Blog Against Theocracy 2008: an introduction

As an enthusiastic participant in both Blog Against Theocracy (BAT) efforts in 2007, I'm proud to be involved with it again this year.

I was a practicing Christian -- Methodist, usually, although I also was involved with Presbyterian and Congregational churches -- for 20 years, although over the last seven years, essentially since the Bush crime syndicate began earnestly and unapologetically conflating Christianity and neoconservatism, I have fallen away from organized religion. Because of this, and having held both administrative and lay ministry positions in churches and Christian organizations over the years, I believe my perspective is, if not unique, at least valuable in a blogswarm like this. I feel extraordinarily passionate about the issue of the separation of church and state; I have no particular problem with people practicing their faith, but I am vehemently, unalterably, inexorably opposed to its infiltration of and influence on American government today.

And so I'm happy to be a part of BAT again. Please be sure to check out the main site for links to other participants and stay tuned here for my essays on the subject, each of which will bear the terrific BAT08 logo above (thanks to Tengrain of Mock, Paper, Scissors). Also, a special shout-out to the lovely and talented Blue Gal, whose determination in organizing this each time inspires me.

If you'd like to participate, it's easy to do. Join in and step up to BAT.