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/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/2011/11/20/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/2011/11/09/podcast-136-reason-rally-update-with-david-silverman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/09/podcast-136-reason-rally-update-with-david-silverman/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:12:55 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3097 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/09/podcast-136-reason-rally-update-with-david-silverman/feed/ 1 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/2011/10/05/are-you-ready-for-some-foot-in-mouth/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/05/are-you-ready-for-some-foot-in-mouth/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:24:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3035 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/05/are-you-ready-for-some-foot-in-mouth/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/30/bachmann-says-jk-about-irene/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/30/bachmann-says-jk-about-irene/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:10:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3006 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/30/bachmann-says-jk-about-irene/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/20/podcast-130-the-fundagelical-politics-of-rick-perry-and-michele-bachmann/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/20/podcast-130-the-fundagelical-politics-of-rick-perry-and-michele-bachmann/#comments Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:53:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2998 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/20/podcast-130-the-fundagelical-politics-of-rick-perry-and-michele-bachmann/feed/ 4 0:39:30 The Republican presidential race is in full swing, and fundamental evangelicalism is already playing an important part. We look at the religious views (and actions) of two frontrunners: Texas Governor Rick Perry and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. S[...] The Republican presidential race is in full swing, and fundamental evangelicalism is already playing an important part. We look at the religious views (and actions) of two frontrunners: Texas Governor Rick Perry and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Specifically, check out Timothy Egan’s NYT article “Rick Perry’s Unanswered Prayers” and Bachmann’s August 14 appearance on Meet the Press (go to the 3:00 mark to listen to the discussion of her religious views). ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s Secular World podcast(formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. Tickets have sold out for the Atlanta Skeptics Star Party, Thursday, September 1st at Emory University. If you bought tickets but find you can’t go, please contact us. Atheist Alliance of America is now planning its first national convention after the recent re-org that split AAA from Atheist Alliance International. It’s October 7-9 in Houston, Texas. Guest speakers include PZ Myers, Richard Dawkins, Michael Shermer and more. 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.   christianity, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/08/podcast-129-janet-reitman-inside-scientology/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/08/podcast-129-janet-reitman-inside-scientology/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:07:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2986 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/08/08/podcast-129-janet-reitman-inside-scientology/feed/ 0 1:08:25 We interview Janet Reitman, author of the new book Inside Scientology, an extensive and objective history of the movement launched by sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard. Inside Scientology is available in hardcover, unabridged audio, or for Kindle. For mo[...] We interview Janet Reitman, author of the new book Inside Scientology, an extensive and objective history of the movement launched by sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard. Inside Scientology is available in hardcover, unabridged audio, or for Kindle. For more about Janet visit JanetReitman.com. ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s Secular World podcast (formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. Tickets are now available for the Atlanta Skeptics Star Party, Thursday, September 1st at Emory University. Guests include Phil Plait (BadAstronomy.com), Pamela Gay (The Astronomy Cast) and Nicole Gugliucci (NoisyAstronomer.com). And, of course, the entire American Freethought quartet will be in attendance. Proceeds go to Light the Night – the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 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, cults, interviews, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/21/rick-perrys-pals-courtesy-of-rachel-maddow/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/21/rick-perrys-pals-courtesy-of-rachel-maddow/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:57:46 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2957 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/21/rick-perrys-pals-courtesy-of-rachel-maddow/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/04/is-america-a-christian-nation/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/04/is-america-a-christian-nation/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:45:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2913 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/04/is-america-a-christian-nation/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/01/podcast-126-matthew-chapman-the-ledge/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/01/podcast-126-matthew-chapman-the-ledge/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:01:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2907 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/07/01/podcast-126-matthew-chapman-the-ledge/feed/ 0 0:50:05 We interview Matthew Chapman, writer/director of the new philosophical thriller The Ledge. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Patrick Wilson and Liv Tyler, The Ledge explores a tragic love triangle involving an atheist, an evangelical Christian, and the woman[...] We interview Matthew Chapman, writer/director of the new philosophical thriller The Ledge. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Patrick Wilson and Liv Tyler, The Ledge explores a tragic love triangle involving an atheist, an evangelical Christian, and the woman they both love. The Ledge opens in NY and LA on July 8th, and in other parts of the country soon thereafter. If you don’t want to wait, you can screen it on-demand right now at SundanceNow.com. Aside from his successful film career, Matthew (who happens to be the great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin) is the author of two books touching on the creationism/evolution debate: Trials of the Monkey (in which he visits Dayton, TN, the site of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial) and 40 Days and 40 Nights (about the recent lawsuit in Dover, PA). Matthew is also the cofounder and current president of Science Debate, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to elevating science and engineering policy issues in the national dialogue of the United States.” For more about Matthew Chapman and his many projects, visit MatthewChapman.us. Also: More controversy from the Miss USA pageant! After Miss Tennessee answered a question about burning the Qur’an, Penn Jillette (one of the judges) tweeted “glad to help her lose.” Georgia is about to update the state’s license plates, and half of the six candidate designs feature “In God We Trust.” The public can vote online through mid-July, so even if you’re not a resident of the Peach State, you can visit this website and vote for your secular faves. Vote early and often! ANNOUNCEMENTS David Driscoll’s other project, Secular World podcast (formerly Secular Nation podcast) continues. John Snider will be repeating his 20th Century Twain presentation on July 3 for theFellowship 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. atheism, christianity, interviews, movies, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes 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/2011/06/09/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/2011/05/12/should-alabama-sue-texas-over-the-recent-tornadoes/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/12/should-alabama-sue-texas-over-the-recent-tornadoes/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 23:05:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2770 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/05/12/should-alabama-sue-texas-over-the-recent-tornadoes/feed/ 1 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/2011/04/27/obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/27/obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:29:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2727 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/27/obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/24/podcast-121-easter-schmeaster/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/24/podcast-121-easter-schmeaster/#comments Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:43:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2722 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/04/24/podcast-121-easter-schmeaster/feed/ 0 0:51:17 It’s Easter!  Time to celebrate the return of spring and the goddess Eostre (I mean, Resurrection of Christ) or something.  It’s also time for our president to continue his embarrassing pandering to the Religious Right by instituting an [...] It’s Easter!  Time to celebrate the return of spring and the goddess Eostre (I mean, Resurrection of Christ) or something.  It’s also time for our president to continue his embarrassing pandering to the Religious Right by instituting an annual White House Easter Prayer Breakfast. In other news, Iran is considering banning dogs, since they’re both un-Islamic and decadently Western. Plus: We look at the new cinematic adaptation of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged.  And John gives a quick rundown of his and Allison’s recent trip to Paris! Closing music:  ”Paris in a Day” by Ellis Paul. movies, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes 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/2011/03/07/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/2011/03/06/the-war-prayer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/06/the-war-prayer/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 17:45:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2612 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/06/the-war-prayer/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/05/mike-huckabee-mendacious-huckster/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/05/mike-huckabee-mendacious-huckster/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:37:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2609 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/03/05/mike-huckabee-mendacious-huckster/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/obama-administration-drops-defense-of-doma/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/obama-administration-drops-defense-of-doma/#comments Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:35:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2597 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/obama-administration-drops-defense-of-doma/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/2011/02/20/conservative-atheists-revisited/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/20/conservative-atheists-revisited/#comments Sun, 20 Feb 2011 13:20:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2590 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/20/conservative-atheists-revisited/feed/ 3 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/2011/02/09/three-days-of-atheism-in-ky-and-ohio/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/09/three-days-of-atheism-in-ky-and-ohio/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:01:10 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2570 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/02/09/three-days-of-atheism-in-ky-and-ohio/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/2011/01/31/jack-kingston-georgias-latest-embarrassment/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/31/jack-kingston-georgias-latest-embarrassment/#comments Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:17:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2557 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/31/jack-kingston-georgias-latest-embarrassment/feed/ 1 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/2011/01/07/romanian-witches-must-now-pay-taxes/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/07/romanian-witches-must-now-pay-taxes/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:17:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2513 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/07/romanian-witches-must-now-pay-taxes/feed/ 0 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/2011/01/03/roswell-city-council-prayer-revisited/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/03/roswell-city-council-prayer-revisited/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:31:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2499 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/01/03/roswell-city-council-prayer-revisited/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/2010/11/25/the-moral-landscape-chapter-4-religion/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/25/the-moral-landscape-chapter-4-religion/#comments Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:01:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2434 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/25/the-moral-landscape-chapter-4-religion/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/02/podcast-108-rally-to-restore-sanity/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/02/podcast-108-rally-to-restore-sanity/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:37:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2409 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/02/podcast-108-rally-to-restore-sanity/feed/ 3 0:19:23 Here’s our report recorded LIVE, Saturday, October 30th, from somewhere very near the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.  The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ atheists gang aft agley, and pilgrimages to the power center of the earth[...] Here’s our report recorded LIVE, Saturday, October 30th, from somewhere very near the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.  The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ atheists gang aft agley, and pilgrimages to the power center of the earth are no exception.  Whether Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert provided only a momentary distraction from the madhouse of American politics, or planted a seed of reasonableness that will lead to better things, we leave for others to decide. 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 October 30, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. news, podcast, politics American Freethought no yes 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/2010/10/13/podcast-105-jeff-sharlet-c-street/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/13/podcast-105-jeff-sharlet-c-street/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:32:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2376 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/13/podcast-105-jeff-sharlet-c-street/feed/ 1 0:54:03 We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy, a follow-up to The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family, you may recall, is a secretive and radical Christian gr[...] We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy, a follow-up to The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family, you may recall, is a secretive and radical Christian group that counts Senators and Congressmen among its members, organizes the annual National Prayer Breakfast, and courts vicious Third World dictators–all in the name of Jesus.  C Street covers events that have occurred since the publication of The Family, including there political sex scandals, the so-called Kill the Gays bill proposed in Uganda, and the chilling evangelical infiltration of the US military. For more about Jeff visit JeffSharlet.com. C Street is available at Amazon.com in hardcover, audiobook, or Kindle editions. Read John Snider’s review of The Family, or listen to our interview with Jeff in Podcast #67. 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 want to join up with us at the Rally, subscribe to our Twitter feed at Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. 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 October 6, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, cults, interviews, military, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/12/christ-for-state-senate/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/12/christ-for-state-senate/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:01:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2372 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/10/12/christ-for-state-senate/feed/ 3 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/2010/09/15/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/2010/09/09/podcast-100-live-at-dragoncon-2010/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/podcast-100-live-at-dragoncon-2010/#comments Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:01:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2231 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/09/podcast-100-live-at-dragoncon-2010/feed/ 7 1:00:38 It’s our 100th episode, and it’s live on the Podcast Track at Dragon*Con 2010!  Aside from reminiscing about our previous 99 shows, we present our usual potpourri of items. Donald Crosby, founder and pastor of God’s Kingdom Builde[...] It’s our 100th episode, and it’s live on the Podcast Track at Dragon*Con 2010!  Aside from reminiscing about our previous 99 shows, we present our usual potpourri of items. Donald Crosby, founder and pastor of God’s Kingdom Builders Church of Jesus Christ in Macon, Georgia, is up in arms because nearby Warner Robins High School’s mascot is the Demon.  [Note:  John states during the podcast that he lived in Warner Robins in the late 90s.  It was actually the late 80s.] Holey Scripture:  Behold Behemoth!  The Old Testament waxes poetic in Job 40:15-24 about the monstrous behemoth, but a quick etymological study (courtesy of the July 28, 2010 Dictionary Word-of-the-Day) reveals that it’s not a monster at all, but rather a hippopotamus.  But that doesn’t stop the guys at T.R.U.T.H. (To Reach Understanding Through Him), who created a video for kids called “What’s a Behemoth?” Which Mohammad?  In this corner…Omid Safi,Islamic mystic and professor of Islamic studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.  His latest book is Memories of Muhammad, a generally positive look at the life and influence of the Prophet.  And in this corner…Wafa Sultan, a Syrian born American psychiatrist and author of A God Who Hates, a blistering condemnation of Islam as a backward, misogynistic, violent and insular cult.  She’s best known for her vigorous take-down of an imam on Al-Jazeera in 2006.  We compare the vastly different interpretations of each author of the marriages of Mohammad to Aisha (a six-year-old girl) and Safiyah (a Jewess taken as a spoil of war).  Was Mohammad a noble protector of women, or a pedophile and a rapist?  You decide. Feedback:  Listeners take David to task over his (incorrect) statement in show #99 that August 2010 won’t contain five Sunday-Monday-Tuesdays for another 800+ years.  What can we say?  The guy trusts his mother. Live Q&A:  What do we make of the Tea Party?  And how can those uppity non-Muslim (?!) women like Wafa Sultan, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Irshad Manji criticize Islam? Thanks again to Swoopy for organizing the Podcast Track and giving us a slot on it. 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. Thanks to David Price for the Con photo. Recorded September 3, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, evolution, history, islam, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/19/1-in-5-think-obamas-a-muslim/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/19/1-in-5-think-obamas-a-muslim/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:27:10 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2176 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/08/19/1-in-5-think-obamas-a-muslim/feed/ 1 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/2010/07/23/podcast-97-the-essential-freethought-library/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/23/podcast-97-the-essential-freethought-library/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:01:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2146 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/07/23/podcast-97-the-essential-freethought-library/feed/ 4 1:04:44 We discuss the Essential Freethought Library, the result of a poll of dozens of notable personalities in the freethought community.  We asked them one simple question: “What ten books must the well-read freethinker have read?” Also, loc[...] We discuss the Essential Freethought Library, the result of a poll of dozens of notable personalities in the freethought community.  We asked them one simple question: “What ten books must the well-read freethinker have read?” Also, local craziness in the news: Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!  A Georgia pastor is suing the state over a law that expands gun-carrying rights, but prohibits guns in places like government buildings and churches.  That’s right: a preacher wants the right to have a gun in his place of worship. Magic Jeff Goes Bye-Bye!  A Georgia youth minister and magician who performed for kids as “Magic Jeff” gets 20 years in prison for (among other things) child pornography. A Flock Put out to Pasture!  The Greater Works Assembly of Atlanta was evicted from their building for failing to pay the mortgage for TWO YEARS.  And not because of tough economic times, but apparently because the husband-and-wife team that headed up the church were engaged in an elaborate shell game whereby they moved money around amongst nearly ten shadowy non-profits. The Usual Announcements Look for David Driscoll, in his roll as regional ambassador for Atheist Alliance International, speaking August 1st in Knoxville to the Rationalists of East Tennessee. If you’ll be in metro Atlanta on August 8th, look for John Snider and David Driscoll speaking to the Atlanta Freethought Society.  The title of our main presentation:  The Crescent and the Moonpie. 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 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 July 17, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, children, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/22/podcast-93-gods-and-politics-in-copenhagen/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/22/podcast-93-gods-and-politics-in-copenhagen/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:01:50 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2075 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/22/podcast-93-gods-and-politics-in-copenhagen/feed/ 0 0:30:11 David Driscoll reports on his adventures at the Gods and Politics conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 18-20.  The conference was co-sponsored by the Danish Atheist Society and Atheist Alliance International and featured such luminaries as [...] David Driscoll reports on his adventures at the Gods and Politics conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 18-20.  The conference was co-sponsored by the Danish Atheist Society and Atheist Alliance International and featured such luminaries as Richard Dawkins, Dan Barker, PZ Myers, Victor Stenger and James “The Amazing” Randi. The Usual Announcements Live in metro Atlanta?  Look for John and Allison in attendance at Michael Largo’s reading from his encyclopedic God’s Lunatics, 6:30 PM, Tuesday, June 22nd at Ivy Hall. 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 June 20, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, 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/2010/05/23/podcast-89-world-ends-miss-usa-is-a-muslim/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/23/podcast-89-world-ends-miss-usa-is-a-muslim/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 02:14:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2022 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/05/23/podcast-89-world-ends-miss-usa-is-a-muslim/feed/ 0 0:54:56 OMFG and other exaggerations.  The new Miss USA is Rima Fakih, who hails from Dearborn, Michigan by way of Lebanon.  According to Ms. Fakih, her family is not terribly pious–apparently they observe both Muslim and Christian holidays, for examp[...] OMFG and other exaggerations.  The new Miss USA is Rima Fakih, who hails from Dearborn, Michigan by way of Lebanon.  According to Ms. Fakih, her family is not terribly pious–apparently they observe both Muslim and Christian holidays, for example.  But to hear the conservative blathersphere, you’d think the selection of  an Arab-American as one of our foremost icons of cheesecake is either political correctness run amok, or part of some elaborate master plan by Hezbollah to lower Western civilization’s defenses before they come in for the big kill. Meanwhile…candidates in Alabama’s Republican gubernatorial primary are determined to court the lowest-common-denominator demographic.  When candidate Bradley Byrne was accused of believing in evolution and doubting that the scriptures are literally true, he fell over backwards to assure the voters he’s a dyed-in-the-wool creationist and Bible-thumping fundamentalist. Plus: Atlanta Skepticamp 2010 was a big success; the Mojave cross was stolen; Idaho missionary and would-be child trafficker Laura Silsby is back from Haiti; and former executives of faith-based (and now defunct) Integrity Bank have been indicted on bribery charges. 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 23, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, islam, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes 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/2010/04/20/missouri-atheist-runs-for-congress/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/20/missouri-atheist-runs-for-congress/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:30:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1965 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/04/20/missouri-atheist-runs-for-congress/feed/ 0 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/2010/03/22/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/2010/03/10/anti-gay-senator-is-gay/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/10/anti-gay-senator-is-gay/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:26:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1901 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/10/anti-gay-senator-is-gay/feed/ 3 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/2010/02/04/obama-disappoints-at-npb/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/04/obama-disappoints-at-npb/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:48:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1861 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/04/obama-disappoints-at-npb/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/19/would-you-like-your-assault-rifle-with-or-without-scripture/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/19/would-you-like-your-assault-rifle-with-or-without-scripture/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:06:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1841 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/01/19/would-you-like-your-assault-rifle-with-or-without-scripture/feed/ 1 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/2009/12/12/house-reps-declare-war-on-the-war-on-christmas/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/12/house-reps-declare-war-on-the-war-on-christmas/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:36:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1789 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/12/12/house-reps-declare-war-on-the-war-on-christmas/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/2009/11/09/goddess-of-the-market/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/goddess-of-the-market/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:20:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1732 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/goddess-of-the-market/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/podcast-72-jennifer-burns-goddess-of-the-market/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/podcast-72-jennifer-burns-goddess-of-the-market/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:01:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1737 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/09/podcast-72-jennifer-burns-goddess-of-the-market/feed/ 1 1:18:39 We interview Jennifer Burns, assistant professor of history at the University of Virginia and author of the new biography Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right.  It’s a timely book considering the recent resurgence of Rand[...] We interview Jennifer Burns, assistant professor of history at the University of Virginia and author of the new biography Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right.  It’s a timely book considering the recent resurgence of Rand’s works (especially her novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged)  as a reaction to the country’s current economic situation.  For more about Prof. Burns visit www.JenniferBurns.org.  Read John Snider’s review of Goddess of the Market and/or order you very own copy at Amazon.com. Readers may also be interested in But Is It Science Fiction? Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged (essay by John C. Snider from 2000) and Five Questions with Nathaniel Branden (interview by John C. Snider from 2005). 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 November 7, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, history, interviews, podcast, politics American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/04/hey-maine-wtf/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/04/hey-maine-wtf/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:20:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1644 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/04/hey-maine-wtf/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/29/another-sc-republican-hike-the-appalachian-trail/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/29/another-sc-republican-hike-the-appalachian-trail/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:10:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1629 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/29/another-sc-republican-hike-the-appalachian-trail/feed/ 1 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/2009/10/14/huffpo-covers-aai-2009/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/14/huffpo-covers-aai-2009/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:18:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1576 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/14/huffpo-covers-aai-2009/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/01/podcast-67-jeff-sharlet-the-family/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/01/podcast-67-jeff-sharlet-the-family/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:01:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1455 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/01/podcast-67-jeff-sharlet-the-family/feed/ 0 0:47:58 We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family is both an investigation into the organization that has influenced presidents from Eisenhower to Obama, and a history of American [...] We interview Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.  The Family is both an investigation into the organization that has influenced presidents from Eisenhower to Obama, and a history of American fundamentalism from colonial times to the present.  If you don’t read any other book this year about religion in America, read this one.  You can buy The Family at Amazon.com. Sharlet is the co-creator of Killing the Buddha, a literary magazine about religion, and The Revealer, “a daily review of religion and the press.”  Sharlet is also a contributing editor to Harper’s and Rolling Stone. Announcements – We encourage you to leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com.  We have a Yahoo Group, a Facebook page, an Atheist Nexus page, a Think Atheist page (NEW!), and a Twitter feed.  If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. Say “hi” to David if you’re planning to attend the upcoming Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention, October 2-4 in Los Angeles (Burbank, actually), CA. 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 September 28, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, christianity, cults, history, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no 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/2009/09/20/twitter-sharia-law-and-you/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/20/twitter-sharia-law-and-you/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:09:50 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1186 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/20/twitter-sharia-law-and-you/feed/ 11 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/18/the-family/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/18/the-family/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:01:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1337 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/18/the-family/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/2009/08/26/why-should-the-health-care-debate-be-any-different/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/26/why-should-the-health-care-debate-be-any-different/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:27:16 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1289 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/26/why-should-the-health-care-debate-be-any-different/feed/ 0 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/2009/08/09/peter-singer-on-healthcare-rationing/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/09/peter-singer-on-healthcare-rationing/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:04:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1179 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/09/peter-singer-on-healthcare-rationing/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/06/the-strange-case-of-francis-collins/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/06/the-strange-case-of-francis-collins/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:01:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1170 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/06/the-strange-case-of-francis-collins/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/#comments Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:01:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1090 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/03/podcast-61-adventures-in-cobb-county/feed/ 6 1:08:27 “Ufologist” and Young Earth Creationist Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International presented “Aliens, UFOs and the Bible” on July 18th at the Sewell Mill Baptist Church in Marietta, GA.  We (John and Allison) were there[...] “Ufologist” and Young Earth Creationist Gary Bates of Creation Ministries International presented “Aliens, UFOs and the Bible” on July 18th at the Sewell Mill Baptist Church in Marietta, GA.  We (John and Allison) were there, but the building did not spontaneously burst into flame, nor were there any clear-skies lightning strikes to manifest the ire of YHWH at the presence of infidels.  As for Bates…thanks a LOT, Australia!  For general creationist debunkage visit TalkOrigins.org.  [Late-breaking Bonus:  If you can stomach it, you can listen to Bates's entire baloneython in podcast format at the church's website--including the very session we sat in on!] American Atheists president Ed Buckner delivers the invocation before a meeting of the Cobb County (Georgia) Board of Commissioners in Marietta.  Yes, we know that “atheist invocation” is an oxymoron, but Ed used the opportunity to go meta, delivering a four-minute invocation on the idiocy of invocations.  Go get ‘em, Ed! More Cobb Craziness: Pelphry v Cobb – The ACLU (with Ed Buckner among the plaintiffs) sued the county over sectarian invocations before meetings of the BOC.  The ACLU lost, but the BOC has loosened up on who may deliver the invocation. Evolution Stickers – The county was sued–and lost–over stickers placed in school biology texts that read “Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things.  The material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered.” Olympic Scandal – In the mid-1990s the BOC passed a resolution declaring that homosexuality was “incompatible with the standards to which this community subscribes.”  After gay rights activists threatened to disrupt the Olympic Torch Relay (which was scheduled to go through Cobb on its way to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta), the Olympic organizers rerouted the torch.  Cobb rescinded the anti-gay resolution in 1997. Annette Kesting – Cobb’s first black Commissioner got in hot water for stating, while speaking at a black church, “I love my enemies.  I pray every day with my enemies because I have to go up on the third floor and work with white women,” and “You would be amazed seeing the people I work with at the county.  They are not Christian people.”  Kesting lost the next election to Woody Thompson; to exact revenge, Kesting hired a South Carolina voodoo priestess to put a curse on Thompson that would kill him.  The curse failed; actually, it was never cast, since both of Kesting’s checks bounced.  In July 2009 Kesting and her husband were arrested for allegedly stealing a truck they had borrowed from a friend and failed to return. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dragon*Con is only a month away!  Four day memberships are $90 (plus Ticketmaster charges) through August 15th.  After that, you’ll have to buy tickets at the door ($100 for four days, less for other packages).   American Freethought will record a live podcast at 11:30AM, Saturday, September 5th with the Skeptics Track. We (meaning John and David and respective redheads) will also be attending the Star Party at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA on Thursday, September 3rd.  The Star Party is organized by the Atlanta Skeptics, will feature dinner, drinks, an opportunity to chat with Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy) and Pamela Gay (Astronomy Cast podcast), and stargazing through the Bradley Observatory telescope.  Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Jeff Medkeff (Blue Collar Scientist). 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 every time we post something to the website, plus the occasional random news item. American Freethought on Atheist Nexus – What’s Atheist Nexus?  Well, [...] atheism, christianity, evolution, history, news, paranormal, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no 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/2009/07/27/sam-harris-on-francis-collins/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/27/sam-harris-on-francis-collins/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:12:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1084 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/27/sam-harris-on-francis-collins/feed/ 5 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/2009/07/22/will-in-god-we-trust-be-set-in-stone/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/22/will-in-god-we-trust-be-set-in-stone/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:51:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1066 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/22/will-in-god-we-trust-be-set-in-stone/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/20/robert-wright-takes-on-the-new-atheists-including-me-part-deux/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/20/robert-wright-takes-on-the-new-atheists-including-me-part-deux/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:29:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1059 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/20/robert-wright-takes-on-the-new-atheists-including-me-part-deux/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/19/if-god-cant-keep-you-out-of-trouble/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/19/if-god-cant-keep-you-out-of-trouble/#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:55:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1055 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/19/if-god-cant-keep-you-out-of-trouble/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/18/colbert-mocks-tx/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/18/colbert-mocks-tx/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:36:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1051 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/18/colbert-mocks-tx/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/15/robert-wright-takes-on-the-new-atheists/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/15/robert-wright-takes-on-the-new-atheists/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:13:12 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1010 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/15/robert-wright-takes-on-the-new-atheists/feed/ 8 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/14/the-family-creeps-me-out/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/14/the-family-creeps-me-out/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:01:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=999 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/14/the-family-creeps-me-out/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/12/what-does-francis-collins-mean-for-the-nih/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/12/what-does-francis-collins-mean-for-the-nih/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:51:19 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=990 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/12/what-does-francis-collins-mean-for-the-nih/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/08/mass-sues-us-over-gay-marriage/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/08/mass-sues-us-over-gay-marriage/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:59:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=982 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/08/mass-sues-us-over-gay-marriage/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/01/snowflakes-in-july/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/01/snowflakes-in-july/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:20:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=948 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/01/snowflakes-in-july/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/16/idiot-america/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/16/idiot-america/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=841 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/16/idiot-america/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/04/obamas-cairo-speech/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/04/obamas-cairo-speech/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:24:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=830 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/04/obamas-cairo-speech/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/03/roy-moore-running-for-al-governor/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/03/roy-moore-running-for-al-governor/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:02:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=815 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/03/roy-moore-running-for-al-governor/feed/ 3 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/2009/05/29/mcleroy-out-as-tx-boe-chair/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/mcleroy-out-as-tx-boe-chair/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 19:18:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=796 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/mcleroy-out-as-tx-boe-chair/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/ky-relies-on-god-for-homeland-security/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/ky-relies-on-god-for-homeland-security/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 05:01:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=771 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/29/ky-relies-on-god-for-homeland-security/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/27/ca-supreme-court-upholds-prop-8/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/27/ca-supreme-court-upholds-prop-8/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 13:18:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=759 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/27/ca-supreme-court-upholds-prop-8/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/26/sotomayor-gives-rc-supermajority-in-scotus/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/26/sotomayor-gives-rc-supermajority-in-scotus/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 15:19:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=752 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/26/sotomayor-gives-rc-supermajority-in-scotus/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/20/bleckley-bible-reading-2009/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/20/bleckley-bible-reading-2009/#comments Wed, 20 May 2009 13:12:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=724 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/20/bleckley-bible-reading-2009/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/18/podcast-53-gay-marriage-in-the-news/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/18/podcast-53-gay-marriage-in-the-news/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 05:01:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=714 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/18/podcast-53-gay-marriage-in-the-news/feed/ 8 1:18:40 You can’t turn on the news lately without hearing multiple items involving gay marriage: Maine’s legislature passes (and its governor signs) a bill legalizing same-sex marriage; former NYC mayor and failed Republican presidential candida[...] You can’t turn on the news lately without hearing multiple items involving gay marriage: Maine’s legislature passes (and its governor signs) a bill legalizing same-sex marriage; former NYC mayor and failed Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani skips the wedding of the gay couple who put him up (and put up with him) during his messy divorce; and Miss California USA Carrie Prejean puts foot in mouth in support of “opposite marriage” (and here I thought that was the definition of divorce). Plus: David gets into (another) knock-down-drag-out with a Christian (this time his neighbor).  What can we say–the guy’s a magnet for trouble. California high school teacher James Corbett is sued (successfully) by a student for making anti-Christian statements in the classroom. (Thanks to Liz in Texas for prompting us to talk about this on the show…) Three Georgia Congressmen sponsor a bill aimed at declaring 2010 “The Year of the Bible.” The Eye of Sauron wants Sony Pictures to insert disclaimers ahead of screenings of the film Angels & Demons, the sequel to The Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard.  Apparently Catholics are so reality challenged that won’t be able to tell fact from fiction. David’s Secular Nation Podcast makes it onto Christian blog twoorthree.net‘s list of “Essential Atheist/Secularist/Anti-theist Podcasts” (with American Freethought still in the running). Mexican skeptic Danny Zepeda (Un Papá Escéptico) gives us an update on the swine flu panic, the lamentable side effects include the movie theatres being shut down (which prevents Danny from seeing the new Star Trek). 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 15, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, humor, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/11/hunting-men-for-jesus/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/11/hunting-men-for-jesus/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 15:26:51 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=701 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/11/hunting-men-for-jesus/feed/ 7 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/07/podcast-52-feedback/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/07/podcast-52-feedback/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 05:01:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=694 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/07/podcast-52-feedback/feed/ 0 1:14:33 We read and respond to lots of feedback we’ve gotten from listeners to the show.  We talk about (among other things) Christian opinions on the Creation Museum, Christian license plates in North Carolina and Florida, urotherapy, one-star iTunes[...] We read and respond to lots of feedback we’ve gotten from listeners to the show.  We talk about (among other things) Christian opinions on the Creation Museum, Christian license plates in North Carolina and Florida, urotherapy, one-star iTunes feedback and the problem of confirmation bias,  our communist boosterism(?), our racist tendencies(!),  whether or not atheism is compatible with conservatism, and how to pronounce “Hiroshima.” Plus: The Christian blogger “Daniel” at twoorthree.net has launched a project to find the best atheist/secularist/anti-theist podcasts, and American Freethought is in his crosshairs!  We’ll let you know how it turns out. 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 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 5, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, ethics, humor, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/06/maine-oks-gay-marriage/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/06/maine-oks-gay-marriage/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 20:46:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=692 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/06/maine-oks-gay-marriage/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/04/18-of-my-fellow-georgians-are-morons/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/04/18-of-my-fellow-georgians-are-morons/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 12:49:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=686 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/04/18-of-my-fellow-georgians-are-morons/feed/ 0 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/2009/04/04/mos-dumb/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/04/mos-dumb/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:01:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=517 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/04/mos-dumb/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/30/podcast-48-morality-without-gods/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/30/podcast-48-morality-without-gods/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:01:16 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=453 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/30/podcast-48-morality-without-gods/feed/ 3 1:30:04 We present a recording of “Morality without Gods,” a debate held on the campus of Georgia State University on March 16th, 2009.  Sponsored by GSU’s Revolution Club (which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Communist Party USA), [...] We present a recording of “Morality without Gods,” a debate held on the campus of Georgia State University on March 16th, 2009.  Sponsored by GSU’s Revolution Club (which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Communist Party USA), the event was moderated by Associate Professor of Sociology Jim Ainsworth, and featured communist activist and journalist Sunsara Taylor, who is touring the country in support of RCP chairman Bob Avakian’s new book Away with All Gods (available at Amazon.com).  For this appearance, Ms. Taylor was joined by Dr. Kenneth L. Samuel of Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain and Martin Cowen, founder of the Fellowship of Reason, a non-theistic organization based in metro Atlanta. 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 will soon be podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s other online project, SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 25, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, commentary, ethics, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/27/squeaker-in-texas/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/27/squeaker-in-texas/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:38:24 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=475 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/27/squeaker-in-texas/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/23/podcast-47-freethought-in-nz/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/23/podcast-47-freethought-in-nz/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:01:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=429 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/23/podcast-47-freethought-in-nz/feed/ 2 1:01:18 It’s our first “international” episode!  We talk to Ross Eddington, a self-described atheist from Christchurch, New Zealand.  Ross gives us the low-down on freethought Down Under, the influence of religion on Kiwi politics, and ho[...] It’s our first “international” episode!  We talk to Ross Eddington, a self-described atheist from Christchurch, New Zealand.  Ross gives us the low-down on freethought Down Under, the influence of religion on Kiwi politics, and how New Zealanders view us Bible-crazed Yanks.  (Ross was the winner of our recent “suggest an improvement to the podcast” contest, little realizing he was also volunteering himself as our first out-of-country guest.) Ross is a member of (but not a spokesman f0r!) the New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists. In keeping with our international theme, we also hear from Dave in the United Kingdom, and from Mexico’s Danny Zepeda–check out Danny’s skeptical blog  Un Papá Escéptico (The Skeptical Dad). 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 19, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/18/right-america-feeling-wronged/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/18/right-america-feeling-wronged/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:26:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=420 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/18/right-america-feeling-wronged/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/15/the-rise-of-the-godless/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/15/the-rise-of-the-godless/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:07:55 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=408 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/15/the-rise-of-the-godless/feed/ 0 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/2009/03/10/the-stem-cell-wars-have-only-begun/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/10/the-stem-cell-wars-have-only-begun/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:01:46 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=373 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/10/the-stem-cell-wars-have-only-begun/feed/ 1 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/2009/01/27/podcast-40-the-galapagos-mountain-boys/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/27/podcast-40-the-galapagos-mountain-boys/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:01:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=209 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/27/podcast-40-the-galapagos-mountain-boys/feed/ 0 1:04:28 We interview Dr. Stephen Baird, frontman for the Galapagos Mountain Boys, a (mostly) bluegrass band based in the San Diego area.  Dr. Baird talks about the term “scientific gospel,” the GMBs’ new album Darwin, Darn It!, and their u[...] We interview Dr. Stephen Baird, frontman for the Galapagos Mountain Boys, a (mostly) bluegrass band based in the San Diego area.  Dr. Baird talks about the term “scientific gospel,” the GMBs’ new album Darwin, Darn It!, and their upcoming gigs celebrating Darwin Day 2009.  For details visit ScientificGospel.com. Plus: The fallout from President Obama’s nod to “non-believers” in his inaugural address, and lots of listener feedback. DARWIN DONATIONS - Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is coming up.  To celebrate, mark your calendars for February 12th; on that day, contact the charity of your choice and tell them you’re making the donation “in honor of Charles Darwin.” ANNOUNCEMENTS Listen to this episode to find out how you can win a package of cool freethought tchoch including Phil Zuckerman’s book Society without God; Stephen Uhl’s audiobook No Gods, No Guilt; the 2009 Skepchick and Skepdude calendars; and the CD “Darwin, Darn It!” by the Galapagos Mountain Boys.  The deadline for entries is January 31st. We’re also giving away 2 free tix to the upcoming conference “The Religious-Secular Divide,” organized by the New School in NYC.  Just email us by February 7th at contact@americanfreethought.com or post your request on our Facebook Wall and you’ll be eligible to win. We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week 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 [link].  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 January 25, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, evolution, humor, interviews, music, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/23/the-religious-right-looks-to-the-future/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/23/the-religious-right-looks-to-the-future/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:01:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=188 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/23/the-religious-right-looks-to-the-future/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/22/meet-the-new-boss/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/22/meet-the-new-boss/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:01:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=206 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/22/meet-the-new-boss/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/podcast-39-tellus-museum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/podcast-39-tellus-museum/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:53:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=205 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/20/podcast-39-tellus-museum/feed/ 1 1:00:15 We discuss our recent visit to the brand new Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum with Tellus marketeer Joe Schulman.  Tellus is just 45 miles north of Atlanta, with an extensive mineral collection, impressive dino-displays, a planetarium, a 20-i[...] We discuss our recent visit to the brand new Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum with Tellus marketeer Joe Schulman.  Tellus is just 45 miles north of Atlanta, with an extensive mineral collection, impressive dino-displays, a planetarium, a 20-inch telescope, and more.  For details visit TellusMuseum.org. Plus: How many preachers does it take to inaugurate a president?  US Airways Flight 1549: “Miracle” or Expertise + Good Luck? DARWIN DONATIONS - Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday is coming up.  To celebrate, mark your calendars for February 12th; on that day, contact the charity of your choice and tell them you’re making the donation “in honor of Charles Darwin.” ANNOUNCEMENTS Listen to this episode to find out how you can win a package of cool freethought tchoch including Phil Zuckerman’s book Society without God; Stephen Uhl’s audiobook No Gods, No Guilt; the 2009 Skepchick and Skepdude calendars; and the CD “Darwin, Darn It!” by the Galapagos Mountain Boys.  The deadline for entries is January 31st. We’re also giving away 2 free tix to the upcoming conference “The Religious-Secular Divide,” organized by the New School in NYC.  Just email us by February 7th at contact@americanfreethought.com or post your request on our Facebook Wall and you’ll be eligible to win. We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week 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 [link].  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 January 19, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/17/judge-rejects-inaugural-lawsuit/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/17/judge-rejects-inaugural-lawsuit/#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:01:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=203 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/17/judge-rejects-inaugural-lawsuit/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/12/gay-bishop-to-speak-at-obama-event/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/12/gay-bishop-to-speak-at-obama-event/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:44:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=197 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/12/gay-bishop-to-speak-at-obama-event/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/06/charlie-daniels-is-a-miserable-idiot/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/06/charlie-daniels-is-a-miserable-idiot/#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:07:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=191 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/06/charlie-daniels-is-a-miserable-idiot/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/22/hitchens-on-rick-warren/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/22/hitchens-on-rick-warren/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:40:46 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=181 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/22/hitchens-on-rick-warren/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/rick-fking-warren/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/rick-fking-warren/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:42:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=178 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/rick-fking-warren/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/podcast-36-roy-zimmerman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/podcast-36-roy-zimmerman/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:12:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=176 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/18/podcast-36-roy-zimmerman/feed/ 1 0:48:59 Interview with singer/songwriter and sociopolitical satirist Roy Zimmerman.  Find out whether or not Roy succeeded in playing gigs in all 50 States before Election Day 2008!  Roy follows in the long tradition of socially progressive troubadour activ[...] Interview with singer/songwriter and sociopolitical satirist Roy Zimmerman.  Find out whether or not Roy succeeded in playing gigs in all 50 States before Election Day 2008!  Roy follows in the long tradition of socially progressive troubadour activists like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Roy’s lyrics are viciously clever and laugh-out-loud hilarious – and his singin’ ‘n’ playin’ ain’t half bad either.  His songs include audience favorites like “Defenders of Marriage”, “Ted Haggard Is Completely Heterosexual”, “Is America Ready?”, “I Approve This Message”, and “Thanks for the Support” (which is also the title of his latest album).  We also play “Chrisma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwanzaa”, from his holiday-themed album Peacenick.  For more information visit RoyZimmerman.com or check out his YouTube Channel.   Some of his music is also available for download at iTunes. ANNOUNCEMENTS A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) several times a week 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 [link].  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 December 17, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. humor, interviews, music, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/16/will-pres-obama-be-unchurched/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/16/will-pres-obama-be-unchurched/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:40:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=175 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/16/will-pres-obama-be-unchurched/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/12/i-believe-this-might-be-illegal/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/12/i-believe-this-might-be-illegal/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:04:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=173 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/12/i-believe-this-might-be-illegal/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/12/stewart-schools-huckabee-on-gay-marriage/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/12/stewart-schools-huckabee-on-gay-marriage/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:22:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=172 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/12/stewart-schools-huckabee-on-gay-marriage/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/02/my-old-kentucky-homeland-security/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/02/my-old-kentucky-homeland-security/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:34:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=164 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/02/my-old-kentucky-homeland-security/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/25/gay-adoption-victory-in-florida/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/25/gay-adoption-victory-in-florida/#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:56:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=161 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/25/gay-adoption-victory-in-florida/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:31:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=160 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/22/podcast-34-mel-lipman/feed/ 2 1:12:31 Interview with Mel Lipman (approx. 42 minutes into the show), president of the American Humanist Association (and, incidentally, the father of Lori Lipman Brown, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for American, whom we talked to in podcast #23).  We[...] Interview with Mel Lipman (approx. 42 minutes into the show), president of the American Humanist Association (and, incidentally, the father of Lori Lipman Brown, lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for American, whom we talked to in podcast #23).  We talk to Mel about the AHA’s holiday ad campaign, which puts the message “Why believe in a god?  Just be good for goodness’ sake!” on buses in Washington, DC. But first!… Carl Raschke (Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Denver), commenting on fans of the role-playing game Playing Gods (created by Ben Radford, editor of Skeptical Inquirer), compares (some) atheists to jihadists. We discuss the new DVD release of Expelled.  Basically, refried baloney is still baloney.  If you must buy it, buy it at Amazon.com through us.  Also, a lover of science has created a way to insert fact-checking subtitles as you watch Expelled on your computer.  Here’s how. It’s three weeks after the elections, but there are still undecided Senate races around the country, including an upcoming runoff in Georgia between incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) and challenger Jim Martin (D). Gay rights advocates around the country are protesting the passage of California Proposition 8 (which bans gay marriage via amendment to the state constitution).  Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich characterizes these protests as “fascist”. The Supreme Court hears a lawsuit seeking to force a Utah town to post the “Seven Aphorisms of Summum” next to the Ten Commandments. USA Today publishes a rare article that shows atheism in a positive light. We’re giving away a copy of Guy Harrison’s book 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God.  The first person who posts a request on our Facebook wall gets it. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) 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 [link]. 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. Music by Body Found. Recorded November 20, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/11/keith-olbermann-is-my-hero/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/11/keith-olbermann-is-my-hero/#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:42:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=154 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/11/keith-olbermann-is-my-hero/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/podcast-33-election-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/podcast-33-election-2008/#comments Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:42:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=152 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/podcast-33-election-2008/feed/ 0 1:06:43 Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!  The possible ramifications of an Obama presidency will be shaking out for weeks and months to come, but freethinkers are particularly interested in the effect it will have on separation of church and[...] Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!  The possible ramifications of an Obama presidency will be shaking out for weeks and months to come, but freethinkers are particularly interested in the effect it will have on separation of church and state, the integrity of government-funded science, gay rights, women’s rights, etc.  We’ll also take a look at various election results from across the country. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) 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 [link]. 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. Music by Body Found. Recorded November 6, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. commentary, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/what-was-that-about-clinging-to-guns-and-religion/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/what-was-that-about-clinging-to-guns-and-religion/#comments Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:08:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=151 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/what-was-that-about-clinging-to-guns-and-religion/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/04/random-thoughts-on-election-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/04/random-thoughts-on-election-2008/#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:43:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=150 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/04/random-thoughts-on-election-2008/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/04/my-mostly-boring-election-experience/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/04/my-mostly-boring-election-experience/#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:27:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=149 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/04/my-mostly-boring-election-experience/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/03/endgame/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/03/endgame/#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:06:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=148 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/03/endgame/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/01/halloween-gets-scarier-all-the-time/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/01/halloween-gets-scarier-all-the-time/#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:38:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=147 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/01/halloween-gets-scarier-all-the-time/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/31/what-does-cnn-have-against-atheists/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/31/what-does-cnn-have-against-atheists/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:14:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=146 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/31/what-does-cnn-have-against-atheists/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/podcast-32-potpourri-and-feedback/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/podcast-32-potpourri-and-feedback/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:03:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=145 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/podcast-32-potpourri-and-feedback/feed/ 0 0:43:51 In this episode we throw in a potpourri of items in the news or random events we think our subscribers will find interesting, plus we discuss some interesting listener feedback. Religulous Kicks Expelled‘s Ass – Comedian Bill Maher[...] In this episode we throw in a potpourri of items in the news or random events we think our subscribers will find interesting, plus we discuss some interesting listener feedback. Religulous Kicks Expelled‘s Ass – Comedian Bill Maher’s anti-religion documentary Religulous has earned $10.6M in four weeks on roughly 500 screens.  Compare that to Ben Stein’s “evolution means genocide” screed Expelled, which brought in $7.7M during its entire eight-week run on over 1,000 screens.  So maybe Americans aren’t as nuts as we’d feared. W – We talk briefly about Oliver Stone’s not-great-not-terrible biopic of our current lame-duck president.  Bottom line: it’s worth seeing but offers no new insights into how a mediocrity like George W. Bush could wrangle his way into two full terms as the most powerful man on the planet.  Visit WtheFilm.com for more info. Wicked – The hit musical Wicked (based on the novel by which turns the premise of The Wizard of Oz upside-down) is playing at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta.  This of course leads to sidewalk preachers descending upong Peachtree Street like a plague of locusts to decry the desensitization of our youth to witchcraft and moral relativism (just like that brat Harry Potter). Track Rock Archaeological Site near Brasstown Bald is the only known example of prehistoric petroglyphs in Georgia.  Nobody – not even the Cherokee Indians – knows who carved them or when.  Paleontologists tell us that humans have lived in Georgia for as long as 15,000 years (but of course this estimate raises the hackles of some fundamentalists, who “know” the earth was created in 4,004 BC).  Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History organizes occasional guided hikes, and if you’re ever available they’re well worth your while.  For more visit FernbankMuseum.org. Anti-Discrimination Survey – Margaret Downey (recently retired president of Atheist Alliance International) is working with the Anti-Discrimination Support Network.  If you have a few minutes, visit Atheist Research Online [link] and take their brief, anonymous survey [link]. Listener Feedback – Bill objects to our sarcastic asides about Arkansas from podcast #30.  Referencing our September 20 blog entry at AmericanFreethought.com, Jerry thinks Sam Harris is an elitist snob.  David shares a response to Secular Nation Podcast #17 from a listener who apparently wasn’t listening. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) 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 [link]. 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. Recorded October 23, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, christianity, commentary, history, humor, movies, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:05:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=143 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/24/podcast-31-eugenie-scott/feed/ 1 0:51:00 We talk to Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) about the recent action by the Texas Board of Education [www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe] that places three creationists on the six-member committee that r[...] We talk to Dr. Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) about the recent action by the Texas Board of Education [www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe] that places three creationists on the six-member committee that reviews science standards [link].  How damaging could this move be to the rest of the country? For more about NCSE visit NCSEweb.org – consider becoming a member, since the NCSE operates part on membership dues. Also visit the Texas Freedom Network at TFN.org, one of the major pro-science groups within the state. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) 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 [link]. 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. Recorded October 23, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/20/hammerheads-for-mccain-unite/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/20/hammerheads-for-mccain-unite/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:53:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=142 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/20/hammerheads-for-mccain-unite/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/07/do-do-that-voodoo-that-you-do-so-well/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/07/do-do-that-voodoo-that-you-do-so-well/#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:37:03 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=137 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/07/do-do-that-voodoo-that-you-do-so-well/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/05/podcast-30-religulous/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/05/podcast-30-religulous/#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:43:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=136 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/05/podcast-30-religulous/feed/ 3 0:56:00 We discuss Religulous, the new documentary starring comedian Bill Maher (best known for his politically-oriented roundtable talk shows Politically Incorrect and Real Time with Bill Maher).  The early box office returns show Religulous making $3.5 mi[...] We discuss Religulous, the new documentary starring comedian Bill Maher (best known for his politically-oriented roundtable talk shows Politically Incorrect and Real Time with Bill Maher).  The early box office returns show Religulous making $3.5 million its first weekend on 500 screens (compare this to Ben Stein’s Expelled, which made $3 million on 1,000 screens). Our recommendation:  Go see Religulous!  Despite its many flaws, it’s funny, informative, and ultimately thought-provoking. Visit the Religulous Official Website at Lionsgate.com/Religulous. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) 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 [link]. 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. Recorded October 5, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. humor, movies, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/02/and-you-thought-sarah-palin-was-nuts/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/02/and-you-thought-sarah-palin-was-nuts/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:14:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=135 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/02/and-you-thought-sarah-palin-was-nuts/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/29/podcast-29-report-2-on-aai-convention-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/29/podcast-29-report-2-on-aai-convention-2008/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:32:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=134 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/29/podcast-29-report-2-on-aai-convention-2008/feed/ 1 0:29:25 David Driscoll gives a wrap-up on the 14th annual Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, California, including his descriptions of presentations by Julia Sweeney, PZ Myers, Eddie Tabash, Michael Shermer and Michael Newdow.  Details[...] David Driscoll gives a wrap-up on the 14th annual Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, California, including his descriptions of presentations by Julia Sweeney, PZ Myers, Eddie Tabash, Michael Shermer and Michael Newdow.  Details on the convention can be found here [link]. Announcements A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) 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 [link]. 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. Recorded September 29, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, news, podcast, politics American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/24/more-wasilliness/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/24/more-wasilliness/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:59:27 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=130 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/24/more-wasilliness/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/24/lincoln-douglas-they-aint-but/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/24/lincoln-douglas-they-aint-but/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:00:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=111 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/24/lincoln-douglas-they-aint-but/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/22/sam-harris-picks-on-sarah-palinagain/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/22/sam-harris-picks-on-sarah-palinagain/#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=129 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/22/sam-harris-picks-on-sarah-palinagain/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/19/john-mccain-answers-science-debate-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/19/john-mccain-answers-science-debate-2008/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=126 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/19/john-mccain-answers-science-debate-2008/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/14/your-election-cycle-playlist/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/14/your-election-cycle-playlist/#comments Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:10:33 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=106 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/14/your-election-cycle-playlist/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/11/bob-barrs-bold-gambit/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/11/bob-barrs-bold-gambit/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:34:27 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=112 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/11/bob-barrs-bold-gambit/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/08/podcast-26-sarah-palin/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/08/podcast-26-sarah-palin/#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:12:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=107 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/08/podcast-26-sarah-palin/feed/ 1 1:09:30 First up, what does the selection of Sarah Palin for the Republican presidential ticket mean for the cause of secular government in America? (Spoiler Alert: It won’t be good.) Next, we offer a wrap-up of the extremely successful Skeptics Track[...] First up, what does the selection of Sarah Palin for the Republican presidential ticket mean for the cause of secular government in America? (Spoiler Alert: It won’t be good.) Next, we offer a wrap-up of the extremely successful Skeptics Track at this year’s Dragon*Con.  If you were in attendance, send an email to dragoncon@dragoncon.org and let them know what a fantastic job Track Director Derek Colanduno did. Plus: A special, super-secret guest panelist joins us for the first (and hopefully not the last) time! Announcements A call for listener input! We’re thinking of doing a show about the challenges atheists face in relationships, particularly in families with a mix of atheists and believers.  Send your stories to contact@americanfreethought.com (attach voice files in mp3 or wav format).  If you don’t know how to make a voice file, we can offer some assistance.  No deadline, but the sooner the better. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [AtheistAlliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 09/07/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. news, podcast, politics, religion, skepticism American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/07/pray-away-the-gay-no-way/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/07/pray-away-the-gay-no-way/#comments Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:13:29 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=104 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/07/pray-away-the-gay-no-way/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/06/its-not-just-in-america/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/06/its-not-just-in-america/#comments Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:38:29 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=103 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/06/its-not-just-in-america/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/04/obama-answers-science-debate-2008/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/04/obama-answers-science-debate-2008/#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:42:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=102 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/04/obama-answers-science-debate-2008/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/so-help-me-harold-and-kumar/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/so-help-me-harold-and-kumar/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:56:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=100 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/so-help-me-harold-and-kumar/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/is-sarah-palin-an-idiot/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/is-sarah-palin-an-idiot/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:20:30 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=99 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/is-sarah-palin-an-idiot/feed/ 7 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/29/its-biden-vs-palin/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/29/its-biden-vs-palin/#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:02:58 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=97 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/29/its-biden-vs-palin/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/25/podcast-24-saddleback-forum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/25/podcast-24-saddleback-forum/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:11:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=96 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/25/podcast-24-saddleback-forum/feed/ 5 1:12:28 Saddleback Civil Forum – On August 16, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain appeared on stage together at Saddleback Church to be questioned by Pastor Rick “Purpose Driven” Warren.  We analyze their performance, esp[...] Saddleback Civil Forum – On August 16, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain appeared on stage together at Saddleback Church to be questioned by Pastor Rick “Purpose Driven” Warren.  We analyze their performance, especially on matters of church-and-state.  But really, is it so much to ask our candidates to please please please stop the kowtowing to religious types? My Fundamentalist Friend -  David recounts his recent conversation with a Christian co-worker.  The man has more patience than I.  Oy. Announcements We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track – including a LIVE episode of American Freethought at 5:30PM, Saturday, August 30. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [AtheistAlliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 08/24/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, commentary, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/15/no-science-debate-yet-but/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/15/no-science-debate-yet-but/#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:01:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=95 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/15/no-science-debate-yet-but/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/06/podcast-23-lori-lipman-brown/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/06/podcast-23-lori-lipman-brown/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:46:22 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=93 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/08/06/podcast-23-lori-lipman-brown/feed/ 4 0:58:41 We talk to Lori Lipman Brown, director and lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America [secular.org].  Until recently, Lori was the only full-time lobbyist working with Congress on behalf of non-theistic citizens.  She recently got an assistant. [...] We talk to Lori Lipman Brown, director and lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America [secular.org].  Until recently, Lori was the only full-time lobbyist working with Congress on behalf of non-theistic citizens.  She recently got an assistant. Announcements We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track – including a LIVE episode of American Freethought at 5:30PM, Saturday, August 30. David will be at the Atheist Alliance International convention in Long Beach, CA, Sept 25-28 [atheistalliance.org]. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] has new episodes. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. We also have a new Facebook page. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Music by Body Found [brickhouse-acoustics.com]. Recorded 08/05/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, interviews, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/07/08/american-freethought-podcast-21/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/07/08/american-freethought-podcast-21/#comments Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:27:49 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=88 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/07/08/american-freethought-podcast-21/feed/ 3 1:12:46 Science Debate 2008 – We take a look at the grassroots movement aimed at getting the presidential candidates to talk about issues relating to science and technology, including their “14 Questions”.  For more visit ScienceDebate2008[...] Science Debate 2008 – We take a look at the grassroots movement aimed at getting the presidential candidates to talk about issues relating to science and technology, including their “14 Questions”.  For more visit ScienceDebate2008.com. Announcements We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track.  No schedules are finalized yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as they are. If you like science fiction, check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast]. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] will have new episodes soon. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded 07/06/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. commentary, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/07/01/obama-to-continue-faith-based-initiatives/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/07/01/obama-to-continue-faith-based-initiatives/#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:22:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=87 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/07/01/obama-to-continue-faith-based-initiatives/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/29/louisianas-jindal-signs-stealth-creationism-bill/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/29/louisianas-jindal-signs-stealth-creationism-bill/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:11:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=86 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/29/louisianas-jindal-signs-stealth-creationism-bill/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/28/american-freethought-podcast-20/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/28/american-freethought-podcast-20/#comments Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:46:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=85 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/28/american-freethought-podcast-20/feed/ 1 1:30:13 Barbara Forrest - We talk to Dr. Barbara Forrest about SB 733 [link], the so-called Louisiana Science Education Act, a piece of legislation sitting on the desk of Governor Bobby Jindal that, if signed, would enable teachers and administrators in sta[...] Barbara Forrest - We talk to Dr. Barbara Forrest about SB 733 [link], the so-called Louisiana Science Education Act, a piece of legislation sitting on the desk of Governor Bobby Jindal that, if signed, would enable teachers and administrators in state schools to sneak Creationism/Intelligent Design in under the radar.  Dr. Forrest is a professor of philosophy at Southeastern Louisiana University, the co-author of Creationism’s Trojan Horse [link], and was one of the star witnesses in the celebrated Kitzmiller v. Dover court case.  She’s also a co-founder of the Louisiana Coalition for Science [lasciencecoalition.org] and active in defending science against religio-political encroachment at the national level. Happy 150th Birthday, Evolution! – In 2009, the thinking world will celebrate Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his Origin of Species [link].  But we’re popping the cork early - a landmark in the history of science occurred on July 1, 1858.  That’s the day that the theory of evolution by natural selection had its first public reading (at London’s famous Linnean Society).  We’ll talk about how Charles Darwin and his associates gave naturalist Alfred Wallace the subtle shaft, ensuring that religious nutjobs in the 21st century would be railing about “Darwinism” instead of “Wallacism”.  (For an excellent analysis of this episode, read Robert Wright’s fantastic book The Moral Animal [link].) Independence Day- Now, here’s a holiday even the grumpiest atheist can get behind.  Everybody knows that on July 4th, 1776, the American Colonists told the Brits where they could shove it.  Sort of.  We’ll look at some of the myths surrounding the birth of America, and revisit that pesky semi-religious language that has the fundies crowing about how this is a Christian Nation. Goodbye, George Carlin- The skeptical world lost one of its funniest and most adamant stars.  Carlin fought for free speech (and even pissed off politically correct left-wingers in the process) during the course of his five-decade career.  He will be missed. Announcements Penn Jillette chimes in on the ongoing Atheist/Agnostic debate [link]. We’ll be at Dragon*Con [dragoncon.org] August 29-September 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, participating in both the Skeptics track and the Podcasting track.  No schedules are finalized yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as they are. Check out episode #10 of the SciFiDimensions Podcast [SciFiDimensions.com/podcast], featuring an interview with Sci-Fi&Fantasy satirist (and freethinker) James Morrow.  His latest book, The Philosopher’s Apprentice [link], is a send-up of everything from human cloning to abortion to global capitalism.  What can I say?  The man swings a wide scythe. And if you like science fiction, you can pre-order the upcoming anthology Aberrant Dreams I: The Awakening (which includes a short story written by American Freethought co-host John C. Snider) from publisher HD-Image [link].  Visit hd-image.com/store. David’s Secular Nation Podcast [AtheistAlliance.org/podcast] will have new episodes soon. Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. Do you shop at Amazon.com?  If so, add [this link] to your browser Favorites (alternatively, you can just click through the Amazon.com link in the right-hand column of the AmericanFreethought.com website.  It won’t cost you a penny more; your purchases remain anonymous; and American Freethought gets a small percentage that will help offset our modest expenses and hopefully keep us out of the poor house. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Recorded 06/28/2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, commentary, evolution, history, humor, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/19/american-freethought-podcast-19/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/19/american-freethought-podcast-19/#comments Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:34:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=84 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/19/american-freethought-podcast-19/feed/ 3 0:55:34 South Carolina Approves I Believe License Plates – The SC legislature just approved specialty license plates that include the words “I Believe” along with a Christian cross and a stained glass window.  Florida tried the same trick [...] South Carolina Approves I Believe License Plates – The SC legislature just approved specialty license plates that include the words “I Believe” along with a Christian cross and a stained glass window.  Florida tried the same trick and failed.  We’ll talk to Herb Silverman, longtime SC resident and president of the Secular Coalition for America (www.secular.org), about their opposition to this. City Halls Display In God We Trust – A listener in California alerted us to a movement intent on convincing city councils across the country to display the national motto.  The fact that the motto is “In God We Trust” has nothing whatsoever to do with religion, of course. Feedback – We respond to some of the excellent and thoughtful emails we’ve been getting from our listeners.  Keep that feedback coming! Announcements Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. David is podcasting for Secular Nation magazine.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast John’s SciFiDimensions podcast is going strong.  SciFiDimensions.com/podcast It’s official!  We’ll both be at Dragon*Con.  DragonCon.org Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you’re picking us up on iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback [link]. Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com – you can attach voicemails in mp3 or wav format. Hosted by John Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 6/18/2008. atheism, christianity, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/01/82/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/01/82/#comments Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:49:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=82 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/01/82/feed/ 0 1:06:33 The Catholic Church – We provide an overview on the good, the bad and the crazy aspects of the Roman Catholic Church.  Purgatory.  Limbo.  Whatever. Ben Stein – The frontman for the anti-science documentary Expelled opens his mouth and r[...] The Catholic Church – We provide an overview on the good, the bad and the crazy aspects of the Roman Catholic Church.  Purgatory.  Limbo.  Whatever. Ben Stein – The frontman for the anti-science documentary Expelled opens his mouth and removes all doubt.  He appeared on Trinity Broadcasting Network on April 21, 2008 and made some outrageous statements. Meanwhile, we stumbled across The Mortal Storm, a 1940 movie starring Jimmy Stewart that addresses, among other things, just how (un)scientific the Nazi outlook was. [Link] ANNOUNCEMENTS Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. David is now podcasting for Secular Nation magazine.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast John’s SciFiDimensions podcast is going strong.  SciFiDimensions.com/podcast It’s official!  We’ll both be at Dragon*Con.  DragonCon.org Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you’re picking us up on iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback [link]. Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com – you can attach voicemails in mp3 or wav format. Hosted by John Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 5/30/2008. christianity, ethics, evolution, history, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/01/obama-resigns-from-church/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/01/obama-resigns-from-church/#comments Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:09:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=81 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/06/01/obama-resigns-from-church/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/05/12/american-freethought-podcast-17/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/05/12/american-freethought-podcast-17/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 15:58:08 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=80 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/05/12/american-freethought-podcast-17/feed/ 0 1:04:33 Controversies Galore – We take a look at the ongoing feud between Senator Barack Obama and his former pastor Reverend Jeremiah Wright.  To see Wright’s National Press Club appearance start here [link]. Not only is John McCain kowtowing t[...] Controversies Galore – We take a look at the ongoing feud between Senator Barack Obama and his former pastor Reverend Jeremiah Wright.  To see Wright’s National Press Club appearance start here [link]. Not only is John McCain kowtowing to the worst elements of the Religious Right, he’s also a superstitious nut [link]. Why was President Ellen Johnson fired from American Atheists Inc.?  The leadership has issued vague and contradictory statements.  We’re not asking them to wallow in the mud, but it would be nice if they gave their membership and the taxpaying public a straightforward explanation.  Visit nogodblog.com for more (or less) info. New French shrine recognized by the Catholic Church – Notre Dame du Laus is the latest tourist trap where the credulous can be shaken down for a few bucks [link].  Meanwhile, they have dug up infamous stigmata-monger Padre Pio, slapped a mask on him and propped him up for display [link].  Nice. Florida legislature is considering blatantly religious I Believe license plates [link]. Illinois man wants to change his name to In God We Trust.  Should we call him “God” or “Mr. Trust”? [link] ANNOUNCEMENTS Visit us online at AmericanFreethought.com. How could we pass up Rollerderby at a Shrine Temple?  AtlantaRollergirls.com David is now podcasting for Secular Nation magazine.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast John’s SciFiDimensions podcast is going strong.  SciFiDimensions.com/podcast It’s official!  We’ll both be at Dragon*Con.  DragonCon.org Join us for discussion at the American Freethought Yahoo Group [link]. If you’re picking us up on iTunes, take a moment and leave feedback [link]. Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com – you can attach voicemails in mp3 or wav format. Hosted by John Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 4/11/2008. atheism, christianity, commentary, ethics, news, podcast, politics, religion, superstitions American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/21/american-freethought-podcast-16/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/21/american-freethought-podcast-16/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:50:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=78 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/21/american-freethought-podcast-16/feed/ 5 0:52:58 Expelled – We discuss Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, the new crock-umentary starring Ben Stein.  For a thorough critique of Expelled, visit Expelled Exposed. Also mentioned in the podcast: A follow-up regarding our report of the Creation M[...] Expelled – We discuss Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, the new crock-umentary starring Ben Stein.  For a thorough critique of Expelled, visit Expelled Exposed. Also mentioned in the podcast: A follow-up regarding our report of the Creation Museum, including info on The Unicorn Museum and the YouTube sensation Charlie the Unicorn Goes to Candy Mountain.  As penance for blowing $20 at the Creation Museum, John Snider has sent $40 to Science Debate 2008. More on stem-cell research – find out what US and state policies are at hinxtongroup.org. The Atlanta Freethought Society is now holding meetings in their new un-church facility!  Donate to the cause by visiting AtlantaFreethought.org. Visit us online at www.AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 4/20/2008. atheism, commentary, evolution, history, movies, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/01/snider-and-driscoll-guest-on-the-reason-driven-podcast/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/01/snider-and-driscoll-guest-on-the-reason-driven-podcast/#comments Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:59:53 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/01/snider-and-driscoll-guest-on-the-reason-driven-podcast/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/01/snider-and-driscoll-guest-on-the-reason-driven-podcast/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/13/american-freethought-podcast-14/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/13/american-freethought-podcast-14/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:19:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/13/american-freethought-podcast-14/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/13/american-freethought-podcast-14/feed/ 5 0:44:21 Pi Day - March 14 is Pi Day, a celebration of that irrational and transcendental number.  Pi Day has grown to become a celebration of all things mathematical.  For more check out Mike Keith’s cool page, including a mnemonic poem which captures[...] Pi Day - March 14 is Pi Day, a celebration of that irrational and transcendental number.  Pi Day has grown to become a celebration of all things mathematical.  For more check out Mike Keith’s cool page, including a mnemonic poem which captures nearly 4,000 digits of pi.  March 14 also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday. We also talk about the documentary film Article VI: Faith * Politics *America. We discuss Daniel Dennett’s suggestion that comparative religion classes be compulsory for American schoolchildren. Finally, a California man stored a dead woman on dry ice “for religious reasons”. Visit us online at www.AmericanFreethought.com. Email us at contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 3/31/2008. atheism, christianity, commentary, movies, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/afs-driscoll-speaks-out-on-ga-blue-laws/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/afs-driscoll-speaks-out-on-ga-blue-laws/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:54:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/afs-driscoll-speaks-out-on-ga-blue-laws/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/afs-driscoll-speaks-out-on-ga-blue-laws/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/american-freethough-podcast-13/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/american-freethough-podcast-13/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:42:11 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/american-freethough-podcast-13/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/10/american-freethough-podcast-13/feed/ 5 0:42:33 The Grassley Hearings – We look at the six megaministries under investigation by Senator Charles Grassley, including Atlanta’s Creflo Dollar (hear an interview with “Doctor” Dollar here).  This story is still in its early sta[...] The Grassley Hearings – We look at the six megaministries under investigation by Senator Charles Grassley, including Atlanta’s Creflo Dollar (hear an interview with “Doctor” Dollar here).  This story is still in its early stages, so we will keep you posted as things develop.  Plus – people say the strangest things when God smites them with a tornado. Visit us online at www.AmericanFreethought.com. Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 3/1/2008. christianity, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/02/article-vi-faith-politics-america/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/02/article-vi-faith-politics-america/#comments Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:34:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/02/article-vi-faith-politics-america/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/03/02/article-vi-faith-politics-america/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/24/american-freethought-podcast-12/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/24/american-freethought-podcast-12/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:34:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/24/american-freethought-podcast-12/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/24/american-freethought-podcast-12/feed/ 2 0:43:30 John McCain – We talk about Senator John McCain‘s likely stance on church-state issues.  We also interview Steve Yothment, president of the Atlanta Freethought Society (www.atlantafreethought.org), about AFS’s new permanent facilit[...] John McCain – We talk about Senator John McCain‘s likely stance on church-state issues.  We also interview Steve Yothment, president of the Atlanta Freethought Society (www.atlantafreethought.org), about AFS’s new permanent facility.  Plus a discussion of Calvin Wayne Inman, a Texas youth minister who recently confessed to a murder committed 14 years ago. Announcements:  John C. Snider has launched a science fiction podcast at www.scifidimensions.com/podcast.  David Driscoll has jumped on the pro-cycling bandwagon with Ride for Silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/), which raises awareness for bicycling related fatalities. Visit us online at www.AmericanFreethought.com. Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 2/24/2008. atheism, christianity, commentary, interviews, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/06/american-freethought-podcast-10/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/06/american-freethought-podcast-10/#comments Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:17:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/06/american-freethought-podcast-10/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/06/american-freethought-podcast-10/feed/ 2 0:51:16 Susan Werner – We interview the talented singer/songwriter whose latest album - The Gospel Truth – she describes as “agnostic gospel”, combining the music of faith with the lyrics of doubt.  Also worth a listen is her I Cant [...] Susan Werner – We interview the talented singer/songwriter whose latest album - The Gospel Truth – she describes as “agnostic gospel”, combining the music of faith with the lyrics of doubt.  Also worth a listen is her I Cant Be New, which pays homage to classic songbook tunes by composers like Cole Porter.  Susan also appears in a supporting role in the concert DVD 3,000 Miles, starring Ellis Paul (who performed the song “Did Galileo Pray?” on our last episode). Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 1/30/2008. humor, interviews, music, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/24/american-freethought-podcast-8/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/24/american-freethought-podcast-8/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:32:29 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/24/american-freethought-podcast-8/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/24/american-freethought-podcast-8/feed/ 1 0:33:17 News Item Potpourri - Mike Huckabee wants to amend the Constitution to conform with God’s laws.  Archbishop Earl Paulk fined and given 10 years’ probation for perjury.  Colorado lawmaker Douglas Bruce kicks a photographer during a praye[...] News Item Potpourri - Mike Huckabee wants to amend the Constitution to conform with God’s laws.  Archbishop Earl Paulk fined and given 10 years’ probation for perjury.  Colorado lawmaker Douglas Bruce kicks a photographer during a prayer service.  A Muslim teen athlete’s uniform violate’s track federation rules.  The Kite Runner movie is banned in Afghanistan.  And Matthew McConaughey says “God bless evolution.” Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com. Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 1/19/2008. atheism, commentary, ethics, evolution, islam, movies, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/23/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-3-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/23/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-3-of-3/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:10:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/23/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-3-of-3/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/23/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-3-of-3/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/22/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-2-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/22/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-2-of-3/#comments Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:10:05 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/22/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-2-of-3/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/22/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-2-of-3/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/21/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-1-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/21/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-1-of-3/#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:27:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/21/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-1-of-3/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/21/the-agnostic-gospel-of-susan-werner-pt-1-of-3/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/11/american-freethought-podcast-6/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/11/american-freethought-podcast-6/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:59:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/11/american-freethought-podcast-6/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/11/american-freethought-podcast-6/feed/ 0 1:02:48 The Portable Atheist by Christopher Hitchens – We take a look at the latest collection of writing selected and introduced by the Bad Boy of Unbelievers! Links of interest: Christopher Hitchens: An Online Directory (official website?) Christoph[...] The Portable Atheist by Christopher Hitchens – We take a look at the latest collection of writing selected and introduced by the Bad Boy of Unbelievers! Links of interest: Christopher Hitchens: An Online Directory (official website?) Christopher Hitchens Web (links to articles, interviews, etc.) Christopher Hitchens Watch (critical blog) Send us feedback at contact@americanfreethought.com Join us for chat at the American Freethought Yahoo Group. Theme music by Body Found. Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll.  Recorded 01/09/2008. atheism, books, commentary, islam, podcast, politics, religion, science, superstitions American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/01/american-freethought-podcast-5/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/01/american-freethought-podcast-5/#comments Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:37:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/01/american-freethought-podcast-5/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/01/01/american-freethought-podcast-5/feed/ 0 1:19:25 Recorded 12/31/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Politics and Faith: The Presidential Candidates and how their religious beliefs will affect the race for the White House.  We’ll listen to and comment on excerpts from several [...] Recorded 12/31/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Politics and Faith: The Presidential Candidates and how their religious beliefs will affect the race for the White House.  We’ll listen to and comment on excerpts from several speechs and debates, including: John F. Kennedy’s 1960 speech, Mitt Romney’s “Faith in America” Speech, Mike Huckabee’s Christmas Commercial, Rudy Guiliani (and Mitt and Mike!) at the YouTube Debate, Barack Obama at an MTV forum, and Hillary Clinton interviewed on CNN. Plus: More Holey Scripture, and an update on The Golden Compass! Feedback – Email your comments to contact@americanfreethought.com and we might read ‘em on the air (attach “voicemails” in mp3 or wav format). Discuss – We’ve set up a message board at Yahoo Groups. Theme music by Body Found. atheism, commentary, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:50:07 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/12/02/american-freethought-podcast-2/feed/ 3 0:51:47 Recorded 12/01/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Show Notes: Flock of Dodos – We discuss the independent documentary film Flock of Dodos, which explores the tactics used by both sides of the Intelligent Design/Evolution debat[...] Recorded 12/01/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Show Notes: Flock of Dodos – We discuss the independent documentary film Flock of Dodos, which explores the tactics used by both sides of the Intelligent Design/Evolution debate.  Read our review here.  Look for the film on Showtime and at film festivals, or purchase the DVD.  Visit the official website at www.flockofdodos.com. Randy Olson – Interview with the writer/director of Flock of Dodos.  Randy is a former evolutionary ecologist who left a tenured position in academia to become a fulltime filmmaker. Judgment Day - We also discuss the two-hour PBS documentary from NOVA – Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial, which delves into the recent court case Kitzmiller vs. Dover, PA.   The DVD is already available for advance purchase. Feedback – Email your comments to contact@americanfreethought.com and we might read ‘em on the air (attach “voicemails” in mp3 or wav format). Discuss – We’ve set up a message board at Yahoo Groups. Theme music by Body Found. atheism, commentary, evolution, interviews, movies, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/30/a-teddy-named-mo/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/30/a-teddy-named-mo/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:24:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/30/a-teddy-named-mo/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/30/a-teddy-named-mo/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/27/ffrf-atlanta-billboard-update/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/27/ffrf-atlanta-billboard-update/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2007 02:02:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/27/ffrf-atlanta-billboard-update/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/27/ffrf-atlanta-billboard-update/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/26/american-freethought-podcast-1/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/26/american-freethought-podcast-1/#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:05:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/26/american-freethought-podcast-1/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/26/american-freethought-podcast-1/feed/ 2 0:44:03 Recorded 11/24/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Show Notes: Introductions – Who are we and what’s this podcast all about? The Sam Harris “Problem with Atheism” Controversy – Author Sam Harris raised a[...] Recorded 11/24/2007.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. Show Notes: Introductions – Who are we and what’s this podcast all about? The Sam Harris “Problem with Atheism” Controversy – Author Sam Harris raised a ruckus with his October 2007 essay “The Problem with Atheism”.  Self-identified atheists, particularly members of organizations with the A-word in their title, were quick to respond, refusing to back down.  Harris isn’t alone, however – bestselling Canadian science fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer said essentially the same thing in April 2007 with “A Bright Idea for Atheists” and Neil deGrasse Tyson touched on this issue in his recent interview with Point of Inquiry podcast. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Prays for Rain on the steps of the Georgia Capitol – and we are not amused.  Okay, we’re a little amused, but we’re also a little miffed.  David tells us about his participation in the Atlanta Freethought Society’s prayer protest. Ten Commandments Displays in GA and KY – It’s happening again!  Politicians just can’t get enough of posting the Big Ten in courthouses and other government buildings.  Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher, in a desperate bid, ordered the Ten Commandments posted (along with other “historical documents” in the Kentucky Capitol rotunda (Ernie lost, by the way).  And in Albany, Georgia, the city commissioners voted unanimously to post a similar display in the Dougherty County judicial building. “Imagine No Religion” Billboard Going up in Atlanta – The Freedom From Religion Foundation launches a billboard campaign in Atlanta in a follow-up to a similar campaign in Madison, Wisconsin. Will Smith Is a Thetan! – Actor Will Smith comes out as a Scientologist, equating its tenets with those of Christianity.  He’s got one thing right: Scientology’s no crazier than Christianity. Mitt Romney Is a Mormon! – JFK fielded questions about his Catholicism 45 years ago. Now Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney is fielding questions about his magic underwear.  In the era of Faith-Based Initiatives and Global Crusades, how much should voters care about the religious beliefs of their elected officials? Feedback – Email your comments to contact@americanfreethought.com and we might read ‘em on the air (attach “voicemails” in mp3 or wav format). Theme music by Body Found. atheism, commentary, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/11/non-theists-plan-rain-prayer-protest-in-ga/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/11/non-theists-plan-rain-prayer-protest-in-ga/#comments Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:37:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/11/non-theists-plan-rain-prayer-protest-in-ga/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/11/non-theists-plan-rain-prayer-protest-in-ga/feed/ 1