Skeptics wonder if ex-clergy should lead atheist movements

[rug]

Ken Chitwood | Oct 2, 2013

(RNS) By definition, skeptics are pretty skeptical. They question what they see as unfounded claims or dubious motivations, whatever the source. Now, they are questioning some of their own leaders.

With the success of organizations such as The Clergy Project — an online community seeking to provide a safe place for clergy members who reject supernatural beliefs — numerous former ministers are joining the ranks of the publicly nontheistic.

Some have risen to the leadership of prominent atheist organizations. Last week, Teresa MacBain was dismissed from her high-profile position at Harvard University’s Humanist Community after it was revealed she inflated her resume. The former United Methodist pastor claimed a degree from Duke Divinity School she did not have.

Now skeptics are wondering if onetime clergy leading nonreligious groups is the best idea.

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/10/02/skeptics-wonder-ex-clergy-lead-atheist-movements/

[dimbear]

1. Certainly in agreement.

Not only is a little long term commitment an asset, not only are there plenty of steady hands already available,
but there is a great deal to be said for simple honesty.

Someone who hasn't lied in the past makes a better witness. At least that's what Perry Mason implies.

[rug]

2. I thought of you when I read this.

There's also Dan Barker and Al Stefanelli to consider.

[xfundy]

3. Preachers know all the theatrics required for fundraising and getting "amens."

I suspect that a vast majority of them, having read the buybull in its entirety, reject it as nonsense.

Nothing can create an atheist better than actually reading that nonsense.

[cbayer]

5. The vast majority of preachers do not reject the bible as nonsense.

[cbayer]

4. I don't think it matters whether they are ex-clergy or not.

Charismatic leaders should be scrutinized carefully in any organization.

The problem here is the risk of becoming no different than other institutions that are ruled by dogma and fundamentalism.

Are leaders who were previously clergy more likely to head in that direction?

[rug]

6. Well . . . .

https://www.facebook.com/events/620784311289476/?ref=22

Yes, it's Jerry DeWitt again.

[cbayer]

7. I wouldn't trust Jerry Dewitt to pick up my garbage.

Ex-pastor or not, he's a shyster, imo.