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/2011/11/06/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-3-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/06/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-3-of-3/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:50:26 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3092 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/06/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-3-of-3/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/02/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-2-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/02/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-2-of-3/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:18:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3073 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/11/02/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-2-of-3/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/30/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-1-of-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/30/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-1-of-3/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:01:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3065 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/30/science-and-faith-friends-or-foes-part-1-of-3/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/17/podcast-134-alex-rosenberg-the-atheists-guide-to-reality/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/17/podcast-134-alex-rosenberg-the-atheists-guide-to-reality/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:23:01 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=3048 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2011/10/17/podcast-134-alex-rosenberg-the-atheists-guide-to-reality/feed/ 1 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/2011/01/31/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/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:58:48 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2491 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/23/podcast-112-bluegrass-edition/feed/ 1 1:13:57 The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse t[...] The great Commonwealth of Kentucky has gotten itself in the news on several counts–none of them good. 1. It’s bad enough that Answers in Genesis’ Creation “Museum” in northern Kentucky is prospering.  It’s worse that AIG plans to expand, building an “Ark Encounter” amusement park.  The worst part is the state government is offering millions of dollars of tax incentives to what amounts to a religious indoctrination center that peddles anti-scientific folderol.  But wait–there’s more!  Turns out that state officials never even saw the alleged feasibility study, and AIG isn’t sharing so much as the executive summary with the media.  Science academics in Kentucky are none too happy with the state’s implicit support of bad science for the sake of a few dozen low-paying jobs.  And AIG’s Ken Ham’s none too happy with the intellectual ass-whoopin’ he’s been getting. 2. Astronomer Martin Gaskell has gone to court with the University of Kentucky, claiming he was denied a position at the new observatory because of his religious views.  Given that Dr. Gaskell has been giving public presentations like this, in which he condemns the atheistic worldview as a path to destruction, and given that this new job has a very public face, it’s no wonder UK turned him down. 3. A judge recently ruled unconstitutional a Kentucky statute requiring the state’s Director of Homeland Security to recognize “Almighty God” in the department’s annual report.  The state is appealing, and nearly all the state legislators have signed on to amicus briefs in support of the law! 4. Finally, drivers in the Commonwealth will soon have the option to sport the national motto “In God We Trust” on their license plates.  Joy. Plus:  The Holey Scripture!  We continue our exploration of the psychedelic creepiness that is the Book of Revelation. Announcements: Send us email!  For John Snider use john@americanfreethought.com; for David Driscoll use david@americanfreethought.com. Leave feedback at AmericanFreethought.com. Join us on Yahoo Groups, Facebook, Atheist Nexus, or Think Atheist. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AmerFreethought. If you pick us up via iTunes, please take a moment to leave feedback. David continues to produce new installments of the Secular Nation Podcast. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded December 21, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, history, news, podcast, politics, religion American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/05/academic-responds-to-ky-funding-of-creationism-park/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/05/academic-responds-to-ky-funding-of-creationism-park/#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 05:01:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2470 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/12/05/academic-responds-to-ky-funding-of-creationism-park/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/27/the-moral-landscape-chapter-5-the-future-of-happiness/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/27/the-moral-landscape-chapter-5-the-future-of-happiness/#comments Sat, 27 Nov 2010 05:01:09 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2436 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/27/the-moral-landscape-chapter-5-the-future-of-happiness/feed/ 0 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/2010/11/23/the-moral-landscape-chapter-3-belief/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/23/the-moral-landscape-chapter-3-belief/#comments Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:01:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2432 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/23/the-moral-landscape-chapter-3-belief/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/21/the-moral-landscape-chapter-2-good-and-evil/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/21/the-moral-landscape-chapter-2-good-and-evil/#comments Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:42:42 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2427 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/11/21/the-moral-landscape-chapter-2-good-and-evil/feed/ 1 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/2010/09/01/man-obsessed-with-overpopulation-terrorizes-discovery-channel/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/01/man-obsessed-with-overpopulation-terrorizes-discovery-channel/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:33:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2217 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/09/01/man-obsessed-with-overpopulation-terrorizes-discovery-channel/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:44:06 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2036 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/10/teach-the-controversy-russian-edition/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/podcast-90-massimo-pigliucci-nonsense-on-stilts/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/podcast-90-massimo-pigliucci-nonsense-on-stilts/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:21:32 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=2030 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/podcast-90-massimo-pigliucci-nonsense-on-stilts/feed/ 2 0:59:05 We interview Dr. Massimo Pigliucci, evolutionary biologist, philosopher, science crusader, and author of Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk.  This new book explores the frontier between science and pseudoscience, the difficulty of def[...] We interview Dr. Massimo Pigliucci, evolutionary biologist, philosopher, science crusader, and author of Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk.  This new book explores the frontier between science and pseudoscience, the difficulty of defining exactly what is science (what Karl Popper dubbed “the demarcation problem”), and the attacks against science from the forces of anti-intellectualism and even from inside academia.  Highly recommended. Visit Dr. P on the web at RationallySpeaking.org, or listen to his new podcast–co-hosted with NYC Skeptics’ Julia Galeth–at RationallySpeakingPodcast.org. Listen to our previous interview with Dr. P (from way back in February 2008) in podcast #11. 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 June 2, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, evolution, podcast, science, skepticism American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/07/homeschooled-evangelical/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/07/homeschooled-evangelical/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:38:04 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1894 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/03/07/homeschooled-evangelical/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/26/podcast-82-creation/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/26/podcast-82-creation/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:01:39 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1878 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2010/02/26/podcast-82-creation/feed/ 6 0:41:16 Allison’s back–yay!  She joins us to discuss the new Charles Darwin bio-pic Creation, starring real-life husband-and-wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as Charles and Emma Darwin.  Creation is based on the nonfiction book Annie[...] Allison’s back–yay!  She joins us to discuss the new Charles Darwin bio-pic Creation, starring real-life husband-and-wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly as Charles and Emma Darwin.  Creation is based on the nonfiction book Annie’s Box (published in the US as Darwin, His Daughter, and Human Evolution, and reissued in conjunction with the film as Creation) by Darwin descendant Randal Keynes.  Creation is currently in limited release, so check your local art cinema to see if and when it might play in your neighborhood.  For more visit CreationtheMovie.com. Thanks to the many fellow science fans who joined us for the Creation screening at Atlanta’s Landmark Midtown Art Cinema.  And thanks to Royal Orchid Thai Cuisine for accommodating our unexpected horde. Also: David McAllister and Jason Bourque have been arrested in connection with a string of church arsons and burglaries in Texas.  There’s a minor storm of controversy in the media over reports that “books on demons and atheism” were found in Bourque’s home.  East Texas television station KLTV has offered reports from “anonymous sources” who claim that McAllister was troubled by the death of his mother and was looking to “save people from believing” and trying to “dislodge” church institutions.  Clearly, American Freethought condemns arson and vandalism of any kind.  And if it turns out that these young men committed these crimes out of some misguided notion of what atheism is, we condemn that as well. Upcoming events: John and Allison will be attending a rare joint appearance by Christopher Hitchens and Salman Rushdie at Emory University, Friday, February 26th.  If you’re there and you see us, be sure to say hello. 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. Can you spell C-O-N-T-E-S-T? We have a minor trove of nifty things to give away, including a 2009 American Atheists convention program signed by Richard Dawkins, a handful of books by famous critical thinkers, and an American Freethought t-shirt and coffee mug.  To win, simply challenge John C. Snider to a game of “Words With Friends” (the iPhone version of the classic Scrabble).  You’ll need an iPhone, of course; and you’ll need to download Words With Friends (created by game developer Newtoy, Inc.).  John’s user name is “johncsnider.”  The person who beats him by the most points during the month of February wins the tchoch. 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 February 24, 2010.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, buddhism, commentary, evolution, movies, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no yes http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/05/eugenie-scott-v-ray-comfort-pt-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/05/eugenie-scott-v-ray-comfort-pt-2/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:51:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1720 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/05/eugenie-scott-v-ray-comfort-pt-2/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/02/eugenie-scott-v-ray-comfort/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/02/eugenie-scott-v-ray-comfort/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:33:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1638 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/11/02/eugenie-scott-v-ray-comfort/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/24/the-tangled-bank/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/24/the-tangled-bank/#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:40:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1617 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/24/the-tangled-bank/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/20/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-13/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/20/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-13/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:24:25 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1610 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/20/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-13/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-12/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-12/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:54:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1607 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-12/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-11/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-11/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:06:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1603 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-11/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-10/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-10/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:46:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1599 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/19/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-10/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/18/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-9/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/18/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-9/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:47:46 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1596 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/18/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-9/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/18/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-8/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/18/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-8/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:52:57 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1593 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/18/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-8/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/17/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-7/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/17/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-7/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:34:52 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1590 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/17/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-7/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/16/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-6/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/16/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-6/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:17:59 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1587 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/16/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-6/feed/ 7 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/15/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-5/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/15/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-5/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:38:26 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1581 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/15/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-5/feed/ 8 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/14/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-4/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/14/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-4/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:45 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1573 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/14/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-4/feed/ 10 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/13/mr-deity-and-the-science-advisor/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/13/mr-deity-and-the-science-advisor/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:49:02 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1570 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/13/mr-deity-and-the-science-advisor/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-3/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-3/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:50:50 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1562 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/12/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-3/feed/ 14 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/11/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-2/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/11/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-2/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:52:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1549 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/11/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-2/feed/ 12 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/10/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-1/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/10/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-1/#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:13:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1530 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/10/the-greatest-show-on-earth-chapter-1/feed/ 20 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/09/dawkins-ix-for-charlotte-nc-still-available/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/09/dawkins-ix-for-charlotte-nc-still-available/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:58:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1525 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/10/09/dawkins-ix-for-charlotte-nc-still-available/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/30/dvr-alert-dawkins-and-collins-on-colbert/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/30/dvr-alert-dawkins-and-collins-on-colbert/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:01:11 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1461 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/30/dvr-alert-dawkins-and-collins-on-colbert/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/26/darwin-film-gets-us-distributor/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/26/darwin-film-gets-us-distributor/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:01:27 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1432 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/26/darwin-film-gets-us-distributor/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/25/charlotte-pop-fest-happening-now/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/25/charlotte-pop-fest-happening-now/#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:49:17 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1435 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/25/charlotte-pop-fest-happening-now/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/19/evolution-lucky-edition/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/19/evolution-lucky-edition/#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:46:18 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1383 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/19/evolution-lucky-edition/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/17/darwin-film-not-dead-in-us/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/17/darwin-film-not-dead-in-us/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:26:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1372 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/17/darwin-film-not-dead-in-us/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/12/why-cant-darwin-film-find-a-us-distributor/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/12/why-cant-darwin-film-find-a-us-distributor/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:28:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1342 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/12/why-cant-darwin-film-find-a-us-distributor/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/08/bob-wright-on-the-behe-brouhaha-mea-culpa/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/08/bob-wright-on-the-behe-brouhaha-mea-culpa/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:39:14 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1333 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/08/bob-wright-on-the-behe-brouhaha-mea-culpa/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/02/more-fallout-from-the-behe-bloggingheads-tv-brouhaha/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/02/more-fallout-from-the-behe-bloggingheads-tv-brouhaha/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:55:21 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1319 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/09/02/more-fallout-from-the-behe-bloggingheads-tv-brouhaha/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/the-behe-brouhaha-at-bloggingheads-tv/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/the-behe-brouhaha-at-bloggingheads-tv/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:27:37 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1308 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/31/the-behe-brouhaha-at-bloggingheads-tv/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/25/podcast-63-efficacy-of-prayer/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/25/podcast-63-efficacy-of-prayer/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:01:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1270 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/25/podcast-63-efficacy-of-prayer/feed/ 9 1:05:00 It’s the p-p-p-p-power of prayer!  Or not.  We look at several anecdotes that point toward the efficacy (or inefficacy) of intercessory prayer, including: The tragic cases of two teenage girls (one in TN, one in KY), both of whom suffered ter[...] It’s the p-p-p-p-power of prayer!  Or not.  We look at several anecdotes that point toward the efficacy (or inefficacy) of intercessory prayer, including: The tragic cases of two teenage girls (one in TN, one in KY), both of whom suffered terrible injuries.  One recovered (more or less), the other is maimed for life.  Both were the beneficiaries of  the prayers of hundreds.  Why did God heal one and snub the other???  We’ll give you a hint: the answer can be found at www.whywontgodhealamputees.com. The Miracle of Colwich Man – A Kansas man was healed after thousands of parishioners prayed to the late Father Emil Kapaun, a Korean War hero who’s currently under “skeptical” investigation by the Vatican for possible sainthood. The Case of the Shriveling Glacier – Faithful Catholics in the Swiss towns of Fiesch and Feischertal have prayed for centuries that God protect them from the wintertime advance of the Aletsch Glacier.  Now the Aletsch is rapidly receding due to global warming, so now the townsfolk are seeking the Pope’s permission to reverse the prayer. Science has a few things to say about prayer.  Okay, actually science only has one thing to say: it don’t work. Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) – The American Heart Association published the results of a double-blind study on the effects of prayer on patients undergoing heart surgery.  Those who were told they would be prayed for–and were actually prayed for–actually did worse than those who were not prayed for. A Governor’s Prayer for Rain (scroll down to find the article) – Skeptic magazine publishes a statistical study of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue’s controversial prayer-for-rain organized on the steps of the state capitol in 2007.  Conclusion: Sonny’s God is a penurious God. Does TM reduce violent crime? – The World Peace Project claims that Transcendental Meditation en masse actually reduced violent crime during a six-week period in 1993–guaranteed to “less than two parts per billion.”  Skeptico thinks not. Plus: The Voyage that Shook the World!  Creation Ministries International has just released a $1 million documentary that insists Charles Darwin was a fantasy-prone nebbish and pathological liar who cherrypicked his data to crank out that addle-brained Theory of Evolution.  Plus Darwin was a racist.  Local skeptic/freethinker Douglas Scott joins us for the critique.  You can read John’s extensive review here or visit the movies official website. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dragon*Con is coming soon!  September 4-7 in Atlanta, to be exact.  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, 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.[...] children, christianity, commentary, evolution, movies, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/19/the-voyage-that-shook-the-world/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/19/the-voyage-that-shook-the-world/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:01:31 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1222 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/19/the-voyage-that-shook-the-world/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/mooneykirschenbaum-sic-darwin-on-dawkins/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/mooneykirschenbaum-sic-darwin-on-dawkins/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:19:14 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1238 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/18/mooneykirschenbaum-sic-darwin-on-dawkins/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/13/youre-not-doin-fine-oklahoma/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/13/youre-not-doin-fine-oklahoma/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:34:00 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1208 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/13/youre-not-doin-fine-oklahoma/feed/ 1 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:26:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1183 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/11/ben-stein-loses-nyt-gig-grip-on-reality/feed/ 4 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/07/pharyngulites-descend-on-creation-museum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/07/pharyngulites-descend-on-creation-museum/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:23:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1176 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/07/pharyngulites-descend-on-creation-museum/feed/ 2 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/04/intelligence-without-design-a-third-way/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/04/intelligence-without-design-a-third-way/#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:43:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1142 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/08/04/intelligence-without-design-a-third-way/feed/ 2 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/2009/07/16/podcast-59a-bill-maher-stand-up-tour/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/16/podcast-59a-bill-maher-stand-up-tour/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:05:34 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=1042 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/07/16/podcast-59a-bill-maher-stand-up-tour/feed/ 0 1:01:58 David gives us a report on Bill Maher’s stand-up tour; specifically, Maher’s recent appearance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. We also give listeners a heads-up on several upcoming events, including: Atheist Allianc[...] David gives us a report on Bill Maher’s stand-up tour; specifically, Maher’s recent appearance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. We also give listeners a heads-up on several upcoming events, including: Atheist Alliance International 2009 Convention (Oct 2-4 in Los Angeles) featuring Bill Maher, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Brian Keith Dalton (“Mr. Deity”), Lawrence Krauss, Eugenie Scott and more.  (Say “hi” to David Driscoll, since he’ll be in attendance as well.) Charlotte Pop Fest (Sep 24-26), a power-pop music festival in North Carolina with headliners The Knack.  Proceeds benefit the Richard Dawkins Foundation.  Also, Herr Dawkins will lecture at Queens University of Charlotte on Oct 14. Speaking of Richard Dawkins, his new book The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution is set for publication on Sep 22 from Free Press.  Pre-order your very own copy at Amazon.com and/or Amazon.co.uk. Speaking of new books, you might be interested in Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right, a new biography of the controversial author and founder of Objectivism, written by University of Virginia professor Jennifer Burns.  If all goes as planned, we’ll have both a review of the book and an interview with the author.  Goddess of the Market will be published by Oxford University Press in October.  Pre-order your very own copy at Amazon.com and/or Amazon.co.uk. Plus: Lots of detailed feedback on our interview with Robert Wright (The Evolution of God), including a response from Wright himself on John’s review of the book.  Wright encourages our readers/listeners to check out his interview with Daniel Dennett.  We also explore the connection between Wright and the Templeton Foundation (which sponsors the “Percontations” series of diavlogs at Wright’s bloggingheads.tv). 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 every time 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 July 7, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. atheism, books, christianity, commentary, evolution, islam, judaism, music, news, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no yes 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/2009/06/26/podcast-57-bruce-m-hood/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/26/podcast-57-bruce-m-hood/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:01:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=931 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/06/26/podcast-57-bruce-m-hood/feed/ 0 1:07:08 We interview Bruce M. Hood, author of SuperSense, which theorizes a genetic predisposition toward religious belief, superstition, and other irrational behaviors (and that includes you, too, atheists!). Read John’s review of SuperSense, or buy [...] We interview Bruce M. Hood, author of SuperSense, which theorizes a genetic predisposition toward religious belief, superstition, and other irrational behaviors (and that includes you, too, atheists!). Read John’s review of SuperSense, or buy your very own copy (highly recommended) at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Visit Bruce M. Hood‘s Official Website. 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 every time 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 June 24, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. books, evolution, interviews, paranormal, podcast, religion, science, skepticism, superstitions American Freethought no yes 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/2009/05/28/supersense/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/supersense/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 22:07:51 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=757 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/supersense/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/the-creationists-are-getting-desperate/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/the-creationists-are-getting-desperate/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 05:01:25 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=762 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/05/28/the-creationists-are-getting-desperate/feed/ 5 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/27/evolution-and-human-nature/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/27/evolution-and-human-nature/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:01:46 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=672 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/04/27/evolution-and-human-nature/feed/ 0 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/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:01:35 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=358 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/03/12/podcast-46-supreme-court-on-summum/feed/ 5 0:49:15 We analyze three recent developments nationwide that affect the integrity of church-state separation: an Oklahoma legislator condemns evolution; an Arkansas legislator seeks to end discrimination against atheists in his state constitution; and the S[...] We analyze three recent developments nationwide that affect the integrity of church-state separation: an Oklahoma legislator condemns evolution; an Arkansas legislator seeks to end discrimination against atheists in his state constitution; and the Supreme Court rules against an obscure New Age sect called the Summum. Oklahoma legislator Todd Thomsen (member of the House Education Committee and chairman of the House Higher Education and Career Tech Committee!) filed a House Resolution 1014, condemning his state’s university system for teaching–gasp!–the “doctrinal dogmaticism” of evolution and for daring to invite that rapscallion Richard Dawkins to speak.  This resolution has not (thus far) been acted on by the legislature; in fact, in provided humorous fodder for Dawkins during his scheduled appearance on March 6th–view the YouTube video of it here. Newly elected Arkansas legislator Richard Carroll has filed House Joint Resolution 1009, aimed at REMOVING discrimination against atheists from his state’s constitution.  Article 19 Section 1 of the Arkansas constitution says “No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this state, nor be competent to testify as a witness in a court.”  This provision has already effectively been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Torcaso v. Watkins (which struck down a similar provision in the Maryland constitution); a warning shot fired by the US 8th Circuit Court of Appeals via a footnote in Flora v. White.  This is a much-need bit of housecleaning that even Rep. Carroll admits probably won’t even make it to a floor vote.  Check out this YouTube video posted by the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers. Allison is back!  Our resident attorney explains the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Pleasant Grove (Utah) vs. Summum.  The Court concluded that government entities are not obligated to accept any old religious monument offered as a gift from a private organization.  How does this affect the thousands of Ten Commandment monuments that pepper the American landscape? Also mentioned in the podcast: Becket, the Academy Award winning 1964 film starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole.  It tells the story of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury assassinated by the knights of Henry II in 1170.  It’s a thought-provoking look at the historical struggle between church and state. ANNOUNCEMENTS We’ll be attending the America Atheists national convention, April 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins and AA president Ed Buckner. Visit our CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs. We also have an Amazon.com store–click through and buy whatever you want.  You get the same great Amazon prices, and we get a small commission.  Everybody wins! …And if you’re so-inclined, you can plop some change into our virtual tip jar via PayPal. A reminder that we post new material (news, commentary, links of interest) virtually every day at AmericanFreethought.com. If you’d like to talk about anything you’ve heard on our podcast (or anything related to freethought in general) join us at the American Freethought Yahoo Group.  And don’t forget our Facebook page. If you pick us up via iTunes please take a moment to leave feedback on our iTunes page. David is podcasting new episodes of Secular Nation.  AtheistAlliance.org/podcast. Interested in science fiction?  Then check out John’s SciFiDimensions Podcast.  SciFiDimensions.com. Send feedback to contact@americanfreethought.com – attach voicemail in mp3 or wav format. Theme music by Body Found. Recorded March 8, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. evolution, news, podcast, politics, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/23/phil-the-pundit-plait-on-bloggingheadstv/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/23/phil-the-pundit-plait-on-bloggingheadstv/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:01:20 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=272 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/23/phil-the-pundit-plait-on-bloggingheadstv/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/15/the-sound-of-inevitability/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/15/the-sound-of-inevitability/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:21:44 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=228 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/15/the-sound-of-inevitability/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/13/darwin-day-success-in-atlanta/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/13/darwin-day-success-in-atlanta/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:01:25 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=226 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/13/darwin-day-success-in-atlanta/feed/ 3 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/12/atlanta-darwin-day-enthusiasts-unite/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/12/atlanta-darwin-day-enthusiasts-unite/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:01:15 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=225 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/12/atlanta-darwin-day-enthusiasts-unite/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/11/photos-from-atlanta-skepticamp/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/11/photos-from-atlanta-skepticamp/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:46:38 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=224 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/11/photos-from-atlanta-skepticamp/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/podcast-42-ken-miller-on-darwin-day/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/podcast-42-ken-miller-on-darwin-day/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:01:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=220 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/02/10/podcast-42-ken-miller-on-darwin-day/feed/ 1 1:11:57 Happy 200th Birthday, Charles Darwin!  To celebrate, we interview Ken Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Kenneth R. Miller), Professor of Biology at Brown University and co-author (with Joseph S. Levine) of Prentice-Hall’s Biology, one of the most-used and mo[...] Happy 200th Birthday, Charles Darwin!  To celebrate, we interview Ken Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Kenneth R. Miller), Professor of Biology at Brown University and co-author (with Joseph S. Levine) of Prentice-Hall’s Biology, one of the most-used and most-respected high school textbooks in the world.  Ken strikes a thoughtful balance between his Roman Catholicism and a deep appreciation of the reality of evolution.  He was a key witness for the plaintiffs in the 2005 Kitzmiller-v-Dover trial, which overturned an attempt by intelligent design creationists to infiltrate the local high school biology curriculum.  Ken is also the author of two science memoirs: Finding Darwin’s God and Only a Theory. For more about Ken and his work visit MillerandLevine.com. Read Jerry Coyne’s extensive critique of Ken Miller’s Only a Theory at The New Republic. Kudos to the organizers of Atlanta SkeptiCamp!  John and David recorded a live segment with Skepticality’s Derek and Swoopy.  To see video of all the presentations (including the joint Skepticality/American Freethought panel) go to Qik.com/DoctorAtlantis. 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.” DARWIN DAY 2009 – If you live in metro Atlanta, join us at Decatur’s Thinking Man Tavern, 7:30PM, Thursday, February 12th.  Look for a crowd of attractive, well-dressed, extraordinarily intelligent people. Lest he get lost in the Darwin shuffle, let us remember Abraham Lincoln (born on the exact same day in 1809 as Charles Darwin).  As David points out, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that Lincoln was a freethinker. ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.  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 February 9, 2009.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. christianity, evolution, interviews, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no 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/2009/01/21/darwin-darn-it/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/21/darwin-darn-it/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:01:43 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=202 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/21/darwin-darn-it/feed/ 1 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/2009/01/18/photos-from-the-new-tellus-museum/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/18/photos-from-the-new-tellus-museum/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:01:16 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=204 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/18/photos-from-the-new-tellus-museum/feed/ 6 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/02/for-the-san-diego-darwinists-out-there/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/02/for-the-san-diego-darwinists-out-there/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:01:23 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=185 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2009/01/02/for-the-san-diego-darwinists-out-there/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:01:47 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=180 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/12/28/podcast-37-year-end-wrap-up/feed/ 1 0:39:08 As we look forward to 2009, we take a moment to review the success and progress of the American Freethought Podcast in 2008.  What was our best episode?  What could we have done better? We also unveil a new contest for our listeners with an impressi[...] As we look forward to 2009, we take a moment to review the success and progress of the American Freethought Podcast in 2008.  What was our best episode?  What could we have done better? We also unveil a new contest for our listeners with an impressive stack of cool prizes.  Tune in to find out how YOU could be the recipient of this treasure trove of nifty freethought-ish tchoch. Finally, Dr. Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education (NCSEweb.org) gets the last word on Ben Stein’s ridiculous “Evolution = Nazi Holocaust” documentary Expelled.  This 5-minute segment of conversation was trimmed from our interview with her in episode #31 (in which we talked about the Texas BOE putting out-of-state creationists on the committee that reviews the science curriculum).  It was intended for inclusion in our coverage of the Expelled DVD in episode #34, but… we forgot (okay, I forgot – David shares none of the blame!).  Anyway, we thought it was worth hearing, even it we’re delivering it a tad late. ANNOUNCEMENTS We now have a CafePress store!  Buy cool American Freethought swag, including t-shirts and mugs.  Sport your support for patriotism through rational thought! 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 18, 2008.  Hosted by John C. Snider and David Driscoll. evolution, interviews, podcast, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/21/on-this-day-in-forgotten-history/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/21/on-this-day-in-forgotten-history/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:40:41 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=159 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/11/21/on-this-day-in-forgotten-history/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/atlanta-science-tavern-hears-e-o-wilson/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/atlanta-science-tavern-hears-e-o-wilson/#comments Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:51:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/?p=144 Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/10/26/atlanta-science-tavern-hears-e-o-wilson/feed/ 0 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/2008/06/29/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/2008/06/01/82/ 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/2008/04/21/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/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:37:02 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/03/american-freethought-podcast-15/feed/ 1 0:49:29 Creation Museum – We discuss a recent expedition to the Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky.  You can read more about it in John Snider’s report titled “The Creation Museum Is Full of Sh!t”.  We’ll also talk about [...] Creation Museum – We discuss a recent expedition to the Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky.  You can read more about it in John Snider’s report titled “The Creation Museum Is Full of Sh!t”.  We’ll also talk about “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Separation of Church and State but Were Afraid to Ask”, a recent event co-sponsored by Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Interfaith Alliance Foundation. In other news, AF’s John Snider and David Driscoll are guests on the most recent Reason Driven Podcast, and will be guests on an upcoming episode of Skepticality! 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 4/2/2008. atheism, christianity, evolution, history, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/#comments Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:59:40 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/04/02/the-creation-museum-is-full-of-sht/feed/ 10 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:15:36 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/10/american-freethought-podcast-11/feed/ 1 1:04:46 Darwin Day 2008 – Charles Darwin‘s birthday is February 12, which is as good a day as any to celebrate his achievements and those of science in general.  We talk to evolutionary biologist, philosopher and popular science writer Massimo P[...] Darwin Day 2008 – Charles Darwin‘s birthday is February 12, which is as good a day as any to celebrate his achievements and those of science in general.  We talk to evolutionary biologist, philosopher and popular science writer Massimo Pigliucci of the State University of New York in Stony Brook, the organizer of SUNY’s Darwin Day events, and who organized the University of Tennessee’s first Darwin Day in 1997.  Massimo maintains several web presences, including RationallySpeaking.org, PlatoFootnote.org, and GenotypebyEnvironment.org.  We’ll also feature a special “scientific gospel” song from the California based band The Galapagos Mountain Boys. Massimo’s books include Tales of the Rational, Denying Evolution and (with Jonathan Kaplan) Making Sense of Evolution. If you live in metro Atlanta, you might consider celebrating Darwin Day at Darwin’s, a jazz/blues club in Marietta (“Where Great Music Evolves”).  [PLEASE NOTE: We discovered after the podcast was recorded that Darwin's will NOT be open on Tuesday, February 12th!] Also, the audio problems with show #10 have been corrected.  If you had problems with that episode, you can now reload it and it should be fine.  Our apologies for the glitch. 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 2/5/2008. atheism, evolution, interviews, music, podcast, religion, science American Freethought no no http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/03/freedom-evolves/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/03/freedom-evolves/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:09:28 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/03/freedom-evolves/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/03/freedom-evolves/feed/ 0 http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:50:54 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2008/02/02/evolutions-captain/feed/ 0 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/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/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/ http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:33:55 +0000 John C. Snider http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/ Continue reading →]]> http://www.americanfreethought.com/wordpress/2007/11/09/movie-review-flock-of-dodos/feed/ 3