WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Two Dans enter the ring. Which one emerged victorious is largely a matter of opinion. Last night WFHB hosted a public debate featuring local pastor Dan Waugh and minister-turned atheist Dan Barker. The event originated from the controversy that began in April when the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign attempted to purchase advertising space on Bloomington Transit buses. Bloomington Transit rejected the advertisements, arguing the sign’s phrase “You can be good without God,” was too controversial, but eventually acquiesced after months of negotiation and an ACLU-supported lawsuit. The controversy has captured local, state, and national attention, raising questions about free speech, religious tolerance, and the foundations of morality. Arguing that yes, you CAN be good without God is Dan Barker, a former minister who is now co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Arguing no, you CANNOT be good without God is Reverend Dan Waugh, pastor of Adult Ministries at Evangelical Community Church in Bloomington. Dan Waugh and Dan Barker present their opening arguments in the first of our two-part series of highlights from “The Battle of the Dans”.
