The Non-prophets

Proud purple to angry red: These Florida residents feel unwelcome in 'new' Florida, USA Today, Tom McLaughlin, August 21, 2023 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/21/desantis-war-on-wokeism-leaves-many-missing-florida-they-knew/70623593007/?gnt-cfr=1 https://news.yahoo.com/proud-purple-angry-red-florida-091713931.html The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.36.1 featuring Helen Greene, "Infidel64", Dr. Richard Firth GBH and Phil the Skeptic Atheist

Kevin Sorbo claims being a Christian stifles his career, despite Tom Hanks thriving with the same faithBoing Boing.net, Mark Frauenfelder, August 21, 2023 https://boingboing.net/2023/08/21/kevin-sorbo-claims-being-a-christian-stifles-his-career-despite-tom-hanks-thriving-with-the-same-faith.html The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.35.4 featuring Helen Green, Timothy Bethel, Jimmy Jr. and Raphael RyanKevin Sorbo says he is being persecuted, he claims Hollywood has blacklisted him for his politics and because he's a Christian.He turned his back on Hollywood went off in a different direction, into his niche. Now he wants to come back but the problem is he just really didn't bring any talent with him.Tom Hanks is a Christian, he has been very successful in Hollywood. However, he doesn't tweet asinine things like why do we still have monkeys If evolution is real? This is something that Kevin Sorbo has actually tweeted. He called the capital rioters patriots and at the same time implied they were really antifa.The movies

‘Reject prejudice of any kind’: Latter-day Saint missionary handbook gets an update, By Tad Walch, August 21, 2023 https://www.deseret.com/2023/8/21/23840312/reject-prejudice-of-any-kind-latter-day-saint-missionary-handbook-gets-an-update-mormon-missionaries The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.35.3 featuring Helen Green, Timothy Bethel, Jimmy Jr. and Raphael RyanBig changes are stirring in the world of Latter-day Saint missionaries, their new handbook advises them to cut back on communication and steer clear of prejudice.It tells them to embrace inclusivity. This might sound like a more open-minded approach, but some are raising an eyebrow. Critics point out the move seems more like a controlling effort.Missionaries are being told to limit contact with friends and families to a weekly prep day using only emails or letters. Limiting when missionaries can and cannot communicate with their family and friends. A very cult undertone type of control.Their updated handbook also includes music guidelines, perhaps we should

Alabama can enforce ban on puberty blockers and hormones for transgender children, court says, AP News, Kim Chandler, August 21, 2023 https://apnews.com/article/transgender-care-ban-alabama-minors-cccb5ec40b65c3c179600d291e707afd The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.35.2 featuring Helen Green, Timothy Bethel, Jimmy Jr. and Raphael RyanThe 11th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a previous ruling that prevents bans against puberty blockers and hormones for transgender youth. Not the first ban to the chagrin of medical experts. They say this treatment is beneficial to trans children, not harmful.This decision isn't just about medical care, it's about rights and choices.The supposed party of small government continues to meddle in the lives of others. They are insistent this is an enormous issue, with millions of parents forcing their children to change gender for no reason. It's disgusting how they frame it as if the problem is parents forcing this on kids.The truth is, only a very small percentage of children receive ge

Denver Archdiocese sues over free pre-K: The state's bigotry ban hurts our bottom line! Friendly Atheist, Hemant Mehta, August 21, 2023 https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/denver-archdiocese-sues-over-free?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=95153&post_id=136192949&isFreemail=true&utm_medium=email The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.35.1 featuring Helen Green, Timothy Bethel, Jimmy Jr. and Raphael RyanColorado recently passed a law offering free preschool to kids, but the Catholic archdiocese isn't on board. They’re suing officials claiming their faith should allow them to discriminate against LGBTQ people.This preschool law in Colorado seems like it would be such a good helpful thing on paper, but religious institutions once again show their true colors and insist that if they can't discriminate based on Bronze Age tradition they're the persecuted ones. Not the people they actively try to take rights and freedoms away from.To qualify, schools have to follow a few basic rules, they have to accep

The Sinner in the Mirror: Why Atheists Are Stereotyped as Immoral, Secular Humanism.org, By Phil Zuckerman, February/March 2023 https://secularhumanism.org/2022/11/the-sinner-in-the-mirror-why-atheists-are-stereotyped-as-immoral/ The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.34.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald , Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Jonathan Roudabush and Infidel64In public perception, a common misconception links secular individuals to immorality due to the assumption that without belief in a deity, morals are Not possible without a deity.Clarence Thomas, said “if your an atheist, what does an oath mean?” , Thomas, the impartial U.S. Supreme Court Justice, husband of a Christian-fascist insurrectionist.Recent research by Professor Will Gervais reveals this bias, impacting political and social interactions. Historical influence of religious authorities, complexity of morality, and projection contribute to this stereotype. Projection is when negative qualities are projected onto others, seen in stereotypes of Native Americans

Girl, 13, gives birth after she was raped and denied abortion in Mississippi, The Guardian, By Lauren Aratani, August 14, 2023 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/14/mississippi-abortion-ban-girl-raped-gives-birth The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.34.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald , Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Jonathan Roudabush and Infidel64In a troubling account from Mississippi, a 13-year-old girl became pregnant after being assaulted by a stranger. The nearest provider nine hours away, cost, travel, and work issues all rendered abortion unfeasible.This highlights the aftermath of the US Supreme Court overturning abortion access rights, with 14 state laws banning abortion now in effect. These restrictions disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, worsening existing health disparities. This case underscores the urgency of discussing women's rights, healthcare access, and the broader consequences of these policies.In January, the New York Times reported that Mississippi made two exceptions since the st

He was a top church official who criticized Trump. He says Christianity is in crisis, NPR.org, By Scott Detrow, Gabriel J. Sánchez, and Sarah Handel, August 8, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/08/08/1192663920/southern-baptist-convention-donald-trump-christianity Evangelicals Are Now Rejecting 'Liberal' Teachings of Jesus, Newsweek, By Aila Slisco, August 9, 2023 https://www.newsweek.com/evangelicals-rejecting-jesus-teachings-liberal-talking-points-pastor-1818706 The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.34.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald , Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Jonathan Roudabush and Infidel64Russell Moore stood out in evangelical circles for criticizing Trump. He also was critical of the Southern Baptist Convention's handling of sexual abuse and white nationalism. And this resulted in his departure.The Non-Prophets covered Russell Moore and Beth Moore in April of 2021 when they both left the SBC over some of the same reasons the articles mention.Moore recently addressed what he called a crisis in American Christianity. H

Police in Jamaica charge Catholic priest from Kenya with abduction and sexual assault, ABC News, By the Associated Press, July 11, 2023 https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/police-jamaica-charge-catholic-priest-kenya-abduction-sexual-101106170 Kenyan priest charged with rape, abduction of 12-y-o girl in St Catherine, Jamaica Observer, Jul 11, 2023https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latest-news/kenyan-priest-charged-with-rape-abduction-of-12-y-o-girl-in-st-catherine/ The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.34.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald , Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Jonathan Roudabush and Infidel64A a 39-year-old Roman Catholic priest from Kenya, Lawrence Muvengi, has been accused of the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl. Muvengi has been charged with rape, sexual grooming, having sexual intercourse with a person under 16 and abduction.The accusations include abduction and rape within the church premises. The charges encompass sexual intercourse with a minor, sexual touching, grievous sexual assault, and child abdu

'Barbie' review: Greta Gerwig film celebrates female empowerment but falls short on biblical values, The Christian Post, By Leah MarieAnn Klett, August 3, 2023, https://www.christianpost.com/news/barbie-lauds-female-empowerment-falls-short-on-biblical-truths.html The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.33.4 featuring Helen Greene, The Well-Known Skeptic, Aaron Jensen and"Jimmy Jr"Today's topic is a review of the recent smash hit Barbie. A review of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film, which celebrates female empowerment. But according to Leah MarieAnn Klett, it falls short of biblical values.Leah’s concerns centered around her claim that it falls short of biblical morality. The review assumes the Bible is a paragon of gender equality, but her case fails miserably. She puts forward the idea that the bible teaches that all are created equal, she even included links to Genesis 1:26. But, there's nothing in the verse about gender equality. Yet another example of a Christian misquoting the Bible.The bible is rife with examples of mi

Southwest will appeal judge's ruling requiring 'religious liberty training', Reuters, By Daniel Wiessner, August 8, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-judge-orders-southwest-lawyers-undergo-religious-liberty-training-2023-08-08/#:~:text=Aug%208%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20Southwest,prominent%20conservative%20Christian%20legal%20group. The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.33.3 featuring Helen Greene, The Well-Known Skeptic, Aaron Jensen and"Jimmy Jr"Southwest is appealing a judge's ruling that requires religious liberty training for three of its senior lawyers. This was in response to Southwest not meeting the judge’s previous ruling.They had been ordered to inform their employees of the judges previous order, in their notice to employees they said, “Southwest does not discriminate against our employees”. The judge had previously said, “may not” instead of “does not”.In his decision, Starr said, “Some of those entities laudably provide training free of charge for those who have struggled to respect religious liberties in

Skeptical Inquirer, March 2023, by Rob Palmer:Iranian Schoolgirl Gas Attacks and Havana Syndrome: A Conversation with Robert BartholomewThe Non-Prophets, Episode 22.33.2 featuring Helen Greene, The Well-Known Skeptic, Aaron Jensen and"Jimmy Jr"Today we are discussing Havana syndrome and Iranian school girls' Mass poisoning reports. An article in the Skeptical Inquirer which is called Iranian School girl cast attacks and Havana Syndrome a conversation with Robert Bartholomew.What do these two situations have in common? One began in late 2016 when the US government claimed there were ongoing attacks against its Embassy Personnel in Cuba by unknown forces using unknown weapons. In subsequent years the scope of these claimed attacks include intelligence agents other government officials and even family members stationed in a very long list of countries. Eventually, it was even claimed to have happened on the White House grounds.The symptoms of these attacks were eventually called Havana syndrome. They included e

Florida Students Now Need Parental Permission to Use Nicknames, 'Alternate' Names Under New Ron DeSantis Rule, People, By Virginia Chamlee, August 9, 2023 https://people.com/florida-students-now-need-parental-permission-use-non-legal-name-7571342The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.33.1 featuring Helen Greene, The Well-Known Skeptic, Aaron Jensen and"Jimmy Jr"Florida students now need parental permission to use nicknames under new Florida law. Just another example of speech policing.This is not legislation, this is persecution. This is another example of religion finding its way into public life via government under the guise of parental rights. Just discrimination, repackaged and re-branded. It should disgust everybody, including Christians.Florida is determined to be Gilead from The Handmaid's Tale. We have seen their effort to make slavery seem like an internship while blocking AP African-American studies. AP Psychology is banned because it teaches that some people are different than others.Students and teachers a

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.32.4 featuring Phoebe Rose, Dr. Ben, Scott Dickie and Helen GreeneGallup: Belief in God, Satan, angels, heaven, hell at 23-year low, Baptist Press, By Diana Chandler, July 31, 2023 https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/gallup-belief-in-god-satan-angels-heaven-hell-at-23-year-low/

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.32.3 featuring Phoebe Rose, Dr. Ben, Scott Dickie and Helen GreeneAP Psychology ‘effectively banned’ in Florida over sexuality lessons, College Board says, Politico, By JUAN PEREZ JR. and ANDREW ATTERBURY, August 3, 2023https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/03/ap-psychology-banned-in-florida-00109720

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.32.2 featuring Phoebe Rose, Dr. Ben, Scott Dickie and Helen GreeneBelfast street preacher who said gays are ‘out to rape our children and country’ complains of being ‘vilified’, Barry Duke, the Angry Atheist, August 2, 2023 https://the-angry-atheist.com/2023/08/02/belfast-street-preacher-who-said-gays-are-out-to-rape-our-children-and-country-complains-of-being-vilified/

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.32.1 featuring Phoebe Rose, Dr. Ben, Scott Dickie and Helen GreeneRichard Dawkins used his new podcast to promote more transphobic lies, Friendly Atheist.com, By Hemant Mehta, July 31, 2023 https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/richard-dawkins-used-his-new-podcast The Science of Biological Sex, Science Based Medicine.org, By Steven Novella, July 13, 2022 https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-science-of-biological-sex/

The Non-Prophets 22.31.4 2023-08-02 featuring Cynthia Cynthia McDonald, Infidel 64, Timothy Bethel and Teo El ATeoHow a Christian transgender man increased his faith by taking the fight over LGBTQ+ rights to religious schools, USA Today, By John FritzeMegan Smith, July 24, 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/07/24/christian-lgbtq-discrimination-religious-schools/70383458007/ This segment is about discrimination towards a trans man who finds a deeper connection to his faith through activism. Zayn had applied to a Christian educational institution, and was denied for being trans, he has been battling them in court, but was ultimately denied.U.S District Court Ann Aiken dismissed Silva's case in January, Ann Aiken was appointed by Bill Clinton. He wrote that the exception appeared to be related to the government's objective of accommodating religious exercise and that Congress did not appear to have discriminatory intent when it approved the language.But LGBTQ protections are not guaranteed a

The Non-Prophets 22.31.3 2023-08-02 featuring Cynthia Cynthia McDonald, Infidel 64, Timothy Bethel and Teo El ATeoScience 'supersedes' creationism, Einstein tells religious students in newly revealed letter, Life Science via Yahoo News, By Harry Baker, July 21, 2023https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/science-supersedes-creationism-einstein-tells-165250255.htmlThis was a letter that Einstein sent to a teacher has recently been put up for sale for a hundred and twenty five thousand dollars. A religious studies teacher had written Einstein and asked if he could tell them basically his thoughts on God and how they coexists with science. Einstein responded saying that science does not refute the religious attitude but in a certain sense replaces and supersedes it.He also said that as long as the stories in the Bible have been taken literally it was obvious what kind of Faith was expected from the readers, but if you interpret the Bible metaphorically it is nothing but stories.When asked about God in another popular l

The Non-Prophets 22.31.2 2023-08-02 featuring Cynthia Cynthia McDonald, Infidel 64, Timothy Bethel and Teo El ATeoAlabama Republicans refuse to draw a second Black congressional district in defiance of Supreme Court, NBC News, By Jane C. Timm, July 21, 2023https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/alabama-gop-refuses-draw-second-black-district-supreme-court-order-rcna94715 What will be the implications of Alabama’s State Legislature completely disregarding this Supreme Court rulings, and instead passing a map that does not meet the two black majority districts? Will this set precedence for other states to do the same? One of the major impacts is on US House of Representatives, this is one way the GOP has held onto power in spite of being the minority.Gerrymandering is when a state legislature draws up district lines to deliberately dilute groups of a populace that they are not aligned with. They are basically trying to maneuver a vote the way the party in power stays in power. They draw lines in areas in or