The Secular Activist: A How-to Manual for Protecting the Wall between Church and State

by Dan Arel, David Silverman (Foreword)

Are you interested in preserving the constitutional principle of church-state separation? Do you think a secular system is the only way to ensure freedom of religion and conscience for all? Do you want creationism out of classrooms, religious dogma out of health care, sectarian prayers out of government meetings, and taxpayer funding out of “faith-based” initiatives and programs that promote religious indoctrination? Think there’s not much you can do about it? If so, as secular writer and activist Dan Arel demonstrates in word and deed, think again. Drawing on his experience fighting to keep $18 million in taxpayer money out of the construction of the Noah’s Ark theme park in Kentucky, Arel makes clear that the only way to stop the Religious Right’s assault on the wall separating church and state is for each of us to be active and vocal. He offers pragmatic lessons and guidance for protecting secularism, whether by raising awareness on social media, protesting in the public square, or knocking on doors in government corridors. Sharing not only his story but also the stories of other secular activists, he offers an inspirational and forceful call to action. For those who are waiting for others to stand up against antisecular forces, he reminds that each of us can make an individual difference—and that ultimately we must be the wall separating church and state.

Genres: Politics, Atheism

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Dan Arel is the author of Parenting Without God and The Secular Activist. After years writing on religion and politics for outlets including AlterNet, Salon, TIME, and HuffPost, he shifted his focus to labor organizing and now serves as Director of Communications for a labor union.

His work today sits at the intersection of politics, organizing, and practical self-development—especially how to cultivate mental health, clarity, and resilience outside the churn of trends and fads, by learning to be present and intentional in everyday life.

Though his writing on religion has, for now, come to a close, Arel remains deeply engaged in the craft. New books are in progress, continuing his exploration of power, purpose, and how people can live and act more freely in a complicated world.

Reviews

[Richard Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read right after you finish David Silverman's "Fighting God". David's book will give you every reason why you should be a firebrand atheist and Dan's book will show you how to do it. If you have wanted to become more active in advancing secular values in our society Dan's book is the place you should start. From activism on Facebook to taking on the Ken Ham's of the world this book covers the entire spectrum. Dan has a light and breezy style of writing that keeps you engaged from cover to cover.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read, always good for getting inspired again and remembering you're not alone

[Stephen Hines · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all the publisher put way too high of a cover price on a tiny paperback with barely over 100 pages. Secondly, I was expecting more how-to suggestions. The book was mainly about the author's successes and failures while fighting against Ken Ham's Ark Encounter. There was only one chapter with specific, how-to suggestions on protecting the wall between church and state.