Synchronicity: Atheist Brings Mythicism To Kenya

In a meeting made of motormouths, our friend David Fitzgerald summed it up succinctly:

“It’s fun to watch the synchronicity beginning…”

Half a world away, a handsome, articulate Harrison Mumia held sway (somewhat) in a hall full of interested spectators…..in Kenya.  That country’s top atheist, Mumia had put together a Google Hangout with today’s leading Jesus Myth Theorists, with the express help of Mythicist Milwaukee, and it’s co-founder Sean Fracek.  Fitzgerald, Drs. Richard Carrier and Robert Price all tuned in from around the US early Saturday morning to discuss, or rather, expose the idea of a mythical Christ. To indoctrinated Christians no less, in Africa, whom had never remotely considered that Jesus Christ might be more myth than messiah.  Harrison himself called the event “historic” in his subsequent post, and it will shock no one to learn that nothing of this nature has ever hatched in Kenya.  Sadly, the event will remain historic, as the planned live YouTube broadcast and recording succumbed to a technical glitch.  Those of us lucky to be listening in however, will never forget. 40 or 50 eager Kenyans, mostly Christians, fighting to get their questions introduced to a panel of theological scholars that would have made any myth geek jealous. All of this orchestrated in a matter of days after a chance encounter between two atheists from opposite ends of the planet.

Synchronicity indeed.

Fitzgerald’s observation had come on one of the extended breaks that marked the hours-long web-conference during which Mumia did his utmost to organize his bustling room full questioners.  These breaks afforded MM team members, mostly there to observe and help moderate if necessary, a rare and welcome chance to cyber-pal around with their heroes. Personally, I was there just hoping to take a few bullets from the duel machine guns of information that Price and Carrier become whenever they speak, or glom a couple of gleaming crystals of condensed, edible knowledge that Fitz unleashes everywhere he goes, like the shiny objects you collect in video games.

But when I sensed a pause I grabbed my chance and queried the council:   Was it just me, or was there really an actual movement afoot?

“Yes,” affirmed David right away, “It’s fun to watch the synchronicity beginning…”

The “Nailed…” author had nailed it on the head.  Synchronicity is what’s been missing.  The components of the movement have always been there.  Atheists, Humanists, Agnostics, Freethinkers and the rest, all have their own angles, but sans a defining dogma to unite behind, any hope of solidarity was slim at best.  But religious violence has granted the effort new vigor, and with the internet’s input of instant information, we might just finally have our tie that binds. The best part is every brand of skeptic in the world can wield the weapon of wisdom at will.  Here was an Atheist in Kenya unveiling Mythicism on a group of Christians, not as a cudgel but a tool, imparting the skill of critical thinking on a nation long numbed by machine-like indoctrination processes.

This is the synchronicity behind the growth and expansion that marks the secular movement of today.  A Mythicist likely cares little if you believe in god, as an Atheist finds Jesus’ historicity entirely moot. Freethinkers may not agree on much, but we all can get behind a world where decisions that affect society are based on fact and evidence, and knowledge and logic and truth.

The infamous herd of cats has found its common ground: The green and fertile pastures of Reason.

Hear more about Harrison Mumia and Atheists of Kenya Sunday on the podcast.