TheThinkingAtheist

Fred Phelps, reviled (and excommunicated) pastor of Westboro Baptist Church, built his life upon a foundation of hatred: the protests of military funerals, the condemnation of homosexuals, professed gratitude to God for terrorist attacks, and much more. Recent news reports of Fred Phelps' death have again brought his name and face to worldwide attention, prompted by a public statement from his own son, Nathan, who escaped Wesboro and has become a champion of human rights in the face of his father's hatred. In this podcast, we talk to Nathen Phelps.  About his father.  About his father's death.  About the celebratory public response.  About the Westboro legacy.  And about the often conflicted feelings of a father's son at a time when he is denied access, or should he choose it, the opportunity to say "goodbye." Join us for a compelling discussion.      

CAMP QUEST DONATION LINK:  http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/2014-cqok-fundraising-drive/145726 It's the most popular religion on earth.  But are its claims easily refuted, dismantled and debunked?   In this episode, we talk to John W. Loftus, a former minister and Christian educator.  A prolific speaker, author and blogger, Loftus speaks about his own journey out of faith and what he feels are effective ways to debunk Christianity. BLOG: Debunking Christianity: http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com BOOKS "Why I Became an Atheist: a Former Preacher Rejects Christianity" http://www.amazon.com/Why-Became-Atheist-Preacher-Christianity/dp/1616145773/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394131968&sr=1-2 "The End of Christianity" http://www.amazon.com/End-Christianity-John-W-Loftus/dp/1616144130/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394131968&sr=1-3  

Podcast sponsored by http://ComputerLearningZone.net In the 70s, 80s and early 90s, a phenomenon known today as The Satanic Panic swept the United States, as the evangelical Christian community charged that a vast underground network of Satanists were controlling large parts of society.   Believers were warned about products subsidized by Satan, including over-the-counter items like detergent and toothpaste, and there was a huge focus on toys, games and cartoons infected with demons.   In this show, we talk about the Satanic Panic of the past, and we look at modern-day charges of Satanic media, products and influences in our culture. GERALDO TELEVISION SPECIAL:  http://youtu.be/uMSf4CAEVLU TURMOIL IN THE TOYBOX:  http://youtu.be/3jrMoVWl5KA TURMOIL CLIPS (EDITED): http://io9.com/seven-insane-minutes-of-people-explaining-how-80s-toys-1456419789 PODCAST on "The Church of Satan" http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2012/10/16/the-church-of-satan    

Is atheism a replacement for religion?  Or is atheism simply another religion? As non-theists and freethought groups organize, gather and even sometimes attend things like the "Sunday assembly," the charge is often heard that the godless are acting religious, that their adherence to science is "faith," and that their gatherings are just anothe form of church. In this show, we explore the question.  And we hear from David Silverman, President of one of the largest atheist (religious???) organizations in the world.

Leaving any faith can be difficult...even traumatic.  In some faiths and in some cultures, it can be dangerous. This show features the voices and stories of several ex-Muslims.  We attempt to gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslim traditions, the reasons for their apostasy, and the potential consequences. Join us for a fascinating look at the life of an ex-Muslim. Imad Iddine Habib:  https://www.facebook.com/ZokTooR BenBaz Aziz:  https://www.facebook.com/benbaz.aziz Rabab “Ruby” Khaja:  http://archive.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=30434 Muhammad Syed - Ex-Muslims of North America www.exmna.org Global Secular Humanist Movement:  https://www.facebook.com/GSHMP Report-  Political and Legal Status of Apostates in Islam: http://ex-muslim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Apostasy_Report_Web1.pdf

Romans 8:28 declares, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Luke 12 says that the very hairs on our heads are numbered, and that even the sparrows are not forgotten by God.  To the believer, God says "Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." But are the faithful truly insulated from calamity, pain and death? In this podcast, we take a rational look at Divine Protection. Your calls and emails:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

Sponsored by Audible.  Get a free audiobook and 30-day trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/thethinkingatheist Is evolution a theory or fact?  Or both?  Is evolution "true?" Dr. Jerry Coyne has a Ph.D in evolutionary biology from Harvard, and he serves as professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago.  He is a member of both the Committee on Genetics and the Committee of Evolutionary Biology, and he is author of the books: "Speciation"  http://www.amazon.com/Speciation-Jerry-A-Coyne/dp/0878930892" and "Why Evolution is True"  http://www.amazon.com/Why-Evolution-True-Jerry-Coyne/dp/0143116649/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391013997&sr=1-1&keywords=why+evolution+is+true   Podcast on Secular Parenting:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/07/23/secular-parenting-with-dale-mcgowan Matt Dillahunty and Ray Comfort debate:  http://salem-kkmsam.media.streamtheworld.com/audio/on_the_way_102596481.mp3

As The Thinking Atheist radio podcast originates in the United States (and because its host often speaks to his former faith, Christianity), the show often focuses on American culture, American politics, and American issues regarding religion and atheism. This week, we travel beyond the borders of the 50 states to explore Atheism Around the World.  

Does religion cheat people out of contentment and comfort with their views, their self-worth, their sexuality, etc? Dr. Darrel Ray is author of the book, "The God Virus: How Religion Affects Our Lives and Culture," and "Sex & God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality." In his writings and presentations, Darrel reveals the subtle (and not so subtle) ways that religion uses shame as a weapon against those who might dare to fall outside its narrow boundaries.   Join us for a fascinating look at Religion & Shame.  

On February 4th, 2014, Bill Nye ("The Science Guy") has agreed to debate Ken Ham, president of Answers In Genesis and The Creation Museum.  The debate will take place on Ham's home turf, at The Creation Museum, and the 800 available tickets sold out almost immediately. This event raises the larger question:  Should scientists agree to these types of debates? Some (like Richard Dawkins) say "no," as it would be akin to an obstetrician debating a proponent of the "stork theory" of reproduction.  Others insist that the debate is not only appropriate, but necessary. Joining us in this discussion are Matt Dillahunty, Dr. Richard Carrier, Greta Christina, David Silverman, Ed Hensley and AronRa.   Articles: RDFRS:  Why Bill Nye Shouldn't Debate Ken Ham http://www.richarddawkins.net/foundation_articles/2014/1/16/why-bill-nye-shouldn-t-debate-ken-ham AHA:  WHY THE BILL NYE-KEN HAM DEBATE IS A GOOD THING http://americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2014-01-why-the-bill-nye-ken-ham-debate-is-a-good-thing AHA:  BILL NYE SHARING THE STAGE WITH KEN HAM IS A MISTAKE http://americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2014-01-bill-nye-sharing-the-stage-with-ken-ham-is-a-mistake  

Sponsored by Audible.com.  Get your free audio book and a 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/thethinkingatheist Steve Wells spent years researching the Bible (as well as the Qur'an and the Book of Mormon) to produce a website and hardcover book called "The Skeptic's Annotated Bible." In this episode, we talk with Steve about his history, his research, and the sides of scripture that most haven't heard in Sunday morning sermons. Steve's book "Drunk With Blood:  God's Killings in the Bible:  http://www.amazon.com/Drunk-Blood-Gods-Killings-Bible/dp/0988245116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389754059&sr=8-1&keywords=drunk+with+blood DEVIL BABY VIDEO:  http://youtu.be/PUKMUZ4tlJg

Kindness, gentleness, empathy, compassion, love, goodness, morality.  These attributes are often called the property of religion, and beautiful acts of kindness between people actually reflect a moral code given to humanity by the Great Eye in the Sky. Of course, this is nonsense. We've covered the subject of "Morality" in a previous episode (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/04/09/morality).  But the source and nature of morality isn't what tonight's particular show is about. Tonight is merely a chance to share stories about helping others, with each example providing encouragement and a reminder that even the smallest gestures can transform someone's world. These gestures didn't come about because we were directed to by a "voice" or ancient holy book (in fact, we're glad our morality isn't derived from the bible, Qur'an, etc).  They happened because we sought to provide a human solution to a human problem, and in doing so, we felt the satisfaction and joy of knowing we made a difference. Tell us about your random act of kindness (and the reaction that followed).  Email: podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

In his 2007 book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," the late Christopher Hitchens asserted, without apology, that there is nothing that has been or can be improved by religion.  In fact, religion is a toxin which damages or destroys everything it touches. Is this assertion accurate and fair?  Is there nothing positive that religion has brought to humanity? We discuss the issue.  Your calls and emails (send to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com)  

In this end-of-year episode, we look back at religion, politics, science and pop culture to talk about the highlights (and lowlights): The Best And Worst of 2013. We'll look at the breakthroughs of science, the good work of humanitarians, the celebrities and public figures who helped the cause of secularism, and the facepalm-worthy words and actions of religion in this crazy world.  (Yes, Sarah Palin is on the list.) If you have a person or story you'd like to nominate, send your email (and the reasons for your pick) to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

Professor Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Foundation Professor of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, director of its Origins Project, bestselling author, and he shares the screen with Richard Dawkins in the new documentary, "The Unbelievers." Krauss' most recent book is called, "A Universe From Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing."  In this podcast, Dr. Krauss joins Seth Andrews for a discussion about science, religion, apologists, and a universe from nothing. Opening speech at Brisbane event, "Has Science Buried God?":  http://youtu.be/-b8t70_c8eE?t=24m