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Welcome to Reads of Reason, a (usually) weekly compilation of news-clippings that relate to our work advocating for the equal rights of nonreligious Americans and the separation of religion and government.
Did you miss us last week? We missed you, too. The problem with a draft opinion SCOTUS leak, some three dozen mass shootings since the start of June, the information coming out about the January 6th investigation, and life continuing as normal, is that it can all become overwhelming. And it feels like so many of us are holding our breath as we await decisions from various courts and summer vacation plans to commence (and feel safe amidst the ongoing backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and gun violence). Remember to breath.
Now, here are some stories you may have missed:
There have been around three dozen mass shootings since the start of June (the Gun Violence Archive ([link removed]) keeps track), with approximately 50 deaths and over 100 injured in those incidents. Yet, in the wake of all this violence, "Conservatives blame everything but guns for mass shootings ([link removed]) " (Tom Mockaitis; The Hill; May 31, 2022; 5 minute read). This has been their angle for at least the last 25 years. They are especially fond of blaming the "godless" for the rampant abuse of guns in America. Phil Zuckerman writes in "Of God and guns ([link removed]) " (OnlySky; June 13, 2022; 4 minute read) about how that claim does not hold up to the facts. Christians from other countries, and even non-white Christian Americans, find the
situation troubling. White Christian nationalism has repackaged the United States Constitution as divine and the second amendment as sacred. "This Love of Guns: It’s Way Beyond Our Understanding ([link removed]) " (Matthew Soerens; June 8, 2022; 5 minute read) in Christianity Today likens American Christian support of guns and the Second Amendment to idolatry. It is hard not to agree when so many roadblocks have been placed along the path toward gun reforms in the country. There may be hope: Senate Minority Leader "McConnell says he'll support a gun reform bill if it matches the proposed framework ([link removed]) " (Ximena Bustillo; June 14,
2022; 1 minute read). But will any bill actually make anyone happy? We will keep an eye on what happens over the next week.
Tuesday and Thursday this week bring new opinions from the SCOTUS. We are staying on top of three cases in particular to keep you updated on what is going on with reproductive rights (Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization), prayer led by coaches at public school athletic events (Kennedy v. Bremerton), and public money funding religious-based schools (Carson v. Makin).
At the Secular Coalition for A ([link removed]) merica ([link removed]) we know that being well-informed is a vital part of being an effective advocate. If there is an issue that inspires or concerns you, please reach out so we can take action as your voice in Washington D.C.!
The views expressed in the articles included in the Reads of Reason do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Secular Coalition for America or its coalition members — varying opinions may be included in an effort to inform our readers as much as possible. Some websites may require a paid subscription. Please let us know of any feedback you might have!
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