Freedom From Religion Foundation got this sign put up on busy 2nd Street in Harrisburg, PA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Secularism has long been one of Christian extremists' favorite boogeymen. They use it to fuel the myth that Christianity is under attack in the United States. At one time or another, they have sought to blame nearly every social ill on secularism. In doing so, they present a distorted picture of secularism, demonized secularists, and neglected to mention that secularism is beneficial to religion and to religious believers.
If those of us who value secularism are going to be able to stand up against those who would attack it, we must make sure that we understand it and that we are consistent in how we speak and write about it. Only then will we be able to provide an effective counter to the misinformation and propaganda that fuels much of the hatred aimed at those of us who defend the separation of church and state.