“Can I get a Darwin?”: the eloquence and humor of Jerry DeWitt

July 1, 2013 • 5:09 am

We’ve often discussed a criticism leveled at New Atheists:  we try hard to get rid of religion, but do nothing to replace it with anything that would fulfill the needs of those who become atheists. My feeling has always been that those replacements will arise naturally as religion disappears, as they have in Scandinavia. Some, like Anthony Grayling, do point out how humanism is a superb substitute for religion. But others, like Alain de Botton, insist that we need to replace in kind those accountrements of faith that supposedly attract people. That is, we should have atheist churches, atheist sermons, and moralistic artwork.

I think I’m in accord with most readers in saying that I see this kind of tit-for-tat replacement as silly. But there’s one exception:how about atheist preachers?

I’m thinking in particular of preachers like Jerry DeWitt, a former Pentecostal minister from Louisiana who, under the wing of the Clergy Project, publicly gave up his faith, losing in the process his family, his wife, and his friends.  But he’s kept his sense of humor, and continues to preach—but about nonbelief. His rah-rah, high-octane style of delivery is ideally suited to giving public talks, and there’s a frisson of pleasure in hearing the intonations of Southern preaching applied to atheism.

I present for your delectation three short pieces from or about Jerry DeWitt. The first is an interview he gave on “Living After Faith” about his deconversion from Christianity.

The second, from Thought Catalog®, is a short essay by DeWitt recounting, step by step, what led him to atheism, “From minister to atheist in 5 simple steps.” It’s a thoughtful and instructive read. As he notes, “the seeds of my atheism were inherent in my religion from the beginning. I was pulled—or drawn—along my transofrmation by exploring the knowledge and boundaries of each step.”

Note too that the decisive influences for his final step, over to “God is a delusion,” are Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and their famous New Atheist books.  So much for the idea that the stridency of the Four Horsemen can’t lure believers from their faith!

Finally, and most fun, here’s DeWitt preaching his “Sunday morning sermon” at the recent American Atheists convention. (The radio interview above gives an excerpt.) Using the intonations and inflections of his Pentecostal days, DeWitt extols the virtues of nonbelief, sporadically punctuating his exhorations with his trademarked “Can I get a Darwin?” Be sure to watch to the end when it turns into a real stemwinder.

DeWitt, I think, will be a welcome speaker at many atheist and secular conventions to come.  One doesn’t hear ex-preachers like Dan Barker or John Loftus speaking this way (I’m sure they’re sick of it), but, as DeWitt says, he was born to be a preacher. He just preaches different stuff.

DeWitt has a new book out, Hope After Faith, and my hope is that it’s good and sells well. If anyone’s read it, weigh in below.

h/t: Dan Dennett

49 thoughts on ““Can I get a Darwin?”: the eloquence and humor of Jerry DeWitt”

  1. I read DeWitt’s book as soon as my pre-ordered copy arrived. (I was primed by having seen him “preach” at the FFRF convention.)

    It is a a pretty good read, and one wants to not put it down until it is finished. The guy has paid his dues.

    1. I’d consider attending one of his services in Baton Rouge, but the woods between there and New Orleans are crawling with prepper militia, and the Darwin fish on my bumper makes me an easy target.

      1. Just teleport. Baton Rouge and New Orleans both seem far friendlier to non-believers such as myself than, say, the rest of the state (I live in Baton Rouge). It’s everything in between that’s the problem! I regret that I haven’t yet been able to catch DeWitt while he’s speaking in town, but I definitely hope to at some point before I leave.

      2. I attended the recent service Jerry held in Baton Rouge, and while he is a great speaker the event felt too much like church for my comfort. That being said, I would gladly go to see him speak again, but not as part of a service intended to replicate the church experience.

        1. I can understand that reaction. For me it (his preaching at FFRF) was moving because of his personal history and entertaining because of the delivery. I’ve always responded to that sort of delivery negatively (except when done as near parody… like Sam Singleton. DeWitt’s unusual combination of delivery and message, neither of which are new, is rather novel. I’d see him again in either mode and enjoy it.

          His greatest impact will be, I suspect, on wavering fundamentalist Xtians and fence-sitters in general.

        2. I certainly understand that. I suppose I have sort of a strange reaction to that type of environment, having grown up evangelical but yet now thoroughly enjoying the mind-blowing Twilight Zone feeling of DeWitt’s atheist preaching.

  2. As far as I can tell, all the activism ever did was concentrate on the wrongness of religion and we got a preacher (or public speaker if you prefer) for atheism without having to specifically offer the alternative. The water found its own level. Once again, an alternative to something that came from bad reasons required no replacement, it happened on its own, kept all the worthwhile parts, and was none the poorer for jettisoning the trash.

  3. Like I think the vast majority of us, I don’t see any need for atheist “churches” – for those who have already successfully made the leap or never needed to make any such leap – but I can see that halfway houses might be useful for the beginning-to-doubt.

    We don’t doubt the usefulness of halfway houses for parolees, drug rehab-ees, etc.

  4. There are millions of people who call themselves Christian but go to church maybe once a year. What’s there to replace?

  5. I was heavily involved in church back when I was an evangelical — multiple days per week — and there are definitely still times when I miss aspects of it quite a bit.

    1. Interesting. I was also very heavily involved (also in an evangelical church and mission), but I don’t miss it a bit. In fact the time I spent there I consider wasted, and even the thought of going back gives me the creeps (unless, of course, they invite me to do a series on logic, science, and/or evolution!). If anyone asks, I say I’ve used up all the minutes I had to devote to religion, and have none left.

  6. DeWitt 01:25:- lifting right hand “Anybody go drinking last night?” is the toned down version of his preacher past. Toned down in that he didn’t actually ask his audience to raise their hands if…

    I’ve pretty sure I’ve seen videos of both Dillahunty & Barker still using this “preacher 101” trick at the beginning of their talks to engage & bond with the audience

  7. Jerry Dewitt is a blast to watch live. I didn’t kno w he has a book – I just put in an order for his book. And in the same vane be sure to pick up a CD of Sam Singleton, a performer, who can really bring some good points home. – gD

  8. There is no need to replace religion with anything, that’s only a “trick” used by indoctrinated religious zealots to scare people. What most people who leave religion miss most about “churches” is the connected social community. Well, there all kind of secular social communities as sport clubs etc.

    1. I generally agree, although I’d add that one of these ways is to gather with other atheists for to hear someone like Jerry DeWitt.

    2. I agree one hundred percent. But, what can make leaving religion extra difficult is that often a large part of a religious persons entire social network is derived from, or dependent to one degree or another on, their participation in their religion. When they leave their religion they often lose a significant part of their social life. Sometimes even immediate family, let alone friends and acquaintances. Sure, their social life can be replaced, rebuilt. But it can be a fairly traumatic experience and it takes time.

      I think that aspect of it is a major reason why so many stick with religion and make excuses for needing something to replace it. In a sense they are right. But what they had and lost never required religion, in the sense that they claim, in the first place. The only sense in which religion may be required is that some of the people they have relationships with may require the person to remain a believer, or lose the relationship. And most religions encourage that type of behavior.

      Which, in and of itself, should be good enough reason all on its own to ditch religion and any people that would reject you because you did.

      1. I am not sure. I like to use the old “toss the noodle at the wall and if it sticks it’s ready” test. Where would that put me?

        1. It’s not the noodle, it’s the sauce… marinara is Orthodox and alfredo is Reform.

          1. Not in the Ramen sect. There, “cup o’ noodles” is very reform, standard ramen is conservative, and orthodox is 100% Korean Shin Ramyun (always with the full flavor packet added).

  10. Evangelical atheism entices some who waver in their committment to religion and/or woo, and in time may help enlighten some of those believers to the intrinsic truths of humanism.

  11. The only thing I’d love to see a secular org replicate about Christianity is the land holdings/buildings. Space for secular events, secular speakers, secular gardens, secular whatever can be hard to find in small communities like the one I live in now. For example, literally every coffee house in town is owned and operated by super religious. I use the public library when I can, but like the local government, it’s small and space and hours of operation are limited.

    Holding land/buildings would likely require a board of dir at least… and perhaps some financial support from members during events.. but it wouldn’t need to be a weekly sermon and tithe model.

    Just my $.02

  12. the only thing I miss about going to church is the potluck dinners.

    Unfortunately, I have an utterly Pavlovian response to someone who sounds like Mr. DeWitt by really really wanting to punch him in the face. I’ll have to work on that. 🙂

  14. The replacement for religion is Humanism. There are many humanist groups across the country with their own buildings and potlucks. Find one near you and join, or start your own. I’m proud of the group I belong to. The Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix (hsgp.org).

    I’ve had the honor of hearing Mr. DeWitt speak. Great fun!

  15. I got DeWitt’s book yesterday and am about a third of the way into it. I find it to be a fascinating account of the religious culture in the part of Louisiana where DeWitt lives. It also provides an interesting look at the mindset of someone inclined to taking up a career as a Pentecostal preacher.

    1. Indeed. Actually, I think it helps illustrate the mindset of someone so inclined across the spectrum of belief, not just Pentecostal, thought the particular oddities of that brand are interesting, too.

  16. LIke it or not, this type of speaking and “preaching”, if you will, is really wanted and liked in the Deep South. I have been here in southern AL for around 21 yrs and believe you me, ITS RAMPANT in this area. I would rather he make inroads speaking like this, for as much as I like the new atheists, this type of speaking appeals to a wide audience down here. I have gotten used to it, and I can certainly stomach it WITHOUT all the incessant sin, corruption and salvation mumbo jumbo they usually scream. Keep it up Jerry!!!

    1. I just got back from southern AL. (Fairhope and down to the Gulf)

      You guys sure do have a lot of worshiping huts down there!

  17. That was awesome. If I had the chance to see De Witt live I would certainly do it.

  18. I really enjoyed the talk!

    Especially his suggestion for filling the gap left by the loss of a religious “relationship with God”: relationships with real live actual people.

  19. The gap left by religion is that there are few humanist or atheist celebrants for weddings and funerals. I’ve been involved in arranging one of each, and the results were disappointing. I mentioned to Jerry DeWitt that I thought this was an area where he and the other faithless preachers could make a contribution. And if you think about it, it makes sense to have an organization (“church”) to deliver all the ceremonies celebrating life events.

    1. Maybe. Or maybe not. We have secular ways to get married already and funeral directors don’t need to be religious. I was married twice. First by a preacher I didn’t know. (That one didn’t last.) And then by a judge I didn’t know. (That marriage has lasted 33 years so far.) The one in the judge’s chambers was much nicer than the one with the god guy.

      Maybe there aren’t enough judges to go around. And officiants at funerals are probably less obnoxious when they actually knew the deceased. So in that case some kind of secular un-church-community would probably be handy. But I don’t think I’d want to spend a lifetime attending non-church services just for the benefit of having a funeral-officiant who knew me.

  21. How about Ayaan Hirsi Ali? Her essay in the Portable Atheist is a perfect example of an atheist sermon.

  22. I just got finished with the book. As a former Pentecostal myself, I can certainly identify. Still, I’ve had my fill of religion, theistic or atheistic. Frankly, the “Can I have a Darwin” really turns me off.

      1. Oh, I’m pretty good with sarcasm. I don’t think it was intended as sarcasm.

  23. Mr. Jerry DeWitt:
    I have read an article and learned about you in a video. You wrote Hope After Faith. You are a former pastor in the town of DeRidder, Louisiana, and in 2011, you began to question your faith. Of everything said about you, this statement is of interest: “Late one night in May 2011, a member of his flock called seeking prayer for her brother who had been in a serious accident. As DeWitt searched for the right words to console her, speech failed him, and he found that the faith which once had formed the cornerstone of his life had finally crumbled to dust.”
    Faith will crumble to dust because of a lack of understanding of the meaning of God, Son, and Holy Ghost. God is a designer; he is omniscient and created heaven and earth, and everything in it. He created everything using three laws of activity: the law of unity, law of opposites, and law of references. The son is the user of what God creates. The Holy Ghost is mind energy.
    There are clues of the existence of a designer. For example, there are flowers that look like faces of monkeys, like a bunch of bells, like birds to name a few. The biggest clue is the design of species. God appeared to an atheist named Jordon Lejuwaan; to verify this, go to http://www.highexistence.com/mind-blowing-story-talking-to-god/. In my case, I asked god to reveal himself to me, and he did; so I know God is real. Scientists have discovered that everything is the energy; it cannot be created or destroyed. Energy exists in many forms including as God. He too cannot be created or destroyed; that means he always existed. Scientists and atheists do not accept that a god exists but do accept nature. As I see it, nature is the scientific name for god.
    One tremendous service that atheists do perform is to explain the bible from the scientific view point. Christians who call the Atheist Experience learn to separate facts from stories since the beginning of mankind. There are a few scientific facts, but they are hidden because of the allegory style of writing. What you are reading will help you understand that there is some kind of intelligent thinker behind the scene. It is based on my analysis of what is in the bible. I compared it to scientific and psychological concepts.
    Your lack of knowledge and understanding of how God works is the reason you could not help that brother who had been in a serious accident. God is in every cell in the body as energy, specifically as atoms and molecules.
    Faith will also crumble because of a lack of understanding of how to use the mind (thoughts) to control energy. Everything in life is about what to think to use mind energy efficiently and effectively.
    According to the law of opposites, the universe as a unit consists of the physical universe and metaphysical (spiritual) universe. The physical universe consists of space and physical energy. Space, like energy, had always existed; it is where activities take place. The metaphysical universe consists of mind energy in the brain. The mind, what we think, controls energy to make things happen.
    This brings us to what to say to console people and those who have had a serious accident and are conscious. Get members of the family together with the patient and say the following:
    1. Put yourself in God’s hands. Whatever happens is up to god. God is in every cell in your body and controls every cell.
    2. Imagine that you are in good health. Keep that image and believe that you are well.
    Note: Item 2 is a form of self-hypnosis. When we declare that something is instead of “it will be” tells the id what to do. Of course, there is a lot more to this.
    Special note:
    Becoming an atheist will not cause the designer behind the scene to vanish. Atheists do not believe in god, hell or heaven. In YouTube, you will find stories of people who have died and learn what it is like after death and are told to return to tell others. When more than one person tells the same story, is another clue of what exists in the spirit universe.
    Because you are not a pastor and deal with people in that capacity, please pass this message to other pastors you know for them to try what I said. If I am totally wrong, please let me know.
    With love in God the designer’s name,
    Samuel M. Chacon

    1. If I am totally wrong, please let me know.

      You are. Everything you wrote makes perfect sense…in the context of a certain popular fantasy universe. Just like clapping really hard will save Tinkerbell in Peter Pan’s universe, or squinting really hard while doing a pope wave will levitate a spaceship in the Star Wars universe, or shouting fake Latin will create special effects with comedic dramatic tension in the Harry Potter universe.

      But, just as there is no “Force” in the real world, there is no “law of opposites,” and the rest of what you wrote is just as meaningless outside of the pages of your fantasies.

      You would do yourself a great service to recognize those fantasies for what they are. It’s part of the process of maturing into an adult, and you’re needlessly infantilizing yourself with your play-pretend games. It’s perfectly reasonable to suspend disbelief for the purposes of entertainment, of course; it’s not reasonable to trap yourself in a fantasy land just because you wish it were the real world.

      Cheers,

      b&

    2. Mr. Chacon,

      This isn’t Mr. Dewitt’s site. You sent your silly letter to the wrong place.

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