By Steve Petersen

In part one of the two-part show, host James Zimmerman interviewed Eric Jayne. Eric organizes and heads up the south-of-the-metro bookclub (a.k.a. Burnsville Book Club). Eric gave details on where and when the bookclub meets and how many people usually attend. Eric then discussed some of the books the club has discussed in recent months, include Sam Harris' The End of Faith and John Allen Paulos' Irreligion.

 

In part two of the show, Eric continued his discussion of the book club. He gave examples of books the club had discussed that are critical of disbelief and atheism. Eric also explained why such books are not likely to be discussed in the future. Host James Zimmerman then shifted gears to discuss Eric's "Debaptism" ceremonies. Eric organized and hosted one such ceremony last spring, one on October 30, and is planning for future such events. Eric explained how he came up with the idea of being debaptized and responded to some of the criticisms it receives. Eric explained that for many people it is just good fun, while for others it can be a catharsis. Eric went on to explain the "hair dryer of reason" and admitted that he does not operate the hairdryer differently depending on if the participant had originally been merely sprinkled with holy water or fully immersed in a body of water. Eric pointed out that the debaptisms are open to anyone - even if they were never baptized into a faith.
   

Programs can be viewed on cable television (see schedule) or on our podcast via iTunes. 
    

If you are interested in having our program played on your local cable access station, please contact steve.petersen@mnatheists.org or 651-484-9277.

Cable Crew:  George Kane, Brett Stembridge, Shirley Moll, Steve Petersen, Wendy Steinberg, Grant Hermanson, Brian Knoblock, Art Anderson and Gretchen Anderson.
Podcasts: MinnesotaAtheists.org.  Made possible by Grant Hermanson.

Cable Schedule
Burnsville/Eagan Community Television: Ch. 14. Check their web site www.bect.tv for day and times. Sponsor: Kevin Hardisty.
Bloomington: Ch. 16. Monday 9:30 p.m. and Tuesday 5:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Sponsors: David and Joanne Beardsley.
Minneapolis: Ch. 17. Saturday 8:30 p.m.  Sponsor:  Steve Petersen.
Rochester: Ch. 10. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 p.m.  Sponsor: Jim Salutz.
Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Little Canada, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Moundsview/New Brighton: Ch. 14. Wednesday 10:30 p.m.  Sponsor: Shirley Moll.
Stillwater:  Ch., 16. Tuesday 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday 9:00 a.m.  Sponsor: Lee Salisbury.
South Washington County: Ch. 14. Tuesday 7:00 p.m.  Sponsor: Jim Bodsberg.
White Bear Lake, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Oakdale, Vadnais Heights: Ch. 15.  Saturday 7:30 p.m.  Sponsor: Michael Seliga.