Write a Book with Jim

Comment by: TXatheist

If they are flexible on the age thing by just a few years I’m your guy.

Comment by: Steve

I notice that “atheist” isn’t on the publisher’s list of requirements. :)

Comment by: Marty

Hemant - what do we need to do to help you reconsider and do this project with Jim? Somehow it just doesn’t seem like anyone could replace you in this role. Jim didn’t initially choose (buy) you because you were suited to do this role - but it has become clear that you and Jim were brought together to do something special - and now you have a large group of people who very much want to see the two of you see it through - because the two of you (plus I still think Ir is meant to be Chaplin :-))have an opportunity to truly make a difference. It seems like most - and probably all of us on this board feel called/drawn to make a difference in this world in practical ways and let go of all the BS of dogma, prejudice, things that devide us, etc that keeps us from doing this together. We now have learned to respect each other - and even amazed ourselves how each of us have changed. I for one would be most delighted to see us Atheists and Christians band together in ways that this world has never seen and by example - rather than words or debate - move ahead together to make a difference. For those who need a scriptural basis to suppor this - turn to Hezakia 9:10 - 30 :-)

Comment by: Jim Henderson

Anyone with contacts with The Infidel guy - tell him to call me and interview me about this contest

Comment by: Katie

I find it very strange that the publisher requires that the person in question be male. What difference could sex possibly make in a project like this? A woman could be (and many I know are) just as qualified to a project like this as a man!

Comment by: Ir

I find it very strange that the publisher requires that the person in question be male. What difference could sex possibly make in a project like this? A woman could be (and many I know are) just as qualified to a project like this as a man!

If the publisher wants input from a person belonging to the demographic group “males 30 and under) then a woman is not qualified, no matter how friendly and articulate she is.

And the publisher not wanting input from a person belonging to another demographic group doesn’t necessarily mean they think women are inferior. They might, but we can’t know that just from the fact that they want input from a male 30 or under for this project.

Comment by: Julie C.

I understand that people have their reasons for casting a male in this role, I just think they are stupid. when there is no apparent reason why a male is needed, it just reinforces gender steroetypes that value men more than women. typical of anything christian…

Comment by: Jim Henderson

BTW- no men (Christian or Atheist exccept for Mike C above who got a little close to asking) interestingly enough have voiced disapproval of the gender issue only the age issue.

 just noticing…

Comment by: Julie C.

I said that about christian stereotyping mainly because I was assuming this was a christian pubishing company making these rules. I guess I don’t really know - and shouldn’t judge them for being christian, just sexist ;)

Comment by: Mike C

yes, but the bible is sexist, one more reason my wife is glad I don’t subscribe to it

Of course, there are plenty of us Christians who recognize that the Bible is a book written from within the context of ancient patriarchal cultures, and so often speaks to that reality without necessarily establishing those particular gender dynamics as absolute commands for all times.

In fact, within the historical context of those patriarchal societies the Bible is actually quite revolutionary in its attitude towards women. It holds them in much higher regard and gives them far more rights than any other culture of that time period and region of the world. In other words, it pointed people of that era in the right direction which has eventually led to the equality that we still struggle for today.

In fact Galatians 3:28, written by the Apostle Paul in the first century AD, was the first statement of gender equality (and racial and socioeconomic equality too) in all of human history and literature. He says:

“You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus… There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Comment by: Jim Henderson

TX- why were you so slow to catch this? No mention in your first response…

Comment by: Eliza

What, no requirement on skin color?

As Hemant said in his writeup on St. Sabina Church bible study:

As expected, I didn’t stand out. There were 12 older, African females… and 2 older, African males. And me, the younger, brown person who walked in 2 minutes late.

I know the publisher has already decided what type of co-author will be acceptable, but if Hemant isn’t free then how about a different agnostic/atheist writer for each of N chapters? Get perspectives from people w/ different backgrounds, etc.

Comment by: Marty

Jim wrote an “Ebay Atheist Update” that is on the Off The Map website. Here is the link.

Comment by: Lon

Have I missed something? Where are these requirements … I don’t see them in the original post.

Anyway, no, atheists are not 100% free of prejudice in general or gender stereotyping in particular. Neither does Left wing equal atheist, nor vice versa. We got all kinds.

Comment by: Marty

Lon - I looked shortly after you posted asking for the requirements - and they weren’t there. They had been before and they are now back - but the digital gods chose to play a trick on you in the mean time :-)