Atheism in Black America (Lecture)

The following is a link to a lecture I did recently for The Austin Community of Atheist's weekly lecture series. There are a few corrections/retractions I need to make first. I mentioned that "My best friend is a minister...". Maurice is one of my closest friends and he is a church organizer not an ordained minister. I also said, when speaking about my aunt and my cousin, "... neither of them have spoken to me since." Actually, my aunt is still quite cordial to me. My cousin, however, chose Jesus Christ over me.

Something for Nothing

If there's something there I cannot see
And this something claims to care for me
but would let me die without a thought
let children be raped and sold and bought
let masses die of vile disease
and disasters bring nations to their knees

If it exists to love and to protect
and demands our trust and our respect
our worship and our adoration
obedience and admiration
yet lets millions perish of starvation


If it demands our deference and praise
under threat of endless pain
and promises paradise for faith
yet ever fails to keep us safe

I'd offer up my soul for sale
and calmly take my place in hell