Thank God I'm Atheist: Recent Episodes
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Frank and Dan's off-the-cuff conversations focus on current events cast through the lens of their shared atheism. Episodes include a rundown of six news stories from the prior week, and the show occasionally features interviews with writers, thinkers, and leaders in the atheist community. As former Mormons, the hosts provide insight into the often misunderstood religious minority.
Death comes for all of us, but what does grief look like without belief in an afterlife? Frank is joined by Rachel for a personal conversation about scattering her father's ashes five years after his death, finding closure without religion, and whether mourning is different when this life is the only one we have.
Also this week: Christian men create women-free gyms to avoid "lust," Kim Davis is accused of hiding assets to dodge paying a civil rights judgment, a Texas deputy uses a massive license-plate camera network to track a woman who had an abortion, OpenAI faces a wrongful death lawsuit after ChatGPT allegedly encouraged a vulnerable user toward suicide, an airline finally says "enough" to an in-flight evangelist, and a West Virginia pastor would rather empty his food bank than accept donations from LGBTQ-supporting organizations.
Pioneer Day is one of Utah's biggest celebrations, but how much of the Mormon pioneer story is history? And how much is mythology? Frank and Dan take a fresh look at the conflict that drove the Mormons west, why the word "persecution" doesn't tell the whole story, and how the familiar handcart-and-heroism narrative leaves out a lot of the truth.
Also this week: preparations begin for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' baptism, two Catholic nuns launch an order dedicated to helping survivors of church abuse, the USDA faces a lawsuit over explicitly Christian government emails, a new poll reveals what Jewish Americans think about Israel and Gaza, West Virginia stands firm on school vaccine requirements despite pressure for religious exemptions, and a prominent Black Baptist leader argues that not voting is a sin.
This week's final segment tackles a surprisingly tricky question: what is a religious conversion? Does becoming an atheist count, or is it something entirely different? We explore where Americans are actually moving religiously, why the "nones" continue to grow, and what it really means to change (or leave) your faith.
Also this week: a Utah man is arrested after allegedly plotting an attack on Muslims, Idaho's abortion laws drive another community's OB-GYNs away, Brazil's evangelical boom gets blamed for the national soccer team's decline, a Christian tech company asks investors to keep the faith, and Orthodox Jews lobby for permanent daylight saving time.
Frank and Dan explore why modern Mormon temple interiors resemble upscale hotel lobbies rather than awe-inspiring sacred spaces. They compare Mormon architecture with historic cathedrals, discuss the church's increasing architectural homogenization, and argue that Mormon aesthetics have become more corporate than spiritual. We also tease organizing a TGIA group visit when the renovated Salt Lake Temple opens to the public.
Also this week: Turkey bars an LGBTQ+ cruise from coming ashore, Indiana's lieutenant governor declares America a Christian nation, the Church of England stumbles into a conversion therapy controversy, a new poll reveals which religions Americans like (and really don't like), a MAGA preacher insists Jesus had a six-pack, and a Catholic hospital sale restores access to reproductive healthcare previously blocked by church doctrine.
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How do you tell the difference between a prophet and someone experiencing a delusion? This week, Frank and Dan explore the uneasy intersection of religion and mental illness, asking how believers decide whether a voice in someone's head is divine revelation or a symptom of psychosis.
Also this week: the Vatican excommunicates hundreds of traditionalist Catholics, a Mormon general authority apologizes after racist remarks about African American spirituals, Christian missionaries descend on Trump's sparsely attended America 250 celebration, FLDS leader Samuel Bateman is convicted on additional child abuse charges, scientists create a synthetic cell that can grow and divide, and the San Francisco Archdiocese agrees to a $395 million clergy abuse settlement.
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As America approaches its 250th birthday, we're asking a simple question: Is this what the Founders wanted? Christian nationalists insist the United States was established as a Christian nation, but what did the men who actually wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution believe? Frank and Dan separate historical fact from modern mythology while exploring whether the secular government envisioned by the Founders has drifted from its original course.
Also this week: a Mormon family sues a California school district over LGBTQ-inclusive lessons, the Supreme Court leaves a Rastafarian prisoner without a remedy after guards shaved his dreadlocks, Seattle's Pride World Cup match pits Iran against Egypt, reports of rising anti-Christian violence in Israel raise uncomfortable questions, Texas votes to require Bible stories in its public-school curriculum, and a gay Tennessee student reaches a settlement after being punished by her Christian school for coming out.
What happens to religion if humanity discovers we're not alone in the universe? This week, Frank and Dan explore one of the biggest theological questions imaginable: aliens. Would Christianity survive first contact? Would extraterrestrials need their own Jesus? Could they arrive with a religion more advanced than our own?
Along the way, we also discuss an Iranian singer punished for performing without a hijab, RFK Jr.'s push for faith-based addiction treatment, anti-Muslim opposition to a new Islamic center in New Mexico, Christian nationalism, and a bizarre fight over Bible verses on MLB Pride hats.
With Frank under the weather this week, Dan takes the reins solo for a special live-stream edition of Thank God I'm Atheist. Along the way he digs into Christian nationalists attempting to build a new religious stronghold in Washington state, revisits the ongoing debate over whether Mormons are considered Christian by their evangelical neighbors, and looks at Donald Trump's latest honor from an Orthodox Christian leader.
Dan also checks in on the Ark Encounter as it approaches its tenth anniversary, discusses new Catholic abuse-prevention guidelines, celebrates the return of the infamous Route 666 to Hell, and spends plenty of time chatting with listeners from around the world.
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Are Mormons Christian? It's a question that's sparked debates for generations, and now the Pentagon has unexpectedly weighed in. This week Frank and Dan discuss the Department of Defense's new list of recognized faith categories, which places The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside its Christian classifications while simultaneously removing atheists, humanists, pagans, and several other minority belief groups from the list altogether.
Elsewhere, we discuss a Christian employee suing over a Pride flag at work, a Presbyterian debate over polyamory, a Colorado gubernatorial candidate's unbelievable personal claims, the rise of megachurch-run colleges, and a UFO religion's latest attempt to prepare humanity for alien contact. Plus a Pride Month conversation about whether churches belong at Pride events.
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A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh was headed for ritual sacrifice during a Muslim holiday (until people noticed it looked remarkably like Donald Trump). After the buffalo went viral, government officials stepped in, canceled the sacrifice, and gave the animal a new home at a zoo.
Also this week: a Muslim principal loses her job after a backlash campaign in Texas, a Christian job applicant demands protection from Pride flags and pronouns, Oklahoma lawmakers debate whether children should be allowed to marry, Congress considers spending $1 billion on security for houses of worship, and Rome's famous "hot priest" calendar turns out to feature models instead of clergy. Plus, Frank and Dan discuss why atheists are surprisingly expensive targets for political campaigns.
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The government dumped a fresh batch of UFO files into the public record, and Christian pastors are already racing to explain what we're seeing. Are they aliens? Secret military tech? Weather balloons? Or⌠angels and demons?!! Frank and Dan dive into the newly released footage, the religious panic surrounding it, and why "we don't know" remains the most honest (and apparently least popular) answer.
In other news: pastors in Nashville are accused of running a medication rebate scam through a church clinic, a Chick-fil-A franchise gets hit with a religious discrimination lawsuit over Sabbath scheduling, and a former Christian pop star reclaims one of his biggest hits after coming out as gay. Also... protest zones outside houses of worship, student loans for "useless" degrees, and Pope Leo XIV's surprisingly serious warnings about the ethics of artificial intelligence.
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America is turning 250⌠and Christian nationalists are determined to make sure the birthday party belongs to them. This week, Frank and Dan dive into the bizarre "Rededicate 250" event in Washington D.C., where Trump allies, religious activists, and culture war celebrities are pushing the idea that the United States was founded as a Christian nation (and therefore should become one again).
Elsewhere: Rudy Giuliani claims he had a heavenly near-death experience, Hillsong founder Brian Houston accidentally posts porn to his followers, Christian nationalist culture warrior Ryan Walters files for divorce, and Texas officials shut down a Muslim community Eid celebration at a water park because apparently even modest swimwear is too threatening for Greg Abbott.
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Richard Dawkins spent decades convincing people to think critically about religion. Now he's wondering if a chatbot might actually be conscious. After an extended conversation with an AI he nicknamed "Claudia," the famed atheist author published a baffling article arguing that modern AI may be far more self-aware than we think. Frank is away this week, so Dan and Kate dive into one of the strangest (and most unintentionally hilarious) AI meltdowns we've seen yet.
Also this week: France reckons with stolen Nazi-looted artwork, Norway restores government funding to Jehovah's Witnesses despite their shunning practices, a new Christian phone company promises to protect kids from YouTube and "dangerous" ideas, Southern Baptists continue losing members, anti-Semitic incidents show signs of decline after years of spikes, and the Catholic Church cautiously opens the door to listening to gay Catholics about the damage caused by conversion therapy.
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A Florida pastor who wrote a book about "biblical marriage" has been arrested after allegedly marrying a second woman while still married to his first wife. Frank and Dan dive into the very awkward collision between Christian marriage advice, secret spouses, and a pastor who may have taken "biblical marriage" a little too literally.
Also this week: TikTokers are "speedrunning" Scientology buildings, a strange UK religious cult faces slavery and forced marriage charges, Trump's "anti-Christian bias" task force releases a report full of grievances and very little evidence, a liberal megachurch pastor shakes up Kansas politics, and the Mormon church somehow makes their youth programs even weirder.
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She wasn't catfished. She wasn't delusional. She fell in love... with an AI! And when that digital companion suddenly disappeared, the grief was real enough to take to a Buddhist temple for a memorial. This week, we dig into one of the strangest and most revealing stories yet about artificial intelligence, loneliness, and what happens when technology stops being a tool and starts feeling like a person.
Beyond that, there's a packed slate of stories, from anti-trans policy changes at HUD and a historic Vatican meeting with the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, to slipping support for Trump among Utah's religious voters. We also cover a controversial school tracking system, a major Catholic abuse verdict, listener reactions to that deadly baptism story, and a final segment on the LDS Church suing the Mormon Stories podcast.
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Trump posts an AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure, and suddenly that's what sparks outrage from Christians?! In this shorter "TGIA Light" episode, we dig into the bizarre backlash, the selective standards of blasphemy, and what it reveals about modern religious and political loyalty. We also look at how pastors are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT to write sermons, and check in on Trump's "Religious Liberty Commission," which seems more interested in rewriting church-state separation than protecting it.
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Alex Jones turning on Donald Trump wasn't on anyone's bingo card, but here we are! In a moment that feels less like politics and more like a full-blown schism, one of Trump's loudest allies is suddenly calling him out for going too far. Is this the beginning of real cracks inside MAGA, or just another bizarre twist in a movement that's built on them? Either way, it's a rare glimpse of the machine turning on itself, and it's hard to look away...
Elsewhere, a school assembly speaker gets exposed for sneaking Jesus into anti-bullying talks, a baptism ends in tragedy and criminal charges, and a group of nuns would rather sue than care for trans patients. Plus, Trump dreams up a massive, gold-drenched monument for D.C., the Pentagon reportedly picks a fight with the Pope, and an astronaut can't resist bringing Jesus into orbit.
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A top FEMA official says God teleported him⌠to a Waffle House. Not metaphorically. Not "in spirit." Literally... mid-crisis, mid-life, mid-reality... He claims he was transported miles away as part of a divine encounter, and now he's defending it with scripture! It's the kind of story that would be funny if it weren't coming from someone with real power, and somehow, it only gets worse the deeper you go. (And it's actually pretty funny too).
Also this week: the Supreme Court opens the door to conversion therapy under "free speech," a federal judge rules Arkansas's Ten Commandments monument unconstitutional (for now), and Pete Hegseth's Pentagon prayer situation raises fresh churchâstate questions. The LDS Church doubles down on anti-trans policy, new data shows Mormons quietly shifting left politically, and a judge blocks an attempt to gut the Johnson Amendment. In the final segment, the Artemis mission takes flight⌠along with people who think rockets are hitting the firmament.
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A prayer calling for "overwhelming violence" is where Frank and Dan start this week, as they examine comments from Pete Hegseth and the disturbing implications of religious language being used to justify force and power. They break down how this kind of rhetoric fits into a broader pattern of increasingly militant expressions of faith in political spaces, and what it signals about the direction of religion's role in public life.
From there, Frank and Dan move through a slate of stories that highlight how widespread these tensions have become: a Pentagon proposal to label military chaplains by faith, a conspiracy-driven sermon linking gender equality to demographic control, new legislation in Canada challenging religious exemptions in hate speech law, fresh data showing the continued decline of a "biblical worldview" in the U.S., shifting support for Trump-era deportation policies among religious groups, and a retracted report that briefly suggested a revival of church attendance in the U.K.
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A televangelist says he needs a private jet, and he's citing the Bible to justify it! After ditching commercial travel, he's now asking followers to fund his upgrade, arguing even Christ had to avoid the crowds. Apparently, salvation travels first class (or better).
Also this week: a bizarre Mormon conference tries to argue Joseph Smith didn't practice polygamy, prompting backlash and possible discipline from the church; a Pittsburgh priest gets caught selling church artifacts on eBay after repeatedly stealing baseball cards from Walmart; Democrats experiment with running pastors for office, raising questions about religion's role on the left; Texas gets pushed by the courts to reconsider excluding Muslim schools from its voucher program; and Jehovah's Witnesses quietly ease their blood transfusion ban (sort of). Plus, the LDS Church rolls out a so-called "gender equity" change that lets women lead Sunday School⌠as long as they don't lead men.
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A man quietly says a prayer on a flight, and it ends with police, a diversion, and a wave of panic. What should have been an ordinary moment of religious observance during Ramadan was treated like a security threat, exposing how quickly fear and bias can escalate at 30,000 feet. In this episode, we break down what actually happened, why it spiraled, and what it reveals about the double standard around public expressions of faith.
Also this week: Trump leans into "bad genetics" rhetoric that sounds a lot like eugenics, Texas rolls out a "religious freedom" voucher program that somehow excludes Muslim schools, and a new legal challenge turns abortion bans into a religious freedom issue. We also look at a bizarre Bible-reading marathon featuring conservative heavyweights, and a papal critique of war that raises big questions about moral accountability. Then in the final segment, we dig into whether a progressive Christian like James Talarico might be part of the answer to Christian nationalism, or just a different version of the same problem.
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A top CPAC leader sparked outrage this week after defending the bombing of Iranian schoolgirls. During a heated debate on Piers Morgan's show, American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp suggested the girls might be "better off dead" than growing up under Iran's oppressive regimeâan argument that left the panel stunned and raised disturbing questions about how far some are willing to go to justify war.
Elsewhere in the episode: Utah lawmakers turn Good Friday into a state holiday (in a state that barely observes it), a quiet new Utah education bill pushes religion into the teaching of America's founding, and a disturbing wave of Christian pundits celebrating war because they think it will trigger the End Times. We also look at Pete Hegseth's biblical war rhetoric and the growing overlap between nationalism, Christianity, and foreign policy. Then in the final segment, we zoom out to examine the darker side of apocalyptic beliefâand why some believers seem genuinely excited about the possibility of global catastrophe.
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A quiet little mistake at BYU sets off a surprisingly big reaction! When a drink at the Mormon-owned Brigham Young University turned out to contain green tea, it reopened the question of what the Mormon "Word of Wisdom" actually bans, and why a 19th-century health rule still causes confusion today. Frank and Dan unpack the green tea mix-up and the strange logic behind Mormon caffeine culture (because they most definitely do consume the stuff!!)
Elsewhere in the episode: Congress launches a "Sharia Free America" caucus, anti-LGBTQ parents win a $1.5 million payout over school books, the Taliban burns musical instruments in Afghanistan, Kansas makes clergy mandatory reporters (with a major confession loophole), a Catholic bishop is accused of embezzling church funds for trips to a Tijuana brothel, and Tucker Carlson's new prayer-app sponsor sparks backlash from Christians.
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A Florida congressman has introduced something called the "Protect Puppies from Sharia Act." Yes, that's the real name. The bill claims to defend dogs from Islamic law bans that don't exist, turning imaginary threats into federal legislation. We break down the culture-war paranoia behind it, and how this is what passes for serious governance now.
Elsewhere, we cover a massive Catholic abuse settlement and what it says about institutional accountability, a heartbreaking measles case tied to vaccine refusal, Louisiana's Ten Commandments law surviving another court challenge, Liberty University's push for a social media fast, and new Gallup data showing public trust in clergy collapsing. We close with a broader look at Christian nationalism and whether losing culture-war battles actually slows the movement, or quietly strengthens it.
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The Mormon Church has made a move that's raising questions about where it's headed next. President Dallin H. Oaks has appointed Clark Gilbert as the newest apostle, a relatively young (at 55 years old!) leader known for his firm orthodoxy and culture-war posture within church education. For many within the church and without, it feels like a signal about the future direction of the institution, particularly on LGBTQ issues and internal dissent.
We also examine Alabama's proposal to make disrupting a church service a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison, Oklahoma's latest attempt to establish a publicly funded religious charter school, and a lawsuit challenging Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. Plus: a controversial plea deal involving a former prison chaplain, and a Christian university "merger" that ended with faculty fired and assets absorbed.
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As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Donald Trump is launching a rival celebrationâ"Freedom 250"âcomplete with a national jubilee of prayer and a rededication of the country as "one nation under God." At the same time, the man linked to infidelity, sexual misconduct allegations, financial fraud, and relentless public dishonesty continues to enjoy overwhelming support from American Christians.
Elsewhere, a group of evangelicals hijack a long-haul flight with midair preaching (again!), an Arizona pastor calls for repealing women's right to vote, researchers flag evangelical bias in AI chatbots, a Utah city councilman says your rights are "God-given," not constitutional, and the "He Gets Us" campaign gets a makeover this year for the Super Bowl. Plus: a secular take on Lent and whether giving something up can have value for us non-believers.
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Pop star Nicki Minaj helped launch Donald Trump's latest schemeâand walked off with a shiny receipt. After backing Trump's new "Trump Accounts" and pouring serious money into the project, Minaj publicly declared that God is protecting Trumpâthen promptly showed off a Trump "Gold Card," a not-so-subtle symbol of access for sale. This week, we break down the celebrity worship, divine flattery, and raw pay-to-play politics that turn governance into a transaction.
We also dig into conservative outrage over the Super Bowl halftime show, Texas pushing Bible-based curriculum into public schools, a coordinated effort to roll back marriage equality, glaring sentencing disparities between religious offenders, and a rare moment of progress as Orthodox rabbis condemn conversion therapy. Then we close the show by pulling way backâconfronting the sheer scale of the universe and asking what happens to small, human-sized gods when faced with billions of galaxies and a cosmos that doesn't care what we believe.
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Donald Trump says God is proud of him. During a bizarre, softball-filled press appearance marking his first year back in office, Trump claimed divine approval for his presidencyâoffered without evidence or irony. We unpack the religious delusion, the collapse of press accountability, and what it means when a sitting president openly frames himself as God's chosen leader.
Beyond Trump, we take on a parade of churchâstate absurdities: Florida prisons ban the Bhagavad Gita for being "written in code," Oklahoma sheriffs tout Christian jailhouse conversions until lawyers step in, and a Texas county installs a Ten Commandments monument to dare the courts to stop them. We also cover Catholic leaders warning that U.S. foreign policy has lost its moral compass, new Pew data showing Catholicism rapidly declining in Latin America, and a sharp debate over protesters disrupting a Minnesota church linked to an ICE officialâforcing the question of where religious freedom ends and accountability begins.
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A pastor says he's under attack for his faith. The truth is worse... and dumber! After the home of Tennessee preacher Greg Locke was shot up, he immediately declared it an act of Christian persecution (without evidence). When it later became clear the attack had nothing to do with religion, the story took a turn that perfectly captures how grievance, fear, and bad faith keep the persecution narrative alive.
Elsewhere this week: Utah's Republican legislature tries to erase Salt Lake City's Harvey Milk BLVD by threatening to rename it after Charlie Kirk; Texas AG Ken Paxton sues over imaginary Christian discrimination in a driver's handbook; Protestant churches are closing faster than they're opening; an Oklahoma city blocks a new mosque after openly Islamophobic public testimony; Department of Homeland Security quietly gives immigration breaks to religious workers amid a broader crackdown; and a Catholic bishop ignites chaos by dictating the "correct" way to kneel during communion.
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In a calculated hedge against hell, Dilbert creator Scott Adams announces a death-bed conversion to Christianity, explicitly framing it as Pascal's Wagerâa cynical, calculated play for the afterlife. Christians celebrate, atheists groan, and we unpack why this story is catnip for religious propaganda, why the logic collapses instantly, and why deathbed conversions remain one of Christianity's favoriteâand flimsiestâvictory laps. (Adams passed away at age 68 from prostate cancer after we recorded the show.)
Then: the Pope condemns medical aid in dying after Illinois legalizes it, a lawyer is fined $400,000 for warning a school about an accused priest, the U.S. Defense Secretary pushes Christianity deeper into the military, China cracks down on underground Christian churches, Israel prepares to relocate a so-called "lost tribe" from India, and the LDS Church quietly dismantles its all-female Temple Square mission.
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What happens when Trump desecrates a painting of Jesus? Billionaires line up to buy it. At a Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party, Trump signs a painting of Christâoffering a very public glimpse at how faith, money, and power now intersect.
From there, it's a week of religion doing what it does best: embarrassing itself in public. A failed doomsday prophet in Ghana finds out there are consequences when the apocalypse doesn't show up, Iran's theocratic regime faces mass protests fueled by hunger and economic collapse, and conservatives melt down after New York City's new mayor commits the ultimate sinâtaking his oath of office on the "wrong" holy book. Plus, Marjorie Taylor Greene stumbles into a moment of clarity about Trump's faith, Chick-fil-A makes things awkward again, and we askâonce moreâwhat any of this is actually doing to the country.
A University of Oklahoma instructor gave a student a failing grade â and lost their job over it. The reason? Religion entered the chat. We unpack how a routine college assignment turned into a culture-war flashpoint, why academic standards suddenly became optional, and how religious grievance keeps getting rewarded when it collides with higher education.
Also this week: Trump administration officials decide government social media accounts are a fine place to preach Christianity, Sarah Huckabee Sanders issues a Christmas proclamation that sounds more like a sermon, and a Colorado megachurch leans hard into child-trafficking panic to push anti-trans ballot initiatives. Plus new Pew numbers on religion in America, a rare LDS feel-good story, listener mail, and yet another reminder that moral panic never really goes away â it just finds new targets.
What happens when a man decides an airplane cabin is the perfect place to hold church? This week, we discuss the now-viral moment of a passenger pulling out his guitar mid-flight to serenade a captive audience with praise songs. Some travelers joined in while everyone else stared ahead in silent fury. We talk about public space, consent, religious entitlement, and why "sharing the Good News" at 30,000 feet feels less like ministry and more like an in-flight nightmare.
Also on the show: Franklin Graham preaching about God's love and God's hatred at a Christmas service hosted at the Pentagon; an Arizona lawmaker pushing to force "intelligent design" into public school science classes; the Catholic Archdiocese of New York selling off prime real estate to pay clergy abuse settlements after its insurer refuses coverage; an Anglican bishop cleared after allegedly mishandling multiple abuse cases; a self-styled prophet predicting a Christmas flood and building multiple arks to survive it; and a surprisingly hopeful look at how AI is helping scholars translate ancient religious textsâpossibly demystifying scripture faster than ever before.
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What happens when a custody dispute turns into a fight over whether a child is being harmed by religionâand the courts are forced to weigh in? This week, we dig into a disturbing custody case that forces an uncomfortable question into the open: should religion get special protection when kids are the ones paying the price?
We also cover the Mormon Church's latest branding hypocrisy as it pressures independent podcasts to stop using the word "Mormon," a Utah high school administrator delivering a religiously loaded pep talk that shames struggling students, and a World Cup Pride match in Seattle that sends Iran and Egypt into predictable outrage. Plus: Florida and Texas label a Muslim civil rights group a "terrorist organization," the Catholic Church is forced into a $230 million abuse settlement, and new Pew data reveals that religion's long decline in the U.S. may have temporarily stalled.
It's that time of year again: the War on Christmas is backâand wilder than ever. This week, Dan and Kate dive into the bizarre conservative outrage over a nativity scene depicting the Holy Family as migrants detained by ICE. Right-wing commentators are furious, churches are divided, and somehow this one small display has become a national symbol of everything they think is wrong with America. We unpack the theology, the politics, and the truly unhinged reactions.
Then we get into a whole slate of religious weirdness from around the country:
- A Florida attorney general tries to shut down a Drag Queen Christmas performance
- Christian rock band Skillet is accused of releasing "demonic" holiday music
- West Virginia courts weaken vaccine mandates in the name of religious liberty
- BYU football players quietly scale back their missionary service
- A Tennessee woman stages a fake kidnapping "lesson" for kids that backfires spectacularly
And for our final segment, Dan dives into research on how former members of insular religious communities talk about forgivenessâand how that differs from what their traditions demand.
Nothing says "holiday spirit" quite like Christian leaders panicking over a goth-themed Christmas market, and their dramatic meltdown is far more entertaining than anything on the vendor tables.
From there, we look at an Oklahoma student stunned that her Bible-based gender essay didn't pass a psychology assignment, the Vatican's latest attempt to police monogamy, and a disturbing story out of South Africa where a pastor's self-appointed authority went far beyond anything resembling justice. Back in Utah, Sweet Saltâan LDS modest-fashion clothing storeâis shutting down, and in Austria, three elderly nuns have staged a bold return to their abbey with the help of an unexpectedly large Instagram following.
In our closing segment, Dan shares a thoughtful and deeply personal reflection on the recent passing of his motherâan honest conversation about compassion, autonomy, and the realities families face.
The Epstein files have finally started to drip out, and the early reactions are already something to behold. This week, Frank and Dan wade into the bizarre rhetorical contortions spilling out of the right-wing media sphereâfrom Megyn Kelly's head-scratching attempt to "reframe" things to the Catholic League charging in with one of the most offensive defenses imaginable.
We also look at Catholic clergy in Chicago suing ICE for blocking access to detained migrants, and the Vatican's "generous" decision to return 62 Indigenous artifacts to First Nations communities in Canada. Meanwhile, Ken Paxton is threatening schools that won't put the Ten Commandments in every classroom, and the UK Supreme Court finally calls out mandatory religious education in Northern Ireland schools for what it is: Christian indoctrination.
To close things out, we talk about gratitude and how atheists can navigate Thanksgiving without a divine recipient of their thankfulness.
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SCOTUS just delivered a win for marriage equality. After nearly a decade of appeals, lawsuits, and national drama, the Supreme Court has officially declined to hear Kim Davis' case challenging gay marriage⌠leaving the original ruling in place and the former county clerk on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars. What does this mean for gay marriage going forward? We break it all down.
This week's episode dives into the biggest religion-and-politics stories making headlines:
- SCOTUS rejects Kim Davis ⢠Marriage equality remains intact
- U.S. Catholic Bishops elect a far-right "culture warrior" to lead the conference
- Transgender Air Force veterans sue the military after losing retirement benefits
- HVAC tech sues employer for forcing him to work with women (Billy Graham Rule meltdown)
- Pastors running as Democrats in 2026 races
- The UK is building a 168-foot monument to "answered prayers" (and it's⌠actually cool?)
- Plus, this year's Holiday Survival Guide for atheists navigating religious family gatherings.
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A Catholic school in Pennsylvania put the words "Arbeit Macht Frei"âthe infamous phrase from the Auschwitz gateâon the back of its Halloween float. Frank and Dan try to understand how something this shocking made it through so many adults without anyone realizing what it meant, and what it says about religious education and historical ignorance.
Also this week: a "family values" lawmaker caught up in the Ashley Madison data leak, ICE detains an Episcopal priest who's legally in the U.S., and the Pope shuts down the "Mary as co-redemptrix" movement. Plus, Bangladesh clerics push to ban music in schools, and churches fail a TikTok test on helping hungry families.
Finally, the guys talk about the outrage over New York City's new Muslim mayor, why so many people equate "Muslim" with "terrorist," and what that says about the fear that still drives American religion.
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Christian nationalism, hypocrisy, and pepper-sprayed pastorsâoh my! Frank and Dan start in Oklahoma, where LGBTQ+ kids are literally breathing easier now that hateful school superintendent Ryan Walters is gone. Then it's on to a Pentecostal whistleblower who got fired for exposing his bishop's embezzlement, Trump's latest delusional threat to invade Nigeria, and Texas judges who just got the green light to refuse gay weddings. We also check in on America's most eyeliner-forward vice-president, J.D. Vance, and learn how Florida's school-voucher crusade is accidentally funding Muslim schools (cue the outrage!).
Finally, Frank and Dan dig into an unexpected question: why do clergy still carry moral weight in public protestsâand could atheists ever have an equivalent?
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Dan welcomes guest host Kate while Frank escapes to paradise (again!). Together they discuss new revelations about creep-o Warren Jeffs and how he forced his wives to satisfy his kinks... but you know: for the lord.
This week:
- Gen Z "Revival" â Overhyped college baptisms; mostly young men clinging to old-school patriarchy.
- Pew Poll â More Americans think religion's power is rising; hosts say it's just the fringe.
- Kenya Wine Scandal â Communion wine sold in bars, church locks down supply.
- Ted Cruz & Nigeria â Cruz invents a "Christian genocide" for political points.
- King Charles & the Pope â First joint prayer in 400 years; royal-religious absurdity ensues.
- Megachurch Wealth â Pastors justify riches as God's favor, expose on greed and guilt-shaming.
And of course, God's secret commandment to Warren Jeffs.
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Trump's been thinking about eternity, and apparently he's not so sure he's getting into heaven. This week, Frank and Dan unpack the world's most unexpected crisis of conscience as Trump ponders his afterlife prospects and MAGA faithful insist he's still God's chosen one.
Also this week: an atheist in South Carolina is barred from working the polls for refusing to say "so help me God," Oklahoma schools finally ditch their Bible mandate after Ryan Walters' departure, and a Massachusetts town drops plans for $1.7 million worth of angel statues for police and firefighters. Across the pond, a British court rules that burning a Quran is protected free speech, and the Anglican Communion faces a potential schism over appointing a woman as Archbishop.
Then, in the final segment, the guys dive into a new "children's Bible" project, and the question of whether any version of the Bible is fit for kids. (Spoiler: probably not.)
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A Texas pastor has a divine recruitment strategyâhe's telling Christians to "Join ICE for Jesus." We unpack his unholy mix of nationalism, cruelty, and theology while trying to keep their blood pressure in check.
Also in this episode: ⢠A preacher blames the wrong calendar for the rapture's no-show ⢠Mormons raise nearly $400K for a shooter's family ⢠Catholic preschools lose their anti-LGBTQ discrimination case ⢠Florida high school gets "Witchy Wednesday" backlash ⢠The ELCA names its first Black presiding bishop
Then, we face off over a big question: Should atheists be anti-theistsâor can religion still have a place in a secular world?
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Trumpâs latest executive memo takes aim at âanti-Christianâ Americansâand somehow that includes us and most of our listeners! Yep, under his new NSPM-7 directive, atheists officially make the terrorist watchlist.
This week, Frank and Dan dig into what the memo actually says, why itâs terrifying (and absurd), and what it means for anyone whoâs not worshipping at the altar of Trump.
Plus: The death of LDS prophet Russell M. Nelson at 101, a new female Archbishop of Canterbury, Malaysia says you canât quit Islam once youâve joined, a Texas megachurch pastor gets a shockingly light sentence, a Nepal crowns a two-year-old living goddess, and the Vaticanâs Swiss Guard loses its beloved clown suits.
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Oklahomaâs âTrump Biblesâ have landed in public schools (special editions stuffed with the Constitution and other patriotic texts), but they're conspicuously lacking the amendments that abolished slavery, secured womenâs suffrage, and guaranteed civil rights. Frank and Dan unpack the scandal and what it means for education and politics.
Plus: the âJesus Take the Wheelâ songwriter dies in a plane crash, Portuguese bikers get their helmets blessed, Peter Thiel ties AI regulation to the Antichrist, churches resurrect Charlie Kirk with AI generated deepfakes, Ryan Walters quits as state superintendent of schools to join an anti-union crusade, and TikTok Christians brace for a rapture that never came.
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What happens when faith and bigotry collide? A Texas preacher made headlines after telling white Christian parents they need to give their kids "the talkâ about the supposed dangers of Black people.
This week on Thank God Iâm Atheist:
- Trumpâs âpatriotic educationâ plan turns the nationâs 250th birthday into Christian nationalist indoctrination.
- Kash Patel sends Charlie Kirk to Valhalla (yes, really).
- The Taliban bans books by women and cuts more subjects from universities.
- A Colorado pastorâs crypto scam crashes and burns.
- A Texas pastor goes full racist with his so-called âtalk.â
- U.S. military academies start accepting the Christian nationalist CLT exam.
And for the big topic: Frank and Dan debate the promise (and horror) of human immortalityâwould we even want to live forever?
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The Vatican has officially canonized Carlo Acutis (the first millennial saint) sparking headlines and debates worldwide. In this weekâs episode of Thank God Iâm Atheist, Frank and Dan unpack how the Catholic Church fast-tracked a âpatron saint of the internetâ and why it matters for modern Catholicism.
Along the way, they dive into the historic first female preacher at the National Baptist Convention USA, the LDS Churchâs 101-year-old president Russell M. Nelson and his record-setting tenure, and the Department of Defenseâs controversial Bible-verse-laden videos under Pete Hegseth. They also explore why your Zodiac sign may be 2,000 years out of date and answer a listenerâs question about Christian-heavy choir music in an Utah public school. Finally, they close with their candid reaction to the shocking political assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah and what it signals about Americaâs religious and political landscape.
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This week, Frank and Dan dig into the shocking story of a Florida pastor who ran a $50 million call center cult, complete with forced labor, starvation, and abuse in the name of God.
They also cover: Kristi Noem funneling Homeland Security funds to churches, the Taliban refusing to let men rescue women after an earthquake, a chaplain abusing detainees in ICE custody, and a Mormon columnist caught in a predator sting. Listener emails tackle everything from schizophrenia stigma to Dobsonâs âstrong-willed childâ legacy.
And in the final segment: the Wall Street Journalâs profile of ex-Mormon TikTok influencersâand why Utah Senator Mike Lee is losing his mind over it.
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Epsiode 716
This week on Thank God Iâm Atheist, Frank is joined by Rachel (with Dan off at Burning Man!) for a lively dive into religionâs latest absurdities. Trumpâs bizarre new obsession with âgetting to heavenâ makes the headlines, Kentucky churches are stealing library books in the name of morality, Quebec wrestles with prayer bans in public spaces, and a nurse swaps her grandmotherâs medication for âvitamins and prayersâ with tragic results.
In the second half, Frank and Rachel tackle the empty ritual of âthoughts and prayersâ in the wake of yet another school shooting. Why do politicians keep offering platitudes instead of solutions? And what does it say about a country that can't figure out how to protect children?
đ Support the show on Patreon: www.patreon.com/tgiatheist đ Watch more episodes + shorts: www.youtube.com/@tgiatheist
This week Frank and Dan take a long, hard look at the legacy of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and one of the most influential figures of the Religious Right. He spent decades pushing child abuse as âdiscipline,â spreading anti-LGBTQ hate, and shaping the culture wars that still drag us down today. With his passing, weâre not exactly breaking out the hymnsâŚ
We also dive into:
- Mormon women going wild over new, shoulder-baring garments
- An Episcopal priest who turned psychedelics into his new ministry
- A Catholic money man trying to steer investments away from LGBTQ rights and Planned Parenthood
- Bible verse sneakers making their way into the Museum of the Bible
- Mormon leaders panicking as church members turn to AI to write their sacrament talks
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âśď¸ Watch on YouTube Catch weekly episodes and Shorts: youtube.com/tgiatheist
Oklahomaâs Ryan Walters loses in court while doubling down on Christian victimhood, Pastor Doug Wilsonâs growing extremist empire in Idaho gets national attention, and Lindsey Graham warns that âGod will pull the plug on Americaâ if we stop funding Israel.
Also in the mix:
- Marjorie Taylor Greene picks a fight with Lindsey Graham
- A Christian charity fires a pregnant gay woman and wins in court
- New York pushes back against political churches with a bold new bill
- A Pennsylvania priest rigs a Corvette raffle
- And in Arizona, a young candidate who says women shouldnât hold office is⌠running for office
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This week, the Christians found us⌠and they came in swinginâ (well, typinâ). The YouTube comment section lit up with righteous fury after last weekâs episode, and we couldnât resist talking about it.
Weâve also got the story of a megachurch pastor returning to the pulpit after prison, a psychedelic mushroom âchurchâ that just beat the state of Utah in court, ICE raids inside places of worship, Missouriâs open push for âChristian conservativeâ gerrymandering, and the Mormon Church heading back to court over child sex abuse cover-ups.
And to top it off, we tear into the most tired, clichĂŠ lines believers love to throw at atheistsâyes, including Pascalâs Wager.
What do a religious sex club, the Shroud of Turin, and a pedophile at a church fair have in common? They're all part of this weekâs wild ride through religious absurdity.
Frank and Dan dig into:
- The airline controversy over booted Jewish teensâanti-Semitism or just unruly French kids?
- The Shroud of Turin gets debunked with 3D modeling.
- A Tennessee pastor uses food bank funds to pay for prostitutionâand lands in prison.
- Guess who got kicked out of the state fair? Not the church with the pedophile.
- The Vatican quietly reinstates a convicted priest after child porn charges.
Plus: A Salt Lake City sex club registers as a religion to dodge the law. Is this the ultimate hack to freedom in a theocracy?
Watch full episodes + Shorts: YouTube.com/@TGIAtheist
Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/tgiatheist
Oklahomaâs ultra-conservative education chief Ryan Walters wants to keep schools âsmut-freeââbut apparently forgot to turn off his retro porn before a state board meeting. Frank and Dan break down the jaw-dropping hypocrisy and the political fallout.
Also in this episode:
- Indianaâs lieutenant governor proposes the death penalty as a condition for abortion in cases of rape
- A prominent Christian activist pleads guilty to child porn charges
- Clergy are quietly letting AI write their sermons
- Mike Johnson celebrates the IRS giving up on church-politics enforcement
- And an entire Welsh diocese is caught binge-drinking for Jesus đˇđşđ¸đŞŠ
Plus, Dan attends Utahâs most Mormon parade and wonders⌠should atheists crash it with a float?
Ever wondered what it means when a church goes full corporate? Frank and Dan wrap up the episode with a deep dive into the Mormon Churchâs 26-story office tower and the billions behind it.
But first: witches selling spells on Etsy (and why it violates Etsyâs own rules), Texas making it illegal for secular celebrants to perform weddings, the Magnolia Network featuring a gay couple and triggering conservative outrage, Pride organizers in Newfoundland banning Recovering From Religion, Japan moving to classify forced religious participation as child abuse, and Billy Grahamâs family suing over his words being used against Trump.
The IRS just made a quiet but explosive decision: it will no longer enforce the Johnson Amendment, effectively giving churches a tax-free license to play politics. Frank and Dan break down how this opens the floodgates for dark money, bribes disguised as âdonations,â and full-blown corruption in Americaâs pulpits.
Also this week:
- The bizarre satanic panic over viral Labubu dolls
- Baylor University rejects LGBTQ research funding after backlash
- A church publicly shames an abuse survivor
- Pope Leo XIV keeps same-sex blessingsâbut is it really progress?
- Catholics promotes a convicted child rapist priest in France
- And pandemic relief funds mysteriously flow into a Catholic trade school
Itâs religion, politics, and jaw-dropping hypocrisyâserved with a side of laughter and disbelief.
Support us on Patreon... www.thankgodimatheist.com/donate
Christian influencers are bringing fatphobia back in the name of Jesusâand Frank and Dan are not having it. This week, they dive into the toxic rise of Christian diet culture and how it ties into purity, control, and righteousness. Plus: Iran issues a fatwa targeting Trump and Netanyahu, Canterbury Cathedral starts handing out indulgences, Americans try to evangelize North Korea via plastic bottles, a Michigan teen sues her school over the Pledge of Allegiance, Utah's governor asks the state to pray for rain (again), and the Dalai Lama stirs up international drama by announcing his reincarnation plans.
The LDS Church just quietly published a long-suppressed 1886 letter from prophet John Taylorâdeclaring polygamy an eternal commandment. Frank and Dan dig into the implications for Mormon doctrine.
Also in this episode:
- A Catholic diocese in the UK fires an atheist accountant after she adopts a child
- Pennsylvania considers declaring a âDay of the Bibleâ
- A Saudi journalist is executed for tweets criticizing the regime
- Pew Research shows disturbing levels of support for school prayer in US
- Rastafarian prisonerâs dreadlocks cut by prison guards
- And the World Humanist Congress ditches Washington, D.C.
Stick around for emails, voicemails, and some truly unhinged Christian nationalism.
A failed preacher is arrested for the shocking murder of a Minnesota state senator. Frank and Dan dig into the disturbing religious and political motivations behind the crimeâand the dangerous rhetoric fueling it.
Also in this episode: ⢠Jimmy Swaggart is somehow still alive ⢠A surprising number of Christians are âcheatingâ on their churches ⢠A UK town removes a Pride flag after bookstore complains ⢠Louisianaâs Ten Commandments law hits a legal wall ⢠Mike Huckabee sends a terrifying message to Trump ⢠Atheists barely register in federal prison stats
Listener mail, petty flags, big questions, and more. Email us: podcast@thankgodimatheist.com Support us on Patreon: www.thankgodimatheist.com/donate
A shooting at a Salt Lake City protest. Two state legislators are shot in Minnesota. As political violence grabs headlines across the country, Frank and Dan reflect on a disturbing new realityâand explore the religious rhetoric fueling it.
Also in this episode:
- Iran expands its ban on dog walking
- Arkansas and Illinois fight to post the Ten Commandments
- Southern Baptists target gay marriage
- A far-right Christian gets a top U.S. religious freedom post
- Faith-healing parents sentenced after their newbornâs death
- Pope Leo gets worried about AI⌠and Dan lets ChatGPT suggest how to fix Catholicism
Plus, a listener email about Mormonism and modern revelation, and a final segment reflecting on how close we may be to a breaking pointâand why peaceful protest still matters.
Support us on Patreon... www.thankgodimatheist.com/donate
This week on Thank God Iâm Atheist: A Republican lawmaker freaks out over a Muslim prayer in Congressâexcept it turns out the man praying wasnât Muslim at all. Frank and Dan break down the ignorance and bigotry on display. Plus, a new study explores what happens when clergy take psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms). The results? Surprisingly spiritual.
Also in this episode:
- Denmark pushes stricter bans on burqas and niqabs in schools
- Christian nationalism is thriving in Moscow, Idaho
- A Texas pastor demands access to Pride events to spread his anti-LGBTQ message
- The Community of Christ church names its first female prophet
- Final segment: AI-generated Bible videos go viralâwhat happens when religion looks like a fantasy movie? Link to video... https://youtu.be/zzDZeNhmqeg?si=dTwG6dziuQ0BJHDo
Support us on Patreon! www.thankgodimatheist.com/donate
Frank and Dan tackle a full slate of religious absurdities this week: a Halloween costume sparks Christian outrage in Arizona, Utah quietly buries its own study on gender-affirming care, and a UK teacher sues for the right to misgender students. Meanwhile, school cancels a student play for being too âcontroversial,â and Delaware legalizes medical aid in dying. In the second half of the show, the guys dig into why young men are turning to conservative religionâand what secular folks can offer instead.
Frank is joined by guest host Rachel to unpack a weekâs worth of religious overreach, political absurdity, and moral panic dressed up as righteousness. From Oklahomaâs conspiracy-laced curriculum changes to Franceâs proposed hijab ban for girls under 15, this episode explores how authority figures use âvaluesâ to mask control. Plus: the Popeâs childhood home might be seized, Rushdieâs attacker is sentenced, and new data reveals why more people are leaving belief behind.
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Itâs our 700th episode! Frank and Dan celebrate the milestone with some reflectionâbut first dive headfirst into the usual madness. Catholic bishops in Washington state refuse to comply with mandatory reporting laws for child abuse. Trumpâs appeal to Jewish voters is falling flat. The Episcopal Church is cutting ties with the federal government over sham refugee policies. Plus, attacks on Catholic churches are on the rise, and Jehovahâs Witnesses are suing a whistleblower. Thereâs also listener email, mosh pit therapy, and a game idea involving a MAGA punching booth.
Jim Bakker begs for $1M, NJ town wants to bulldoze church, Christian crowdfunding service defends racist woman's campaign, Texas give Christians an entire month, televangelist given 'gold-plated' AR-15, Southern Baptists continue to hemorrhage members, and the Catholics have a new pope.
Bibles exempted from Trump's tariffs, Trump health adviser cites "demonic forces" as source of childhood diseases, more bad news for Kim Davis, Sikhs shut down Pride parade in northern India, Mormons defeat Texas town, Utah governor says America should be more like Utah, and Donald J. Trump is a ridiculous buffoon who also wants to be pope.
This easter egg roll has been brought to you by, Veteran Affairs Administration joins crusade against anti-Christian bias, Target boycott continues past lent, state resolutions declaring Christ is king, cardinal who oversaw child sex abuse oversees the closing of Pope Francis' coffin, a Mormon education building on school grounds in Arizona, and apparently there's going to be another pope.
Cholera outbreak linked to holy water, BYU grad student deported, a rundown of Mormon numbers, Washington state makes clergy mandatory reporters, architect GaudĂ on path to sainthood, quite the Easter costume contest in San Francisco, and those Mormons win in court once again.
Vicar has a theory about why church attendance is down, IRS actually investigates church over Johnson amendment violations, Catholic hospital argues fetus isn't a person (wait, what?), Heritage Foundation drafts new law in Tennessee, US State Department encourages employees to rat each other out for anti-Christian bias, church rasslin', and we hold a vigorous debate about debating.
Most American Christians don't believe in the trinity, Oklahoma's Ryan Walters sues FFRF, Trump supporters just noticed who's getting deported, reverend sues for discrimination, Poland releases shocking numbers about child sex abuse, shadow Catholics in Ireland, and Frank and Dan have a problem with Easter.
Preacher in hot water after asking congregation for $40k, tech CEO starts Christian services company, Mel Gibson's got a new Jesus movie, Japan shuts down dangerous church, Pete Hegseth's Islamophobic tattoos, a cracker miracle has been disproven, and why not let some woo in if you know it's woo (and it makes you feel better)?
Catholic Archbishop accuses Satanists of stealing consecrated host, Arizona jumps on school chaplain bandwagon, school board amends religious release policy, evangelicals don't believe in science (surprise!), federal judge in Utah sides with psychedelic sacrament group in freedom of religion case, LDS podcasters in trouble with church after being a little too honest on their show, and the terrifying stance of many conservative Christians against empathy.
Minneapolis cancels religious event on government property, Southern Baptist investigation update, pastor regrets money-back guarantee on tithes, Oklahoma bible update, Catholic Church faces setback in efforts to keep clergy sex abuse secret, water fraudsters held accountable, and what to do when someone starts telling you about a miracle.
Gay marriage denier Kim Davis faces another legal setback, airline attempts to serve non-Kosher food to Jewish passengers, Islam is the fastest growing religion in American prisons, Missouri tax break, legislative roundup, a new book, and our latest take on the measles outbreak in Texas.
'Cussing Pastor' is dead, a tale of two skizzes, the wedding cake strikes again, a congressman has a message for the soon to be unemployed, decline of US Christianity slows, some kind of good news from Oklahoma (for once), and the role of Christianity in America (and how we think we're fine without it).
Christians work to get a cross on the moon, mystic uses own blood for bleeding madonna statue, measles outbreak hits religious community hard, gay imam shot and killed, comparing religious nationalism around the world, renaming the West Bank, and the Mormon Church revises cartoons meant to teach children about polygamy.
Pope Franky gets cranky with JD Vance, states are suing to take away the rights of the disabled, a black church has fun with Proud Boys logo, U.S. schools are under attack by Jesus, Utah bill says you can fly the Nazi flag, but not the pride flag, a girl who was assaulted for not saying pledge of allegiance gets justice, and Kate fills in for Frank to discuss parenting in the new American theocracy.
Frank went out of town, and Dan forgot that means he's supposed to post the show. Now it's just a mad dash to get this out to you, so NO SHOW NOTES!
The Mormon cricket might be getting a new name (like all good Mormons [tee-hee]), faith healing follow-up, Oklahoma state senator proposes total ban on porn, priest gets fired after nazi salute, Quran burner shot dead, FFRF sues about tax exempt apartments, and the Mormon church issues statement about caring for the needy.
Churches are no longer off limits to US immigration officials, Freethought Caucus welcomes newest member, US Supreme Court takes up case to consider publicly funded religious schools, radical lawmakers attempt to change Oklahoma constitution, Iraq adopts law allowing child brides (as young as nine years old), a Russian tradition is threatened by global warming, and the entire political right is ticked off at an Episcopal bishop.
Spanish mayor in trouble for imitating the pope, some Christians actually are persecuted, Oklahomans answer poll about Ryan Walters, Mike Johnson offers another offensive prayer, update about the Mormon tithing lawsuit, how much did the Catholics spend on clergy abuse cases, and Christians waste no time fabricating miracles in the wake of the Los Angeles fires.
Special inauguration edition of the "God Bless the USA" bible, Mike Johnson recites fake Thomas Jefferson prayer, gay men allowed to become Catholic priests in Italy, televangelists mass resign from Daystar, Muslims convert to Christianity in Kosovo, West Virginia gives money to Ohio school, and how BYU's "loyalty oath" has finally ruined the school.
"Prophet" foresaw Jimmy Carter's death, Episcopal dustup and its resolution, Taliban announce two new policies affecting Afghan women, Christian "sociologist" links atheism to suicide and rape, the new congress' religious makeup, big trouble in little FFRF, and a new purity culture is sweeping the nation.
Christian realtor found guilty of hate speech, upheaval at Church of England, pay-to-pray scheme at Trump's inauguration, new guidelines for social studies education in Oklahoma, Malaysian man caned for violating Islamic law, Texas book ban leads school librarian to ban bible, and what's the deal with being "spiritual but not religious" and does the word "spiritual" have any use for atheists?
Christian porn use skyrockets, Christian university enslaves students, Vatican nears bankruptcy, Biden administration issues strategy to fight islamophobia, Catholic league posts billboard protesting atheists, Iowa says 'no' to Satan, and the Mormons get on board with the rent-a-Jesus family photo trend.
Ugh... it's true and here's what we talked about: Upcoming LGBT pilgrimage, a nativity at the Vatican (appropriate), a nativity at the US Capitol (less appropriate), a call to Biden, revealing cellphone data about church attendance in US, Noah's ark update, and we offer up once again our Christmas survival guide.
Bible sales are booming, anti-woke crusader targets Christian nationalists, Atheists are more likely than Christians to treat the other fairly, group kicked out of Christmas parade, Village People frontman comes out as homophobe, Christian lawmaker wants to rollback gay rights, and a health insurance CEO is gunned down in NYC and the internet breaks.
This week, Kenneth Copeland sentences us heathens to eternal boredom, India proves that Christians actually are oppressed somewhere, the UK tries to do the bare minimum for dying folks, Ohio takes further steps toward theocracy, an Iowa pastor shows contempt for atheists by depicting a jewish king as a badass, corrupt Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton proves he can be an a$$hole to Christians too, and Andrea and Dan discuss the many [not really] wives of Mormon Church founder Joseph Smith.
First millennial saint canonization date announced, Texas approves Christian curriculum for public elementary schools, Iranian protestor released from mental hospital, small town Scottish supermarket now open on Sundays, Pope Francis makes changes to papal funerals, AI Jesus debuts in Switzerland, and the very mundane reasons people leave religion.
Episode 674: Muslims who voted for Trump already feeling betrayed, head of the Church of England steps down, Iran tries new approach to convince women to wear hijab, Oklahoma bible update, retailer caves to Christian pressure, Louisiana Ten Commandments update, and Mormons just aren't as strict as they used to be (and that's upsetting to many former Mormons).
Church foolishly offers money-back guarantee, human rights orgs cry foul over Iranâs execution of Jewish man found guilty of murder, neighbors say NIMBY to cold nights in Fruit Heights, CEO of Christian org is worried about children except the ones he harms, magician tries to make new Christians appear out of thin air (in public schools), JWs are NOT doing well in Eritrea, and Dan and Kate try to figure out how to deal with friends and family who believe stupid things
So... there was a HUGE miscommunication and this show didn't get posted at the correct time! Our deepest apologies! Anyway, You don't get any show notes this week. If you want to know what happened on the show, you're just going to have to listen to it! Thanks for understanding.
Suspicious 'Catholic' newspapers spew right-wing propaganda, Catholic Church attempts to cancel transgender rabbi's play, polio surges in Pakistan, a 'solution' to some bad publicity, Kamala Harris goes to church, an unexpected walkout at a speech, and the Mormon Church announces big change to their magic underwear.
Taliban bans images of living things, new 'Tree of Life' garden open in Utah, radical Christians say Kamala Harris has a 'Jezebel spirit', archdiocese to pay largest settlement ever in child sex abuse case, Islamists call for caliphate in Germany, 'Utah hair' makes waves on TikTok, and things might be about to get very bad in America.
Night of sex, drugs, and Catholic priests ends badly; school district rescinds policy; 'Trump Bible' headed for Oklahoma classrooms; does being Christian count when pleading insanity?; California sues Catholic hospital; and a discussion about how sometimes it's not Christian Nationalism, it's just Christians being annoying.
Jesus appears in unlikely place, unexpected results from Latin American poll, angry Christians call for Coke boycott, prominent Louisiana pastor convicted, anti-Trump political ad features Billy Graham, Oklahoma state superintendent seeks $6 million for classroom bibles, and the Catholic Church's attempts to find evidence for miracles.
Pope says 'all religions are path to God' ticking off other Catholics, the country of Georgia curbs LGBT rights ('cause religion), UK enacts buffer zones around abortion clinics, shocking percentage of Australian Catholic clergy accused of abuse, Pope urges Catholics to choose the 'letter evil' between Harris and Trump, Mormons in Arizona might swing the state toward Harris, and president of Mormon Church turns 100.
Mormon apostle and steaming pile of unpleasantness Jeffrey Holland decidedly does not apologize, study finds that Christian nationalist rhetoric from political leaders has real consequences, the Pope has a tone-deaf message for Papua New Guinea, and Lance Wallnau agrees that Kamala Harris won the debate, and he knows how she did it. And also- it's our 666th episode, and Satan made Frank sick. Or maybe God did. But we're going to talk about Satan.
Rabbis launch their own fire department, Johnson amendment, Catholic Church dumps predator priests throughout Pacific, Catholic priests stuck in immigration queue, The Meeting House shuts down, Iowa really doesn't want Satanic Temple rally at state capitol, and a bunch of very not Mormon housewives still claim to be Mormon.
Timor-Leste prepares for Pope Francis' visit, Orthodox Church through the pandemic, Utah lawmaker posts racist video, teacher sues after being fired, Ukraine bans Russian Orthodox Church, South Dakota school prayer bill, and the Mormon Temple ceremony just got another rewrite.
Taliban fires men who can't grow beards, the Taliban also gets weird about the sound of women's voices, book banning is alive and well in America (but specifically Texas in this case), Houston megachurch lists mansion and compound for $15M, Mormon Church issues new rules about trans members, Florida's official tourism site removes LGBTQ section, and we feel a guardedly hopeful about America after the DNC.
Church of England pays off predator, Catholic charter school in Oklahoma, Oklahoma legislators 'might' investigate State Superintendent Ryan Walters, Pew world religion survey, proposed Democratic Party platform, Dave Ramsey lawsuit, and Richard Dawkins spreads lies about female olympians.
Louisiana has a plan to skirt the First Amendment, Evangelicals increasingly uneasy about politics, Evangelical leaders call out 'prophets', Rwanda enforces new church policy, appeals court sides with Boston City Council over Satanic Temple, new Episcopalian AI tool kinda nails it, and faith-based medical schools have us wondering what parts of a quality medical education they might be leaving out.
Priest sues Grindr, Hindu pilgrims reek havoc, Egyptian Muslims boycott new film, British response to stabbing tragedy, Mayoral candidate says main qualification for office is his being Christian, monk showdown in Greece, and Christian Crybabies and the Olympics.
Oklahoma school districts in revolt against state superintendent's order to teach bible, large churches are pushes small congregations out of the marketplace, Kim Davis is such a pile of poop, shocking abuse report out of New Zealand, class-action lawsuit forms against Mormon Church, why doesn't Robert Jeffress think god burned down his church, and do atheists need a symbol (something like the Christian cross, but not a murder weapon)?
Republican National Convention crashes Grindr, god-fearing olympians refuse to play on holy days, Taliban leaders filmed dancing, Taliban and women athletes at Olympics, Memphis school district owes Satanic Temple $15k, Paris holy games, and Trump now gets to go around saying god saved him.
Pastor assaults wife over flight upgrade, artwork controversy, baseball player gets baptized on the field, church insurance, largest proportion of new UK MPs take secular oath, Democrats urge IRS investigation, and 'America at a Crossroads' episode talks to Greg Locke.
'Tips for Jesus' gone wrong, Israel's chief rabbinate left 'unmanned' (there might be a pun in there), government minister suspended for 'black magic,' excommunicated Jesuit artist's to be removed, megachurch closes due to ineligibility for abuse insurance, British Columbia secularists win, and the Fourth of July just didn't feel all that great this year.
City confiscates church's loud speakers, an update about an atheist parolee, we actually agree with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, a story to remind us that Oklahoma is Bible crazy, ultra-Orthodox men must be drafted into Israeli army too, a Christian utopia in Nigeria fails (not in the way you would think), and boy oh boy... that was one heck of a debate.
Saudi Arabia is a terrible place to be in summer, Christains turn against their own because they don't understand literary devices, Christian Reform Church doubles-down on hate, Catholic church sued for torturing rather than helping, Christian University shocks everyone by being awful, Unitarians consider adding a new anti-bigotry principle to their creed and some of them fight against it, and Louisiana wants to force kids to have to look at a stupid and outdated group of rules.
A Texas church tells a blind woman to take a hike, a yearbook mistake(?) offends everybody, Samuel Alito is unfit to serve on SCOTUS (again), a Christian medical group tries to trick people, a gay Pakistani man makes questionable choices, Sean Feucht thinks his rights are being violated, and Christians are checking out all the gay books!
Colorado GOP wants to burn Pride flags, a question of women in clergy, an Amazon tribe gets the internet, Southern Baptist abuse reform task force fails, Oklahoma offers school credit for Satanic Temple courses (probably), a discussion about school vouchers, and so many people leave religion only to replace their faith with woo.
Vatican apologizes for pope's use of homophobic slur, Baptist theological seminary covers up sexual assault allegation, Oklahoma schools to allow religious classes during school hours, American missionaries killed in Haiti, Christian lifeguard sues Los Angeles over pride flags, an update about public education in the South, and a conversation about how difficult it is for Christians and atheists to communicate.
Florida priest assaults woman during communion, Scotland passes demographic milestone, Italian middle school teacher causes national uproar over Dante, new website for finding churches, fifteen year old boy sainted, holy relics at Vatican, and polling shows that the number of "nones" in US has plateaued.
Texas megachurch really wants a new traffic light, Vatican museum staff sues Vatican, imprisoned Rastafarian appeals to Supreme Court over cut hair, Chicago high school's quiet time crosses the line, Billy Graham statue headed to US Capitol, free books at Louisiana school, and Madonna's free concert in Brazil stokes new Satanic Panic.
City council in Australia bans same-sex parenting books, Southern Baptist membership numbers in decline, more 'nones' doesn't mean more atheists, college professor fired for not hating enough, school board in Texas edits text books, Boy Scouts rebrand doesn't mean they've gotten nicer to atheists, and in the face of population decline, Pope Francis calls on Catholics to have more babies.
Priest spends diocese money on Candy Crush, Mormon Church in trouble with investors again, United Methodists approve LGBTQ clergy, Catholics in Silicon Valley, bill to fight antisemitism faces backlash in Congress, Utah hate bill meets with trouble, and US Catholic Church pushes back against Vatican II reforms.
And that link Dan wanted everyone to have: https://ut-sao-special-prod.web.app/sex_basis_complaint2.html
Texas nuns fight back, Spain takes action against Catholics, university students in Iran protest, Oklahoma lawmakers have an interesting idea, polling about Mormons and gay marriage, priest retires after uproar, and Mormons react to their leaders insisting they wear their magic underwear all the time.
Majority of Baltimore archdiocese parishes face closure, French court decision enrages Vatican, 'religious litter' gets cleaned up, Wisconsin politician identifies source of homelessness, New York State to enforce independent oversight of clergy sex abuse allegations in Brooklyn, Dublin priest barred from blessing planes, and the next big thing Republicans are pushing on America: chaplains in our public schools.
Chips commercial sparks outrage, Louisiana Supreme Court overturns victim amnesty law, Russians go after Ukrainian Christians, Arizona abortion law reveals rift among Republicans, Vatican misses opportunity for an easy win, Huntsman lawsuit against Mormon church, and should we even care about Mormon membership numbers (or any church's numbers for that matter)?
Trump promises to create 'Christian Visibility Day,' Kenyan priest 'sentenced' in child-rape case, Mormon leaders admit they're old, trend in Catholic parish closures, Tennessee changes law to allow anti-LGBTQ bigots to adopt LGBTQ children, possible changes to Mormon underwear, and this week's eclipse brings out the religious/superstitious crazies.
'Blasphemous' painting of Jesus slashed, anti-LGBTQ+ Christians stop traffic in New Zealand, an Easter tradition in the Philippines, Taliban resumes stoning women to death, French soccer federation ignores Ramadan, more Americans leave religion over anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry, and Trump's blasphemous entree into bible publishing.
Haiti and voodoo, church embezzlement, Supreme Court and parents of trans kid, female genital mutilation, House Speaker's Christianity hurts fundraising efforts, Hindus mad about yogurt, and Mormon women and authority.
A museum closes, victims compensated in France, Islamic police arrest snackers, problematic new law in India, Franklin Graham warns France, Wisconsin Supreme Court issues ruling, and the Mormons double down on controversial speech at BYU.
LDS Church buys important (to them) historical sites, right wing Catholic website is dying, Greek Orthodox Church responds to same-sex marriage vote, anti-semitism on the rise in Europe, Biden issues rule to prevent religious discrimination in social services, Liberty University is in trouble, and recent polling looking at who is leaving the Mormon Church.
Bill banning Pride flags from Utah classrooms fails, Spanish priest scolded, vast majority of Iranians want a secular government, Florida law, secularism law in Quebec upheld, a West Virginia lawmaker's view on abortion, and Samual Alito opines about fake anti-Christian bias.
France responds (overreacts?) to an Imam's criticism of the French flag, funeral at iconic New York church for trans woman, Arizona lawmakers reject bill banning Satanic displays, Georgia bill about christianity, Trump promises religious broadcasters he'll defend Christianity, revealing tweet from Hillsong pastor, and Alabama's Supreme Court declares embryos are people too.
Kate joins Dan because Frank's out of town. Greece OKs gay marriage, Israel and the Vatican in a spat, new animated series, Iowa wants to ban Satan, Christian Nationalist in Arkansas tries to de-fund libraries for Jesus, a survey asks if people trust pastors, and Dan and Kate discuss spoooooky woo!
There's a war on men in this country (according to Christian pastor), Australian teen ordered to have cancer treated, an alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast, churches and solar panel rebates, Utah lawmaker wants to expand definition of lewdness, faith on display at the Super Bowl, and Christians fear civil war is coming (at the hand of liberals).
Christian school bans mother from dropping off kids, CVS sued by former employee, Satanic Temple display vandal charged with hate crime, Idaho constitutional amendment attempt, 'Take Our Border Back' convoy is a total mess, a radio preacher gets in trouble, and we discuss the phenomenon Mormon swingers.
TurboTax ad ruffles feathers, new polling about 'nones', pastor admits to steeling from followers ("the Lord told us to"), gays are the new colonizers, "God's army" heads to the US/Mexico border, who gets to choose the chief rabbi, and the demographic group of the religious but not spiritual kinda blows our mind.
Mike Johnson admits Joe Biden's presidency is 'God's will', filmmakers hurt some feelings, Prince William told to back Christianity, new Utah bill, Community of Christ appoints woman as prophet, natural disaster hits Greg Locke (guess who didn't send it), and what should disqualify a church from being legally recognized.
Iran's got some screwed up criminal punishments, Baptists selling insurance to Methodists, the pope reminds us he's Catholic, Buddha Boy, Martin Scorsese is making another film about Jesus, a really nutty tunnel in New York, and 'cultural evangelicals' might be crazier (and scarier) than the church going type.
Italian priest speaks schismatically and gets the boot, judge rules school not responsible for child conversion, Michigan state representative works for God, Southern Baptists settle law suit, Republicans are convinced Trump is a person of faith, Vivek Ramaswamy answers atheist question, and it's a US presidential election year and things are going to get rough. Here's our survival tips.
Christian university sued for false advertising, white Christians upset about Jesus art, Navajo Nation objects to NASA moon mission, wrestlers need snacks, Church of Scotland is selling off churches fast, surprising data about Mormon population in Utah, and getting preachy about New Years resolutions.
Atheists are nicer to Christians than the other way around, pope has words about decision to bless gay couples, Vatican holds cardinal accountable, Catholic college update, Lindsey Graham declares war on New York, Greek lawmakers vow to keep promise to allow gay marriage, and the Catholic League advises people to avoid joyless atheists.
This week, Kate fills in for Frank, who might be dying... but is actually just in Hawaii making Dan jealous. Stories: death penalty troubles in Alabama, Church of England is going too far, or not far enough, holy sexuality is a nonsense term, small towns STILL don't understand what's wrong with governments promoting Jesus in front of the firehouse, Satanic Temple statue bravely destroyed by Christian hero, and the Supreme Court makes the best decision they've made all year. In the final segment, Kate and Dan discuss Christmas in a secular household.
US Speaker of the House thinks heâs Moses, holiday tradition at Vatican turns 800 years old, Denmark officially outlaws burning the Quran, Pew study about our spiritual-but-not-religious comrades, school board member takes oath on stack of banned books, Catholic womenâs college decides to admit trans women, and it turns out that all the fun Christmas songs were written by Jews and that pisses some Christians off.
Diplomas for sale, Pope Francis wants more women involved in church, the pope punishes another vocal critic, Oregon Christian group bad for foster kids, the Mormons keep buying up farmland, monsignor relieved of duties after music video causes stir, and what are all the religious rules for?
Catholic health system takes down crucifixes, Pope Francis is worried about how nice German Catholics are being, Pope Francis invites group of trans women to lunch, lawsuit over trans athlete, Baptist pastor apologizes for creationism seminar, Christian books in schools, and sorry for the sexist title... we're not sexist, but maybe the Mormon patriarchy is?
Rio de Janeiro wants to honor Taylor Swift; Church of England agonizes over baby steps; Speaker Mike Johnson has some bad ideas about separation of church and state; a bad Wisconsin law; Pope Francis fires priest; imprisoned atheists win in court; and Ayaan Hirsi Ali leaves the atheist movement for Christianity, and we wonder what retirement could look like if we followed along (hint: $$$).
Churches in Utah open as winter warming centers for the unhoused (guess who isn't participating!), court dismisses suit against Mormon Church, America passes major milestone in evolution acceptance, India bans protest, Vatican issues surprising guidance about trans community, preacher claims victory that isn't his, and the new US Speaker of the House has a strange relationship with his son.
Someone smashed some pumpkins in Czech Republic, Texas justice of the peace sues to not do gay marriages, Catholic priest hosts gay orgy, a crappy amicus brief, Italian priest causes liturgical horror, the Synod on Synodality, and a Christian nationalist officially takes over the US House of Representatives.
School trustee posts truly offensive meme and uses the 'but the Holy Ghost told me to' defense, our favorite Catholic cardinal tasked with solving current conflict in 'Holy Land', new student housing at the University of Utah comes with strict code of conduct, another ruling on controversial teaching in school, Oklahoma attorney general sues to stop public funds from going to religious charter school, police chief uses archaic law to harass business owner, and how something truly awesome--like a total eclipse--can break your brain.
School board member banned from reading Bible verses during meetings, NJ political candidate, consequences for selling bleach as COVID-19 cure, poll about religion and well being, Northern Ireland's new abortion protest buffer zone law, an update about the Louisiana principal, and the Christian response to Hamas and Israel.
COVID-19 update, the pope and the environment, high school student punished by Christian principal for dancing, thing go wrong for preacher family, drag queen arrested in the Philippines, football game doesn't happen, and it's going to take atheists coming out and getting involved to save American democracy.
Faith leaders about to be deported from US, religious education in Greece, Danish artists react to 'Quran Law', poll about political figures' religiosity, majority of America now not religious, unusual Detroit church closes, and a new video game got us thinking about the human experience.
Decapitated Jesus Halloween display disturbs neighbors, drama continues for Jerry Falwell Jr, Turkish president might be a little too sensitive, pastor privacy lawsuit, Indonesian TikToker eats pork on camera, a tale of two high schools, and the founder of OUR gets in trouble with Mormon Church and things might get ugly.
Kim Davis ordered to pay $100,000 in same-sex marriage case, new podcast about surviving Bob Jones University, Belgian public schools set on fire, Florida recognizes alternative college admissions exam, ultra-Orthodox Jewish pilgrims enter war zone, a lawsuit against American Family Association, and the Michigan state legislature recently passed a law recognizing an assortment of religious holidays.
Weddings are a huge deal in our culture, but they can be deeply problematic. This week, along with our standard news stories, guest host Andrea is here with Dan to discuss the worst wedding traditions, and their deeply sexist religious roots.Â
NYC approves Muslim noise pollution, proposed law in Denmark would ban burning of "holy" books, France bans Muslim robes in schools, New Jersey town harasses Jewish residents (and is forced to pay), Michigan lawmaker wants "Christian foundations" taught to school children, Christian school lawsuit, and the Mormons have some wacky beliefs but this one is a doozy... Adam-ondi-Ahman.
Texas chaplains urge school boards not to use chaplains; amputees in Oregon can keep their parts, thanks to native tribe beliefs; Christians invade artist retreat because of om symbol in a chapel; San Francisco archdiocese declares bankruptcy; and BYU updates honor code, and the unique mix of religion and spirituality at Burning Man.
School board member fights against inclusive classrooms, indicted pastor in Trump RICO case, the poor are going to hell, the great chicken nugget caper, church computers used to view porn (at an alarming rate), religious schools exempt from the law, and the Mormon Church behaves like a giant bully.
A snake falls from heaven (onto woman), Christian eBay retailer arrested, the Quran gets burned (again) causing riots (again), sham charity raises money to send Bibles to China, Jesus films are all the rage these days, an new AI app responds as Jesus, and Christians seem to be souring on Christ.
"In God We Trust" foisted on school children, company settles religious discrimination lawsuit, court rules Connecticut can enforce vaccinations for school children, AI in the military, Muslims stab gay man to death in NYC, new song tops Christian music charts, and we've had it with Richard Dawkins.
Jews and Muslims unite, Jewish stock photos, Texas church firebombed, belief in spiritual entities, update on the hijabless Iranian chess player, Fox News and the devil, and Sinead O'Connor was right about the pope and was canceled for it.
Muslims protest LGBT movement in Canada, Christians design chatbot with biblical worldview, man arrested in Turkey for looking gay, Fort Worth rejects Atheist groups banners, court blocks religious prison program in West Virginia, Einstein letter for sale, and a chat about Utah's Pioneer Day holiday.
Sweden is the place for religious book burning, Trump delivers a bunch of dog whistles, LDS Church pushes Constitution celebration, transphobic salon owner in Michigan, the UN enters the discussion about Qur'an burning, a school clinic closes, and a new museum in Scotland prompts us to talk about witches.
Minneapolis City Council dust up, religious chalk art at Arkansas governor mansion, Taliban outlaws beauty salons, denied dean, turns out Josh Hawley might be a Christian nationalist, a proposed satanic concert, and the crazy things we do when we leave religion.
Frank really ties to give us all some good news this week: US church attendance officially lower than before the pandemic (and continues to fall), SCOTUS and the mail carrier, German Catholic Church hemorrhages members, amendments to military code, atheists emerging as an important voting bloc, Mormon mom sues school district, and some confusing protests in Iraq over something an Iraqi did in Sweden.
AI-gerenated images stoke more satanic panic, a fake priest takes confessions at California restaurant, the road to Hel leads to a very beautiful place, survey in the UK, Muslim majority city council acts just like you'd expect (unless you're one of the town's liberals), Catholic hospitals, and a discussion about religions getting super fussy over the minutiae.
Prankster Democrat angers Arizona Republicans, Southern Baptists in upheaval over female clergy, study shows many American Atheists hide their non-belief, states remove statute of limitations, Utah city bans Pride Month Displays and then threatens employees, an AI clergy delivers sermon, and a conversation about the usefulness of the word "cult".
AI images of fake Satanic products at Target cause stir, pope's heirs say nope to inheriting his money, Mormon Church issues warning about voting straight Republican, Oklahoma school board approves public funding for religious school, domestic terrorists demolish abortion clinic, Baptist seminary ran up huge deficit, and our little celebration for the passing of Pat Robertson.
Parents win fight to name son Lucifer, Salt Lake suburban school district bans Bible, school board "denies" lease to church, pride flag on film shoot causes stir, India revises school textbooks, and a Q&A with out listeners.
American Atheists get Mississippi to change their license plates, Catholic priests in Chicago, Mormon Church makes large investment in UK, dorm managers fired for specifying genders, Target pulls some LGBTQ+ merchandise after conservative backlash, those shunning Jehovah's Witness, and the Mormons and their billions get the "60 Minutes" treatment.
Lauren Boebert files for divorce, California's hate speech law, Americans are switching religions, a bishop gets fired, Proud Boys are planning Pride Month disruptions, getting kicked out of the ballgame, and Betelgeuse really needs to blow up right now.
School cancels play so students produce it themselves, Florida crosses yet another anti-LGBTQIA line, Christians object to 'three-parent' babies, Pope Francis scolds the childless, Southern Baptists bleed members, IRS hikes taxes on private jets, and assigning divine meaning to dreams is a little annoying.
Leather daddies worship Jesus, professor loses her job, Anglican 'cult' leader, prisoners get new choice, Libyans face death penalty for converting to Christianity, street pirates clean up, and the Ten Commandments are just plain terrible.
"It's okay to be single," a new Christian music gets some serious funding, Mormons get outdoor lighting code changed for new temple, finally a successful lawsuit against the Mormons, a starvation cult in Kenya, a unique Mormon mission, and what to do when kooky ideas interfere with life.
Please be advised that there are trigger warnings during this episode: A church gets its power cut off for not paying their bills, a cardinal is charged for his crimes, a ritual suicide in India, an anti-trans lawmaker in Missouri, the upcoming coronation is a religious service, surprising gay violence, and a visit by Dan (ours) and Dan (not ours) from a new podcast called "Data Over Dogma."
California church fined $1.2 million for violating COVID health orders, Mormon Church gets away with not reporting child abuse, HBCU honors Mormon leader, Christians in the 'Holy Land,' Minneapolis and the call to prayer, the polygamists are pissed off, and the role of secular groups in interfaith organizations.
Catholics in the Philippines just won't get down from their crosses (literally), Christian mom denied right to adopt, Catholic charter school tests the public funding waters in Oklahoma, Jewish school principal in Melbourne charged with abuse, Mormon leader given medical excuse, a new official at NASA sworn in, and the absolute mess caused by three (mainly two) ancient religions whose followers just can't get along.
Christians make such good hypocrites, Vatican rules against itself, LDS Church keeps tearing down historic buildings, religious high schools in Maine sue state, a Connecticut miracle, Ukraine evicts monks, and Happy Jesus' Murder, everyone!
The miracle of the toes, Catholic views on the Jews, parent requests for Bible to be removed from school library, NYC Christian college in financial trouble, Catholic Church takes action against priest for advocating for victims, magazine sues over trademark infringement, and principal gets fired for allowing 'pornography' in school.
Mormons drop in the polls, Christian university sues public school district, Oklahoma school abuse disabled students (and cite the Bible), teacher uses physical violence to make student recite Pledge of Allegiance, anti-gay Mormon leader to speak at public university commencement, dioceses declare bankruptcy instead of paying victims of clergy abuse, and supposedly there's an anti-Christian bias in Hollywood.
Catholic group tracked gay priests using hookup app data, French church victims, Tennessee tries to ruin gay marriage, white supremacy on the rise, Christian charity angry they have to hire nonbelievers, John Paul (the pope and saint), and getting pretend magic right on TV.
Video surfaces of an anti-LGBTQ legislator in drag, legislation stalls in Utah, Australia schools see massive drop off in religious education enrollment, Biden administration scraps rule, some Iowa legislators propose ban on gay marriage, a holy city in peril, and our take on Lent and what it means to give stuff up (for a little while).
Someone dug up video of an anti-LGBTQ legislator in drag (again), legislation stalls in Utah, Victoria schools see massive drop off in religious education enrollment, Biden administration looks to scrap rule, Iowa legislators propose ban on gay marriage, a holy city in peril, and our take on Lent and what it means to give sh!t up (for a little while).
Superspreader event in Kentucky, Southern Baptists kick Rick Warren out, Catholic university to cut theology program, San Diego diocese hides assets to avoid paying abuse victims, how the LDS Church hid its investments, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod makes surprising announcement, and Christian nationalists poised to win another culture war battle: prayer in schools.
Utah lawmaker looks to allow pregnant women to drive in commuter lane, he Anglicans gear up for a potential skiz, Mormons revise temple ceremony, a canceled concert, lesbian teacher fired at Catholic school, a long overdue exoneration, and the Mormons are upset that the "religiously illiterate" don't know more about them.
Mormon Church investigated by SEC, kinda cool Christian school shuts down, Dutch prosecutors go after IS member, church in Southern Utah offers ayahuasca ceremonies, Democrats condemn Christian nationalism (by another name), a Pew poll, and holy days turned holidays (like Saint Valentine's Day).
West Virginia bill to require 'In God We Trust' displays in schools, Colorado baker loses appeal over transgender birthday cake, George Pell gets a funeral and one final protest, church punishes investigator they hired, BYU takes another step away from academic freedom, US Hispanic Protestant churches, and Utah's new law banning gender-affirming health care.
Minneapolis church buys gas station to stop crime, Pope Francis says something nice about gays and lesbians, Mormon Church extends birth control coverage to employees, an update about Nick Fuentes and Twitter, Scientology leader disappears amid human trafficking allegations, an ad campaign about Jesus, and a conversation about sex trafficking.
Church of England offers an empty apology, Mississippi considers a trigger law about school prayer, right wing nut job burns Quran, Hamline University reconsiders position about islamophobia, an eight year old enters monkhood, the worst country in the world for Christian prosecution, and the value of virtue signaling.
Imam blames women for drought, pastor gets away with major crime, pastor story hour, report about Kansas Catholics, SCOTUS to hear postal worker's religious claim, Cardinal Pell is dead finally, and Christianity has gotten forgiveness completely wrong.
Trans woman denied health care by "Christian" manufacturing company, new data about church attendance, US Congress doesn't represent America religiously, professor in trouble after showing image of Mohammed, man found guilty of heinous sex crimes finds Jesus, another fine product from the Trumps, and a chat about superstitions.
Utah Supreme Court sides with polygamist father, NY governor vetoes law allowing alternative to court-ordered AA, US Marines ordered to accommodate Sikh beards, Orthodox Jewish schools in NYC defraud city, in Iranian woman competes at international chess tournament without hijab, Christmas in Ukraine, and Pope Benedict XVI is dead (not that you'd notice).
Churches cancel services for Christmas, religious schools legally doxxed, New York City councilman's home attacked, Catholics defrock priest (in a good way), selling of unused churches, Amy Grant in trouble for hosting gay marriage, and over 70% of human beings live in a country that discriminates against the non-religious.
Pastor and son arrested in $8 million COVID scam, a nativity on government grounds, a darling Baphomet now adorns the Illinois Capitol, a school district's book banning policy, an attempt to outlaw porn nationwide, new baptism theme park, and Dan's evolving attitude about Christmas.
Homeless man breaks into Mormon temple to stay warm, South Dakota legislature and christianity, restaurant cancels reservations for Christian hate group, polygamous prophet with child brides caught, Christmas at the Vatican, and traveling drag queens come to Utah and get the passive aggressive treatment.
Believers' health and happiness benefits might be as fake as their god, Rideshare drivers try to ruin everyone's day, BYU Idaho fires professors, Scientology cares more about celebrities than the safety of their members, happy demographics in the UK, a Thai Buddhist monastery that knows how to PARTY, and Frank and Dan discuss [Kan]Ye's love of Hitler.
Evangelical leaders turn on the Donald (what will they do when he's the nominee?), Christian pastor raises money for theme park, Christian hate group's headquarters vandalized, legislators introduce anti-drag bill, US Religion Census has some problems, counter terrorism in Ukraine, and the terrifying rise of antisemitism in America.
Rachel sits in for Dan, and we discuss drag brunch, Iranian protests, the Mormon Church backs gay marriage, religious Americans' attitudes about the environment, and our response to the not so bad midterm elections.
Americans know very little about the Mormons (despite gobs of marketing money spent by the LDS Church), and our review of "God Forbid," the Hulu documentary about Jerry Falwell Jr's pool boy.
Americans know very little about the Mormons (despite gobs of marketing money spent by the LDS Church), and our review of "God Forbid," the Hulu documentary about Jerry Falwell Jr's pool boy.
Possible rifts between Christian nationalists, congregation responds to anti-gay sermon, houses of worship beef up security, murder trials in Australia, atheists and political engagement, the Mormon church and their dodgy tax practices, and you might just want to brace yourself for the post midterm world.
Possible rifts between Christian nationalists, congregation responds to anti-gay sermon, houses of worship beef up security, murder trials in Australia, atheists and political engagement, the Mormon church and their dodgy tax practices, and you might just want to brace yourself for the post midterm world.
Jewish schools in NY are failing but at least some people were getting rich in the process; meanwhile, Yeshiva University tries to placate the queer community with a non-club; poll asks if America should be a Christian nation; a Catholic diocese agrees to extreme measures; a cannabis-based church shocks the world by being bad at their job; the Canadian census shows a good trend-line; and Kate and Dan discuss the depths to which they'll sink to get rid of a political toad.
Jewish schools in NY are failing but at least some people were getting rich in the process; meanwhile, Yeshiva University tries to placate the queer community with a non-club; poll asks if America should be a Christian nation; a Catholic diocese agrees to extreme measures; a cannabis-based church shocks the world by being bad at their job; the Canadian census shows a good trend-line; and Kate and Dan discuss the depths to which they'll sink to get rid of a political toad.
'Pornographic' mural tears Utah city apart, podcasters have (bad) advice for women, Christians react to Falwell 'pool boy' documentary, fetuses and personhood, pastor steals $900k from church, Mormon father really wants his son to serve a mission, and Christian pastors just cannot let Halloween be fun.
'Pornographic' mural tears Utah city apart, podcasters have (bad) advice for women, Christians react to Falwell 'pool boy' documentary, fetuses and personhood, pastor steals $900k from church, Mormon father really wants his son to serve a mission, and Christian pastors just cannot let Halloween be fun.
German mosque sounds first public call to prayer, lawyer's good deed does not go unpunished, a few BYU students stage walkout, Satanic Temple donation to school refused, Muslim parents shout down LGBTQ+ speakers at school board meeting, youth pastor hands out questionable swag, and damn, Jesus is looking good!
German mosque sounds first public call to prayer, lawyer's good deed does not go unpunished, a few BYU students stage walkout, Satanic Temple donation to school refused, Muslim parents shout down LGBTQ+ speakers at school board meeting, youth pastor hands out questionable swag, and damn, Jesus is looking good!
American tourist throws tantrum wanting audience with the pope, Catholic cardinal stands against German bishops, Church of England report reveals 400 new cases of abuse, plagiarism at Mormon General Conference, new research seeks to answer why atheism's global spread, Disney's latest offense, and the Mormon Church issues new guidance to youth on dress and grooming, dating, and dancing.
American tourist throws tantrum wanting audience with the pope, Catholic cardinal stands against German bishops, Church of England report reveals 400 new cases of abuse, plagiarism at Mormon General Conference, new research seeks to answer why atheism's global spread, Disney's latest offense, and the Mormon Church issues new guidance to youth on dress and grooming, dating, and dancing.
Witches and web designers, Hindus and the caste system, Cuba goes super gay, Jewish cult gets raided, Russian Orthodox Church hands out "get out of hell free" cards, a homecoming dance gets ruined by prudes, and Frank and Dan discuss new polling about Utah's view of gay marriage.
Witches and web designers, Hindus and the caste system, Cuba goes super gay, Jewish cult gets raided, Russian Orthodox Church hands out "get out of hell free" cards, a homecoming dance gets ruined by prudes, and Frank and Dan discuss new polling about Utah's view of gay marriage.
Prayer for gay couples, school abuse in Canada, unrest in Iran, new FFRF lawsuit, Republicans support for Christian nationalism, Yeshiva University update, and Happy Mabon, everyone!
Prayer for gay couples, school abuse in Canada, unrest in Iran, new FFRF lawsuit, Republicans support for Christian nationalism, Yeshiva University update, and Happy Mabon, everyone!
Prayer for gay couples, school abuse in Canada, unrest in Iran, new FFRF lawsuit, Republicans support for Christian nationalism, Yeshiva University update, and Happy Mabon, everyone!
Pope announces god's new stance on war, SCOTUS and Yeshiva University, Christianity's future in America, Indiana abortion law challenge, Jewish groups protest for abortion rights, La Luz del Mundo guy, and the Satanic Panic is back, baby!
Pope announces god's new stance on war, SCOTUS and Yeshiva University, Christianity's future in America, Indiana abortion law challenge, Jewish groups protest for abortion rights, La Luz del Mundo guy, and the Satanic Panic is back, baby!
Pope announces god's new stance on war, SCOTUS and Yeshiva University, Christianity's future in America, Indiana abortion law challenge, Jewish groups protest for abortion rights, La Luz del Mundo guy, and the Satanic Panic is back, baby!
Netflix ordered to remove offensive content (I'll give you one guess), judge rules on gay men's healthcare, Utah lawmaker tells LDS bishop not to report sexual abuse of minor, Pennsylvania's governor's race, a good Christian harasses a trans woman, a list of the worst campuses for LGBTQIA folk, and the Queen sure did live a long time, and now there's a king.
Netflix ordered to remove offensive content (I'll give you one guess), judge rules on gay men's healthcare, Utah lawmaker tells LDS bishop not to report sexual abuse of minor, Pennsylvania's governor's race, a good Christian harasses a trans woman, a list of the worst campuses for LGBTQIA folk, and the Queen sure did live a long time, and now there's a king.
Netflix ordered to remove offensive content (I'll give you one guess), judge rules on gay men's healthcare, Utah lawmaker tells LDS bishop not to report sexual abuse of minor, Pennsylvania's governor's race, a good Christian harasses a trans woman, a list of the worst campuses for LGBTQIA folk, and the Queen sure did live a long time, and now there's a king.
'In God We Trust' signs in Arabic, Satanic Temple vs. City of Boston, background checks for clergy, women at the Vatican, Evangelicals and the environment, preparedness gone wrong, and Salman Rushdie's (and all of ours) right to blasphemy.
'In God We Trust' signs in Arabic, Satanic Temple vs. City of Boston, background checks for clergy, women at the Vatican, Evangelicals and the environment, preparedness gone wrong, and Salman Rushdie's (and all of ours) right to blasphemy.
'In God We Trust' signs in Arabic, Satanic Temple vs. City of Boston, background checks for clergy, women at the Vatican, Evangelicals and the environment, preparedness gone wrong, and Salman Rushdie's (and all of ours) right to blasphemy.
The J-Dubs are coming to a front door near you, LDS clergy abuse reporting, Florida judge loses election, street preachers vs pagan festival, Singapore decriminalizes gay sex, Christians burn a very surprising book, and BYU goes back on their word and trashes pamphlet that provided LGBTQ resources.
The J-Dubs are coming to a front door near you, LDS clergy abuse reporting, Florida judge loses election, street preachers vs pagan festival, Singapore decriminalizes gay sex, Christians burn a very surprising book, and BYU goes back on their word and trashes pamphlet that provided LGBTQ resources.
School librarian fights back, school district bans the Bible, parents complain that some female high school athletes aren't 'feminine enough,' a skiz in Australia, a school board makes right decision about Pledge of Allegiance (and then the wrong one), Jesuits take their time on promised reparations, and the benefits of 'spiritual' practices like yoga and mediation.
Wandering monks poo where they may, Japanese cabinet faces reckoning, German bishop who helped wanted pedophile priests escape consequences in Europe, little girl kicked out of school, Hungarian Prime Minister speaks at CPAC, church adds Christian message to the musical Hamilton, and the Mormons are having a big media moment. Why aren't they happy about it?
Georgia allows fetuses to be listed as dependents on tax returns, furries and evangelical christians, an update about the pastor robbed at gunpoint, anglicans skip LGBTQ issue at mega-conference, a Michigan town defunds their library over LGBTQ books, US federal prison stats, and the Mormon church has been running an abuse helpline. Guess who it's really helping!
Christian missionaries kicked off reservation, Arkansas lawmaker blocks constituents on social media, conservatives send letter to Mitch McConnell, Pope Francis visits Quebec, preacher robbed of more than $1 million worth of jewelry, Seattle Pacific University's hiring practices, and talking to believers and gently challenging them.
Catholic Church forced to sell off property, Pope offers apology to indigenous people, send us a man to do your job, UK human rights statement, blasphemy charges in Pakistan, a judge in Kentucky actually understands the law, and a photo of Joseph Smith from the 1840s emerges.
Pope Francis says eat less meat, Albertan church fined for COVID violations, PrEP under fire, massive mudslide hits Hindus on pilgrimage, Sudan woman sentenced to death by stoning, a kosher internet, and a conversation about grief with Dr. Robert Neimeyer.
Sandwich shop faces ire of local religious nut jobs, super-spreader Hajj set to start, Pope has the wrong idea about abortion, praying with SCOTUS, executioners must allow religious leaders into death chamber, the Georgia Guidestones bombed, and CERN attempts to open portal to hell once again.Â
Company fires employee for not participating in daily prayer meetings, SCOTUS sides with Christian coach allowing him to pray with high school team, Lauren Boebert promotes Christian Taliban during church speech, armed police monitor Hindu pilgrimage, Florida retrains public school teachers to promote Christian nationalist version of US history, Nancy Pelosi takes communion from Pope Francis, and our conversation about "Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey."
World Cup in Qatar is probably going to be really boring, Presbyterian Church of America parts with National Association of Evangelicals, ski resort sprays sacred mountain with sewage, army chaplain celebrates end of Roe v. Wade, Pixar's gay kiss ruffles feathers at Oklahoma theater, FBI finally raids some churches, and celebrating the 4th of July feels extra crappy this year.
Bishop bars school from calling itself Catholic, opponents of abortion ban in Florida, US belief in god at all-time low, cops and nasal swabs, 'Drag Queen Story Hour' disrupted by Proud Boys, truckload of white supremacists, and a chat about human burial.
This week Kate fills in for Frank whoâs out with the plague. Anti-abortion sentiment finds a witchy backlash, an Army chaplain sees the U.S. military as ripe for exploitation, an Islamic hate-charity gets the treatment it deserves, Josh Duggar gets 12 years and counting, Muslim readers might be exposed to humanist childrenâs books, Polandâs Boy Scouts become more inclusive, and Dan and Kate discuss Christian Nationalism and the crumbling of U.S. democracy.
Christian nationalist prophet Lance Wallnau has a gripe about a new US coin, Mennonites and the gays, Fortune 500 creates space for religious diversity, a big Lutheran mess, American support of same-sex marriage at all time high, religious infection, and should we be happy religious organizations are celebrating Pride month?
The Taliban orders female news anchors to cover their faces on TV, Southern Baptists release sex abuse report (and it ain't great), the GOP is running some seriously dangerous candidates for public office, Hindu nationalists harass muslims, Turkish police break up campus Pride event, a story about reparations, and a woman stands up to pastor who raped her (he says it was adultery).
UPDATED AUDIO! Pastor charged with DUI produces excellent excuse, Southern Baptist report, 'In God We Trust' license plates, Louisiana court vs Tony Spell, just because you can burn a Quran doesn't mean you should, Catholic bishop threatens to deny Nancy Pelosi communion, and the specialness of 'creation'.
Catholic bishops seek to block sexual assault claims, United Methodist schism faces problems, exorcism ends in child's death, trouble in Jerusalem, update on Mormon membership, Idaho's crazy lieutenant governor, and a chat about grief causes by leaving Mormonism and other high demand religions.
Catholic Church pay off priest's gambling debts instead of paying sex-abuse victims, Anti-Defamation League goes off the rails, former troops allege 'religious purge' of US military, recent SCOTUS round up, Pope Francis has a warning for Russian Orthodox patriarch, Christian TV show ad campaign, and our response to 'Under the Banner of Heaven' TV series.
Frank runs away to paradise leaving Dan and Kate to cover the news. Florida man wants to ban the right book, Canadian religions rank each other, anti-semitism is on the rise, U.S. Rep Jamie Raskin says his colleagues are in a cult, street preaching might be hate-speech, Utah GOP go with blasphemy, and Dan decides he need a new diploma.
Praising Jesus (and torturing everyone else) at 30,000 feet, cellphone Goliath defeats Christian college David, health-share ministry does exactly what we expected it to, Episcopal church considers being less anti-semitic, Christians fight amongst themselves about whether they've discovered a fictitious place, BYU-Idaho covers their naughty bits, and Frank and Dan predict ways that religion will use technology in the future.Â
Trump has a claim about god's creation, giving up whiteness for lent, the least religious generation ever, drugs, a new Mormon chapel in SLC, international christian group threatens to kick out Russian Orthodox Church, and the oddness of Easter.Â
Americans stop reading the bible, Mormons still hate LGBTQ+ folks... even the ones who need speech therapy, Franklin Graham sets up hospitals in Ukraine but uses them to proselytize (of course), Canada allows more legal dying, the Mormons might be tax-fraudsters in Australia, and Frank and Dan discuss what it means that one of the largest land owners in the U.S. is a religion (you'll never guess which one).
The Netherlands passes major milestone, another "don't say gay" bill, right to laying on of hands protected during execution, Mississippi politician tweets, Mormons have a mysterious female deity, the Buddha, and Mormons take their hero worship of Joseph Smith just a little too far.
Observant Jews protest law that would make daylight saving time permanent, Hillsong church has a serious problem, Kim Davis guilty of violating constitutional rights of gay couples, congregations are reconvening, turns out Mormons support LGBTQ rights, a statue in Italy, and Lindsey Graham invokes a religious test for US Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson.
"Don't Say Gay" guy's home destroyed by tornado, Russian Orthodox churches not in Russia, Jesus⢠coming to a commercial break near you, a study about atheists, religious freedom watchdog warns of upcoming oppression should Russia gain control of Ukraine, Episcopalians take poll about how Christians are perceived, and a chat about saints and sainthood.
Texas "family values" Republican congressperson Van Taylor surprises nobody by being a two-timing piece of crap, the Satanic Temple just wants some nice billboards, and Frank and Dan talk to you from doomsday bunkers buried deep in the earth.
Witches send Greg Locke glitter bombs, Russia exiles Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Russian Orthodox claim on Ukraine.
Satan takes over essential oil company, new COVID-19 vaccine promotes itself as fetus free, America stops trusting pastors, a report about Reformed Jews and sexual abuse, Colombia legalizes abortion, a survey about belief in god, and the Texas state government targets trans kids.
Kevin Sorbo finds filmmaking a herculean task, Catholic school enrollment is up...ish, pastor Greg Locke on a literal witch hunt (in his own congregation), an Australian Christian school gaslights everyone about their hatred of the LGBTQ+ community, no-longer-United Methodists schizzing, Canadian Pastors want to torture gay folks, and Frank and Dan dive into why the right wing is trying to destroy education.
Hubbub in India over airport city code, problems in Bible class, Christian revival at public school causes stir, prayer apps, US military denies religious exemptions for COVID vaccine, Christianity and wokeness, and my God is a stickler God--religious rituals that require precision.
Dating app ad rankles Christians, Oklahoma bill would control teachers, town limits free meals, Norway makes decision about Jehovahs Witnesses, GOP governor candidate says rape victims shouldn't have abortions, a nurse wins settlement, and a chat with Dr Death herself... Terri Daniel. Check out the upcoming conference at https://deathgriefandbelief.com.
African atheists sue Christians, religion fails to help prisoners, Christian adoption agencies are anti-semitic not just homophobic/transphobic etc, German Catholics come out, Mississippi mayor withholds funds from a library, and Frank and Dan discuss the new interview with J.Fal.Ju. (hint: he's still a sh*tbag)
Anglicans resign from committee for actually good reasons; Supreme Court agrees to hear a case that they shouldn't; an animal sacrifice goes as wrong as could possibly be imagined; some other stories; and Frank and Dan discuss what it means to find yourself in partial agreement with bad people.
Christian ASMR offers whispery bible readings, The Taliban continues their long struggle against mannequins, a prayer log of the January 6th attack on the US Capitol, African beauty queens don hijab, Pope Francis criticizes Catholicism, researchers chart Catholic priest pedophile network, and a discussion about New Year's resolutions and why Kate and Frank like them.
Megachurch goes exclusively online, wounded rabbi charged with financial crimes, Mother Teresa's charity targeted by Indian government, COVID outbreak hits Mormon missionary training facility, Oklahoma law would allow preachers and bibles into classrooms, Utah tech nazi sends antisemitic email to industry leaders, and the pope calls adopting pets "selfish".
Catholic Church imports clergy to US, ultra-Orthodox Jews vs. COVID-19, Putin insults our intelligence, California offers abortion vacations, theologians help NASA ahead of alien life discoveries, Israel makes exception to their travel ban, and speaking out against the prejudice of a top Mormon leader puts anti-prejudice resources in jeopardy.
A sample of the "Frank and Dan Diaries." Bonus content for financial supporters on Patreon.Â
Rainbow toys deemed un-Islamic, Mormon billionaire resigns from church with a splash, all-Muslim government takes over small Michigan city, state capitol dressed up for the holidays, Donald Trump Jr. suggests conservatives aren't playing rough enough, charity run by Christian couple ousts them for being wretched people, and a 'pep talk' as a new (possibly worse) year approaches.Â
Italian bishop denounces Santa Claus to a group of children, a camel revolts during Kansas nativity, 'nones' are growing fast, Dave Ramsey sued for religious discrimination, South Dakota schoolchildren will soon have to be quiet for at least one minute a day, Greg Locke's church blown over, and we take a moment to remember Christopher Hitchens.
War on Christmas rages in Europe, minister dismissed over drag performance, Pope dismisses French bishop's sexual harassment, witched and right wing both mad, teacher refuses Covid-19 testing citing religious exemption, Jewish billionaire hoards stolen antiquities, and a conversation about grief without all that god and heaven stuff involved.
Dr. Oz announces run for US Senate, Richard Dawkins doubles down on trans stance, proposed Mormon temple remodel draws criticism from some members, Christian mother kills her child to send them to heaven, UK Premier League promotes LGBTQ+ equality, famous TV pastor dies of COVID-19, and how the State of Utah has farmed out welfare responsibilities to the Mormon Church.
Church kicks woman out for bringing in herb, Southern hospitals limit legal abortion, misogynist pastor endorses marital rape, hospital bandages statue's broken arm, Mormon church numbers slip, pastor fund raises from prison, and a quick talk about surviving the Xmas holiday season.
Kate fills in for Frank who does NOT have Covid! Italians reverse their baptisms, Texans want to send their pregnant women out to pasture, Mormon leader Dallin Oaks lies through his dentures, the Archdiocese of New Orleans adds fraud to their already full rap-sheet, and Dan and Kate discuss worship spaces and the architecture of awe.
Billionaire funds work to prove there's an afterlife, toxic foam fails to stop holy dip, Middle East countries ban Marvel film, restaurant responds to anti-masker wrath, and a discussion about anecdotal evidence in light of Dan catching Covid.
No exorcisms for Covid-19, the Supreme Court does the right thing by doing nothing at all, Christian radio host imprisoned for Ponzi scheme, a Qanon influencer, Indigenous lawyer fights to keep U.S. missionaries out of Amazon, a report on religious affiliation in Canada, and a chat about whether or not Christian conservatives seem happy to us.
Polish school cancels Halloween, Biden visits the pope, Sikh men rescue two hikers, Liberty University "think tank," Supreme Court lets Maine vaccine mandate stand, school revises clothing ban, and Christians can't help but be upset about Halloween.
Baylor students mock mormonism ahead of game with BYU, Southern Baptists lose leaders, Bangladesh reverting to secular constitution, Texas considers constitutional amendment to protect religious observance, Saudi Arabia welcomes bikini-clad sunbathers, a Baptist group judges fashion, and a chat about religious conservatives choosing to live in their own version of reality.
Lizzo says twerking is a spiritual expression, military archbishop says Catholic troops can claim religious exemption for COVID vaccine, Mormons double down on not wanting to be called Mormons, FFRF rids another school system of religious symbols, anti-kink pastor says Jesus plants dirty dreams to warn away sin, President Biden tries to save Christmas, and a discussion about whether we would ban all religions if we could?
Priests and nuns in India ordered to pay taxes, Tennessee's governor offers time-honored solution for COVID-19 outbreak, French commission uncovers shocking number of Catholic Church sex abuse cases, Daniel Ortega and Nicaragua, a priest actually doesn't sexually molest child, Pat Robertson makes way for next generation, and the Mormon prophet just said something mighty revealing about his real level of influence over membership.
Christian Facebook pages largely run by troll farms, fake pastor does the wrong scam, female prophet sentenced to death in Pakistan, Milo and Bannon cancelled in Baltimore,Taliban fails to keep their promise to the women of Afghanistan, Washington judge rules on Planned Parenthood case, and our theory about COVID deniers and why they're being such jerks.
Pro-Trump billboard, an orphanage, white Americans flock to evangelicalism, a mosque site in China, president of Egypt open to atheists, two famous pastors on COVID-19 (one will surprise you), and Christianity under review.
Arkansas hospital requires consistency from those seeking vaccine exemption, James Huntsman's lawsuit seeking refund of tithing money hits roadblock, Mormon Church responds to members seeking religious exemption to vaccine mandates, an Oklahoma town plans to erect massive "Christ tree", Mormons to pay $250M to abused Boy Scouts, Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster offers interesting religious exemption, and how will believers practice religion in space?
Guest host Andrea fills in for Frank. Coach Dave's fundraising scheme, a ruling on if a Catholic school can fire a gay man, some faith leaders aren't horrible on abortion, Mexico proves it's better than Texas, a Norwegian church holds an unusual ceremony, a Spanish bishop finds a good reason to leave the clergy, and Dan and Andrea discuss Harvard Law Today's take on polyamory (and reveal some stuff along the way).
Guest host Kate joins Dan for a religious news roundup: Kat Kerr can't control weather, Los Angeles forced to pay damages to a church for trying to keep their parishioners safe against their will, Christian network fires senior VP Dan Darling for encouraging intelligence, Myanmar is slightly less awful than they could have been, Ken Ham hoards all the Jesus for Earthlings, a new deity takes out his righteous anger against the Mormons, and Kate and Dan feel like they're taking crazy pills because the U.S. Supreme Court is packed with religious zealots who let an insane Texas law go into effect.
Zambian pastor's stunt leads to death, church in Australia fined for violating COVID restrictions, more Americans accept evolution than don't (FINALLY), Harvard has a new chaplain, the Taliban attempts to protect women (from the Taliban), belief in aliens, and a Mormon leader is gunning for dissenting professors at BYU.Â
Anti-vax cardinal on ventilator, COVID-denying pastor dead, inmate on Texas death row asks for pastor to join him during execution, thousands of new molestation cases emerge, whistleblower shares his story about Mormon funds, a Baptist university cancels far right event, and the Mormon prophet goes on the record encouraging the vaccine and calls of 'false prophet' emerge.
McDonald's advertising entices woman to sin, anti-gay 'treatment' group forced to pay $3.5 million in court case, 'moderate' Norwegian imam in trouble over antisemitic comments, Indonesian military ends virginity test for female recruits, Turkmenistan finds new way to enforce VPN ban, Christian group calls on Fisher-Price to modify one specific playset, and Christians scramble to find religious justification for their vaccine refusal (hint: there isn't one).
Wedding website designer loses case, Kent Hovind gets arrested, atheists face intolerance at work (says study), Israel's gold medalist can't marry, megachurch still designated a hate group (says court), romance novel loses award, and our musings on men who always think they're right.Â
More priests defend the indefensible with Canadian residential schools, the Museum of the Bible is in hot water... again, Missouri clergy jump on the vax train, meanwhile vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. is dropping (even among the religious!), new curriculum among New Zealand Maori rankles scientists, and Anchorage loses a strip club and gains some Jesus. Also- will somebody get Frank an Ark?
A new holiday hits Utah, abortion rights activists fight new Texas law, a top US official in the Catholic Church outed for Grindr use, women sue Liberty University, Alaska assistant attorney general outed as a Deseret nationalist (a far right, Mormon hate group), robots go to Hajj, and a discussion about Mormons and their wacky underwear.Â
Woman lets god drive and he wrecks her car, it turns out the Southern Baptist Convention isn't liberal after all, an alternative to traditional burial draws Catholic opposition, highest EU court rules that employers can restrict religious apparel, new numbers about religion in America, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus causes controversy, and a chat about Bible translations.
A fatwa group declares fatwa about video games, a Florida couple sues school, the Catholic Church plays poor to avoid paying residential school survivors, a Canadian archbishop cries persecution, India jails activists for speaking undeniable truth about cow poop, the US Supreme Court refuses to hear religious bigotry case, and the Mormon Church quietly changes their doctrine about Mormons becoming gods in the afterlife.
Nigerian state bans mannequins, a Canadian priest is in hot water over defense of residential schools, Missouri offers itself up as a delta variant test case, Pat Robertson misunderstands what critical race theory is, an Air Force fighter pilot is suspended over refusal to wear a mask, a new conspiracy theory emerges about Bill Gates, and a discussion about some cute little cults and how religion ruins everything.
Exorcism at the Home Depot, Mississippi license plates, Italian prime minister stands up to Catholic Church, anglicans subject school children to a lesson in misogyny, a nun gets ejected from convent, Jim Bakker in hot water (again), and the Mormon Church slips up and calls its members "customers."
Mormon 'American Idol' star comes out as LGBTQIA+, news from the Southern Baptist Convention, Michigan governor ends government funding of 'conversion therapy,' a new rug for the forgetful Muslim, Florida now requires daily moment of silence in schools, a mysterious donation to hate preacher, and the very strange ideas people have about god.
Drought-burdened Utah gets a little rain during weekend of prayer, two new christian apps, Uyghurs deported from Muslim countries, a hateful Nigerian pastor goes away, Burger King taunts Chick-Fil-A with support of LGBTQ organization, hats off to Justin Trudeau for calling out the pope, and the story of Noah's ark is just plain stupid.
High school coaches force Jewish student to eat pork, indigenous schools in Canada, Louisiana votes to honor aborted fetuses, Catholics release new rule priests, Texas enacts law to target anyone aiding in abortions, high-profile anti-vaxxer goes to hospital with COVID-19, and Utah's governor tries to end drought with a weekend of prayer.
Wheaton College disposes of offensive plaque, Southern Baptist numbers decline significantly, fetuses flee to Ohio town for safety, street artist takes on Vatican, Legos celebrates diversity, the shocking case of Saudi Arabia continues, and a discussion about religious titles and how we feel about honoring them.
Saudi Arabia opens up a little to non-Muslims, why college turns people secular, 'religious knives' in Australia, abusive summer camp for future ministers, Muslims boycott White House celebration, anti-vaccine conspiracies come from the same twelve people, and the Christians are about to get everything they've ever wanted.
A god has died, German Priests defy Vatican, Hindu sect engages in forced labor, shop owner hides crosses in furniture, Lutherans ordain new bishop, Southern Baptists ordain new pastors, and we try to give some credit were credit is due (with a couple of caveats).Â
A stampede at an Israeli festival leads to dozens of deaths, Mormons and the COVID-19 vaccine, evangelicals promise to terrify Democrats, atheist 'prayers' at council meetings lead to similar responses in Florida, antisemitic crimes up in Germany, Jerry Falwell Jr. promises big party for graduates, and a discussion about Josh Duggar and why we usually don't talk about stories of religious types sexually abusing children.
This week, Kate fills in while Frank takes a much needed vacation, and tells us about leaving the church she had indoctrinated her children into. Catholic bishops are mad at Joe Biden, a Canadian MP tries to defend conversion therapy but ends up with a hashtag, bleach drinking "church" indicted and more! Find Kate and her amazing art on Instagram and TikTok @kebirch
Liberty University wants its money back, activists seek more accurate Poland census, Bavaria orders secular crosses hung in public buildings, Pakistan calls on West to criminalize blasphemy against Islam, study finds poor health outcomes for women in sexist churches, Facebook announces a new prayer feature, and Richard Dawkins' fall from grace.
US Supreme Court continues push to officially establish Christianity as state religion, Mormon sex therapist faces excommunication for promoting sexual health, a Hindu holiday poses public health threat in India, bigger and better Jesus coming to a Brazilian town near you, Mormon Church growth slows, Planned Parenthood announces new board members, and a discussion about Mormon men and their odd public displays of emotion.
Link to Conference on Religious Trauma 2021: https://pheedloop.com/CORT/site/home/
Tennessee wants to expand eligibility to serve in legislature (in a bad way), RCMP close down church in Alberta, Alabama allows atheists to vote, god worshipped by cargo cult dies, t-shirt angers Muslims in Kenya, COVID-19 vaccine required for entry to Mecca, and Mormon prophet has a message for anyone doubting Mormonism, "you're lazy."
Catholic Church lobbied against suicide prevention hotline, Christian schools reconsider mascots, new Arkansas law allows medical workers to refuse treatment to LGBTQ people, Panera Bread discriminates again pagan worker, fewer than half of Americans now belong to a church, a Christian school apologizes for the wrong thing, and a discussion about heaven and hell.
Jehovah's Witnesses face fines in Belgium, bakery faces another lawsuit, a US Air Force shooting range disrupts meditation, a poll of American values, Franklin Graham promotes vaccination, Texas lawmakers consider new HOA rules, and a wealthy former Mormon sues LDS Church over accusations of fraudulently using tithing money.
COVID-denying president of Tanzania dies, Georgetown University announces plan for reparations, the Mormons remodel Salt Lake Temple (and make it even more boring), the Vatican announces decision about same sex weddings, twelve house republicans oppose medals for Capitol Police who protected them, evangelicals have a penis problem, and we dive into the ongoing and developing story about the Atlanta shooter. He is a religious zealot.
Mormons cancel final year of the Hill Cumorah Pageant, prophet apologizes for wrong prediction, a study looks at atheists and health, a pastor who was right about Trump, Tennessee lawmaker tries (again) to make Bible 'state book,' pope experiences wardrobe malfunction, and 'Murder Among the Mormons' gets the Frank and Dan treatment.
CPAC features graven image of Trump, Methodists take step toward schism, Eurovision entry promotes devil worship, a satanic license plate approved in Alabama, pastor admonishes wives for not being thin enough, Christian adoption services extended to LGBT families, and a discussion about forgiveness and whether the canceled ones can ever come back into the fold.
Survey shows atheists know right from wrong, animated female characters must wear a hijab, more American adults identify as LGBT, Souther Baptists expel congregations, Catholic mom causes trouble for kids, Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia face prison, and cancel culture's next target (according to Fox News) is the Bible.
Christian missionaries convince Brazilian tribes against vaccine, Utah school district ends equity reading program due to it being too inclusive, Evangelicals in trouble in Jordan, Biden reestablished White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, lawmaker wants women to get permission for abortions, Catholics try to hide money from abuse victims, and we talk about what a horrible person Rush Limbaugh was and his lasting legacy in America.
President of Tanzania denies COVID-19, an unexpected Christian rock album hits the top of the charts, new data shows evangelicals sliding further from reality, new abortion law requires women to argue with call center worker, Catholic school system shows signs of collapse, the Supreme Court sides with churches (again), and Jeep tries to sell us a crock of s#!t.
Waterboarding infants for Jesus, the very real consequences of anti-gay laws, ultra-orthodox Jewish communities and the spread of COVID-19, a survey about online harassment, Rick Warren makes fun and gets in trouble, the tale of an exorcism, and our take on the popular sci-fi series "Raised By Wolves" (hint: we hate it).
Jewish leaders in UK draw focus to Uighur genocide, immigrants take sanctuary in churches, a new Mormon temple 'opens' in Salt Lake City, COVID denying preacher faces legal consequences, conspiracy theories run rampant in American churches, lawmakers attempt to limit abortion, and we chat about the effect the pandemic has had on faith in America.
Cadbury Creme Eggs ad draws wrath of One Million Moms, lawsuits against Trump administration, North Dakota considers new law, rabbi predicts side effect from COVID vaccine, indecent cakes cause trouble in Egypt, harsh measures against LGBT people in Malaysia, and our take on how religious the inauguration was.
Pastor urges parishioners to keep guns loaded, PayPal blocks fundraising site that helped provide funds to insurrectionists, survey reveals religious composition of the 117th Congress, progress made toward ending female genital mutilation, Dave Ramsey is a crappy boss, megachurch pastor in trouble, and Mormon leadership tries to calm the masses.
Frank and Dan break their normal format to talk about the events of January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol.
Abused scouts sue Mormon church, uptick in faith amongst UK teens, juror listens to 'holy spirit' instead of evidence, a German Catholic bishop sees writing on the wall, Liberty University students surprise us, churches fined by state of New Mexico, and guest Teresa English tells us what she learned running for office in Massachusetts.
Christians offer offensive prayers at Native American sacred site, Christian rocker excluded from Rockin' New Year's Eve, Pat Robertson faces reality, religious leaders ignore pork and abortions, Kirk Cameron is being a real douche, Christmas will happen in LA County, and Mormon leadership tries to stay current with new handbook.
Pastor buys jet with PPP money, religious organization funds "election fraud" attack, religious leaders call for end to gay conversion therapy, T**** administration protects religious discrimination, Australian rehab horror, some Evangelical pastors aren't idiots, and it turns out that the Southern Baptists might just be racist after all.
Labor department legalizes workplace discrimination, one fire department's toxic work environment, a back to school guide, a white supremacist church opens in small Minnesota town, a Supreme Court ruling, megachurch pastor urges congregants to not get COVID-19 vaccine, and a storm's a-brewin' amongst Mormon laity.
Secular Democrats respond to the rise of Christian nationalism, Jehovah Witnesses in Australia face losing tax exempt status, a live nativity annoys passersby, upcoming super spreader events announced by republicans, a new group of Methodists, a monolithic mystery solved, and Noah Lugeons joins us to talk about his new book "Outbreak: A Crisis of Faith: How Religion Ruined Our Global Pandemic."
List of naughty and nice retailers according to evangelicals, religious sentiments hurt over a kiss in an Indian Netflix show, US Supreme Court does't understand science (and that's troubling), Florida court decision about conversion therapy, update on priests abusing children in New York, and the Mormon Church found a way to be even more annoying than usual this week with their hashtag #givethanks.
Vatican demands answers about pope's like, Muslim woman kicked off flight because white man complains, Jehovah's Witnesses force girl to listen to recording of her own rape, a pastor gets COVID, a Tennessee mayor consults with Holy Spirit about everything, a pretty bridge in Edmonton, and with all the crap in the world, Frank and Dan go to their happy place.
Let's talk exit polls, the ten wealthiest US pastors, why queer people leave religion, United Arab Emirates relaxes laws, counties with worst virus surge also were worst by voting for Trump, lots of uses for old Catholic school, and thank god those prophets were wrong about Trump.
Current Supreme Court case bodes poorly for separation of church and state, Mississippi makes progress (but not for us), two recent exorcisms in America, 'flights to nowhere' go nutty, pastors preach against COVID and get sick and/or die, Trump supporters vandalize Michigan cemetery, and Andrew Seidel from the Freedom From Religion Foundation joins us to talk about Christian Nationalism and the need to un-f*ck the courts.
Muslim world boycotts French products, Franklin Graham responds to pope's call for civil unions, school sends girl home for the wrong reason, witches try their best against Trump, a representative's tweet, farewell to James "Amazing" Randi, and Andrew Goldâjournalist and podcasterâjoins us to talk about his BBC documentary that follows an Argentine exorcist and the people he casts demons out of.
Sham health coverage plans under fire, pastor leaves ministry over Trump, a survey about 'nones' leaving religion, a millennial saint, possible anti-abortion sit-com, new university policy, and a discussion about news that Pope Francis supports civil unions for same-sex couples.
Uncle Mark from The How To Heretic sits in for Frank and discusses the week's news with Dan. They also have a conversation about Christians and their obsession with being persecuted all while holding all the keys to power in America.
Evangelical leaders getting sick with COVID-19, Chinese textbook fixes Bible story, Donald Trump 'literally' saves Christianity per Eric, Catholic diocese files for bankruptcy, Orthodox Jews pissed at Cuomo and de Blasio, Mormons for Biden continues their work, and Utah State Senator Derek Kitchen joins us in an inspiring conversation about the need for atheists to run for public office.
Trump mocks religious Americans, Muslim man sues employer over bottle of cognac, Christian groups march on Washington DC, cops in Idaho arrest protesters flouting mask order, COVID restrictions in UK, Icelandic church has a new take on Jesus, and a discussion about the power of religions requiring weird actions by members.
Watch the speaking in tongues clip: https://youtu.be/68rEbWfOsBo
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tgiatheist
Politically active congregations, study on spirituality, Oman tells shoppers to cover up, young minister gets the boot, two "young and dumb" party promoters cause epic COVID-19 outbreak in Utah, Methodists face trouble over logo, and Frank and Dan have an idea.
Southern Baptists consider dropping 'Southern' from their official name, Wisconsin archbishop warns that skipping mass (even during COVID-19) is a 'grave sin,' a 'million' moms bothered by fruit commercial, the strange story of Utah lawmaker Steve Urquhart, a surprising survey of Iranian religious beliefs, Trump finds new way to insult Jewish Americans, and when oh when will atheists get the respect from politicians they deserve?
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tgiatheist
This episode's cover photography by Phil Roeder (Creative Commons): https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Husband and wife in court over right to die, Senator Mike Lee upset at Mormon-owned news outlet, Pope Francis takes off his mask, LDS women form group to appose Trump, town handles disagreement with aplomb, police handle situation poorly, and it might not the be apocalypse, but it sure feels that way.
Research about religious prejudice by public school administrators, surprising results from sleep study, street preacher breaks man's leg, Eric Metaxas in trouble, survey about Christian attitudes about sex, parking lot dinosaur targeted by Christians, and what in the hell is going on with Evangelicals and QAnon?!
http://foundationbeyondbelief.org/news/it-takes-a-village
http://www.polkatheists.org
LDS leader defends Brigham Young, Donald Trump talks to god and god talks back, Jerry Falwell Jr. steps down from Liberty University, immigrant detention facilities refuse Muslims halal food, good news from atheists, Mormon father urges son to go on mission (by choking him), and what to do with all these churches!
South Korean Christians put nation at risk, Trump speaks the truth (but only when he shouldn't), Catholic school teachers forced to sign COVID-19 waiver, California megachurch defies court order, Kenneth Copeland canceled, social distancing in Brazil, and why we are forced to talk politics on a show about religion and secularism.
A Bible burns in Portland and wreaks havoc on the internet, Ding dong Jerry Falwell Jr. unzips his pants, a Nigerian singer blasphemes against Mohammed, a shocking truth is revealed about Americans, theories on the cause of the Beirut explosion, trouble in an Arizona school district, and the Mormon Church takes secrecy to a new level.
Billy Graham statue headed to US Capitol, Baptist pastor speaks at party for KKK leader, the Satanic Temple adopts abortion ritual, nuns face gag order, hajj numbers hit record low during COVID-19 restrictions, Florida pastor joins up with lawmaker to promote facial autonomy, and a conversation about doctors and our expectations about their personal beliefs.
New research on atheists reveals something about our nature, a beach revival, Alaska Supreme Court protects woman from religious daughter, Jason Rappoport gets COVID-19, a new scholarship, a member of Congress faces consequences, and your taxes just went to propping up the Catholic Church.
Hundreds exposed to COVID-19 at church camp, couple sues state to allow their large wedding to go forward, Bible reading down during pandemic, trans-man denied operation at Catholic hospital, the military and chaplains, Jehovah's Witnesses bully religious watchdog group, and the appeal of Trump's toxic masculinity to white evangelicals.
Flight forced to land, Mormons shirk leaders request to wear masks, the story of a church that opened too soon, the Hagia Sophia, Sudan protects some human rights, Brazilian beer brand draws ire of activists, and maybe it's time for the end of the world.
Churches that must sing, summer camps spread COVID-19 (surprise, surprise), god calls Kanye West to run for president, religious appropriation in night clubs drawn into question, Satanic Temple makes sense about Mississippi flag, US Supreme Court update, and what we grew up believing about America.
HUD threatens to pull protections for homeless transgender people, Mississippi drops racist flag (but there's a catch), more about White Jesus, a pastor in Mississippi does the right thing, recent US Supreme Court decisions, God-TV gets pulled from Israel, and a new member of the ex-Mormon community proves she's way better than the rest of us by shitting on some made up ideas about all of us.
Conversion therapy network shuts down, hajj limited due to COVID-19, Americans uncomfortable going back to church, city tries to stop muslim cemetery, Graham vs. Fauci, newspaper ad causes stir in Tennessee, and a discussion about depictions of White Jesus and the white supremacy that follows.
Supreme Court surprises nation, Vatican issues investment advice, Brigham Young was a vile racist, Trump and Uighur Muslims, a stained glass window in Boise, Washington National Cathedral lays off workers, and your in-group might be making you a bad thinker.
Catholic archbishop warns Trump, porn star rallies sex workers against Lindsey Graham, new poll on Trump and faith, a hashtag gets banned, parolee files lawsuit, Tanzania, and a discussion about believers who over-claim.
Asking what Jesus would do might not be the right question, Supreme Court rejects bid for churches to reopen, Trump and his Bible photo op, a prophet fails at prophesy, faith leaders call racists to repentance, Jerry Falwell Jr. might actually be in hot water, and a Christian father writes a horrible letter.
Churches reopen across America, conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccine reach church leaders, a wedding in Wisconsin, tithes drop off threatening survival of small churches, priest beheads man to end COVID-19, a baptism lawsuit settled, and what happens when a high profile Christian joins the atheist ranks.
LDS Church loses $8 billion, Jane Roe's deathbed confession, Texas mayor only lets men pray, yet another problem for the Museum of the Bible, a TV station in Israel, and what does it mean for churches to be reopening and how many churchgoers will stop going?
Salon tries to convince authorities it's a faith-based business (and therefore essential), Vatican faces financial woes, olive oil used to sanctify stairs, wedding venue in trouble, Australia takes action against bleach church, a theater opens, and a discussion about what happens when your beliefs become your identity.
Apparently some Christians want their very own Underground Railroad, Minneapolis violates own ordinances allowing a mosque's call to prayer, an Ohio lawmaker comes up with unique reason not to wear a mask, cardinal not okay with new rules, an update about the Russian Orthodox Church, a court ruling, and American Atheists is out with a new poll about how non-believers identify and the results are very interesting.
Pakistan cleric blames women for coronavirus, Muslim call to prayer heard in Minneapolis, Saudi Arabia introduces another reform, NYC mayor in hot water, an arrest in Nigeria, pastors dying from coronavirus at high rate, and Frank and Dan take up a hypothetical: if forced to join a religion, which would it be?
Mass funeral in Bangladesh risks lives, LDS Church pushes "Fairness for All Act" promoting discrimination, BYU gets COVID-19 relief funds, traveling flames, a pastor in Louisiana gets arrested, an ultra orthodox charity, and a discuss about Samaritan's Purse and their medical charity work.
Pastor who refuses to social distance dies from coronavirus, poll about shifting opinions in America about LGBT rights, Jim Bakker faces financial consequences for peddling bunk, a court ruling on school prayer, church showdown Ukraine, LDS think they invented Good Friday fast, and predictions from the 1990s about Mormon growth don't pan out.
Mormons hold "solemn assembly," a good time for religious leaders to get away with bad stuff, Melbourne cathedral vandalized in wake of George Pell acquittal, pope has comment about coronavirus, Jerry Falwell Jr. presses charges, landlord in California locks up church building, and what a couple of crappy holidays are Easter and Passover.
Hajj on hold, abortion during Coronavirus, COVID-19 cases linked to church gatherings, religious people getting together in defiance of lockdown orders, evangelical hospital tents set up in NYC's Central Park, zoom bombing online church services, and what we're all being forced to give up this lenten season.
Bangladeshi imam performs funeral for sex worker and later regrets it, priest give communion with shared spoon, Trump's personal bible instructor clarifies God's wrath, Irish government denies religion change, Mormon missionary fiasco at SLC airport, a proposed resolution in Pennsylvania, and our guide for not going crazy during a quarantine.
"Halal" hand sanitizer, Angel Moroni statue damaged, Muslim pilgrims refuse to self-isolate, churches refuse to close for COVID-19, European nurses, the news for the Bible Museum keeps getting worse, and cataclysmic events and our need for comfort.
American church engagement down by half since 2000, Coronavirus boosts "culture of life" according to cardinal close to pope, Alex Jones gets DWI, opposition to new burial technique, American cities rebuke India's prime minister, high school coaches still can't pray with teams, and a rundown of different religions' response to Covid-19.
Update about Iran's coronavirus situation (hint: it's bad), Lourdes denies pilgrims its healing waters (because it doesn't work against coronavirus?), rabbi indicted of charlatanism, priest denies first communion to autistic child, church-based coronavirus prevention, Argentina set to legalize abortion, and is there a difference in how to treat Mormon missionaries vs. Jehovah's Witness when they come knocking on your door.
Iran responds to Coronavirus to comedic effect, Indonesia tries the pray-it-away approach to Coronavirus, US Supreme Court turns away religious bias case, Pakistani court rules horribly, secular day at Arizona state capitol, Ash Wednesday and Coronavirus, and is there value in practicing Lent?
Jaegermeister sued over logo, trouble in the Holy Land, Hinduism and mensuration, the wacky Utah state legislature, the Southern Baptist Convention does something right, tiger widows, and does Brigham Young University's policy change about gay and lesbian students actually change anything?
Utah attempts to decriminalize polygamy, a Bible that secretes oil, a new law in Virginia, demographic update on Gen Z and nones, University of Texas receives endowment, Republican lawmaker wants to cut funding to public broadcasting over appearance of gay man on "Sesame Street," and a discussion about white supremacy and religion.
Antisemitic carvings allowed to stay on German churches, Texas attorney generalâs religious beliefs cited in refusal to do his job, Malaysian pilgrim arrested in Mecca for being trans, Franklin Grahamâs world tour stymied, international religious freedom alliance, federal court rules on the side of defendantsâ religious freedom, and Mitt Romney surprises the nation by showing some integrity.
Kevin Bolling from the Secular Student Alliance joins us to talk about their work on school campuses, and we do a rundown of the week's news including a bill to end bishops' automatic right to sit in House of Lords, the religious make up of the Republican and Democratic parties, Jerry Falwell Jr. has an idea, news from Central and South America, and Paula White casts a spell for "Satanic pregnancies" to miscarry.
A new eternal standard for Mormon temple clothing, China finds a new use for Uyghur Muslims, BYU hosts dancing competition featuring same-gender dance partners, bishops in France adopt new rules for baptism, Utah bans so-called LGBT conversion therapy (sort of), poll reveals public's level of knowledge about the Holocaust, and a discussion about the Doomsday Clock.
Trump defends school prayer, "anti-Catholic" laws that are about to be struck down, religious sect kills seven during ritual, Christians cede all rainbows to LGBTQ+ movement, women reach new heights in religion, trouble for the two popes, and the FFRF hit by religious judge.
Public grant to protect churches, English courts offer same protection to ethical veganism as religious belief, United Methodists separate over LGBT issues, anti-gay pastor blamed Australian fires on his being denied entry into the nation, atheist are cat people, a muslim's perspective on fake pork, and the case of the very strange lawsuit against the Mormon church.
Pope Francis gets slappy, fried chicken restaurant sends hijab wearing employee home, Brazilian production company firebombed for "gay Jesus" Christmas special, Mormon fanboy makes trailer for upcoming General Conference (see it here... https://youtu.be/UL5YojeR598), man who quit job over 666 on his paycheck doing fine, and a discussion about the status of the atheist movement and the religious right's response at the start of a new decade.
A look back at the stories we covered in 2019: Saudi phone app for men to track "their" women (from 2/9/2019); foster agencies allowed to discriminate against LGBT community (from 2/3/2019); measles outbreak among Orthodox Jews in NYC (from 4/20/2019); the distribution of religious materials at Veteran Administration hospitals (from 7/13/2019); China harvests organs from religious and political prisoners (from 06/22/2019); members of attacked synagogue oppose death penalty for shooter (from 8/31/2019); and a discussion about the rise of antisemitism (from 5/26/2019). Happy New Year, everyone!!
Christian couple looking to raise $100k for daughter's resurrection, church elder offers Arby's for sex, new guidelines for Muslim inmates at federal prisons, Pope Francis issues new rule about secrecy, Netflix releases new Christmas classic featuring a gay Jesus (Christians respond), prominent evangelical publication sides with Donald Trump's impeachment, and news breaks about Mormon Church's $100 billion stash.
Millennialsâ flight from religion appears permanent, men go on trial under Nigeriaâs anti-homosexuality laws, flight crew rejects passengerâs âHail Satanâ t-shirt, inappropriate speaker at White House Hanukkah event, trends in baby names, Vatican keeps charitable donations for themselves, and what to do when a display of devotion happens right in front of you.
Roy Moore back from the dead, family hopes for dad's resurrection (while keeping him in the other room), Jesus' manger makes a grand return to Bethlehem, a prison chaplain pleads guilty to sexual abuse, atheists take over holiday display, Jewish schools in UK try to avoid sex ed, and a talk about letting Christmas get you down.
Uproar over proposed float in Christmas parade, a judge rules on religious freedom, man in India fights for recognition of his atheism, Pope honestly answers a question, LDS Church wants to turn community garden into parking lot, Iranian cleric says the Quran mandates torture, and yet another take on the War on Xmas.
Americans' perception of Evangelicals, religious exemption for doctors not to treat LGBTQ patients struck down, freedom of the press, publisher refuses to print an Alabama magazine, a school board in Florida makes the right decision, a student body's response to a very large donation to their college, and a woman is charged with lewdness for baring her breasts in her home.
Project Blitz gets a new name, court rules Kentucky atheist can have vanity plate, BYU-Idaho stops accepting medicaid, Ohio students may gain religious exemption for being wrong, US latinos have begun leaving church, and a discussion about polygamy and whether it should be legalized in the US.
The literal cost of religion, Trump's new rules, Rusty Nelson preaches prosperity gospel, judge knocks down rules, evangelical leaders gather with Trump, Germany bans conversion therapy, and the fictitious war on xmas.
Frank and Dan discuss the weeks news and muse about the harmful beliefs they grew up with.
Anti-LGBTQ preacher banned from another country, Halloween tips for Christians, God as clown, too many Americans believe in ghosts, baptists talking smack on baptists, new poll on religious affiliation in America, and a discussion about forgiving yourself vs. being let off the hook.
US Supreme Court pleases atheists by doing nothing, Ugandan government seeks death penalty for gay sex, a Bible Museum update, an Australian archbishop has a message for reformers, Michele Bachmann is such a Karen, POS art teacher gets the boot, and William Barr likes his little straw men.
Melbourne wants to warn citizens about a very specific risk, firm markets Jesus shoes, Beto O'Rourke is the gift that keeps giving, that judge and that murder lady, the Catholics have an idea about the Amazon, Iranian women arrested for dancing, and a preview of this year's holiday season.
Iowa city causes crosswalk kerfuffle, cop abuses power in novel way, transphobic Christian doctor loses case, interesting theory about bicarbonate soda, crazy woman almost kills kids, how much woo can you do before you too have too much woo to do?
UAE builds a religious complex for Jews, Muslims, and Christians; New York Catholic Dioceses in trouble; Trump's holds a religious summit for himself; god owns stake in bus manufacturer; republican lawmakers in various states working to ban marriage equality; Saudi Arabia wants to build tourism industry; and a brief discussion about leadership of the atheist movement.
Praying (and punching) the gay away in Oklahoma, the price (literally) to avoid hearing 'thoughts and prayers,' feds threaten to defund program at Duke, artists in Arizona, Pakistani officials attempt to veil order, Indonesia outlaws sex outside of marriage, and why do atheists continue to do good in the world.
Survey about belief and anxiety, man cuts phallus off statue, Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University, ABC rejects FFRF ad, weeping Mary saves church, rapture index, a discussion about protecting sacred places. https://www.patreon.com/tgiatheist
An argument between pastorsâ wives, conservative groups confront Utah Board of Education over sex-ed, Swedish imam fined for hate speech, the Deaf Bible Society, Clemson football coach takes players to church, book banning, and a discussion about mockery.
Mormons ban guns at church, women in Bangladesh no longer have to declare virginity on marriage certificates, straight pride fail, court okays ban on atheist prayers, Jerry Falwell Jr.âs boys, opposition to Pittsburg synagogue shooter receiving death penalty, and a discussion about how to promote secularism in America.
Drag queen interrupted, shit gets real for white supremacist Texas marriage law, specialized citizen training, Wyoming investigation, and surviving the apocalypse isnât for everyone.
Nonreligious facing harassment in growing number of countries, scary group of young men being trained in âbiblical warfare,â racist dog costs woman job, survey on abortion in America, Pennsylvania seal, a clever school district in Kentucky, and the LDS Church clarifies stance on coffee, tea, and tobacco.
Male police trainer refuses to work with female recruit, pastor scams $631,000 from charities, El Paso shooter and hate crime charges, Mormon Church sued under racketeering laws, Josh Harris asks for forgiveness, Lutheran policy change, and a discussion about mass shootings and the right's attempts to cast it as a lack-of-prayer problem.
Frank and Dan celebrate their 400th episode of Thank God I'm Atheist with a visit Mormonism's most holy site... Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. Watch the video... https://youtu.be/FVpxc6ZbTYo
Lebanese pop band offends believers, religious monument honors police officers, baby selling nun denied bail, US State Department tries to redefine human rights, church refuses to host funeral over gay sonâs involvement in service, what Americans know about religion, and mandatory reporting and the clergy exemption.
Christian family forced to pay taxes after claiming religious exemption, Christian book company changes name to avoid confusion, Rusty Nelson is a strange man in a strange land, House Republicans pressure Amazon to sell gay conversion therapy books, Trump takes the âLordâs name in vainâ upsetting some Christians, Christians can be made to care about climate change if we use the right words, and âNuns and Nones.â
HOA gets fussy about Pride flags, the Veterans Administration takes action to âprotectâ religious liberty, Atlanta church adds psychic medium to ministerial staff, Russian Orthodox Church questions the blessing of military weapons, Trumpâs trade war may increase Bible prices threatening religious freedom, school principal pulls holocaust curriculum, and a discussion about judges giving lenient sentences to sex offender ministers.
New York ends religious exemption for vaccinations, atheist banners rile up Fort Worth, man claims religious exemption for parking tickets, Rami Malek takes a stand about new Bond role, Haredi rabbi apposes ultrasounds, IKEA fires employee over violent religious comments, and a discussion about what sexual predators mean for the LDS Church.
LGBTQ prom canceled over safety concerns after Christians threaten the event, PBS children's show airs gay wedding, nudists and burkini bathers face off over swimming pool dress code, straight pride parade scheduled for Boston, nudity abounds during German heatwave, UK woman lands in court after harassing neighbor for being a witch, and for our Pride Month wrap up we ask ourselves whether we feel more or less safe in recent years.
Light rail opponent claims higher authority, tribunal releases details about China harvesting organs from religious detainees, drag bingo raises money and ire, church leaves school board in the lurch for fines and legal costs, Quebec bans religious clothing for government workers, hate website fined, and a discussion about homophobia and suggestions on how to respond when harassed in public.
US Embassies defy Trump administration orders, restaurant closures in Tehran (I bet itâs not for health code violations), Christian florists want special rights, seminary represents Christianity poorly, Wiccan professor sues for discrimination, âpost-Christianâ cities, and a discussion about the clergy and sex abuse.
Frank and Dan discuss the news of the day from an atheist perspective and worry about the current efforts to undermine LGBT rights in America.
Florida lawmaker follows Godâs direct instruction, female singer in Iran charged for singing, anti-protest tactics in Tel Aviv, Catholic church makes bad landlord, Michigan Attorney General, a British nurse, and conservative Christians see second American civil war coming.
Bleach âcureâ spread by Christian pastor, sex-abuse victim attacked for claims, high school yearbook quote causes stir in Georgia, professor at university in Cairo faces undue pressure, America takes a stand about kosher meat in Europe, Ontario takes stand on abortion, and a discussion about Rick Wiles and the emboldened antisemitic voices in America.
Texas courthouse defiantly displays Christian crosses, the fall of Jerry Falwell Jr., new law at the Vatican, trends amongst American voters, Ramadan causes trouble for thirsty child in Abu Dhabi, anti-gay preacher banned from yet another nation, and our take on anti-vaxxers.
LDS Church changes stance on temple marriages, city government in hot water over racist leaders, how far-right hate groups get funded, anti-science bills in Florida, Poland enforces blasphemy laws against artist, Massachusetts lawmakers try to take âso help me godâ out of public oaths, and a discussion about how to ask taxi drivers to change the radio station.
Chris sits in for Dan and updates us on Saudi Arabiaâs wife-tracking app and tells us about why predators are attracted to careers in the clergy. Other topics covered include: an elementary school in the UK suspends lessons on inclusion after parental outcry, Madison church offers marijuana as sacrament, Sri Lanka bans face veils in response to bombings, Iranian clerics issue fatwa over TV game shows, and a discussion about BYUâs gay valedictorian and what that means for the oppressive school.
Anti-semitic ritual resurrected in Poland, Notre Dame cathedral fire godâs retribution for treatment of Jews, atheist invocations, a gun store and a muslim customer, woman threatens Easter service in San Diego, new theory about what âcausesâ homosexuality, and a discussion about Sri Lanka bombings.
Pence causes stir at Christian university, case to open Indiaâs mosques to women, Church of Sweden issues pamphlet for LGBTW children, Pope Benedict breaks his silence, new law in Missouri, no foot is safe in the presence of Pope Francis, and a chat about Notre Dame cathedral.
Turns out yoga does not make inmates gay, Mormon General Conference winds up being total snoozefest, NYC faces measles outbreak due to one particular religious community, a legislature and a prayer, an Easter celebration, Texan and their executions, and why oh why is Easter still a thing?!
Catholic priests burn Harry Potter books in Poland, one Iranian womanâs take on hijabs, Quebecâs National Assembly takes down cross, airport refreshments with a conscience, Utah legalizes sex, the pope and the women, and Mormon General Conference.
Are you Jewish enough?, State Department phone call, abortion laws in Kentucky, Bible classes in school, Supreme Court rejects LGBTQ discrimination case, yoga in the schools, and our response to the shooting in New Zealand.
Iranian couple breaks cultural norms, churches closing in Canada, stats on humanist marriages in Scotland, a French Cardinal, Texas judge in hot water, China wants west's religious influence out, and strategies for combatting conspiracy theories.
Spouses of gay and lesbian Anglican bishops not invited to world conference, judge rules man can't go to church, Missouri bill targets atheists, Pope Pius XII's archives to open ahead of schedule, religious buildings denied preservation funds, Finland revokes JW exemption from military service, and anthropologists find universal morals among world cultures.
Priest offers special help to parishioners, international boxing organization changes rules to allow hijabs, sham resurrection, cross memorial faces legal challenges, new monastic order revives transgender role in Hinduism, YouTube, and we discuss whether or not Mormonism is a cult.
Souther Baptists face clergy abuse, (Dis)United Methodists, Portland passes a new anti-discrimination law, Catholics test credit card machines, Vatican looks at unbelief, researchers look into Shroud of Turin, and our predictions for the LDS Church.
US Supreme Court denies muslim man imam for execution, Christian school issues onerous dress code for annual dance, Pope Francis acknowledges sexual abuse of nuns, efforts to end religious exemptions for school vaccinations, Arizona has a problematic âIn God We Trustâ license plate program, polls of highly religious Americans skew depending on how questions are asked, and a clever tactic for getting truth to loved ones.
Mormon filmmaker exposed for abuse, Christian student groups visit Sundance film festival, composting our dead loved ones, child killed because he didnât learn his bible verses, oppressive Saudi app exposed, an update about an Oklahoma state senator, and what a new poll suggests about faith and happiness.
New York passes landmark LGBTQ rights laws, another ding-dong American missionary, Christian foster agencies enforce their own rules, Louisiana schools, Muslim extremism, god on the souls of their shoes, and what Mormons believe about their temples.
Pence and the Christian school, guru in jail, Greek Orthodox owns a lot of property, Chechnya orders LGBT people killed, Egypt fines TV host, and an anti-gay therapist comes out of the closet.
Woo gets sued, Methodists make progress on LGBTQ issues, Putin and the JWs, Rome city council and Catholic Church in fight over coins from Trevi fountain, Evangelicals think LGBTQ folk should be removed from anti-lynching bill, church bilks congregants who supported failed musical, and what is and isnât art.
Drag Queen Story Hour targeted by Christian complainers, China attempts to reform Islam, religious fundamentalism linked to brain damage, dubious scientific claims in India, marriage laws in Kenya, women in Saudi Arabia, and where can atheists go to find inspiration in this world?
Big changes for Mormon women, two women visit temple in India causing riots, Coptic Christians consider changing when they celebrate Christmas, legal change in New South Wales lets sex abuse victims sue churches, Jerry Falwell Jr. opens his big fat mouth, Mississippi changes its license plates adding "In God We Trust," and a look back at some of the biggest religion stories of 2018.
Email us at podcast@thankgodimatheist.com. Leave voicemails for the show at 424-666-8442.
Support us at www.patreon.com/TGIAtheist.
Germany considers "Mosque Tax," Americans trust in clergy at all time low, a fake Catholic priest in Spain, Ukrainian Orthodox schism, temple in India loses its priests, Project Blitz lays out its priorities for 2019, and a goal for all of us.
Growing number of Americans donât care about Christ being in Christmas, Chinaâs forced labor camps, atheist couple causes stir at pre-school, some cases of cancer have a meaning, Republican muslims in Texas face other Republicans, some sex abuse isnât Christian, and Andrew Seidel from the Freedom From Religion Foundation joins us to chat about their work.
Elementary school principal bans Christmas, Trump administration halts HIV research, Salt Lake County now minority Mormon, nuns gamble away charity funds, Baptist exposĂŠ reveals deep-seated clergy abuse, Indonesian app lets users report blasphemy, and a festival for the rest of yâall.
Disney takes over Christmas, Taiwan votes against gay marriage, primitive menstruation practice leads to death of young girl, nuns stand up to abuse, Macyâs Thanksgiving Day Parade causes outrage, India gets another really large statue, and a discussion about missionary work in light of John Allen Chauâs death.
An election in Jerusalem, a wedding magazine closes, Ultra-Orthodox wreak havoc on two trans-Atlantic flights, prying preachers cancel wedding, accommodations for holiday displays on public land, Islamist extremist hackers like gay , and Mormons in Congress.
Scotland requires addition of LGBTI history to school  curriculum, Greek progress, trial in Canada, reaction to theatre, Texas lawsuit attempts to end clergy only weddings, female genital mutilation rates drop in Africa, and a discussion about Thanksgiving.
Another schism, Jewish school policy, Alabama constitutional amendment, novice becomes pro, plan for peace in the Holy Land, telescopes get go ahead, and Frank and Dan discuss what it has meant to them to do Thank God I'm Atheist for seven years.
LGBT books publicly burned, Stephen Fry honored for lack of belief, Catholic synod, the wrong people are reading to our children, a Christmas tree, the Church of Iceland, and the right wing loves telling atheists what we truly believe.
Witches plan Hex on Kavanaugh, Catholic scandals, activists address paedophilia in Poland, death penalty for abortions, an update about Matthew Shepard, a crucifix in Quebec, and spooky times are here!
Frank and Dan present a rundown of the week's religious news through an atheist lens. They focus the second half of this episode on the hateful messaging coming out of the most recent Mormon General Conference.
A new 24-hour news network you wonât want to miss, Trump ends visas for same-sex partners of UN employees, a horrific story about sex abuse by more Catholic priests, Cardinal watchdog group, Ireland gets its house in order, more Kavanaugh (yuck), and Frank and Dan share some predictions about Mormon General Conference.
Frank and Dan host their weekly rundown of atheist and religious news. This week they also discuss the Kavanaugh hearings.
Pastors attempt to ban banned books, group in UK attempts to keep Franklin Graham out of country, American doctor performs FGM, Catholics update abuse numbers, LDS church gets serious about medical marijuana, a gun goes off in LDC chapel, and a discussion about why itâs so hard to leave religion behind.
Giant cross coming down in Florida, AP poll finds voters donât consider religion as much as we thought when voting, cholera outbreak linked to church, world Hindu conference, more investigations into abuse by Catholic priests, Christians in China, and alternatives for finding community.
Catholic church isnât happy about possibility of same-sex marriage in Cuba, future of religious television programming in question in Belgium, a ruling in Texas, White House evangelicals, terrorist attack in Amsterdam, Arethaâs eulogy, and Frank and Dan discuss ongoing disruptions of the LDS status quo.
Youth advocate facing excommunication from Mormon church, Vatican edits popeâs comments, construction worker tries to opt out of bible study and gets fired, Riot appears at Christian festival, Pew has a new poll, Fancy Bear has an unexpected target, and believersâ need for enemies.
American Atheists make a poster, Mormons donât want to be called Mormons, group of churches tries to own up to racist past, Oklahoma! turned gay, atheists in Kenya call for national âAtheist Day,â Russian student faces jail time for offending believers, and an uproar about David Crossâs Mormon garment stunt.
LDS Church doubles down on anti-gay policies, the story of a transgender youth in Oklahoma, Jeff Sessions, Batman is an atheist, Labor Department creates faith based exemptions for contractors, Pittsburgh priests who ran child ring, and a stroll down memory lane with Frank and Dan.
New poll shows support for conservatives' distorted view of religious freedom is on the rise, the real reason for the California wildfires, a new video game, Catholic church priest pedophilia update, famous pastor faces allegations of sexual misconduct, prayer at school board meeting, and Frank and Dan talk about creationism, biology, and a ridiculously heavy book.
Group seeks sainthood for five African-Americans, update on the Danish face veil ban, Trump official makes wild statement about religious freedom and anti-gay laws in Africa, Ammon Bundy comes to Utah with ideas about socialists taking over Mormon church, Jeff Sessions forms a task force, Bible removed from military display, and a discussion about current efforts by active Mormons to reforms the LDS church.
Chris sits in for Dan. They discuss good parents, bad parents, LGBT issues, and lots of ideas from men about women.
BYU religious police, Episcopal church presents solution to gay marriage issue, Miami man arrested for trying to burn down building to kill Jewish neighbors, ultra-orthodox men attack neighborhood women Zuckerberg refuses to remove holocaust denial content from Facebook, and the problem with Prosperity Doctrine.
Religious parents let baby die and only face six years in prison, Amazon profits off of racist and homophobic products, First Church of Cannabis loses court case, Philippines president denies god, angry Israeli politician, bar opens in historically FLDS community, and Frank and Dan speculate about the Supreme Court.
Harsh new laws in Denmark, religious conservatives shift focus from Roe v. Wade, Vatican fails to legally protect children from abuse, Australia considers no longer saying prayer at Parliament, Project Blitz pushes religious based laws in state legislatures, Holy Family lands in a detention center, and gays finally allowed in Provoâs 4th of July parade.
El Al airline changes searing policy, Minnesota mosque vandalized, Jim Carrey paints another Donald Trump portrait, Pope Francis weighs in on global refugee crisis, national motto on tax forms in Texas, Canadians and Mormon polygamy, and a message about hate.
Egypt promotes womenâs role at the mosque, FFRF wins court case against Texas governor, Christian national billboard taken down in Dallas, teacher quits over districtâs transgender policies, Jeff Session taken to task over child separation policy, and Frank and Dan talk about a home school biology book.
Crosses in Bavaria's public buildings, Scouts BSA stands firm against atheist members, BYU Hawaii's failure to respond to violence on campus, European countries continue to target muslims, statue of Marilyn Monroe causes stir, Pope Francis takes a stand on fossil fuels, and Heavenly Mother.
Gender segregation on public beaches, a new movie about Trump, Catholics in Congo respond to ebola, judge says UKâs NHS has authority to exclude homeopathy, St. Paul archdiocese faces big payout to abuse victims, In God We Trust stays on US currency, and our response to the propaganda we grew up watching at church.
Valedictorian silenced over political concerns, chaplain program in Australian schools, televangelist covets jet, baptist college makes correct decision, Ireland makes a change to their constitution, police trainer spreads anti-Muslim bigotry, and recent news reveals a small portion of the LDS Church's massive financial holdings.
Pope Francis says nice things to gay man, school principal and campus cop fired for promoting religion in school, Catholic church loses priests and nuns, Arizona removes evolution from state education standards, religious conservatives threaten Netflix boycott, Alex Jones faces defamation suit, and the Mormon Church gets outmaneuvered on their past racism.
Beirut Pride cancelled, India cracks down on child abuse, pope reveals himself to be an old crank, US moves embassy to Jerusalem, crackpot causes stir at movie screening, new federal appointee, and Frank and Dan discuss wonder and awe.
Chris sits in for Dan, Missouri lawmaker makes wild claim about rape, female genital mutilation, LDS Church quits Boy Scouts, survey about journalistic ethics at religious schools, and an observation about people with "In God We Trust" license plates/
Dan is joined by guest host Kate for a discussion of her conversion to (and then from) Mormonism. They also discuss GQ's controvercial book list, a new caucus in the U.S. congress, changing attitudes about gay marriage, a new ten commandments monument (and what the Satanic Temple wants to do about it), Christians defending bestiality, and polling data about who believes in God!
Find Kate's books at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B00IOAHECU/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 or better yet, at your local independent bookshop!
Scientology infiltrates popular online kidâs game, DC Council Member tries to rehabilitate his image after antisemitic comments only to trip over himself, research shows strong link between religiosity and LGBT teen suicide rates, and a look back at the Branch Davidian showdown 25 years ago in Waco, Texas.
People are less religious when government is bigger, LDS prophet tells African crowed to pay their tithing to get out of poverty, Morrissey denounces halal meat, Silverman fired from top American Atheist post, a new dinosaur museum, another rapture prediction.
Seven years ago, before they started Thank God I'm Atheist, Dan and Frank recorded an hour of audio for a local community radio station. This is that audio. Please enjoy.
Mother uses stun gun to wake son for Easter services, Hindus pray to cleanse concentration camps, Church of England goes cash free, Stormy Daniels counters allegations, ânonconsensual immorality,â and the Mormons have themselves one heck of a General Conference.
UK coroner causes stir by not considering religion, why evangelicals continue supporting Trump, Muslim refugees convert to Christianity in Germany, Mormons march to Temple Square demanding reform, Putinâs Rasputin, the refugee system in the US, and a preview of this weekendâs General Conference.
City council member floats anti-Semitic conspiracy theory, Boko Haram and their kidnapped school girls, Jim Carrey paints a picture, appointment of humanist chaplain blocked, monks angry at the sale of their holy beer, falling rates of religious belief amongst Europeâs youth, and a rape-coverup scandal hits Mormon church.
Vatican doctors photo to omit statement by Benedict, hate group in UK announces horrid event, top level domain woes, three racists bomb mosque in Minnesota, religious types respond to Stephen Hawkingâs death, and analysis about why millennials are leaving the Mormon church and what the church could (but wonât) do to keep them.
Public school teacher discovered to be white nationalist podcaster, Christians in Indonesia flogged for playing children's game, male escort releases dossier implicating Vatican officials, âdirtyâ churches closed in Rwanda, jerk conspiracy theorists arrested in Texas, and a Mormon movement to end the practice of private one-on-one âworthinessâ interviews with children.
NRA calls gun rights âgod given,â Church of England issues Lent challenge to clean up environment, lesbian couple denied application to become foster parents, religious college rescinds job offer, âIn God We Trustâ law, Idaho law, and atheistsâ anger.
Town faces the consequences of placing Ten Commandments monument, message in a bottom, new law in Iceland protects all babies from mutilation, woman thrown in jail for baptizing daughter (boy, itâs more complicated than that), Idaho movement to end faith-based medical exemptions, city council members censure one of their own for anti-Islam post on Facebook, and the story of an LDS woman disciplined by church for not shutting up about divorceâshe recorded the conversations with her bishop after losing her temple recommend.
Mark sits in for Frank, and Dan talks with Bart Ehrman to discuss his new book "The Triumph of Christianity."
Indonesians Christians fear deportation, new app promises a better Bible experience for all, two new Polish laws, evangelical minister claims you donât need the flu shot, top cardinal might support blessing same-sex unions, a new TV show puts god on Facebook, and Christian abuse victim says stay away from church if you need help.
Satanists adopt a highway, âIn God We Trust,â Iranian women protest mandatory hijabs, nuns vs priest in battle over control of hospital, Clintonâs spiritual advisor accused of sexual misconduct, KFC franchisee told to stop serving halal chicken, and the possible ripple effect of a high profile âmixed orientationâ marriage ending in divorce.
Nonbelievers turn to prayer during crisis, Buddhist scholar runs afoul of law, Missouri would like to redefine marriage, a ploy to âprotectâ doctors from unsavory patients, internet use reduced religiosity, judge exposes religious bias in court, and a new hashtag is sweeping the nation.
Nonbelievers turn to prayer during crisis, Buddhist scholar runs afoul of law, Missouri would like to redefine marriage, a ploy to âprotectâ doctors from unsavory patients, internet use reduced religiosity, judge exposes religious bias in court, and a new hashtag is sweeping the nation.
Fasting to save Trump, West Virginia wants to add Bible to curriculum, new study shows âMuslim Banâ may have prompted more acceptance of Islam in America, two Utahns ritually abuse children in name of religion, UK clergy unionize, Canada enforces Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and how full is my quiver!
Fasting to save Trump, West Virginia wants to add Bible to curriculum, new study shows âMuslim Banâ may have prompted more acceptance of Islam in America, two Utahns ritually abuse children in name of religion, UK clergy unionize, Canada enforces Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and how full is my quiver!
The New York Times runs an honest obituary about Thomas Monson and the mormons donât like it, Supreme Court doesnât take anti-gay Mississippi case, ten commandments monument erected at shopping mall, schism in Mennonite world, lawyers for Kansas assholes want more assholes on jury, school lunch woes in France, and the mechanics of choosing a new LDS prophet.
Ritual child abuse uncovered within FLDS, climate scientists leave US for France, train station named to honor Donald Trump, archdiocese bankruptcy denied, not one of 100 largest US churches is LGBT affirming, elementary teacher fired, and Donald J. Trump as King David (and other biblical figures).
Topless activist tries to steal Baby Jesus, Texas attorney general clarifies gun law, gay priest gets standing ovation, changes in abortion law, added security for Christians in India, Egypt taking new stance on atheism, and the Mormon Church has continued performing baptisms for the death for Holocaust survivors even though they promised they wouldn't.
Topless activist tries to steal Baby Jesus, Texas attorney general clarifies gun law, gay priest gets standing ovation, changes in abortion law, added security for Christians in India, Egypt taking new stance on atheism, and the Mormon Church has continued performing baptisms for the death for Holocaust survivors even though they promised they wouldn't.
The Johnson Amendment survives GOP's tax legislation, religious broadcasters claim their speech is being stifled, story of Christian flag being saved from DMZ doesn't add up, Egyptian pop star in trouble for sexy fruit video, and two developments in Mormonism.
Frank and Dan discuss the news of the week and that gosh darn Donald Trump recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. We look at how this is playing into Evangelical Christians' desire to bring about the End of the World.
Mark sits in for Dan and the discussion centers around how could Roy Moore think dating teenage girls is okay. Well... it has something to do with the Evangelical "Courtship Culture" that promotes fathers turning their teen daughters over to older men in order to protect their chastity. All that and the week's news.
Jewish childrenâs book causes stir among anti-vaxxers, Touched by an Angel star set for angel-hood herself, suggestive statue erected at Catholic school, countries of particular concern, divining rods used by UK utility workers, religious colleges face dark times, and the religious education workaround.
10 Commandments guy, Australian divorced couple, church shooting, Santa Claus is too American for some Brits, fake Dead Sea Scrolls at DCâs Bible museum, Chinese government offers poor Christians money to take down pictures of Jesus, and sexual harassment.
Religious Alabamans still likely to vote for Moore, member of Congress comes out as humanist, Trump thinks Scientology should lose tax-exempt status, Catholicism at the Costume Institute, Southern Baptist church hires female pastor and faces the consequences, Holy See says no to holy smoke, and Frank and Dan reminisce about six years of podcasting.
Coke runs ad showing Saudi woman learning to drive a car, Kentucky House speaker resigns after being accused of sexual harassment, Indonesia Supreme Court rules in favor of religious freedom, armed guards in churches, new poll about religion and spirituality, surprising election results in polygamist Utah town, and thoughts and prayers are not action and commitment to do anything.
Exclusive housing development only sells to Muslims, China wants to take control of religion, Saudi Arabia announces additional reforms for women, newspaper finds no evidence for Old Testament stories, Mike Pence to visit persecuted Christians, witches, and finding the right space for religion in our society.
Bill O'Reilly mad at God, JWs face class action lawsuit over child abuse, questions for Mormon missionaries, homeless shelter charges tithe, museum highlights Nazis' use of Martin Luther to justify holocaust, fight over a headstone, and Frank and Dan discuss dangerous non-medical treatments.
SLC movie theatre sues state, new pol shows shift on attitudes about God and morality, Ten Commandments update, Kentucky clerk takes anti-gay marriage message to Romania, Boy Scouts of America announces plan to include girls, a presidential election gets religious, and a clip from Mark and Danâs new showââThe How To Heretic.â
Church focuses prayer against proposed bike lane, city council in Idaho makes surprisingly inclusive decision, US federal judge strikes down parsonage benefit for clergy, accusations that India is neglecting the Taj Mahal, shark costume in Austria runs afoul of law, and why are the evangelicals so upset about contraception?
Mormon leader proclaims gay marriage will never happen in LDS Church, the Book of Common Prayer, child sacrifice in Uganda, a very special train, Christianity promoted in Kansas prison, a county seal, and the DOJ butts its nose into a court case.
BYU allows caffeine on campus, Muslim university in Berkeley, religious unemployment fraud, judge orders teen to live, atheist donations to hurricane relief, Yemeni WI-FI woes, and Frank and Dan talk about the new developments with the Book of Mormon.
Warren Jeffs, Air Force chaplain, straight marriage ruined by gay marriage, gay cake update, the world is coming to an end, Belgian monks defy pope, and disasters.
National Cathedral announces they are taking down stain-glass windows, poll on evolution and belief, robocalling Christians in hot water, Singapore celebration, churches in Texas sue FEMA, and an offshoot of Mormonism.
Robots of the cloth, a very spiritual sonogram, poll about discrimination, Indian guru, ministry lawsuit, and two-thirds of Americans are sinners.
Watch us on youtube.com/tgiatheist. And support us at patreon.com/tgiatheist.
Evangelical preachers giving Trump religious cover for nuclear war, Mosque bombed, Sasquatch sighting, Mormon Leaks strikes again, the Pence doctrine, and nazis in America.
Fatwa booths in Cairo, Christians more likely to blame poverty on lack of effort, pastor gives bad advice to bipolar woman, Pope objects to transgender people, someone new is writing laws in Utah, first gay marriage in Church of England, and Mormonism as an ancestor cult.
Religious trafficking, Baby Charlie, Trump nominee, Ark update, ancient Canaanites, and belief.
Creative accounting and The Ark, BYU-Idaho professor fired for post on Facebook, wardrobe change in England, Saudi woman arrested for miniskirt video, BYU professor implicated in Hobby Lobby antiquities scandal, monument revisited, and Mormon Pioneers.
Wheat Jesus, grizzly bears present problem for Native Americans, secular cities, Malta legalizes gay marriage, Palestine and Israel, synthetic Texas, and the First Vision.
Frank and Dan discuss the news of the week and recount the origin of the Devil according to the Mormons.
Frank and Dan chat about patriotism, the national anthem, and ways in which modern attitudes about the flag and nation feel icky.
Judge miraculously obeys the law, Mississippians now allowed to discriminate against LGBT community, schools in Turkey stop teaching evolution, woman wins lawsuit against Israeli airline, Texas couple exonerated, vaccination woo, and rural America vs. urban America.
Anti-Sharia rallies across the US, British politician steps down, fake drug dealer just âdoing the Lordâs work,â Southern Baptists join the modern era, Mormon temple in Rome, Trump wants us to stop attacking religion, and Frank and Dan explain a viral video of young Mormon girl getting her mic cut.
Governor Kentucky has a plan, a story of a stolen brain, a useful reason for converting to Islam, an anti-Islam billboard, religious hospitals win major court victory, a Jewish ritual, and a discussion on religious marriage.
Robot priest blesses the faithful in Germany, survey shows trends with LDS millennials, town ordered to pay Mosque after denying building permit, man with a funny hat makes statement about homosexuality, religious types commit violence, a Ramadan warning, and atheists need to come out for the sake of the world.
Group tries to reclaim tithing from LDS Church, new law in Texas, art heist in Salt Lake, Greg Gainforte is a douchebag, a pastor with a direct line to god, study about loans, and religious fasts.
Doug sits in for Dan: Trump speaks in Saudi Arabia about Islam, fidget spinners take the world by storm, Callista Gingrich to serve as US ambassador to Vatican, Utahâs new polygamy law, an update on the LGBT disaster in Chechnya, a new exhibit at Temple Square, and a chat about LDS missions.
LISTENER WARNING: EXPLICIT SEX TALK IN THIS EPISODE (thanks, DanâŚ) BYU conducts study, LDS Church steps away from Boy Scouts of America, Mormon Leaks releases LDS internal survey, blasphemy law in Ireland tested by atheist celebs, secular wedding officiants allowed in Oregon, God tells woman to kill, and we explore the question of how much should we let religions get away with.
Frank and Dan talk about 'religious liberty' and how that's cover for Christians to deny rights to other groups.
Religious name ban in China, atheist sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, breast feeding in church, rates of belief in Christâs resurrection, San Antonio mayor is a ding dong, King James bible burned in Uganda, and the Word of Wisdom.
Benedict celebrates 90th with a rager Vatican-style, another church needs armed security, Humanism recognized by the Department of Defense, Roy Moore strikes again, a pope meeting, Catholic school exercise, and Dan sits down with playwright Robert Askins.
Alabama church gets its own police force, gay friendly book backed by Vatican, Swedish midwife who refused to do abortions loses case, boobies, Marvel comics, magic fire, and the power of religious architecture in secular spaces.
Doug fills in for Frank, and along with Dan dives down the rabbit hole of Mormonism's bi-yearly torture of their own members. Together, they explore the scars left on them by their mandatory viewing of the most boring event EVER. Stories include Christians who are more like Pharisees, Duterte giving atheists a pass, the Chechnyan hate round-up, Mike Pence's fear of women, Bryan Fischer wants to fly his rainbow flag, and a culture clash surrounding who should perform circumcisions and when (hint: nobody. ever.).
Mormon blogger gets racist, Mexican archdiocese warns construction companies about building Trumpâs wall, âIn God We Trust,â Pakistan warns social media websites, NASA funds dubious research, image of Smurfette âincites feelingsâ among orthodox Jews, and Mormons love their personal revelation.
Weekly Bible classes at West Virginia school, hypocritical attorney general, living status for rivers in India and New Zealand, March Madness brackets, Australian commission and child sex crimes in churches, abortion, and Mormon baptism.
Girls Council in Saudi Arabia misses the mark, Satanic Temple has new campaign, the Dutch dodge a bullet, conservative Oklahoma lawmaker engages in hypocrisy, Reza Aslan eats brains, Pat McCrory canât find a job, and group think.
Majority of Evangelicals believe Trumpâs lies about journalists, Bali will not cover nude statues for Saudi royal visit, Kansas congressman claims poor donât want health insurance, Nike has a new product, new rule for conservative Jews, an anti-medical treatment pastor has been charged in childâs death, and men get their day.
Conservative gay-hating and Planned Parenthood-hating pastor rants on YouTube, dead babies and toddlers found in sewage chambers behind convent, abuse survivor quits Vatican commission, another abortion bill in Texas, Christian war memorial vandalized in Australia, Orthodox Jews take new tactics to stop women from praying at Western Wall, and why religious people think people leave church.
Statue of Christ by Michelangelo rediscovered, parents guilty of 1st-degree murder in religious neglect case, Mormons fight renaming of a street in Atlanta, Ark Encounter not the boon to local tax revenue once hoped for, Christian bookstore closing nationwide, and Frank and Dan discuss Mardi Gras and their complete lack of understand of it.
Hate groups triple membership over the last year, Mormon church takes stance on transgender restroom issue, Boy Scout alternative sees uptick in membership, IKEA issues catalog for ultra orthodox Jews, Glitter Ash Wednesday, US Commission on Religious Freedom releases report gives poor grade to Hindus in India, and Frank and Dan remember growing up Mormon.
Trump appears on Christian network, a solution to Utahâs sex-ed policies, girls want into Boy Scouts of America, World Hijab Day, Pope Francis has a solution to Vatican corruption, private high schools told not to pray at state playoffs, and blue laws from around the world.
Kosher marijuana, preaching politics, transgender boy scouts, a gay Ark Encounter, Jesus wants us to be rich, clergy abuse group sued, and the Department of Education is in serious trouble.
Churches adjust Sunday night activities to accommodate Super Bowl, using the Bible as a court room defense strategy, Trump fails to mention Jews in official Holocaust remembrance statement, dustup at the Knights of Malta, president of Philippines starts showdown with Vatican, Pakistan TV host taken off the air, and Trump bans Muslims from entering the country.
School principal cheats and credits power of prayer, Imamâs prayer incites outrage, FFRF sues to stop public funding of church building maintenance, conservative Christians coming around on pot, JCCs targeted throughout the country, Church of England changes rules on clergy celibacy (not really), and our hopes for progress in America.
Russia set to decriminalize domestic violence, Vatican McDonaldâs to feed the homeless, Philippine government blocks popular sites, lesbian couple takes over Baptist congregation, federal prisoner sues for secular treatment program, After School Satan opens in Utah, and a discussion on religious tax exempt status.
Neo-nazis plan march in Montana, the family that prays together gets their SUV stolen, US military extends religious accommodations, then there were two (Shakers left in the world), LDS Church growth rate drops in US, Church of Norway status changes, and we talk with Fred Karger who is currently fighting to end the Mormon Churchâs tax exempt status. Support us on Patreon.
Scientology takes aim at A&E, NYPD makes accommodations to Sikh and Muslim officers, the Utah Secular Caucus takes form, pope on the run buys new shoes, MoTab member resigns over Trump inauguration, soccer and witches, and was 2016 really as bad as weâre all making it out to be? Yes, maybe it was, but letâs also remember that Scalia died, and that was pretty awesome.
âCharlie Brown Christmasâ causes stir at Texas middle school, freaked out liberal christians return to church after Trump victory, LGBT community center opens across from Mormon temple, Oklahoma plans for anti-abortion signs in public buildings, LDS church changes mind about new song in young womenâs songbook, neopagan wins right to wear horns on driverâs license, and an interview with Michael Ferguson about his experiences with gay conversion therapy and lawsuit after the fact. Support us on Patreon.
Vatican repeats itself about gay priests, German court rules that Muslim girls must take swimming class, Marriott makes big decision about the Bible, the worldâs largest nativity, the world is ending (again), Orthodox rabbis and converting to Judaism, and neuroscientist Michael Ferguson joins us to talk about faith and the brain.
Santa vs. Jesus board game ruffles Christian feathers, Catholic priest prevents gay man from singing at own grandmotherâs funeral, Norway fines Catholic church for falsifying membership numbers to get more taxpayer money, Pope Francis advocates for the climate (and science), new study shines positive light on psychedelic drugs in fighting depression, and sneaky ways Christian types try to block abortions.
Naughty and nice retailers, Georgia tries to outlaw hijabs in public, Duck Dynasty comes to a close, German protestants stop converting Jews, humanists sue, Catholic diocese in Minnesota, and maybe we need some new friends.
Self-appointed bishops, pope says no to female priests, China lures children away from church, Michelle Bachmann uses graph to show power of prayer, priest posts video with dead fetus, Oklahomans vote down constitutional amendment, and Dan and Frank take a moment to reflect on the election.
Trump robocaller calls third-party candidate âcloset homosexualâ, transgender Muslim woman hacked to death, rabbi discovers code in scripture predicting a Trump presidency, Oklahoma seeks to change state constitution, county commissioners in court for right to pray at meetings, Puerto Rico gubernatorial candidate comes out atheist, and talking to believers.
South Koreans experience their own funeral, Vatican says no to scattering ashes, prayer garden for pet lovers, BYU offers amnesty to rape victims, Pope Francis opens posh papal retreat to public, Mormon(s) and gay(s), and a tribute to Jack Chick.
Cardinals protest McDonaldâs opening near Vatican, Americans trust scientists and military over clergy, Sweden gets a cemetery free of religious symbols, pastor comes out as atheist and then runs back to the church, terrorism in Kansas, a Catholic charity in India surprises us (a little), and an independent presidential candidate in Utah within striking distance of winning the state.
Norwegian trickery trips up psychics, Temple Mount aggression, no more holiday displays on county courthouse grounds, US government releases report on religious freedom and many religious leaders are upset by its content, an angry pope takes on Germany, InterVarsity to fire employees who don't agree with them on gay marriage, and Mormon tithing settlement.
High school assembly about sex, Oklahomaâs governor, Catholic diocese makes right on sex abuse scandal, an elderly bar mitzvah, not-so-shocking sculpture of Jesus shocks conservatives, clever polygamist defense, and Mormon Leaks.
Utah legislative candidate comments online, female chess players face obstacles, untouchables find way out, Confederate flag removed from Washington National Cathedral, change comes to Billy Grahamâs ministry, Danish anti-migrant spray, and Mormons and their get-rich-quick schemes.
Priest delivery service, Pakistani Christian jailed for online blasphemy, the Sistine Chapel visits Texas, J-Dubs face judicial review in Canada, study about Nones, update about American hate pastor in Africa, and appropriating eastern spirituality in the west.
Religionâs economic value, Arizona pastor denied entrance into South Africa, arson, Mormons shying away from Republican party, hijab emoji, only ânatural familiesâ should get child care tax credit, and atheists are no longer the most hated group in America.
Obama nominates Muslim to Federal bench, Kaepernick is not muslim, I wonât watch that icky video, Midwest hospital chain rebrands, atheist minister, a mother files charges, and how our views on Islam have evolved over the fifteen years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Georgia county bans new churches, ISIS declares Pope enemy number one, Christian woman told to remove headscarf for DMV photo, a gay bishop, Indiana religious freedom act, Icelandic elves stop construction project, and Mormon seminary is just plain awful.
Atheists run for office in Arizona, homophobic pastor arrested for child molestation, federal judge lets strict vaccination law stand in CA, US State Department makes international call, saga of atheist donor in Oklahoma, new Vatican handbook about sex, and the French try to ban burkinis at the beach.
Louisiana flood exposes hypocrisy, Lutherans want to reconcile with Rome, gay bashing, Pokemon Go linked to demonic plot, the Norwegian Church loses members thanks to online registration, prayer and religion banned at Chinese hospitals and four âlamanitesâ sue LDS Church.
Mormons build high-profile temple in Philadelphia, Trump ask evangelicals for help (with Mormons!), Satanic Temple is at it again, Hillary Clinton writes a letter to Utah, woman denied vanity plate settles lawsuit, Christian pastors sue Illinois for right to perform âconversion therapy,â and faith at the Olympics.
Public school adopts problematic logo, Pope Francis follows through on a promise, Satan clubs test public schoolsâ after-school club policies, Josh Duggar sued by the face of his online sex presence, church promises to drop Bibles onto ISIS, a day for âburkinisâ at French waterpark, and a lack of evidence supporting flossingâs health benefits tests our commitment to basic dental hygiene.
Tattoos leave marks at BYU-Hawaii, Ben-Hur for a new generation, France attacks, a new law in Illinois, Kansas City sued, non-believers campaign to affect Australian census, and being an atheist in an election year.
China bans churches over safely concerns, Muslim clerics issue fatwa against ISIS, Garden of Eden becomes World Heritage Site, Pokemon, marriage laws challenged, pastor starts club, and Pioneer Day!
A Kentucky judge refuses to marry atheist couple, FLDS news, Pakistan's own Kim Kardashian murdered in honor killing, mosques shouldnât be polling stations (but neither should churches and synagogues), âMeet the Mormons: Part 2â, Newt Gingrich has a big fat mouth, and superstitious atheists.
Texas governorâs new rule affecting abortion, Catholic priests in Montreal banned from children, Trumpâs Star of David, driverâs license photo error, post-Brexit bigotry, Russia limits religious proselytizing, and Noahâs Ark theme park opens in Kentucky.
Turns out the Book of Mormon isnât historical, Satanic Temple strikes again, demon possession, Kansas church calls for sexual assault victims to be outed, Mississippi âreligious freedomâ law struck down for trampling on religious freedom, Christian website must make room for gays, and our take on the 4th of July.
Kim Davis declares victory in fight against gay marriage, wishing Muslims happy Ramadan, European Islamophobia summit scheduled, Osteen hecklers, UK asylum seekers, satanists vs anti-satanists, and proof there is a god.
Pope Francis pets a tiger, a clash at the Western Wall, Mormon missionaries in trouble, atheist scholarships, Amish PAC, the many smells of Jesus, and the Orlando shooting.
Passion of the Christ 2, religious freedom is just for Christians, Evangelicals are feeling a little left out, Iowaâs governor, Mecca turns mega, and Dan interviews newly minted atheist Shannon Low of the Order of Elijah.
Women and church attendance, to hajj or not to hajj, judge hands down a creative sentence, inappropriate test question, Mormon church takes anti-gay fight to Mexico, Muslim killed by mob may have been eating beef, and celebrities and atheism.
Children afflicted in Peru, father interprets Bible literally with horrendous consequences, landmark court ruling in New Jersey, Swiss Muslims face fine, sacred objects auctioned off to offense of Native Americans, Saudi doctor shot for doing his job, and religious folks once again try to spruce up the Bible.
Changes in Mormon missionary attire, abuse sticks, abuse by clergy on the rise, International Religious Freedom Act, town sells plot of land under cross, Church of Scotland explores way to remotely baptize, and a quick talk about suicide and non-believers.
American Atheists sues Tennessee sheriff for promoting Jesus, Arabic speakers loving on Dawkins, Ohio megachurch can't force insurance company to pay for child abuse, criminal sentenced to read Ben Carson book, Missouri school's field trip to Jesus, Alabama chief justice KOed by drag queen, and Dan and Mark discuss the great trans panic of 2016!
Angel washes up on the shore, first amendment needs defending, marrying off your quiverfull, restraining order against God, Hindus are jerks too, troubles at the Target bathroom, and Jake and Dan talk about God telling candidates to run only to fail.
Denny Hastert sentenced to jail time, Oklahoma knows how to pay for lawsuits, Utah Pride festival bans gay site, Kevin Swanson compares gays to Nazis and cannibals, Mormon university blames the (rape) victim, Scientology leaderâs father write tell-all book, and Dan and Mark discuss parents who kill their children through prayer.
Iowa schools shut down, Hitchens converted, Americans and prayer, poll shows UK muslims sympathize with violence, leader of Conservative rabbis resigns, Utah , and Dan and Jake discuss Mormon communism.
The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster declared ânot a real religion,â giant crucifix proposed in Australia, a ârelic in the makingâ sold to highest bidder, governor of Tennessee rejects the Bible, parents object to Bible placement in schools, Sarah Palin insults Bill Nye, and a very scary Christian daycare in Alabama.
Bangladeshi atheist killed by Muslim mob, Russian nonbeliever in trouble, new poll on gender and religious belief, giant cross in Corpus Cristi, Trump's proposed ban on Muslims would allow his rich friends to enter US, conservative Christians gather to discuss , and a Mormon general authority claims divine protection for LDS missionaries in Brusselsâ bombing.
Frank and Dan speculate about why Utah has more plastic surgeons per capita than any other state in the US and include a discussion about how the Mormon obsession with perfection comes at a high cost for Mormon women. Also: Catholic cardinal takes money from charity to renovate his luxury apartment, Donald Trumps makes some sense, Mississippi approves Church Protection Act, Easter stunt in Louisiana, Colorado school district in showdown over religious literature in schools, and Alabamaâs governor in sex scandal.
Frank and Dan discuss Joseph Smithâs âThirteen Articles of Faithâ and how the Mormons live them today. Also: Utah might vote for a democrat this year, parents react to yoga in the schools, North Carolina blocks LGBT protections, Obama defunds abstinence only education, Shawna Cox sues federal employees for ungodly amount, and Catholic bishop bans Muslims from praying in churches.
Mark and Frank continue their conversation about art, this time focusing on attempts to censor art. Also: Mother Teresa on track for September sainthood, Oklahoma lawmakers seek to change state constitution, Bernie Sanders needs to "meet Jesus," majority of GOP supports ban on Muslim immigration, and an evolution warning appears in text books.
Frank and Mark discuss the role art plays in religious settings. Also: Americans are officially getting less religious, Christians turn to faith-based groups to pay medical bills, gays ruin Easter, faith exemptions for businesses and bad parents, and a Christian pastor gets buttocks bitten off by lion.
Sexual healing in Arizona, Mormon leader denies existence of homosexuals, faithful couple loses septuplets, Sikh man sues US Army, Best Picture shockingly pleases Catholics, new online religious literacy class, and it turns out that religion plays a very different role in voters' minds than one might expect.
Frank and Mark discuss recent examples of LDS leadership officially meddling in Utah's lawmaking process. Other stories include: Eleven FLDS leaders have been indicted in food stamps fraud, NYC teacher claims anti-Irish discrimination, an orthodox Israeli bashes up TV screens mid-flight, Catholic archbishop wants alternative to Girl Scouts, the political clout of the "nones," holy milk.
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death at 79 has left some conservatives wondering if foul play was involved. Plus, we talk about some of his influential statements and what this means for atheists in the United States.
New bill in West Virginia, clerk harasses lesbian couple, horrific get rich quick scheme in Africa, Ted Cruz is the face of God, Mardi Gras, and miracles. Mark sits in for Frank.
Trump commits a faux pas, new Israeli policy for women at prayer wall, poor response from priests about zika virus health guidelines, 'In God we trust' and police cars in Wisconsin, Phoenix city council wrings hands over 'satanic' prayer, and we keep it short because we're both sick.
Bernie's fate, belief and awe, lawsuit about Jesus' skin color, Italy covers nude statues for Iran's leader, BYU law school in trouble for discrimination, American voters shift on atheist candidates, and talking about your atheism with nonatheists.
Popemobile for sale, "In God We Trust" motto challenged in court, Saudi Arabian fatwa against chess, two atheist organizations merge, Irish grade schools, a wedding chapel in Taiwan takes interesting form, and we discuss alternative medicine.
Planned Parenthood sues group that made undercover videos, Russian Pastafarian required to always wear his colander while driving, Irish woman jailed for abortion, Icelandic youth don't believe God created universe AT ALL, conservatives own the Bible, the hypnotic power of lotteries, and the Kinderhook Plates explained.
Mark fills in for Frank, and he and Dan discuss the militia men in Oregon and their Latter Day Saint connections. Also: Huckabee is too good at Christianing, Alabama Supreme Court justice gone rogue again, a school for training diddlers, Marco Rubio's new campaign ad, child abuse by a charity in India, and new stats reveal where America stands.
New Biblical theory, murder, church trends, religious rights for me, victory for Planned Parenthood, Christmas in Brunei, and the afterlife makes no damned sense.
Texas plumber whose truck ended up in ISIS video sues, Mother Teresa's miracle approved, judge gets sworn in on something other than the Bible, college professor suspended for online post supporting muslims, school assignment crosses line, where to bury mass murderers, and Frank and Dan possibly put their big white feet in their dumb white mouths.
Priest spends $1 Million on beefy lover, members of Donald Trump's church want him out, FFRF gets ignored, home vandalized, observatory nixed in Hawaii, UK no longer a Christian nation, and we set goals for the new year.
Souvenir vendors displaced, Fox and Friends, faith-based groups and federal money, Humanists and Muslims, Donald Trump speaks to Jewish group, dueling nativity scenes, and we respond to emails and voicemail.
LDS cancel experiment, temple in India, abandoned newborn found in church, black Friday fighting, public library planned for polygamist town, an ad gets canceled in UK, and 'tis the season for gift giving.
Judge orders circumcision, Missouri legislator tries to stop research, "idiot" christian warrior kills child, Scalia spews more argle bargle, Mormon university cancels event, trouble in sportsland, and Mark and Dan wade like scared little bunnies into the topics of Islamic terrorism and the refugee crisis.
Mark fills in for Frank again to chat with Dan about: religious giving on the decline, lesbian moms, Japan losing interest in Buddha, Darwin's Origin of the Species, magnets messing with brains, and Ray offering Comfort to Christians. Also- what are the purity tests for your tribe?
Mark sits in for Frank, and chats with Dan about non-religious kids being more generous than religious, Canada swears in, Ben Carson continues not to make sense, Texans opt out of education, GOP debate finds a home, Catholics do Hobby Lobby one better, and the Mormons hate on babies.
Sheik Fagin, Museum of the Bible under federal scrutiny, Hindu cattle patrols, praying football coach, city council prayers, LDS church redefines their words, and what do you do when the shoes on the other foot.
A very quiet march for peace, Singaporean pop star, Ben Carson's stance on abortion, tripping pastors, Mormon leader says something awful, and silly things believers wear.
Big tip from church to pizza delivery driver, gun discounts, bike lanes and religious freedom, relics, Mother Teresa's charity, UK man and Saudi Arabian justice system, and Mark Hofmann.
Mark sits in for Dan and we discuss BYU's violations of religious freedom, Norway creates app for leaving the church, Jason Chaffetz, merchandizing faith, FFRF's victory in Georgia, and Mormon leadership misses the boat at this week's General Conference.Â
Mark sits in for Dan, and we discuss the Christian preacher with the resurrectin' power, the evangelicals who descended on Donald Trump, the Indiana legislator who videoed himself cheating on his wife (and then texted a copy to everyone he knows), how New Zealand prefers the dark side of the force, right wing crazies, Kim Davis's papal visit, and the World Conference of Families (and their upcoming visit to SLC).
Pope visits America, polygamist town flooded, gay man nominated to serve as Secretary of the Army, teen clockmaker, religious (online) searches, Jesus shows up in someone's brain, and guest host Mark tells us his story.
It's our 200th episode and there are plenty of surprises in store... mainly we're drunk and we have a couple of visitors. Shhh! It's Cecile and Tom from "Cognitive Dissonance." Plus we do some stories, but not really. You'll just have to listen.
Class of 2019, Maylasia and their rules, imprisoned Iranian cartoonist faces more time in jail, punishments in India, adult coloring books, and pluralism in America.
Mark sits in for Frank and talks about the following with Dan: the Josh Duggar saga continues, Kim Davis is behind bars, a Utah man who raped little girls uses Bible as excuse, the pope lets priests forgive women who have abortions, an Oklahoma school bans crosses and cowboy boots, Episcopals divest of fossil fuels, and Bryce Blankenagel from "Naked Mormonism Podcast" stops by for a visit.
Terrorist threat actually just a welcome sign in Hebrew, praying the potholes away, Rome to name square after Martin Luther, Mormon Church decides to stay with BSA, Jain problem, and sex problems for the religious.
Utah Mormons want church out of BSA, French court rules schools don't need to offer non-pork lunch option for students, you only pope once, theatre piece canceled for addressing radicalization of Muslims, gun stores ban muslims, an atheist and a minister, and the pledge.
Chechen women scam ISIS, Italian priest offers baby bonus, East Texas man sentenced to marriage, spiritual needs filled by natural beauty, cop cars sport bible verses, NFL player comes out as atheist, and you might just be religious about your atheism.
Church of England worried about "trendy" exhumations, Canada Post workers refuse to delivery anti-abortion tracts, Georgia seeks to protect clergy from gay marriage, Satanic Temple unveils their monument, stabbing at Jerusalem pride, seven year old atheist punished by Christian teacher, and the Mormon Church reveals âseer stone" used by Joseph Smith.
Kenyan priests fight polio vaccination, federal prisons officially recognize humanism as religion, Catholic priests no longer needed in Antarctica, praying in the car, taking up serpents, photography exhibit at BYU causes stir, and Boy Scouts of America changes policy to allow gay leaders.
County clerk in Kentucky goes rogue for god, Iceland legalizes blasphemy, Texas town fights plan to build Muslim cemetery, ousted pastor, christian church vandalized by christians, federal land under cross no longer federal, and a look at the faith of the republican candidates for president.
Third gender in India, ex-Jehovahâs Witnesses post billboard for current JWs, French Muslim leader calls for use of unused Christian churches, new prayer rules for Florida city, colleges and contraception, Utah school sex education contract, and the pope has something to say about capitalism.
Ten commandments update, Saudi comedian tackles issues facing Middle East, First Church of Cannabis holds first meeting, Hindus and homosexuality, Baylor University policy change, traffic stops in Puerto Rico, and Boyd K. Packer is dead.
Pope portrait, fetus for ransom, otherwise healthy 24-year old granted right to die for depression, âJewishâ protesters, LDS Church makes donation to Utah Pride Center, ten commandments monument ordered taken down from Oklahoma capitol grounds, and itâs a brave new gay marrying world.
Bristol Palin pregnant out of wedlock again, gay men win consumer fraud case, California Assembly passes strict mandatory vaccination law, new chair of Texas Board of Education, Satanists sue Missouri over abortion laws, attack on French factory, and an interview with David Michael, host of âMy Book of Mormon.â
Dan plays interviews from old episodes: Peter Boghossian, Darrel Ray, the Bishop of London, and Paige Palmer. New episode next week.
Christian gamemakers, Alan Keyes is an idiot, Indiana's Church of Cannabis gets IRS recognition, Swiss schools, Muslims in the Supreme Court, Church of England feminists would like god to sometimes be a she, and we respond to emails discussing trans issues and transphobia.
Creationist discovers fossils, Muslim high school soccer team refuses to play against team with two girls, Ireland votes for equality, atheists as a voting block, ice cream, college entry, and we continue our conversation about civility.
Boy Scouts chief argues for ending ban on gay leaders, Saudi Arabia places ad for new executioners, Indonesian military inspects female recruits genitalia for proof of virginity, wedding officiating, faith and science, priests have more fun, and we respond to one of the Scathing Atheist diatribes⌠http://bit.ly/1drTJZm.
Christianityâs falling numbers, California senate votes to end âpersonal beliefâ exemption for vaccines, International Draw Mohammed Day, Mormon temple in England charged taxes, high school principal in Georgia says something racist, new form of religious tracts, and eating animals.
Americans support the right to offend, Christian book of the year, Americans more supportive of a potential gay president than an evangelical one, Sunday school teacher gets released, polygamist wife, one cityâs antidiscrimination law, and our review of âGodâs Not Dead.â
Nothing. Nothing happens. This is not an episode. And now Dan might have to take up Tai Chi or gardening or something, because he is THIS CLOSE to actually losing it.
China says no more strippers at funerals, another business set to deny service to gay community, Islamic school principal bans girls from running, Pope and French ambassador, Arkansas monument, sexy Saudi store, and check that box!
Muslim migrants throw Christians off boat, ISIS leader killed planting bomb, human compost, Idaho Christian professor teaches evolution and loses his job, Tennessee bill to make Holy Bible state book dies in committee, Vatican backs off of radical American nuns, and gay marriage.
Hindu templesâ gold as cure for Indiaâs economic woes, ISIS brings down TV5 Monde, pregnant j-dub refuses blood transfusion leading to death of her and baby, Mormon General Conference ânays,â Canadian postal workers, yoga in schools, and our interview with James Randi and Tyler Measom of âAn Honest Liar.â
Isis destroys halal chickens from America, owners of Indiana pizzeria strike it rich on go fund me, Kenyan university shot up by al-shabab, Bangladeshi bloggers, Pew report on global religious trends, and Utah man helps with resurrection.
Muslim medical students sue school to change curriculum, California lawyer proposes ballot initiative to kill gays, Catholic high school approves prom dresses, Bob Jones III, happy Wiccans and Georgia's RFRA, patriotic Georgians, and CNN special report: Atheists!
BYU grads looking to change rules at said university, prominent San Francisco evangelical church ends celibacy policy for gays, RFRA laws coming to a state near you, California supreme court doesnât like boy scouts, Presbyterian church votes to allow gay marriage, LDS apostles say the darndest things, and we dumb atheists donât think no good.
Oklahoma House of Repressentatives passes bill that would end government issued marriage licenses, US government returns eagle feathers to Lipan Apache, Diane Rehm in lukewarm water, Arkansas legislator regifts adopted children, family leaves New Zealand cult and gets lots of cool new stuff, Netherlands discovers skeleton in brass buddha statue, and the Mormon Church hides its history in plain sight.
Texas Republican wants to legalize marijuana because âGod created it,â 400 men castrate themselves at the behest of their guru, broadcast of BBC documentary blocked in India, sex shop troubles, ruling in Canada, prayer in school, and protecting our churches one law at a time.
A "super" episode featuring segments from multiple episodes including: sexual propositions at the Vatican, camels don't belong in much of the old testiment, frozen guru, abortion prevention pills, man sues first responders (instead of God), muslim family removed from Empire State Building overlook, and our musings on "spirituality."
Breakups spike after holidays, Jesus takes the wheel in Mississippi, police suspect hate crime, J-Dubs and a surprisingly bad policy, Oklahoma tries to abandon history, woman tries new conversion technique, and the problem Christians calling other Christians out for circular logic.
Mississippi and 50 Shades of Grey, hate crimes, yoga class banned by church, a new reason women shouldn't drive cars (in Saudi Arabia), and a chat with someone leaving her religion.
Controversial new âthird parentâ fertility treatment, Iceland to build temple to Nordic gods, Average Mohamed calls out ISIS with cartoons, Val Kilmer goes to the hospital, making money in the service of the Lord, rabbi wonât leave, and Frank and Dan talk about âGoing Clearâ the new HBO documentary about Scientology.
Most and least bible-minded cities in America, Colorado bakery refuses to make offensive cake, Vatican finds symbolism in balloons, family commits suicide to avoid the coming apocalypse, Ordain Women (not the Mormon ones), a priest takes Burke the Jerkâs advice, and the Mormons hold a press conference.
Canadian First Nation girl dies after traditional treatment fails to cure leukemia, US Supreme Court rules to allow Muslim prisoner to wear beard, the boy who didnât come from heaven, secular family values, Florida school update, Alabama town gets a new boss, and we chat with Anonymous Steve (the UK father ordered by judge to attend church with children).
Oxford University Press creates guidelines to avoid offending Jews and Muslims, residents near treatment center for priests worry about property values, a Saudi jihad against the jolly, an ultra orthodox Jewish newspaper discovers Photoshop, and our response to âMy Husbandâs Not Gay.â
Irish group distributes anti-gay literature, TLC debuts âMy Husbandâs Not Gay,â Tennessee woman finds good home for embryos, Florida counties begin issuing marriage licenses for gay couples, religious exemption predictions, the feminized church, and the mess that is Islam.
Pope Francis and the environment, gay Christians meet in Portland, largest nativity in the world, Utah woman makes baby decision, Islamist militants kill non-Muslims, zombie church in Slovenia, and we resolve to become better atheists.
Indiana man and his mobile nativity scene, mandatory Bible verses on back of âtricycles,â passenger kicked off flight after protesting âMerry Christmas,â Â following up on a year of atheism for former Christian pastor, an attack on a holiday display, and a menorah lighting gone wrong.
The Bible as tweets, Mitt Romney pleas for release of âThe Interview,â Australia responds to Sydney cafe siege, judge dismisses lawsuit, Iranian blogger, Satanists ruffle feathers with yet another holiday display, and Mormons know how to torture.
Missouri sets execution record, Americans increasingly want to separate religious marriage from civil marriage, Dalai Lama and Pope will not meet, high school coach punishes team members, Mormons in , Canadian woman REALLY believes her dead husband can still be healed, and TGIA declares war on Christian privilege.
Adam guest hosts with Frank to discuss the following: former Hasid sues Quebec over lack of education, Australian government cuts university funding but funds something else, super strict new law, yogi gone bad, campaign to help bigoted bakers, Pakistani pop singer gets in trouble, and Pope Francis says pets might go to heaven.
Beard ban at BYU, HBO prepares team of lawyers for upcoming Scientology documentary, Houston pastor denies burial to longtime church member, ex-gay leader gets married, military confusion, a Chicago church teaches a lesson, and we wrestle with the issue of race in America.
Austria attempt to ban foreign funding of mosques and imams, faith healing in America, pro-life means you should be pro-immigration reform, Church of England allows female bishops, Vatican conference on marriage, Monster energy drink woman shows up elsewhere, and Frank and Dan offer advice on handling religious families during the holiday season.
Churchgoers find beer at âexperimentalâ church, Kenyaâs Catholic Priests interfere with public health, Mormon missionaries try chalk art, Maryland school district struggles with holidays, Cardinal Burke gets demoted, and taxes and religion have their day in court.
Catholic Church in Norway commits fraud, 44 people arrested in Pakistan for murder of Christian couple, Alabama electorate attempts to block sharia law, churches electioneer, triumph in federal court, Christian teen slays Satanist teen, and death with dignity.
Malaysian Muslims get in trouble for petting dogs, Indian woman turns husband in for homosexuality, Catholic exorcists call for âHolyween,â the pope and evolution, new navy guy, science and the eucharist, and we talk about ghosts (and play a piece from Adam).
Shootings in Canada, justice Scalia inadvertently knocks his own argle-bargle, Vatican cookbook reveals Pope favs, the ten commandments are broken, Nobel snubs the chosen people, orthodox Jews attack busses, and the Mormons cop to some messed-up stuff.
Atheist jailed for denying âhigher powerâ gets $2M settlement, Mother Teresa runs for office, Dalits change religion in protest of caste system, a Mormon chaplain, UK denies refugee status to prominent Iranian atheist, the Vaticanâs stance on gays may be changing, and the question of moderate Muslims.
HIV+ minister has sex with congregation, Bill Maher has a message for liberals and their outrage, US seminaries granted $1.5 million to teach science, pulpit freedom Sunday, Justice Scalia, âscienceâ teacher, and gays get married (againâŚ).
Arkansas shooting range declares itself a âMuslim Free Zone,â CBS refuses to air atheist commercial, what Americans pray for, a town called Ave Maria, Muslim beheads co-workers, football team forced to remove crosses from helmets, and we try to answer the question, âWhy TGIA?â
Warning: we were celebrating our 150th episode a little too hard while recording this. We do the news and then decide to drunk dial some TGIA VIPs.
Airmen no longer required to say âso help me godâ when reciting USAF oath, Satanic Temple provides educational materials to Orange County public schools, ISIS changes school curriculum in Iraq, China cracks down on Christianity, Muslim headscarves and body image, new way for ebola to move about, and our war on Christmas.
Sam Harris gets spiritual, China and the Dalai Lama, Orthodox Patriarch chimes in on Putin, atheist airman, Egypt arrests seven men, Council for a Parliament of the Worldâs Religions, and ISIS.
Competing polls about removing âunder Godâ from pledge, church bans use of altar for tea service, high school changes depiction of mascot, St. Patrickâs Day parade, Florida mayor kicks someone out of public meeting, Victor Stenger passes away, and online etiquette for atheists.
Kirk Cameron saves Christmas with holiday film, US Muslims ask State Department for protection during Hajj, Mormon parents write letter to non-believing child, Zara apologizes for insensitive kids clothing, Utah polygamists no longer in legal peril, humanist does good during Ebola outbreak, and marriage in a non-religious world.
Biblical erotica and homeschoolers, atheist congressional candidate mails condoms to pro-life group, Noahâs Ark theme park awarded $18 million in tax breaks, Tea Party of Louisiana opposes common core, Mars Hill makes a big announcement, Florida county votes to block atheists from praying, and Richard Dawkins opens his mouth.
European towns with anti-semitic names, Texas court rules against Christian homeschoolers, LDS Church surveys followers, grumpy dad and his will, the Navy removes Bibles from its hotels, Glenn Beck lawsuit, and we spend some time listening to our listeners.
Molester claims a demon made him do it, missionaries infected with ebola criticized for their third world work, federal judge rules that banning gay-conversion therapy for minors does not violate religious freedom guarantees, Black Jesus debuts on Cartoon Network, archbishops and their housing, meal discount for praying in public, and we call for mass resignation of atheists from their former churches.
North Texas tax office adds âIn God We Trustâ to tax forms, Hawaii GOP candidate denies ties to evangelical group, Christians start free laundry ministry, Catholic priest gets texts from the devil, Christian coffee shops, strict laws enforce fasting in Iran, and a âmassâ resignation from the LDS Church.
Google Suggest suggests religious stereotypes, Christian group âfastingâ to oppose gay marriage, thieves steal air conditioners from Tennessee churches, Italian priest and cocaine, religious requirements for heads of state, FFRF victory, and musings about Utahâs Pioneer Day.
Adam sits in for Dan for the first half of the show, and Hemant Mehta chats with Frank and Dan during the second half. Hobby Lobby owners want to build Bible museum in DC, a survey of Americansâ views of religious groups, a miracle and a motorcyclist collide, Iraqi Muslims want Christians to pay religious tax, Urban Outfitters and Lord Ganesh, a Muslim supermarket worker refuses to sell pork and alcohol during Ramadan.
Christian rappers claim Katy Perry stole their song, Rainbow Family meets in the mountains and prays, Russian Orthodox priest denounces soccer for being gay, archbishop misuses his position, angry SCOTUS women, number of Catholic schools declines across the country, and the Mormons issue a clarification about one of their sacred books.
Clergy hand out condoms at Hobby Lobby after Supreme Court decision, Burger King and their Proud Whopper, law enforcement and religion, New Zealand forces church to change advertising, pew puncher punished, Franceâs burqa ban stands, and freedom of religion in America.
Mormon missionaries break the law by erecting a flagpole above SLC on federal land, Nigerian atheist committed for his non-belief, Buddhist-themed waterpark opens in Vietnam, new rule in New York City schools about unvaccinated children, pastor update, India attempts to clean up the Ganges, and more discussion of excommunication.
Case of the bullet and the Bible found to be a hoax, Monster energy drink linked to the devil, pagan faces discrimination in small-town Arkansas, nuns sue their neighbors, humanist applicant to Navy chaplaincy denied post, Supreme Court refuses to hear case about high school graduation, and Theresa Caputo investigated for fraud.
Cleveland gas station takes on the controversial issue, pope announces Nicea III, OK GOP candidate says some very not-OK stuff about gays, Southern Baptists take a stand on transgender issues, Turkish imam totally rocks, Sikhs finally get to use their swords, and LDS Church just canât help themselves from not excommunicating voices of change.
Catholic Priest wants British boy band banned from Philippines, Jesus Tattoo banned from advertising at Texas high school, Utah man sets up tax shelter church, South Africa has a Chief Justice worthy of Alabama, bodies of almost 800 children found in Irish home for unwed mothers, Murfreesboro mosque update, and sex and religion.
Drive-thru prayers, a 4,300 year old dinosaur skeleton proves the Bible literalists correct, US House of Representatives declares cemetery desecration an international religious crime, a Southern Baptist seminary lets a nontraditional student in, an Indian court intervenes on a prominent guruâs deep state of meditation, Sioux City gets a lovely new park, and the Mormons and the Jews.
Utah lawmaker calls for return of firing squad executions, Catholic school principal apologizes for Ellen DeGeneresâ photo on invitation, Christians need their own Pinterest, Sudanese woman sentenced to death for converting to Christianity, happy Iranians arrested for flaunting their joy online, Americans tell the truth about church attendance, and Old Earth vs. Young Earth Creationism.
Pope Francis welcomes Martians into the fold, Mormon teens in New Jersey hold their own prom, conservative Bryan College loses 25% of faculty over Adam and Eve controversy, Alabama chief justice in the news again, a very special inmate finds Jesus in jail, South Carolina budget cuts, and the openly gay Michael Sam is drafted into the NFL.
Hobby Lobby owner succeeds in getting bible curriculum into schools, âDays of 47â parade rejects float from Mormon LGBT advocacy group, Alabama chief justice claims 1st amendment only applied to Christians, Presidential candidate, Mississippi and school prayer, Catholic Cardinal scolds nuns, and the US Supreme Court hands down major decision regarding prayer at public meetings.
Dan invites (a different) Rachel to co-pilot as they discuss the documentary "The honor diaries," getting out of jury duty, embattled ex-Gov of Virginia's new job, Mormons talking gay, another win for FFRF, and new laws in Brunei. Also, interviews with Camp Quest Executive Director Amanda Metskas and YouTuber Jaclyn Glenn.
Our interview with Matt Dillahunty and from the news: British woman deported from Sri Lanka for sporting Buddha tattoo, âBirthrightâ expands âJewishâ definition on application for free 10-day tour of Israel, US Supreme Court to hear âborn in Jerusalemâ passport case, trouble in Texas, soon-to-be most Christian nation, and the new study coming from a discredited social scientist.
Seth Andrews joins us for a nice chat at the American Atheists Convention, blood moon sets off apocalyptic chatter, Vatican set to scan precious manuscripts and place them online, LDS Church tries to shut down Mormon dating site claiming copyright infringement, the pope and footwashing, Freedom from Religion Foundation stuff, and the Salt Lake Tribune loses its âfaithâ section.
Australia deams homeopathic remedies useless to human health, Captain Janeway duped into narrating geocentric âdocumentaryâ trailer, Brandeis University reneges on honorary degree for Ayaan Hirsi Ali, family sues polygamist town, Oklahoma birth control, spaghetti monsters around the world, LDS General Conference yields more âOrdain Womenâ news, and atheists organize mass resignation outside Temple Square.
Mazoh shortage in Nepal just prior to Passover, Saudi Arabia labels atheists as terrorists, Pope Francis calls marriage between a man and a woman an âicon of Godâs love,â Mississippians are finally free to practice their religion, South Carolina lawmakers fight over state fossil, World Vision tries offering benefits to same-sex couples, and Frank found his patriarchal blessing in his basement and now wants to talk about it.
BYUâs serial groper, German customs intercepts package carrying cocaine bound for Vatican, Anne Graham Lotz compares world reaction to missing Malaysian airplane to post rapture confusion, theft of collection plate money at Joel Osteenâs megachurch, actress denied permission to convert to Judaism, publisher pulls book about Hinduism from shelves in India, and the new movie Noah.
Louisiana man wants to make Bible the official state book, scientific proof of the Bible, photos of Mormon women leaders on display for the first time in the LDS Conference Center, Salvation Army forced to pay damages to former employees, Mark Driscoll apologizes, Muslim family kicked out of Empire State Building for praying, and Fred Phelps of âGod Hates Fagsâ fame dies.
Kentucky Baptists withhold $7 million from childrenâs home to force anti-gay policy, man rescued from submerged car credits God and then sues the very people who saved his life, OKC Fox affiliate runs news promo over Cosmos sequence that mentions evolution, new Israeli law requires military service from everyone, Utah Mormons are the most passive aggressive in the world (we have the numbers to prove it), Kentucky Baptists provide incentives to go to church, and our interview with American Atheistsâ Dave Muscato.
New Hollywood movie about Noah includes disclaimer from studio, Oklahoma doctor gives Jesus shots, Bob Jones University cancels study of sexual assault on campus, unrepentant gays are going to hell according to star witness in marriage equality case, Kenyan preacher spreads the good word about no panties, UK judge rules for baby to receive blood transfusion despite the objections from the Jehovahâs Witness parents, and Dan tells us all about his trip to India.
Mackenzie joins Frank for a âclipsâ show. Weâve dug deep into the TGIA archives to find some of our favorite moments, including Newt and Callista Gingrichâs lent, national hats, belief in god helping you jam anything down your throat, Brigham Young as a nose breather, slippery slope, et al. We also tackle some news from the week: modest clothing designers meet for Christian Fashion Week, a Bible stops bullets from hitting a bus driver, the Alabama state legislature takes up the issue of prayer in public schools, and Mackenzie shares the results of a survey about Americansâ shifting attitudes about gay marriage and LGBT rights in general.
Adam guest hosts with Frank: Denmark bans religious animal slaughter, Utah lawmaker claims atmosphere needs more carbon-dioxide, snake handling preacher dies from snake bite, movie about the rapture, fatwa issued warning Muslims about living on Mars, fired pharmacist sues Walgreens for religious discrimination, and a review of HBOâs âQuestioning Darwin.â
Camels donât belong in book of Genesis, Shroud of Turin âscience,â African Pentecostal church spreading in United States, North Carolina school rejects secular club application, Saudi paramedics prevented from providing lifesaving services to woman, nude church, and atheists meet up.
BYU masturbation video, âjail nunâ fired for organizing workers, former Mormon sues president of Mormon Church for fraud, members of a fundamentalist sect in Canada loses custody of kids, Bieber gets baptized, German Catholics share their opinions, and that whole Nye/Ham debate thing.
Police in Rome take down the âSuperpope,â the largest church in the world is also one of the least attended, the new documentary âMittâ looks behind the scenes of our favorite Mormon candidateâs presidential campaign, the Popeâs doves face terrible end, pig faces censored, Noahâs ark before Noahâs ark, and can atheists be spiritual?
Conservative protestants and their contagious divorces, âTiger Momâ writes book about why Mormons and Jews are more socioeconomically successful, Louisiana parents sue school district, Indonesian President discusses a belief of his, conservative UK lawmaker gets kicked out of his party for saying something his American counterpart would have been praised for, a nun in Italy gives birth, and an example of how the Mormon Church exerts its control over the Utah State Legislature.
God lets pediphile teacher off the hook, brain adaptation wards off depression, sports fans believe God has role in outcome, the UN questions the Vatican over sex abuse, South Carolina prayer in schools, Dennis Rodman apologizes to missionary held in North Korea, and what Mormons believe about marriage.
Former member of Vaticanâs Swiss Guard reports numerous unwanted sexual advances from clergy, five religious themed iPhone apps banned from app store, Sikh woman sues go-kart park for cutting her hair from motor, Christian pastor tries out atheism, school superintendent fired for (theater) performance, Obama is not the antichrist, and freedom of speech issues in France.
Malaysiaâs Islamic authorities confiscate Christian bibles for use of âAllah,â Pope Francis declared Esquireâs best dressed man of the 2013, Los Angeles County Supervisors want Christian cross back on government seal, five films that will make 2014 the year of the Bible, Israeli government changes policy about rabbis, a philanthropist dies, and the ethics of âpulling the plug.â
Pope Francis frenzy, Muslims hate Santa, Chick-PHIL-A day to support anti-gay bigot Phil Robertson, gay marriage breaks records in Utah, BBC presents a list of things we didnât know until 2013, Salt Lake City = Bible City 2013, and Chris Johnson joins us to talk about his new book, âA Better Life: 100 Atheists Speak Out on Joy & Meaning in a World Without God.â
Federal judge gives thumbs-up to plural marriage, pope Francis is a boob man, researchers find cities on top of cities, Christmas by the numbers, churches LoJack the baby Jesus, born prognosticator Harold Camping did not see own death coming, and the LDS Church continues to acknowledge its own embarrassing history.
Edmonton police force offers a hijab uniform, Scientology declared legitimate in UK, turns out Jesus has the biggest [blank], a veteransâ monument in San Diego declared unconstitutional, a Catholic group banned from an Irish college, a mother prays away home invasion, and the LDS Church revises its racist history.
Mormon bishop tries to teach congregation a lesson by playing dress up, Hopi tribe attempts to stop sell of sacred tribal artifacts, caffeine delivery service for BYU campus, Kenyan pentecostals offer âcureâ for HIV/AIDS, satanic monument in OKC, Christian tithing counting as charitable giving, and why atheism is the next âgay marriage.â
A federal judge rules that tax-free housing for clergy is unconstitutional, Mormon construction site in Philadelphia enforces no coffee or swearing rules, spread of European anti-semitism, bars next to churches, a group of Oklahoma pastors upset about a play, and Thanksgiving.
Interview with Peter Boghossian author of 'A Manual for Creating Atheists,' 24 Muslims fired for taking 5-minute break to pray, snake handling pastor raided for violation of Tennessee wildlife laws, Menorah Tree offers fun new version of age-old tradition, new way to prevent abortion, Church of England approves ordination of female bishops, an extreme reaction to free hugs in Saudi Arabia, and a really bad impression of Harvey Fierstein that keeps coming back for more.
Sarah Palin pens book about âWar on Christmas,â patriarchy proponent Doug Phillips resigns from ministry after extramarital relationship, motivational speaker at Texas high school criticized for gender stereotyping, creationist museum snubbed by museum organization, Vatican message to American bishops, an exorcism in Illinois, and the continued use of capital punishment in the United States.
Venezuela starts the Christmas season early, a new book helps you convert people to atheism, Paula Abdul bat mitzvahs, praying school bus driver gets in trouble, âtearingâ into the Bible gets Texas student in suspended, student body president at a Christian university comes out as atheist, and the Salvation Armyâs bell ringers might not be a good place for your money to go.
The Martin Luther insult machine, Air Force Academy changes policy on official honor oath, Pope Francis causes tourism boom in Rome, âNational Motto Display Actâ tries to get âIn God We Trustâ displayed in all Pennsylvania public schools, the sexiest rabbi in the world, revisions of Mormon General Conference talks, and what motivates people to change their religion.
Four Iranian Christians sentenced to 80 lashes for consumption of alcohol (during communion), ShivaConnect.com helps corridinate Jewish mourning rituals, Oprah infuriates nonbelievers with her incomprehension of atheist awe, Scientology in trouble with French government, Utah rejects joint tax filing for married same-sex couples, atheists in showdown with Christian-run soup kitchen, and spooky fun times with Frank and Dan.
New Missouri law allows Christmas celebrations in public schools, Darren Aronofskyâs âNoahâ causes anxiety at Paramount, Mormons on Jeopardy, the Vatican withdraws papal medals due to spelling error, American Atheists denied billboards in SLC, an update on Ohio middle schoolâs portrait of Jesus, and Frank and Dan visit Joel Osteenâs Night of Hope.
Mainline Protestants need a new name, online communion, two rabbis arrested for Jewish divorce shakedown, elicit sales on BYU campus, prayerful police, Hajj concerns, and a celebration of our 100th episode.
Pastor Rick Joyner calls for military takeover of US to save democracy, Hobby Lobbyâs lack of Hanukkah decorations, atheist Sunday assembly, a not-so-good way to handle JWâs, science standards in Kansas schools, and Mormon General Conference.
Abercrombie and Fitch approve change to âlook policy,â Nashville area school changes rules on field trips, Mississippi judge reveals prejudice to a sikh man, Pope Francis, Saudi Arabia defends horrific punishment of innocent woman, Billy Graham's grandson, and THE BIBLE!
Kosher smart phones, LDS Church joins gay marriage fight in Hawaii, Muslim woman must remove veil for court, Scottish man throws bacon in a Mosque and gets 10 months in jail, Dresden churches offer âsexy church,â transgender theology professor, and the pope.
Observant Jewish drug dealers observe the sabbath, Pastor Terry Jones tries to burn 2998 Qurans in remembrance of 9/11 victims, Quebec attempts to ban 'overt' religious symbols, a highly questionable âcureâ for homosexuality lands a man in prison, an Ohio Amish couple denies child chemotherapy for leukemia, and parastriskaidekaphobia rears its ugly head.
Iranian president wishes Jews a happy new year, LDS church releases new unvarnished volume of the âJoseph Smith Papers,â Mormon owned TV station moves âDays of Our Livesâ to the middle of the night, new Christian âdatingâ site, a case of Texas measles, UKâs Girl Guideâs new promise, and Dan tells all on Burning Man.
Catholic Bishop in Honolulu takes a stand against marriage equality, American Atheists win license plate battle, IRS to treat same-sex couples equally for tax purposes, Syria and the second coming of Jesus Christ, Christian church destroyed in North India, and abortionist Kermit Gosnell.
Kathy Lee Gifford wants to be a rabbi, âdotâ BIBLE domain, Ratzinger: âGod told me toâ step down, black magic outlawed in Indian state, surprise for Louisiana lawmaker, âmissionaryâ criminals, and the sad, sad story of Iosepa, Utah.
Brains of dying mice reveal details about near death experiences, PBS set to air series on Islamâs Muhammad, unable to focus on sermons church goers turn to e-devices, court orders childâs name changed, archbishop rejects persecution, Switzerland changes national anthem, and family lost at sea doesnât find God.
Mystery priest probably an angel according to local media, pastor prosecuted for reading bible out loud at DMV, Greek orthodox services suspended in SLC, Obama administration likes prayer, elderly nun jailed, and the ethics of force feeding prisoners.
Some US conservatives laud Russiaâs anti-gay laws, Alabama football coach fired for going to wrong church, Tennessee mosque in the news again, Kenyan lawyer on quest to overturn Pilateâs ruling against Jesus, ex-gays rally at Supreme Court, UK âdinner ladyâ fired, and what kind of atheist are you?
Comic-Con and street preachers, the Church of England and payday lenders, the GOP and welcoming diversity, Schindlerâs List: The Original, godless church, and Buddhism vs. Islam.
Adam sits in for Dan, Americaâs most saintly city, Ohio statehouse holocaust memorial, Satanists perform âPink Massâ on Fred Phelps' motherâs grave, religion and Wikipedia: the edit wars, how faith can affect therapy, Americaâs most sinful city, and Adam talks about his time as a Taoist.
The New York Times questions whether Muslims are ready for democracy, the White House lets faith groups opt out of Obamacare contraception requirement, Mormon membership numbers screwy, female bishops now allowed in the Church of England, backlash against a moderate pastor, Satanist infighting, and âWhat Jehovahâs Witness Believe!â
Home schooling humanists, Muslim prisoners ask to be allowed to starve to death for Ramadan, San Diego judge OKs yoga in classroom, Montana court rules in favor of Jesus statue, Obama administration refuses to classify Westboro Baptists a hate group, a very clever PR effort for Superman backfires, and happy 4th!
Same-sex marriage, Christians happier than atheists, Brandeis gets an apology, gay member of the Pennsylvania house, anti-Muslim bullets, domestic discipline, and a conversation with Noah from the Scathing Atheist.
Crucifixion images no longer command auction prices, conservative moms slam Kraft over âzesty guyâ ad campaign, atheist woman being denied citizenship because her morality doesnât come from religion, pagan Oklahoma license plates, religious leaders arrested, masturbating fetuses, and the vast number of Mormon denominations youâve never heard of.
A meeting on tolerance turns into shouting match, Pope Francis admits that a gay lobby exists within the Vatican Curia, Mending Vatican ties with Islam, Science curriculum in Kansas schools, Mike Huckabee tweets that churches should give up tax exemption, âpossessedâ parent beats child to death.
A wedding cake for dogs not gays, Utah Boy Scouts defy orders and wear their uniforms in Pride Parade, Arizona lawmaker does humanist prayer, Miss World beauty pageant, Amish romance novels, and a monument to atheism misses the point.
Utah gay rights group protests naming of family center after Boyd K. Packer, Mormon owned DI cuts workers hours ahead of Obamacare, American Atheists settle case against six-ton Ten Commandments, vaccinations, and El Salvador has a very serious prohibition against abortion.
According to Pope Francis atheists are saved by Christâs blood too, the Sistine Chapel has become haven for pickpockets, Westboro Baptist Church blames Oklahoma City tornadoes on supporters of Jason Collins, autistic kids and atheism, Pope Francis names new saints, Virginia lt. gov. nominee not sorry for hate speech, and more news from the road including a Church Review.
Saudi Arabia punishes men over Christian convert, Mahony continues public life after rebuke, Georgia places Bibles in public cabins, the end is near, and Frank and Dan have been on the road for almost a week: Giant Cross, Branch Davidians, and Houston Atheists.
Interview with noted physicist Lawrence Krauss, psychicâs predictions proven wrong, cheerleaders in Texas win âBible Bannerâ lawsuit, Methodist minister caught in faithâs split over same-sex marriage, Mormon offshoot âCommunity of Christâ accepts homosexuals into clergy, Cardinal Dolan says âwash your hands,â and âSorry, kids. Graduationâs canceled.â
Britons trust Google as much as âthe churchâ (meaning not very much), US Muslims more moderate than Muslims worldwide, atheistâs hold âNational Day of Reasonâ, blasphemers punished in Malta, women praying at the wailing wall, atheist pamphlets in Florida school, and this week in gayness.
Atheist bloggers imprisoned in Bangladesh, Mark Driscoll criticizes ânagging wivesâ during sermon, prominent âex-gayâ denounces years denouncing gay community, US Christians rally around homeschooling family facing deportation, praying couple allows another child to die from lack of medical care, Chilean baby killed for being antichrist, and is Islam any more to blame for violence than other world religions (namely Christianity)?
Pope Francis redirects employeesâ bonuses to charity, pastors claim cityâs annual registration fee is really a tax, McDonalds sells non-halal chicken McNuggets and gets sued, high school senior takes on her principal, a fake rabbi helps a real one, Post Christians, and dealing with grief as an atheist.
Frequent texters tend to be shallow according to study, Vatican IP address connected to illegal downloads, Peter Higgs: âStop calling Higgs Boson the God particle,â atheist organizations vow for online civility; Catholic Bishop in Michigan says supporters of gay marriage shouldnât take communion; Seventh Day Adventists unhappy to have been around long enough for a sesquicentennial; and the Mormonsâyawnâhold General Conference.
Classroom activity causes trouble for professor at Florida Atlantic University, Mormon women donât want the priesthood (even though half of Mormon men would be willing to give it to them), Utah polygamists ask local government to alter zoning to allow for new retirement community, the US and the second coming, North Carolina tries to pass official state religion, American attitudes about the Bible defy reality, and Frank and Dan announce plans for their upcoming Bible Belt road trip.
Bhutan seeks to curb STIâs in monk population, Pope Francisâ new digs, women told to know their place, creationists want to bet with you, German shoe company discovers why their shipments haven't arrived in the US, a helpful new app to be excommunicated from the Catholic church, and Mother Teresa was a bad person.
Paige pays us a visit, pride-flag-painted âEquality Houseâ set up across from Westboro Baptist Church, Mormon General Conference set to make history, Jews trek to the Mojave Desert for a visceral Passover, Mormon businessman attempts tax dodge citing tithing, religion in prison, and thereâs a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
Sarah Palin writes a book about Christmas, a gay bath house in building owned by Vatican, Americans see gay marriage as inevitable, Ahmadinejad and the hug, atheists are compassionate, atheists banned from Kansas City St. Patrick's day parade, and habemus papam!
Chavez will return with Jesus, Cardinal O'Brien resigns, Iowan legislator attempts to end no fault divorce, priest burns photo of Benedict during mass, anti-bigot bigotry, Mr. Mahony goes to Rome, and the Mormons edit their scriptures.
Anti-Catholicism on BuzzFeed, Scott Lively announces Obama's homosexuality, Roma Downey brings "The Bible" to TV, guru suggests way to fend off rapists, NYC goes after Orthodox Jews for dress codes, the douchebag Mahony goes to Rome (and keeps blogging), and Frank and Dan fail to make any sense during the second half of the show.
Mormons and space, Twitter tracks lent, parents sue under separation of church and state to stop the teaching of yoga in public schools, legislator attempts to change definitions of scientific terms, Bill O'Reilly writes another book, the pope dominates international religion news, and Sarah Silverman's sister arrested at Wailing Wall.
"Downton Abbey" and the question of god, Cardinal Roger Mahony feels like Jesus is humiliating him for a purpose, a public school refuses to take down picture of Jesus, US House of Representatives votes to extend disaster relief to religious groups, transgender priest, and we take your calls and emails.
Our interview with the president of American Atheists, David Silverman; 'ex-gay' activist found using gay dating app; woman burned for sorcery; Christian quits job for being given 666 as his employee number; Catholics object to the name of a flavor; Brazilian pastor provides unique path to the 'spirit'; and your kosher hot dog may not be that kosher.
Dan and Frank continue their look into Scientology, the Catholic Church acknowledges they're out of touch, Jesus in Japan, Texas "schools" teach the Bible, money to fight DOMA comes from an unexpected place, and a gay dog finds a new home.
Lego accused of racism with Star Wars set; LDS woman respond to church pants, "meh"; list of Bible-minded cities; Catholic hospital says, "that fetus wasn't alive!" in wrongful death case; France requires Twitter to identify racist posters; and Dan and Frank start their discussion of Scientology.
Flight attendant wins right to wear crucifix at work, Scientology is falling apart, new statistics on Roe v. Wade support, the fight against the Sundance Film Festival, a priest breaks bad, a new dating website for gay Mormons, and psychic readings for Mormons in the form of "Patriarchal Blessings."
Editor and Chief of Gallup Poll says God is alive and well, megachurch tries to dodge rape charge, RFID chips = mark of the beast, Jesus wasn't as clean as Christians like to think, and our interview with Mike Nortonâthe man with the secret camera in the LDS temple.
Vatican credit card machines cut off by Italy's central bank, supposed Muslim bias turns out to be a very real Christian bias (oops), Catholic school teachers get a crazy suggestion to offset their low pay, Superman is a Jew, and Dan and Frank ask themselves if they actually might be a couple of "angry" ex-Mormons.
'Tis the season for Humanlight, a new secular holiday; the Pope doesn't like gays; an exorcism hotline in Italy; "stroking" horses as a "cure" for homosexuality, and the Mormon temple ceremony hits the web.
Mike Huckabee opens his mouth and says awful things about the Newtown shooting, churches use gun classes as outreach, a good Atheist billboard, a bad Atheist billboard, a woman says God made her drive over the speed limit, the New Orleans school district wins for reason, and American Atheist president David Silverman hurts the Atheist cause once again on national television.
Gay Orthodox Jews, Mormons launch gay website, Atheist blogger jailed in Egypt, network and the "half" in Two and a Half Men squabble, and Mormon feminists plan "Wear Pants to Church Day."
A very large water bill gets settled in the Middle East, another cure for homosexuality discovered, man pretends to be gay (for a year!), and talk of secession and its religious overtones.
Ratzinger declares war on Christmas, Mormon Dems fast for nation, Michigan needlessly tries to outlaw Sharia law, the "Muslim 500," Church of England rejects women, and Dan and Frank design their ideal religions.
Anti-gay, Christian, child ographer; lying textbooks; a really bad statue of the pope; a woman in Ireland dies when denied an abortion; and public displays of Christmas.
Mayans say no to the capitalization of their calendar, being Atheist a plus on OKCupid, Atheists sue IRS for failure to monitor church policking, and Dan and Frank discuss the Ten Commandmentsâbasically... they suck.
Drive-thru church, post-election layoffs, the Egyptian pope prefers secularism, and TGIA's very own "clip show."
Utah gets a new license plate, Sistine Chapel turns 500, church-going teens attend college at higher rate than those who don't, Catholic bishop orders priests to read anti-Obama letter over the pulpit, and a look at the role religious affiliation might play in the election.
Muslims perform animal sacrifice in Salt Lake City (and everywhere else, apparently), the Mormons plan an attraction in Rome, women arrested for praying at the temple wall in Jerusalem, Boy Scout's perversion files don't include enough Mormons (statistically speaking), and the Book of Mormon doesn't stand up to archeological scrutiny.
Newsweek breaks journalistic ground, space aliens beat out god in poll, Muslims celebrate pork-free vaccination, cheerleaders bring god into it, and get your "tebowing" in now before you have to pay a royalty.
Mormons fasting for Romney apparently working; Tim Tebow takes a knee for the mark of the beast; if you find out your dentist is Amish, RUN; Mormon God changes mind about missionary building in Provo; and watch out, the Catholics might be coming to your door!
LDS General Conference is in full swing: Mormon missionaries are now even YOUNGER and (surprise, surprise) Mormon leadership takes a stand against homosexuality (this time swinging for same sex parents), Oklahoma Christians pray against a new casino, and according to the Vatican the butler did it.
God punishes the Pope for hating on gays, the Boy Scouts of America takes a page from churches the world over and cover up hundreds of molestations, and Mormons "fast and pray" for Romney. Dave fills in for Frank, and we play a delightful interview with noted atheist blogger Greta Christina.
Dan and Frank interview Dr. Darrel Ray about his dirty book, Iranian woman kicks some butt, Mitt Romney denies his faith, Mormons as hoarders, Spanish painting-ruiner demands her due, U.S. pastors dare the IRS to shut them down, and everybody is a little less tolerant of everybody else.
Dan defends homosexuality as deviant, Muslims go crazy about portrayal of Muhammad... (once again), Catholics say no to gay marriage in real estate deal, frequent Bible reading makes people more aware of social justice (???), and Frank and Dan go to the temple.
Cardinal Dolan prays at the DNC, Dems cave on god, anti-Muslim activists outraged over the truth, Bill Nye, and what the hell is Atheism Plus?
Dan goes to Burning Man, Arizona redefines conception, Mormons can now drink Coke and Pepsi, and an Indiana man pays the price for flipping off Mormon missionaries.
NBC affiliate in Salt Lake refuses to run gay themed show, Christians hike for toads, Mormon men are just as religious as Mormon women, Louisiana school vouchers, and being an out Atheist doesn't mean you have to be test out the blasphemy laws of so called Muslim countries.
Two hate groups claim they're not hate groups (and try to get the court to agree with them), Orthodox Jews get some blurry glasses, Mormon women get all uppity and somehow DON'T ask for equality in church, Satan takes over a school cafeteria, and Frank attends a taping of a new program for Showtime.
What Mormons Believe: D&C 132 "Celestial Marriage," Murfreesboro Mosque gets built and opens, the LDS penis biter hits the news, Obama hosts a Ramadan dinner at White House, Missouri passes "right to prayer" amendment, and an idiot douchebag talk radio personality calls for "underground railroad" to kidnap children of gays and lesbians.
Mr. Romney goes to Israel, Eagle Scouts resign in support of gay rights, Putin "generously" calls for light punishment of his critics, racist church in Mississippi refuses to marry black couple, and WHAT MORMONS BELIEVE: Jesus in America.
Dan attends a Mormon funeral, Chick-Fil-A, an Air Force chaplain leaves Southern Baptists over gay marriage, a recent poll shows that Americans don't relate to Romney's faith, and more stupid explanations for why James Holmes opened fire in Aurora.
Christians form an alternative to health insurance, the debate over circumcision continues in Germany, a douchebag in Texas responds to the shootings in Aurora, the LDS Church reports numbers out of touch with reality (once again), and Dan and Frank respond to emails.
Mormon Inc hits the cover of Business Week, pastors' health suffers while tending to flock, Mormons urged to follow the prophet and support distasteful development, more high school Atheist clubs, and how do Muslim athletes observe Ramadan during the Olympics?
Dan's back and has news from Europe, Mongolians re-enact 19th Century Mormon exodus across the US plains, critical thinkers lose faith, and the Virgin Mary helps some Bosnians rip off pilgrims.
Rachel sits in for Dan, a miracle saves a home from wildfire, Mormons excited about Romney but leery of national attention, Obamacare as a Christian value, a group of ex-Mormons resign en masse and go for a hike, German court calls for the end to infant circumcision, and fireworks are lame.
Adam's back and he's got a case of the dizzies, Evangelicals strangely silent on Romney's Mormonism, social-entreprenuer claims success is a miracle, ministers turn Atheist, a kid gets in trouble for a picture of Jesus, and we do a very quick movie review of the oldie-but-goodie documentary, "Hell House."
The Vatican continues to harass American nuns, President Obama gets lynched in effigy, soon we'll all be Atheists, the KKK tries to adopt a highway, and a homosexual man comes out as married to a woman.
The CDC wieghs in on the zombie issue, book banning in Pennsylvania, Atheists do good for different reasons than religious people, and in this installment of What Mormons Believe we look at Mormons and homosexuality.
Alain de Botton calls for a new kind of ; Obama hires a faith outreach advisor; double suicide goes wrong, survivor charged with murder; origin of homemade soda machines improperly labeled; Mormons cover up immodest angels; and Dan asks for an interview and gets one with the Bishop of London.
Adam sits in for Dan (and we never get to the Taoist discussion, BTW), dirty dancing gets cleaned up, turns out Jesus doesn't approve of gay marriage, SLC shocks America as the most religious city in the country, and Frank and Adam discuss having a day of rest.
Kansas finds a clever way to ban sharia law, thinking of god increases self-control, Fox News spins Obama's support of gay marriage, and Dan does a church review from merry old England.
Mormons promote membership numbers that don't jive with reality, "Angry Queers" damage church, Millennials shun belief, curing gayness with violence, and can't we all just stop overusing the word "Nazi?"
What Mormons Believe: Polygamy. Joe the plumber writes a letter, voters no longer swayed by gay marriage, a war rages on twitter, and Romney runs from his Mormon ancestors.
Mormons tear down their own history, Arizona OK's teaching the Bible in public schools, Vatican cracks down on US nuns, and advice both good and bad flows to and from the TGIA studio.
Glenn Beck declares us all evil, Britain's Christians are under attack, the US Army wants YOU... to be spiritual, Frank gets racist and Dan gets "comforted" by some Jay-Dubs.
Russian watch miracle, Mormons and Gentiles, kosher pot cookies, praying for God to hurt people not illegal, existance of Jesus, and the Mormon affinity for Jews.
Frank and Dan emplain LDS Temple Garments (Mormon underwear), progressive Muslims launch women-led mosques, Mormon bloggers get hateful about gays on BYU campus, Britain considers legalizing gay marriage, Jimmy Carter does something amazing, and Dan plays a guessing game.
Mohammed (peace be upon him) tells everybody how to poo in a special "what Muslims believe" segment, the reason rally raises ire even in Dan and Frank, Episcopal roguery, an atheist temple is proposed, and Alaskans try to protect the rights of the fathers of aborted babies.
Red Bull drops Jesus ad, offensive Atheist billboard gets pulled down in Pennsylvania, exorcists attack abortion clinic, and "What Mormons Believe" recounts the first storyline in the Book of Mormon.
More of these goddam Atheist billboards, another "What Mormons Believe," Gingrich chimes in about "anti-Christian" programming on ABC, and the Vatican gets tagged as a "money laundering concern."
Baptisms for the dead, Helen Radkey loses access to LDS geneological records, Miley Cyrus makes sense, teen exorcists, history of Mormon racism, and we take another call.
Guest host Adam fills in for Dan, all dead Mormons are now gay, Amish buggies get new reflective tape, seven reasons Obama isn't Christian, and Dan leaves us a little gift before leaving town.
Candidates observe Ash Wednesday, Anne Frank becomes a Mormon, Poe's law strikes again, Santorum defends comments about Satan, "activist" judges side with religious pharmacists, and black atheists recognized for role in civil rights movement.
Please help us out and vote for us in City Weekly's Best of Utah awards. Listen to this "episode" for instuctions on how to help, and for a little fun as well. NEW LISTENERS: NOT OUR NORMAL FORMAT.
2012 = Year of the Bible, Westboro Baptist Church inadvertantly helps raise money for HRC, God doesn't want teachers paid more, Obama claims the Bible is on his side, and another installement of "What Mormons Believe."
De-baptism, ministerial exception, a homophobic state senator gets kicked out of a Tennessee restaurant, local transit agency denies atheists advertising space on city busses, and our second installent of "What Mormons Believe."
Church review! Christian conspiracies, Indonesian atheist arrested, Jay Leno sued for bad joke, Catholics take Newt and Santorum to task, and Warren Jeffs calls the nation to repent.
Installment 1 of "What Mormons Believe": the war in heaven, mark of Cain, and Satan vies for the role of Jesus. Also: Romney = kind of a jerk toward women, school prayer banner ordered taken down, and Christians as a religious minority in the US.
The Pope says gay marriage is a threat to future of humanity, lawmakers in Indiana want schools to be able to require recitation of the Lord's Prayer, Warren Jeffs wants you to know how your hometown will be destroyed, and Mary appears to a bunch of Mary's.
A Romney presidency, the Iowa caucus, Catholics up in arms over gay adoptions, woman pulled over for wearing a burka, our prayer for Pat Robertson, and we take another call.
Another church review, priests brawl in Bethlehem, we take another caller, and a sock wrinkles to form Christ's visage.
Capitol xmas tree celebrates Obama, xmas with the family, Vatican recognizes a miracle, Hitchens passes, and our very first voice mail message.
Atheist xmas displays, Pope etiquette for ladies, "Cross on the Moon," and who's more likely to have scratched your car? An atheist or a [really, really bad person]?
Anti-athiest bias, Rick Perry's new ad, a Pennsylvanian creche meets an anti-gods banner, and our very first church review!
Yoga as a satanic activity and the priest who stares down Satan daily as the chief exorcist of the Vatican City. Siri, Apple's killer app, knows where to score some weed, but is mute on abortions. Grieving as an atheist. And the movie of the week: The Muppets.
Thanksgiving brings talk about bad chicken sandwiches, Mitt Romney, the religious lobby, hate crimes, and a really bad movie: J. Edgar.
Two former Mormons in Salt Lake discuss current events from an Atheist perspective. Covered in our inaugural episode: contraception for wildlife, prayers for President Obama, moderate Muslim polygamy in Libya, national hats, and the film "Anonymous."