moggie]

1. Check the comments on that article

In particular, this one:

Caitlin
posted 4/30/08 @ 6:46 PM EST
This is a really stupid article. I really don't care what the atheists are doing. I consider myself an atheist, but I don't appreciate an atheist club trying to make the beliefs of others seem silly. I don't think it's right to compare the value of prayer and giving blood.

Yeah, how dare those mean atheists show up the theists by insensitively doing something which saves lives? The bastards!

Firstly, Caitlin, and at the risk of getting a bit close to "No True Scotsman", I wonder whether you're really an atheist at all. You certainly wouldn't be the first Christian concern troll disparaging your "fellow atheists". Though they usually get the spelling wrong...

Secondly, people who get upset about their beliefs looking silly should adopt less silly beliefs.

[John Gauger]

2. Dawkins calls that

"I'm-an-atheist-buttery." They, as he says, "believe in belief." They seem to value religion and religious practices. They almost resent their atheism, as Catholics seem to resent their Catholicism (though truth be told I can't say I blame Catholics on that point.)