Rational America

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Lydia Hartunian, THE GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! was initially designated as a day for people, everywhere, to think about the way in which life would or would not be different if there is no god.     The PLAY THE GAME feature is a ‘think about’, a thought experiment, wherein one is asked a series of questions to determine what, if anything in one’s perspectives, changes in the absence of a god.                                                                                                                                                  The GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! was modeled after the “Great American Smokeout” in the sense that people are asked to at least think about what it would be like to give something up for just one day.  As popularity of the concept and “game” increased (see Press Room) so did demand for centralized celebrations wherein people from all over the world, of all creeds, could gather to discuss the role of religion in one’s life and in the world and celebrate in discussion.   The day is meant to be peaceful, friendly, and thought-provokingly fun.                                                                                                                                                                    In 2007 the launch party for the first ever GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! took place in New York City.  Prominent leaders from the foremost recognized Secular organizations in American were in attendance as well as a gathering of varied and curious knowledge-seekers.  Dr. Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic Magazine, was the featured speaker, but other prominent leaders in secular thought took the stage for a night of music, dancing and intellect.

2008’s GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! took place in San Francisco, CA and featured, among other talents such as secular artists and comedians, were both the founder, activist and President of Military Religious Freedom Foundation, Mikey Weinstein and Co-President of Freedom From Religion Foundation, and author, Dan Barker.                                                                                                                                                                In 2009 THE GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! took a different turn when it was decided a ‘web only’ event would take place.  Members of Atheists United for a Rational America decided to reach a different audience (as opposed to seemingly only catering to people who already live without god) and upload a peculiar film to youtube.   The video, surreal and to some incoherent in nature, is filled with symbolism from the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and modeled after cult sensation film, BEGOTTEN, in order to encourage viewers to think in new and perhaps abstract ways about religion and the role it plays in the development of humanity.                                                                                                                                                         Without determinate clues as to what the film is about, many viewers are frustrated by the film’s content… not entirely unintended. “God is dead.  God remains dead, and you have killed him.” – Nietzsche. In what ways have humans failed to live up to the concept of “GOD” they erected in order to allegedly make their lives meaningful?  THE GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! continues and it will be interesting to see what 2010’s GOD-OUT! brings.

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A.U.R.A. is pleased to announce that the Great American God-Out!–a newly established annual festivity will take place this year in San Fracisco, CA on November 15, 2008.  It is with distinct honor that we also announce Mikey Weinstein, President and Founder of Military Religious Freedom Foundation, will be the guest speaker.  

The purpose of the the Great American God-Out! (GAGO) is to encourage people to think about the possibility of morality existing independently of theology and abide by humanistic principles–live as if there is no god–even if only for one day.

The purpose is also to lobby for genuine separation of church and state and encourage people to acknowledge the proper role of religion in the private sphere. 

Visit both www.thegreatamericangodout.com and www.godout.org to learn more about the premise of the day. Be sure to click on “Play the Game” and “Events” to see how you can get involved–get evolved!  

Tickets will for GAGO, 2008 will be on sale soon.

Inquiries can be directed to rationality (dot) rules @ gmail (dot) com.  Subject heading: “GAGO 2008″    

THE GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT!–THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT!     

May 1, 2008 marked an historical and special occasion for local rationalists in Iowa. The goal this year on National Day of Reason was to attend the annual prayer service on May’s Island in Cedar Rapids, Iowa–and not protest–merely encourage people to think in terms of doing something tangible on that day that could benefit society. 

“ACTION IS REAL” was the theme for the day for A.U.R.A. members (and other’s who  joined our efforts) and fund drives for two local organizations were established. Vets Helping Vets–an organization that benefits veterans in need of medical attention was promoted by A.U.R.A. as was the shelter for those seeking refuge from domestic violence, viz., Waypoint Services.   

The “National Prayer” for the day was rewritten to make it more action-friendly (and secular) and distributed to church members on the Island.   People graciously accepted the rewritten prayer.  Many questions were asked and peaceful, rational dialogue ensued. We were greeted warmly by the prayer service organizers, by many attendees and even asked to come back next year!  Our goal to help demonstrate that morality and “doing good” are logically distinct from theological principles was achieved.

Further collaborations between members of the evangelical churches and A.U.R.A. members are now in the works as it was agreed finding common ground and eliminating false stereotypes is key.    

Welcome to Atheist United for a Rational America! (A.U.R.A.) Our goal is to unite all people in the sculpting of a rational America–starting now, starting with you! A.U.R.A. “Nothing mysterious about it!” Via logic and scientific method, A.U.R.A members believe there is nothing in so far as it can be known that can not be known! Two common definitions of “aura” include the following:

Atheists United for a Rational American see that rationality—rational, altruistic humans—fit these definitions. We hope that you will join us in our efforts to command a world that demands reason-based views in all forums regarding human rights, Constitutional, political, economic, educational and scientific issues.Become a member today!Contact Dr. Lydia Hartunian @ <rationality.rules@gmail.com> or Gabe Hagen at <gmh5433@yahoo.com> for information on how YOU can help make Reason a Reality!!