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WT Sharpe · 06-16-2010, 08:46 PM

I just learned that Paul Kurtz, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, has resigned from being chairman emeritus and member of each board of The Council for Secular Humanism.

http://www.secularhumanism.org/index...tz_resignation

Writing for Utah State University Secular Humanists, Atheists, and Free Thinker (USU SHAFT), Jon Adams speculates it may have been largely due (among other things) to philosophical differences in the Council's direction as of late. It is no secret that he was extremely displeased in the Council's promotion of Blasphemy Day, a day set aside to celebrate free speech by ridiculing religious tenets without fear of reprisal.

http://usu-shaft.com/2010/paul-kurtz-resigns-from-cfi/

I fully understand his disagreement. In my opinion, Blasphemy Day is the worst idea to come forth from unbelievers since the idea for all non-theists to refer to themselves as "Brights." Blasphemy Day sends the wrong message; free speech, yes; in-your-face deliberate antagonism, no.

This is very sad news for all freethinkers. The Council of Secular Humanism under his leadership was always a class act. I would hate to think that it is in danger of becoming just another "God sucks and all theists are crazy" sideshow. Though no one disagreed more with the positions of those of all religious persuasions over the years, Kurtz always did so with intelligence, good humor, and respect for his opponents.

His leadership will be sorely missed.

06-16-2010, 08:46 PM	#479
WT Sharpe Bah, humbug! Posts: 39,072 Karma: 157049943 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA Device: Kindle Oasis, iPad Pro, & a Samsung Galaxy S9.	I just learned that Paul Kurtz, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, has resigned from being chairman emeritus and member of each board of The Council for Secular Humanism. http://www.secularhumanism.org/index...tz_resignation Writing for Utah State University Secular Humanists, Atheists, and Free Thinker (USU SHAFT), Jon Adams speculates it may have been largely due (among other things) to philosophical differences in the Council's direction as of late. It is no secret that he was extremely displeased in the Council's promotion of Blasphemy Day, a day set aside to celebrate free speech by ridiculing religious tenets without fear of reprisal. http://usu-shaft.com/2010/paul-kurtz-resigns-from-cfi/ I fully understand his disagreement. In my opinion, Blasphemy Day is the worst idea to come forth from unbelievers since the idea for all non-theists to refer to themselves as "Brights." Blasphemy Day sends the wrong message; free speech, yes; in-your-face deliberate antagonism, no. This is very sad news for all freethinkers. The Council of Secular Humanism under his leadership was always a class act. I would hate to think that it is in danger of becoming just another "God sucks and all theists are crazy" sideshow. Though no one disagreed more with the positions of those of all religious persuasions over the years, Kurtz always did so with intelligence, good humor, and respect for his opponents. His leadership will be sorely missed. Last edited by WT Sharpe; 06-16-2010 at 11:09 PM.