The Non-prophets

With the death of Pope Francis, attention turns to his divisive legacy in the U.S. Catholic Church. While hailed globally as a reformer, Francis alienated many conservative American Catholics over his stances on climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ rights. As the Vatican sought inclusion, U.S. Catholics increasingly aligned with far-right politics, exposing the church’s internal fractures.The panel explores what this split means for the future of Catholicism and the global religious landscape.News Source: Reuters by Jessica DiNapoli, April 22, 2025https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-catholics-pope-francis-tenure-defined-by-growing-divisions-2025-04-22/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.18.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Stephen Harder and AJ The Pope Is Dead—Now What? ☠️Pope Francis Divides U.S. Catholics One Last Time

A Russian drone strike has damaged Chernobyl’s outer containment structure, raising alarms across Ukraine and beyond. Experts stress that while the inner sarcophagus remains intact and no radiation leak has been detected, the deliberate nature of the attack signals a troubling escalation. The panel explores the potential environmental, political, and psychological consequences of targeting one of history’s most infamous nuclear disaster sites.News SourceReuters by Yurii Kovalenko, April 13, 2025https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-seeking-solutions-damaged-chernobyl-confinement-vessel-minister-says-2025-04-12/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.17.4 featuring Jimmy Jr., Rob, Tracy Wilbert and The Ejector SeatChernobyl Attacked Again—Is the Sarcophagus Safe? ☢️Russia Bombs Chernobyl Containment—Why?

Senator James Lankford is pushing a bill to relax political speech restrictions for churches, despite admitting it's largely unnecessary. The Non-Prophets panel explores how clergy already flout the Johnson Amendment with impunity while secular 501(c)(3)s remain muzzled. Could repealing the rule backfire and empower atheist nonprofits? Or would it further tilt the playing field toward well-funded religious institutions?News Source:The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 14, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/sen-james-lankford-knows-the-irsThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.17.3 featuring Jimmy Jr., Rob, Tracy Wilbert and The Ejector Seat Senator Admits IRS Rule Change for Churches Is Pointless

Harvard University is taking legal action after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants, citing failure to address antisemitism and comply with vague new rules about “merit-based” practices and “viewpoint diversity.”The panel discusses the implications for academic freedom, student activism, and how terms like antisemitism may be misused to silence dissent. Is this a crackdown on hate or a political power play? News SourceAP News by Michael Casey, April 14, 2025https://apnews.com/article/harvard-trump-administration-federal-cuts-antisemitism-0a1fb70a2c1055bda7c4c5a5c476e18dThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.17.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Rob, Tracy Wilbert and The Ejector SeatTrump Freezes $2.2B in Harvard Grants Over Campus Protests

When an Iowa couple sued MercyOne and Catholic Health Initiative for the death of their unborn child, the Catholic hospital initially argued the fetus wasn't a person—despite Catholic doctrine claiming life begins at conception. Only after public backlash did the hospital walk back its legal argument. The panel explores the church’s double standards, financial motivations, and what this case reveals about its moral authority in public health.News Source:The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, September 2, 1120 (likely intended as 2025)https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/catholic-hospital-ditches-pro-lifeThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.17.1 featuring Jimmy Jr., Rob, Tracy Wilbert and The Ejector SeatCatholic Hospital Says Fetus Isn’t a Baby—to Dodge Lawsuit

A legal dispute between Freedom From Religion Foundation and American Atheists over a donor’s estate raised eyebrows—but the reality was far less dramatic. After questions emerged over a handwritten memo altering distribution plans, the parties sought transparency, not a fight. The case was settled amicably, with all organizations receiving more than expected. The panel unpacks lessons in ethics, optics, and legacy.News Source: Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 8, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/two-influential-atheist-groups-have?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=oa4eg&triedRedirect=trueThe Non-Prophets 24.16.3 with Scott Dickie, Jonathan Roudabush and Eli Slack Two Atheist Groups Settle Estate Dispute Peacefully

A $250K grant intended to install LGBTQ+ historical markers in Ohio was abruptly canceled by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparking backlash from advocacy groups and lawmakers. The panel examines why commemorating LGBTQ+ history is being politicized and what this says about state-level efforts to erase marginalized voices from public memory.News Source: Central Ohio News by David Rees, April 8, 2025https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/doge-cancels-250000-ohio-grant-installing-lgbtq-historical-markers/The Non-Prophets 24.16.2 with Scott Dickie, Jonathan Roudabush and Eli SlackDOGE Withdraws $250K from LGBTQ+ History Project

The Supreme Court sided with the Department of Education, pausing a lower court ruling that would have restored grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The panel explores what’s at stake—not just for education, but for democracy itself. Are DEI efforts under threat because they aim to level the playing field? Or is ignorance becoming policy by design?News Source: CBS News by Melissa Quinn, April 4, 2025https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-trump-administration-to-cancel-education-grants-for-now/The Non-Prophets 24.16.1 with Scott Dickie, Jonathan Roudabush and Eli Slack Supreme Court Halts DEI Education Grants

Major win for abortion rights in US after new rulingMetro by Sarah Hooper on April 1, 2025https://www.smartnews.com/en-us/article/4797808326211539939The Non-Prophets 24.15.4 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and RobBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Oklahoma’s Ryan Walters wants to bring Bibles into classrooms—and silence the watchdogs. But is it religious freedom or unconstitutional overreach?In this episode, The Non-Prophets take aim at Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who is suing the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) for doing what it does best: upholding the Constitution. After the FFRF blocked Walters from using $3 million in public funds to buy Trump Bibles for every classroom, Walters retaliated by accusing the organization of "attacking teachers and students." The panel breaks down how this lawsuit isn't just legally flimsy—it’s part of a wider Christian nationalist strategy to chip away at the wall between church and state. We also explore what this means for educators, indigenous communities, and anyone fighting for a secular government.The Non-Prophets 24.15.3 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and RobBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Texas Pastor Says Bible Has 'No' Grounds for Being Anti-Transgender NewsBreak by Nick Mordowanec, on March 31, 2025https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3943600104434-texas-pastor-says-bible-has-no-grounds-for-being-anti-transgenderThe Non-Prophets 24.15.2 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and RobBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

On April 1st, 2025, a bipartisan proposal to let members of Congress vote by proxy while on parental leave sparked unexpected chaos in the U.S. House. Co-sponsored by Rep. Ana Paulina Luna (R) and Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D), the measure aimed to support working parents in government.But GOP leaders attempted to quietly kill the bill using a procedural trick—only to face rebellion from their own side. Nine Republicans joined Democrats to derail the legislative agenda, exposing the hypocrisy in so-called “pro-family” rhetoric.The Non-Prophets panel explores how this battle reflects the broader national tension between parental rights, representation, and political gamesmanship.Watch as the crew breaks down the contradictions in Congress’ stance on family leave and why proxy voting for parents turned into such a hot-button issue.Read the full story here:Metro, by Sarah Hooper, April 1, 2025

CIA found the Ark of the Covenant by using psychics, declassified files claim NewsBreak The Independent, By James Liddell, on March 28, 2025 https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3939128610325-cia-found-the-ark-of-the-covenant-by-using-psychics-declassified-files-claimThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.4 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Immigration agents arrested a U.S. citizen and created warrants after an arrest, lawyers say in court Chicago Sun-Times, By Sadriana Cardona Maguigad Wbez Curious City And Adriana Cardona Maguigad Wbez, on March 14, 2025 https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/03/14/us-citizen-arrested-berwyn-ice-chicago-attorneys  The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.3 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Texas officials announce third arrest in illegal abortion case involving Houston area woman ABC13 Houston, By Abchouston, on March 18, 2025 https://abc13.com/post/texas-attorney-general-announces-third-arrest-illegal-abortion-case-involving-houston-area-midwife/16044651/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.2 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

 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