Académique Documents
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THEIST
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August-September
1964
"
PRIEST
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Introduction
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Suit . . . . . . . . . . . ..
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.14
What You Can Do to Assure the Success of the Church Tax Cases
Unrelated
Business
Personal
...
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Deduction Suit. . ..
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18
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Deduction Suit.
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19
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"Church Business"
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29
Those Religious
Magazines,
Autobiograph
Ralph Blois.
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Ye G>ds! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
31
Concerning
Divine Inspiration
and Relevation,
Stephen L. Burglund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
U.S. Senate
32
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35
Letters
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41
to the Editor.
Advertisements.
Preamble
.........
Back Cover
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
of
church and state, thus permanently baring any possibility of outlawing neutralism towards religion or toleration 01 Atheism.
THE CHURCH
As Justice
an institution
is to finance
it.
Therefore,
tax cases
now pending.
TAX CASES
INTRODUCTION
The writing on the wall is clear: the court has all
but spelled
out that
tax exemptions
granted
to the
month we presented
indicating
that
there
considerable
is
growing movement
(R, La)
informa-
proposed
unrelated
stitutional
ment Clause.
We are confident once we reach the
United States Supreme Court we will win a favorable
decision
a Constitutional
to its religious
intolerance
in each case
difficulties
but a duty).
we have encountered,
problems and
to give the
argu-
of action.
A movement to outlaw neutralism
and encourage intolerance
towards religion
future, should
towards
religion
or tolen tion
of
Atheism.
Louis L. Goldstein,
Therefore,
its religious
function.
to
increasingly
ed up and effectively
is now.
on
directed.
Supreme Court is
August-September, 1964
cases
relations.
of
These
in church-state
Page 1
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
CASE
The American
Atheist
August-September,
1964
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
Opinion of the judge will be rendered in late September. Naturally, we expect to lose. No matter who wins
the losing side will immediately appeal this decision
to a higher court, the state appellate court. Then we
feel that we are well on our way to the United States
Supreme Court, where the issue should properly be
settled.
As stated, once there--the
real problem is
getting there--'We expect to win.
Mr. Kerpelman is on his five-day vacation with his
family in West Virginia. Mr. Kerpelman and his family
sojourned overnight on their way to West Virginia at
your editor's home located between Middletown and
Boonsboro, Maryland, so that they could see the property that is a part of the TAX THE CHURCH (property)
suit.
TAX
THE CHURCH
(PROPERTY)
SUIT
LEONARDJ. KERPELMAN
On the top of South Mountain in Frederick County,
Maryland, stands a 150 year old house located on three
acres at a crossroads in American history: the junction of the famous Appalachian Trail and the Old National Road. Indians, British, and American Colonists
each busy with the affairs of their time went this way.
The oil National Road goes by the door yard, standing
eastward of the Cumberland gap just as it did when it
was the first wilderness road to the west. As this soil
is worked in gardening, buckles, bits of iron, and minie
balls are found by the score for in the Battle of South
Mountain several thousand young men died, soldiers in
one of the most hotly contested actions of the Civil
War--and prelude to the bloodiest, Antietam.
Now once again history passes
by these fabled
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
Ftnt.
Maryland
7,374,
21218
U.S. 216,
"Religion
is eminently one of
these interests
(which is left by any
free government to individual enterprise and individual action) and lies
outside the true and legitimafe province of government".
{Quoting Board
of Education v. Minor 23 Ohio Street
211 (1872)."
374 U.S. 216,
"(T)his Court has rejected unequivocally
the contention
thlt the establishment
clause
pohibits only
governmental
preference
of on: rei igion
over another .... There is no answer to
the proposition
that the effect of the
religious [reedorn Arne ndment ..... was to
take every form of propoqotion of religion out of the realm of things which
could directly or indirectly be made
public business
and thereby supported
in whole or in part at taxpayers'
expense.
This freedom was first in the
forefather's
minds; it was set forth in
absolute terms, and its stre nqth is its
rigidity ...
"The (First) Amendment's
purpose was ... to create a complete ... separation of religious activity and civi I authority by comprehensively
forbidding every form of public aid ... for
reliqiom l..
"These conclusions
have been
long established
and consistently
reaffirmed.
(The) contentions
(of those
who question their history, logic and
efficacy) seem entirely untenable,
and
of value only as academic exercises.
At. 374 U.S. 218,
Page 4
1964
The American
Athei st
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
. "This Court has given the amendment a 'brood interpretotion ... in the .Iight
of its history and the evils it was designed
forever to suppress.'"
"Separation
is a requirement to
abstain from fusing functions of government and of religious sects, not merely
to treat them all equally."
(Functions
such as fund raising, for example.L.K.)
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August-Septemoer,
1964
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It would be supposed, that if the immunity proposition is logical, it would follow that there would be no
Iimitation on the grandiosness of construction to which
the immunity would apply. Thus, bona-fide worshipp, ers, of an exceedingly wealthy group could then construct a building to be used exclusively for worship
which befitted their exalted economic status.
Wealthy
members all, they could build magnificently and having
builded, could step back in awe, to justly admire what
they had done.
Then, just before re-entering
the
beautiful and dazzling structure, they could turn to
passers-by
in the street. One such passerby might be
a policeman. "Guard us well," they would say; "much
wealth lieth herein".
To a passing fireman, "Be ever
alert, this building is dedicated to the glory of God; do
not let it burn" . To the telephone man, the gas man
(representing quasi -publ ic corporations, (publ icly subsidized in various ways ), to a sewer worker, the road
bui Ider, the water-main maintenance man , "Serve us ,
serve us. We serve God" . To the publ ic school teacher, the judge, the alderman, the public official. all of
whom may well have come to see what was so worthily
constructed, could be said, "Come, look, pray, but on
the morrow, work diligently that society may continue
so our gorgeous edifice fall not into disuse".
The illustration
is scarcely far-fetched.
Many
churches, obviously are built by wealthy congregations.
Just as obviously, many churches are built by struggling
poor congregations.
Yet the members of the poor
churches, and of no churches and there are of course
"
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
1964
The American
Atheist,
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
According to the theory advanced by the Free exercise argument, if the Free Exercise Clause provides immunity from taxation of a house of worship, it likewise
provides the same immunity to the other objects of the
protection of the First Amendment, namely, places of
freedom of the press, of freedom of speech, and of
freedom of assembly.
I am sure that the New York
Times., or the Herst Corporation for example, would be
happy to think that it has for many years been erronerously paying real estate taxes on the buildings housings its presses, and on the buildings housing its television transmitting faci lities. I am sure that many an .
owner of a public hall would be happy to know that it
has performed the same error in paying its taxes when
such buildings are used as exclusively for public assemblies as any church is used for public worship.
likewise with printing plants, large and small.
1964
Page
Jll
But aid to religion, and aid to religion clone is prohibited. The Maryland Declaration of Rights, Art. 36
provided "(N}or ought any person to be compelled to
frequent, or maintain, or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain, any place of worship or any ministry; ... Very absolute language.
. Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution says "(Maryland) shall make no law respecting
an establ ishment of rei igion .... " An establ ishment of
fire protection is not prohibin d, an establishment of
education is not prohibited, an establishment of hospital services is not prohibited, but an establishment
, of religion is prohibited.
Benjamin Franklin said that churches which cannot support themselves, or obtain God's support, and
must turn to the gQvernment, are not very good churches.
The author agrees with Franklin and with the Supreme Court's holding in Schempp-Murray, and has no
doubt but that the tax exemption statute under consideration, though ancient, was unconstitutional. When
passed, is unconstitutional now, and should be declared unconstitutional for the future.
Copyright 1964 by the author.
Religion Is Regarded By
the Common People as
True, By the Wise as False,
Page 8
August-September,
1964
TRIAL
Testimony of
Lemoin Cree
(not sworn). having been affirmed to tell the truth. the whole truth. and nothing but the truth. was examined
testified as follows:
THE BAn.IFF:
THE WITNESS:
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Page 9
A.
Maybe I can elaborate some. The two corporations mentioned previously form the organization:Freethought
Society of America. publishes the Arrertcan Atheist magazine and the OTHERAMERICANSNEWSLETTER.
The Freethought Society of America raises funds through these publications and through other activities. e. g.
selling books and records. These funds are turned over to Other Americans. Ine., which is the legal arm of
this organization (whereas Freethought Society
the educational and fund raising corporation). These funds
together withthe rre mbership dues of Other Arrertcans, In~!,eemployed by Other Americans. Ine.. to support
legal activities for the complete and utter separation of church and state.
Does the organization hold itself out to be a corporation or partnership or firm.
A corporation.
Who are the officers of the corporation.
I am the President of both corporations. (All officers have been published)
Directing your attention to the Freethought Society of America, which. in addition to you. is the only plaintiff here. have you been present at any Board of Directors meetings within the last two weeks.
Yes.
At one of your meetings was some action taken concerning intervening in this suit or not.
Yes. The action taken at this meeting was that supporting suits should be filed along with Mrs. Madalyn Murray
and Lettie May's suit to TAX THE CHURCH. namely, under the corporation's name and throught its property at
2502 North Calvert Street. Baltimore. Maryland and' through my and my wife's property at Route 1. Middletown
Frederick County. Maryland.
You have been familiar with the Plaintiff. Mrs. Madalyn Murray and her mother. over a period of time. have
you not.
(Editors note: A long exchange of objections and discussions followed in which Mr. Kerpelman tried to show
that Mrs. Murray held basically the same lack of religious beliefs as the witness, i. e., was an Atheist)
Do you have any statement to make as to whether or not you are satisfied to let the state continue to grant exemptions to buildings which are used as the places of public worship.
I am not satisfied.
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CROSSEXAMINATION
By Mr. Finan. Attorney General of Maryland
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Mr. Cree. does the Freethought Society of America, which is a corporation. which is a higher corporation that
you have spoken of. have regular meetings.
I am not sure that I intended to imply it is a higher corporation. I would say they are equal in stature. We
try to meet biennially if possible, annually always.
Where do you hold these meetings.
We hold them at our principal headquarters. now at 2502 North Calvert Street, Baltimore. Maryland.
Do you have discussions at these meetings and if so what is the nature of these discussions.
Yes. we have discussions at great length. The nature. of course. is to determine policy.
Do you discuss the subject matter of Atheism.
Yes. we do.
You said that the Society owns property.
Yes/sir.
Have you ever applied for tax exemptions for that property"
No.
Has a tax exemption ever been given for that property.
Not that I know.
SOfar as you know have you been submitted a tax bill yet for this property.
I mean has the corporation owned the property a sufficient length of time to receive a tax bill.
Mr. Kerpelman: Your honor, the corporation has a continuing and immediate liability for taxes just as soon as
it goes into title.
Do you have membership dues.
Yes.
Does the corporation make any money out of the sale of the AMERICANATHEIST magazine and other publications.
Do you mean do we make a profit.
Yes. do you make a profit.
No. we call ourselves a non-profit. non-political. educational organization and we turn most of the money received from the lIB gazine and the newsletter over to Other Americans, Inc for legal activities such as this.
Have you ever applied for any tax exemptions from Federal Government taxes.
I would prefer to defer that question until I am in a proper position to know what the policy has been in the past
from the very beginning of this organization.
TO your knowledge. has any govemrre nt agency offered any tax exemptions to your organization,
I am not sure. I don't think so.
How many members does your organization have. (Question objected to)
I prefer not to answer that question
THE COURT: I don't believe it is necessarily relevant. I will sustain the objection.
THE WITNESS: Time Magazine said 7.000
THE COURT: I take it you are willing to accept that figure then.
THE WITNESS: I would rather not.
THE COURT: Very Well.
Who maintains the records of your organization now.
I do.
Who was your predecessor in office.
Madalyn Murray
CROSS-EXAMINATION
By Mr. Gallagher, Represents Catholic Archbishop
Augu.st-September,
1964
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Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
Mr. Cree, to your knowledge, has either corporation filed Federal or State Income tax returns.
I don't know.
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In defining Atheism, you described it both as a negating function and also indicated that has a positive aspect. Is that correct.
Yes.
In defining Atheism, you first defined it as a denial of a demonstrable supernatural being which refutes
the right of religion to tyrannize and control men's minds, but then yoo went on to say that it is a philosophy with a positive aspect. Is that correct.
No, I did not say that it was a philosophy. I said that it represents a philosophical position.
Does it have affirmative beliefs.
Of course, that's what I said. It frees men to take a positive and scientific approach to life. It is certainly
contary to the religious approach which is based on the negative and the supernatural.
Would it be correct to say that Atheism adhered to some speciflc values.
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I prefer the question to be directed at me as an individual rather than at me as a spokesman for Atheism.
In your practice of Atheism do you have in it a belief of values, you have sene positive or non-negative values
of belief.
Atheism in itself is not a belief or a practice; it is not a religion, it is a philosophical position which denies die
existence of a demonstrable supernatural being.
But do you have, for example. a belief in the minds of men or the integrity of rre n or moral codes.
Sure, of course.
Could you just briefly describe what this moral code should be.
I doubt it. But I will say that it is based on experience, justice, logtc, and philosophy.
Would it be accurate to say that it is based on justice and logic, that it is a belief in transcendental values,
I prefer not to answer that question here. (Editors note: Rather 'than indicate that my (our) philosophy was
primarily materialistic in nature vs, transcendentalism, it was my intention to avoid such labels and represent.
my (our) thinking as devoted to the principles of Freethought, free of all dogma. It is important that our organization cannot be designated as a denominatimal or organized "religious" creed but is understood as a Freethought organization free of all dogma. examining and teaching many diverse viewpoints. Right~ If tax exemptions are granted to us they will have to be granted to an Atheist organization devoted to the principles of
Freethought and not to another "religious" cult. This in effect would constitute an admission that an Atheist org.
does make a contribution to society and worthy of tax exemptions. The following questions bore out the wisdom
of with holding an answer to this question.)
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Would it be an accurate description of your interpretation of Atheism to say that it is more thaltjust a denial or
refutation of certain beliefs, that it was actually an adherence to one's beliefs and values.
No, it is somewhat different. 1. as an individual, and we, taking the organization as a whole, are freethinkers
with many beliefs and values. We do have moral codes, but they are not necessarily the same.
What I am trying to determine from you is that you are more than a group which possesses so called denominational or organized "religious" creeds.
With positive value.
With positive value, yes.
Yes.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
By Mr, Braiterrnan, Representing Temple Emanual Synagogue
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You say that the purpose of yctr organization is to achieve a complete and utter SEPARATIONOF CHURCH
AND STATE through legal means; could yen elaborate on that and explain what you mean by canpleteand
utter separation of church and state.
Our legal activities are directed towards establishing first class citizenship for Atheists somewhat ,,"alogous to
the Negro's civil rights struggle to obtain first class citizenship. Once Atheists have first class C:.C .!nship and
are not forced to support religious beliefs and institutions, certainly an infringement on their rights, then, I
think complete and utter separation of church and state will be nearly achieved.
Are you familiar with the fact that many religious groups support a complete separation of church and state out .
of religtous rather than Atheist beliefs.
I certainly am, and that is what gives strength to our position. We have the support of many religious groups
in this ba ttle,
Is there anything in your personal beliefs or in the position of either of the two corporations (your organization)
that you have discussed which cpposes the free exercise of relfzion,
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To prevent any misunderstanding let me say that my (our) beliefs and those.of rr:ost rellgious people are generally
dtametricalry opposed, Nevertheless . we are not opposed to the free exercise or religion.
lJO you recognize that encompassed within the exercise of religion on the part of many religious groups is the
act of worship.
Yes.
And do you oppose worship as an exercise of freedom of religion by any group,
No. that's their business.
Finally oreother question. Does your organization have any other affiliations with any other hemispherical
Atheistict moral or civic groups or associations that have objects
along the lines of your organization.
Not yet, out we hope to soon.
What are your expectations in that respect.
Well, I can outline nothing but that we do hope to align with other groups who are friendly to our posi tion,
CROSS-EXAMINA
TION
By Mr. Dietrich. Representing City of Baltimore
Q.
Mr. Cree, I believe yoo indicated that just recently you have become president of the Freethought Society of
America.
August-September,
1964
Page 11
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Page 12
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
Yes, sir.
And prior to that time you were Treasurer of the organization.
Yes, sir.
The headquarters of this organization is at 2502 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, City.
Yes, sir.
Do you have publications that are issued from that address.
Yes, sir.
What are the publications that are published there.
The two publications are the AMERICANATHElST magazine and the MURRAYNEWSLETTER(nowknown as
the OTHERAMERICANSNEWSLETTER3.
Are they printed or mimeographed or how.
Printed
Is that done at 2502 North Calvert Street.
Correct.
Is there any other activity conducted at 2502 North Calvert Street than the publication ofthese instruments. I
mean do people live in the building.
We do occasionallyDoes anybody live there regularly.
No. (Editors note: At the time of the trial this was true. However, now it is felt that the building cannot be
left alone and my Wife and I do stay here, working almost continuously, although there are no proper living
facilities. )
Nobody lives in the building.
What do you mean "live".
Well, have their room or apartment there.
Mr. Kerpelman: I object to this. I think I know the purpose of these proceedings, and it is a very mysterious
one.
The Court: I will take it subject to exception.
I think it is a vague question. Do you mean do people come and stay overnight and help to collate magazines,
etc. Yes, they do.
Does anybody live there more than overnight.
Yes, sometimes over the week end.
Who.
Our volunteers who help us to collate the magazine.
And they are there for that particular purpose.
Yes. They are on friendly visits, they are VOlunteers, of course they are our friends.
Do I understand you to say that recently Mrs. Murray was relieved of her duties as President of the Freethought
Society of America (and editor) and offered the position of Chairman of the Board.
That's right.
Where was this meeting held and what was the date.
At our offices, Saturday, June 27th.
What was the reason for the meeting.
Well after Mrs. Murray fled to Hawaii, someone had to be given authority to conduct the business operations so
that the organization could continue with its operation, particularly with its publieshing and litigations. This
was the purpose of that meeting.
What was the reason for the change in leadership.
Mrs. Murray was no longer in a position or able to exert proper leadership in our organization after she fled to
Hawaii. The work of the organization must go on because the organization is involved with issues and working
towards goals; it is not just dedicated to advancing Mrs. Murray's personality. Someone had to be put into command so that he could immediately negotiate urgent business matters.
Were you aware of the fact that she intended to leave the state at the time.
Not at all
Are ~ou qualified in the profession of Biology.
Yes, sir.
Did I understand you to say that you are familiar with the classification of plant species.
Yes.
Do you find from your present background that there is a certain order in Biology.
Yes.
Do you find that order permeates the other sciences, e. g., chemistry and physics.
That's a very vague and needless question. I will say yes just to satisfy you.
The Count: The purpose isn't to make Mr. Dietrich happy but to irifonn me.
I would be more interested in the truth than in being happy.
Very well, it is biological order that is found in the plani'and animal kingdom. It is a rather bizarre anology
to say that this same order exists in chemistry and physics. Adnnitedly, there is some kind of order in these
fields, but it is not phylogenetic.
But this order that does exist is real and scientific.
I suppose so.
You know that Einstein was looking for order in the universe. And there is scientific evidence of this order;
Of course there very well may be an over-all master plan of order in our universe, but I know what you are
leading up to-and I don't think God did it.
ram sorry I didn't get your answer.
The Court: He said that he didn't think God did it.
What is your theory.
Mr. Kerpelman: I object, your Honor, I think this is absolutely irrelevant and I don't think it is proper to go into here.
The Court: Well, it is a cross-examination. I think the Court ought to be fairly lenient with counsel if they
wish to cross-examine of these matters. I will overrule the objection.
I think that I can best answer by stating that I have no idea where this order ca.me from.
August-September, 1964
QUESTION1:;
FROMTHE BENCH
THE COORT: The Court has one or two questions for you. You said you do adhere to a moral code. What
was that in detail. What do yoo specifically believe in in your moral code or your ethical code.
THE WITNESS:Well. your Honer. one of the things is crgantsed society. I see a moral code as a necessity
in erganized society. and at the same time I consider myself an individual; however. I consider organized
individuals. namely organized society superior to individuals and most of my mceal codes relate to conduct
within organized society. This moral code as I said before is based on experience. justice. and logic.
THE CaJ RT: How do you define justice.
THE WITNESS: Rendering to an individual whatever his dues may be.
THE COURT: Under the law.
THE WITNESS:Yes
THE COURT: And under the Constitutional system we have.
TEE WITNESS: Absolutely.
THE COORT: Then yor believe in logic I think you said.
TIE WITNESS; Yes.
THE CaJRT' What does that have to do with your moral code.
THE WITNElft: Since a moral code is based prirrartly on justice. one must employ logic I think. to decide
what is just and what is not.
THE COURT: We now come to specifics. What is your moral code in regard to sexual behavior, fa: example.
THE WITNESS: I believe in discriminate sex.
THE COURT: Do you think adultery is justified .
THE WITNESS: I don't think adultery is
justified. Adultery is a legal concept and I have already stated
that I believe in the law and in acting in accordance with it.
THE COORT: Do you believe in marriage.
THE WITNESS: I do. I am married. I believe in a nuclear family with a bond of some sort, I don't believe
in the Christian bond. We were married in a Maryland Church, it is true. but not of our choosing.
THE CaJ RT: That was in compliance with the law which at that time required a minister of the gospel to perform the service.
THE WITNESS: Which I think speaks largely of our desire to obey the law. since we resented strongly having
to do this.
THE COURT: How about your views in regard to property. you believe in property ownership. I take it.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
THE CaJRT: In regard to family life. do you believe in obedience to parents as far as obligation of a child.
for example.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
THE COORT: What do you believe the obligation of the parents is in your code.
THE WITNESS: To educate. to instruct. and to provide.
THE CaJRT: Do you give your children training for ethical and moral standards.
THE -WITNESS:Ihave had some difficulty with my year and a half old daughter so far!
THE CaJRT: Yes. it is understandable that they are not ve..ryacute at that age. But even so. perhaps you could
start with regard to reasoning" do you do that.
THE WITW.-SS: Yes. very much so.
THE CaJRT: Do you have any particular general standards of ethical conduct. even aside from that your own
personal idea of what your conduct should be.
THE WITNESS: It seems to me that I am being asked for some political-social theory I advocate, is that it.
your Honor.
THE CaJ RT: No. I just wondered how do you arrive at what was moral and ethical for your self. Do you take
it from other sources or determine it indiviaually,
THE WITNESS: I am quite sure I do take it from other sources. Ethical and moral codes must be determined
from experience. Both are obviously still in the formative stages.
CROSS-EXAMINA
TION
By Mr. Plentie: Representing Lutheran Synode
Q.
A..
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Mr. Cree. why is the word Freethought used to name ymr Society and does it mean that a member can think
anyway he wants co.
The oame vas not chosen by me. and ha4 it been. I probably would have chosen a different name. The name
indicates that one is free to think outside the bounds of superstition and dogma. I have clearly stated our goalr
and aims. thinking is expected to relate to these goo is.
If I we~e to join your society and I wanted to think about God. what would the members think about that.
It certainly would not be in accordance with our aims unless you were willing to examine objectively the tenents
of religion and believed in our goals of complete separation of church and state and the advancement of Atheism
as a valid belief.
Then your society isn't so free after all. is it.
We don't object. I just say that you couldn't contribute very much unless you accepted these conditions. We even
go out of our way to include the clergy in our membership. S~iption
rate fa: the clergy is $3.75 per year.
Everyone else pays five bucks.
But I could not think about God if I joined your society.
You could think about any God you wanted to.
(Testimony of the Witness concluded)
The American
Athei st
Page J 1
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
1964
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
The American
/
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
August-September,
1964
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
The leadership for the church tax cases will be directed by us and by our counsel. We will need every
bit of your support that you can give to salvage the
the church tax cases and our entire Freethought movement struck such a crushing blow by Mrs. Murray, We
will be calling on you in the magazine and other communications from time to time requesting your support.
Together we can win these cases and establish a sound
Freethought Society. Remember, this struggle belongs
to all of us, it is not a one man show!
August-Seotemoer, 1964
Page
17
U<J.
Page 18
August-September, , 1964
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UNRELATED 8USINESS
DEDUCTION SUIT
This suit has long been planned for this summer and
was filed as a companion suit to the TAX THE CHURCH
(property) suit, previously discussed. Together these
two suits are designed to force the church to pay its
fair share of tax on its property and income. The question has been asked of us, are we forcing too much too
soon in this particular area of separation of church and
state? Based on recent decisions by the United States
Supreme Court and indications by the court that these
exemptions are unconstitutional, it appears that now
is the time to move to have these exemptions declared
unconstitutional. It will take both suits to correct the
abuse of our tax system by the church.
Page 19
The American
Athei st
Baltimore)
Maryland
21218
or associations
on business
to no other federal
of churches,
income, which
income tax
an
is granted
payer,
individual
in furtherance
of religion
law, a valid public purpose, and said grant by Congress was unconstitutional.
As a result. of said
grant, it is believed
of dolwho are
incorne"
pose
exempted
of taxation
situated
similarly
many million
such
to
of dollars
Plaintiffs,
are
consequently
situated,
is
Page 20
August-September,
1964
CHURCH-CONTROLLED
"CHURCH
Reprinted
JOURNAL
BUSINESS"
Staff Reporter
of THE
1963.
fromTHE
WAL L STREET
BY JAtlES
WALL STREET
C.
TANNER,
ECONOMY?
JOURNAL
Salt Lake City's Deseret Book Co., wnich calls itself the biggest book store in the West shares a distinction with the MusnroomourgerRestaurant on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard and the 435-room Biltmore
Hotel in Dayton, Ohio. They're all owned by churches.
The distinction, however, is hardly rare. Often
sheltered from taxes, churches and their affiliates are
launching a growing number of diverse ventures in the
secular world of commerce these days. One religious
group owns the land beneath Yankee Stadium, and another holds the mortgage on the nome of Billie Sol
Estes, the convicted Texas mortgage manipulator;
others are landlords for factories, supermarkets and a
steel tube mill. Some operate radio and TV stations,
publisn books and newspapers, sell insurance, or
manufacture products ranging from food and wine to
cinder blocks.
Tiiougn cnurcn groups often argue that they need
the income from such ventures to finance religious
activities, tile ecclesiastical enterprises are sparking
sizzling new controversies over church-state relations
Critics include businessmen who charge that tax
exemptions subsidize churcn=owned businesses in
competition with private enterprise. But the loudest
voices being raised against the religious businessmen
are those of other cnurchmen.
HOWTO MEASURE?
August-September, 1964
jJ'
a Roman Catholic
priest
wrote:
Assets
of the Baptist
vesting
hold-
and
Founda-
too.
purchase
capital
and Jews
tions,
including
puts assets
of all Charitable
churches,
of Chris-
at $54.8 billion,
and predicts
they'll
instituup 70% in
30% of all
government
noldings)
day, against
real
property
is estimated
(including
share
fraction
of a percentage
of this
ranges
is valued
occupied
from a
to 17% in
property
huge
to be tax exempt to
owned
because
at $570 million,
up from
the
of members aren't
of social,
Many say
educational
funds
firm involved
paid "around
the risks
aren't
An-
owner.
in Hollywood,
Calif.,
$600,000
Si-
Calif.,
were sold
under Yankee
A law
or $700,000"
of Columbus
for
total-
a Chicago
And in
money is
and a steel
moves
Baptist
Foundation
secretary
lease-back
and service
against
in-
of the
This foundation's
supermarkets
department
hedge"
executive
of Texas.
This
are an "excellent
says J. C. Cantrell,
$2.8 million,
of financial
order of Catholic
including
III
Stadium in a series
flation,
nearly
many cases
needed
or pay
Hotel
St. Andrew
lent earners.
build endowment
with
stores, warehouses
$200 million assets.
business
the property,
Roosevelt
Lease-backs
But tax-free
to operate
to Chicago's
involving
WHY THEY DO IT
contrioutions
fraternal
these days.
nu. .ity Board paid $2.9 million for a Cheraw, S. C., tex-
The Knights
by church-
and businessmen
In New
Why does
in-
milarly,
About
money,
The church
religious
on their
by 1975.
are a favorite
Churches
often benefit
technique.
return
ness
Conference
backs"
20% annual
Maryland 21218
SUCll "lease
corporation
Baltimore,
properties
stations,
provided
1962 gross
income of
vestments.
The foundation invests
of Texas Baptist institutions.
endowment
funds
to start.
Three
Bloomington,
Ill., cnurches-c--Firsr
REST AURANT
Baptist,
First Christian
and Second Presbyterian-c--got
into
the hotel business
without spending a penny.
For
3.5 million, on paper, they bought Dayton's Biltmore
Religious
organizations
businesses
bers pledged
like lease-backs
payment.
$200,000 in personal
against
Page 22
interest
owners.
costs
disnes
operate
tneir
in
Encinitas,
a religious
Fellowship,
Hollywood,
sect
recently
own
investments
bright.
Realization
that
Mushroomburger
rent to be applied
PROFITS
called
The
featuring
Sl,lccessthe Self-
built another
one at
Calif.
August-September,
1964
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
"RIDICULOUS" TV AD Rate
, The American
Atheist
PRESSURE MOUNTS
NASHVILLE'S DEFEAT
Page 24
LIBERTY-Bible Style
If you buy a Hebrew servant he shall serve six years
and in the seventh he can leave free for nothing. If he
came inby himself he shall go out by himself. If he
was married then his wife shall leave with him.
If his master gave him a wife, and she has born him
children, the wife and children are the property of the
master and he shall leave alone. But if the servant
declares his love for his master, his wife and children
and refuses to leave them, then his master shall take
him into court; he shall al so stand him up against the
door post and shall bore his ear through with an aul
and he _shall be his slave forever. See Exodus 21
OCTOGENARIAN,
PEARL
August-September,
CLINE
1964
cise
Mr. Justice
:ougla5,
concurring.
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
in proselytizingwhenit
is strength- ,
by contributions
from other
'-,
t h an Its own memoers.
I
21218
THOSE RELIGIOUS
MAGAZINES
strengthened
Such co ntributions
may not be made by the
State even in a minor degree without violating the
Establishment
Clause.
It is not the amount of
pub Iic funds expended;
as th is case ill ustrates
it is the use to which public funds are put that
is' controlling.
For the First Amendment does
not say that some forms of e stabl ishment are allowed; it says that "no law respecting
an establishment of religion"
shall be made. What may not
be done directly may not be done indirectly
lest
the Establishment
Clause
become
a mockery.
Maryland
RALPH S. BLOIS
Ralph S. Blois was born in Canada in 1926.
He was -reared in a traditional
Protestant
religious atmosphere.
At the age of 12 a Little Blue
Book "Can The Individual
Control His Conduct"
by Clarence Darrow, opened his mind to the possibility
that Christianity
might be false.
Since
that time he has read several hundred books on
freethought
and is a confirmed
Infidel. Mr. Blois
has lectured
on many subjects,
including
Atheism,
and has written many articles
forfreethought magazines.
During 1959 and 1960 he was
Mid-West Organizer,
National Secretary,
and Editor of Rationalist
News for the American
Rationalist
Federation.
He was owner and publisher, as well as writer, of several
small publications including:
FACT,
a bi-weekly
newsletter
of freethought
action material,
and FACT Digest
- a quarterly devoted
to freethought
articles.
He
is involved
in several
other activities,
such as
part time night school
teaching
of General Semanttcs, He was also a President
of the Rock-
a pharmacist,
acted as
Page 26
by
ford
eral
ager
has
year
--
---
August-September,
1964
Maryland 21218
these magazines. There are literally hundreds of religious periodicals with readership from a few hundred
up to over a million. A Catholic one, Colwnbia, and
a Protestant one, Presbyterian Life, are the only two
with over one million circulation each. Forty-seven
others have circulation exceeding lJ)OO,OOO each.
~l
~J
Baltimore,
Page 28
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
immortality, divine revelation or absolute moral standard of values. What are we going to do, he asks? Merely study the Bible more and ask God for wisdom to
meet these learned scientists.
Pray for and support
young Christian 'groups at colleges.
. Since Dr. Smith doesn't refute the scientist, I cannot refute him. I can only suggest that he pray and
keep on praying. As long a~ he is doing that, he will
not be doing anything of value to negate the atheist
influence. In fact y<ecan do with a lot more prayer
and Iess action on the part of Christians.
The June issue of Conunentary, a Jewish magazine,
has an article, On The Eclipse of God. It is a long,
boring, pedantic article written in a vague and quicksilverisn style. It is difficult to know wnat is really
being said. The essence seems to be tnat Modernreligion is undergoing a crisis in faith due to the many
catastrophes and changes in the modern world. In one
part the author suggests tnat "there is no experience,
either without or within, that can possibly destroy religious faith. Good fortune reveals God and bad for,
tune means that Gods ways are not understandable to
humans. Tne religious persons has it both ways. The
author concludes that because this is so, neither
atheist nor religious can prove the truth of their position. Almost sounds like he's an agnostic, doesn't it.
Apparently natural phenomena appears differently
to the atneist and the religious. WhenMoses saw the
burning bush he knew that it was a message from God.
The atheist would simply see it as a cnemical phenomena involving combustion.
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
ask tneir reader to pray. Pernaps next month tne religious magazines may 113vesomething wortnwnile to
read ... altnougn I doubt it. Don't you?
MORE ON
PEARL CLINE
IOctogenarian Hikes
12 Miles to Colona
To Celebrate Birthday
Pearl Cline of Montrose celebrated her 80th birthday
and
Beauty's (her dog) seventh by a
12 mile hike to Colona yesterdayThe hike "was to honor the
1.400 international Peace organizations in 57 countries," and as
she stated,
to honor her two
grandchildren
and four great
grandchildren. and give them the
opportunity to "brag"
in future
years that grandma Pearl hiked
12 miles on her 80th birthday.
"Grandma
Pearl"
answered,.
when asked how she thought.
-world peace could be attained: I
"There can be no peace
while
men exploit each other for profit.
Only by- replacing the profit motive with the early Christians'
She added,
"I expected
to
of production and manpower urr- have a competitor today, but I
irr shape."-:del' the competitive profit system guess he wasn't
causes an ever increasing
divi- meaning astronaut Cooper.
sion between wealth and povertyWhile Beautv is a little over
She said that primitive Chris- half her mistress's age, relativelion way of. life is described in ly speaking. she could not keep
Acts 4:32-35 and 2nd Thes. 3:10 up and rode about half the disto
"If such an economy exists any- lance. It broke bel' heart
where in the world today, make leave Pearl's side. "but I can't
over-taxed"
the 'most of it. The early Chris- have bel' strength
She recovered
. tians were thrown to the lions said her owner.
agoand their leader executed
by from leukemia two years
hanging. Let us not repeat the It took aboul six hours to make
the trek.
historical outra e.'
August-September,
1964
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
OCTOGENARIAN,
PEARL
CLINE
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
PEARL
CLINE
Page 30
Auguet-September,
1964
The American
Has Baltimore
a Humane Society?
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
What would it
and raised
der
in ills
YE GODS!!
OCTOGENARIAN,
PEARL
CLINE
2121
mission
of the church
was to save
is to save God
from extinction.
The erstwhile
unaware
that
I never waste
witn mur-
God was
bluffing.
or not.
Like Ingersoll,
"He went
selves
happiness. I argue that no decent god ever "spake unto Moses saying, Now therefore kill every male among
the little
ones,
his
"chosen"
flock to "put
Num 31.
for their
dog-in-the-man-
ger tactic.
She couldn't run the office and run away
at the same time. She couldn't take it with her. So
instead
ate. She was not kicked out, she ran out of her own
accord.
Instead of splitting the organization,
she
could have organized
the camp and slay every man his brother, and every man
his companion,
I argue that
no honest,
self-respecting
know which
Ex 32;27.
heavenly
children.
ass--a
god
of this
story
is
pointless.
Gen. 22:2-12
BIBLE STYLE-Exodus
21
image
has literally
thousands
credit
in his autobiography.
of such crimes
to his
more criminals
vile delinquents
has created
and ju-
and im-
August-Sepcember,
1964
Page 31
I've heard it said that Old Testament Hebrew history is merely epic literature concocted by an intense
_
".
r-
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
MORE
ON
KLINKERT SEEKS
U.S. SENATE BID
In his first bid for public office, Kenneth F. Klinkert, 45, a
little .known
candidate,
has
picked a top position to seek
and a man rated as a tough opponent to beat.
Klinkert, W156-N8708 Pilgrim
rd., Menomonee Falls, a social
'worker and substitute teacher,
i::; a candidate
for the Democratic nomination
for United
Kenneth F.
Klinkert
KENNETH
KLINKERT,
Kenneth F. Klinkert
W156 N 8708 Pilgrim Rd.
Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Dear Editor:
Really delighted to receive your letter and the July issue of,
"The American Atheist", which contained reference to my
political activity here in Wisconsin.
I shall try and give some of the details regarding my getting
on the ballot for the September primary and subsequent developments, including some news clippings and then you can edit
accordingly for your readers.
For years, I wanted some candidate for political office to be
honest regarding his religious thinking and not feel he had to go
along with religious conformity. I raised the issue in Wisconsin
six years ago and the Democratic Party in Waukesha, Wisconsin
wouldn't accept me as a member, by secret ballot vote of 2 R to
6. , I had referred to myself as a "democratic atheistic Unitarian
and they were concerned with winning for the first time in Wisconsin so they were overly concerned with the public images.
For years I've also felt the need for more ethical and democratic procedures in Congress and in the political parties. Also
I felt the time was riper for an athejst to aspire and possibly
win. So, I started going after nomination signatures.
I got about 600 signatures and I started to bog down until
John Webster, who was head of', Freethought Society here decided to use his vacation time to get me.on tre ballot So John
and I proceeded to taverns, restaurant, shopping centers, super
markets, etc. in quest of signatures. We had ten days left until
the deadline 3. nd tried to average 300 signatures a day.
Fortunately, through Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord Armstrong of
Menomonee Falls and active atheists I had gotten John's name
and that of Arnie Freeman, who's parents encouraged him to pitch'
in with us.
Arnie went to work at 2 P.M. every day, but early in the morning
the three of us would hit the various cities around Wisconsin
arriving .at EA.M.and working until 1:00? Then J0hn and) would
continue the rest of the day. Anyhow, we made it;.
We also had the help of Bob Buttons, another.freethinker, when
it was needed.
Most people, especially the average workiag man and his wife
were willing to give a person an opportunity to run for office ..
Of course, there are the dis gruntled and unhappy t who have given
up on any persons.
We would hear various comments, such as, "Oh, you're that
atheist.
No, I wouldn't sign, I'm a Catholic."
Next comment
might be, "Oh, you're that atheist, sure I'll sign." Of course
Page 33
AVOWED
ATHEIST,
CANDIDATE
Arnie Freeman
last two years.
instruction and
desires to be a
Knowing that I would not get a fair contest by the time of the
primary election. I decided to get signatures for the general
election as an Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. I have
2500 to date and need 2500 more by Sept. 22nd. 1 should make it.
I'm devoting all time to the campaigning on a very limited
budget. The news stories have been of more than equal space of
some other candidates for other offices, but you have to work on
the newspaper men sometimes to get your ideas to the people.
who should have a right to know what the candidates think.
It's an uphill battle most of the way, but satisfying when you
break through. But the main support comes from the people I
contact daily. Without their fair attitude, I would have stopped
long ago.
It will be interesting to see the results.
, Naturally, I have given many news releases to the papers,
which weren't used. But this is true of other candidates, also.
They printed a Congressman's statement on Johnson's retalliation in Vietnam, which was similar to mine, but not mine. It's
the old story. If a King says two and two is four its printed, but
not more thoughtful remarks of the average or relatively unknown
individual. Exceptions, of course.
My hope is getting on the same TV program with other candidates and this will be possible for the general elections, but not
for the primary. At least, none are scheduled so far.
Will keep you informed, from time to time, regarding developments.
Kenneth F. Klinkert
Page 34
u.
S.
SENATE
August-September#
1964
The American
Athei st
Baltimore}
Maryland
21218
**********
I recently received a very interesting note from a
young man of college age; James Poston, of Kirksville,
Missouri. He says, IF a personal god exists, we should
not worship him, but hate him for allowing such unbelievable misery and suffering to exist on this earth".
James says he has been thrown out the Church of .',
God's Holiness Young Peoples Convention, held every
year in Kirksville, because of his skepticism. Later,
he received two very threatening letters from the adults
there.
**********
Which reminds me. The advocates of superstition
in school tried to do the same thing to me, on the
public Boardwalk in front of Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
It seems that this small group of New Jersey citizens, led by "Dr. Carl McCintire, of Collingswood,
are not satisfied with superstition in their aims, they
wanted the Democratic National Convention to make
the same mistake the Republican Convention did-,
They wanted the Democrats to put a Prayer and Bible
plank in their platform, too.
Page
35
**********
**********
Remember, the youth section isn't a one-man show.
We have to have your cooperation to make it a success.
Page 36
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
Dear
Mr. Cree:
Enclosed
Atheist.
is my first
article
P. S.
I recommend that you do not give Mad Madalyn the
pleasure of engaging in her childish personal attacks.
Who wouldn't she betray? She is calling me a facistracist, even tho I have participated in two civil-rights
demonstrations, and am Youth Co-Chairman for the
Salinger for Senate campaign here. (Salinger is a Jew,
who supports the Civil Rights Act). I had a letter
supporting her in The L.A. Herald-Examiner, reaching
millions, and this is the thanks I get!!!
Steve Wagner
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
1964
The American
'Atheist
Dear Editor:
This is a mild reprimand.
I have had the same
experience before with editors who make changes
and additions to my writings--sometimes
irrelevant
to the context.
Where I do not supply a title, no
title is intended.
I refer to "Why Cherish God?"
My point was "why cherish such a fake as Blood
Redemption?"
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
from another
letter--)
Thank you for .the literature, and the sheet with the
,'Reproduction of a letter from Utah concering Church. State relations.'
August-September,
1964
(I
37
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
Dear Editor:
I am very much interested in church-state relations and
have only recently been introduced to your publication
the AMERICAN ATHEIST. Without a doubt you can do
much good in arousing the American people to take a
good look at this whole matter and to do some solid and
clear thinking.
However, I am greatly disturbed at your "Reproduction
of a letter from Utah concerning church-state relations".
You are violating every principle you supposedly stand
for in the whole of American society when you use an
"unsigne
. d" and unsupported letter as evidence of a
cause.
One of the basic tenants of American freedom is that you
have a right to know who your accusers are and to come
face to face with them. It is utterly absurd that a' 'Free
thought Society" would use such tactics and methods.
This is ~ot freethought-this
is more in keeping with
the practices of-the Spanish Inquisition.
Perhaps, what the lady states may be all true, but it
could also be simply a very biased and disgruntled and
prejudiced view. Certainly this kind of evidence would
not be accepted in an American court and rightly so.
No true disciple of freethought would think of accepting
such evidence as fact.
It is my hope that you will change your policy decisively in this regard in order that you can make a greater
contribution to American life.
If I dare to presume you will accept suggestions-some
of the leaders of the National Council of Churches are
stirring up much havoc in their own ranks (if yoo read
the news carefully) by supporting the taxation of church
property and by opposing the Becker amendmentta
recent TIME magazine>.
If we are to be free thinkers we must be sure of our
sources and sure of the positions that others are taking.
I am certain you are doing your best with limited help,
?ut I was in hopes your publications would be on a high
mtellectual level and not giveato rabble rousing proceed
dures.
Vern D. Livengood
Wellington, Kansas
August-September, 1964
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
The Editoi
Gentlemen:
I have been donating to your cause, namely the Tax-The-Church suit. I write
., this letter to bring factors to your attention which you might not see from
your position. There are many members of the general public that can be
sympathetic to your cause, but to donate or correspond with you, they must
first ask themselves: What am I getting myself into? You may have considered
the realities of the aftermath of all this, but try to imagine, as would I
and many others, that a congressional inquiry or sirrdlar investigation may
take pl&ce, with a McCarthy-like witch hunt that goes on for several years;
a witch hunt that proves nothing but which does dig up many innuendoes that
serve to destroy careers and reputations. You can say that this is silly,
because this did not happen as the result of the scheol prayer case. Let me
point out that although most people probably privately agreed with you there,
it had one important factor missing: no money was involved. If these present
cases are successful, you can be certain that many powerful forces will be
brought into play. Members of congress, for example, may not all be diehard
churchmen, but they are generally elected amidst pledges of being 'god
fearing', and a loYal member of such-and-such church. In the House of
Representatives, many come from relatively small districts (rural) where
they are in close contact with the voters. This populace is not going to let
these elected representatives sit still and see all that money lost. This
case will have extremely far reaching consequences, and you must be prepared
for the gale forces that will be upon you.
To withstand these forces requires an ilnpeccable organization. First of all,
rec05~ize that millions and millions of people can be sympathetic with this
suit, but are not going to be sympathetic to Atheism. If John Doe considers
donating for this suit, he has visions of a congressman questioning him about
Russia and 'those Atheistic COlllDlunists
over there'. I'm sure I don't have to
amplify my remarks, but the past publicity between COlllDlunism
and Atheism in
headlines will make this situation a natural for future screaming headlines.
Dtvorce this suit entirely from your Atheist Society activities, otherwise
John Doe will not only not touch it now, but he won't help you after you win
the Suits, for you will be too hot ~n issue. You've got to come in clean,
and you're not doing so now ~ct in the eyes of public opinion. The furor
August-September,
1964
Page
39
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
that Mrs~ Murray raised ,is nothing compa~ed to what this suit will cause.
The casual churchgoer, the Agnostic, and the fellow who never goes to church
but still claims he belongs to a religion can all be donor-a, ,but when 'you
mix in Atheism with this suit, you drive' them away. Secondly,'yoUr'most10yal
and biggest donor-s can be from the 'intellectual and professional classes.
Not only can these people ill afford to sca:rtheir reputati6n~ 'but by sending
them your magazine, you II!B-y
frj;ghten:them away. The maga,zihe is rather poorly
proofread, and it cOhtains.'{insmallamoimts)
material and. reprinted letters
that leave the impression that. some of your membership is somewhat fanatical.
Dignified, intelligent people don't want thiS kind of relationship. Further,
they are not overly interested in your internecine battle'with Mrs. Murray.
~;hether you recognize it or not, that Saturday Evening Post article was far more
sympathetic to her and' your cause than you might realize. They even printed your
addres.s so that peopLe 'could donate to you. Therefore, if you get new donors, .
.,2encl
,them ~ ne'Wsletter.reporting ~ progress of the Suits, send trial transcript
copies, but lay off theproselytizing~ These people stay home from church in the
first place for the siinple reason that they feel that they can lead a just and
moral life without sermons, and they are not interested in having their life
'organized' by a.church or by you. They don't want to 'belong'. Again: proofread
and~end ~ dignified report. In closing" I will'point'out that I do not sign this
because frankly, your ma&azinehas,frightenedme,
and I am another sympatnetic
John Doe that wants you to win, but who. has fears of this letter being waved at
me by a congressman'at a well publicized hearing. Silly? Perhaps, but I have
considerable wealth and reputation that I do not wish to lose. I take no chances.
This is the best letter we have received to date summirizing the areas in which we can expect to find the
majority of support for our church tax cases.
I n our
opinion the letter is absolutely correct in the assertion
that the "casual churchgoer, the Agnostic, and the
fellow who never goes to church but still claims he
belongs to a religion can all be donors, but when you
mix in Atheism with this suit, you drive them away.JJ
Secondly, the assertion is also. correct that the biggest
donors for these litigations can be from the intellectual
classes, who fear association with Atheism may serve
to destroy their careers and reputations. The advice not
to proselytize Atheism to these people but to submit a
dignified newsletter or report on the progress of the
suits including transcript copies, is also, we believe
accurate and necessary if we are to obtain maximum
support from those who believe the church should pay
its fair share of taxes. Elaborate plans have been made
to contact thousands of these people with no reference
to Atheism.
It is for these reasons that we have stressed that
the church tax cases are being brought before the courts
,,~I
,,
(~
,
)'
The Editor
August-September,
1964
The American
Atheist
Baltimore,
Maryland
21218
This
space
the
"American
journal
for advertisements
Atheist".
This
NO OTHER - philosophy.
even solicit it.
ments interesting.
is a standard
is
a freethought
will reflect
We encourage
feature
this - AND
Block advertisement
is sold at the rate of $100.00 per
page (fraction of page - % page or over - priced proportionally
advertisement,
~-----------------
Rates
of Abraham Linco.
o American
4.95
, 3.95
in the Catholic
Church
Schools
4.95
..__4.95
RECORDINGS
BELIEVE
OR
BURN!
o
o
o
__
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__ 3.95
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Sleeping
Giant"-_.
3.95
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APPEAL TO REASON
355 EAST THOMAS ROAD, B-206
WANTED:
READ THE RIPSAW (BIMONTHLY)
A FREETHOUGHT
PAPER
Sample 104.
BOOKS ON FREETHOUGHT
A. W. Lindholm
659Yz Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, Indiana
PHILOSOPHY
THE RIPSAW
August-September,
1964
Page
41
Baltimore,
Maryland 21218
PROFESSIONAL TOURIST, privately printed, $2. paperback, an ideal Winter Solstice Gift for Believers who
wish to become Thinkers. Order Now for November
delivery. Gus Goltz {and Pootzie} 2651-A N. Downer
(upper) , Milwaukee, USA, 53211.
Send no money.
(Poverty, Negro Question, Philosophy, Ecology amid
Nature's Bounty=-ond
little brown balls aplenty).
CHURCH.
TIMELY
FOR AN UNDERSTANDING
OF THE
FOR THE
CHURCH
TAX
CASES.
READ:
john W. Webster
P. O. Box 1829
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Page 42
August-September,
1964
PRAYER
'IS A DSE SE
OF MANS' WI L
...Ralph Waldo Emerson
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT TO PUT
PREAMBLE
OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION.
"UNDER
GOD"
IN THE
such
a trend?
something
needs
to be.
our spiritual
heritage.
under
God,
this
Co~stitution
Society
of America:
Its true office is to expound the nature and extent and application
of powers actually
conferred
by the Constitution
and not substanti v ely to create
them.
From my own studies,
as well as efforts
by the American
Law
Division
of the Library of Congress,
I feel assured
that insertion
of
the "under
God" phrase
would add a spiritual
dimension
to the
Constitution
that the Supreme Court would consider
in deciding
any
cases before it. As it is now, there is no such written toehold in the
Constitution
to which the Justices
can refer.
How great the influence
of the phrase
would be, only time would tell; but in my opinion,
it
would be enough to tip the scales
in favor of our Narion is spiritual
heritage.
A brief comment
is also
necessary,
I think,
on the possible
question of the relation of this proposal
to the principle
of separation
of church and state.
The l st and 14th amendments,
and Supreme
Court decisions
stemming from these
amendments,
set forth the separation
principle,
.and this proposed
change in the preamble
is in no
way intended
to be in conflict
with this basic principle.
To repeat once again, the preamble
is concerned
with the spirit
of the Constitution,
not with conferring
any powers.
Adding "under
God" would neither establish
religion nor interfere
with it. It would
however, add a spiritual
tone to our fundamental
law and help extend
this uplifting
tone to the conduct
of our public affairs.
Subscribe
to the AMERICAN
Other Americans
to the AMERICAN
ATHEIST
magazine
ATHEIST
the costs
at least contribute
e.g.
to our magazine,
for separation
magazine,
lnc., membership
Do you disagree
If so, find out how great the problem really is and what is being done about it by the
of America.
Authorities
on the Constitution,
including
the Supreme Court itself,
declare
that the purpose
of the preamble
is to indicate
the
origin,
scope,
and purpose
of the provisions
which follow.
The
authorities
hold that, while the Preamble
itself
does not give any
substantive
powers to any branch of government,
it does set a tone,
indicate
direction,
and has an influence
on the application
of powers
actually
conferred.
To quote Mr. Justice
Story in his commentaries
referring
to the preamble:
(continued
States
perfect
for the
blessestab-
NEWSLETTER.
If you do not
THE EDITOR
Make checks
payable
FREETHOUGHT
SOC" OF AM., (for subscription)
or OTHER AMERICANS, INC., (for OA membership or Legal Fund dorra t i on . )
Date:
N~:
ADDRESS~:
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(,T'T'V