Dorothy B. Thompson

From Philosopedia

Thompson, Dorothy B. (20th Century)

Thompson, an atheist and poet who wrote Blasphemous Satire and Other Reflections on Life, was brought up in the Methodist and Baptist churches, always hating the hymn that says “such a worm as I.”

When the Baptist preacher she married was abusive, she divorced him.

A poet, she has said she is inspired by great people like Thomas Paine, James Madison, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. and Madalyn Murray O'Hair. Deciding never again to hide behind myths, superstitions, and absurdities, she left organized religions and said that it was "the best decision I ever made."

After 27 years of teaching in Indiana and California, she retired to Bandon by the Sea, Oregon. There she cares for homeless animals, tends her garden, writes freethought essays and poetry, and walks at the beach.

Of retirement she says, "After years of raising children, sacrifice, and hard labor, I love it!"

Her philosophy:

• Be kind, and celebrate science, not superstition.

Thompson has been an associate editor of Freethought Perspective.

Typical of her parodies of “favorite hymns” are the following:

CROCK OF AGES

Crock of Ages, not for me,

I’m too smart to swallow thee.

You’re just bunk, you can’t atone,

Christian nuts, leave me alone.

Crock of Ages, what a lie.

We live once, and then we die!

AMAZING FAITH

Amazing faith, repulsive sound,

Devoid of harmony.

Once long deceived my brain I found.

Now I’m untied and free.

I spent a lot of years in fear.

Guilt was my middle name.

But now I’ve dumped my church career,

I’m one old happy dame!