http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress Question. Think. Decide. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:36:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 2007-2011 john@americanfreethought.com (American Freethought) john@americanfreethought.com (American Freethought) atheism 1440 http://www.americanfreethought.com/images/podcastlogo144x144.jpg http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress 144 144 Question. Think. Decide. An atheist podcast. freethought, atheism, skepticism, religion, secularism, philosophy, atheist, skeptic American Freethought American Freethought john@americanfreethought.com yes no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/podcast-142-jessica-ahlquist-victorious-in-rhode-island/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/podcast-142-jessica-ahlquist-victorious-in-rhode-island/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:41:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3152 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2012/01/22/podcast-142-jessica-ahlquist-victorious-in-rhode-island/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/10/podcast-139-war-on-christmas-continued/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/10/podcast-139-war-on-christmas-continued/#comments Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:18:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3129 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/10/podcast-139-war-on-christmas-continued/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/07/rick-perry-is-strong-bullshit-strong/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/07/rick-perry-is-strong-bullshit-strong/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:38:27 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3126 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/12/07/rick-perry-is-strong-bullshit-strong/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/20/podcast-137-attack-of-the-theocrats/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/20/podcast-137-attack-of-the-theocrats/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:08:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3106 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/20/podcast-137-attack-of-the-theocrats/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/31/bill-seeks-to-reaffirm-in-god-we-trust-as-national-motto/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/31/bill-seeks-to-reaffirm-in-god-we-trust-as-national-motto/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:06:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3070 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/31/bill-seeks-to-reaffirm-in-god-we-trust-as-national-motto/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/29/ky-court-of-appeals-rules-against-american-atheists/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/29/ky-court-of-appeals-rules-against-american-atheists/#comments Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:38:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3061 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/29/ky-court-of-appeals-rules-against-american-atheists/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/25/podcast-135-vic-losick-in-god-we-teach/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/25/podcast-135-vic-losick-in-god-we-teach/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:38:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3054 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/25/podcast-135-vic-losick-in-god-we-teach/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/14/international-religious-freedom-report/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/14/international-religious-freedom-report/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:51:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3022 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/09/14/international-religious-freedom-report/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/18/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-seven/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/18/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-seven/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:42:46 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2943 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/18/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-seven/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/12/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-six/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/12/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-six/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:01:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2941 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/12/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-six/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/07/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-four/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/07/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-four/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:47:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2936 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/07/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-four/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/27/georgia-may-get-igwt-license-plates/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/27/georgia-may-get-igwt-license-plates/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 02:00:12 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2901 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/27/georgia-may-get-igwt-license-plates/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/26/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-one/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/26/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-one/#comments Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:48:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2894 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/26/allah-liberty-and-love-chapter-one/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/19/allah-liberty-and-love-introduction/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/19/allah-liberty-and-love-introduction/#comments Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:24:55 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2867 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/19/allah-liberty-and-love-introduction/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/09/podcast-124-a-response-to-the-response/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/09/podcast-124-a-response-to-the-response/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:37:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2842 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/06/09/podcast-124-a-response-to-the-response/feed/ 2 0:36:15 Texas Governor Rick Perry, whose recent weekend-long Pray for Rain declaration led to Texas’ drought WORSENING while the neighboring states were plagued by Biblical downpours and a spate of deadly tornadoes, is at it again. Now, he’s calling f[...] Texas Governor Rick Perry, whose recent weekend-long Pray for Rain declaration led to Texas’ drought WORSENING while the neighboring states were plagued by Biblical downpours and a spate of deadly tornadoes, is at it again. Now, he’s calling for “The Response,” a massive prayer rally set for August 6 in Houston.  The rumor mill has it that Perry might be thinking of running for president.  For more on Rick Perry, Fundamentalist Frankenstein, check out his Wiki entry. Self proclaimed “Bishop” Eddie Long, outspoken anti-gay preacher and head of New Birth Missionary Baptist, Atlanta’s influential megachurch, has settled the civil suits against him out of court. Long was accused of sexual misconduct with teenaged boys enrolled in youth programs at New Birth. He had vowed to fight the accusations. And in what seems like an unlikely coincidence, Bernice King, daughter of the late MLK, Jr., is leaving her position as an elder at New Birth to start her own ministry. She claims it has nothing to do with the sex scandal. Meanwhile, there is no rest for the wicked—and apparently no negative consequences.  All signs are that his congregation is standing behind him. No sooner were his civil suits resolved, “Bishop” Long announced that New Birth is EXPANDING, creating new megachurches in Denver, Colorado and Birmingham, Alabama. Finally, freethinkers may be interested in the efforts of R. Kirby Godsey, former president of Mercer University, originally a Baptist college and now–thanks to Godsey–one of the most successful private universities in the Southeast. Godsey is also no stranger to controversy. His book When We Talk about God, Let’s Be Honest was declared heretical by the Georgia Baptist Convention because it dared to call into question Biblical inerrancy and the divinity of Jesus. As a result of this and other disputes, Godsey and Mercer parted ways with the GBC. Godsey’s new book, Is God a Christian?, continues his call to his fellow Christians to abandon fundamentalism, exclusivism and absolutism. He also offers positive summaries of all the major world religions, and suggests ways in which Christians can embrace people of other faiths in a respectful, nonjudgemental way.  (Much of what Godsey writes will be very familiar to readers of Bishop John Shelby Spong.) John Snider attended a local lecture by Dr. Godsey and asked him about expanding his embrace to include atheists and agnostics. His answer may surprise you. ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s other project, Secular World podcast (formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. If you’re in Atlanta this weekend, June 11-12, check out Atlanta Skepticamp, at the Doraville Community Center in north metro Atlanta. John Snider will be presenting a skeptic-themed trivia challenge–a stack of goodies goes to the winner! John Snider will be repeating his 20th Century Twain presentation on July 3 for the Fellowship of Reason at the Atlanta Freethought Hall. CONTACT Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at john@americanfreethought.com or david@americanfreethought.com.  (John and David are available, either together or separately, to speak in person to your group.) If you like what you hear, take a moment and leave feedback on our iTunes page. Join our communities at Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups. Shop through us at Amazon.com or at CafePress.com. If you’d like to donate to the operation of this podcast, you can contribute through PayPal to editor@scifidimensions.com.  We promise not to spend it on beer.   books, christianity, ethics, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/21/podcast-123-study-on-us-catholic-child-abuse/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/21/podcast-123-study-on-us-catholic-child-abuse/#comments Sat, 21 May 2011 16:56:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2798 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/21/podcast-123-study-on-us-catholic-child-abuse/feed/ 4 0:37:16 Assuming the world hasn’t come to an end or that you haven’t been Raptured away… The US Catholic Church reveals The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010, a study into the [...] Assuming the world hasn’t come to an end or that you haven’t been Raptured away… The US Catholic Church reveals The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010, a study into the causes of priestly child abuse in the late 20th century.  It’s a mixed bag of things that should have been obvious, things the Church won’t want to hear, and some feeble hand-waving about the Sexual Revolution being sooo confusing. Michael Newdow has lost.  Again.  The US Supreme Court has turned down his appeal in a lawsuit to prevent the president from saying “so help me God” after taking the oath of office.  While we can’t disagree with Newdow that “so help me God” is a bad idea, insulting to nonbelievers, and potentially blasphemous to believers, we also think this was a bad fight to pick–a losing battle that has now set bad precedent. Holey Scripture!  What does the Bible have to say about Indiana governor Mitch Daniels?The answer may surprise you, and will surely flummox most Christians.  (And this already came up a while back during David Plotz’s “Blogging the Bible” series at Slate.com.) Announcements Atlanta Skepticamp is June 11-12th at the Doraville Community Center in north metro Atlanta.  If you’ll be in Atlanta that weekend, sign up to give a presentation and/or help with the organization. John Snider will repeat his “20th Century Twain” presentation, July 3rd for the Fellowship of Reason, at Atlanta Freethought Hall. children, christianity, cults, ethics, history, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/20/the-end-of-the-world-is-no-joke-for-some/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/20/the-end-of-the-world-is-no-joke-for-some/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 21:17:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2789 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/20/the-end-of-the-world-is-no-joke-for-some/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/10/so-much-for-being-held-to-a-higher-standard/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/10/so-much-for-being-held-to-a-higher-standard/#comments Wed, 11 May 2011 02:05:51 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2752 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/10/so-much-for-being-held-to-a-higher-standard/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/05/national-day-of-reason/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/05/national-day-of-reason/#comments Thu, 05 May 2011 23:07:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2735 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/05/national-day-of-reason/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/01/huckabee-forcible-indoctrination-at-gunpoint/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/01/huckabee-forcible-indoctrination-at-gunpoint/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:40:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2681 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/01/huckabee-forcible-indoctrination-at-gunpoint/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/01/muslims-retaliate-against-jones-koran-burning/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/01/muslims-retaliate-against-jones-koran-burning/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:28:16 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2679 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/01/muslims-retaliate-against-jones-koran-burning/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/07/scotus-declines-to-hear-newdows-igwt-appeal/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/07/scotus-declines-to-hear-newdows-igwt-appeal/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:03:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2618 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/07/scotus-declines-to-hear-newdows-igwt-appeal/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/23/2594/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/23/2594/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 02:42:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2594 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/23/2594/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/22/scotus-refuses-to-hear-10c-appeal/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/22/scotus-refuses-to-hear-10c-appeal/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:11:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2592 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/22/scotus-refuses-to-hear-10c-appeal/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/18/podcast-116-darwin-day-vs-in-god-we-trust/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/18/podcast-116-darwin-day-vs-in-god-we-trust/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:54:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2586 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/18/podcast-116-darwin-day-vs-in-god-we-trust/feed/ 2 0:47:35 We look at two non-binding resolutions currently in the works within the new US House of Representatives: one in support of Darwin Day (February 12th), and another looking to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto.  Guess whic[...] We look at two non-binding resolutions currently in the works within the new US House of Representatives: one in support of Darwin Day (February 12th), and another looking to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto.  Guess which one is attracting more sponsors? Plus: We present an excerpt from David’s recent talk to the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH).  We discuss the president’s recent appearance at yet another National Prayer Breakfast.  And more Revelations weirdness in Holey Scripture. Announcements: John Snider will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia at 12:30PM on March 20th at the Atlanta Freethought Hall.  The topic of his presentation will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email! For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Facebook, Atheist Nexus, Think Atheist or Yahoo Groups Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. If you shop online, please use our Amazon.com link.  For cool American Freethought t-shirts, mugs, etc. visit our CafePress shop. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded February 12, 2011. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, evolution, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/us-house-committee-considering-a-resolution-on-darwin-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/us-house-committee-considering-a-resolution-on-darwin-day/#comments Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:36:24 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2572 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/us-house-committee-considering-a-resolution-on-darwin-day/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/obama-disappoints-again-at-npb/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/obama-disappoints-again-at-npb/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:49:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2560 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/obama-disappoints-again-at-npb/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/barry-lynn-vs-ken-ham-on-the-ark-park/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/barry-lynn-vs-ken-ham-on-the-ark-park/#comments Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:50:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2550 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/barry-lynn-vs-ken-ham-on-the-ark-park/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:40:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2536 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/21/podcast-114-robert-bentley-is-not-your-brother/feed/ 1 0:38:10 Alabama’s new governor Robert Bentley has wasted no time courting controversy.  On his inauguration day (which also happened to be federal Martin Luther King Day holiday), Bentley spoke at a church and artlessly proclaimed that non-Christians[...] Alabama’s new governor Robert Bentley has wasted no time courting controversy.  On his inauguration day (which also happened to be federal Martin Luther King Day holiday), Bentley spoke at a church and artlessly proclaimed that non-Christians were not his “brothers and sisters.”  He quickly apologized, but it probably wasn’t necessary: the rank-and-file of the Alabama voter base are likely to give him a pass on this one. The University of Kentucky has settled a lawsuit brought against them by astronomer Martin Gaskell.  Gaskell happens to be an Intelligent Design nutjob, but he sued UK for denying him a position because of his religious beliefs.  Perhaps $125,000 is a small price to pay to allow Gaskell to slip back into obscurity. Senator Charles Grassley has called off his investigation of six “prosperity gospel” megachurches, despite the fact that four of them refused to cooperate with his requests for information.  Now he’s recommending they self-regulate themselves.  Whatever. The Roman Catholic Church is set to beatify the late Pope John Paul II, claiming he cured a nun who prayed to him about her Parkinson’s disease.  Trouble is, the evidence is so flimsy it would be laughed out of any court.  Rest assured the Church will scrounge up a second miracle so the dead pontiff can be declared a saint. Announcements: David will be speaking to the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) on Saturday, January 22nd. John and Allison will be in attendance at the Southeast Regional Atheist Meet in Huntsville, Alabama, Januuary 29th and 30th.  Be sure to say hello. John will be speaking to the Humanists of Georgia on March 20th.  The topic of his talk will be “20th Century Twain: Mark Twain’s Final Years and Freethought Legacy.” Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 19, 2011.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/al-governor-apologies-for-christian-comments/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/al-governor-apologies-for-christian-comments/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:27:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2534 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/al-governor-apologies-for-christian-comments/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/podcast-113-the-assassination-of-salman-taseer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/podcast-113-the-assassination-of-salman-taseer/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:55:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2523 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/podcast-113-the-assassination-of-salman-taseer/feed/ 0 0:44:14 Salman Taseer, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, has been assassinated by one of his bodyguards for his open criticism of the country’s draconian blasphemy laws. Taseer had been speaking out on behalf of Asia Bibi, a Christia[...] Salman Taseer, the governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, has been assassinated by one of his bodyguards for his open criticism of the country’s draconian blasphemy laws. Taseer had been speaking out on behalf of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed.  With allies like these, who needs enemies? On a less serious note, and closer to home, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled the Mount Soledad Cross unconstitutional.  If you’re not familiar with it, this is a 29-foot-tall concrete monument that has been transformed into a “war memorial,” with advocates claiming that the cross is a universal symbol honoring fallen soldiers, and not inherently a religious symbol.  Go figure. Plus:  The Holey Scripture!  We continue our exploration of the psychedelic creepiness that is the Book of Revelation. Announcements: David will be speaking to the Washington Area Secular Humanists‘ Annual Winter Banquet on Saturday, January 22 at the Blair Mansion Inn in Silver Spring, MD. John and Allison will be attending the upcoming Southeast Atheist Regional Meet (SERAM) in Huntsville, Alabama, January 29-30.  Please say hi.  Speakers at SERAM include AA president Dave Silverman, AA legal director Edwin Kagin, AA communications director Blair Scott, Secular Coalition for America executive director Sean Faircloth, Brother Richard, Darrell Ray and actor/comedian Paul Provenza. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 8, 2011.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, islam, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/mount-soledad-cross-unconstitutional/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/mount-soledad-cross-unconstitutional/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:09:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2511 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/mount-soledad-cross-unconstitutional/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/04/the-year-in-religion/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/04/the-year-in-religion/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:01:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2501 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/04/the-year-in-religion/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:58:48 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2491 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/feed/ 1 1:13:57 The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse t[...] The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse that AIG plans to expand, building an “Ark Encounter” amusement park.  The worst part is the state government is offering millions of dollars of tax incentives to what amounts to a religious indoctrination center that peddles anti-scientific folderol.  But wait–there’s more!  Turns out that state officials never even saw the alleged feasibility study, and AIG isn’t sharing so much as the executive summary with the media.  Science academics in Kentucky are none too happy with the state’s implicit support of bad science for the sake of a few dozen low-paying jobs.  And AIG’s Ken Ham’s none too happy with the intellectual ass-whoopin’ he’s been getting. 2. Astronomer Martin Gaskell has gone to court with the University of Kentucky, claiming he was denied a position at the new observatory because of his religious views.  Given that Dr. Gaskell has been giving public presentations like this, in which he condemns the atheistic worldview as a path to destruction, and given that this new job has a very public face, it’s no wonder UK turned him down. 3. A judge recently ruled unconstitutional a Kentucky statute requiring the state’s Director of Homeland Security to recognize “Almighty God” in the department’s annual report.  The state is appealing, and nearly all the state legislators have signed on to amicus briefs in support of the law! 4. Finally, drivers in the Commonwealth will soon have the option to sport the national motto “In God We Trust” on their license plates.  Joy. Plus:  The Holey Scripture!  We continue our exploration of the psychedelic creepiness that is the Book of Revelation. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 21, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, history, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/03/americas-true-history-of-religious-tolerance/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/03/americas-true-history-of-religious-tolerance/#comments Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:00:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2455 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/03/americas-true-history-of-religious-tolerance/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/24/podcast-107-wynne-legrow-for-us-congress/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/24/podcast-107-wynne-legrow-for-us-congress/#comments Sun, 24 Oct 2010 05:01:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2400 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/24/podcast-107-wynne-legrow-for-us-congress/feed/ 2 0:55:11 We interview Dr. Wynne Legrow, candidate for the US House of Representatives in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.  Legrow is a retired physician, a Democrat, and an self-identifying atheist.  His opponent is Republican incumbent Randy For[...] We interview Dr. Wynne Legrow, candidate for the US House of Representatives in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.  Legrow is a retired physician, a Democrat, and an self-identifying atheist.  His opponent is Republican incumbent Randy Forbes, an outspoken Christian who has, among other things, sponsored legislation to reaffirm “In God We Trust” as the national motto and chairs the Congressional Prayer Caucus. For more about Wynne Legrow, visit LegrowforUSCongress.com. Plus: We talk to Nicholas Ivan Ladendorf–cartoonist, new dad, and Progressive Party candidate for Missouri’s 7th District.  Unfortunately, the Progressives didn’t gather enough signatures to be listed on the ballot, but Ladendorf continues his quest as a write-in candidate. For more about Nick Ladendorf, visit NILvsDCBS.com. Be sure to go to the polls and vote your conscience on November 2nd! Announcements: We’re going to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, noon to 3pm, October 30th on the National Mall!  If you want to join up with us at the Rally, subscribe to our Twitter feed at Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded October 20, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, podcast, politics American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/19/vashti-mccollum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/19/vashti-mccollum/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:01:13 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2390 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/19/vashti-mccollum/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/07/podcast-104-the-tillman-story/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/07/podcast-104-the-tillman-story/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2356 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/07/podcast-104-the-tillman-story/feed/ 2 0:42:49 We discuss the new documentary The Tillman Story, which exposes the massive cover-up of the death by friendly fire of pro football player-turned soldier Pat Tillman.  Was his death a tragic mistake, or the result of a malicious “fragging[...] We discuss the new documentary The Tillman Story, which exposes the massive cover-up of the death by friendly fire of pro football player-turned soldier Pat Tillman.  Was his death a tragic mistake, or the result of a malicious “fragging”?  It doesn’t help (from the Army’s perspective) that Tillman was a left-leaning atheist/agnostic openly critical of the “illegal” War in Iraq. For more about the film, visit TillmanStory.com. Plus: We’re going to Washington, DC for Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, noon to 3pm, October 30th on the National Mall!  If you’ll be there as well send us a note. The Eddie Long sex scandal is just beginning.  “Bishop” Eddie Long of Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist megachurch is the target of four lawsuits by young men who claim Long had homosexual affairs with them when they were teens. Atheists know more than believers: We discuss the new Pew Research Center’s U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey that shows nonbelievers score better on the basic facts of religion than are the faithful.  How can this be?  :) Finally, while the news has already circulated within the nontheistic community, we congratulate Dave Silverman on his selection as the new president of American Atheists. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 29, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, military, movies, news, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/03/ky-legislature-infected-with-god-fever/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/03/ky-legislature-infected-with-god-fever/#comments Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:50:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2340 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/03/ky-legislature-infected-with-god-fever/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/26/podcast-102-the-chaplain-and-the-atheist/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/26/podcast-102-the-chaplain-and-the-atheist/#comments Sun, 26 Sep 2010 05:01:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2309 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/26/podcast-102-the-chaplain-and-the-atheist/feed/ 6 0:28:21 We discuss journalist Michael M. Phillips’ Wall Street Journal article “A Chaplain and an Atheist Go to War.”  It’s the story of Navy Chaplain Terry Moran (a fundamentalist and Young Earth Creationist) and his bodyguard Relig[...] We discuss journalist Michael M. Phillips’ Wall Street Journal article “A Chaplain and an Atheist Go to War.”  It’s the story of Navy Chaplain Terry Moran (a fundamentalist and Young Earth Creationist) and his bodyguard Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Philip Chute, a Dawkins-toting atheist, who serve the troops in Afghanistan. We’re also struck by the similarity of their relationship to that described between the Chaplain and Corporal Whitcomb in Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22.  In Heller’s satirical classic, the Chaplain is a spineless Anabaptist who’s afraid of his own shadow, while Corporal Whitcomb–an atheist–undermines the Chaplain at every turn, while simultaneously dreaming up ways to increase troop participation in church services. Plus: Feedback!  We’re popular with the young folks (or at least, one young folk).  Why can’t David pronounce “Copenhagen” like a real American?  And what’s with our bleeping of all the swear words?  For what it’s worth, if you can’t get enough swearing check out this YouTube video of all the curses in Episode 1 Season 1 of Deadwood. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 12, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, commentary, military, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/17/church-of-body-modification/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/17/church-of-body-modification/#comments Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:01:29 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2271 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/17/church-of-body-modification/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/15/podcast-101-international-burn-a-quran-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/15/podcast-101-international-burn-a-quran-day/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:01:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2255 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/15/podcast-101-international-burn-a-quran-day/feed/ 1 0:44:55 International Burn a Qur’an Day was a bust.  Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center of Gainesville, Florida threatened, de-threatened and repeatedly vacillated as to whether or not he was going to organize a book-burning on the nint[...] International Burn a Qur’an Day was a bust.  Pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center of Gainesville, Florida threatened, de-threatened and repeatedly vacillated as to whether or not he was going to organize a book-burning on the ninth anniversary of 9/11 (he ultimately did not).  Even President Obama weighed in on why it was a bad idea to burn a Qur’an. Plus: Our Dragon*Con wrap-up. Glorious freak-out at the top of the show courtesy of Phil Davison of Stark County, Ohio. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded September 12, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, commentary, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/international-burn-a-quran-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/international-burn-a-quran-day/#comments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:59:24 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2246 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/international-burn-a-quran-day/feed/ 9 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/07/religious-vanity-plates/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/07/religious-vanity-plates/#comments Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:30:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2227 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/07/religious-vanity-plates/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/09/podcast-98-the-crescent-and-the-moonpie/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/09/podcast-98-the-crescent-and-the-moonpie/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:01:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2159 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/09/podcast-98-the-crescent-and-the-moonpie/feed/ 1 1:04:44 In our live presentation to the Atlanta Freethought Society, “The Crescent and the Moonpie: Islam and the American South,” we look at the history of Islam in the Antebellum South, then jump forward to discuss  how Muslim communities are [...] In our live presentation to the Atlanta Freethought Society, “The Crescent and the Moonpie: Islam and the American South,” we look at the history of Islam in the Antebellum South, then jump forward to discuss  how Muslim communities are being received in 21st century Dixie. Mentioned in the presentation: US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan and former heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali.  Both men are native-born Southerners (Hasan in Virginia, Ali in Kentucky).  Both are adherents of Islam, yet they took very different paths. Muslims in the Antebellum South: Estevanico the Moor (1500-1539), Muslim convert to Catholicism and the first African to set foot in North America. Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, an African slave eventually returned to his homeland with the help of (among others) James Oglethorpe, the founder of colonial Georgia. Yarrow Mamout (1736-1823), a freedman who lived in early Washington, DC, who owned property and bank investments and was painted by famous portraitist Charles Willson Peale. Omar ibn Said (1770-1864), and Islamic scholar who wrote 14 Arabic manuscripts during his time as a slave. Bilali Muhammad, who led a congregation of 80 fellow Muslims while enslaved on Sapelo Island, Georgia in the early 19th century. Islam in the 21st Century South: Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta, the largest and most prominent mosque in Georgia (possibly in the South). Case Study #1:  The Christian Action Network sponsors a billboard campaign for Islam Rising, an anti-Islamic documentary. Case Study #2:  Residents of Murfreesboro, Tennessee are upset at the pending construction of a sizable Islamic Center. Case Study #3:  The City Council of Alpharetta, Georgia denies an expansion permit to the Islamic Center of North Fulton, citing zoning concerns. Case Study #4:  Residents of Lilburn, Georgia allege harassment by”Middle Eastern men” after the Dar-e-Abbas mosque was denied an expansion permit in their neighborhood.  The police have so far found no evidence of wrongdoing. Announcements: Dragon*Con (which includes SkepTrack) is just around the corner, September 3-6, right here in Atlanta.  And if you can join us a day early, the second annual Star Party will be hosted by Emory University’s Science and Math Center. Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded August 8, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. history, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/21/enough-already-with-the-political-prayer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/21/enough-already-with-the-political-prayer/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:30:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2080 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/21/enough-already-with-the-political-prayer/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:44:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2036 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/19/everybody-draw-mohammed-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/19/everybody-draw-mohammed-day/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 02:18:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2019 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/19/everybody-draw-mohammed-day/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/11/oreilly-palin-natl-day-of-prayer-my-head-goes-all-explody/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/11/oreilly-palin-natl-day-of-prayer-my-head-goes-all-explody/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 22:17:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2011 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/11/oreilly-palin-natl-day-of-prayer-my-head-goes-all-explody/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/09/podcast-88-the-cross-stays-for-now/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/09/podcast-88-the-cross-stays-for-now/#comments Sun, 09 May 2010 05:01:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2005 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/09/podcast-88-the-cross-stays-for-now/feed/ 2 0:50:08 The Supreme Court has ruled that a Christian cross erected on federal land in the Mojave desert can say (for now).  Among other things, certain justices ((cough) Scalia (cough)) have decided that crosses are a universal symbol for the dead.  Never m[...] The Supreme Court has ruled that a Christian cross erected on federal land in the Mojave desert can say (for now).  Among other things, certain justices ((cough) Scalia (cough)) have decided that crosses are a universal symbol for the dead.  Never mind the only dead people you’ll find one planted over are Christian and never, say, Jewish or Muslim.  For more google Salazar v. Buono. The Pope has made a pilgrimage to Turin, Italy, to pray before the relic icon artistic fraud the Shroud of Turin.  Now, we wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see the Shroud, just out of morbid curiosity, but Ratzinger all but calls it real in a rambling, somewhat ghoulish sermon. More faith-based terrorism in the news.  Faisal Shahzad, a naturalized citizen from Pakistan, botched an attempt to car-bomb Times Square.  Meanwhile, nine members of a “Christian patriot” group called Hutaree have been arrested on suspicion of seditious conspiracy. See you next weekend at Atlanta Skepticamp! Finally, check out The Naked Bible, a collection of essays by nonbeliever Andrew Bernardin. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 5, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/05/day-of-prayer-becomes-culture-war-skirmish/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/05/day-of-prayer-becomes-culture-war-skirmish/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 11:06:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2000 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/05/day-of-prayer-becomes-culture-war-skirmish/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/21/podcast-87-natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/21/podcast-87-natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 05:01:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1970 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/21/podcast-87-natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/feed/ 0 0:46:27 A judge has ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, handing Dan Barker’s Freedom from Religion Foundation a victory in its lawsuit against the federal government.  President Obama (who participated in the NDP last year) immediately [...] A judge has ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, handing Dan Barker’s Freedom from Religion Foundation a victory in its lawsuit against the federal government.  President Obama (who participated in the NDP last year) immediately said he would participate again this year.  The feds will appeal, and it’s likely this will be settled in the Supreme Court (although, the way that body has been ruling lately it’s likely the decision will be overturned).  And for those that are interested, there’s a counter-observance the same day as the NDP called the National Day of Reason. The British Chiropractic Association has dropped its lawsuit against science journalist Simon Singh.  While it’s not an outright victory for Singh, the BCA hasn’t exactly made itself look good in all this.  Singh will now sue the BCA for the cost of defending himself, and will continue his quest to reform British libel law. State legislators across America are pushing a surprising bit of preemptive legislation: banning the implantation of microchips into human beings without their consent.  What could be worrying these lawmakers so much that they take time away from solving the high unemployment and budget crises?  Could it be… Satan??? Just when we thought the proposal by Councilwoman Betty Price to begin Roswell (GA) city council meetings with prayer had been tamped down,the council entertained public comment on the subject, and AF’s John C. Snider stepped up to the mic. Finally, we talk to Andrew Bush, a documentary filmmaker whose work-in-progress–”Southern Reason“–features the eminent hosts of American Freethought.  Check out AndrewBushFilms.com to watch clips and to see the film as it develops .  Also, check out Andrew’s new documentary Heart, Soul and Perseverance, a documentary that demystifies and celebrates the art of the ninja. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 19, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, movies, news, podcast, politics, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/15/natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/15/natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:10:13 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1948 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/15/natl-day-of-prayer-unconstitutional/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/09/podcast-86-american-atheists-convention-part-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/09/podcast-86-american-atheists-convention-part-2/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:09:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1941 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/09/podcast-86-american-atheists-convention-part-2/feed/ 0 0:31:12 Our second and final report on the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day Two speakers included Secular Coalition for America’s Sean Faircloth, Mexican-American atheist Indra Zuno, activist and fundraiser extraordinaire T[...] Our second and final report on the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day Two speakers included Secular Coalition for America’s Sean Faircloth, Mexican-American atheist Indra Zuno, activist and fundraiser extraordinaire Todd Stiefel, psychiatrist Andy Thomson, Freethought Radio’s Dan Barker and journalist Wendy Kaminer. Plus: More adventures in NYC: shameless tourism, good food, and bad jazz. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 5, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, podcast, politics, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/07/podcast-85-american-atheists-convention-part-1/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/07/podcast-85-american-atheists-convention-part-1/#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:15:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1933 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/07/podcast-85-american-atheists-convention-part-1/feed/ 1 0:34:35 John reports (almost) live from the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day One speakers included Center for Inquiry’s Paul Kurtz, biologist/philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, UK-based National Secular Society’s Keith Por[...] John reports (almost) live from the American Atheists Convention in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Day One speakers included Center for Inquiry’s Paul Kurtz, biologist/philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, UK-based National Secular Society’s Keith Porteous Wood, The God Virus author Darrel Ray, and newly-elected Asheville (NC) city councilman Cecil Bothwell.  Plus: Sightseeing in NYC, including an unexpected sighting of… Mandy Patinkin. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded April 3, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, news, podcast American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/31/podcast-84-bonus-material-newdow-in-2002/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/31/podcast-84-bonus-material-newdow-in-2002/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:01:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1929 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/31/podcast-84-bonus-material-newdow-in-2002/feed/ 1 0:39:41 I’m packing up to head to Newark for the American Atheists convention this weekend, but meanwhile, here’s a blast from the past.  Waaay back in August 2002, I (John C. Snider) interviewed Michael Newdow when he was  just hitting the nati[...] I’m packing up to head to Newark for the American Atheists convention this weekend, but meanwhile, here’s a blast from the past.  Waaay back in August 2002, I (John C. Snider) interviewed Michael Newdow when he was  just hitting the national scene with his first lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. And to get the Christian perspective on this issue, I interviewed Dr. Bob Allred, who at the time was pastor of Atlanta First United Methodist Church (the oldest church in Atlanta).  Dr. Allred went on to pastor at at least one other church in the metro area, but I lost track of him two or three years ago.   This interview is also from 2002. My apologies if the sound quality of these interviews isn’t as good as it could be; my apologies also if my delivery is flat and/or less-than-professional.  This was an early, early experiment in internet broadcasting, certainly predating the podcasting phenomenon by several years.  In any case, I hope you find it an interesting and enlightening listening experience.  Enjoy! atheism, children, christianity, commentary, interviews, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/29/speaking-before-the-roswell-city-council/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/29/speaking-before-the-roswell-city-council/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:06:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1922 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/29/speaking-before-the-roswell-city-council/feed/ 7 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/22/podcast-84-newdow-in-flames/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/22/podcast-84-newdow-in-flames/#comments Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:01:56 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1914 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/22/podcast-84-newdow-in-flames/feed/ 3 0:44:58 The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has denied activist Michael Newdow’s lawsuits to challenge “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on the currency.  We think the Court was cowardly and disingen[...] The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has denied activist Michael Newdow’s lawsuits to challenge “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on the currency.  We think the Court was cowardly and disingenuous.  Unfortunately, this is likely to be the last gasp in the decades-long struggle.  You can find links to the full texts of the Court’s opinions (including Judge Stephen Reinhardt’s scathing 120-page dissent) here. In other news…the city council of Roswell, Georgia has resoundingly turned back a suggestion to begin council meetings with prayer.  A surprising victory, but one we welcome nonetheless. Plus: David reports on Secular Coalition executive director Sean Faircloth’s appearance at the Atlanta Freethought Society; meanwhile, John attends a Jewish funeral and a Buddhist wedding. John and Allison will also be at the upcoming American Atheists convention in Newark, NJ, April 2-4.  We’ll actually be in the greater NYC are March 31 – April 5, and we welcome suggestions for places to eat, things to do, or stuff to see. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 21, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, buddhism, christianity, history, judaism, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/12/roswell-ga-rejects-city-council-prayer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/12/roswell-ga-rejects-city-council-prayer/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:29:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1909 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/12/roswell-ga-rejects-city-council-prayer/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/11/9th-circuit-rejects-newdow/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/11/9th-circuit-rejects-newdow/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:21:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1907 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/11/9th-circuit-rejects-newdow/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/08/podcast-83-secular-coation-at-the-white-house/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/08/podcast-83-secular-coation-at-the-white-house/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:01:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1887 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/08/podcast-83-secular-coation-at-the-white-house/feed/ 2 1:01:13 John C. Snider with Christopher Hitchens, Emory University, February 26, 2010 American Atheists president Ed Buckner reports on the recent meeting between representatives of the Secular Coalition for America with White House officials. Plus: We meet[...] John C. Snider with Christopher Hitchens, Emory University, February 26, 2010 American Atheists president Ed Buckner reports on the recent meeting between representatives of the Secular Coalition for America with White House officials. Plus: We meet the Hitch!  Allison joins us to talk about “The Only Subject Is Love,” a seminar we attended at Emory University featuring Salman Rushdie, Christopher Hitchens, and filmmaker Deepa Mehta (who is developing a film adaptation of Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children).  The event celebrates the opening of Rushdie’s archives at Emory.  Surprises included spontaneous recitations of poetry (Hitchens selecting the heartwrenching “Dulce et Decorum est,” Rushdie the humorous “The Walrus and the Carpenter.”)  And…we learned that Hitchens’ memoir–Hitch 22–is due out in June! John and Allison will also be at the upcoming American Atheists convention in Newark, NJ, April 2-4.  We’ll actually be in the greater NYC are March 31 – April 5, and we welcome suggestions for places to eat, things to do, or stuff to see. Congratulations to “PopeStevo,” who annihilated “johncsnider” last month in “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  Steve wins a copy of the 2009 American Atheists convention program book signed by Richard Dawkins, a collection of freethoughtish books, and an American Freethought t-shirt and mug. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 4, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. arts, atheism, interviews, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/07/homeschooled-evangelical/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/07/homeschooled-evangelical/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:38:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1894 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/07/homeschooled-evangelical/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/15/podcast-77-sports-losses-and-southern-crosses/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/15/podcast-77-sports-losses-and-southern-crosses/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:18:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1830 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/15/podcast-77-sports-losses-and-southern-crosses/feed/ 1 0:40:29 University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was sidelined with a shoulder injury early-on at college football’s 2010 Rose Bowl.  McCoy had to watch from the bench as Texas lost the National Championship to Alabama.  But that’s okay, [...] University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was sidelined with a shoulder injury early-on at college football’s 2010 Rose Bowl.  McCoy had to watch from the bench as Texas lost the National Championship to Alabama.  But that’s okay, ’cause it’s all part of God’s Plan. Tiger Woods’ rumored infidelities have been all the rage with the tabloids, but who’da thunk Fox News pundit Brit Hume (not exactly an outspoken evangelical zealot) would make us forget all about it with his shoot-from-the-hip comparison of Buddhism and Christianity. North Georgia parents Patty Jo Marsh and Jacob Bartels decided it was a good idea to give tattoos to six of their seven children.  Themselves.  With a homemade tattoo machine.  Now they’re charged with illegal tattooing, reckless conduct, and more.  Oh, did we mention the tattoos were of Christian crosses? Also discussed in this episode: David wonders if he can count his work for atheist non-profits in his company’s volunteerism program. Mark your calendars: May 11, 2011 is the End of the World.  Or will be, according to often-wrong doomsayer and religious broadcaster Harold Camping.  We aren’t holding our breath, but a beer-fueled End of the World party 16 months from now doesn’t sound like a bad idea. David will be speaking, in his capacity as ambassador for Atheist Alliance International, to the Secular Humanists of the Low Country.  That’s Saturday, January 17th in Charleston, South Carolina.  Here are the details. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded January 8, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. buddhism, children, christianity, podcast, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/21/podcast-75-can-atheists-hold-office-in-nc/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/21/podcast-75-can-atheists-hold-office-in-nc/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:01:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1806 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/21/podcast-75-can-atheists-hold-office-in-nc/feed/ 1 0:37:08 Cecil Bothwell has just been elected to the city council of Asheville, North Carolina.  He happens to be an atheist.  The North Carolina state constitution bars atheists from holding elected office.  (For what it’s worth, seven other states st[...] Cecil Bothwell has just been elected to the city council of Asheville, North Carolina.  He happens to be an atheist.  The North Carolina state constitution bars atheists from holding elected office.  (For what it’s worth, seven other states still have constitutional provisions that discriminate against non-believers.)  Is this a case of continuing institutionalized bigotry, or just an amusingly unenforceable “quirk” left over from the 19th century?  (For more on Mr. Bothwell visit cecilbothwell.wordpress.com) Also discussed in this episode: There’s a War on Christmas: haven’t you heard?  South Carolina Congressman Henry Brown has introduced (nonbinding) House Resolution 951, which “seeks to express the sense…that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected.”  Dozens of Brown’s (mostly Southern, mostly Republican) peers have jumped on the Save-Christmas-from-the-Multicultural-Heathen bandwagon, but HR951 is destined to die in committee.  Is this really how our elected representatives spend their time? The Washington, DC city council has okayed same-sex marriage.  But the District is under Congressional oversight: Congress has 30 days to reverse any actions of the council.  This puts Republicans (currently in the minority) in an interesting pickle.  They’re against gay marriage, but they crow all the time about the rights of state and local governments to run their own affairs.  So which way’s it gonna be, fellas? Disturbing News Alert: Another case of a child endangered by kooky, dangerous religious beliefs.  In Brazil, a man has confessed to inserting 42 needles (and leaving them in place!) into his two-year-old stepson, as part of a series of black magic rituals directed by a trance-tripping woman. Plus: It’s David’s turn to do jury duty, and he’s amazed to read a local journalist’s confession that you have to be irrational to be Christian. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 17, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, cults, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/13/an-atheist-city-councilman-but/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/13/an-atheist-city-councilman-but/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:23:25 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1797 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/13/an-atheist-city-councilman-but/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/07/podcast-74-margaret-downey/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/07/podcast-74-margaret-downey/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:01:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1767 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/07/podcast-74-margaret-downey/feed/ 0 0:47:17 We interview Margaret Downey, former Atheist Alliance International president and founder of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP.org), about her experiences coordinating the annual Tree of Knowledge in Chester County, Pennsylvania,[...] We interview Margaret Downey, former Atheist Alliance International president and founder of the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP.org), about her experiences coordinating the annual Tree of Knowledge in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is intended to offer an alternative to the traditional Nativity scene displayed on public property.  For more about Margaret visit secular-celebrations.com. We review Oh My God, a new documentary by writer/director/producer Peter Rodger, in which he travels around the world asking people the question: What is God?  For more info, including upcoming screenings near you, visit omgmovie.com. Also discussed in this episode: The Atheists Guide to Christmas, a book edited by Ariane Sherine (the woman behind the original Atheist Bus Campaign in London) with contributions by 42 nonbelievers, including Richard Dawkins and Phil Plait.  The book is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. And if you thought the new 150th anniversary edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (with “special” introduction by Ray “The Atheist’s Nightmare” Comfort) was completely useless, think again.  A copy signed by skeptics Joe Nickell, Dan Barker, Rebecca Watson, PZ Myers, DJ Grothe and others is being auctioned on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Missouri State University Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to help them organize next year’s Skepticon III conference).  Bidding ends December 11th, so check it out now!  For more visit Skepticon.org. The Usual Announcements Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; for David Driscoll only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 3, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, interviews, movies, news, podcast, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/02/swiss-voters-ban-minarets/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/02/swiss-voters-ban-minarets/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:57:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1765 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/02/swiss-voters-ban-minarets/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/25/chris-matthews-cuts-loose-on-bishop-thomas-tobin/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/25/chris-matthews-cuts-loose-on-bishop-thomas-tobin/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:59:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1763 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/25/chris-matthews-cuts-loose-on-bishop-thomas-tobin/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/11/sc-license-plates-fail/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/11/sc-license-plates-fail/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:48:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1748 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/11/sc-license-plates-fail/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/03/podcast-71-eye-of-sauron-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/03/podcast-71-eye-of-sauron-edition/#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:01:02 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1640 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/03/podcast-71-eye-of-sauron-edition/feed/ 6 1:02:06 We look at three recent TV programs that have attracted the attention of the Eye of Sauron, a.k.a. Catholic League president Bill Donohue, whose job it is to manufacture outrage anytime anyone makes fun of the Church or offers sharp criticism of it.[...] We look at three recent TV programs that have attracted the attention of the Eye of Sauron, a.k.a. Catholic League president Bill Donohue, whose job it is to manufacture outrage anytime anyone makes fun of the Church or offers sharp criticism of it.  Sarah Silverman’s video “Sell the Vatican, Feed the World” appeared on the season finale of Real Time with Bill Maher.  The Simpsons mock the Eucharist in their annual “Treehouse of Horror” special with the segment “Don’t Have a Cow, Mankind.”  And Curb Your Enthusiasm auteur Larry David accidentally splashes urine on a portrait of Jesus in the episode “Dealing with the Midriff.”  Bottom line: if it makes the Eye apoplectic, it warms our hearts. Speaking of TV, Muslims have yet to riot or issue any fatwas over a controversial commercial by German lingerie company Liaisons Dangereuse. We’ve been reading!  Check out John’s chapter-by-chapter thoughts on Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth starting here, as well as his reviews of Carl Zimmer’s evolution textbook The Tangled Bank and Robert Crumb’s The Book of Genesis Illustrated.  Also, David recommends Robert Schadewald’s posthumous collection of skeptical essays Worlds of Their Own. The Usual Announcements: Send us email at contact@americanfreethought.com.  For John Snider only use john@americanfreethoughtcom; David only use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Fans of science fiction can check out John’s other project on the web, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded November 1, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, humor, islam, podcast, religion, television American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/31/what-does-bill-donohue-wear-under-his-burka/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/31/what-does-bill-donohue-wear-under-his-burka/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:24:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1633 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/31/what-does-bill-donohue-wear-under-his-burka/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/28/we-need-to-talk-about-your-flair/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/28/we-need-to-talk-about-your-flair/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:46:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1626 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/28/we-need-to-talk-about-your-flair/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/21/q1-threatens-gay-marriage-in-maine/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/21/q1-threatens-gay-marriage-in-maine/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:53:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1614 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/21/q1-threatens-gay-marriage-in-maine/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/16/rifqa-bary-to-return-to-ohio-or-sri-lanka/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/16/rifqa-bary-to-return-to-ohio-or-sri-lanka/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:20:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1585 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/16/rifqa-bary-to-return-to-ohio-or-sri-lanka/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/07/neumanns-get-light-sentence-for-murder-of-daughter/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/07/neumanns-get-light-sentence-for-murder-of-daughter/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:30:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1497 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/07/neumanns-get-light-sentence-for-murder-of-daughter/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/07/north-georgia-craziness/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/07/north-georgia-craziness/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:00:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1493 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/07/north-georgia-craziness/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/30/its-blasphemy-day-god-damn-it/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/30/its-blasphemy-day-god-damn-it/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:01:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1452 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/30/its-blasphemy-day-god-damn-it/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/23/marilyn-loeffels-wrong-perspective/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/23/marilyn-loeffels-wrong-perspective/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:59:24 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1421 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/23/marilyn-loeffels-wrong-perspective/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/09/penn-teller-vatican-vid-courtesy-of-eye-of-sauron/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/09/penn-teller-vatican-vid-courtesy-of-eye-of-sauron/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:18:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1335 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/09/penn-teller-vatican-vid-courtesy-of-eye-of-sauron/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/03/nasa-flies-religious-artifact-aboard-shuttle-discovery/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/03/nasa-flies-religious-artifact-aboard-shuttle-discovery/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:13:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1323 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/03/nasa-flies-religious-artifact-aboard-shuttle-discovery/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/penn-teller-do-the-vatican/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/penn-teller-do-the-vatican/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:51:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1316 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/penn-teller-do-the-vatican/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/27/hey-god-stop-protecting-kentucky/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/27/hey-god-stop-protecting-kentucky/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:30:26 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1291 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/27/hey-god-stop-protecting-kentucky/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/21/the-latest-on-rifqa-bary/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/21/the-latest-on-rifqa-bary/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:54:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1268 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/21/the-latest-on-rifqa-bary/feed/ 10 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/20/are-georgia-peaches-kosher/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/20/are-georgia-peaches-kosher/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:39:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1266 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/20/are-georgia-peaches-kosher/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/eye-of-sauron-turns-its-gaze-on-penn-teller/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/eye-of-sauron-turns-its-gaze-on-penn-teller/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:07:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1253 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/eye-of-sauron-turns-its-gaze-on-penn-teller/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/mooneykirschenbaum-sic-darwin-on-dawkins/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/mooneykirschenbaum-sic-darwin-on-dawkins/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:19:14 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1238 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/mooneykirschenbaum-sic-darwin-on-dawkins/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/17/yale-univ-press-chickens-out-on-mohammed-cartoons/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/17/yale-univ-press-chickens-out-on-mohammed-cartoons/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:15:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1234 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/17/yale-univ-press-chickens-out-on-mohammed-cartoons/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/16/an-interfaith-springer-moment/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/16/an-interfaith-springer-moment/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:17:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1220 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/16/an-interfaith-springer-moment/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/12/france-vs-islam-round-1872/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/12/france-vs-islam-round-1872/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:59:53 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1194 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/12/france-vs-islam-round-1872/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:26:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1183 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/02/goodbye-neumanns/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/02/goodbye-neumanns/#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:55:29 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1140 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/02/goodbye-neumanns/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/01/aas-buckner-delivers-county-invocation/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/01/aas-buckner-delivers-county-invocation/#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1123 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/01/aas-buckner-delivers-county-invocation/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/30/jesus-christ-what-now/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/30/jesus-christ-what-now/#comments Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:35:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1107 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/30/jesus-christ-what-now/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/25/neumann-on-trial-for-death-of-daughter/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/25/neumann-on-trial-for-death-of-daughter/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:03:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1082 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/25/neumann-on-trial-for-death-of-daughter/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/25/n-korea-executes-woman-for-distributing-bibles/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/25/n-korea-executes-woman-for-distributing-bibles/#comments Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:59:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1078 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/25/n-korea-executes-woman-for-distributing-bibles/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/30/carving-a-niche-for-official-superstitions/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/30/carving-a-niche-for-official-superstitions/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:25:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=946 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/30/carving-a-niche-for-official-superstitions/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/25/exorcistchild-abuser-scot-free-in-ga/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/25/exorcistchild-abuser-scot-free-in-ga/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:28:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=942 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/25/exorcistchild-abuser-scot-free-in-ga/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/30/podcast-54-when-religion-kills-children/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/30/podcast-54-when-religion-kills-children/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 05:01:14 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=755 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/30/podcast-54-when-religion-kills-children/feed/ 4 1:05:11 We look at two tragic cases in the news in which religion and child welfare conflict (to say the least).  First, a Minnesota court has ordered 13-year-old Daniel Hauser to undergo chemo to treat his cancer, but he and his parents object, preferring[...] We look at two tragic cases in the news in which religion and child welfare conflict (to say the least).  First, a Minnesota court has ordered 13-year-old Daniel Hauser to undergo chemo to treat his cancer, but he and his parents object, preferring to use “natural” remedies based on supposed Native American teachings.  Second, a Wisconsin jury has found Leilani Neumann guilty in the death of her 11-year-old daughter Madeline Kara; Neumann and her coreligionists decided, rather than seek medical attention, to pray that God cure Kara of diabetes.  It didn’t work. Plus: California’s Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 8, the recent amendment to the state constitution that outlaws gay marriage.  On the up-side, the Court says any same-sex marriages conducted before the ban remain valid. The return of Holey Scripture! Finally, a ton of listener feedback. (By the way, the mythical show in which John indulges in “libertarian rants” and “extols the virtues of libertarianism” is probably Show #21, our discussion of Science Debate 2008.   But if you’re looking for regular doses of libertarian preachiness, the American Freethought Podcast will disappoint overall.) ANNOUNCEMENTS Participation and Feedback: Email contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. American Freethought on Twitter.  We’re new on Twitter!  Get auto-tweets everytime we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, it’s like Facebook for nonbelievers.  Join up! American Freethought on Facebook American Freethought Yahoo Group – Chat with fellow freethinkers. iTunes – If you listen to us via iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback. Shop or Donate: CafePress – Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. Amazon.com – Click-through and buy whatever you want. PayPal – Drop some change in our virtual tip-jar.  You’ll help offset the cost of maintaining the website and producing the podcast. Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com.  We post new content (nearly) every day! David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded May 28, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, ethics, news, podcast, politics, religion, superstitions American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/the-creationists-are-getting-desperate/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/the-creationists-are-getting-desperate/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 05:01:25 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=762 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/the-creationists-are-getting-desperate/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/23/dear-margo-religious-fanatics-on-the-lunatic-fringe/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/23/dear-margo-religious-fanatics-on-the-lunatic-fringe/#comments Sat, 23 May 2009 05:01:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=735 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/23/dear-margo-religious-fanatics-on-the-lunatic-fringe/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/21/is-it-religion-or-insanity-killing-these-kids/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/21/is-it-religion-or-insanity-killing-these-kids/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 05:01:27 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=729 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/21/is-it-religion-or-insanity-killing-these-kids/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/26/religion-clause/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/26/religion-clause/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:37:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=670 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/26/religion-clause/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/25/way-to-go-malawi/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/25/way-to-go-malawi/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:02:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=662 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/25/way-to-go-malawi/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/13/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies-pt-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/13/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies-pt-3/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:38:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=598 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/13/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies-pt-3/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/07/obama-says-america-not-a-christian-nation/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/07/obama-says-america-not-a-christian-nation/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:04:53 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=563 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/07/obama-says-america-not-a-christian-nation/feed/ 23 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/25/and-nowa-moment-of-confusion/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/25/and-nowa-moment-of-confusion/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:01:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=446 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/25/and-nowa-moment-of-confusion/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/24/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies-pt-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/24/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies-pt-2/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:01:10 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=401 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/24/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies-pt-2/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:01:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=358 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/feed/ 5 0:49:15 We analyze three recent developments nationwide that affect the integrity of church-state separation: an Oklahoma legislator condemns evolution; an Arkansas legislator seeks to end discrimination against atheists in his state constitution; and the S[...] We analyze three recent developments nationwide that affect the integrity of church-state separation: an Oklahoma legislator condemns evolution; an Arkansas legislator seeks to end discrimination against atheists in his state constitution; and the Supreme Court rules against an obscure New Age sect called the Summum. Oklahoma legislator Todd Thomsen (member of the House Education Committee and chairman of the House Higher Education and Career Tech Committee!) filed a House Resolution 1014, condemning his state’s university system for teaching–gasp!–the “doctrinal dogmaticism” of evolution and for daring to invite that rapscallion Richard Dawkins to speak.  This resolution has not (thus far) been acted on by the legislature; in fact, in provided humorous fodder for Dawkins during his scheduled appearance on March 6th–view the YouTube video of it here. Newly elected Arkansas legislator Richard Carroll has filed House Joint Resolution 1009, aimed at REMOVING discrimination against atheists from his state’s constitution.  Article 19 Section 1 of the Arkansas constitution says “No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this state, nor be competent to testify as a witness in a court.”  This provision has already effectively been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Torcaso v. Watkins (which struck down a similar provision in the Maryland constitution); a warning shot fired by the US 8th Circuit Court of Appeals via a footnote in Flora v. White.  This is a much-need bit of housecleaning that even Rep. Carroll admits probably won’t even make it to a floor vote.  Check out this YouTube video posted by the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers. Allison is back!  Our resident attorney explains the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Pleasant Grove (Utah) vs. Summum.  The Court concluded that government entities are not obligated to accept any old religious monument offered as a gift from a private organization.  How does this affect the thousands of Ten Commandment monuments that pepper the American landscape? Also mentioned in the podcast: Becket, the Academy Award winning 1964 film starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole.  It tells the story of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury assassinated by the knights of Henry II in 1170.  It’s a thought-provoking look at the historical struggle between church and state. ANNOUNCEMENTS We’ll be attending the America Atheists national convention, April 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins and AA president Ed Buckner. Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 8, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. evolution, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/26/supremes-deny-summum-in-utah/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/26/supremes-deny-summum-in-utah/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:01:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=290 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/26/supremes-deny-summum-in-utah/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/16/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/16/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:29:11 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=229 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/16/with-allies-like-these-who-needs-enemies/feed/ 1