The Non-prophets

An American Church Thrived in Nicaragua. Then Its Pastors Went to Prison.The New York Times, By Frances Robles, on Sept. 5, 2024https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/us/american-pastors-nicaragua-money-laundering.html Nicaragua has increasingly slipped towards authoritarian rule under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who have maintained control over the government for decades. Their regime has taken a firm stance against organizations that challenge their authority, particularly religious and nonprofit groups. Recently, the government revoked the tax-exempt status of nonprofits, including churches, under the guise of combating money laundering. This led to a wave of arrests and the prosecution of numerous religious leaders and organizations, among them the Hancock family and their Mountain Gateway Church.Mountain Gateway Church, an evangelical institution run by the Hancocks from Texas, was operating across multiple rural towns in Nicaragua. The church’s business dealings, which included ru

Joel Webbon Insists It’s Not Racist To Prefer A White Doctor Over A Black DoctorAngry White Men, By , on August 23, 2024https://angrywhitemen.org/2024/08/23/joel-webbon-insists-its-not-racist-to-prefer-a-white-doctor-over-a-black-doctor/ The idea that race could be a determining factor for medical competency is both misleading and absurd. The suggestion that doctors of color might be given a "special pass" through diversity initiatives ignores the years of rigorous education, exams, and clinical training they must undergo, just like their white peers. This misguided belief perpetuates the notion that minority professionals are inherently less capable, as if their qualifications are somehow diluted by their race. The flawed logic goes further by implying that choosing a doctor based on skin color is more rational than selecting one based on actual medical credentials and expertise. This reductive thinking undermines the integrity of affirmative action, which aims to level the playing field, not lower the bar.M

Tennessee family's lawsuit says video long kept from them shows police force, not drugs, killed sonhttps://apnews.com/article/lethal-restraint-police-tennessee-austin-hunter-turner-ca8b91c2f3dc9584094c6fc835d49deb AP News, By jeff Martin, on August 16, 2024Why did more than 1,000 people die after police subdued them with force that isn't meant to kill?AP News by john Seewer on March 28, 2024A recent investigation led by the Associated Press, the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland, Arizona State University, and Frontline PBS has uncovered that over a thousand individuals have died in encounters with police involving non-lethal force. This extensive report highlights systemic issues within law enforcement, including inadequate training, insufficient data transparency, and the pervasive "blue wall of silence" that obstructs accountability. The investigation reveals a troubling pattern where the use of force, even when deemed non-lethal, often leads to fatal outcomes, emphasi

Stand to Reason, By Greg Koukl, on August 1, 2024https://www.str.org/w/it-s-time-to-forget-faith-In this discussion, Greg Koukl proposes a redefinition of "faith" to better align with rational and evidence-based thinking. Koukl suggests that faith should be understood as "confident convictions based on good reasons" rather than as mere belief without evidence. His goal is to reshape the perception of faith, framing it as a position supported by logical and rational foundations. This redefinition aims to counter the common criticism that faith is irrational or unsupported by evidence.The panel’s reactions to Koukl’s argument reflect a range of perspectives. Damian criticizes Koukl’s approach by arguing that renaming faith does not address the underlying issue of evidence. He suggests that believers often shift the conversation away from substantial evidence to unrelated topics, such as evolutionary theory or cosmology, to avoid engaging with the core issue of evidence supporting their beliefs.Aaron adds to the

El Paso mom won’t get damages for unexpected pregnancy after believing her tubes were tiedKERA News, By Toluwani Osibamowo, on May 10, 2024https://www.keranews.org/health-wellness/2024-05-10/el-paso-mother-medical-negligence-texas-supreme-courtTexas GOP Wants a Horrifying Punishment for Abortion, IVF PatientsThe New Republic by Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling on April 1, 2024The discussion today highlights two major issues in Texas regarding women's health. The first story is about Gel Vasco, a woman who was unaware her tubes had not been tied despite paying for the procedure. She was refused compensation for her unexpected pregnancy, receiving only a $400 refund. The second story stems from a leaked meeting with the organization Abolish Abortion Texas, where the group’s director, Paul Brown, outlined plans to classify abortion and the destruction of IVF embryos as murder, potentially punishable by the death penalty. This signals a return to more regressive views on women's health, akin to laws from the 1800s. Thes

Are Republicans losing the culture wars?Politico, By Juan Perez Jr, on 2024-08-24https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/24/republicans-culture-war-races-00176166In a recent discussion about the culture wars and their impact on the Republican Party, several key points emerged. The conversation, which took place on August 24, 2024, highlights how conservatives might be losing ground in the culture wars, particularly in education. The focus has shifted from policy to cultural issues, with an increasing emphasis on topics like book bans and "woke" ideology. This shift is seen as a strategic move to rally base support by engaging emotions rather than addressing substantive policy issues.The conversation criticized the Republican Party's reliance on culture wars as a distraction from unpopular or nonexistent policies. Instead of focusing on essential needs such as educational funding and teacher retention, the party has prioritized divisive issues that generate emotional responses. This approach is criticized for be

If Amendment 2 passes, Kentucky would waste taxpayer dollars on religious schoolsThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on 2024-08-28https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/if-amendment-2-passes-kentucky-would The proposal to amend Kentucky's constitution seeks to introduce a voucher system, allowing public funds to support private, predominantly religious schools. Critics highlight several concerns, noting that diverting up to $1.19 billion annually from public schools—particularly in rural areas—could cripple already underfunded districts. These regions often rely heavily on state funds due to low local tax revenues, making them especially vulnerable. The amendment is portrayed as a workaround to existing legal barriers that prevent public money from funding religious education. Opponents, including Governor Andy Beshear, argue that this could lead to worse educational outcomes and further entrench inequality.The broader implications of this policy are stark. Voucher systems have been repeatedly shown to have no

Ryan Walters confirms new student test results are ‘very different’Oklahoman, By Nuria Martinez-Keel, on 2024-08-23https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/08/23/ryan-walters-oklahoma-osde-student-test-score-changes/74917784007/ Proposed education rules' real purpose is to shut down Oklahoma schools, create chaosOklahoman, By Rep. Melissa Provenzano, on 2024-06-11https://www.oklahoman.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/06/11/education-rules-could-harm-local-economies-should-not-be-approved/74052241007/Oklahoma Board of Education approves slate of new, amended rules at February meetingKOSU, By Https://www.kosu.org/people/beth Wallis, on February 23, 2024https://www.kosu.org/education/2024-02-23/oklahoma-board-of-education-approves-slate-of-new-amended-rules-at-february-meetingKOSU by Beth Wallishttps://sde.ok.gov/sites/default/files/Rule%20Text%20210.25-1-2.pdfOSED rules section 210Ryan Walters, the superintendent of schools in Oklahoma, has recently been at the center of controversy due to his manipulation of th

Gateway Church exodus: Another leader out at Texas megachurch over 'moral issue'USA TODAY, By Jonathan Limehouse, on 2024-08-22https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/22/gateway-church-kemtal-glasgow/74909722007/ The situation surrounding the moral failings at one of Texas's largest megachurches, Gateway Church, has recently come to light, leading to the forced resignation of four leaders, including the executive pastor, Kemntal Glasgow.This revelation extends to the church’s former Senior Pastor Robert Morris, who admitted to having had an inappropriate relationship with a 12-year-old girl when he was 21. The church's handling of these matters, including Morris’ resignation and the dismissal of other leaders, raises serious concerns about the church’s culture of secrecy and its apparent prioritization of protecting its leadership over safeguarding its most vulnerable members. The pattern of leadership failures at Gateway Church is not isolated but reflective of a broader, troubling trend within re

10 Things Scientists Can't Explain and Attribute to GodSavvy Dime, By James Dorman, on August 19, 2024https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/10-things-scientists-can-t-explain-and-attribute-to-godThe discussion dives into a critique of a misleading article that claims science cannot explain various mysteries, thus attributing them to divine intervention. The article, referred to as more of a "PowerPoint presentation" than an insightful piece, lists ten things the author believes scientists can't explain, but the hosts quickly dismantle these claims with both humor and scientific reasoning. One of the most striking examples is the claim that the origin of the universe cannot be explained by science, suggesting that this gap in understanding is proof of divine creation. The hosts point out that while science may not have all the answers yet, particularly regarding what happened before the Big Bang, it has made substantial progress in understanding the universe's evolution from the moment after the inflation

After the end of Roe, a new beginning for maternity homesAP News , By TIffany Stanley, on August 2, 2024https://apnews.com/article/abortion-maternity-homes-catholic-evangelical-roe-f455da4fd46c195246df43bc6dd16a67 The discussion delves into the resurgence of maternity homes across the United States, particularly following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. These institutions, primarily run by Catholic and Evangelical groups, present themselves as shelters for pregnant women in need. However, they often serve as instruments of religious indoctrination, subtly or overtly pressuring vulnerable women to conform to strict religious doctrines during a crucial period in their lives. As state-level abortion restrictions intensify, these maternity homes have transformed into battlegrounds where ideological warfare takes precedence over genuine care, further entrenching the divisive cultural and political conflicts surrounding reproductive rights. The conversation raises concerns about the motivations behind these homes, com

New College of Florida tosses hundreds of library books, empties gender diversity librarySarasota Herald-Tribune, By Steven Walker, on August 15, 2024https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2024/08/15/new-college-of-florida-throws-away-hundreds-of-library-books-diversity-lgbtq/74814756007/The discussion brings to light the alarming issue of book disposal in schools as part of a broader agenda to promote Christian nationalism. In particular, attention is drawn to the growing trend of removing books from school libraries that are deemed inconsistent with conservative Christian values. This practice is often justified under the guise of protecting students from inappropriate content, but it raises significant concerns about censorship and the erosion of intellectual freedom in educational settings. The conversation explores the implications of these actions, particularly how they contribute to a narrowing of perspectives available to students. By disposing of books that offer diverse viewpoints or cha

Christian pastors were told to start private schools since taxpayers would foot the billThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on August 16, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/christian-pastors-were-told-to-startIn Florida, the expansion of religious school vouchers has raised significant concerns about the state's education budget and the role of public funding in supporting private religious institutions. This issue has been exacerbated by organizations like the Remnant Alliance, which actively encourages churches to start their own schools, funded largely by government vouchers intended for students attending these schools. This practice has strained the education budget, diverting substantial funds away from public schools where the majority of students are enrolled. One example highlighted is High Point Church in Lake Wales, Florida, which has significantly benefited from this voucher system, receiving nearly $7,900 per student from the state. The church's enrollment has grown rapidly, showcasing a cl

What does the winged victory of Samothrace represent? Internet debunks 'headless angel' at the Olympics claimSportskeeda, By Karishma Rao, on August 12, 2024https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/news-what-winged-victory-samothrace-represent-headless-angel-olympics-claim-debunked The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.34.4 featuring Cynthia, Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Rob (Robert Croy) and Phoebe RoseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Ignoring racism won’t fix racism: A response to Robyn Blumner's misguided essayThe Friendly Atheist, By Bakari Chavanu and Hemant Mehta, on Aug 13, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/ignoring-racism-wont-fix-racism-aBakari Shabanu, a Black atheist humanist, critiques Robert Blumer's editorial on secular humanism and the notion of a colorblind society. Blumer argues for a society that overlooks race, believing that focusing on race perpetuates division and reverse racism. However, Shabanu contends that this approach disregards the realities of systemic racism and the historical context of Black empowerment movements. He argues that dismissing race as a crucial factor undermines efforts to address racial injustice, especially given the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. Shabanu’s criticism highlights the importance of acknowledging race in the fight against inequality, rather than adopting a colorblind ideology that can inadvertently support the status quo.The discussion further delves into

Woman recalls alleged sexual abuse at age 3 in Michigan church, lawsuit saysNBC News, By Erik Ortiz, on August 13, 2024https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/woman-recalls-alleged-sexual-abuse-age-3-michigan-church-lawsuit-says-rcna165569 The discussion unfolds around the heartbreaking tale of a woman who recalls experiencing sexual abuse at the age of three, memories she later recovered during therapy at 21. The narrative is steeped in the familiar pattern of church-related sex scandals, highlighting the disturbing prevalence of such cases within religious institutions. The speaker's visceral reaction to hearing yet another instance of abuse from a church that has a long history of such scandals underscores the deep-seated frustration and disgust that many feel towards institutions that, while condemning the actions of others, repeatedly cover up their own transgressions.The conversation then shifts to the complexities surrounding the reliability of recovered memories. It is noted that therapy, particularly wh

Richard Dawkins lied about the Algerian boxer, then lied about Facebook censoring himThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Aug 11, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/richard-dawkins-lied-about-the-algerianRichard Dawkins, known for his influential writings on atheism and evolution, recently sparked controversy with comments on Twitter regarding transgender athletes in the Olympics. Dawkins claimed that two women competing in boxing at the Olympics were "men masquerading as women," implying they were not eligible to compete against "real women." This assertion was swiftly debunked as false, as one of the athletes, Iman Khif from Algeria, is not transgender but a cisgender woman who has identified as such throughout her career.Dawkins further exacerbated the situation by incorrectly alleging that Facebook had deleted his page in response to his comments on Twitter, which he later retracted after clarifying that his page had been temporarily suspended due to security concerns unrelated to his posts. This

How US Public Schools Became a New Religious BattlegroundUS News/Reuthers, By Liya Cui and Joseph Ax, on Aug. 7, 2024https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2024-08-07/how-us-public-schools-became-a-new-religious-battleground In a discussion centering on the tension between religion and public education in the United States, the core theme highlights the rise of Christian nationalism and its implications for American identity. Proponents of Christian nationalism assert that to be American is to inherently be Christian, a claim often bolstered by a misinterpretation of the intentions of the nation's founders. Historical evidence suggests the founders sought a secular state with a democratic foundation that allowed individuals the freedom to practice any religion or none at all. They envisioned a country based on self-determination and the separation of church and state, a principle that is currently being challenged in places like Louisiana and Oklahoma.In Louisiana, new school policies mandate that the

Inside Robby Starbuck's anti-DEI war on Tractor Supply, John Deere and Harley-DavidsonUS Today, by Jessica Guynn, on Aug. 2, 2024https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/08/02/robby-starbuck-harley-davidson-john-deere-dei/74608637007/The discussion delves into the recent activism of a conservative figure who has initiated a boycott against Harley-Davidson due to their support for LGBTQ+ initiatives and other so-called "woke" causes. This individual has previously targeted companies like Tractor Supply and John Deere for similar reasons, claiming his goal is to eliminate politics from corporate America. His efforts have gained some support among conservative circles but have also been met with criticism for being divisive and potentially harmful to societal progress. The narrative reveals a pattern of voices striving for change, where the loudest, not necessarily the fairest or most just, tends to dominate the conversation. There is a concern about the lack of counter voices promoting diversity and equality,

Anti-trans Texas pastor arrested after paying undercover cop for sexThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Aug 05, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/anti-trans-texas-pastor-arrestedThe recent discussion sheds light on the issue of hypocrisy within religious leadership, exemplified by the arrest of a senior pastor in Plano, Texas, for soliciting a prostitute. This incident, referred to as a moral failure by the church, sparks a broader conversation about what constitutes morality and the frequent dissonance between public preaching and private actions among religious figures. The dialogue delves into the inherent hypocrisy of condemning behaviors that leaders themselves secretly engage in, highlighting a pervasive problem within various societal institutions.The conversation points to a deeper problem of hypocrisy among leaders in politics, religion, and other organizations. Despite publicly denouncing certain behaviors, these individuals often privately engage in them without being held accountable. Th