Is American atheism heading for a schism?

[intaglio]

16. Firstly - there is no schism where there is no central organisation

Secondly Atheism plus is a group. They do not regard themselves as "the only" atheists any more than Randi's JREF regard themselves as "the only" skeptics. The intent of Atheism+ is to propagate the idea that although there are atheists like Thunderf00t and the similarly bigotted, there are many others who wish to be differentiated from such dicks. A comparrisson might be a group of Catholics who wish to be seen as more open minded than the Papacy - Oh, there is; they're called Jesuits. Atheism doesn't have a Pope, Metropolitan, Living Prophet, Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, Divine Emperor, Grand Imam, Grand Mufti or Ayatollah. There is no text essential to the study of atheism; no Septaguint, New Testament, Diamond Sutra, Mas'ud Qur'an, Zaid Qur'an etc. etc. In all honesty there is no text that is required for the profession of a religion, if people were actually expected to know them there would probably be far fewer faithful.

Now look at the Peter McGrath who posted this on The Guardian's "Comment is Free" open access comments section. I have no doubt he is a fine person but ... he is not a journalist, his bio says he is an author and Yachtmaster. This last means he has completed the RYA's Yachtmaster certification scheme (see below) it does not mean he is a Master Mariner

The only books I can find written by a "Peter McGrath" on "Good Reads". It is notable that although he studied Zoology at a Liverpool University he does not mention whether he actually achieved a degree and his only previous journalism chops are from being selected Editor's Choice for a science page article.

Seems a nice guy, just not the person you ought to be citing for this OP.

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Yachtmaster Ocean

Ocean passage as skipper or mate of watch. The candidate was fully involved in the planning of the passage, including selection of the route, the navigational plan, checking the material condition of the yacht and her equipment, storing spare gear, water and victuals and organising the watch-keeping routine; During the passage a minimum non-stop distance of 600 miles must have been run by the log, the yacht must have been at sea continuously for at least 96 hours and the yacht must have been more than 50 miles from land while sailing a distance of at least 200 miles. Please see the 'definition of passage'. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.

Yachtmaster Offshore

50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.