Apr 10, 2014: Wenatchee The Hatchet: Valerie Tarico publishes article on Mars Hill/Driscoll at Alternet & Salon, an overview of factual errors in the article
On April 1, 2014 an article went up at alternet.org by Valerie Tarico. This piece warranted enough fact-checking and consideration that WtH has offline for a while going through primary source materials.
On April 1, 2014 an article went up at alternet.org by Valerie Tarico. This piece warranted enough fact-checking and consideration that WtH has offline for a while going through primary source materials.
Valerie Tarico Official Website
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Apr 8, 2014: National Right To Life: Pro-abortion blog says aborting disabled children is ‘doing God’s work’
No one wants to have an abortion. That’s what they say, right? Abortion activists insist that no woman ever wants to have an abortion — they just end up in circumstances which necessitate one. But then you get people like RH Reality Check writer Valerie Tarico, who writes about abortion in glowing terms. According to Tarico, having an abortion is taking the moral high ground. To Tarico, abortion is a sacred gift. Mar 24, 2014: Valerie Tarico: Huffington Post: Unveiled: Three Former Muslim Women Look Back on the Hijab
Jan 27, 2014: Freethought Radio: Guest: Valerie Tarico
In The News: public vouchers to religious schools, and revelations of hundreds of priests defrocked for raping children. We hear some of the music of nonbelieving composer Jerome Kern, then we talk with Valerie Tarico about her book Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light. Jan 12, 2014: Conservative Hideout 2.0: Planned Parenthood Board Member Calls Abortion “Blessing,” Celebrates “Decline” of Christianity
Valerie Tarico is a Planned Parenthood board member, and has been featured in several leftist publications. Here are some lowlights regarding her work and beliefs, via Christian News… Jan 7, 2014: Moonbattery: Planned Parenthood’s Valerie Tarico Celebrates Decline of Christianity, Sacred Gift of Abortion
Here’s a follow-up to the piece on the fittingness of a monument to Satan at the Oklahoma State Capitol: Jan 6, 2014: Christian News: Planned Parenthood Board Member Says Abortion Is ‘A Sacred Gift,’ Claims Christianity Is Dying
In recent opinion columns, a Planned Parenthood board member has claimed that abortion is ‘a sacred gift,’ and that nonbelievers have ‘reasons to celebrate’ since Christianity is ‘in decline.’ |

Jan 2, 2014: God Never Loses.
Valerie Tarico (AlterNet) penned an article titled "10 Signs Religious Fundamentalism Is in Decline" and, as the title indicates, has a list of ten things with explanations on why she thinks the title is true. The word "Fundamentalism" is passed around by atheists and skeptics in usually derogatory ways, so its hard to tell what anyone really means when they use the word. I will assume Tarico means it as "Bible believing" Christians and immediately throw out the ones who pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will keep or throw away, since true Christianity does not create God in an image they desire, but rather chooses the One Who is There. Without going through all ten points (you can read the article for the other nine) some are typical comments pitched with a sensational narrative. The one that did catch my eye was the second one: "The cutting edge of freethought is less cutting and edgy." Skipping over where she seems to want to make it a racist issue against white people she writes: "Until recently, then, atheism was virtually synonymous with anti-theism, and even today people complain that pioneers of the New Atheist movement like Dawkins, Harris, Dennett, and the late great Hitchens are unnecessarily antagonistic." I don't think the perception has changed, and, in fact, it has become more antagonistic. Going back to the word "freethought" the problem most atheists have with theists is that they have a frame of thought, or foundation for their beliefs. Atheists hate that. So they make a claim on "Freethought," though I will deal with that shortly. They get really bothered that people claim to know something, but would rather that you don't know and would rather that we accept what they dont know as the truth. Of course, none of their ideas are unique to them, as no man has the ability create from nothing. In other words, "ideas" don't just land "free" in a mind. Ideas are sparked from other ideas. And traditions of atheism passed from generation to generation end up with people like Dawkins and company and their "yes-men" accept it and call it "freethought." You will note that in her writing she ties "free" and "thought" into one word. Real free thought, though, is not that bound. However, Tarico continues: "But thanks in part to their courage and flame-throwing, a new generation is emerging, one that sees atheism not as an end point, but as a beginning." A beginning of what, though, is never clarified. Theism and atheism have a common point there in that they neither side knows what's next. Life is fleeting and tomorrow we might be dead. The Christian accepts a future beyond tomorrow and beyond death, while the atheist, for the most part, is OK with death being the end. Truth be told, though, most don't really consider it at all. The atheist has, in many ways, become the bully in society because they believe they hold the natural default perspective on life: No God. Man is born alone, creates a life through living, then dies. Tarico continues: "Many younger people are casting aside labels and adopting what fits from religious holidays and traditions, in the same way that they mix and match cultural, racial or sexual identities. As boundaries soften, more women, Hispanics and blacks are joining or even leading the conversations." Tarico posits this as though its some kind of break into freedom. Similar to the many societies of the Renaissance where people celebrated freedom (the age of "enlightenment"). At the same time in history, though, the world was going through what was called Restoration (also referred to as "The Great Awakening"). It came at a time when the church had just gone through centuries of persecution and puritan tyrannies. An "awakening" was needed. Out of it rose people like Wycliff, Locke, Calvinism, Luther, and almost a Who's Who of Christian history. So do I think we are there? I don't know. If we are not then we are headed that way should Jesus tarry. I do think that the smugness of atheists who philosophize like Tarico will likely lead to a challenge. Not because God is insecure about the charges made against Him. But because life has been created in His image and the natural world He created demands it. And God never loses.
Valerie Tarico (AlterNet) penned an article titled "10 Signs Religious Fundamentalism Is in Decline" and, as the title indicates, has a list of ten things with explanations on why she thinks the title is true. The word "Fundamentalism" is passed around by atheists and skeptics in usually derogatory ways, so its hard to tell what anyone really means when they use the word. I will assume Tarico means it as "Bible believing" Christians and immediately throw out the ones who pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will keep or throw away, since true Christianity does not create God in an image they desire, but rather chooses the One Who is There. Without going through all ten points (you can read the article for the other nine) some are typical comments pitched with a sensational narrative. The one that did catch my eye was the second one: "The cutting edge of freethought is less cutting and edgy." Skipping over where she seems to want to make it a racist issue against white people she writes: "Until recently, then, atheism was virtually synonymous with anti-theism, and even today people complain that pioneers of the New Atheist movement like Dawkins, Harris, Dennett, and the late great Hitchens are unnecessarily antagonistic." I don't think the perception has changed, and, in fact, it has become more antagonistic. Going back to the word "freethought" the problem most atheists have with theists is that they have a frame of thought, or foundation for their beliefs. Atheists hate that. So they make a claim on "Freethought," though I will deal with that shortly. They get really bothered that people claim to know something, but would rather that you don't know and would rather that we accept what they dont know as the truth. Of course, none of their ideas are unique to them, as no man has the ability create from nothing. In other words, "ideas" don't just land "free" in a mind. Ideas are sparked from other ideas. And traditions of atheism passed from generation to generation end up with people like Dawkins and company and their "yes-men" accept it and call it "freethought." You will note that in her writing she ties "free" and "thought" into one word. Real free thought, though, is not that bound. However, Tarico continues: "But thanks in part to their courage and flame-throwing, a new generation is emerging, one that sees atheism not as an end point, but as a beginning." A beginning of what, though, is never clarified. Theism and atheism have a common point there in that they neither side knows what's next. Life is fleeting and tomorrow we might be dead. The Christian accepts a future beyond tomorrow and beyond death, while the atheist, for the most part, is OK with death being the end. Truth be told, though, most don't really consider it at all. The atheist has, in many ways, become the bully in society because they believe they hold the natural default perspective on life: No God. Man is born alone, creates a life through living, then dies. Tarico continues: "Many younger people are casting aside labels and adopting what fits from religious holidays and traditions, in the same way that they mix and match cultural, racial or sexual identities. As boundaries soften, more women, Hispanics and blacks are joining or even leading the conversations." Tarico posits this as though its some kind of break into freedom. Similar to the many societies of the Renaissance where people celebrated freedom (the age of "enlightenment"). At the same time in history, though, the world was going through what was called Restoration (also referred to as "The Great Awakening"). It came at a time when the church had just gone through centuries of persecution and puritan tyrannies. An "awakening" was needed. Out of it rose people like Wycliff, Locke, Calvinism, Luther, and almost a Who's Who of Christian history. So do I think we are there? I don't know. If we are not then we are headed that way should Jesus tarry. I do think that the smugness of atheists who philosophize like Tarico will likely lead to a challenge. Not because God is insecure about the charges made against Him. But because life has been created in His image and the natural world He created demands it. And God never loses.
Dec 2013: Blog Talk radio: Psychoanalyzing God: with Dr. Valerie Tarico
In this podcast, we attempt to psychoanalyze God himself (actually, we'll deal with several deities claiming the One True God" title), and we'll talk to Dr. Valerie Tarico, psychologist and author of the book "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light."
In this podcast, we attempt to psychoanalyze God himself (actually, we'll deal with several deities claiming the One True God" title), and we'll talk to Dr. Valerie Tarico, psychologist and author of the book "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light."
Nov 20, 2013: Blog Talk Radio: Psychoanalyzing God: with Dr. Valerie Tarico
In this podcast, we attempt to psychoanalyze God himself (actually, we'll deal with several deities claiming the One True God" title), and we'll talk to Dr. Valerie Tarico, psychologist and author of the book "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light."
In this podcast, we attempt to psychoanalyze God himself (actually, we'll deal with several deities claiming the One True God" title), and we'll talk to Dr. Valerie Tarico, psychologist and author of the book "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light."
Sept 6, 2013: Learning To Live Free: Musings at Summer's End
Please take a moment to read Valerie Tarico's interview with Ed Suominen about his exodus out of Laestadianism.
Please take a moment to read Valerie Tarico's interview with Ed Suominen about his exodus out of Laestadianism.
Mar 26, 2013: Journey Free: RTS on Alternet: Dr. Valerie Tarico interviews Marlene Winell
“Religious Trauma Syndrome: How Some Organized Religion Leads to Mental Health Problems“
“Religious Trauma Syndrome: How Some Organized Religion Leads to Mental Health Problems“
Mar 19, 2013: Musings: Valerie Tarico: If the Dalai Lama were Pope
....the Dalai Lama had this to say in his book, The Universe in a Single Atom. “—if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims.”
....the Dalai Lama had this to say in his book, The Universe in a Single Atom. “—if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims.”
Mar 2013: American Humanist Association: Video: Julia Sweeney, Dr. Frank Brown and Dr. Valerie Tarico speak at Darwin on the Palouse
This February, the Moscow-Pullman region of the Palouse in Idaho was the location of Darwin on the Palouse, the nation’s premier International Darwin Day event.
This February, the Moscow-Pullman region of the Palouse in Idaho was the location of Darwin on the Palouse, the nation’s premier International Darwin Day event.
Jan 16, 2013: KV8R: Is the Internet bringing about the end of organized religion?
No, the Internet will not bring about the end of organized religion. But it is making it much easier to leave. There is a thoughtful article at AlterNet by Valerie Tarico entitled “Does the Internet Spell the Doom of Organized Religion?“. In the article, Tarico argues that “the biggest threat that organized religion has ever faced [is] the internet.”
No, the Internet will not bring about the end of organized religion. But it is making it much easier to leave. There is a thoughtful article at AlterNet by Valerie Tarico entitled “Does the Internet Spell the Doom of Organized Religion?“. In the article, Tarico argues that “the biggest threat that organized religion has ever faced [is] the internet.”
Jan 18, 2013: Child Friendly Faith: Confronting Religion and Child Abuse
Valerie Tarico interviews Janet Heimlich, author of Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment.
Valerie Tarico interviews Janet Heimlich, author of Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment.
July 10, 2012: Bilgrimage: Valerie Tarico on Southern Baptists' New Marketing Strategy: Pitting Churches Against Moral Arc of History
I've said before, and I keep thinking, that the top leaders of the Catholic church have made a cynical, calculated decision to write off the majority of Catholics in the developed sector of the world for crude market-driven reasons.
I've said before, and I keep thinking, that the top leaders of the Catholic church have made a cynical, calculated decision to write off the majority of Catholics in the developed sector of the world for crude market-driven reasons.
Apr 30, 2012: Freethought Blogs: FTF1 – Valerie Tarico – Recovering from Religion
This entry is a recap of Valerie Tarico’s Freethought Festival 2012 presentation as observed by me as an audience member.
This entry is a recap of Valerie Tarico’s Freethought Festival 2012 presentation as observed by me as an audience member.
Mar 4, 2012: Ask An Atheist: Interview with Valerie Tarico
Join Becky and Deanna in the studio as they speak with Valerie Tarico about universal morality, and continuing the conversation about reproductive rights.
Join Becky and Deanna in the studio as they speak with Valerie Tarico about universal morality, and continuing the conversation about reproductive rights.
Oct 22, 2011: God Discussion: Living After Faith Podcast With Valerie Tarico
This week’s episode (37 mp3 direct link) features Valerie Tarico, a Settle Psychologist who wrote the book Trusting Doubt, formally called The Dark Side.
This week’s episode (37 mp3 direct link) features Valerie Tarico, a Settle Psychologist who wrote the book Trusting Doubt, formally called The Dark Side.
Aug 17, 2011: Tentative Apologist: The Edsel of Christianity?
I have now completed Part II of The End of Christianity, a section which aimed through the essays of Hector Avalos, Jaco Gericke and Valerie Tarico, to establish on biblical grounds why Christianity needs to end.
I have now completed Part II of The End of Christianity, a section which aimed through the essays of Hector Avalos, Jaco Gericke and Valerie Tarico, to establish on biblical grounds why Christianity needs to end.
May 23, 2011: Compassionotes: Moral Politics: Interview by Valerie Tarico
Valerie Tarico, who conducted this interview in early May, is host for Moral Politics, produced by Bill Alford for SCAN-TV.
Valerie Tarico, who conducted this interview in early May, is host for Moral Politics, produced by Bill Alford for SCAN-TV.
May 2011: Deuce of Clubs: A Conversation with Valerie Tarico
I met Valerie Tarico as a kid at the church in Arizona our families both attended. Neither of us would ever have predicted that years later we'd be discussing atheism in a public forum—let alone as atheists—but that's exactly what we did last November.
I met Valerie Tarico as a kid at the church in Arizona our families both attended. Neither of us would ever have predicted that years later we'd be discussing atheism in a public forum—let alone as atheists—but that's exactly what we did last November.
Sept 22, 2010: Religion at the Margins: Dr. Valerie Tarico Interviews Thom Stark
—An interview of Thom Stark, author of The Human Faces of God.
—An interview of Thom Stark, author of The Human Faces of God.
July 27, 2010: Debunking Christianity: Dr. Valerie Tarico Responds to the Triabloguers
She does so in the form of a letter to me:
She does so in the form of a letter to me:
Nov 19, 2009: Secular Cafe: Valerie Tarico on the psychology of religion
I've found this very interesting series of articles by her:
I've found this very interesting series of articles by her:
July 31, 2009: Internet Monk: Dr. Valerie Tarico- Non-theists and Evangelicals: The IM Interview
I have been wanting to do an interview with an articulate and perceptive non-theist, and I have found one in Dr. Valerie Tarico, author of The Dark Side: How Evangelical Teachings Corrupt Love and Truth.
I have been wanting to do an interview with an articulate and perceptive non-theist, and I have found one in Dr. Valerie Tarico, author of The Dark Side: How Evangelical Teachings Corrupt Love and Truth.
Dr. Valerie Tarico, former Director of the Children’s Behavior and Learning Clinic in Bellevue, Washington, is a psychologist with a passion for personal and social evolution. In 2005, she co-founded the Progress Alliance of Washington, a collective of future-oriented donors investing in progressive change. She also is the founder of WisdomCommons.org, an interactive website that showcases humanity’s shared moral core via quotes, poetry, stories and essays from many traditions. Tarico’s book, Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light, offers personal insight into how we can apply “constructive curiosity” to our most closely guarded beliefs.