Nutjob Tom Ritter sues Pennsylvania over Evolution

[Southwind17]

Does anyone think that evolution supports atheism or that there is a tangible connection?

It supports atheism to the extent that it removes at least one possible argument for the existence of a god. I'm not sure what you mean by 'tangible', though, in this particular context. I believe the Loch Ness Monster doesn't exist, but I don't know what possible tangible connection that belief could have with anything else.

 

[brodski]

I'd be interested to read some elaboration: 'acknowledged'? 'non-philosophical' religion? 'Legally treated' religion? 'Protection' against what, exactly?

At the most basic level it means that freedom of religion also means freedom from religion, it means that the US Government must recognise that as well as religious people there are non-religious people (broadly atheists), you are as free to not believe as you are to believe.

 

[Southwind17]

At the most basic level it means that freedom of religion also means freedom from religion, it means that the US Government must recognise that as well as religious people there are non-religious people (broadly atheists), you are as free to not believe as you are to believe.

Post-Dark Ages under what circumstances has non-religious acknowledgement and protection by the courts been necessary?

 

[KingMerv00]

Post-Dark Ages under what circumstances has non-religious acknowledgement and protection by the courts been necessary?

First thing to pop into my head? Atheists are protected from employment discrimination just as theists are under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).

Edit: Also some states have laws that say atheists may not hold public office. Naturally, they are unconstitutional because the Constitution specifically says there should be no religious test.

 

[KingMerv00]

I'd be interested to read some elaboration: 'acknowledged'? 'non-philosophical' religion? 'Legally treated' religion? 'Protection' against what, exactly?

Atheism is not a religion in the philosophical sense since it is merely the rejection religious claims. That being said, atheism is treated as a religion in court when it comes to thing like discrimination and the 1st amendment.

 

[John Jones]

So theists are afraid of it because they don't understand it? ...

I don't know about that, but those that complain about it the most seem to understand it the least.