The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine

This course was taught at St. Edwards University in spring 2012.

Excerpt from Syllabus

American mythology claims the United States is a Christian nation, increasingly accepting of all denominations and faiths. What about non-belief? Should atheism be written into, and become part of the American story? Has it already? From a rhetorical perspective this course will address a variety of related questions:

• What are the narratives of atheism? Whose voices tell the stories and what are their interests?
• What are the arguments for atheism?
• How is atheism framed, both positively and negatively?
• Why has “New Atheism” appeared recently as a social movement? What are the aspirations of the movement, the strategies used for altering perspectives, and who are their audiences?

This course will examine four different perspectives from which to view these issues:

1. The personal perspective of “Letting Go of God”
2. The critical perspective taking religion as its object
3. The social perspective examining secularism in a free society
4. The ethical perspective addressing the tenets of secular humanism.

There is an alternative American myth claiming the United States is a beacon of Liberty, carrying the torch of progressive values, scientific endeavor, and human rights ignited by the Enlightenment. Which American myth appeals to us? This overarching question will guide our journey.

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