Thethinkingatheist

Support our sponsor:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThis week's show is a casual conversation where listeners submit questions and comments about the show, about activism in general, about their own lives and circumstances, and about whatever else might be on their minds.

On April 12th, 2014, Seth Andrews spoke in San Diego, California to a standing-room-only crowd at the VisionPulse Creative Event & Meeting Center.  His presentation, titled "The Ultimate Question," dealt with religion, indoctrination, curiosity, fear and the liberation from superstitious chains.  This is the audio of that presentation.VIDEO VERSION OF THE SPEECH:  http://youtu.be/csxLnEUNNS8THE LETTER:  http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/blog/86/A-Letter-of-EncouragementSpecial thanks to:The Humanist Fellowship of San Diegohttp://www.hfsd.infohttp://www.meetup.com/humanistfellowshipThe San Diego Coalition of Reasonhttp://unitedcor.org/san-diego/page/homehttp://www.SDCoR.org

Merriam Webster defines the word apologetics as:1)  systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)2)  a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of ChristianityAnd apologists are everywhere, using lofty language and theological acrobatics to defend belief systems which can't otherwise be defended.This two-part podcast talks about many prominent apologists and their arguments, addressing many of the most commonly heard apologetic claims and examining those claims logically, rationally, morally and against the evidence.Last week's episode featured specific information about apologist arguments and tactics.  This show is exclusively dedicated to listener calls with comments/questions.  THE ATHEIST EXPERIENCE:  http://www.atheist-experience.comJT EBERHARD:  http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtdARONRA:  http://www.aronra.com  

Merriam Webster defines the word apologetics as:1)  systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)2)  a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of ChristianityAnd apologists are everywhere, using lofty language and theological acrobatics to defend belief systems which can't otherwise be defended.  This two-part podcast talks about many prominent apologists and their arguments, addressing many of the most commonly heard apologetic claims and examining those claims logically, rationally, morally and against the evidence.This episode is a discussion between several experience debaters: Matt Dillahunty, Tracie Harris and AronRa.  Next week's show will be fully dedicated to listener calls with comments and questions (podcast@thethinkingatheist.com)FRANKEN-KAT PHOTO:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=672053969537687&set=a.474510282625391.1073741825.100001992705053&type=1&theater

Dr. Carolyn C. Porco is an American planetary scientist known for her work on the Voyager missions to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in the 1980s.  She leads the imaging scientist team on the Cassini mission currently in orbit around Saturn.  She’s also involved with the New Horizons mission launched to Pluto.  She has authored more than 100 scientific papers.  She has given two popular Ted Talks lectures.  She has won numerous awards, including the Carl Sagan Medal presented by the American Astronomical Society for Excellence in the Communication of Science to the Public, she was named one of the 25 most influential people in space by Time magazine in 2012, and she was recently elected to be a laureate of the International Academy of Humanism.On this podcast, we talk with Dr. Porco about her work, about the exploration of our solar system and beyond, about science versus anti-science, and about this new age of discovery that has opened windows into the vast reaches of space.CAROLYN PORCO WEBSITE:  http:

On Saturday, May 31st at the Marriot East in Memphis, TN, atheist Matt Dillahunty and presuppositional apologist Sye Ten Bruggencate took the stage before a live audience to debate the topic, "Is It Reasonable To Believe God Exists?"This is the audio of that exchange.The video version of this debate can be seen on The Thinking Atheist YouTube channel at:  http://youtu.be/OL8LREmbDi0 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistOrganizations like the Institute for Creation Research declare that fossils prove a young earth and in no way contradict the creation account of Genesis.  In fact, religious "scientists" and apologists worldwide declare that secular science isn't just incorrect about dinosaurs, fossils and the age of the planet, but that it might be a puppet of Satan himself, working to mislead a generation into accepting what creationists call "The Religion of Evolution."In this show, we welcome special guest Dr. Donald Prothero, professor of geology at Occidental College, expert in physical and historical geology, sedimentary geology and paleontology, and author of several books, including "Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why it Matters" and "Reality Check: How Science Deniers Threaten Our Future."So...what do the fossils say?  Let's talk to a legitimate scientist and find out.SkepticBlog Website:  http://www.skepticblog.orgTalk Origins Website:  http://www.t

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThis podcast is all abour your email.  Share a story.  Vent about a topic important to you.  Ask a question.  Share a humorous anecdote.  Whatever.Email your letters to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist"The United States is a Christian nation!"We hear this charge quite often, usually accompanied by references to the Ten Commandments in government courthouses, references to God in the pledge of allegiance and on American currency, and most recently, in the ruling by the Supreme Court that government meetings can open with Christian prayers.In this podcast, we speak with David Niose, author of "Nonbeliever Nation," Amanda Knief, constitutional expert and author of "The Citizen Lobbyist,"  and Kelly Damerow, director of federal and state affairs at the Secular Coalition for America.  LINKS:Religion Clause:  http://religionclause.blogspot.comReligion Law:  http://religionlaw.blogspot.com 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThroughout history, pastors, preachers, healers and holy rollers have claimed to directly channel God in the performance of miracles.  The sick and afflicted stand in long lines to be touched and cured by these (supposed) conduits of divine healing power.  But how effective are these healers?  What types of miracles are claimed and received?  What about those who received no actual healing benefit?  Who profits from healing services and crusades?  What are the tricks of the charlatans and fakes?  And are they all fakes?This podcast expores the side of "faith healing" that you won't hear about during Sunday morning prayer.PODCAST #45:  Faith Healers (with James Randi)  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2012/02/16/faith-healers--with-special-guest-james-randiPODCAST #128: Religion & the Placebo Effect (with Dr. Andy Thomson) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/09/24/religion-and-the-placebo-effect-with-dr-andy-thoms

SPONSORED BY:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIt's one thing to reject a belief in gods.  It's another thing to actually broadcast that information to religious family, friends, employers, neighbors and even total strangers.In many instances, the consequences can be significant.  Families divide.  Friends disappear.  Voices are raised.  Accusations are made.  In certain regions and cultures, the word "atheist" can get you hurt or killed.So what are some of the best tactics for "coming out" as a non-believer?  In this show, we explore the subject, take your calls, and speak with Greta Christina about her new book, "Coming Out Atheist: How to Do it, How to Help Each Other, and Why?"  http://freethoughtblogs.com/greta/2014/03/07/coming-out-atheist-ordering-info/Email podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

This podcast is titled after the new book by Suominen and Price, available here:   http://evolvingoutofeden.comEvolution has been proven beyond legitimate scientific dispute.  We are evolved creatures, a process of random mutation and DNA crossover, genetic drift, horizontal gene transfer and natural selection.  We are not the descendants of Adam.This is troubling to the believer in the Genesis account of Creation.In this podcast. Ed Suominen and Dr. Robert M. Price speak about the hostile territory outside of Eden…a place where dogma dissipates under the white-hot light of the evidence.Salon article featuring Ed Suominen:  http://www.salon.com/2013/09/09/i_was_a_fundamentalist_until_science_changed_my_mind_partner/Dr. Price's "Bible Geek" podcast:  http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.com/biblegeek.php

What happens when you reject religion AFTER you've already raised your children to believe in God?How does a parent approach children to inform them that the years of church services, mealtime prayers, bible verses and godspeak were actually a mistake, and what are the potential repercussions and responses?  Anger?  Denial?  Relief?  Joy?This show talks about parents who, for whatever reason, raised children under religious teachings and rules and now find themselves in disagreement with doctrine they once held as Truth.Have an opinion or perspective?  Email podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

Hollywood isn't generally known for popping out religious films, but in recent months (and periodically throughout the decades), they've become big box office and big business.In this lighthearted show, we look at religious films from the past century, from Cecil B. Demile fare to the recent "Son of God" and various non-Hollywood movies that have "blessed" theater screens with tales of divinity, tragedy and (almost inevitably) large amounts of cheese.If you've seen "The Ten Commandments," "The Passion of the Christ," or the recent (and some would say sacreligious) Aronofsky interpreation of the "Noah" story, bring your reviews and join us for an entertaining podcast.VIDEO:  Nicolas Cage (mentioned in this show)  - http://youtu.be/kOCF0BLf-BM

In his presentation “Breaking the Taboo of Atheism in Black Communities,” Leo Igwe said that “If there are people who should be religious and theistic today, it is not black people.”Yet black people are reputed to be the most religious people on earth, and the social stigma for the black atheist can be significant and often severe.As skeptics, how do we approach the issue of color in relation to non-belief?  Should we strive to be “colorblind,” ignoring labels like black, white, etc?  Or should color be acknowledged, embraced and even celebrated by those who accept the evolutionary explanation of our origins (aka: we are all Africans)?Tonight features a panel of very special guests:  Jamila Bey: Director of Commnications for the Secular Student Alliance, Alix Jules, President of Black Nonbelievers of Dallas, and Bridgette Gaudette, Executive Director of the Florida Humanist Association.  The show will respectfully approach a subject that is controversial, even considered taboo, and will hopefully provide educ

"Personal Relationship With Reality" t-shirt (and more):  https://garmentdeli.com/thethinkingatheistOn March 1st, 2014, The PalTalk chat room "Believers VS Non-Believers" asked Seth Andrews, host of The Thinking Atheist, to join the group for a lively discussion between atheists and advocates of religion/spiritualism.  This podcast is a presentation of audio from that conversation, slightly abridged for time.Original YouTube link:  http://youtu.be/9jlQEiLgH04

Fred Phelps, reviled (and excommunicated) pastor of Westboro Baptist Church, built his life upon a foundation of hatred: the protests of military funerals, the condemnation of homosexuals, professed gratitude to God for terrorist attacks, and much more.Recent news reports of Fred Phelps' death have again brought his name and face to worldwide attention, prompted by a public statement from his own son, Nathan, who escaped Wesboro and has become a champion of human rights in the face of his father's hatred.In this podcast, we talk to Nathen Phelps.  About his father.  About his father's death.  About the celebratory public response.  About the Westboro legacy.  And about the often conflicted feelings of a father's son at a time when he is denied access, or should he choose it, the opportunity to say "goodbye."Join us for a compelling discussion.   

CAMP QUEST DONATION LINK:  http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/2014-cqok-fundraising-drive/145726It's the most popular religion on earth.  But are its claims easily refuted, dismantled and debunked?  In this episode, we talk to John W. Loftus, a former minister and Christian educator.  A prolific speaker, author and blogger, Loftus speaks about his own journey out of faith and what he feels are effective ways to debunk Christianity.BLOG:Debunking Christianity: http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.comBOOKS"Why I Became an Atheist: a Former Preacher Rejects Christianity"http://www.amazon.com/Why-Became-Atheist-Preacher-Christianity/dp/1616145773/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394131968&sr=1-2"The End of Christianity"http://www.amazon.com/End-Christianity-John-W-Loftus/dp/1616144130/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394131968&sr=1-3 

Podcast sponsored by http://ComputerLearningZone.netIn the 70s, 80s and early 90s, a phenomenon known today as The Satanic Panic swept the United States, as the evangelical Christian community charged that a vast underground network of Satanists were controlling large parts of society.  Believers were warned about products subsidized by Satan, including over-the-counter items like detergent and toothpaste, and there was a huge focus on toys, games and cartoons infected with demons.  In this show, we talk about the Satanic Panic of the past, and we look at modern-day charges of Satanic media, products and influences in our culture.GERALDO TELEVISION SPECIAL:  http://youtu.be/uMSf4CAEVLUTURMOIL IN THE TOYBOX:  http://youtu.be/3jrMoVWl5KATURMOIL CLIPS (EDITED): http://io9.com/seven-insane-minutes-of-people-explaining-how-80s-toys-1456419789PODCAST on "The Church of Satan"http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2012/10/16/the-church-of-satan  

Is atheism a replacement for religion?  Or is atheism simply another religion?As non-theists and freethought groups organize, gather and even sometimes attend things like the "Sunday assembly," the charge is often heard that the godless are acting religious, that their adherence to science is "faith," and that their gatherings are just anothe form of church.In this show, we explore the question.  And we hear from David Silverman, President of one of the largest atheist (religious???) organizations in the world.