Atheist Roundtable: Recent Episodes
Atheist Roundtable
This is a call-in show about atheism, the lack of belief in supernatural deities and gods. The show airs live at 11:00 pm Eastern every Sunday night.
Host Andrew Garber was a true believer for years. Now, after a 12 year apostasy journey, he is an atheist. The show focuses on the issues that have had to change since losing faith.
Of all the apologetics I hear, the teleological argument, or the argument from design, was the one that used to convince me the most. I would look at the universe and be in awe of its size, majesty, and wonder. It really is an amazing universe!
I used to think this was so impressive. This universe must have been designed. Look at all the things that look like they've been designed! And even though we know my thoughts on this eventually changed, why did this flimsy argument hold my attention for so long?
I want to talk about why apologetics work, and why I used to be convinced. Spoiler: I know realize it is nonsense.
Ever heard this, "But my religion makes me happy. Trying to be more like jesus makes me a better person. Why would I want to give that up?" I know you have. I'll not deny any of this. Religion CAN make you happy. People who get better by trying to emulate jesus often DO get better. How could something do this much good, and still be bad?
Let's look at why religion makes people happy. Can trying to be more like Harry Potter be just as effective? Is religion doing this, or is it something else?
Religion trys to be awesome, but it can't beat the awesomeness of this show!
I don't have a topic, but when has that stopped a show. Let's hang out together and just talk about whatever comes to mind.
This is a stream of conscience show, and tonight, it will be even more off the cuff than normal.
The great and glorious Craig Well, author of the Blasphemous Bible, returns to the Roundtable to announce the official release of his book. The Blasphenous Bible is a line-by-line re-write of the King James Bible, with a fresh, satirical, satacastic, and delightfull tone. He has taken possibly the hardest book to read, and made it enjoyable.
The Blasphemous Bible is available NOW for pre-order! Get your copt reserved NOW!!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlasphemousBible/
8th House Publishing: http://www.8thhousepublishing.com/books/non-fiction/blasphemous-bible
Order the book!!: http://www.8thhousepublishing.com/8thHouseStore/non-fiction/the-blasphemous-bible-by-craig-wells.html
It's not a religion, it's a relationship. We've heard that before. Does that mean that when we leave religion behind, we have to break up with god? And when our parents, friends, and relatives still want to hang out with the ex, that can make for a very weird holiday weekend.
Let's compare breaking up and losing god.
It will be more awesome than getting dumped.
I think some of the most difficult beliefs we apostates have to leave behind are those concerning the afterlife. Hell terrifies people for decades after one becomes an atheist. The loss of heaven can be mourned like the loss of a close relative.
So what's the atheist to do with this? If heaven leaves us, are we without hope? I think NOT! I think the only heaven worth wanting is the one we have been charged to create here, in the real world. Now.
Let's make the awesomesauce we want to see.
I'm listening to a preacher dude. He wants to explain why god put the serpent in the garden. I can't wait to hear what he has to say.
Atheists will be familiar with all manner of rebuttals to this story. From talking snakes to trees that should be metaphors, this story has more holes than a colander. So when the preacher dude says restrictions grant freedom, I guess I should not be surprised.
Join me for all the fun and awesomeness!!
Are you an anti-theist? Are you anti-theism? Is there a difference? Does it matter? I think there is a difference, and it does matter.
Let's talk about the definitions of these terms, what it means to assign these labels to ourselves and how we can make things better.
The awesome is on!
I needed to find a new religion, since my old Catholic one wasn't going to cut it anymore. But which one? How can I choose? What ever shall I believe? Let's get back into my deconversion story and pick up where we left off.
Spoiler Alert: I end up an atheist! :)
Let's keep the awesomesauce flowing!!
It's been quite a while since I talked about my deconversion story. I think it's time to go over that again. It begins way back when I was going to a private, Catholic, high school...
Take a journey with me down memory lane, as I re-visit my religious roots, and how I went from a staunch believer, to the unabashed atheist I am today.
Together, we are all more awesome than alone. Let's be awesome together!
Every once in a while, someone will ask me what would convince me that god exists. I guess I nomally respond, "I don't know", and while that's true, I sometimes think I should have a more in depth answer. This is my long answer.
My New Year's resolution is to get back to a regular schedule in podcasting. Let's have lots of awesome in 2018!
I get to talk to Criag Wells, the author of The Blasphemous Bible. The book isn't even out yet, and I got to interview him!! I don't think I've ever had a more enjoyable interview than this one. Craig is just such an awesome guy. I can't imagine anyone I would rather have write a satirical version of the bible than Craig!
I love Craig's sense of humor. His wit and style make me salivate at the idea of getting his book. Join me in getting to know the guy who is going to put your most treasured book in your hands... one day.
Awesomesauce!!
http://www.8thhousepublishing.com/authors/craig-wells
I've had a few conversations with people who disagree with me. Believers, anti-vaxers, etc. I've even had arguments with other atheists on things like last week's topic. Often, it's easy to allow these conversations to become nothing but shouting contests, but does that really help?
I'm beginning to think about tactics. I still think there is a place for loud, adversarial arguments, but does every disagreement need to escalate to this? I think we might make more headway with a different strategy.
So let's talk strategy. When do we chose diplomacy over diatribe?
The awesome is strong in all who listen.
I think the question, "Does god exist?" isn an answerable question. Thus, I'm a gnostic atheist. Yes, I'm taking some license with the term "gnostic", but I think this is acceptable.
What are your thoughts on being a gnostic atheist? Do you think you could defend such a position?
I'm making a comeback, and I'm doing it NOW!
Join me and help create the awesomesauce!!
https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/522453927891457/
So sorry for the technical difficulties last week. I think I've got it now.
This is what freethought freestyle should have been.
Kelsey and William join me again for another round at the Roundtable. We didn't have a topic, but we sure covered a lot of ground. From atheism vs agnosticism to cults vs. religions, we tackle it all, without a script to hold us back!
Enjoy.
This week, William joins me again. This time, we talk about the commandments in the bible. We talk about the commandments we like, and the ones we'd like to have seen in the bible, but are sadly missing.
It's a fun conversation about one of the best known portions of the good book, that isn't all that good.
This is part 2 of my interview with Gleb Tsipursky. Thank you to Gleb for sharing his insights into why post-truth politics is here, and what we can do about it. Please don't let this interview end without you going to the pro-truth pledge and signing up. We need your support!!
http://intentionalinsights.org/
gleb@intentionalinsights.org/
https://www.protruthpledge.org/
I get to talk to the one and only Gleb Tspursky, who is on a mission to make things better in a post-truth world. We talk about what post truth is, how it works and what we can do about it.
Gleb is amazing. His passion is unequalled and his knowledge is unsurpassed. I just loved this interview so much, it hurt to have to chop it into parts.
Part 2 will air Tuesday at 11:00pm.
http://intentionalinsights.org/
https://www.protruthpledge.org/
gleb@intentionalinsights.org/
My friends Kelsey and William talk about those first things believers say to us, and how we respond. It was a great time, even though the internet was not cooperating with us.
The awesome is so awesome.
In a new format, the Atheist Roundtable is back! Now, with more of a roundtable format. Tonight, Kelsey joins me to discuss morals and ethics in atheism, and I bring a story about the separation of church and state.
Join in the fun! The awesome is overflowing!
I've talked about the evidence for god a lot. And I've talked about how I don't find these arguments convincing. Tonight, I'll talk about why I am not convinced and perhaps what it would take to convince me.
I want to go over a few things I used to find convincing, and why I changed my mind. How can something that once convinced me that god was real fail to do so now?
Plus, your calls.
It's just plain awesome.
Recently, I listened to an eposode of the Thinking Atheist podcast. Seth was doing an interview with some Christian radio hosts. More than once, the Christian hosts asked Seth what evidence would it take for him to be a believer again. While I thought Seth handled the question well, this question comes up often, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
Plus, I want to talk about some of the reasons why I find the evidence I've seen presented for the existence of god so unconvincing.
Plus your calls. It's so awesome to be back!!
I got the idea for this show from my friend, Frank, who tweets at @Atheism_Tweets. He told me to listen to the last caller on a recent episode of the Atheist Expirience. The caller, Dana, told a heartbreaking story about her sister. On her deathbed, Dana's sister calls to tell Dana she will go to hell for being an atheist.
I talk a lot on this show about the atheist community. The hosts of the show did a good job of trying to surround the caller with support and love. I'm glad Dana was able to find some suport and help.
But she shouldn't have to. And so I want to talk about hell, the fear it causes, and why all superstitions about the afterlife are harmful.
Plus your calls.
We bring the awesome!!
I've changed my thinking since I was a believer. Before, penance was something I did to make up for sin. It was a way to show my desire to heal a broken relationship with the god I thought was real. Now that I no longer believe, what does the concept of penance hold for me?
I want to talk about how the idea of penance has evolved for me. I think it's especially important in light of recent political events. Now more than ever, we need more voices to be heard.
Plus, your calls.
Making the awesome saucy again.
I recently listened to the debate between Matt Slick and David Smalley. The topic was the morality of the god of the Old Testament, but since the topic dealt with morality, I already knew what Matt Slick would say. He's been saying it for years.
Perhaps you'll be surprised to find I agree with just as much of what Slick said as I do with what Smalley said. I actually think they are both right, and also they are both wrong. I think the difference is so subtle, it's hard to find. I'll try to suss it out tonight.
Plus your calls.
The awesome is legion.
I've been a secular wedding officiant for a while now. I've done a couple of weddings, even one for a christian couple. Sometimes, people ask what the importance of getting married is for the atheist.
I've been married for 18 years. I'll tell you why I'm married, why I think the atheists I've married wanted it, and why it's important.
Plus I got a couple other things on my mind.
Do you have something on your mnd? Call and be part of the awesomeness!!
"You can't reason someone out of a position they did not reson themselves into." Or so the saying goes. You've heard it over and over from your atheist friends. Well, I disagree.
Not entirely. I don't think religion is a position one uses reason to reach. But at the same time, I also don't think that means people who have faith are unreasonable people. I just think they hold ideas to be true for bad reasons.
I'll give my perspective on how reason and logic work when we land on beliefs, and how they help us when those beliefs need to be challenged.
Plus your calls.
Let the awesomness begin.
It's hard to find a conversation with a christian believer that does not involve the bible at some point. Sooner or later you will have some quote thrown at you. I find it less interesting in what the quote says, and more intersting what the choice of quote tells me about the person who chose it.
We all know people cherry pick the bible, but what are the cherries? When two people go to this book and come away with such varying views, it says less about the book than it does the pickers of the cheries.
Plus, a brief conversation I had on Facebook this week. Very brief.
Look!! The awesomeness comes two weeks in a row!!
I think it's about time I talked about this election. I don't do a lot of politics, but I think this election is crazy enough to talk about it some. While this may not have much to do woth atheism, it's what's been on my mind lately.
I hear so much from people who are skeptical about our candidates. And with good reason. But is that a good enough reason to stay home or vote for a third party?
I'll give my thoughts tonight.
Got 2 cents? Call and give 'em!
Oh, the awesomeness!!
When I talk to believers, one of the "good things" religion is supposed to do is create a social network of people. It is supposed to bring people together and make families of strangers. It does this by allowing people to get to know each other quickly and in a friendly way. But is religion really good at this? What about beer?
Sure I think people who share an imaginary friend can find other things in common and quickly bond, but I think the same thing can happen over beer and barbeque. And which scenario is preferable? Which is the one that makes better bonds?
Do you have an opinion? Call in and share it!!
The awesome returns!!
June 4, 2016 was the second Reason Rally in Washington DC. It was so awesome to be there!! I got to hug so many of my friends, meet so many new friends, and just hang out with some of the most amazing people on the planet!!
But not everyone at the Reason Rally was there to support reason. Some Christian protesters showed up, too. They were forced to hang out on the sidelines, making them the literal side show at the Rally.
I took a moment to stop by. I had a recorder on me. This is what happened.
I'm afraid this episode will NOT be my triumphant come-back to podcasting regularly. My wife is still going through chemo, and that is going to take another month or so. I want to thank all my listeners for all their patience and support in this time!!
YOU ARE ALL THE SOURCE OF AWESOME SAUCE!!
We always hear from so many of the same atheists. How about a new one? This is Robert Burks. Just a guy. A fellow free-thinker and someone who wants to do more in the atheist movement. He's a new voice in atheism, and I am honored to host his first podcast interview.
Robert and I talk about his deconversion, and I throw a few of the questions every theist asks at him. I think Robert's answers are as good as any.
The awesomeness will not be denied!!
From the doctor's office in Indy, to a knock at my front door, I seem to be getting a lot of tracts these days. Lots of people want to give me small pamphlets that tell me that I need saving.
Let's talk about this form of "witnessing" and what I have to say about it.
Plus, your calls.
Guaranteed to be more awesome than a Chick Tract!!
I've had lots of conversations with believers. Some were good apologists, others were just okay. Who was the best aplogist I ever met? Who made the arguments that I had the hardest time trying to refute? Whose arguments drove me off the wall?
It may surprise you to learn that while I was deconverting, I was the best apologist I knew. I knew just how to argue with me. I knew the reasons I believed, and I knew why I had doubts.
Today, those internal arguments serve as my starting point for many of my conversations with believers.
I'll explain why, and how I think this makes me better equiped today.
Plus, your calls.
Let the awesomeness flow!
My wife recently found out she had ovarian cancer. Most people just offered support and kindness. A few offered prayers. How does an atheist react to that? How SHOULD an atheist react to that?
I'll give my thoughts, as well as my real life reactions. You may be surprised what did or did not happen.
Plus, your calls.
The awesomeness has returned!!
I've gone on record saying religion is a net evil. That is, the good religion does is outwieghed by the bad. So does that mean that I think if religion dissappeared things would be better? The answer may surprise you.
I'll talk about what I think would happen, what would not happen, and why.
This episode is a return to the rambling stream of thoughts this show does when it doesn't do interviews.
So you could call in and give your two cents!
Oh, the awesomeness!!
Trav Mamone is the host of the Bi Any Means podcast. A humanist, bisexual, genderqueer, powerhouse of awesomeness, Trav brings such a wonderful, amazing voice to the podcasting world. If you haven't found the treasure that is the Bi Any Means Podcast, do yourself a favor and give it a listen.
Trav and I discuss their journey of self-discovery. From diving into religion to swimming out, from always feeling like a square peg in a world of round holes, to the awesome person they are today. Trav has a genuine quality about them that is just the best.
http://www.bianymeans.com/
http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/bi-any-means-podcast
https://www.facebook.com/bianymeanspodcast/
www.facebook.com/tmamone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAsK2Jbpc7c
Women breastfeed. It's a fact, and it shouldn't have to be shouded in taboo or under a banket. At the 2nd Atheists of Facebook Online Convention, Ayla Braodnax presented on the Free the Nipple campaign, aimed at removing the taboo suurounding mothers feeding their children.
Somehow, we find ourselves in a society where it is okay to sell breasts, but not wear them. What is up with that?! Ayla talks about why we need to Free the Nipple and allow mothers to feed children when they are hungry, and not cater to the squeamish prudes that would attack a mother for doing what comes naturally for breasts.
The awesomeness overflows!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu_37aJwROo
January 2, 2016 will be the Second Atheists of Facebook Online Convention. Adam Collins is the man putting it all together. The first convention was filled with amazing people, both new and veterans in the atheist movement. Adam has even invited me to do a presentation in the upcoming event. This is my first atheist presentation!!
Adam is so awesome. His passion for the movement, his humor and wit, along with his tireless efforts to make this movement something great make him the source of all awesome sauce.
Mark your calendars!! 1/2/16!!
This is part 2 of my most awesome interview with Callie Wright. In this episode, we dicuss everything from atheism to Star Trek and back. Callie shows why she is an amazing person, and the kind of leader the atheist and LGBT community love.
Then she closes my show with her show stopping style!
If you don't know Callie, you don't know awesome sauce.
At ReasonCon, I was teamed up with an incredibly awesome partner for Skep-ardy. Callie Wright is an amazing, wonderful, awesome leader of the LGBT rights movement AND the atheist movement. To know Callie is to love Callie. She is just so awesome.
This is Part One of my interview with Callie. She was kind enough to talk about being trans with me in the honest, frank, and kind manner for which she is so revered. You cannot miss this!!
I won't take calls, but this show will not spare the awesomeness.
The Thanksgiving holiday is over. The things for which I am grateful are plentiful. I'll talk about those things.
Sometimes, people ask how the athest finds meaning or purpose in life. I think this is backward. It was when I lost religion that I found the meaning in life, and allthe things for which I am thankful today.
Plus, your calls.
I'm thankful for the awesome sauce!!
When I say I'm "anti-theism", I mean I think theism is bad. I think any good it does is outweighed by the bad. But that doesn't mean I'm "anti-theist". Theists are lovely people. They just hold bad ideas.
Now I realize it's hard to separate the people from the ideas. But I think we are more effective when we do. I think that by contrasting the amazing person with the vile beliefs, this helps people realize they are better than their religion.
Plus, your calls.
Let the awesomesause flow once again!!
TW: rape. This show will discuss rape culture and other sensitive topics.
This past week, I posted a video I found from a friend of the show's wall. The video is of a couple of toddlers. One acts inappropriately, but the tag from the original post and the music editied into the clip suggest the people who originally posted it thought it was cute and adorable. I did not.
The comment section was incredible. Most agreed that the child behaved badly, and wondered why there was no parental interaction. But there were a few that thought my post and comments were over the top and outrageous.
I'm going to talk about the video, the reactions it got, the comments on the post and why this is important.
Did you see the post? You can call and give me your impression.
All the awesomeness will be here.
This is part 2 of my interview with Dave Foda. This is the part you wanted to hear. We dive straight into strong atheism, why Dave says there is no god, the evidence he has to back that up and so much more awesomeness.
After pondering over Dave's argument against an intercessory god, I've concluded it is a stronger argument than my own. I must define a very specific god: the all-knowing, all-powerful, all-good, perfect, creator of the universe, with a message for humanity. Not every chrisitan believes in this god. But every believer believes whatever god there is, it interferes with the physical universe. Dave needs no further definition of god other than "supernatural medler" to disprove it.
This is the awesomenes you've been waithing for!!
Dave on Facebook: facebook.com/dave.foda
Twitter: twitter.com/davefoda
Sneetle: facebook.com/sneetle
Atheist Survival Guide: facebook.com/AtheistSurvival Guide
It was over a year ago when I first heard Dave Foda asserting strong atheism, that is the stance that god does not exist. Dave finds the idea that he simply lacks a belief in a god does not accurately describe his atheism. This is Part 1 of about an hour I spent with Dave exploring how he defends his position.
Dave Foda onFacebook: facebook.com/dave.foda
Dave Foda on Twitter: twitter.com/davefoda
Sneetle on Facebook: facebook.com/sneetle
Dave Foda and the crew at ASG: facebook.com/AtheistSurvivalGuide
Support this show: www.patreon.com/atheistroundtable
The last religious thing I ever did was I got my son circumcised. It was weird then, I wasn't an atheist yet, but I wasn't religious, either. Still, my wife and I made the choice to have this done. Was it wrong?
By the time my daughter was born, we were anxious about the possibility of having another boy. Would we get this one circumcised? How wierd would it be to have one cut and one un-cut? I guess lcuk had it that it was a decision we did not have to make.
Since that moment 10 years ago, my views on this practice have evolved. I'll give my take on how.
Plus your calls.
Awesomeness will be in excess!!
Please support the show on Patreon.
https://www.patreon.com/atheistroundtable?ty=h
The first time I tried this show, the audio sucked. The second time I couldn't login. I'm doing this show again, damnit!!
If this sounds crazy, why do believers reverse it on atheists? Why do so mant think that it took some tragedy to make us atheists? It seems so strange to say this way, why would it ever work in reverse?
I think it is far more likely to work in reverse, actually. I think this arguement is one more example of believers projecting their insecurities onto atheists.
Plus your calls.
Let's get this awesomeness on!
We've all heard the claim that atheists aren't believers because we've been hurt by a believer. And we all know how crazy that accusation is. But could it work the other way?
Have you ever heard of a believer encountering trauma and becoming "renewed" in the faith? Are funerals places where evangelizing is rampant? Could a person turn to faith in a crisis when they think they have nowhere else to turn?
I'll give my take, Plus your calls.
Awesomeness in 5, 4, 3, 2, ...
You've all heard the conversation I had with Kurt from Gospel Billboards, but I haven't made any commentary yet. This episode, I'll talk about why I called, and why I think these kinds of discussions are good.
You can hear the whole conversation on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFu5ZE05Y4c
Plus, your calls.
Let the awesomeness flow.
The conclusion on my conversation with Gospel Billboards. If nothing else, I got to really slam the morality of the god of the bible in this one.
All the background noise is me moving to plug my computer in.
The awesomeness CONCLUDES
This is Part 2 of my conversation with Kurt at Gospel Billboards. Prepare for face-palming.
In this segment, we talk extensively about patterns, design, and order. I really try to get Kurt to answer one question. He does an amazing job of dodging this. Like a ninja!
The Awesomeness CONTINUES!
In my town, there is a billboard that says, "There is Evidence for GOD. 855-FOR-TRUTH". Well, I called. The whole conversation was just over an hour long, so to get it all, I've had to break it into three parts. So you don't have to wait, I'll schedule all the shows this week, with Part 3 being next week's show.
And the awesomeness BEGINS!!
Go to http://atheistpa.org/ to register for PASTAH con!!
I've a 10 year old, and a 6 year old. My son has even appeared on this show before, and it may be that he will make another appearance soon.
I'll talk about the kinds of discussions we have about religion in my house, and outside of it. I'll give a window into my crazy daily life.
Plus your calls!
Cue the awesomeness!
At last we have marriage equality in all 50 states!! Hooray!! It's time to celebrate!! But not everyone is so happy.
I gathered some awesome people who were kind enough to join me for an impromptu recording session. These people are the sauce of awesome. Even though a few people cut out and never came back, I'm so glad these people joined me.
Hugh Mann, the kindest person in the world, who could not be moved to berate the hate slung at him from the right.
K Renee Davis Pelt, the coolest person in Evansville, Indiana!
Ray Riley, who until this podcast recording was only a facebook friend and now has risen to the status of awesome.
Kelsey Hollis, a personal friend and seriously awesome person.
Kristen, the reason I spent three hours editing this show.
http://www.justachoice.org/
My amazing guest tonight is Brian Hinkley, author of Atheism Religion and Life, a Layman's Perspective. This book is so awesome, you absolutley MUST get it!
Brian has created a book about atheism for real people. This book reads like a friend telling a story, or a conversation you have with a friend. But don't think that because it is for the layman that Brian minces words. He states clearly and beautifully how atheists see reality.
This book is so wonderful. Get yours today.
https://www.facebook.com/atheismreligionandlife?fref=ts
http://www.lulu.com/shop/brian-hinkley/atheism-religion-and-life-a-laymans-perspective/paperback/product-22164422.html
My guest is the amazing Zach Law of the Zachrilege Cast. Zach and I met briefly at ReasonCon, but didn't get the chance to hang out. Now, we make up for that!
The Zachrilege Cast features interviews with your friendly neighborhood atheist podcasters. Zach is a tireless promoter of every podcast you ought to know, and mine.
Want to know whose podast is awesome? Listen to Zach, the authority of awesomeness!
https://www.facebook.com/zachrilegecast
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoHo6xkuJPqq93Ag_2tkrtw
Last week, I talked a lot about how atheists look back at religion with disgust. I wanted to make the point that, while many think otherwise, I didn't feel disgust toward religion and then leave; I left religion and THEN felt disgust.
I got some really good feedback on this idea. Didn't I have issues with religion? Wasn't I confronted with those things I now find disgusting while I was still a believer? Wasn't that confrontation at least in some way connected to leaving?
I'll talk about the exchange, how it made me think, and why I still think the order of events places leaving before disgust.
Plus your calls.
This will one for the awesome books.
Several weeks ago, the Freindly Atheist posted a link to a pastor in Canada who was asking, "How come some don't believe there is a god?" The article cotained a link to the original piece written by Rev Eric Strachan from the New Life Community Church in Petawawa. It was hard to track him down, but I eventually got to send him an email requesting an interview. I never heard back.
So tonight, I'll respond to the few questions Eric asked in his article. I'll do my best to answer such questions as, "But look at the babies!" and "Why are you so angry at god?"
I wish I could have talked to him, but at least you'll get my take.
Plus your calls. Awesome!!
http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/05/04/faith-how-come-some-dont-believe-there-is-a-god
You are in for a treat tonight!! JT Eberhard is coming on the show to talk about Atheist Gamers!! Joining him will be the hosts of the Game Theory podcast, David Drake and Jeremiah Beene.
Could there be anything more awesome than that? No. There cannot. This will be ALL the awesome.
Find Atheist Gamers at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/atheistgamer/
Find JT Eberhard at : http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wwjtd
Find The Game Theory Podcast at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gametheorypodcast/ and http://gametheorypodcast.libsyn.com/
Find the God Theory Podcast at http://godtheorypodcast.libsyn.com/
In the last episode, I talked about the equivocation believers make between being a christian and being a good person. This episode, I want to talk about an equivocation made by atheists.
I'll often point to the harm religion does, but more broadly, I'll point to the harm FAITH causes, and even more broadly, I'll point to the harm caused by not thinking critically. These are not all the same, but sometimes, atheists will be quick to lump them together,
Is that fair?
My take, plus your calls.
Awesome doesn't begin to describe it.
"Some of you atheists act more Christian than most Christians I know." Ever heard that before? Sure, it's equivocation, but it is so common. I know it's meant to be a compliment, but is it?
You'll get my thought, plus your own, but only if you call.
Let the awesome begin!
Last weekend, I went to the most awesome convention under the sun. ReasonCon2015 was so amazing, so incredible, that I can't say enough about it. But I'll try.
Join me for a re-cap of what may have been my best weekend, EVER!!
If you were there, you know the meaning of awesomesauce.
I was listening to a preacher talk about this verse. It's Philippians 4:13. It was supposed to be an inspiration message; a platform of power and encouragement. But I heard something different.
I'll talk about what I heard, and my take on this verse. Even the best sermons can sometimes be damaging.
Plus, your calls.
May the Awesome be with you.
My family and I did a whole day of Easter, much of it with religious family. As I listened to the conversations, I got to refect on how I used to view this holiday, and how I see it today.
I'll talk about how my perception of Easter has evolved, and how I think this holiday, like everything else, is better without god.
Plus your calls.
The awesomeness is risen!
Last week, Indiana's governor, Mike Pence, passed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This is a state level version of the national law that gave us the atrocious Hobby Lobby decision by the Supreme Court. However, that national law does not extend to the states, thus the push to have state level laws.
I'll talk about the blow back, the backlash, and the consequences of this new law. I'll give my perspective on how this law affects those around me.
Plus, your calls.
http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/article/2015/mar/29/fact-checking-march-29-news-shows/
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/03/28/listen-indiana-restaurant-owner-pledges-to-refuse-service-to-gays/
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2015/03/29/religious-freedom-law-really-means-indiana/70601584/
http://fox59.com/2015/03/27/why-all-the-opposition-how-indianas-religious-freedom-act-is-different/
http://www.lambdalegal.org/news/in_20150329_pence-stop-deceiving-nation-on-sb101
Have you ever heard someone ask, "If there is no god, how can there be meaning in life?" I sure have. People think that without a divine influence, there is no meaning to life. If this life is all there is, how does anything we do matter? If there is nothing after death, why bother?
I find this question puzzling now. The question seems so simple now that I have the advantage of hindsight. But when I was a believer, this did indeed trouble me.
I'll give me thoughts on how I found purpose, and why I think it is so much better without god.
Plus your calls.
The awesome sause will overflow.
"You only want to be an atheist so you can go on sinnng!" Ever heard that before? There is so much wrong with this question, I want to do an entire show on it.
Do I want to be an atheist? Is sin the reason? What sin? Why would anyone think this?
I'll give my perspective.
Plus, your calls. The awesomeness is in your hands.
A post on Facebook this past week read something like this,"I'm glad I'm a believer. It's better than believing in NOTHING!"
Do atheists believe in nothing? Do we think there is nothing that merits belief? Is that so?
My perspective on this important question, plus, your calls.
Awesome sauce will be plentiful!!
My super special co-host this evening is my wife, Felicia. She joins me for a review of some wonderful news stories that came to us from the Raw Story. You'll love what Felicia brings to the table!!
Let her feel the love! This show is pre-recorded, so no calls tonight. Still, the awesome sause will have no end!!
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/02/texas-republican-we-should-send-chuck-norris-after-isis-instead-of-obama/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/02/irate-christian-parent-i-am-getting-sick-and-tired-of-dinosaurs-being-forced-on-our-children/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/02/this-preachers-twisted-anti-gay-rant-to-an-alabama-city-council-is-both-vile-and-absurd/
The horrific murders at Chapel Hill have been on all our minds lately. What happened there was horrific and sad. The murderer was an atheist, but did he do what he did in the name of atheism?
I'll give my perspective on what we as atheists should say in response to this tragedy.
Plus your calls.
Let the sauce of awesome flow!
Atheism is a matter of belief, or more accurately, a matter of non-belief. An atheist does not believe in god or gods. But there are some atheists, myself included, that take things at step further. I believe gods do not exist.
Some people call this positive statement "strong atheism." Some say it is unnecessary, and places a burden of proof on the atheist that should not be there.
I'll give my perspective on this, and how it has changed. I'l talk about what exactly I believe and why.
Plus your calls. I believe the awesome sause will flow. Prove me right!
I hear so often that the angry atheist isn't helping the movement. Being angry doesn't help our position or cause. It doesn't push the conversation forward. It doesn't help move people away from faith or belief. It only serves to fortify the religious in their rut of superstitious ideas.
Or does it? When I was a believer, I got angry at all the caustic atheists, and wanted to prove them wrong. Doing so moved me to atheism. I realized that the jerk may be a jerk, but he was also right.
Let's talk about the different ways people talk about atheism and within the atheism movement. Are the mean, angry atheists helping?
Plus your calls. Let the awesomeness wash over you.
In the wake of the tragedy in Paris, a conversation about religious moderates has come up more than once. Are the religious moderates helping by denouncing such horrific crimes, or are they harming everyone by giving fundamentalists a shield behind which they can hide?
I'll give my two cents. Plus your calls will make the awesome sauce overflow!!
For quite some time now, my 10-year old son, Corbin, has asked to be a part of this show. Tonight, he makes his debut! I was a little hesitant to bring him on the show, but then I figured, why not?
I'll talk a little about why I was hesitant, what made me change my mind, and why I think Corbin makes an awesome co-host, even if his segment will always be pre-recorded.
The awesomeness will be epic!!
Being able to be yourself is so very important, but what if you had to hide a part of yourself from those close to you? What about those atheists who can't be open about their lack of belief because of one reason or another? Have you ever been in the closet? Did you find it hard to come out? What happened?
I'll talk about the only instance I have personally about being in the closet, and why I've chosen to be as out and as open as I can.
Plus your calls. Let the awesome sauce flow!!
Is it just me, or do the theists seem to be getting nuttier? When pastors can claim that there is semen in your Starbucks latte, when presidential nominees can say the separation of church and state is a Communist idea, it is easy to think all religious people are nuts.
And what about the atheists? Don't they say weird stuff too?
Let's talk about the talk. I'll give my perspective on the absudity and lunacy we hear from the religious folk.
Plus your call make the awesome sauce.
I've got nothing tonight, so call in and help me make this show awesome! If you don't, I'll have to be awesome and lonesome.
When I think of the harm religion does, I often think of violence. I think of the killings ISIS does, the brutal, deliberate kind of violence. I also think of parents who refuse to seek medical attention for their children, that passive, inintentional kind of murder.
But isn't there a commandment against killing? Isn't this forbidden? I'll give my take on why so much violence comes from religion.
Plus your calls.
Come forth, Awesomeness!
I find the story of jesus is often touted as this wonderful example of love, sacrifice and forgiveness. I find the story morally vile. I think this idea of jesus saving us from eternal damnantion to be a distict failure to understand morality and what it means. I find the story appalling.
Why? Why isn't this story insprational? Why do I find the "greatest story ever told" to be flawed at it's basic level?
Plus your calls.
Let the awesomeness begin!
So I did another debate, this time on morality. Is morality objective or subjective? I wasn't too impressed with how the debate went down, mostly because I didn't get to do all the talking. If I HAD done most of the talking, this is what I would have said.
Plus your calls. The awesomeness returns tonight
Last night, I did a debate on the topic: Is religion a force for good or bad? I've posted the link on the fan page. In this show. I'll go over my points and why I think religion is bad.
I hope to have someone who should have been in the debate on this show, so to allow that person the most time possible on my short show, I want to get my position out of the way so he can do more talking.
Plus your calls. This will be awesome!!
It's the Listener feed back episode! Your calls, emails and voice mails! This is the participation episode you've wanted forever!
Call in with even more awesomeness!!
Is it worth it to even talk to believers? Will we ever change their minds? My thoughts plus your calls equals awesomesause!
I was a believer for years. My deconversion took 12 years. Now, as I look back on it, the time of my belief seems far away. At the monthly meetup I have with some fellow non-believers, I was asked what it was like to believe these things I now find to be nonsense, I'll reflect on why I held on so long to my indoctrination and what put me on the path to atheism.
Plus, your calls.
Awesome.
There was a dude recently who challenged atheists to prove god does not exist. To illustrate the flaw in this thinking, I'm reminded of an old debate blog I did years ago. A far less charismatic person gave me the exact same challenge. This brought about a new religion I made up that involved a dragon in my pants, and the Super Mega Awesome Dragon, later dubbed the SMAD.
Why is the demand to prove a negative stupid? Why should extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence? Why does no one believe I have a dragon in my pants when no one can prove I don't have a dragon?
Plus your calls.
The SMAD aprroves
If there is an argument against god, it is the problem of evil. Even believers admit this is the strongest argument against god, so that must be so. If it is, why hasn't it convinced all the believers?
Let's talk about the answers to the problem of evil and why I think they fail. This is counter apologetics - why I snort and retort!
Plus your calls.
Logically, that means awesomeness!
I listen to lots of atheist podcasts. Some are serious, many are funny. What's the joke that is in every atheist podcast? What's the line that is said so often, it is rarely repeated out loud? What is the joke that leaves atheists in stitches, but most believers never get?
Tune in to find out!
Plus your calls.
Funny and awesome. It will be legendary.
I interviewed Rozz well over a month ago. But the editing has taken me this long to get it out. This is why I do a live show. In any case, Rozz is an awesome guy. He's the son of my best friend, and he's already found atheism. We talk abotu some important stuff, but most of this is us just having fun.
Enjoy.
Last week, while I was frothing at the mouth mad about the SCOTUS ruling on the Hobby Lobby case, I made an error. I'll correct that error first thing in this show.
When I was a believer, being wrong was the worst possible thing that could happen. As an atheist, being wrong is something to be celebrated. I'll spend the rest of the show talking about how this difference came for me, and why I think it is so important.
Plus your calls.
More awesome than anyone should be able to handle!!
So this past week, the Hobby Lobby case brought shame and horror to every woman in America, thanks to 5 Catholic men on the SCOTUS. I've decieded to rant on this disgusting topic of religious bigotry.
Call in and add to the awesomeness!!
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/30/after-hobby-lobby-these-77-corporations-will-drop-birth-control-coverage.html
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/best-lines-hobby-lobby-decision
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/06/30/justice-ruth-bader-ginsberg-trolls-scalia-in-blistering-dissent-of-hobby-lobby-ruling/
https://www.facebook.com/naralprochoiceamerica?fref=nf
https://www.facebook.com/PlannedParenthood
There was some amazing news this week!! Indiana, my home state, had finally legalized gay marriage! A federal judge ruled that Indiana's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, and did not order an immediate stay. For about 48 hours, we had marriage equality in the state, then a stay was ordered late Friady evening.
We've talked about gay marraige before on the show, but let's talk again. Why not?
Your calls will make this awesome!
On this Father's Day, let's talk about how God ranks as a father. Let's talk about the parenting advice given in the bible. Let's go over the difference between that the "good book" says, and how we actually live good lives.
Plus, your calls.
The awesomeness will be with us.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bar-Room-Atheist/491533774246367
Ever hear a miracle story? Ever have someone tell you that if it were not for the intervention of god, they would be dead? Sure you have.
What is the atheist supposed to do with that story? How do we talk to people who thank god for surviving?
Plus, your calls.
Need I say awesome sauce?
Every time I talk to a believer these days, I hear two things: the believer thinks most christians are wrong and those christans are not following the bible; and the believer to whom I am speaking is right and IS following the bible.
What's us with the no-true Scotsman nonsense? Why is this used so damned often? How can atheists respond to it?
My thoughts plus your calls equal awesomeness.
When I was a believer, the idea that we should fear god always bothered me. These days, I see fear as the motivation to be religious that is all so commonly used.
Let's talk about these fear tactics. Let's look at how fear is used in religion.
Plus, your calls.
Let the awesomeness flow.
http://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/20595-ffrf-announces-%E2%80%98nothing-fails-like-prayer-award%E2%80%99-contest
I hear believers say that this life is only a test, and that one day, we will all be able to understand god's plan once we are dead and in heaven. Tonight's show will focus on this idea that this life is but a test from the almighty.
Plus, your calls.
The awesome sauce floweth over.
What does the atheist do at Easter? With all the religious trappings of this, the most important holiday of the Christian religion, how does one stay secular, especially with small children and religious families in the picture?
I'll take a look at how my family survives the holiday intact and sane.
Also, I want to talk briefly about separating beliefs from believers.
Plus your calls.
So much awesomeness you could die, and the awesomeness would bring you back to life.
He may have been a horrible person. He may have spewed hatred and bigotry. He may have been one of the worst people ever. Fred Phelps was still better than god.
Why am I thankful for the Westboro Baptist Church? Why do I feel I owe a sincere debt of gratitude to the Phelps clan? What the hell is wrong with me?
Tune in to find out. Plus your calls.
Awesomesauce.
What's the worst thing about being an atheist? What really sucks about no t having faith? What is the worst thing about losing religion?
It's not what you think.
Plus your calls. This will be awesome
Can morals be grounded without an external source? If there are standards of morality, from whence do they come? How can anyone make a judgement of good or evil without a standard?
Let's look at the moral argument for god, and condemn the bastard to the realm of imagination for failing so badly!!
Plus your calls.
Do I even have to say awesomesauce?
Can we define god into existence? Can we use semanitcs to be apologetics? Is anyone convinced by this? The Onological Arguement for the existence of god is a complete failure. We'll explore why.
Plus your calls.
By definition, this will be awsome.
The universe appears to be designed. DNA is a code, and codes come from intelegent minds. Look at how complex the universe is! How could the eye possibly have evolved?
In this epidose, we'll discuss the design argument. Is irreducuble complexity reasonable? How do we get an eye?
Plus your calls makes the show more awesome than awesome. That makes sense, right?
TAG: The Transcendental Argument for God. The biggest bunch of bull ever comprised.
This episode will discuss the ways of TAG. If Chet from New York calls in, it will be filled with awesomeness.
Can anyone reason without god? Can people find logic without a creator? Is TAG anymore than a "I know you are but what am I" game with god?
Your call makes it awesome.
Before I get to the meat and potatos of the episode, I want to talk briefly about the Nye vs. Hamm debate that just happened. Then, the First Cause Argument.
Does the Cosmological argument hold water? What if there is a cause for the universe? How does the atheist deal with this all-too-common argument? This is my take on it.
Your calls make it awesome.
Ryan Bell is a former Seventh Day Adventist pastor who is trying on atheism for a year. Not yet one month into this expirement, he has gained monumental celebrity for it. Everyone wants to know why anyone would step into an atheist's world, let alone a former pastor.
Ryan was kind enough to spend some time talking with me about his journey to where atheism is the next step, and how he plans to take this one.
Ryan is awesome, and you must join this show, or you are not awesome.
Follow Ryan Bell's journey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yearwithoutgod
Read Ryan's blog: http://yearwithoutgod.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/yearwithoutgod
Is there "good news" in atheism? Is there a reason to be hopeful without god? I think so.
Let's talk about why it is good news that there is no god. Why it is so wonderful that there is no afterlife, no grand design, no ultimate purpose.
Plus your calls.
Awesomeness will be in spades.
Links mentioned in the show:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/texas-family-pregnant-brain-dead-woman-sue-article-1.1575444
http://my.blogtalkradio.com/faithworks/2014/01/06/atheist-dialogues-001
No real topic. Just completely random ramblings from your host.
Call to make the magic.
So there's this "War of Christmas". Sure there is. Let's talk about the war, it's battles, victories and losses. Let's go over that American Atheists billboard in Times Square, and Salvation Army bell-ringers.
Plus, I want to talk about what the holidays mean to this heathen.
Add your calls, and that equals a very merry episode!!
Back from vacation!! I can't wait to do another show, and I can't think of a single topic. So I'll do a whole slew of them!! I got LGBT issues, Satanists, and other nonsense. It's been so long, I can't keep all my thoughts straight, and I've given up trying. Get ready for a half hour of ramblings.
Plus your calls. This will be unrehearsed, raw, naked Andrew
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/jack-phillips-gay-wedding-cake_n_4420252.html
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2013/12/12/could-pastors-really-be-jailed-for-preaching-against-gays/4004517/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/11/hindus-join-satanists-demanding-equal-placement-on-oklahoma-capitol-grounds/
https://www.facebook.com/freedomindiana.org
Tonight it my pleasure to bring to you author, Chuck Shingledecker, whose brand spanking new book, Freedom To Doubt is a must have for theists and atheists alike.
Chuck explains why doubt isn't something that believers ought to fear. There is no reason to be afraid of the contradictions in the bible, the irreconcilable nature of the trinity, or how the amalgamation that has become the popular Christmas story. Chuck lets believers know that doubt isn't the enemy of faith, but its partner.
Chuck is exactly the kind of believer that I want to see. Rational, logical, and able to accept the dissonance that comes from trying to get faith and doubt to play nice together.
Get your copy of Freedom to Doubt today at:
http://freedomtodoubt.com/
Find out more about the fantastic author at:
http://chuckshingledecker.com/
When I was a believer, hell was a real place. Even after leaving faith behind, I found letting go of the fear of hell was hard to do. I'll talk about the indoctrinating fear I had, and how I let go very slowly.
Plus, I'll re-visit my wife's best insight into hell ever.
Add your calls and this will be one hell of an episode.
Whoot! This is the last in this series! We end with religion, christianity and some odd-ball questions at the end. This has been fun!
Call in and give your two cents about the list as a whole, or one particular section.
Next in the list: Morality and Evil!
Oh, these should be fun!
I'll contiunue my trek through the list of 100 Questions for Atheists. Every answer comes straight from my non-believing heart!
Plus your calls. Make the episode even better by calling in with your two cents
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment
http://iloveatheists.com/top_100/challenge_category/Questions%20for%20Atheists/challenge_answer/288
Last time I got through about 20 questions. Let's keep it going.
Yeah, someof the questions are silly, and yeah, my answers to silly questions are silly. But that is what you get with a silly question. If I can, I'll try to re-phrase the question, but I'll try to keep the intent of the quesion. This episode will be jam-packed with science and evolution related questions! Call in and add to the awesomeness!!
This is going to take more than one show. I've found a wonderful apologetic site that has 100 questions for atheists. I'm going to answer them all!!
Since this is a website, I'd usually respond in written form. But I haven't bloged in some time and I like the format of radio better. So I'm just going to read the questions and give my answers.
Mind you, some of the questions are really dumb.
Put your helmet on for head desk protection and strap in!
Plus your calls.
May the awesome be with you.
http://iloveatheists.com/top_100/challenge_category/Questions%20for%20Atheists/challenge_answer/288
As soon as I realized I was an atheist, I came out. I was lucky. My wife became an atheist at exactly the same time. I no longer lived at home. There was no threat of losing a job. it was easy, painless, and simple. Indeed, the easiest part of losing my faith was coming out as an atheist. But that's not always true. Sometimes, people are forced to be in the closet. They cannot tell people about this, and face real concequences when they do.
Let's chat about that damned closet, and what to do with it.
Plus your calls.
Prepare for awesomeness!!
The news has lit up this past week with stories of sexual assults at the hands of religious leaders, and some of them are not even catholic!! I guess everyone saw all the grand press the catholics get for this kind of nonsense and didn't want to be left behind.
I noticed that there are two phrases that are absent from the bible: "Thou shall make certain all of thy sex partners are consenting adults," and "Thou shall not in any way ever abuse thy children." Why is that? Some moral compass.
I'll rant on and on about how this crap burns my britches.
Plus your calls.
More burnt britches than you can handle!
Links:
http://tinyurl.com/nwccpuz
http://tinyurl.com/pw7mpzn
http://tinyurl.com/p6wy4qq
http://tinyurl.com/npy5qbt
http://tinyurl.com/na6mqfz
As a believer, whenever I screwed up, I could turn to god, or jesus, or confess my sins to a priest. I could pray. I could turn to the doctrine of grace and forgiveness.
What do I do now that I don't have that? I still make mistakes, that's for sure. I still screw up. Do I cower in a corner? Do I cover it up and hope no one notices? How do I cope?
It's easier than ever before.
Plus your calls.
How much faith does it take to be an atheist? Is faith a virtue? Are science and faith compatible? Is science a form of faith?
I think it's time for a 30 mintue rant about how much I flipping despise faith.
Plus your calls.
The awesomeness will runneth over.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130829092845.htm
Michael Sherlock is the author of the three volume series: I AM CHRIST. The first volume, The Crucifixion - Painful Truths, has just been realesed. Get your copy NOW!! Strap yourself in for what is going to be a bumpy ride. Michael is going to crucify your beliefs and show you how your biases are blinding you to the truth. He may even teach your host a thing or two!
No calls this show, I'm afraid. Still there will be no shortage of eargasms!
Find Michael Sherlock online: http://www.michaelsherlock.org/index.html
Find Micheal Sherlock on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MICHAELSHERLOCK.AUTHOR
Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/Andrewtheatheist
Like the fan page: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
When people ask what book I'd recommend they read to become an atheist, I always say, "Read the BIBLE!" This is hands-down the best way to become an atheist. Just read it. Don't let a preacher read it to you. Don't use a study guide or concordiance or whatever. Just use your third grade reading skills and READ IT.
What's in the bible that makes people lose faith instead of gain faith? We'll explore that question in the show.
Plus your calls.
Equals eargasms of biblical proportions.
Bible verses for this episode provided by: http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/index.htm
Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist
Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
Thanks to Dick Richards for the theme music. Find his work here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flabtoymusic.bandcamp.com%2Falbum%2Fn-y-x-presents-evil-sinema-volume-two&h=yAQFkGQbN
So what's it like trying to raide freethinking kids in this religious society? I have an 8 year old and a 4 year old. My son, the 8 year old, has been dealing with thoughts of the afterlife since his great-grandma died.
I'll talk about how we talk to him about our beliefs, how we deal with the hard issue of death and loss. And what we do without very religious families.
Plus your calls.
It will be awesome!!
This episode is a request from a fan. When I was growing up Catholic, it was common for me to take small, random objects to the priest for a belssing. Mostly religious objects, like crosses, or prayer cards, or rosaries were blessed, but the ocassional wrist watch and bicycle got thrown in.
I'll tell the story of getting stuff blessed for no reason. Like a scene from Dogma.
Plus your calls.
There's a new development in the atheist movement: churches. Atheists are gathering in congregations. We are having secular services. ls this a good thing, or does it lend too much to the idea that atheism is a religion? Let us reason together.
Plus your calls.
Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/Andrewtheatheist
Like the show: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
I've scheduled a make-up episode with Rob Everhart. I'm sure he'll show this time.
We'll take on the reactions from the religious right to the DOMA and Prop 8 rulings last week.
Plus, your calls.
Another gay old time!! http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_3cca22e7-9915-5d26-b0b2-3980aa91afaa.html
http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2013/07/rep-tim-huelskamp-files-constitutional-amendment-b.html
By the time this show airs, we should have some seriously groundbreaking news from the Supreme Court. Prop 8 and DOMA are on the table. I'll be joined by my good friend, Rob Everhardt. Rob's been on the show before, and we usually talk about the gay rights issue. This should be fun! Plus your calls. Equals a bigger, better gay old time. Rob didn't show, so here's the link from my actual guest, Walter Beck:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.polarimagazine.com%2Fopinion%2Fdo-defense-marriage-act-californias-proposition-8%2F&h=AAQE7TQMv
Believers are better than their religion. Christians are better than christ, muslims are better than allah. We know this. People are kind, loving, compassionate and wonderful. The gods of religion are evil, spiteful, vengeful and just plain nasty.
How do believers square their goodness with the evil of their beliefs? How do good people worship the diety Dawkins called the worst character in all of fiction?
I'll give my thoughts on how this is. If you have an opinion, call in and give it.
It will be better than god.
Like the page: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist
Ever have a Near Death Expirience? It's when you come close to death, but don't actually die. People see lights, old relatives, or even their entire lives flash before their eyes. People think NDE's are proof of an afterlife. What if an atheist has an NDE? Once, I believed in an afterlife. Then I had my own NDE. What does an atheist do with the afterlife after faith? Plus your calls.
You know what burns my britches? Abstinence only sex education! What a load of bologna!!
Tune in for a rant about the dangers of this insane nonsense taught to children about their bodies, and how they should work.
Plus, your calls.
Everyone will orgasm by the end of the show.
Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist
Like the show: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
Links for tonights show:
http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/05/06/elizabeth-smart-abstinence-only-education-can-make-rape-survivors-feel-dirty-filthy/
http://www.chicagonow.com/feminist-christian/2013/05/why-christians-should-give-up-abstinence-only-sex-education/
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2004/03/facts-about-abstinence-education
http://www.siecus.org/
It could be your host is getting lazy and won't commit to a topic. Or he is being generous and letting callers set the pace. You decide.
Call in and share your thoughts.
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Unelss you want to listen to me ramble on for 30 minutes, you'll call in and give us all something to discuss.
I've touched on the problem of evil. That is a summarization of arguments against what I call, the "tri-omni god." That is a god that is omnibenevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient. But I think the parts of the puzzle pose their own arguments for the non-existence of god. Omnipotence: Can god make a rock so big even he can’t lift it? Omniscient: Does god know what it is like to discover something new? These qualities are self-conflicting. They cannot exist, and therefore, any being that supposedly has these qualities cannot exist. What about perfection creating imperfection? If god is perfect, how is it he is able to create imperfection? He should not be able to do so, and thus, if the god does exist, he is not the creator. Finally, what about divine hiddenness? If the perfect creator of the universe had a message for the creation, how is it this message is so hidden from us? Why is it that it must be translated, re-translated, interpreted, re-interpreted, and so forth? If a god wanted to die and resurrect as proof of divinity and love, why not do so in the age of the iPhone, when scientific evidence would be evaluated and documented?
Plus, your calls. No god could possibly survive this onslaught. Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist Like the show: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
Yup. I've no idea what the topic of this show will be. It'd be a great chow for you to call in. I've got nothing. why don't you sound off?
Is evolution "just a theory?" Can evolution be proven? Were you there? How do you know the earth is 4.5 billion years old?
Let's take a look at what a theory is, how it becomes a theory and what happens if evidence challenges it.
Plus, let's talk about creationism and it's arguments. Is intellegent desgin different? What is Irreducible complexity?
And of course, your calls.
Equals more fun than a crocoduck rodeo.
Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial http://video.pbs.org/video/980040807
Ken Miller's lecture on evolution FREE from www.hhmi.org:http://www.hhmi.org/catalog/main?action=product&itemId=323
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I don't think I want a topic for this show. I want to get a few random things off my chest. Like the exclusion of atheists from the interfaith ceremony after th Boston bombings. And some abstinance only sex windbag and the teenage hero who has the guts to stand up against it.
So this show is all random ramblings from your host.
Which pretty much makes it the same as every other show.
Some of the links for the show: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/18/my-take-godless-in-boston-mourn-too/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/18/harvard-atheists-shocked-at-exclusion-from-boston-bombing-memorial-service/
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201304150062?page=1
http://jezebel.com/terrifying-public-high-school-speaker-if-you-take-birt-472610594
https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfKatelynCampbell
http://freethoughtblogs.com/butterfliesandwheels/2013/04/american-atheists-has-a-favor-to-ask/
Friend me:
https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist
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https://www.facebook.com/atheistroundtable
Does it take more faith to be an atheist? What is a "faith-eist"? How come some christians tell me that they do not have enough faith to be an atheist?
Is atheism a religion? Do we have churches and leaders and prophets and such? Are we mobilizing? Are we coming together and acting as a group? Are we united under that banner of atheism? I'll give my take on these, and you chould call and give your point of view.
Guarnteed to be more fun than a sharp stick in the eye. Friend me on Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist Like the Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
I focus on Chrsitianity because that is my background. So every once in a while, I get people who tell me that at least Jesus was a great guy, and that even if the rest is nonsense, WWJD is a good idea and we should try to be like Jesus.
I think Jesus is a moral failure. i find the concept of Jesus, the idea that a god must send his son, who is him, to save us from himself to be a repulsive idea.
Tune in to find out why. Plus, your calls. Eargasms will ensue. Or you didn't pray properly for them.
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist
Like the fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable
I mentioned last week that tragedy struck my wife's grandma. Let's talk again about funerals and how the atheist deals with death. Let's look at how we cope with the finality of death without the hope of an afterlife. Does this leave us without hope?
How does the atheist find comfort without jesus to offer eternal life?
Plus your calls.
Equals a show to die for.
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If god is willling but not able to abolish evil, he is not omnipotent.
If god is able but not willing to abolish evil, he is not good.
If god is able and willing to abolish evil, why is there evil?
If god is neither able nor willing, why call it god?
The classic problem of evil has begun many of my conversations with believers. I like it. Every beliver has heard it, and every believer has to figure out some answer for it. I find it fascinating they simply dodge the issue or ignore the problem.
Why isn't this a problem for atheists? How come the atheist doesn't have to wrestle with this?
Plus, other ranting from the mind of your host.
Plus, your calls.
Equals a mind-blowing good time.
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Friend this guy:
https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist
Rob Everhart re-joins the Atheist Roundtable. In this episode, we'll talk about the LGBT movement, the wins and losses the movement has had, and the parallels with the atheism movement.
Plus, I want Rob's take on some of the arguments I hear from religious people on why same-sex marraiges should not be allowed.
Plus, your calls.
Equals enough audio stimualtion to make your ear orgasm!
This is Part II of my interview with CSRA- Christian Apologetics here on BlogTalkRadio. We ended last time at slavery, but finally, James admitted he cannot prove the existance of god. This is the springboard into the last half.
Again, Timothy and James are real guys. They are ordinary people, not trained theologians, not professional apologists. They are regular guys who talk about things that are important to them.
Find CSRA-CA on BTR: http://my.blogtalkradio.com/csra-ca
Again, no calls, but loads of good times!
I've an interview scheduled with the guys over at CSRA - Christian Apologetics. This episode will feature a portion of the show that features me. I'll have to break the interview down into parts, as I have a 30 minute show and they have 2 hours.
If you liked the last show, you should love this one!!
I doubt I'll be able to take calls on this one, but tune in anyway for serious fun!
Check out the whole show at the following link.
http://my.blogtalkradio.com/csra-ca
An atheist lacks a belief in gods, but may wish a god existed. I am an anti-theist. I rejoice in the knowedge there are no gods. I think it would be terrible if there was a god, particularly the one found in the bible. That god is a monster.
I'll talk about why I dislike religion so much, I am an anti-theist.
Plus your calls.
Makes for one hell of a good time!
If it ends with "... and we call this god," or, "... therefore, god exists," you know it's bunk. Let's talk about the leap it takes to get from a first cause, if there was one, to Jesus. Plus, your calls. You got a favorite apologetic you want to discuss? Call in and let me have it!
The "nones", the non-religious people in the nation continue to grow at a huge pace. But these people are not atheists. They are a few steps away. What keeps them there? So many people are leaving churches, leaving faith, but keeping hold of religious ideas. They want the identity of a chuarch without attending. They claim membership to a group, but they don't agree with basic principles of that group. Why? My take on this, plus your calls.
Can there be a reasonabe grounding of moral principles without objective moral standards? If there are objective moral laws, does that not follow that there is an objective moral law giver? How does an atheist even say that one thing is good and another is evil? Does the atheist have to stand on the lap of god to slap him in the face?
Nope. Not even close. Join me as I rip this bunch of nonsense to shreds. Isn't it obvious that moral principles are NOT objective? Isn't is obvious that moral laws are imaginary? Atheists judge things are good and bad on the merit they present.
Plus, I'll discuss my Theory of the Moral Faggot. You'll have to tune in to figure that out!
Plus, your calls.
Equals audible ear-gasmic times!!
When my wife and I met, neither one of us was an atheist. Today we both are. Even so, our apostasies never really merged. These were two people who happened to arrive at the same conclusion at about the same time. We got lucky. Some people find themsleves in the opposite situation. I'll talk about the few times my path out of religion crossed my wife's path. I'll tell her story as best I can. Plus, my recent interfaith activity. Plus, your calls. Equals more fun than you can imagine.
What should non-theists call themselves? What's in a name? Atheist? Agnostic? Bright? Freethinker? Pastafarian? Non-believer? Non-theist? Non-religious? Humanist? Skeptic? Rationalist?
How do we choose the label we use?
Join me as I tell you why I'm an atheist, not an agnostic.
I'm going to have to talk about some current events that got stuck in my head. Here are links to the stories:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/11/hobby-lobbys-1-3-million-obamacare-loophole/?hpt=hp_t2
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/09/washington-national-cathedral-to-wed-same-sex-couples/
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/10/giglio-bows-out-of-inauguration-over-sermon-on-gays/?hpt=po_t1
Plus your calls.
Equals 50% more non-belief than the leading brand podcast!
Most of the atheists I know were once believers. if you are or ever were a beleiver, you had a salvation story. God spoke to you. Jesus hugged you. I felt grace flow down my back cleansing me of sin. What happens to the salvation story once a person loses faith? how come some people hold to these stories and some people let them go? What's an atheist to do with a salvation story? Plus, your calls. If you had a soul, it would want you to listen.
Let's talk about sex. I grew up in a super catholic family. I was a true believer all through high school. I remember being a teenager and telling my friends they would burn in hell for having sex outside of marriage. This is my background. When I was leaving, the most difficult part to leave behind was the sexual repression I had imposed on myself. Allow me to share this story, and how I moved from the shackles of religion, to the much more enjoyable forms of bondage. Plus your calls. If that doesn't equal ear-orgams, nothing does.
This episode is dedicated to Felicia, my wife. She graciously introduced me to a whole slew of wacky, crazy, and old lore surrounding the winter holiday that most people have no idea even exists.
Sure, you know Santa, Rudolf, and Frosty. Who are Yule men? The Spank-meister? Christmas poo ISN'T just from South Park?
Join me as I explore these just plain nutty myths about the holiday christians want to claim is all their own.
Plus, your calls.
Homeopathy
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
What do these things hae in common? They are WOO!! None of these things are actual medicine. None really work. These "alternative" remidies bilk people out of millions of dollars every year. Why? Why do people buy into this nonsense?
Join me as we dive head-first into this crap-pile of woo.
Plus, your calls.
Equals super mega-awesome dragon orgasms!
This episode included quotes that can be found at www.whatstheharm.net
What is free will? Do we have it? Is it imaginary? What do we do with it? Believe it or not, I've lost atheist friends arguing over free will. I hope I won't lose you, but I might. Join me as I try to violate my own free will by exercising my free will. Plus your calls. You must call. You have no choice. Like this show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable?ref=hl Friend me: https://www.facebook.com/andrewtheatheist Read me: http://andrewtheatheistsblog.blogspot.com/
I figure it's time to get to it. Counter-apologetics. What do atheists have to say when faced with the arguments we get from believers? How do we respond to the most common arguments? Is there even a point to discussing it? I figure I'll start with the end: TAG, or the transcendental argument for god, or presupposition. It's the end-game argument, the fall-back, the fail-safe. Or is it just a carpet bomb of nonsense? There's no way I'll cover all of TAG in 30 minutes, but let's give it a shot. Plus your calls, which would make this episode epic. Like this show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtheistRoundtable?ref=hl
Can we go a week without some GOP nutcase saying something stupid about women? By the time this episode runs, the election will be upon us. How does the religious right view women? Should the single mother feel hurt or angry about the position the religious take on feminism?
Plus, your calls. Equals auditory nerve orgams!
My aunt died recently. I went to the wake. I went to the VERY Catholic funeral and burial.
This episode, I want to look at death. Is death scary for the atheist? Does no belief in an afterlife leave us hopeless? We don't think we will be reunited with passed loved ones in some far off distant land. Does that make funerals that much more sad? Join me as I discuss life and death on the Atheist Roundtable!
I wish I could avoid it, but this being an election year and all, I cannot avoid a show dedicated to me btiching about politics. There are a few things I just have to vent and this is when I'm going to do it!
Plus, your calls.
Equals more awesomeness than your auditory nerve can handle.
I'll be officating my first wedding this weekend. I'll talk about the expirience, and what marriage means to the atheist.
Plus, other random thoughts that come to mind.
Plus, your calls.
I hear all the time: "Why do atheists always talk about god? For not believing in something, they sure do talk about god a whole lot!!" Why DO athesists talk so much about god? What is all this ado about nothing?
PLUS: other thoughts from my brain.
PLUS: your calls!
It's really going to happen!! A new Episode. This time, I mean it!
Still have nothing in particular to talk about, so call in and give me what for!
It's time to talk about abortion. I expect this will be fun.
I've only ever run into one word besides "atheism" that makes people turn white, and that's abortion. Why is that? Why is this such a huge deal? I'll give my perspective, and take your calls.
What about those jabs atheists use on believers? Things like the "invisible all-powerful sky daddy", or my personal dragon in my pants? Is it worth it to point out all the atrocities the god of the old testement commited? How are these jabs any different from the ones atheists get from beleivers?
All this, plus your calls!
Is Freedom of Religion the same as Freedom to Worship? What, if any, is the difference? How is this argument framong the debate between the Department of Health and Human Services and the American Catholic Bishops?
This show will focus on the issue of the HHS demanding that religious institutions provide comprehensive helath care to its employees, and cannot refuse to do so because they don't like it.
Ever heard any of these: "You have to believe in SOMETHING!" or "Why are you mad at god?" or "Your life must have no meaning!"
This episode of the Roundtable, we'll talk about these jabs people give atheists and what responses people have had for them.
Join me!
This episode will focus on two fascinating news stories. The first in from Louisiana where Rep. Valarie Hodges was shocked to learn that the vouchers she supported to send children to Christian schools could also be used to send children to Muslim schools. Oh, how could that happen?
The second is about a woman convicted of drunk driving. Her sentence includes a book report on Job. Really? What in teh world does that have to do with hurting people in a car wreck?
Plus your calls.
If you want to send me a message, email me at atheistroundtable@gmail.com. Check out my blog at http://andrewtheatheistsblog.blogspot.com/. If you really like the show, drop by the blog and consider making a donation. All contributions will go to allowing me to upgrade to the premium version of blogtalkradio.
Show links: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/07/05/louisiana-republican-when-i-voted-for-state-funds-to-go-to-religious-schools-i-didnt-mean-muslim-ones/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/05/s-c-judge-sentences-drunk-driver-to-8-years-bible-study/
Meet the host, Andrew Garber. I'll go over my apostasy story, and let you all know how I moved from theim to atheism. This is going to be a live call-in show. I'll do my best to answer questions regarding atheism, non-belief and so forth.
Since this is the first time I'm doing this, I'll be making many errors. Your patience is appreciated.