A speaker who uses shock to bring attention to atheist and other secular views is coming to MU from The Satanic Temple.
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of The Satanic Temple, is not a “satanist” in the traditional sense, but uses the idea in a satirical way that challenges formal religion. The goal of his organization, like many atheist groups, is to educate others about unpopular opinion through his speech during SASHAcon titled “Satanic Ritual Abuse, Mind-Control and the Cultic World.”
SASHAcon is an annual event that is put on by MU Skeptics, Atheists, Secular Humanists and Agnostics, featuring public figures who speak on secular issues that encourage dialogue of opposing views. Those who stick around will hear from atheist activists, writers, advocates for evolution in the classroom and a former minister.
This year’s convention will be held on March 19–20 and will include diverse opinions and applications of atheism aimed to bring public attention to the cause.
For SASHA Secretary Dusty Bacon, public knowledge of atheism and secular issues is a critical component to break down misconceptions about members of their group.
“One of the biggest problems for atheists and religious skeptics is the stigma placed against them,” Bacon said. “We want to put a realistic face on atheism, so we invite everyone to this event.”
SASHAcon is a platform where real people can connect and help reduce that stigma, Bacon said.
SASHA has invited every religious organization on campus. The group calls this a “Fate Challenge.” SASHA members will attend a meeting of the organization with the most attendees.
Securing as many big names as SASHA has, however, takes time and effort. SASHA President Caroline Spalding says it’s been a busy semester for the group.
“To prepare for SASHAcon, we have been talking to speakers since September, organizing their funding, booking hotel rooms, booking the auditorium and publicizing,” Spalding said.
Among Saturday’s diverse group of speakers, John W. Loftus, former Christian minister and author of “Why I Became an Atheist,” will present, along with public speaker Anthony Magnabosco.
One of Sunday’s speakers is MU biological anthropology Professor Libby Cowgill, who will discuss evolution in the classroom. The event will conclude with a religious debate.
Matt Burch, graduate student and SASHA vice president-elect, is optimistic about this weekend’s turnout.
“Being a college town like Columbia, I feel like we’re better received than in many other places locally,” Burch said. He referred to Columbia’s SASHA branch as a ‘flagship’ in the community, and said that skeptics from neighboring communities frequently participate in their organization.
Curious students can stop by to join SASHA members Tuesdays in Strickland Hall 117 for their weekly meetings.
“SASHA is always accepting new members; we have an open door,” Burch said. “We don’t attack people, we attack ideas.”
SASHAcon kicks off at 10:45 a.m. Saturday. A schedule detailing exact speaker times, along with other information about the event, can be found at [SASHAcon.com.](http://sashacon.com/schedule2015/)
_Edited by Waverly Colville | wcolville@themaneater.com_