What is FOSTL (pronounce 'fossil') about?

The Midwest constitutes the buckle of the bible belt. Freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, skeptics, rationalists, secularists, Brights and humanists tend to be missed or ignored in this part of the country. Even worse, they are dejected and mistreated. As with any human being, our opinions deserve the right to be heard despite our meager numbers.

Atheism defines my opinion on a single issue only. It says nothing further about me. For the sake of clarity here are some of my personal beliefs.

agnostic atheist - I do not believe in any god or gods (thus, not a theist). I make that I know no god or gods exist (agnosticism-knowledge)
 
secular humanism - Atheism making absolutely zero positive claims, it says nothing of what I do believe. Wikipedia offers a decent explanation, however, within this philosophy there are a myriad of viewpoints. A secular viewpoint has no absolute truths (i.e. on the issue of abortion/homosexuality/euthanasia/etc., there are no provided answers, it is up to us as humans to decide. Another excellent example is the concept of sin. This, from a secular humanist worldview, is a harmful or at least pointless fiction). Generally a secular humanist cannot see any benefits of religion that cannot be achieved free from religion.
 
naturalism – Worldview/philosophy understands reality through experience, reason and science. It's important to understand that these three components work together. You cannot have naturalism without science. Of course science incorporates the other two. Personal experience is not enough on its own. It cannot stand independent of science. It has to be tested by ration standards of coherence and common sense while remaining consistent with science.

FREETHOUGHT
Freethinkers are proud and patriotic Americans who are greatly concerned about the recent infringement of theocratic legislated, executed and juciated ideologies. It is more important than ever that secular voices be heard in the face of recent developments such as the National Day of Prayer and the Faith Based Initiative among others. There is certainly a reason why the Constitution was Godless. Politics and Religion don't mix. The inclusion of religion in politics violates personal freedoms our founding document was specifically designed to protect.
 
OUTREACH

This is a twofold goal. My hope is that this site serve as a haven for those whose thoughts aren't in tune with their theistic neighbors and friends. Freethought is not only acceptable, it's preferable.

The other aspect important to fulfilling this objective is to address charitable needs of the community and to work together to impact our community for the better.


SOCIALIZATION

Simply put, it's important to be in the company of rational like-minded people. Gathering for reasons as far reaching as a cup of coffee, attending a play, having a picnic or taking a trip to a historical site, no matter the event, the company and the conversation is always of the highest order.

 
TOLERANCE

Acting on neither dogma or creed, accepting neither superstition or the supernatural, and m ost certainly disagreeing with the worshipping of unseen entities based on ancient unsubstantiated and edited texts, the acceptance or rejection of any viewpoint must be based solely on logically and critically examined merits. An illogical or inhumane response is far inferior to the lack of complete answers. Any philosophy or ideology must be evaluated based on the ability to positively impact humanity. Nothing is innately good or bad exceptits discovered merits -- it's ability to impact others for better or worse. In the marketplace of ideas, all views deserve and require critical examination and the requisite ridicule or praise. 


LEARNING / SHARING / GROWING

Not people content to simply let life with its great and various opportunities pass by, it's important to stimulate thoughts and passions surrounding our community, country and planet. The intension of this site and its inherent interactions are to serve as the basis for becoming better human beings.

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