An ad in which distinguished scientist and author Steven Pinker endorses the Freedom From Religion Foundation is airing nationally on “60 Minutes” three Sundays in a row. The first spot was broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 27, and it will be seen again on Nov. 3 and Nov. 10.
This is the first time FFRF has been able to run an ad on the legendary newsmagazine show.
The distinguished Harvard professor and best-selling author, who serves as FFRF’s first honorary president, urges viewers in the 30-second spot to join FFRF in its fight to prevent religion from creeping into U.S. government. Pinker’s newest book is Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress. Enlightenment Now, using data, shows how the quality of life, including health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge and happiness, has greatly improved as a result of Enlightenment-era philosophies using science to improve human existence.
“The world has become a better place, as reason has been overcoming superstition and tribalism. But the values of the Enlightenment are under attack,” warns Pinker in the current ad. “Please join me in supporting the Freedom From Religion Foundation to ensure that our government is driven not by religion, but by reason.”
The 30-second commercial debuted in the spring nationally on “CBS Sunday Morning” and in regional markets on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Pinker is one of the world’s premier intellects and cognitive psychologists and serves as the Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Among his other groundbreaking books are The Blank Slate, The Language Instinct and How the Mind Works. He has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
FFRF recently created media frisson with a TV commercial recorded by Ron Reagan, describing himself as “an unabashed atheist not afraid of burning in hell,” that ran on CNN during the latest Democratic debate. Fox News noted that Reagan was not on stage “but his provocative plug for a prominent atheist group earned him the top spot on Google.” CBS has steadfastly refused to air FFRF’s Reagan spot nationally.
“We are very grateful to Steven Pinker for lending his prestige and support to FFRF, and for making possible this ad debut on ‘60 Minutes,’” says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker.
FFRF advertisements are made possible thanks to generous support by FFRF members. To help FFRF continue to reach the “unmassed masses” via TV ads, please designate a donation for FFRF’s Advertising and PR Fund.
