The Non-prophets

Jerry Falwell Jr. is back and it's bad for everyoneReligious News, By Karen Swallow Prior, on October 4, 2024The story dives into Christian hypocrisy, particularly examining the scandal surrounding Jerry Falwell Jr., his fall from grace, and his eventual return to Liberty University during homecoming week. Falwell’s behavior highlights the deep contradictions within institutions like Liberty, which impose strict moral codes on students while their leaders, like Falwell, live by completely different standards. Falwell himself openly rejected the notion that he should be held to higher standards, especially after being involved in a sex scandal. This hypocrisy is compounded by Liberty’s rigid rules for students, prohibiting actions as minor as hand-holding or using certain pronouns, while its leaders exploit power without consequence.The discussion also touches on how financial interests play a significant role in shaping Liberty’s response. After legal settlements involving the Falwell name, the University wel

 DeSantis Administration Threatens News Station With Criminal Charges for Airing Abortion Amendment AdTruthout, By Chris Walker, on October 9, 2024https://truthout.org/articles/desantis-administration-threatens-news-station-for-airing-abortion-amendment-ad/The state government of Florida is attempting to suppress a news station, WFLA, by threatening to criminalize them for airing a pro-Amendment 4 ad that advocates for extending abortion rights up to 20-26 weeks. This intimidation comes as Governor DeSantis strongly supports a six-week abortion ban currently in place. A letter from the Florida Department of Health's general counsel seeks to bully the station into pulling the ad, revealing an attempt to silence the press and undermine free speech.The discussion highlights the vagueness of Florida’s abortion laws, which potentially obstruct necessary medical procedures even in life-threatening situations. Across the U.S., pregnant individuals facing complicated pregnancies are often denied care due to ambiguous

War on wokeness: the year the right rallied around a made-up menacethe Guardian, By Michael Harriot, on December 21, 2022https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/20/anti-woke-race-america-historyThe discussion opens with a focus on the "war on woke," examining whether it's a real issue or just a political creation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' rhetoric against the so-called "woke mob" is dissected, revealing how this term has been twisted into a tool for political gain, especially on the right. The anti-woke movement is viewed as a deliberate attempt to stoke fear, promote white grievance, and maintain social hierarchies, distracting from the real issues of systemic racism and inequality. The discussion points out how the right often co-opts the term "woke," turning it into a negative caricature of social awareness.Cynthia dives deeper, illustrating how anti-woke legislation like DeSantis’ "Stop Woke Act" seeks to whitewash history, curb critical conversations about race, and protect the status quo. She

 Here’s What I Saw Before I Got Expelled From Jordan Peterson’s Online “University”Slate Magazine, By Luke Winkie, on October 3, 2024https://slate.com/life/2024/10/jordan-peterson-academy-university-online.htmlThe launch of Jordan Peterson's online university seems like a calculated move to exploit the disillusionment of individuals frustrated with mainstream education. Peterson has branded his institution as a place for free speech and open debate, but it appears to be more about capitalizing on people's distrust of established educational systems than providing real academic value. Rather than focusing on delivering quality education, Peterson emphasizes buzzwords like "self-improvement" and "debate" while glaringly omitting any mention of rigorous academics or intellectual challenge. His school offers classes taught by people without relevant expertise—such as a theologian teaching decolonization and an author, not a medical professional, leading a course on nutrition. This lack of qualified instructors ra

 How a beloved children's cartoon turns fathers into mothers and what the Bible says about itBlaze Media, By Jeremy Pryor, on October 6, 2024https://www.theblaze.com/align/bluey-turns-fathers-into-mothersBluey's dad adores his kids. A conservative writer says that's unbiblical. The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta on October 8, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/blueys-dad-adores-his-kids-a-conservativeThe conversation opens with a discussion about a conservative writer, Jeremy Pryor, and his critique of the children's cartoon Bluey, focusing on the portrayal of the father figure. Pryor argues that the show reflects how modern society has removed all "manly" aspects of fatherhood. Cindy introduces the topic by discussing the article's outcry against the show, noting that it was featured in conservative media outlets. The debate begins by highlighting the absurdity of Pryor's stance, with the panelists collectively agreeing that attacking a children's cartoon for such reasons is a stretch. Kelley and Cynthi

Most anticipated' comet of 2024 returns this weekend after 80,000 yearsEarth.com, By Eric Ralls, on September 29, 2024The discussion centers around Comet Suchin Shan Atlas (C/2023 A3), which has become visible to observers on Earth since late September and will remain so until late October 2024. This comet last appeared around 80,000 years ago, during a time when woolly mammoths roamed the Earth. The panel engages in light-hearted banter while exploring astronomical phenomena, emphasizing the significance of such celestial events in human history and their potential impact on societal beliefs.The conversation takes a deeper dive into the differences between celestial objects like asteroids, meteors, and comets, highlighting the science behind their classifications. One participant humorously notes their struggles with numbers, drawing a parallel between the vastness of cosmic time and human understanding. The discussion further explores humanity's tendency to assign meaning to celestial events, pondering how

Wisconsin pastor arrested for allegedly sending intimate photos from victim’s phone without consentYahoo.com, By Indiana Schilz, on October 2, 2024https://www.yahoo.com/news/wisconsin-pastor-arrested-allegedly-sending-015540084.html In a shocking incident, Pastor Gabe Mills of Journey Mega Church in Wisconsin was arrested for allegedly taking nude photos of a female congregant without her consent during a life group meeting. Mills reportedly airdropped explicit images found on the victim’s phone to his own device. After this was discovered, police became involved, and Mills was arrested with bail set at $7,500. A second victim later came forward, corroborating allegations against him, leading to a second arrest. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the church has not publicly addressed the issue on its platforms.The discussion turns towards the façade of the "happy and healthy Christian man" often seen in churches, with one participant reflecting on their own experiences. They highlight the dangers of

Several arrested after American woman dies in first use of controversial suicide podThe discussion centers on the complex and often taboo topic of suicide and assisted dying. It begins with a metaphorical comparison of life decisions to doors that, once opened, cannot be closed. This imagery illustrates the irrevocable nature of choices related to life and death, emphasizing that a slow and deliberate approach is crucial in navigating these sensitive issues. The conversation acknowledges the stigma surrounding suicide, particularly within Christian contexts, which have historically framed it as a moral failure. The impact of early cults attempting to control suicide as a means of martyrdom is noted, highlighting the layered complexities of religious interpretations.A significant theme is the financial aspect of the church, where a decline in attendance and tithes is tied to the conversation around suicide. There is a sense that the church’s reluctance to address these issues stems not only from moral concerns

Colorado will now make Catholic hospitals say what services they won't provideThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on October 1, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/colorado-will-now-make-catholic-hospitalsColorado has passed a new law requiring all hospitals to disclose any procedures they won’t perform due to non-medical reasons. The "Patients Right to Know Act" ensures transparency, especially targeting Catholic hospitals that follow religious doctrine rather than medical expertise in determining the services they offer. Many Catholic hospitals, instead of being clear about their religious affiliations, use generic names like “Mercy Hospital,” hiding their policies from the public. This legislation aims to solve that, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare based on the services the hospitals offer or refuse. Catholic hospitals, governed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, refuse to provide services like abortions, sterilizations, and gender-affirming care,

Consciousness may stem from unseen dimensions beyond our realityEarth.com, By Eric Ralls, on September 21, 2024https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/The conversation delves into a discussion of Dr. Michael Priva’s hypothesis that extra dimensions, beyond the known four of spacetime, might help explain human consciousness. Priva draws from string theory, which posits up to 11 dimensions, and extends this to suggest that Jesus may be a hyperdimensional being capable of ascending to heaven—a claim deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs. The hosts challenge the logical leaps, highlighting his lack of expertise in consciousness studies, the speculative nature of his ideas, and the conflation of theoretical physics with religious concepts. They humorously critique the argument as rife with logical fallacies, such as appeals to authority and non sequiturs, while also considering the broader issue of religion using misunderstood science to justify its claims. The

 Religious freedom, LGBTQ rights collide in lawsuit over Colorado’s universal preschool programThe Denver Post, By Ann Schimke, on September 22, 2024https://www.denverpost.com/2024/09/22/colorado-universal-preschool-religious-freedom-lgbtq-rights/Religious preschools in Colorado, specifically under the Archdiocese of Denver, are pushing back against state rules requiring nondiscrimination, particularly toward LGBTQ families, despite eagerly seeking state funding through Colorado's Universal Preschool Program. While some schools comply with the rules, others demand exemptions, arguing that their religious beliefs justify discrimination. This conflict follows a 2022 ruling in Maine, which allowed religious schools access to public funds. The preschools, facing financial hardship and closure, are appealing the case, hoping for a favorable decision from the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. The case highlights ongoing tensions between public funding, religious freedom, and discrimination.The Non-Prophets, Episo

 Florida bans instruction on contraception and consent in sex ed classesPopular, By Rebecca Crosby, on September 25, 2024 https://popular.info/p/florida-bans-instruction-on-contraceptionFlorida's recent policy changes in sex education are stirring significant concern among advocates for comprehensive health education. As of September 2024, schools in Florida are required to submit their sex education materials for state review, ensuring adherence to strict abstinence-only guidelines. This new policy explicitly bans visual representations of reproductive anatomy and prohibits discussions about contraception, which can only be mentioned as a health resource. Children from kindergarten through high school are expected to be taught that abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage is the standard behavior.This shift has raised alarm bells regarding the welfare of children in the state. The conversation reveals a deep frustration about the implications of such education policies. Educators and advocates arg

 Pastor claims he miraculously cured a man hospitalized due to voting for DemocratsThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on September 26, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/pastor-claims-he-miraculously-curedI Went to a Pro-Trump Christian Revival. It Completely Changed My Understanding of Jan. 6.Slate Magazine by Molly Olmstead on September 25, 2024https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/09/donald-trump-2024-president-election-shooting-christians.htmlIn the first story, a pastor named Robert Henderson claims that a man he knew got sick after voting Democrat. Henderson suggests that the sickness was caused by the man's political choice, implying that changing political affiliations could lead to healing. He promotes the idea that spiritual well-being is directly tied to partisan politics. According to Henderson, this man was cured after switching political sides, making the case that voting Republican could be a remedy for illness.In the second story, another pastor argues that people fulfilling God's di

 Steam Users Curate 'Anti-Woke' List & It's Dividing OpinionDual Shockers, By Abdullah Al Tekreeti, on September 9, 2024https://www.dualshockers.com/steam-anti-woke-list/This week, the gaming community is buzzing with discussions surrounding a controversial initiative launched by a group of Steam users who have formed an anti-woke list. This list categorizes video games based on their perceived "woke" content, with a particular focus on aspects such as LGBTQ+ representation and the portrayal of strong female characters. Currently boasting around 1,600 members, the group aims to steer gamers away from titles they believe promote specific political agendas.Supporters of the anti-woke list argue that it serves as a consumer’s right to know about the political content of the games they purchase, providing a framework for gamers who want to avoid titles they perceive as pushing liberal ideologies or social justice narratives. They assert that gaming should remain a space free from political influence, focusing

Maine law thwarts impact of school choice decision, lawsuit saysNational Catholic Reporter, By Religion News Service, on September 10, 2024https://www.ncronline.org/news/maine-law-thwarts-impact-school-choice-decision-lawsuit-saysMeasure to repeal Nebraska’s private school funding law should appear on the ballot, court rulesAP News by Margery A. Beck on September 13, 2024https://apnews.com/article/private-school-choice-nebraska-ballot-7f64c3eacea5e25c730ad02c9b2418b3In this clip, the speakers present a critique of the prevailing moral frameworks that often dictate societal values, particularly within religious contexts. They challenge the simplistic notion that morality can be boiled down to strict adherence to rules, suggesting instead that a deeper understanding of human behavior and empathy is crucial. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of moral dilemmas and the necessity of cultivating compassion rather than relying solely on dogmatic principles.The discussion also highl

 I was a black child raised in a white supremacist cult. When doomsday didn't come, I had to learn how to live the Guardian, By Steve Rose, on September 10, 2024https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/sep/10/i-was-black-child-raised-in-white-supremacist-cult-doomsday-didnt-come-learn-how-to-liveGerald Walker's story is one of resilience in the face of extreme ideological manipulation. Growing up in the Worldwide Church of God, a doomsday cult with white supremacist beliefs, Walker’s childhood was filled with fear. From a young age, he was indoctrinated to believe the end of the world was imminent, but even more disturbingly, he and his family—being Black—had to navigate the church's deeply embedded racial hierarchy. Despite this, Walker's family believed they were chosen for salvation, even though their church saw them as inherently inferior. This paradox reveals the powerful grip such organizations hold on their members, using fear and divine justification to maintain control. When the church’s

Mississippi sheriff's solution to the drug crisis? Everyone must 'truly find Jesus' The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on September 13, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/mississippi-sheriffs-solution-toChurch Attendance is (Once Again) Correlated with Authoritarianism — So Why Do We Refuse to Acknowledge It?Religion Dispatches by Chrissy Stroop on September 13, 2024https://religiondispatches.org/church-attendance-correlated-with-authoritarianism-again-so-why-do-we-still-refuse-to-acknowledge-it/The sheriff of Monroe County, Mississippi, recently posted two public messages after arresting a man for methamphetamine and weapons possession. He proclaimed that the only solution to the county’s drug problem was to find Jesus, raising concerns about mixing religious proselytization with law enforcement duties. His focus on religious salvation over actionable solutions to address the root causes of drug addiction sparked debate. The sheriff's belief that turning to religion, rather than critically addressing

Newly-baptized Russell Brand helps kick off Tucker Carlson's US tour with prayer asking God to bring 'unity' at the Presidential election (after a joke about sneaking into America illegally and trafficking 'a few kids' with him)The Daily Mail, By Martin Robinson, on September 6, 2024https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13820663/Russell-Brand-Tucker-Carlson-tour.html This discussion centers on the controversy surrounding Russell Brand and his sudden public conversion to Christianity following accusations of sexual assault. Brand's move to associate with influential figures like Tucker Carlson is perceived as a strategy to win favor among white Christian nationalists and rebuild his public image. Carlson has publicly praised Brand, viewing him as a reformed figure who has embraced faith to escape his troubled past. This tour is framed as an attempt to win the battle in the court of public opinion.The conversation highlights skepticism about Brand's sincerity in converting, with parallels drawn between his a

Las Vegas cops arrest pastor who brought weapons and drugs to his hotel roomThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on September 09, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/las-vegas-cops-arrest-pastor-whoThe story revolves around a former mega-church pastor who found himself in a bizarre situation in Las Vegas. Arrested by police in a motel room, the pastor was caught with firearms and fentanyl, a powerful opioid, claiming his mission was to save his estranged daughter from the city’s underground tunnels, which house homeless communities. Despite his outlandish claims, the situation was steeped in personal turmoil rather than divine intervention. His downward spiral over the past few years included the loss of his church, controversial online behavior, and erratic actions that concerned many but were ignored by his followers. Instead of stepping in to help, his supporters encouraged his increasingly unstable behavior, leading to this troubling outcome.The pastor's motivations were unclear—he called the police h

'I lied.' A teacher describes protecting her students during Apalachee HS shootingNPR , By Emma Bowman, on September 7, 2024https://www.npr.org/2024/09/07/nx-s1-5104200/georgia-apalachee-high-school-shooting The tragic event at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, marked the 39th school shooting of the year. The story highlights the actions of a Spanish teacher, Jennifer Carter, who managed to protect her students during the shooting. In her account, she credits her training, faith, and the use of bulky furniture for keeping her class safe. However, the grim backdrop of Georgia's underwhelming gun law rankings and low teacher salaries contrasts sharply with the heroism displayed that day. Georgia ranks 46th in the nation for gun law strength, a glaring indication of the state's lack of meaningful legislative action to curb gun violence.Jennifer Carter's emotional recount of the incident, where she admits to lying to her students to keep them calm by telling them it was just a drill, sparked various react