Kenny Luck, local author of “Nepatized! Behind the People and Controversies That Define Us and How Things Can Change” (Avventura Press, 2011), is a skeptic and secular humanist who recently discussed various topics that define the region of Northeastern Pennsylvania for better or for worse. Luck, among other issues, discusses the “divinely inspired bigotry” from a former bishop of the Scranton Diocese whose authoritarian tactics and policies attracted national attention. Luck's chapter, “Luzerne County Christmas Display Incident,” details a campaign of hate launched against Justin Vacula [the author of this article] by citizens of Northeastern Pennsylvania because Vacula filed a complaint against a courthouse religious display which Luck calls “a clear constitutional violation.” Atheists and everyone else, especially those familiar with or interested in the events, politics, and controversy in Northeastern Pennsylvania, should enjoy Luck's book.
Luck was interviewed specifically for this article. He notes that he was raised as a Catholic, but forfeited his beliefs at the age of twenty after applying skepticism to his religious beliefs and noticing serious problems with the claims of the Catholic Church and individual believers. Luck writes about the Scranton Diocese and the religious climate of Northeastern Pennsylvania in his new book taking a “middle of the road approach.” Luck said, “I'm not arguing against religious belief in this book or advocating a position of atheism, but rather am investigating the institution of religion in this area.” Luck says that he takes an objective third-person approach in his book and lets his personal beliefs take a backseat in his writing.
Luck's book is very well-researched and documented. Luck interviewed over 30 people for his book, included 332 footnotes and added a ten-page bibliography to the end of his book. Although much of the information in Luck's book is part of the 'public record' that is derived from various newspapers and other sources, Luck's presentation of a unified recounting of recent local history makes his book a very enjoyable and informative read.
Luck notes that many people are afraid to talk about many of the issues he presented in his book because an 'aura of fear' surrounds certain topics. One of his chapters, titled “DeNaples's Veneer” critically examines a notorious wealthy businessman in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Luck writes, “DeNaples is, and has been, one of the wealthiest business entrepreneurs in the region. His notoriety – as many in the region know – does not solely stem from his massive personal wealth, but also stems from his alleged ties with organized crime.” During Luck's recent book tour at several locations in Northeastern Pennsylvania, some people said, in hushed whispers, “You better watch out for DeNaples” and other similar phrases. Luck believes that important topics should be discussed and fear should not restrict a person from writing about controversy.
Luck notes that many people, for no good reason, cease to question religion and religious institutions and let their skepticism “stop at the church door.” “People are even told not to question religion and religious institutions,” Luck says, “but it's important to raise questions and search for good reasons for our beliefs.” Luck says that he wants people to apply a healthy skepticism not only to religion, but to institutions, politicians, natural gas drilling and almost every important area in our lives. In his book, Luck writes, “This is not the time to suspend our critical thinking faculties. Rather, it is the time to apply these faculties to the immediate people and events around us.”
Luck's book that has been well-received and covered by local media outlets including Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN), WVIA and The Weekender. “Nepatized!” can be found in Wilkes-Barre's Barnes and Noble bookstores, Northern Light Espresso Bar in Scranton, Borders in Dickson City, online on Amazon.com and the publisher's website. Kenny Luck's personal blog can also be found here.
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