Customer Reviews

UnGodly: The Passions, Torments, and Murder of Atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although this book does give the chronological story of MMO's life, it is written in the sensationalistic style typical of true crime books; that is why I say it is more "true crime" than "biography". For 30 years MMO was the reigning goddess of atheism in America. Her fatal flaw was her contempt for humanity in general, not just Christians. Using MMO's diaries & atheist newsletter, the author lets us know her opinions of the people in her life. Her mother was a "dumb broad". Her office workers at her atheist headquarters in Austin were "scum, derelicts, lumpen proletariat" (the rest of the words she used -including racial slurs- might possibly be deleted by amazon.com if I included them here). Her oldest son, who converted to Christianity was a "post natal abortion". Her financial supporters were "gutless bastards". As noted in her diaries, she had a special dislike for Jewish people. It seems the only people she had kind words for were those who acquiesced to her domineering personality.
The author has a lot of unkind words for people too, at one point remarking that Bill Murray's "homely" wife Susan wore thick, black-rimmed glasses "of a sort that a mean-spirited librarian might wear". (I'm not sure why the author singled out librarians for this insult.) There is a photo of Susan in the book and as far as I am concerned she has very pleasant features and I believe the glasses she is wearing were considered fashionable at the time. I think the catty remarks are unnecessary and take away from the quality of the book.
At the time of MMO's disappearance I was living in Austin. I remember reading in the paper a speculative article that she had died and her son and grand-daughter had spirited her body away to someplace where Christians could not pray for her soul at her gravesite. Apparently nobody, not even the athiests cared enough about the abrasive and arrogant MMO to bother trying to find out what happened to her. The police seemed to have little interest in the case, and it took Bill Murray a year to file a missing persons report on his mother, half brother and daughter. It took a newspaper reporter, John MacCormack, and a private investigator, Tim Young, to initiate the investigation that would lead to the arrest and conviction of Waters and Karr for murder.
One issue that I would have liked for the author to explore more fully was why Bill and Susan turned their daughter Robin over for MMO to raise. Neither Bill nor Susan seemed to like MMO, so why would they allow MMO to raise their daughter? If they had not done so, she would probably still be alive today.
This is a very uneven work, still it is interesting and hard to put down due to the "true crime!" style prose that has a tendency to "hook" readers and hold their attention throughout the book.

She was frequently described as "America's Most Hated Woman". The mere mention of her name would repulse a large segment of the population. Any number of adjectives (or expletives for that matter) might describe this woman. She was arrogant, smart, vulgar, domineering, outrageous and crooked to mention just a few. In "Ungodly: The Passions, Torments and Murder of Atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair" author Ted Dracos traces the career of this most unikely American icon.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair came out of nowhere in 1960 to challenge the tradition of daily prayer in the public schools. It was perhaps the first shot in the cultural war still being waged across this country even as we speak. O'Hair succeeded in taking the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court where she won a startling victory that essentially banned prayer in the public schools. Ever the opportunist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair decided to cash in on her triumph and founded American Atheists to promote her cause. Over the years American Atheists would become a mostly family affair with leadership positions being filled by Madalyn herself, her son Jon and her granddaughter Robin. And Madalyn would see to it that they were all handsomely compensated for their services.

Fast forward now to the mid 1990's. It seemed that after all these years the jig just might be up for American Atheists. The Feds had gotten wise to several of Madalyn's schemes and were ready to pounce. It was about this same time Madalyn's granddaughter Robin would hire an office manager named David Waters. No one ever bothered to check references because if they had they would have discovered that not only was Waters a bad actor, he was also a convicted murderer!! In his fast moving and highly entertaining book, Ted Dracos recounts the circumstances of the relationship between Waters and the O'Hairs and the events that led up to the disappearance of the trio. We also meet those individuals who pooled their efforts to solve the mystery of just what happened to Madalyn Murray O'Hair and her family. At first, no one could be sure if they just flew the coop, had been kidnapped or possibly were the victims of murder. I found "Ungodly" to be very well researched and I learned an awful lot. Highly recommended.

What the author set out to prove in this book proved difficult to identify, for reasons that may become clear. But the identifiable thesis seems to be that O'Hair--the plaintiff in the lawsuit that ultimately led to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down school prayer in 1963--was a certifiable sociopath who, while possessing genuine convictions against religion, pursued her lawsuit (and many subsequent commitments) based on personal spite. The beginning of this lifetime of spiteful attitudes and behaviors began with a vendetta, displayed in the presence of family members, against God.

The glimpses of Madalyn O'Hair's behavior are fairly effective in establishing her lifelong pattern of antisocial behavior and in establishing her atheist career as being probably an extended campaign of revenge against God. However, if the examples of her behavior quickly begin to resemble either the tawdry shenanigans of a corrupt family or (to a lesser extent) the manipulative behavior of a quasi-political, quasi-religious figure (several times, I thought her career vaguely resembled that of of L. Ron Hubbard), it is because of something that that the reader concludes by the end of the book: that author Dracos has no real thesis.
More accurately, he does introduce the thesis of O'Hair's being a textbook sociopath, but offers only a scattershot variety of behavioral examples, with no explicit tie-ins to that thesis. That probably owes to two observations that I can objectively make about this book. One is that, because of the author's style and because of the inevitable focus on Madalyn's and her family's murders, ends up being a true-crime book posing as a literate biography. The second is that, objectively, the book is very poorly written. The problem is not so much bad grammar or sloppy editing is that the author, an investigative journalist, is excessively informal and sardonic in style. He regularly insults not only Madalyn and her family, but other figures in the book as well; he also uses inappropriate paraphrases of what should be direct quotations--inappropriate because, in keeping with his style, he gratuitously inserts profane profane and obscene language into the paraphrases.
Oh, and this obviously is a pop biography, not an academic one

One has only to read the reviews on the book jacket to know that they are in for a biased account of O'Hair's life and death.
One compares O'hair with her killer, "Her killer was as bright viscious and devious as she was." As if to say that opposition to Christianity and a little conning are as bad as murder. The other reviewer calls O'hair's death "poetic justice". Very Christian like, indeed.

In these times when religion and state are all too intertwined we could use another O'Hair, even with all her faults. We may not be able to stop Bush's mixing state and religion at the poles but Madalyn may have stopped him through the courts.

Unfortunately, for those of us who are curious rather than vengefull, this book doesn't sufficiently recount the tactics O'Hair used to get prayer out of schools.

What it does point out, perhaps inadvertantly, is the bias that officials showed whenever it came to performing their civic duties as they related to O'Hair's predicaments.

Basically I read this book because it is the only one available about the murder of Madalyn Murray, her son and her granddaughter. While the author did cover Madalyn's life, her assorted shennanigans and did cover some about the investigation ( or lack of it) into her disappearance, I feel that the author took on a purple prose, somewhat mocking attitude towards Madalyn Murray. The details of the investigation and the discovery of the bodies is barely more than one can find online in the crime archives. Granted the subject was a crass and crude person, but I think she deserved a better tale of her life and the circumstances of her murder than this book. There are some interesting bits, such as what Bill Murray heard when he finally reported her as missing to the police, thus the three stars. Worth a read but not comprehensive.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair did more than just advocate Civil Rights and have a few sit-ins as her enemies trivially describe. Madalyn Murray O'Hair was definitely a researcher in every way possible. In order for Madalyn Murray O'Hair to accomplish her goals she had to research who, what, where, when, why, and how to proceed in engaging Atheist and non-Atheist audiences.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair lives in all of us Atheist and I'm honored to carry her fight into the light of day. Unlike Jesus Christ who willingly sacrificed himself upon the cross to committ martyr suicide Madalyn Murray O'Hair was literally "murdered" for what she didn't believe and the religious population of America constantly sent her death threats and even terrorized her children.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair knew that someday she was going to die and I respect her for this because she never asked for it; yet, after reading the two biographies of Madalyn Murray O'Hair by Anne Rowe Seamen and Ted Dracos I have a strong belief that Madalyn's last husband Richard O'Hair (i.e. who was a paid FBI/CIA informant) and her eldest son William Murray had something to do with her death. Isn't it odd that William Murray is now all-of-a-sudden friends with George W. Bush (i.e. Illuminati brotherhood member)? Even David Waters admitted to Danny Frys' brother Bob Fry that he was sent by people "worse than the Mafia" [End Quote]. Who could be more worse than the Mafia except the Catholic Vatican Church, or the CIA?

Remember! The Secret Government has sponsored hit squads in the past. This isn't a new theory that I've created; yet, it's based off the testimony of David Waters. Arnold Via, an Atheist and close friend of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, remarked:

"My theory is, they were kidnapped and are being held prisoner somewhere in this country . Off the wall, I claim the Vatican did it...the Vatican or the CIA. Someone with enough clout to cover it up." [Via, Arnold. "The Case of the Headless, Handless Corpse". Dallas Observer News, February 18th 1999]

Why didn't David Waters when apprehended by law enforcement officials implicate his associates (i.e. The Vatican/FBI)? Well, I don't know! I haven't read any court trial transcripts to know what David Waters said. Nevertheless, David Waters could have been "bluffing" to Bob Fry about him being sent by people "worse than the Mafia" [End Quote]. In order to strike "fear" into the heart of Bob Fry David Waters could have easily preyed upon his emotional state. Lona Manning, freelance writer and researcher, remarks that:

"There were whispers that perhaps the Christian and government persecutions that O'Hair had complained of for years had turned out to be more sinister than anyone imagined. "If you think we are being paranoid," opined a Canadian atheist newsletter, "the religious and government harassment suffered personally by this founding family of American Atheism is well recorded, along with FBI and CIA infiltration of their organizations." O'Hair herself told Life magazine back in 1963 that it would only take one crazy person to end her life: "These death threats are no picnic...I think sooner or later some night some nut is going to get a message from Jesus Christ and I'm going to have had it. But as long as I'm still round I'm going to keep on being a squeaking wheel." When the Murray-O'Hairs disappeared, they left several projects hanging. They had planned to picket the Pope when he visited New York City. They had just ordered a new printing press. Was this proof that they had been abducted, or was it all part of an elaborate scheme to distract their board and employees while they disappeared? Were they just pretending to carry on with business as usual while spiriting money out of the country and quietly packing away their chief asset, a large library of atheist literature? As a bewildered Ellen Johnson put it: "the Murray-O'Hairs left behind the entire contents of the office building, one car, all their personal belongings, their pets, their own bank accounts (i.e. which they have not touched) and the remainder of the office bank accounts and trust fund moneys. This is hard to reconcile with the idea that they were robbing the till so they could escape to Shangri-La." [Manning, Lona. "The Murder of Madalyn Murray O'Hair: America's Most Hated Woman".[...] Crime Magazine; September 23 2003]

Paul Williams in his book The Vatican Exposed documents the history of the Vatican church...how they are engaged in criminal enterprises with government organizations and criminal organizations such as the Mafia. They hire their own financiers, accountants, and control their own money supply. This is what Madalyn Murray O'Hair publicly tried to expose. Madalyn Murray O'Hair was murdered by the Secret Government who used certain individuals (i.e. Richard O'Hair, David Waters, or maybe her eldest son William Murray).

Richard O'Hair was married to Madalyn Murray O'Hair and he admitted to being formerly employed by the FBI/CIA to work as an informant. David Waters wasn't an orthodox believer in any sense; yet, he was a believer. Killing for revenge is a common theme in the Bible. There was even a law that allowed for a relative to go out and kill someone who accidentally killed their relative. They were even given the noble title "Revenger of Blood." (i.e. Numbers 35:19, Deuteronomy 19:6, Joshua 20:3-9).

It's clear that David Waters had a religious mindset because the reason he murdered Madalyn Murray O'Hair was out of "revenge". Madalyn Murray O'Hair wrote an article about David Waters criminal past (i.e. which was true by the way); so, his ego got upset and decided to take out Madalyn Murray O'Hair. David Waters girlfriend, Patti Joe Stevens, acknowledges how David Waters wanted to "pull off her toe nails with pliers" [End Quote]. Where do we find the concept of "revenge"? In the Bible!

Madalyn Murray O'Hair was an Atheist in the worst time of America that one could express themselves. She was a woman loved by few and hated by many; yet, there will always be a place in my heart, mind, and body for Madalyn Murrary O'Hair. Madalyn Murray O'Hair is like a godmother to me! It pisses me off when theists make offensive remarks attacking her when they wouldn't careless to acquaint themselves with her Atheist journey and the many accomplishments she sought to plan for Atheist (i.e. The O'Haire Plan).

I wouldn't classify this as a "biography," but it was a very interesting tale of O'Hair's life (and death). I hadn't followed the case against her murderers when it played out; it was quite fascinating to read about it.

Despite what some of the reviewers have written, I didn't think this was a biased book. Hey, it's hard to portray as a saint a woman as wicked as her. Regardless of whether you agree with her Athiesm, she WAS an evil, greedy woman who bilked many of her supporters out of thousands if not millions of dollars. Sadly, it was greed itself that led to her murder.

I believe many people are not aware of the facts concerning the murders of the O'Hares because a long time elapsed between their disappearance and the discovery of their bones. The author has given us a detailed and thought-provoking look at the rise, downfall and death of a controversial American.

UNGODLY is a superb account of the events in the O'Hair's lives. The book shows an UNBIASED look at these individuals despite what other reviewers have said. Most atheist reviewers will not like this book because it shows the true nasty nature of Ms. O'Hair. She was close to a criminal herself with all her tax problems. She was a hard person to like and was obnoxious beyond normal considerations. She had utter contempt for Christians and most people in general. Of course, this in no way excuses her horrible murder. It may be ironic, but I am not justifying murder. What I take issue with is that some reviewers have stated that the Christians in the book are portrayed as all good and the atheists are shown to be vile. I must have read a different book than they did. Certainly some Christians are portrayed as good, but others are portrayed as con-artists. Some atheists are shown to be kind people of good character while others push forward the gospel of hate. Some reviewers seem to take issue with any perspective that they disagree with. I am a Christian, and I have a dear friend who is an atheist. I feel that he is misguided, and he feels that I am incorrect. We debate, but we still maintain a mutual respect for one another. Dracos has shown both sides and told a reasonably accurate account of the O'Hair's lives. His work is researched to the hilt. UNGODLY is NOT biased in any way. Many times throughout the book Dracos portrays Madalyn in a negative light. He also shows respect for her abilities and empathy for her death. I have no idea if Dracos is a Christian or not, but in his acknowledgements he thanks Pan and the presiding Gods. This is tongue in cheek, but as a Christian I personally would not thank Pagan gods even in jest. I say this to point out that Dracos DOES NOT have some hidden Christian agenda. He is just giving a compelling account of a tragic yet interesting life.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair was ironically born on April 13, 1919 on Palm Sunday, a high holy day on the Church Calendar. By her own account, she had an "atheist epiphany" while reading the Bible at age 12 or 13 wherein she dismissed it as being implausible and declared herself to be an atheist to the world at large. In yet another stroke of irony, O'Hair enrolled at Ashland College where chapel was mandatory. She graduated in 1948.

At that time she moved to Texas from her native Ohio and enrolled in law school. She graduated with a law degree in 1952, but failed the Bar exam. She by then had a son out of wedlock named William Joseph Murray III. He was born on May 26, 1946.

In 1954, she had a second son whom she named Jon Garth. She never identified Jon's father by name, but described him in extremely bawdy terms. She raised both sons to be atheists and on October 12, 1960 she was irate when her older son's principal told her that all pupils had mandatory prayers in school each morning. By November 2, 1960 her older son publicly refused to pray.

William seemed destined to follow the atheistic path laid out for him and in early 1964 he married a woman from a Jewish family. Naturally that did not sit well with Madalyn Murray O'Hair and marital discord soon ensued. The discord escalated to domestic abuse. When Madalyn's only grandchild, Robin, was born on February 16, 1965 her son's marriage was more or less over.

During 1964-1965 the O'Hairs moved frequently. William was arrested in 1964 because his wife Susan was under the legal age for marriage. Madalyn Murray O'Hair fought with the arresting officers and she herself faced charges. On May 26, 1964 William's father-in-law filed criminal charges against him. The irony of William's being busted on his birthday was not lost on the irate Madalyn Murray O'Hair. It was during this period that she was described as one who "craved to induce chaos."

Shortly after his release, William, his wife, brother and mother fled to Hawaii where Madalyn found her niche there on Atheist Radio, spewing out her inflammatory brand of atheism. The program prided itself on granting "free time to opposing viewpoints" under the Fairness Doctrine. By August of 1964 the O'Hairs were extradited to Maryland.

By early 1965, O'Hair had found an offshoot to express her atheism. She became involved with a Reverend Rhinehart who was an avid mystic. In May of 1965 she flew to San Francisco to dodge law enforcement and by that summer was involved in the disastrous Blake College project. By August of 1965, her older son bought an exit letter to leave Mexico where he was then staying. O'Hair was busted during this period and was sent to San Antonio, Texas and was later extradited to Maryland. She served 31 days and was released by an atheist judge. On October 22, 1965 the charges against O'Hair were dropped.

On November 6, 1967 she appeared on the popular talk show hosted by Phil Donahue. She became infamous for her liberal use of expletives, blasphemy and invectives. During commercial breaks, she shocked the audience with her incindiary diatribes against religion.

A shrewd person, O'Hair had managed to convince a number of people to will all of their worldly possessions to her. Larry Flynt, an infamous porn mogul described her as being the most brilliant person he knew and gave her $300 million.

In yet another stroke of irony, O'Hair's oldest son had a religious epiphany and became a Christian in the 1970s. He claimed to have had a vision of an Angel with a sword and Bible. In 1982 he wrote a book about his road to Christianity. Jon, however, remained an atheist. Ironically, Robin remained an atheist as well.

On February 2, 1993 a David Waters answered an ad in a Texas newspaper for a job as office manager of the Atheist Headquarters. A man with a criminal background, Waters allegedly skimmed funds and O'Hair's son Jon received a New York bank notice that $70,000.00 bearer bonds had been issued, but were missing. By March of 1994 all of the Headquarter's accounts were liquidated and Jon tracked a trail of forged checks Waters had cashed.

The last known photograph of O'Hair was taken on August 11, 1995 and a notice was sent throughout the Atheist community that O'Hair would return on September 15. For three years the Atheist community claimed O'Hair was returning. Legal authorities felt differently and on October 2, 1998 an auction was held in the O'Hair home in Austin, Texas. Diaries Madalyn Murray O'Hair had written from 1959-72 were found. A series of diaries covering the 1989-95 period were missing and on January 31, 1999 an IRS auction was held to conclude the dispersal of her possessions.

O'Hair, son Jon and granddaughter Robin were found on January 27, 2001, charred in a field. David Waters was sentenced for their murders on March 30, 2001.

As a Christian, I could not support O'Hair or anything she stood for. Although I was quite repelled by O'Hair, her blasphemy and conduct, I found the book interesting and informative. I also found her decision to hire Waters unsettling and a sad end to a sad road traveled.