The Non-prophets

This segment unearths the deeply disturbing legacy of a prominent Christian leader whose authoritarian parenting advice and regressive family models directly fueled modern Christian nationalism. From advocating physical child discipline to igniting the Satanic Panic, his teachings exemplify how religious authority can morph into widespread societal harm. We scrutinize whether religion, as a perceived "tool," can truly be beneficial when its applications enable such demonstrable abuse. The discussion tackles the difficult ethical questions of confronting harmful legacies without simply dismissing critiques as anti-religious bias, and navigating reactions to the passing of influential yet destructive figures. It’s a stark reminder of how spiritual strongmen, often claiming to "save the children," can inflict generational trauma by weaponizing faith to control minds, families, and ultimately, entire nations.News Source: The Dark Legacy Of James Dobson: A Reflection On Influence By Henry Karlson for SmartNews Aug

This week, we unpack a truly divine scam where self-proclaimed holy rollers stand accused of running a $50M forced labor ring, complete with luxury cars and coerced "donations." It’s another classic tale of religious leaders enriching themselves while their flock endures psychological abuse, starvation, and threats of eternal damnation—because nothing says "love thy neighbor" like a Bentley and a BITE model. We dissect how easily faith can be twisted into a tool for control, exposing the thin veil between spiritual guidance and outright cult behavior. This segment peels back the layers of hypocrisy, reminding us that sometimes, the holiest places harbor the most unholy acts. When religion becomes a weapon for exploitation, who needs actual devils?News Source: FBI raid in Houston tied to $50M forced labor case against religious leaders By Jaime E. Galvan, Deevon Rahming, and Orko Manna for KHOU 11 August 27th 2025 

A small Illinois town took on the Proud Boys after a blatant recruitment billboard appeared near a high school. This segment dissects the audacity of extremist groups feeling emboldened enough to openly recruit and the critical importance of local communities pushing back against hate and fascism. It highlights how hate groups exploit societal anxieties and strategically infiltrate local politics, raising questions about corporate responsibility in platforming such dangerous ideologies. This local victory proves that grassroots efforts can, and must, challenge the normalization of bigotry eroding our society.News Source: Community Outcry Forces Proud Boys Billboard Removal in Illinois By Hunter Basler and Holden Ker Wiki for Katie Askey, local news August 19th, 2025 

Oklahoma's school superintendent is weaponizing education, forcing a political loyalty test from Prager U on incoming teachers from "blue" states. This isn't just about vetting educators; it’s a blatant attempt to indoctrinate students with right-wing propaganda, rewrite history with claims like "slavery was better than death", and sideline critical thinking. This move undermines academic freedom, exacerbates severe teacher shortages, and sets a dangerous precedent for ideologically driven schooling, turning classrooms into battlegrounds for conservative narratives rather than places of genuine learning.News Source: Oklahoma to test teachers from New York, California for radical leftist ideologyBy Chris Williams for FOX 26 Houston August 19, 2025

A new "Catholic investing scorecard" promises to help the devout align their portfolios with church teachings by dodging investments in anything supporting abortion, pornography, or LGBTQ+ rights. While some applaud this "faith-based stewardship," others—including us heathens—see it as a transparent, hypocritical weaponization of finance in the ongoing culture wars. A financial advisor, who evidently didn't use divine intervention to amass his own wealth, is now offering a tool based on "faith not seen" rather than evidence, potentially leading to exclusion and bad investments. We’re just wondering if the Vatican is secretly funding the White Sox now. Talk about a holy roller…

Harvard physicist Avi Loeb *probes* the possibility that a fast-moving interstellar object, 31 Atlas, might be an alien probe, not just a comet. While other scientists remain skeptical, citing ordinary physics, Loeb urges world leaders to prepare for extraterrestrial contact. This episode dives into the fine line between scientific speculation and sensationalism, questioning humanity's readiness for "close encounters" and whether we're jumping to "alien to the gaps" conclusions. It’s a hilarious look at how even serious scientists can trigger an X-Files episode, highlighting the need for skepticism when wild theories eclipse peer review, and reminding us that perhaps aliens are just smart enough to leave us alone.News Source:Scientist challenges world leaders over mystery comet he fears could be alien probe but time is running outBy Alex Oliveira for New York PostAugust 10, 2025

This episode dives into the alarming rhetoric of Christian nationalist Pastor Doug Wilson, whose vision for a "Christian nation" would drag us back to the 14th century, stripping women of their rights and redefining democracy to serve male supremacy. We explore how figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amplify such dangerous ideology, showcasing how easily theology is weaponized into public policy. It's a chilling reminder of how "slow, patient, radical movements" threaten our secular society, twisting language and facts to push a regressive agenda. We unpack the hypocrisy and the urgent need for critical thinking against this creeping theocracy.News Source:The Christian nationalist pastor with ties to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth CNN PoliticsBy Pamela Brown, Shoshana Dubnow for CNNAugust 8, 2025

Pastor Jack Hibbs is having a moral meltdown over California Bill AB 495, hysterically claiming it endangers "Christian children." This bill simply expands who can make emergency medical decisions or pick up kids from school when parents are unreachable, requiring pre-filed authorization from trusted adults. It's a pragmatic solution for modern families, ensuring children get timely care, especially in emergencies where parents might be unavailable. Yet, this Christian nationalist preacher wildly misrepresents the bill as a "boogeyman" that will snatch kids, all to drum up animosity against a liberal government and push his regressive agenda. It's classic fear-mongering, weaponizing parental anxieties to undermine public policy and promote private education, showcasing a blatant disregard for truth from a self-proclaimed moral leader. This episode exposes the hypocrisy and religious overreach behind such blatant distortions of fact, highlighting how such leaders misrepresent facts to advance their agenda.News

The U.S. capital is disgracefully reinstalling a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike, infamous for alleged KKK ties, opposing racial integration, and supporting the expulsion of freed slaves. This decision, after the statue was toppled by George Floyd protesters, isn't about preserving history, but a blatant symbol of bigotry and hatred that activates deep-seated trauma for many. It's a "sermon in stone" demonstrating a disturbing commitment to "owning the libs" and perpetuating white supremacy over fostering genuine inclusivity. This move further exposes how historical figures are wielded to fuel cultural bias, prioritizing fear and prejudice over a truthful, inclusive understanding of our past and honoring a failed traitor.News Source:Statue Of Confederate General With Ku Klux Klan Ties To Be Reinstalled In Washington, D.C.By Mitti Hicks for Black Enterprise\August 5, 2025

The self-proclaimed faithful are pearl-clutching over a Black, queer woman playing Jesus in a new artistic production, branding it "demonic" and "blasphemous." This manufactured outrage, disguised as religious conviction, exposes **fragile worldviews and deep-seated misogyny and racism** within the Christian right. They confuse artistic reinterpretation with an attack on their faith, conveniently ignoring that art's purpose is to challenge preconceived notions. It's yet another predictable display of **hypocrisy and selective victimhood**, proving that bigotry finds a way to surface even when the supposed "threat" is a fictional character portrayed by a talented actress. Their fear of inclusivity only amplifies the message: art thrives by questioning tradition, not by conforming to narrow, prejudiced definitions.News Source:Cynthia Erivo's 'demonic' portrayal of Jesus prompts outrage 'Intentional blasphemy'By Jon Brown for Christian PostAugust 4, 2025

The World Darts Federation has struck out with a new policy, banning trans women from competing in women's darts. This move, exemplified by the ban on rising star Dasha Dolan Van Leuven, isn't about fair play; it's a blatant display of prejudice disguised as policy. Despite darts being a game of precision and skill, not brute physical strength, the federation's decision smacks of scientific denial and an insidious blend of transphobia and misogyny. It's yet another disheartening instance where fear and cultural bias override logic and inclusivity, reminiscent of 'separate but equal' policies. Thankfully, Dasha is refusing to quit, continuing to compete and highlighting how easily bigotry can infiltrate any arena, no matter how absurd the justification.News Source:Trans darts player vows not to let new anti-trans ban ruin her love of the sportBy John Russell for LGBTQ NationJuly 30, 2025

A terrifying Christian movement, the Seven Mountains Mandate, aims to dominate every facet of society—religion, family, education, government, media, arts, and business. This blatant attempt at societal takeover, supported by nearly half of evangelicals, mirrors the very authoritarianism they claim to despise in other ideologies. It's a calculated, insidious push for Christian nationalism, leveraging media control and targeting vulnerable youth to build an ideological "army," proving that power, not piety, is the true goal. This is what fascism looks like.News Source:The Seven Mountains Mandate Is Not A Hill You Want To Die OnBy Stuart Delony for Snarky FaithAugust 6, 2025

The U.S. is literally burning millions in desperately needed contraceptives, wasting taxpayer money to destroy perfectly usable family planning products that prevent pregnancies and save countless lives in crisis zones. This utterly absurd act, costing an extra $167,000, is driven by ideological ignorance and a disturbing anti-women agenda. It isn't about science, health, or even fiscal responsibility; it's a cruel display of hypocrisy and religious overreach, exporting harmful Christian nationalist dogma to vulnerable populations in the name of a "pro-life" stance that ignores real-world consequences. Welcome to another masterclass in public policy absurdity and scientific denial.News Source: The U.S. is destroying 9.7 million in contraceptives. Is there another option?By Rachel Treisman for NPRJuly 28, 2025

A new memo from the Office of Personnel Management claims to protect religious expression in the federal workplace, but it explicitly permits proselytizing, allowing federal employees to attempt to convert coworkers. While it insists these efforts "must not be harassing," the practical reality of defining and reporting harassment—especially when your boss is involved—is a bureaucratic nightmare. This performative stance suggests a solution to a non-existent problem, as religious speech was already permitted. The memo's real aim appears to be to champion specific religious overreach, carving out special protections for "religious beliefs" while conveniently ignoring other deeply held "social, political, or economic philosophies." It's a transparent, and frankly, unnecessary move for a progressive, secular audience.News Source:New memo lets government workers push Christianity on colleagues even if they're the bossBy Hemant Mehta for The Friendly AtheistJuly 28, 2025

In a powerful victory against colonial injustice, the Rappahannock tribe has finally reclaimed ancestral land after 400 years of displacement. This vital step in the 'land back' movement highlights the crucial need for **undoing historical harms** and restoring indigenous sovereignty, respecting deep cultural and spiritual ties. While a much-needed win, it starkly reminds us that true justice extends beyond symbolic gestures, demanding **dismantling systemic oppression** and advocating for **genuine reparations**. The fight continues to educate, challenge biases, and ensure **environmental stewardship** through indigenous wisdom, proving real progress demands sustained commitment to equity and collective well-being.News Source:Native American tribe gets back sacred land displaced nearly 400 yearsBy Jemal Countess for Scoop.UpworthyJuly 20, 2025

The United States, once a global leader in scientific innovation, is facing a politically driven dismantling of its research infrastructure. Federal support for crucial areas like climate change and public health is being slashed, scientists are fired, and grants canceled. This isn't just a war on science; it’s a direct assault on truth, reason, and public well-being. This deliberate defunding and silencing of scientific voices for ideological reasons represents a slow-motion collapse of American scientific leadership. When dogma dictates discovery, and facts are suppressed to preserve comfort, it's clear who truly suffers: the public, left vulnerable and manipulated by a system that prioritizes control over collective knowledge and progress. It's a shocking betrayal of public trust.News Source: The gutting of America's scientific research By Mel Gurtov for Z Network July 21, 2025 

In a stunning display of religious overreach and intellectual cowardice, Baylor University shamefully rejected a $643,000 research grant intended to study LGBTQ+ experiences in religious spaces. This isn't just about lost funding; it’s a clear message that appeasing conservative fundamentalists and their bigoted donors trumps academic freedom, scientific inquiry, and basic human dignity. The university’s fear of uncovering uncomfortable truths about its own marginalized students and faculty is a stark illustration of how dogma silences facts, prioritizing comfort over compassion. It’s a classic playbook move: preserving antiquated beliefs, even if it means actively harming the very people they claim to serve. A truly pathetic and hypocritical stance for an institution of 'higher learning'.News Source:Baylor University rejects 643,401 LGBTQ research grant after conservative backlashBy Hemant Mehta for The Friendly AtheistJuly 17, 2025

The land of the free? Not if you're trans. The U.S. is cementing itself as a hostile environment for transgender individuals and their families, with anti-trans policies driving some to flee the country. This isn't about protecting kids; it's about control, bigotry, and weaponizing pseudoscience for political gain, threatening fundamental human rights and democracy itself. While policymakers ignore actual science and real issues like equal pay or child starvation, humanists and secular advocates must fight for inclusion, truth, and dignity for all, especially those without the privilege to escape this dangerous erosion of liberty. It's an alarming attack on identity and autonomy.News Source: Families Say They're Leaving The US Due To The Anti-Transgender ClimateBy Jo Yurcaba for NBC NewsJune 1, 2025

A major Pride event just showed its true colors, gatekeeping an LGBTQ+ affirming atheist group. Recovering from Religion, a vital ally for those healing from religious trauma, was disinvited from St. John's Pride after initial approval—likely to appease religious groups. This baffling double standard, where a secular organization committed to dignity gets booted while commercial sponsors are welcome, smacks of hypocrisy. It raises troubling questions about who truly belongs at Pride and highlights a discomfort with non-religious voices, even when they advocate for core Pride values.News Source:LGBTQ affirming atheist group denied booth at St. John's Pride FestivalBy Hemant Mehta for The Friendly AtheistJuly 15, 2025

The IRS just dropped a bombshell, effectively kneecapping the Johnson Amendment and letting religious organizations openly politick from the pulpit without losing their tax-exempt status. Critics warn this could turn churches into tax-free PACs, funneling dark money into elections and further blurring the lines between church and state. While rarely enforced, this move exposes a glaring double standard, eroding fundamental principles of separation and allowing unchecked religious influence in politics. It’s a classic case of religious overreach, threatening the integrity of both institutions and democracy itself, all while secular organizations play by stricter rules. The implications for public policy and fair elections are concerning, as accountability vanishes.News Source:IRS Now Says Pastors Can Endorse Political CandidatesBy NPRJuly 8, 2025