this from Vicki McCoy:
This music idea of David Higginbottom's is so perfect he should get a Freethought Genius of the Year award! Dan Barker of FFRF has some great songs already written and recorded, but (as far as I know) they have not been offered in a free church-like concert promoted to the public. The media publicity angle is also super. The media would love a lively, unusual event like this, especially with some attractive performers. There must be lots of talented, interesting Freethinkers -- in addition to Dan -- who would draw young people to a Humanist "service."
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the webmaster notes: i have read that Matt Groening is an atheist/agnostic. i suspect this "only kidding." stuff is put in there to keep the network censors from being pissed off.
responding to the following:
<< Matt Groenig, head writer for The Simpsons, is a believer. Whenever he scoffs at religion, there is always a "happy ending," i.e., everyone is left knowing that "he was only kidding." He's a big tease! Charlotte Poe >>
Gerry Dantone writes:
I think it's more that if there isn't a happy ending, the heat on the network would be intense. He may be a non-believer, just not ready to be a lightening rod.
Gerry Dantone
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and in response to Jeff's request for more humanist music, more "dancing in the aisles," Gerry Dantone writes: Then I must tell you about my rock opera on CD "My Name Is Thomas..." and my soon to be released CD "True Stories."
Here's a sample of one of the more humorous (but rocking) tunes, in which the scene is the funeral of a non believer, being conducted by a priest:
MAGIC BUTT copyright G. Dantone, S. Cimino 1996
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today To pay our last respects to a soul that lost its way It's my solemn duty to inform you of the fact He wasn't very pious, there's no denying that Though everyone comes knocking, very few will make the cut If you want to get to heaven, you got to kiss the Magic Butt
It saddens me to say this, he doesn't have a prayer He didn't go to service, he didn't really care He asked too many questions, his faith was just a joke He never repented, he doesn't have a hope He never did get married, he was living with a slut He's on his way but not to heaven, he didn't kiss the Magic Butt
Bridge Kiss the Magic Butt today It will wash your sins away It's the only one that works All the rest will make it worse
You can be a killer and eat your victims too No matter what your sin is, he'll turn a cheek for you Save a million people with a cure for a disease Won't get you through the Pearly Gates unless you're on your knees This is what He told me, I didn't make it up If you want to get to heaven, you got to kiss the Magic Butt
instrumental interlude
Bridge 2 Save me, save me, save me, save me...
Now dearly beloved, as we lay his soul to rest We can learn from his mistakes and hope for the best He wasn't very moral, I feel compelled to say And rumors were in the air, some friends of his were gay Now before I start forgetting, where's my check, now is it cut? If you want to get to heaven, if you want to get to heaven, if you want to get to heaven You got to kiss the Magic Butt Yeah
And for a more serious tune:
Love Is the Only Priest copyright 1996 Gerald Dantone
You may ask, why do we even bother Here today, then we're gone into the dust You say sense can't be made of it You know the truth, it doesn't fit The answer's just too rough
Everyday, while the world is getting harder Don't you wait for that help from up above Don't need to dream or make believe You're really here right next to me It should be just enough
Chorus: Happiness is the only heaven Reasoning is the only light we need Justice is the only worship And love is the only priest
There's no plan with your name upon it There's no road that will take you to the stars You can miss your date with destiny There is no sacred guarantee But there's something that is ours
Chorus: Happiness is the only heaven Reasoning is the only light we need Justice is the only worship And love is the only priest
Bridge: Don't be late Or you'll miss your chance It only comes Everyday we wake up
Chorus: Happiness is the only heaven Reasoning is the only light we need Justice is the only worship And love is the only priest