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"Atheists and Agnostics Assemble"

Source: The Carillon (University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date: September 25, 1997
Author: Kari Ashcroft


Atheists and agnostics may be able to express their beliefs through a new students group forming at the University of Regina.

The originator of the "U of R Atheist and Agnostic Student Group" (AASG) is David Kerr, an engineering student. Kerr says that his club will serve as a meeting point for anyone who is interested in atheism, agnosticism, free thought, and humanism.

Activities would include regular meetings, likely twice monthly, and interaction in debates with campus religious groups. Kerr plans to attend a question and answer session put on by campus Christian groups to represent the Atheist/Agnostic group.

"Personally I feel there is a need for a response to all of the religious groups on campus. I feel that my opinion is at least as valid as theirs, and realize others feel this way too."

Jessica Peart, the U of R Student Union's (URSU) Vice-president Academic, says that Kerr's group is in the process of applying for status as a recognized club. Kerr has, to this point, been using the "U of R" designation illegally. The designation is only to be used by clubs officially sanctioned by URSU, but Peart welcomes the group's application.

"Clubs are there to increase the vitality of the campus. Diversity is important to that vitality," she says.

Kerr has already been involved in promoting atheist ideas on campus. He was an activist with the now defunct Freethought Underground (FU), and until recently his e-mail address was that of the FU.

The FU was involved in controversy this summer after it broke URSU constitution regulations regarding distribution of newsletters. Kerr admits being heavily involved in these activities, but now wants to distance himself from FU.

He shares FU's views on free-thought and atheism, but feels the group was too hostile and aggressive. FU had the opinion that "All Christians are idiots," an opinion with which Kerr disagrees.

"Some Christians are idiots, but so are some atheists!" he says.

Kerr says there are enough members in the AASG to form an authorized club through the students' union, but the publicity has been really low. He expects many more to join once the club is up and running.

Opposition from campus religious groups is anticipated by Kerr and he says he's prepared.

"I will talk out any concerns that these groups have, but I won't give up on starting the AASG. I don't think we'll be offending anyone. If they don't like our views, they don't have to listen to us," he says.

Katryna Jopko, from Campus Crusade for Christ, is not very concerned about the AASG.

"I have no problem with the forming of the AASG," she says.

"It may even prompt students to become more interested in their spiritual side."

Luther Chaplain Dave Kaiser has no problems with the organization of the group either.

"This is a university, and we should be open to every side of every question."

Kerr says many American college and university campuses have similar atheist groups. Campus Freethought Alliance is an umbrella organization uniting free thought groups throughout North America.

Free thought is described by the alliance on their web page to be "the application of critical thinking and logic to all areas of human experience. Freethinkers value rational and scientific inquiry, individual freedom and responsibility, and the need for tolerance and cooperation."

Kerr agrees with this statement wholeheartedly, and is considering suggesting to his members that they become members of the Alliance.


This article was retrieved from http://ursu.uregina.ca/~carillon/sep25.97/news/news7.html
 

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