NYC ATHEISTS MONTHLY MEETING

For Immediate Release

New York City Atheists Inc.
Web: nyc-atheists.org

Press Contact [masked]

First Professor to Teach a Course on Atheism
Traces Clash of Science & Religion Throughout Ages

Courageous Cornell Univ. Prof Shakes Up Ivy Halls By Debunking Faith

He’s everything you ever thought an Ivy league professor could be: Stately, thoughtful, gentle and steeped in the Classics. But Dr. John Coleman, Emeritus Professor of Classics at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is also something else: He’s a courageous debunker of religion. He is, in fact, the first professor to teach a course in Atheism in a major U.S. university.

Dr. Coleman, who has taught classical archeology at Cornell for 38 years, decided that he wanted to try something new before he retired from a long and luminous career. He wanted to wake up, shake up his students by getting them to look at evidence and arguments put forward in favor of atheism.

Why atheism? Partly, it was precisely because of his classics background. “I wanted to provide a historical perspective on beliefs about gods based on my studies of the classical world. And I wanted to go into the ancient origins of the conflict between science and religion,” he says.

Atheism Taboo in Schools

In his course, “Atheism Then and Now,” which he has taught now for three semesters, he examines how the conflicts between atheistic and religious views play out in contemporary politics, social life and international affairs. “Though atheism is overlooked, or even taboo in universities,” he notes, “it offers young people new ways of thinking about the physical world, human society, morality and the meanings of their lives.”

Moreover, “atheism has a long and creditable history,” the professor notes. “Atheists tend to value what leads to happiness in this world: prosperity, peace, tolerance, a healthy environment, independent though and freedom of expression.”

Atheists Demonized, Marginalized

Despite this, atheism has been neglected in American universities. “It is, of course, no mystery why atheism is not commonly taught as a subject,” says Dr. Coleman. “Religions enjoy favored status in this country, including significant tax breaks. Atheism is a threat to this favored status since it not only questions the truths of religions but tends to undermine their cultural authority.”

Religions have fought back against atheism by seeking to marginalize and demonize atheists with accusations of immorality and untrustworthiness. “The hostility directed toward atheists can be effective at discouraging any and all dissent,” says the professor.

Come, hear this educator who refuses to leave academia without revolutionizing the curriculum and lighting the candle of truth. He is speaking at the New York City Atheists monthly meeting this coming Thursday. Come, be inspired, show your support of this courageous teacher and vow to help us at NYCA start courses in atheism in every high school in New York City and in every college where freedom reigns.

EVENT SUMMARY

WHAT: “Teaching Atheism in the Classroom—A Revolutionary Idea in America,” a talk by Dr. John Coleman, professor emeritus at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

WHEN: Thursday, May 28, at 6:30 pm

WHERE: SLC Conference Center 352 Seventh Ave. (Bet. 29th & 30th) 16th Floor

COST: We would appreciate a donation of $5 to help cover the cost of the conference room.