The Thinking Atheist Podcast

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistChris Matheson was co-screenwriter on the 1989 comedy film, "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure."  Chris' most recent adventure is an exploration of the Christian holy book, rewriting the "sacred" texts and releasing his synopsis of scripture as the new book, "The Story of God: a Biblical Comedy about Love (and Hate).In this broadcast, Seth speaks with Chris about his sarcastic (yet accurate) take on the Bible, and he finishes the show by reading an excerpt from the book.  Enjoy.CHRIS' BOOK ON AMAZON:  http://www.amazon.com/Story-God-Biblical-Comedy-about/dp/1634310241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442329908&sr=8-1&keywords=the+story+of+god

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  audiblepodcast.com/thinkingatheistA listener on the TTA Facebook page recently asked Seth Andrews to respond to a "Letter to the Editor" posted in Seth's hometown paper, the Tulsa World.  Usually, as skeptics, we let these kinds of posts slide, because they often don't accomplish much and/or they generate more trouble that they're worth.But in this case, Seth responded, and this show chronicles the exchange, the fallout, and the curious tactics of the indignant commenters who couldn't prove the god they were defending.Yes...it's a rant.  (Gonna be one of those shows.)  Enjoy.Sam Harris: An Atheist Manifesto:  http://www.truthdig.com/dig/item/200512_an_atheist_manifesto

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistGretta Vosper has been an atheist for many years, and she preaches/teaches from the perspective of a Bible skeptic, a rationalist, a humanist, and a non-believer in a literal god.  Now, the United Church of Canada is considering her removal from church leadership because of her atheism.  In this broadcast, we talk with Gretta personally and ask: Why does an atheist minister belong in a church? 

Support our sponsor:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistPenn Jillette is half of the hugely popular duo, "Penn & Teller."  Over the decades, he's done appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Letterman, The Simpsons, The West Wing, Babylon 5, Fear Factor and a host of other shows.  Penn & Teller's Showtime series "Bullshit" ran for 8 seasons, and they're the feature show at Las Vegas' Rio casino.  Penn, like his on-stage partner, is a fearless critic of the Bible and claims of the supernatural.In advance of his appearance at Apostacon in Dallas on September 18, 2015, Penn Jillette joined Seth Andrews for a casual conversation about God, atheism, magic and much more.Penn & Teller website:  http://pennandteller.netPenn's Sunday School:  http://pennsundayschool.comApostacon:  http://www.apostacon.orghttp://www.apostacon.orgVIDEO of this interview:  https://youtu.be/2lbBtUcJ1y0

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (coupon code: thinkingatheist)Relating to Chaos Theory, the term "butterfly effect" relates to the tiniest of influences leading to large differences in deterministic nonlinear systems.  One incarnation of the saying suggests that one flap of a single butterfly's wings in Beijing might change the weather in New York.  (Perhaps you remember Jurassic Park's Ian Malcolm waxing about Chaos Theory in advance of the park's inevitable meltdown.)We're not spending much time on the hard science of Chaos Theory.  This show is more interested in the stories - the human stories - about the small intersections of life, the tiny changes, the unexpected encounters which changed the trajectory of people's lives.What was a moment or encounter which seemed inconsequential at the moment, but ultimately came to re-frame and re-define you?  Share your stories and perspective at podcast@thethinkingatheist.com

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistWhat is "transgender?"  How is sexual identity determined?  What are the challenges and opportunites facing those who don't fit into established cultural definitions of gender?  What is this all about?In this broadcast, we get an education and have some frank and positive discussion on the issue.  Joining us is Stephanie Guttormson of the Richard Dawkins Foundation and Thinking Stephtically, YouTube activist Zinnia Jones, Callie Wright of the Gaytheist Manifesto podcast, and activist Danielle Muscato...all transgender individuals.GoFundMe page for the 19-year-old ex-cult member:  http://www.gofundme.com/7c23etf3

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistWhat's on your mind?  Well...this is your chance to sound off.  Call the broadcast to speak with Seth Andrews, or send an email to podcast@thethinkingatheist.com 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThis show is dedicated to the more unusual, bizarre, weird, wild, and often jaw-droppingly offensive apologetics defenses of religious beliefs.  What's most surprising is that many making these claims aren't actually deviating very far from the edicts of their various religions and holy texts.  Steve Shives' YouTube page:  https://www.youtube.com/user/stevelikes2curseSteve and Stuffy Burn In Hell:  https://youtu.be/_wYzh7WGxCAGod of Evolution article: "Theory of Evolution Disproven by Video Posted on Facebook"  http://www.godofevolution.com/theory-of-evolution-disproven-by-video-posted-on-facebook/

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.evolvefish.comSHOP THE TTA STORE:  http://www.evolvefish.com/The-Thinking-Atheist-s/1840.htmWait.  Sex addiction is a myth?  This podcast features two major parts:1)  The June 20th, 2015 presentation by Dr. Darrel Ray at FreeOK on this very subject.  VIDEO HERE:  https://youtu.be/zzmQsjeqOyk2)  A follow-up radio conversation between Seth Andrews with Dr. Ray to explore some of these issues in more detail.Darrel is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Recovering From Religion. Dr. Ray has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: two on organizational teamwork as well as “The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture” and “Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality”.  He has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in psychology. He is also the director of the Recovering From Religion program called The Secular Therapy Project; a groundbreaking effort to anonymously match interested clients with therapists who adhere to evidence based, secular therapeutic practices in their mental health treatment approach.In short...we're talking about sex.  Get ready for an interesting (and frank) discussion. 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThree special guests join us for tonight's broadcast.  Joshua Roseneau is an evolutionary biologist and serves as Programs and Policy Director for the National Center for Science Education (NCSE).  Dr. Barbara Forrest is a professor of philosophy at Southeastern Louisiana University and author of "Creationism's Trojan Horse: the Wedge of Intelligent Design."  And Dr. Donald Prothero is a paleontologist, geologist, educator and author of over 30 books, including "Reality Check: How Science Deniers Threaten Our Future" and "Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why it Matters."Our panel discusses how Creationism's champions either distort or misuse "science" in an attempt to co-opt the public into believing Intelligent Design.  

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIn his June 20, 2015 speech at the Oklahoma Freethought Convention, Seth Andrews explored how easily we, as human beings, become infatuated with ideas over facts, often leading to incorrect and even damaging assumptions that keep us in the dark.What happens when we'd rather believe than know?  This presentation explores the question in a compelling and entertaining way.SPEECH VIDEO:  https://youtu.be/tZiYgZ3Hvag

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistBeat Magazine calls Shelley's voice an "enchanting, knowing croon...with brilliant pop melodies."  Raised in a traditional Jewish culture, Shelley Segal ultimately found herself an atheist with a new zest for life and a message of encouragement for others to do the same.  Her music can often be heard at freethought conventions, and her new album, "Strange Feeling" just released.Shelley Segal joins Seth Andrews for some conversation.  And...she's bringing her guitar.  Shelley Segal's website:  http://www.shelleysegal.comPatreon supporters can watch the video version of this broadcast.  Thanks for your support.  http://www.patreon.com/sethandrews 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (promo code: thinkingatheist)Today's show is, simply, a reading of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac.  However, author Ed Suominen has fleshed out the story in alarming detail...and he has added a bizarre twist to the tale.How do most people feel about Abraham's deed (or "almost deed")?  His faith?  His character?  And after they hear this version of the Old Testament account, will they feel any differently?No calls.  No headlines.  Nothing but the text, the storyteller, and a fresh journey into one of the Bible's most popular books.Ed Suominen's blog:  http://blog.edsuom.com

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThey're often known as PKs.  Preacher's kids.  Children of clergy who often grow up either embracing or condemning the often strict church cultures imposed upon them.  They've seen the "ministry" from behind closed doors, and their stories are enlightening.In this broadcast, we explore the life of a Preacher's Kid.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThis is a fun one.  Seth Andrews explores some religions borne or (or influenced by) iconic films.  In this episode, he interviews a representative of The Temple of the Jedi Order (Star Wars), and a Dudeist Priest from The Church of the Latter Day Dude (The Big Lebowski).These are likely not the churches you'd see on a neighborhood street corner, but they're out there, and we're going to take this opportunity to find out more.