Comedian and banjoist Steve Martin collaborated with members of roots band Steep Canyon Rangers on writing and performing  “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” over a decade ago, and the humorous acapella verses remain a haunting enigma for atheists—no songs equals no love, no hate, no friends…well, you know: no purpose, no anything. It’s a musical shaming of atheists, if ever there was one (but probably not). 

Add to the list of things under the heading of No, the conclusion that could be drawn from the reporting of Hemant Mehta in his ”Friendly Atheist” substack in the past weeks is that  Atheists Don’t Have No Heroes Anymore.  Three of the most recognized public intellectuals associated with the cause for rejecting religion over the last 20 years resigned from the Honorary Board of the Freedom From Religion Foundation recently over a brouhaha originating in a post by FFRF writer Kat Grant in the organization’s blog Freethought Now. In summarizing her feelings on her transsexuality she claims “I’m non binary because no particular gender matches my internal sense of self at all,” and, “a woman is whoever says she is.” 

The article motivated biologist/ethnologist (and one of the more recognizable public atheists) Jerry Coyne, author of Why Evolution is True, to ask to reply to Grant’s conclusions on FFRF’s page.

His response was a disaster. With no—or shabby, at best— evidence, Coyne claimed transexual women are more prone to be sexual predators, among other idiotic claims,  drew such criticism that FFRF scrubbed his piece from their blog.

For those who haven’t followed their opinions since the early days of the rise of New Atheism, early idols like Jerry Coyne, Richard Dawkins, and Steven Pinker have, along with religion, publicly rejected the recognition of the trans-sexual legitimate claim to existence and the universal rights that should come with every living human. They rightfully resigned their honorary board positions at FFRF in protest of Coyne’s degrading diatribe getting yanked. The answer to the question of how the misguided article of Coyne was allowed to see a place in the blog will likely never be told.

“Good riddance” says Mehta; and this whole shitshow should serve as a good example of why atheists don’t need any heroes, idols, or role models. Those days are gone; we are on our own now.

 Some day, some creative non-believer somewhere might come up with a song; but until then we will be left wondering whether the double negative construction of Martin’s title could imply the opposite of its colloquial interpretation. Surely he has heard John Lennon’s “Imagine” and “God”?”

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January 15, 2025

Marty B., Ed.