An odd little sequence of events took place a couple of weeks ago that, on the face of it, seems insignificant. Former presidential candidate John Kasich went into a bookstore in Exeter, New Hampshire while campaigning for gubernatorial candidate John Sununu, and happened across a copy of one of the Harry Potter books.
“You know that Daniel Radcliffe has declared himself an atheist?” Kasich said, apropos of nothing. “I'm serious. What a weird thing. Why would a guy who has had all that success just, I mean, what the hell is wrong with him?”
Mr. Kasich failed to elaborate on why success or movie stardom would convince one to believe in God's existence, but implied that there is something wrong with Mr. Radcliffe.
Radcliffe, who starred in the Harry Potter movie franchise, has made no secret of the fact that he is an atheist. He has said that he is proud to be a nonbeliever, but would never impose his views on others.
“I am an atheist, but I am very relaxed about it,” says Radcliffe. “I don't preach my atheism, but I have a huge amount of respect for people like Richard Dawkins who do.”
Of course, Mr Kasich has a completely opposing view of religion than does Mr. Radcliffe. He joined the Anglican faith in 1987 and remains very devout. A member of the St. Augustine church in Westerville, Ohio, Mr. Kasich has often spoke about his religious faith in interviews and at campaign rallies.
Okay, one might think, that's moderately interesting. But the story doesn't end here.
Mr. Kasich's remarks were noticed by the atheist community. In response, David Silverman, president of American Atheists, sent Mr. Kasich an open letter through the Atheist Voter. The letter said that there is nothing “wrong” with Mr. Radcliffe nor any of the millions of others who are atheist. Mr. Silverman asked Mr. Kasich to meet with his atheist constituents and ask them what they want from the government. He also requested that the governor ask atheists what the lack of belief meant to them, and to suggest a place and time for such a meeting.
There has been no public response by Mr. Kasich (so far).
Mr. Radcliffe, who avoids social media, has not (yet) commented publicly.
Photo Credits: CBS Philly
