The Non-prophets

 Bill in Texas Legislature would 'mark' foreigners legally living in the state San Antonio Current, By Michael Karlis, on Mar 26, 2025https://www.sacurrent.com/news/bill-in-texas-legislature-would-mark-foreigners-legally-living-in-the-state-37079019The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.1 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

http://bit.ly/3GYu36VSmithsonian Magazine, January 2023, By Chanan TigayThe discussion highlights the groundbreaking work of Mike Langlois, a scholar with an impressive range of expertise, including seven degrees and a deep focus on the Dead Sea Scrolls. His work involves using high-tech methods, such as sophisticated scanning and analysis techniques, to uncover forgeries in ancient religious texts. This process helps separate authentic writings from fraudulent ones, allowing for a clearer historical understanding.Langlois, alongside experts like Dr. Kip Davis, is advancing our knowledge by using modern technologies to scrutinize ancient documents that were once considered gospel truth. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in caves decades ago, have been central to the study of biblical history, but the ability to verify their authenticity has only recently become possible thanks to these innovations.The team’s work is crucial because it addresses the core issue of determining which documents are authentic and wh

Have Your Loved Ones Turned Their Backs on God? Do What Élisabeth Leseur Did, National Catholic Register, By Katya Fitzpatrick, May 3, 2023 https://www.ncregister.com/blog/how-to-love-nonbelievers-in-your-homeThe conversation begins with a reflection on an article from the National Catholic Register about the story of Felix and Elizabeth Lassier, emphasizing sacrificial love and divine providence. The narrative is critiqued for its predictable trope of a devout woman and a skeptical man whose conversion comes after her death, portraying her suffering and prayers as transformative. The discussion shifts to the article's placement on a Catholic website and its tone of victimization despite promoting acceptance.Personal experiences are shared, highlighting the pressure to convert loved ones to match religious beliefs, which evolved into acceptance of differing views over time. The article is criticized for perpetuating submissive stereotypes of women and guilt-driven narratives common in Catholic teachings. The

Friend of Satan: how Lucien Greaves and his Satanic Temple are fighting the religious right, The Guardian, Adam Gabbatt, 1-4-2023http://bit.ly/3DFvANkIn the aftermath of the 2022 Roe v. Wade reversal, groups like the Satanic Temple are leveraging religious freedom arguments to push back against the restrictions. The Satanic Temple claims that abortion rights align with their religious beliefs, particularly their principle that one's body is inviolable and subject to one's will alone. By filing lawsuits across various states, including Idaho, the Satanic Temple challenges the legality of these anti-abortion laws as an infringement on their religious practices.Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, emphasizes the long-term strategy in fighting the legal battles, mirroring the years of effort the religious right invested to reshape laws in their favor. This method of fighting within the system, rather than outside it, is critical to their approach, especially given the influence of Christian ideology

The "Holy Spirit Board" is Ouija for Jesus, Boing Boing.net, By Thom Dunn, December 20, 2022http://bit.ly/3WjYpp3This segment delves into the comical yet intriguing notion of a “Holy Spirit Ouija Board,” a product that has sparked both amusement and controversy.The board, which appears to be a regular Ouija board with a religious twist, has drawn attention for its bizarre nature. As the group explores the idea of using a Ouija board to communicate with the divine, they raise questions about whether this is a genuine spiritual tool or just another form of entertainment.At the center of the conversation is the concept of faith and the role of skepticism. While some members of the group approach the board as a joke, others suggest that it could be genuinely meaningful to those who believe in it. The discussion veers into the realm of parody, with one panelist suggesting that the board might be a clever marketing strategy designed to profit from the absurdity of the idea. However, the idea that people could take

Updated A West Ada teacher was asked to remove signs promoting inclusivity. Controversy ensued.Idaho Education News, By Idahoednews, on March 13, 2025https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-west-ada-teacher-was-asked-to-remove-signs-promoting-inclusivity-controversy-ensued/In Idaho, a teacher’s classroom posters promoting inclusivity sparked significant controversy when they were asked to be removed by the West Ada School District. The posters, which carried messages of acceptance, diversity, and unity, were deemed incompatible with district policies, leading to pushback from both the community and advocacy groups. Supporters of the teacher argued that the signs created a positive and welcoming environment, fostering a sense of safety for students, while critics believed they could be seen as political statements. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about freedom of expression in schools, teacher rights, and the balance between inclusivity and maintaining a neutral educational space. The district's p

Johns Hopkins laying off more than 2,000 workers after dramatic cut in USAID fundingCNN, By Kaanita Iyer, on March 13, 2025https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/13/politics/johns-hopkins-layoffs-usaid-funding/index.htmlThis discussion delves into the financial cuts at John Hopkins University, following the U.S. administration’s decision to slash $800 million in funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These cuts are set to impact not only thousands of jobs across 44 countries but also critical global health programs, such as maternal health and disease prevention. The cuts threaten projects combating HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, which disproportionately affect international populations. These layoffs come as part of a broader pattern of attacks on education systems, particularly scientific research, which have been targeted by conservative political agendas. This assault on international health programs is portrayed as hypocritical, especially considering the administration's “pro-family”

Supreme Court will hear challenge to Colorado conversion therapy banAxios, By Avery Lotz, on Mar 10, 2025https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/supreme-court-conversion-therapy-challengeIn Colorado, a legal challenge is underway against a state ban on gender conversion therapy for minors. The case centers on Christian counselor Kaylee Charles, who argues that the state's prohibition of conversion therapy infringes on her free speech rights. The law, House Bill 19-1129, which came into effect in 2019, was designed to protect minors from potentially harmful practices that aim to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The case raises the question of whether this ban is a form of forced religious indoctrination or a necessary measure to protect vulnerable children.AJ and Infidel 64 discussed the issue, with AJ expressing the view that conversion therapy is not about free speech, as counselors are free to discuss various topics but should not force clients to conform to specific beliefs. Infidel e

https://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify-the-bible-as-the-utmost-authority-for-human-moral-behavior.htmlhttps://wildhunt.org/2025/03/wv-seeks-constitutional-amendment-to-codify

AntiTrans Bill in Iowa Gets Final OK, Despite Protests TIME, By Hannah Fingerhut Ap, on February 27, 2025 https://time.com/7262485/protesters-iowa-capitol-gender-identity/ In this episode, the panel delves into the controversial legislative actions in Iowa, where lawmakers swiftly passed discriminatory laws against transgender individuals. Tracy begins by highlighting how politicians exploit children's vulnerability in political rhetoric, illustrating Iowa Representative Step Holt's swift enactment of a bill removing gender identity from protected classes against discrimination. Signed into law by Governor Reynolds, this bill, effective July 1, sparked immediate backlash and protests. Tracy and Kelley discuss the absurd speed at which such discriminatory legislation can pass, contrasting it with the sluggish pace of justice. They criticize the pretext of bathroom safety and sports equity used to justify the bill, arguing it masks underlying misogyny and misplaced fears of cisgender men posing as transgender w

West Texans, Mennonites at center of measles outbreak choose medical freedom over vaccine mandates AP News, By Devi Shastri, on March 4, 2025 https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c The discussion opens with the old saying, "God helps those who help themselves," but the Mennonite community in rural Texas appears to have missed that memo. Under RFK Jr.'s leadership in the Department of Health, the United States is seeing a rise in measles and other supposedly eradicated diseases. This resurgence is largely due to a rejection of medical science based on faith, a lack of trust in institutions, and inadequate public health education in isolated communities. The consequences of anti-vaccine ideology are dire, particularly in areas with limited health outreach. Faith-based decision-making is leading to preventable deaths, all because of a refusal to vaccinate. The conversation shifts to the tension between parental rights and public health. Many argue that par

Oklahoma GOP advances bill letting Christian doctors deny services to patientsThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on March 5, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/oklahoma-gop-advances-bill-lettingThe ongoing discussion centers around House Bill 1006 in Oklahoma, which would allow medical professionals to refuse care based on personal ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. This controversial bill is perceived as a direct attack on individual autonomy, placing people's well-being at risk in favor of religious freedom. The debate escalates into questions about the ethics of healthcare, especially regarding religious objections to certain treatments like abortion or gender-affirming care. Panelists discuss the implications of such a bill, with Tracy arguing that this stems from entitlement and a refusal to empathize with those in need of care. The conversation expands to the broader issue of personal beliefs interfering with professional duties. One panelist points out that if religious beliefs are allowed to

Mind Matters News, January 8, 2023 http://bit.ly/3kwt70GThe discussion explores physicist Marcelo Gleiser's argument against the possibility of reality being a simulation. The panelists express skepticism, noting that such claims often rely on unfalsifiable assertions rather than scientific evidence. They critique the logic behind simulation theory, pointing out its similarities to religious arguments—particularly the claim that "we can't prove we're not in a simulation," which mirrors arguments for the existence of God. Teo dismisses the theory as an infinite regress problem, arguing that if a simulation exists, it would require a simulator, which would also need a creator, leading to an endless cycle of simulated realities. August finds the idea intriguing but remains unconvinced without tangible evidence, likening it to the Fermi Paradox, where people speculate about extraterrestrial life without direct proof. Phoebe criticizes proponents of the theory for their lack of critical thinking, comparing it to c

 The Times of Israel, By Gabriel Lamza, March 9, 2023, https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-is-pure-and-authentic-faith/Faith is often presented as a virtue, a connection to the divine, or a means of understanding the world. However, in attempting to defend this notion, many religious arguments reveal their own contradictions. One such example is an article that claims the biblical phrase "made in God's image" refers to humanity’s ability to think independently. Yet, this directly contradicts the biblical narrative, which states that Adam and Eve lacked moral awareness until they ate from the Tree of Knowledge, thereby gaining the ability to discern good from evil. If humans were truly created with independent thought, then why was acquiring knowledge seen as an act of defiance? This contradiction exposes the apologetic gymnastics often required to reconcile faith with reason. The article further asserts that faith requires the complete submission of one’s reasoning to divine authority, essentially equating g

Strange But True: Ancient Egyptians were so into oral sex, they put it in their religion — and religious art, Salon, Matthew Rosza, January 29, 2023 Sex and morality have been tightly controlled by religion throughout history, shaping societal attitudes toward sexuality. The discussion begins with ancient Egypt, where gods were depicted engaging in acts like autofellatio as part of creation myths. While some assume ancient societies were more sexually open, the reality is that Egypt had conservative sexual norms comparable to their neighbors in Israel. The control of sex, particularly by religious institutions, has historically been a tool of power, reinforcing shame and guilt around natural human behavior. Victorian England is often blamed for sexual repression, but it’s argued that this is more a product of later interpretations than the reality of Victorian life. The Victorians were far from prudish in private, as demonstrated by explicit personal writings, including Queen Victoria’s enthusiastic comments

Salon, Matthew Rosza, January 30, 2023 http://bit.ly/3xcJxyHThis segment discusses the moral panic surrounding the term "grooming," particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ people, and how it is being weaponized by right-wing politicians, particularly in Florida under Ron DeSantis. Historically, moral panics have been used to demonize specific groups—examples include the witch hunts and the Nazis' rise to power. The latest iteration of this tactic is the banning of books and restricting discussions around LGBTQ+ topics in schools under the pretense of "protecting children." The panel critiques the effectiveness of this fear-based messaging, pointing out that invoking child safety is an emotional trigger that stirs public outrage, even when there's no factual basis. The term "grooming" is being misused to conflate LGBTQ+ identities with pedophilia, despite no evidence supporting such a connection. Instead of addressing actual risk factors for child abuse—such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate mental heal

Scientists sound alarm over troubling phenomena forcing them to 'rethink' everything 'Predictability has become more challenging'The Cool Down, By Chelsea Cook, on February 14, 2025https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/unpredictable-climate-patterns-shift/ In the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and rising climate change risks, scientists are sounding the alarm over how outdated models are failing to provide accurate forecasts for extreme weather events. Researchers are struggling to adjust their climate models in the face of shifting ocean currents, unprecedented flooding, and the overall volatility of weather. These challenges are making it difficult to prepare for natural disasters that are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.Despite the urgency for enhanced research and preparedness, political pressures and budget cuts are undermining the very institutions needed to address these growing climate risks. Powerful corporations have consistently ignored or downplayed the si

Yes, there is a lawsuit that could eliminate Section 504khou.com, By Texas And Several Other States Could End It, on February 15, 2025https://www.khou.com/article/news/verify/section-504-lawsuit/285-643af794-fb84-4b84-a3fd-d8060ec5db71 The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, filed a lawsuit challenging the inclusion of gender dysphoria under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in federally funded institutions. The lawsuit aims to remove gender identity protections, particularly under the Biden administration's recent changes, arguing that Section 504 itself is unconstitutional. The outcome could affect many individuals across Texas and beyond, impacting access to essential services like education, healthcare, and public accommodations, which rely on these nondiscrimination protections. If Section 504 were struck down, it could remove protections for individuals with various disabilities, not just those affected by gender dysphoria. Th

New Utah law would allow for Nazi and Confederate flags to be shown in schools but not Pride flag NewsBreakNewsBreak, By The Independent, on February 14, 2025https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3812118394569-new-utah-law-would-allow-for-nazi-and-confederate-flags-to-be-shown-in-schools-but-not-pride-flagThis proposed bill in Utah, which bans the display of Pride Flags while allowing the display of Nazi and Confederate flags under certain educational circumstances, has ignited strong criticism. Lawmakers argue that banning Pride Flags maintains a neutral space, while allowing the historical display of Nazi and Confederate flags could aid in teaching about World War II and the Civil War. Many, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, have condemned the proposal as discriminatory and harmful. The situation highlights the ongoing struggles surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, as some people push back against displaying any symbols that represent marginalized identities.The bill's controversial nature extends beyond flags, revea

Police arrest apparent leader of cult like 'Zizian' group linked to multiple killings in the USAP News, By Michael Casey And Mcasey, on February 17, 2025https://apnews.com/article/zizians-killings-border-patrol-bf599db6b9ec354c68ed5ff4d5701b84Police Arrest Leader of 'Zizian' Cult Linked to U.S. Killings Police arrest apparent leader of cult like 'Zizian' group linked to multiple killings in the US AP News, By Michael Casey And Mcasey, on February 17, 2025 https://apnews.com/article/zizians-killings-border-patrol-bf599db6b9ec354c68ed5ff4d5701b84 This story outlines the troubling rise of the Zizans, a group that originally emerged from a more intellectual online community, before devolving into violent actions. In 2016, a figure named Jack Lasoda, writing under the pen name "Ziz," began publishing a blog combining radical ideas such as rationalism, anarchism, ethical veganism, and others, which led to the formation of a group known as the Zizans. Over time, they became more extreme, culminating in a series of v