The Thinking Atheist Podcast

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistUnitarian churches are essentially promoted as houses without walls, places were diverse opinions and cultures can converge in safety and without judgment.  But how can churches not have doctrines, specific holy books and/or dogmas?  Does the Unitarian church have merit as a place of respectful discussion on topics relating to belief, purpose and truth?  What are the colors, cultures, branches, sects and flavors of Universalist churches out there?  Michael Werner's book "Regaining Balance: the Evolution of the UUA"  http://huumanists.org/store/regaining-balance-evolution-uua 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThere are few experiences like attending a religious elementary school, high school or university.  Some religious institutions of "learning" are mild, moderate and relatively benign.  Others operate like puritan prisons.  And the strict (and often bizarre) rules imposed by these schools can be interesting, entertaining, and often alarming.This show features the experiences and stories of those raised in religious school environments.  Have something you want to share?  Email podcast@thethinkingatheist.com 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (promo code thethinkingatheist)Faith healers!  Crystals!  Power bracelets!  Kinoki pads!  Applied kinesiology!  Chakras, Chi and Positive Vibrations!There's a lot of bunk out there.  In this podcast, a panel of three "debunking" experts join Seth Andrews for a lively (and often hysterical) conversation about science, scams and our weird world of woo.ON THE PANEL:Dr. Harriet Hall (the SkepDoc) is an MD, a retired family physician and former Air Force flight surgeon.  She's a columnist for Skeptic and Skeptical Inquirer, and she's one of the founders of the Science-Based Medicine website. Dr. Hall recently co-authored the textbook, "Consumer Health: a Guide to Intelligent Decisions.  Her websites:  http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org and http://www.skepdoc.infoJames Underdown has been the Executive Director of the Center for Inquiry Los Angeles since 1999.  He has written for Skeptical Inquirer and Free Inquiry magazine, and he is founder and chairman of the Independent Investigations Group in Hollywood, California.  The IIG offers a $100,000 prize to anyone who can prove paranormal activity under scientific testing conditions.  Websites: centerforinquiry.net and iighq.orgYvette Guinevere is an analytical chemist with a background in forensics and toxicology.  She runs the website http://www.scibabe.com

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIt's one thing to "come out" as an atheist (or even someone with doubts) to associates, friends and family.  It's another thing to be "outed" by someone else, often against your knowledge or wishes.  This podcast talks about the challenges, both personal and professional, of those who've had their non-belief exposed on someone else's terms.Seth's "letter" of encouragement:  http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/blog/86/A-Letter-of-Encouragement

In this podcast, Seth Andrews explores the notion of "sacred cows" (ideas, icons and customs supposedly sacred and immune from criticism), and he reads a full chapter from his new book of the same name.  If you'd like to pre-order an autographed copy of the book (shipping in April and May 2015), check out the website:  http://www.sacredcowsbook.com 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistBelievers in Heaven look forward to an afterlife.  But does their belief in posthumous existence alleviate their fears about death and dying?  How does the atheist approach the reality that, one day, the curtain will close on his/her life?Join us for an intriguing exploration of the subject of death. Your calls and emails:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.comCarol Fiore's book "Flight Through Fire" - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0989700402/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0989700429&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1HKP5XK3JJJ866XQ16PN AFTERLIFE VIDEO:  http://youtu.be/eeMoOJpvUlU

The Atheist Foundation of Australia is hosting a "Down Under" tour with Matt Dillahunty, AronRa and Seth Andrews in March 2015.  Join them for a casual chat about the "trinity," the trip, and whatever else comes up in conversation.TOUR DETAILS:  http://www.unholytrinitydownunder.comVIDEO OF THIS CONVERSATION ON YOUTUBE:  http://youtu.be/NLndXednlT4 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistOften in conversations regarding religion, one party (or both) will declare that they're offended by a statement, belief, position or action.  But what does it mean to take offense, and should we be concerned about what others might consider offensive?We explore the issue.  Your calls and emails:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.comDan Arel's article: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/01/charlie-hebdo-has-a-right-to-offend-you-and-it-is-not-a-double-standard/

On January 7, 2015, two masked gunmen killed 12 people, 11 of whom worked for the French satirical newspaper, "Charlie Hebdo," a publication with a reputation for lampooning Islam and its prophet.Terror alerts remain high, and in the wake of the killings, Charlie Hebdo remained defiant, publishing a caricature of Muhammad on its very next issue.  Millions of copies immediately sold.Soon after, Pope Francis declared his condemnation of the attack and hi support for free speech, but also declared that "you cannot insult people's faith."The debate rages on.  Did these attackers truly represent the religion of Islam?  Should the attack have been expected because it was provoked?  Should satire expect protection in all of its forms, or are there limits?  And what should responsible media outlets do in regard to religion, free speech and the safety of its employees.Guests include Brian Dalton (Mr. Deity), Ali A. Rizvi, Faisal Saeed Al Mutar and others.  Plus your calls and emails (podcast@thethinkingatheist.com)fThe Way of the Mister:  Fuck the Pope:  http://youtu.be/6xDnxv6eFNgAli A. Rizvi's blog archive:  www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-a-rizviFaisal Saeed Al Mutar's website:  www.faisalalmutar.com 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistRyan Bell, a former Seventh-day Adventist pastor, lived as an atheist for the entire year of 2014, chronicling the journey on his blog, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/yearwithoutgod.In December of 2014, Bell announced in an NPR interview that he no longer believes in God.  Both Christians and atheists have rallied around this declaration, for good and for ill. In this very special broadcast, we speak personally with Ryan Bell about his faith, his year without God, and about the circumstances which led to his desire to take such an unusual (and drastic) step.Charisma News article featuring Ryan:  http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/46618-why-are-so-many-christians-turning-into-atheistsSeth's response video to "10 Women Christian Men Shouldn't Marry:  http://youtu.be/m1ugVyuRUv0 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistSeth Andrews joins a live audience for this very special 200th episode.  Kick off the New Year with this celebration of the big 2-0-0. 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIt's our annual wrap-up of the best (and worst) of 2014.  What are the things that made the headlines?  Scientific breakthroughs?  Best films?  The most iconic figures?  The biggest successes and failures of the year?Join us for the final broadcast of the year.  Salon Article:  http://www.salon.com/2014/12/20/were_putting_an_end_to_religion_richard_dawkins_bill_maher_and_the_exploding_new_american_secularism

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIs there any evidence for a real Jesus?  Was Jesus' story borrowed from earlier religions and cultures?  Is Jesus really the reason for the Christmas season, which is being celebrated globally this week?In this podcast, Seth Andrews speaks to three historians who have dedicated much of their lives and writings to the subject of Christ and Christianity: Dr. Richard Carrier, David Fitzgerald and Dr. Robert M. Price. Join us for a compelling panel and an enlightening show.  RICHARD CARRIER:  http://www.richardcarrier.infoDAVID FITZGERALD:  http://www.amazon.com/David-Fitzgerald/e/B004ASD9M4ROBERT M. PRICE:  http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.com

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistDr. Ryan Cragun is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Tampa, and he specializes in the sociology of religion.  A former Mormon (now atheist), Cragun has released his new book for which this show is titled.  Join us as we talk about religion around the world, its claims versus reality, and the stuff about religion which isn't known (or being taught), but should be.Link to Dr. Cragun's book:  http://www.amazon.com/What-Dont-About-Religion-Should/dp/0985281537Dr. Cragun's website:  http://www.ryantcragun.comChristmas: Behind the Curtain:  http://youtu.be/kenbgMjRvlY 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (coupon code: thinkingatheist)Cara Santa Maria has dedicated her life to improving science literacy by communicating scientific principles across media platforms. A North Texas native, she currently lives in Los Angeles. Prior to moving to the west coast, Cara taught biology and psychology courses to university undergraduates and high school students in Texas and New York. Her published research has spanned various topics, including clinical psychological assessment, the neuropsychology of blindness, neuronal cell culture techniques, and computational neurophysiology. Cara previously worked as a co-host and producer on the Pivot TV nightly live television show, "TakePart Live." Before that, she was the senior science correspondent for The Huffington Post and co-starred in "Hacking The Planet" and "The Truth About Twisters" on The Weather Channel.  She has made appearances on CNN, Fox News, TLC, Current TV, BBC America, G4, SundanceTV, Travel Channel, and Nat Geo WILD. Cara currently hosts a weekly science podcast called "Talk Nerdy." She joins Seth Andrews for tonight's podcast.  Call the show with comments and/or questions, or email podcast@thethinkingatheist.com.Cara's website:  http://carasantamaria.com