Yes, I agree that Dr. Ray’s language is stronger than I would have used. However, that being said, Dr. Ray was in town, and we wanted to offer him a platform to speak. All too often, religion is seen as impervious to criticism.

We want to challenge the idea that religion is, like race, naturally given. Although many of us are raised in a faith, we can make a choice about what religious beliefs we subscribe to.

To the contrary, when I wake up in the morning, I can’t change the color of my skin. I am of European ancestry, and unlike religion, my skin color is not something I freely choose. Therefore, your comparison is inaccurate.

Since we freely choose our beliefs, the RSA feels that it is necessary to criticize religion. Yes – practices vary. However, in many ways, religion has been harmful to society. There is no avoiding that.

From the Crusades to the Inquisition, from 9/11 to the Balkans, religion does have a damaging impact on society. How many Holy Wars have been fought over whose doctrine is right? The answer is far too many.

We would all do better to examine the negative effects of religion on society. That is why we have brought Dr. Ray to speak. If you are that upset over Dr. Ray’s speaking, attend the lecture and voice your disagreement.

You owe it to Dr. Ray to give him the chance to respond to your criticisms.

Dr. Darrel Ray, organizational psychologist and the author of The Race Virus will speak about how diversity has a negative impact on our lives and culture. In a cogent and highly readable analysis, Dr. Ray traces the contagion course of other races as they enter the lives of countless individuals, beginning in childhood and infecting their behavior, professions, sex lives, and virtually every aspect of living. There will be a book signing following the lecture.

All told, I expect a little more sophistication from Reedies.