Catalyst

Author Emily Dietle

My focus is on state-church separation & social issues. I'm an avid reader, and feel that one of our most valuable tools is the free movement of information and ideas. | @emilyhasbooks

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The last five months of my life have been an absolute whirlwind!  Since the Texas Freethought Convention and revealing my position of atheism publicly after seven years incognito, multiple opportunities and new friendships have befallen me.

From becoming an assistant organizer for the Houston Atheists, to blogging, writing book reviews for the Friendly Atheist, attending ReasonFest, and going on radio shows, time allocation has never been so important to me. The amount of support that I’ve received from friends, family, and complete strangers in my endeavors has been astounding and stimulating to my efforts for personal growth and action.

Some wonder why I’m so passionate about issues surrounding Church-State separation.  All I can tell them is this: look at the issues and to history.  We’re currently facing waves of religious groups calling for ‘religious freedom,’ while trying to restrict everyone else from basic liberties. You can see this today with attacks by the religious ‘right’ against contraception, free-expression, sex-education, marriage equality, and valid science education.  When religion attempts to infiltrate government bit-by-bit and rule our lives by their ancient dogmas, we’re faced with standing up for our rights or letting theocratic rule control us.

My current motivations are inspired by these and many other human rights/equal rights issues.  I wonder what my drive will be focused on after the 24th when I attend Reason Rally and the American Atheists National Convention?

All hopes and dreams we consider
Ponder
Plan
Ache for

Looking towards tomorrow
For answers
Achievements
Change

Actions today are the true spark
Pause
Evaluate
Persist