The Non-prophets

Legal rights groups urge school leaders not to adopt Texas’ Bible-infused curriculumThe Texas Tribune, By Jaden Edison, on January 30, 2025https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/30/texas-aclu-bible-bluebonnet-curriculum/#:~:text=The%20American%20Civil%20Liberties%20Union,Learning%2C%20would%20%22unlawfully%20impose%20a The Texas State Board of Education’s recent adoption of the Blue Bonnet curriculum, a Bible-infused educational program, has sparked legal concerns and pushback from civil rights groups. Critics argue that the curriculum heavily integrates Christian ideology, downplays significant historical events like slavery and civil rights struggles, and promotes religious favoritism in public education. Supporters, on the other hand, defend it as a necessary inclusion to properly teach students about history and the influence of Christianity. Adding fuel to the controversy, the state is offering schools $60 per student to implement the curriculum, raising concerns about whether this amounts to coercion. Leg

Pastor who compared Trump to Hitler is pushed out of churchMail Online, By Bethan Sexton, on February 4, 2025https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14359493/pastor-compared-Trump-Hitler-church-charlotte-myers-park-baptist.htmDr. Ben Boswell, a pastor at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, was asked to resign after church attendance declined during his tenure, which began in 2016. While church leaders insist his removal was due to dwindling attendance rather than his progressive sermons, critics argue that his messages of inclusivity, racial justice, and political awareness alienated white congregants who didn't want to confront issues of privilege. The discussion highlights the tension between religious institutions preaching social justice and the financial realities of maintaining a congregation. The panelists note the irony of a church claiming to support inclusivity but rejecting the social consequences of that stance. They also debate whether churches should engage in politics at al

Priest Booted From Church After Imitating Musk's SaluteThe Daily Beast, By Emell Derra Adolphus, on January 30, 2025https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-catholic-priest-father-calvin-robinson-hits-the-musk-salute-at-pro-life-talk/ Father Calvin Robinson, a right-wing priest with ties to the UK’s far-right movement, was removed from his church after performing a salute reminiscent of Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at Trump’s inauguration rally. Robinson claims it was a joke mocking liberal outrage, but the Anglican Catholic Church took swift action, drawing a clear line between political expression and extremist signaling. The panel discusses the implications of religious leaders engaging in radical rhetoric and contrasts Robinson’s actions with Minister Buddy’s call for compassion and inclusion. They note the long history of religious institutions aligning with fascism and mock Robinson’s complaints that liberals criticizing him are the real fascists. They also find it ironic that he claims victimhood

Republican congressman suggests some children receiving free school lunches should work at McDonald’s insteadNBC News, By Rebecca Shabad, on January 28, 2025https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/republican-congressman-suggests-children-receiving-free-school-lunches-rcna189614In this discussion, the panelists criticize Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick's recent statement suggesting that children who receive free school lunches should get jobs to cover the cost. McCormick's stance is described as misguided and harmful, with one panelist comparing it to a villainous plot to push child labor. The panelists argue that such policies undermine efforts to support low-income families, including Head Start and Meals on Wheels. They also point out the systemic problems that cause poverty, such as inflation, stagnant wages, and lack of access to healthcare. The group expresses frustration with politicians who use these issues as an excuse to vilify the poor, rather than addressing the underlying causes. They also cr

 After 'faith-healing' death of 8-year-old girl, 14 Christians found guilty of manslaughterThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 29, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/after-faith-healing-death-of-8-yearThis tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of extreme religious beliefs, where a young girl, Elizabeth St, lost her life due to the refusal of essential medical care. Elizabeth's parents, guided by their Christian cult, chose to pray for her healing instead of administering insulin for her type 1 diabetes. Despite earlier warnings and a hospitalization scare, they continued their faith-based approach, leading to her death after six days without insulin. The court convicted 14 members of the cult for manslaughter, but many questioned why it wasn’t considered murder, as the parents' refusal to provide medical care was based on deeply held religious beliefs. The case has sparked outrage, especially given that the parents had already been warned about the dangers of their actions. Adv

The discussion centers on the issue of child marriage in Bangladesh, as highlighted by an article from The Telegraph and supplemented by another interview. It delves into the societal, economic, and cultural factors driving child marriage, particularly for girls. The narrative also touches on the importance of education, as many girls, despite their dreams of a different future, are often sold into marriage due to poverty, lack of education, and religious pressures that see women as secondary to men. There's recognition of both the tragedy of the situation and the attempts to help through educational programs, which aim to change the generational cycle of poverty and oppression. The discussion also highlights how both boys and girls face marriage at young ages due to poverty, though girls face more extreme abuses. There is a consensus on the necessity of education and economic support for families to prevent child marriage and provide hope for the next generation. Telegraph, By Tom Parry, on January 20, 2025 

Scientists reveal the surprising height of the Biblical giant GoliathDaily Mail Online, By Wiliam Hunter, on January 26, 2025https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14317919/Scientists-reveal-Goliath-height-Bible.htmlIn this discussion, the panel dives into the controversy surrounding Goliath's height and the potential medical diagnosis of gigantism. The article in question suggests that Goliath may have had gigantism, a condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, leading to extreme height and other health problems. The conversation shifts to whether this medical condition would make Goliath a fitting candidate for the biblical fight against David. Some members of the panel question the relevance of such historical details, arguing that it doesn't really matter in the broader scope of faith or mythology. However, others explore how the story of David and Goliath could be a literary device designed to symbolize something larger than just a battle of physical strength. They suggest that the

Bishop urges mercy for immigrants, Trump calls her 'nasty'Reuters, By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason, on January 22, 2025https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-attends-prayer-service-gets-an-earful-immigrants-lgbt-youth-2025-01-21/This conversation highlights a striking moment in political and social discourse, where a religious leader felt compelled to speak out and remind a president, in this case, Donald Trump, to have compassion for others. The discussion centers on the disconnect between those in power, their words, and how they affect vulnerable communities. The episode explores how people like Trump, who lack introspection, have risen to power and whether such figures should be trusted with significant authority. There's also a deeper commentary on the current state of democracy and the unsettling trend of unqualified individuals reaching top political positions.The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.4 featuring Phoebe Rose,  Helen Greene, and Aaron JensenBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker

Black America Drags Old-Fashion Pastor Who Forced A Woman to Apologize to the Church for Being PregnantYahoo News/The Root, By Phenix S Halley, on January 9, 2025https://www.yahoo.com/news/virginia-pastor-forces-woman-apologize-194700753.html This Segment discusses the troubling dynamics of societal and religious shaming regarding sex and pregnancy outside of marriage. The focus is on a young woman who was forced to apologize to her church after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. The pastor's harsh response, including the denial of a baby shower and social ostracization, is scrutinized. The panelists express outrage over the double standard that allows men to avoid blame while women bear the brunt of the shame. They critique the persistence of outdated, misogynistic views on sex and sexuality, particularly within religious contexts. The conversation expands to the damage done by purity culture, repressing natural human desires and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women's roles in sexual relationships.The

Supreme Court takes up parents’ bid to opt out of LGBTQ content at elementary schoolsThis Segment discusses the Supreme Court hearing a case about parents wanting the option to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ content in classrooms. The speakers argue that such movements stem from a fear of change and differences, primarily driven by conservative and religious groups. They stress that fostering an inclusive and kind environment for children is crucial, highlighting the dangers of creating ignorance by blocking certain topics like LGBTQ+ issues. The discussion also touches on parental responsibility—emphasizing that the goal is not to create copies of oneself but to raise independent individuals who can interact with the diverse world around them.NBC News, By Lawrence Hurley, on January 17, 2025https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-takes-parents-bid-opt-lgbt-content-elementary-schools-rcna188205 The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.2 featuring Phoebe Rose,  Helen Greene, and Aaron JensenBecom

An Oklahoma lawmaker's sneaky proposal would let the state indirectly fund ChristianityOklahoma's state legislators are pushing to amend the state constitution, seeking to remove the word "indirect" from a clause that prevents public funds from supporting private religious institutions. The aim is to channel state funds to religious schools, particularly Christian ones, without direct funding. In 2016, voters rejected a similar effort, and this new push reflects ongoing attempts to bypass the separation of church and state. Opponents of the bill argue that it could result in public funds indirectly supporting churches, including those of potentially less popular or controversial religious groups, which could lead to inequality in public funding.The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 22, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/an-oklahoma-lawmakers-sneaky-proposal The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.1 featuring Phoebe Rose,  Helen Greene, and Aaron JensenBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spr

Scientists find that cavemen ate a mostly vegan diet in groundbreaking new studyJOE, By Ryan Price, on January 11, 2025https://www.joe.co.uk/news/scientists-find-that-cavemen-ate-a-mostly-vegan-diet-2-471100?fbclid=IwY2xjawHzYDtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHd2UJJnF69VVfOgz1klTAT78dKBfhwELc9WWh4w8uApYNV02vlGj5Z238w_aem_7jt6ZMICID6vWVZ2TQG9-A Original paper: Isotropic Evidence of high reliance on plant food among Later Stone Age hunter-gatherers at Taforalt, MoroccoReference on evidence of cultivation:https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1318176111The article in question sparks an important discussion about the nature of human diets, particularly those of Paleolithic humans, but the way it's framed seems misleading. An author claims that a tribe of Northwest African humans, around 13,000 BCE, lived on a "mostly vegan" diet, which sounds like clickbait. However, when you dive into the article, it's clear that the term "vegan" is problematic. Veganism, as we understand it today, is a modern concept that includes moral

On a Mission God: Inside the Movement to Redirect Billions of Taxpayer Dollars to Private Religious SchoolsProPublica , By Alec MacGillis, on January 13. 2025https://www.propublica.org/article/school-vouchers-ohio-church-state-tax-dollars-private-religious This discussion dives deep into the decades-long efforts of Catholic leaders and conservative politicians in Ohio to redirect public school funding toward private religious institutions, primarily Catholic schools. Using the guise of "school choice" and rhetoric about helping underprivileged children, this strategic takeover has disproportionately harmed public schools, drained their resources, and exacerbated systemic inequalities. The panel highlights how this scheme, orchestrated by bishops and a Catholic governor, has fueled segregation and restricted opportunities for African-American students. It also exposes how religion continues to infiltrate public policy, prioritizing indoctrination over equitable education.The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.04.3 featu

With awful logic, Christian professor says atheism leads to more sexual assault and self-harmThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 15, 2025https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/with-awful-logic-christian-professor This discussion revolves around a sociological article published in the Journal of Sociology and Christianity by Professor Philli Truscott of Southern Baptist University, making unsupported claims linking the rise of religious "nones" to increases in sexual assault and suicide rates. The article's methodology was criticized for skipping the scientific rigor necessary to distinguish correlation from causation. Several issues were flagged, including the selective publication of such a study in a Christian journal, which allowed unverified claims to pass under the guise of academic credibility.The panel dissected the misuse of data and how such narratives are weaponized for right-wing agendas. Key arguments included the cherry-picking of statistics, misinterpreting graphs, and ignoring broader

LA Is Burning, and the Right Is Furious—About Sign Language InterpretersMother Jones, By Julia Me'traux, on January 13, 2025https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/01/california-fires-asl-sign-language-woke/ The discussion highlights California's ongoing devastation from wildfires, where 12,000 structures have been destroyed, tens of thousands evacuated, and numerous lives, both human and animal, lost. Yet, instead of focusing on this tragedy, right-wing figures like Charlie Kirk and Christopher Rufo criticize sign language interpreters during emergency broadcasts, labeling them as “woke.” The panel agrees this rhetoric is part of a larger conservative effort to dehumanize marginalized groups, including the disabled.The conversation underscores how such attacks aim to strip minorities of visibility and support while sowing division. The panelists emphasized the importance of American Sign Language (ASL) as a complete, nuanced language essential for the Deaf community. They condemn the right's targeting of i

 A $24 Billion Fund Puts Its Religious Stamp on Corporate AmericaInsurance Journal, By Jeff Green, Saijel Kishan, on January 3, 2025https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/01/03/806788.htmThis article explores the increasing influence of conservative faith-based investors who are using their financial power to push companies away from progressive policies, such as funding Pride events, offering abortion-related benefits, and promoting diversity and inclusion. These groups, with assets amounting to an estimated half a trillion dollars, leverage shareholder proposals, lawsuits, and direct confrontations with executives to sway corporate behavior. At the forefront is Guidestone, a Texas-based investment firm, which has partnered with conservative organizations to target businesses it views as promoting agendas counter to its religious values.The article also highlights how these investors, despite their minimal shareholder backing, are employing aggressive tactics to push their agenda. This mirrors a

A prayer in the U.S. Capitol sparked a unique religion controversy NewsBreak, By Kelsey Dallas, on January 7, 2024https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3745550181658-a-prayer-in-the-u-s-capitol-sparked-a-unique-religion-controversyIn this segment, Speaker Mike Johnson's invocation of a supposed "National Prayer" by Thomas Jefferson is questioned. Johnson claimed that Jefferson recited this prayer daily, but historians refute this claim, labeling it false. Jefferson's actual beliefs, including his deism and advocacy for the separation of church and state, contradict Johnson's narrative. The discussion focuses on the misquote, but also critiques Johnson's public prayer itself, especially considering his influential position. The panelists emphasize that Jefferson would never have supported such an act in office. Eli also explores the broader issue of government officials intermingling personal religious views with their roles, with concern that such actions blur the lines between church and state.The Non-Prophets, Ep

Jimmy Carter lauded for his humility and service in Washington before his return to GeorgiaAP News, by Chris Megerian, on January 9, 2025https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-state-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-df391a578d6b4627ad500f5df03ac1ffThe discussion revolves around the legacy of Jimmy Carter, with panelists reflecting on his presidency and life. They discuss Carter's unassuming and humble nature compared to today's political spectacle. Despite some critics, many Americans, regardless of political affiliation, have praised his character after his passing. They explore why people often remember the positive aspects of someone after death, speculating on human nature and the desire for optimism. The conversation shifts to the political implications of Carter's passing, questioning whether political maneuvers, like flag lowering, are genuine or part of ongoing divisiveness in U.S. politics.The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.03.2 featuring Scott Dickie, Chris Mallard and Eli SlackBecome a supporter of this po

 Mark Zuckerberg Is Done Listening to His UsersSlate Magazine, By Nitish Pahwa, on January 8, 2025https://slate.com/technology/2025/01/mark-zuckerberg-meta-fact-checking-announcement-elon-musk-trump.htmlMark Zuckerberg's decision to replace third-party fact-checkers with community-based content moderation at Meta has sparked significant debate. Citing the inherent biases of experts, Zuckerberg claims this shift aligns with Meta's commitment to free expression. Critics argue this move opens the door to increased misinformation and erodes accountability, reminiscent of past controversies like the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Skeptics worry this decision conveniently follows political pressures, potentially enabling unchecked political propaganda. While some view this as an effort to reduce perceived censorship, others fear it could amplify hate speech and conspiracy theories. Concerns persist about whether this change genuinely promotes free speech or prioritizes profit over public safety.The Non-Prophets, Epis

 Texas book ban backfires after school removes Bible over 'sexually explicit' contentThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on December 23, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/texas-book-ban-backfires-after-schoolIn 2023, Texas passed House Bill 900, banning sexually explicit books from school libraries. This law led the Canyon Independent School District to remove the Bible from its shelves due to its graphic depictions of violence, incest, and sexual assault. However, once this removal was discovered in December 2024, Republican Representative Jared Patterson—who sponsored the bill—reacted angrily. He accused the district's superintendent of misinterpreting the law and demanded the Bible’s immediate reinstatement, dismissing claims that it contained explicit content. Despite the law being applied fairly, political pressure forced the superintendent to reverse course, restoring the Bible to school shelves without explanation.This situation exposes the hypocrisy of lawmakers who create sweeping policies but