Thethinkingatheist

As The Thinking Atheist radio podcast originates in the United States (and because its host often speaks to his former faith, Christianity), the show often focuses on American culture, American politics, and American issues regarding religion and atheism.This week, we travel beyond the borders of the 50 states to explore Atheism Around the World. 

Does religion cheat people out of contentment and comfort with their views, their self-worth, their sexuality, etc?Dr. Darrel Ray is author of the book, "The God Virus: How Religion Affects Our Lives and Culture," and "Sex & God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality."In his writings and presentations, Darrel reveals the subtle (and not so subtle) ways that religion uses shame as a weapon against those who might dare to fall outside its narrow boundaries.  Join us for a fascinating look at Religion & Shame.  

On February 4th, 2014, Bill Nye ("The Science Guy") has agreed to debate Ken Ham, president of Answers In Genesis and The Creation Museum.  The debate will take place on Ham's home turf, at The Creation Museum, and the 800 available tickets sold out almost immediately.This event raises the larger question:  Should scientists agree to these types of debates?Some (like Richard Dawkins) say "no," as it would be akin to an obstetrician debating a proponent of the "stork theory" of reproduction.  Others insist that the debate is not only appropriate, but necessary.Joining us in this discussion are Matt Dillahunty, Dr. Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, David Silverman, Ed Hensley and AronRa.  Articles:RDFRS:  Why Bill Nye Shouldn't Debate Ken Hamhttp://www.richarddawkins.net/foundation_articles/2014/1/16/why-bill-nye-shouldn-t-debate-ken-hamAHA:  WHY THE BILL NYE-KEN HAM DEBATE IS A GOOD THINGhttp://americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2014-01-why-the-bill-nye-ken-ham-debate-is-a-good-thingAHA:  BILL NYE SHARING THE ST

Sponsored by Audible.com.  Get your free audio book and a 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/thethinkingatheistSteve Wells spent years researching the Bible (as well as the Qur'an and the Book of Mormon) to produce a website and hardcover book called "The Skeptic's Annotated Bible."In this episode, we talk with Steve about his history, his research, and the sides of scripture that most haven't heard in Sunday morning sermons.Steve's book "Drunk With Blood:  God's Killings in the Bible:  http://www.amazon.com/Drunk-Blood-Gods-Killings-Bible/dp/0988245116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389754059&sr=8-1&keywords=drunk+with+bloodDEVIL BABY VIDEO:  http://youtu.be/PUKMUZ4tlJg

Kindness, gentleness, empathy, compassion, love, goodness, morality.  These attributes are often called the property of religion, and beautiful acts of kindness between people actually reflect a moral code given to humanity by the Great Eye in the Sky.Of course, this is nonsense.We've covered the subject of "Morality" in a previous episode (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/04/09/morality).  But the source and nature of morality isn't what tonight's particular show is about.Tonight is merely a chance to share stories about helping others, with each example providing encouragement and a reminder that even the smallest gestures can transform someone's world.These gestures didn't come about because we were directed to by a "voice" or ancient holy book (in fact, we're glad our morality isn't derived from the bible, Qur'an, etc).  They happened because we sought to provide a human solution to a human problem, and in doing so, we felt the satisfaction and joy of knowing we made a difference.Tell

In his 2007 book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," the late Christopher Hitchens asserted, without apology, that there is nothing that has been or can be improved by religion.  In fact, religion is a toxin which damages or destroys everything it touches.Is this assertion accurate and fair?  Is there nothing positive that religion has brought to humanity?We discuss the issue.  Your calls and emails (send to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com) 

In this end-of-year episode, we look back at religion, politics, science and pop culture to talk about the highlights (and lowlights): The Best And Worst of 2013.We'll look at the breakthroughs of science, the good work of humanitarians, the celebrities and public figures who helped the cause of secularism, and the facepalm-worthy words and actions of religion in this crazy world.  (Yes, Sarah Palin is on the list.)If you have a person or story you'd like to nominate, send your email (and the reasons for your pick) to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

Professor Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Foundation Professor of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, director of its Origins Project, bestselling author, and he shares the screen with Richard Dawkins in the new documentary, "The Unbelievers."Krauss' most recent book is called, "A Universe From Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing." In this podcast, Dr. Krauss joins Seth Andrews for a discussion about science, religion, apologists, and a universe from nothing.Opening speech at Brisbane event, "Has Science Buried God?":  http://youtu.be/-b8t70_c8eE?t=24m 

Santa's not the only one getting letters this holiday season.  This podcast highlights letters you've sent into the show (and we'll take a few calls, too).  Got something you'd like to ask or comment on?  Email: podcast@thethinkingatheist.com 

It's the holiday season, and once again we gather a few of our favorite infidels around the fireplace to talk about whatever comes to mind.  Sure, we'll address atheism, activism and the usual stuff, but we'll also shift gears and enjoy a more personal side.  So grab some hot cider and join Matt Dillahunty, Jamila Bey, AronRa and Seth Andrews for a fireside chat.Email the show:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

In this impromptu podcast, we explore the phenomenon of Black Friday, and we chat about whatever comes to mind.  No rules, just some relaxed, holiday conversation.

Robert M. Price's website:  http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.comRecent headlines have again prompted rabid debate over the origins of the Jesus story, the latest asserting that Christ was an invention of Rome.In this podcast, and in advance of the holiday that celebrates Jesus' supposed birthday, we speak with Robert M. Price, a former Baptist minister (turned skeptic), professor of religion, and author of a number of books, including "Deconstructing Jesus," "Jesus is Dead," "The Case Against the Cast for Christ," and "The Amazing Colossal Apostle: The Search for the Hi

Valerie Tarico's website:  awaypoint.wordpress.comThe Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "psychoanalyze" as:   to treat the mental and emotional problems of (a patient) by having the patient talk about dreams, feelings, memories, etc. : to treat (someone) by means of psychoanalysisIn this podcast, we attempt to psychoanalyze God himself (actually, we'll deal with several deities claiming the One True God" title), and we'll talk to Dr. Valerie Tarico, psychologist and author of the book "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light." http://www.amazon.com/Trusting-Doubt-Former-Evangelical-Beliefs/dp/0977392937Dr. Tarico has tackled the psychoanalysis of God on her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TrustingDoubt, and she lectures across the country.  She joins us for the show and takes your calls.Podcast with Dr. Andy Thomson: "Religion and the Placebo Effect" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/09/24/religion-and-the-placebo-effect-with-dr-andy-th

Surveys from Pew and other organizations show non-belief as the fastest growing "religious group" (for lack of a better term) in the United States. Some are simply unconcerned about religious.  But many are self-professed atheists.   However, many of these atheists have only professed their non-belief to a select few, and some haven't told anyone at all. This show deals with atheists who aren't "out."  What are the reasons for remaining silent?  What are the consequences of going public?  And how is the culture shifting to perhaps make it easier for the non-theist to step out of the shadows.We Are Atheism Article "10 Tips For Coming Out As An Atheist"  http://www.weareatheism.com/resources/10-5-tips-for-coming-out/  Podcast:  "World Full of Woo":  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2012/08/21/a-world-full-of-wooPodcast:  "You're Not Alone & You're Not Crazy"http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/09/03/youre-not-alone-and-youre-not-crazy

Is there a method or manual for creating atheists?  Is that even a proper way to phrase our goal(s) as proponents of science and reason?  What is the Faith Virus? In this show, we speak with Dr. Peter Boghossian, Instructor of Philosophy at Portland State University and author of the book, "A Manual For Creating Atheists," BOOK:  http://www.amazon.com/Manual-Creating-Atheists-Peter-Boghossian/dp/1939578094/ref=zg_bs_12764_5   Peter's TAM talk: http://www.richarddawkins.net/news_articles/2013/10/26/peter-boghossian-authenticity-tam-2013-youtube   Peter Boghossian's Conversation with Richard Dawkins: http://www.richarddawkins.net/news_articles/2013/10/24/richard-dawkins-in-conversation-with-peter-boghossian Plus, your calls and emails (podcast@thethinkingatheist.com)  

We are skeptics.  We are proponents of science.  But we are also human, susceptible to the odd phobia and irrational fear. Perhaps it's a shadow in the corner of the bedroom.  Spiders, snakes or other slithery creatures.  Certain sounds, people or places. In this Halloween-themed show, we explore some of the interesting irrational fears and phobias that plague us. Email yours to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

It's the Halloween season, and it's time for another fun, frivolous evening of ghost stories and spooky tales about things that go bump in the night. Happy Halloween.

This podcast sponsored by http://www.evolvefish.comINTERVIEW VIDEO:  http://youtu.be/aS0sjzUmIEk On September 24th, Richard Dawkins' new book, "An Appetite For Wonder: the Making of a Scientist" released worldwide.  Four days later in Washington DC, Dawkins sat down for a one-hour conversation with Seth Andrews to talk about a variety of subjects...including childhood, music, evolution, apologist "fleas," Christopher Hitchens and the memoir itself. This is the audio of that conversation. Time Zone Converter:  http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc