Friendly Atheist Podcast

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!I recently spoke with hate-preachers Jonathan Shelley and Aaron Thompson about all the awful things they've said. It was disturbing. It ran very long. I'm still not sure why I did it. But I hope you find it interesting because it's not often people like this will sit down with someone like me.SPONSOR: Celebrate Independence Day by going to Butcherbox.com/friendly and enjoy your choice of bone-in chicken thighs, top sirloins, or salmon in every box for an entire year. Use code friendly60 to get an additional $20 off your first three orders! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!This week, I spoke with religion reporter Bob Smietana about the Southern Baptist Convention's recent gathering. We talked about women pastors, IVF, the denomination's handling of sexual abuse, and so much more.SPONSOR: Go to Butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly at checkout and enjoy your choice of bone-in chicken thighs, top sirloins, or salmon in every box for an entire year, plus $20 off! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— What we learned from the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting. (1:45)— A blind woman was kicked out of a Texas church for bringing a service dog with her. (32:23)— A sham medical group put out an anti-trans statement. Conservatives took the bait. (38:42)— A Kansas pastor checked out a library's LGBTQ books so no one could read them. (50:59)— Christian foster parents sue Vermont after getting rejected for faith-based bigotry. (1:10:30)SPONSOR: Go to Butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly at checkout and enjoy your choice of bone-in chicken thighs, top sirloins, or salmon in every box for an entire year, plus $20 off! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— After proselytizing at graduation, did a Kentucky student deserve his diploma? (0:21)— If Oklahoma allows Bible class "released time," Satanists are ready to pounce. (13:00)— Voucher programs are expanding, propping up religious schools with tax dollars. (32:00)— Southwest Airlines: We didn't fire that flight attendant because of her Christianity. (42:44)— Christian zealot who destroyed Satanic display in Iowa Capitol accepts plea deal. (56:35)SPONSOR: Celebrate Father's Day by going to Butcherbox.com/friendly and use code FRIENDLY60 at checkout and enjoy your choice of bone-in chicken thighs, top sirloins, or salmon in every box for an entire year. Plus use code FRIENDLY60 to get an additional $20 off your first three orders. Again, that's Butcherbox.com/friendly and use code FRIENDLY60! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Christian missionaries were killed in Haiti. They never should have been there. (0:40)— Florida civics teachers are still being indoctrinated with Christian Nationalism. (17:47)— The Texas GOP's proposed platform would force the Bible in schools. (31:20)— Texas found a devious way to get the Bible in front of elementary school students. (49:19)— Parting words from Geoff Schroeder, the only openly atheist Republican lawmaker in the country. (1:12:57)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Louisiana is about to force the Ten Commandments in every classroom. (1:20)— Woman claims her Christian megachurch banned her for criticizing the pastor. (27:10)— An Alabama principal let a preacher "talk about Jesus" at a mental health assembly. (51:35)— GOP still claims, without evidence, the State Department is "promoting atheism." (1:00:40)— Census shock: Majority of Scottish people say they have "no religion." (1:24:19)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Harrison Butker's commencement address was a disgrace to Catholics everywhere. (1:55)— Texas megachurch caught manipulating traffic data to get new stoplight. (26:10)— A statue of disgraced evangelist Billy Graham got unveiled in the U.S. Capitol. (39:31)— MN lawmaker: Public schools engage in "censorship" by not teaching Creationism. (45:55)— Christian college fires professor for challenging right-wing talking points. (56:08)— A Louisiana school gave kids a biblical advice book comparing sex to slavery. (1:16:28)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— A high school artist called out Christian bigotry. Her school board is furious. (1:33)— Southern Baptist membership dropped yet again to a 47-year low (17:48)— A pastor who was "betrothed" to a child, then abused her, is finally in custody. (34:10)— Lying preacher John MacArthur: "There's no such thing" as PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. (50:45)— The Boy Scouts, despite its "inclusive" rebranding, will still exclude atheists. (1:03:19)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Despite pastor's opposition, Georgia man gets OK to open liquor shop near churches. (0:30)— The United Methodist Church reversed its ban on gay clergy. Will it matter? (12:25)— A beloved Alabama principal may have lost her job because she has a girlfriend. (33:22)— Kentucky mayor lashes out after criticism of his "Prayer Breakfast" event. (42:07)— Preacher gets unearned praise after calling Trump Bible "disgusting" & "blasphemous." (51:25)— Doug Wilson has ludicrous ideas for how the U.S. could become a Christian Nation. (1:02:15)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— What I'll remember about Daniel Dennett. (0:28)— Catholic priest resigns after backlash involving his criticism of a gay author. (8:43)— Christian lawmaker says teachers should be allowed to hit special needs students. (24:38)— A Christian ministry urged the Supreme Court to criminalize homelessness. (46:03)— MaÃÑori atheists say Christian colonization helped push them away from the faith. (1:01:59)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Christian Men's Conference descends into chaos over sword-swallowing acrobat. (1:02) — Wisconsin official blames homelessness on "sin," then votes against aid for the poor. (25:15)— Christian Nationalist falsely claims Satanist chaplains "don't qualify" to work in schools. (39:27)— Tennessee declares Aitken Bible one of its "official state books." (53:37)— North Dakota GOP endorses Christian theocrat to run the state's public schools. (1:07:06)— Louisiana High Court: Priests have a "right" not to be sued over decades-old abuse. (1:20:15)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Arizona GOP lawmaker lashes out at "god-haters" who criticized abortion ban prayer. (4:21)— Christian school's pastor cancels Autism Awareness Week, calling it "demonic." (19:40)— New Testament scholar Richard Hays now says God's cool with gay people. (35:53)— The Vatican, a threat to human dignity, calls gender-affirming surgery a threat to human dignity. (45:57)— Wisconsin public school district seeks new leader with "conservative, christian values." (1:01:09)— Christian woman admits she was fired from Starbucks for being an anti-LGBTQ bigot. (1:11:24)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— This pastor's wedding night "joke" epitomizes Christian sexism. (0:40)— Richard Dawkins says Christianity is "fundamentally decent," but Islam "is not." (18:42)SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. — Prominent Christians falsely claim Biden chose Easter to honor trans people. (34:13)— Donald Trump is now selling a Bible that a Christian publisher walked away from in 2021. (41:13)— New York prisoners, led by atheist, sue state in order to see solar eclipse. (48:28)— Christians erect (another) $240,000 cross in Mississippi. (1:03:18)— After ruining a school district, Christians in Colorado want to "take over" a city council. (1:09:40)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!In this interview, I spoke with Jess Piper.Jess was an American Literature teacher for 16 years before deciding to take the plunge and run for office. She ran for the Missouri State House in a deeply red district. And while she didn't win, she continues her activism as Executive Director of Blue Missouri and hosts a weekly podcast called "Dirt Road Democrat."I've been reading her essays at "The View from Rural Missouri" for a while now, but I was amazed by how much one of her recent pieces, about the "Fundie Baby Voice," really resonated with so many people.SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Satanists sue Tennessee district for trying to thwart After School Satan Club. (1:09)SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. — Evangelicals are using a data-harvesting app to target new potential converts. (22:24)— FOX & Friends promotes Catholic app Hallow with on-air (paid) prayer segment. (34:07)— Wisconsin Supreme Court: Catholic-aligned charities don't get an automatic religious tax break. (41:27)— Despite the threat of Christian Nationalism, 80% of Americans say religion is "losing influence." (55:25)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Texas State Rep. Matt Schaefer: Every elected official in America is required "to worship God." (0:40)— Preacher John MacArthur faces backlash after saying Martin Luther King, Jr. was "not a Christian at all." (7:52)— SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. — Researchers say Christian leaders will embezzle an estimated $86 billion in 2024. (21:27)— "God & Country" highlights the growing threat of Christian Nationalism. (32:32)— Indian state criminalizes "magical healing" in move widely seen as anti-Christian. (52:47)— Wyoming Supreme Court dismisses atheist's $24M lawsuit over religious invocations. (1:06:29)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Christian Nationalists are furious at reporter Heidi Przybyla for accurately reporting on them. (1:45)SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. — Why Liberty University's $14 million fine from the Dept. of Education is well-deserved. (25:42)— Norwegian court upholds ban on state funding for Jehovah's Witnesses. (59:46)— Owners of Lighthouse Christian Academy arrested for alleged kidnapping. (1:13:26) — President Biden restored protections for anyone getting help from faith-based, taxpayer-funded groups. (1:26:42)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— GOP lawmaker pushes anti-abortion propaganda bill with scientific, antisemitic lies. (1:45)— After non-binary teen's death, lawmaker says Christians don't "want that filth" in Oklahoma. (19:15)SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. — Violating IRS rules, hate-preacher Jack Hibbs endorses candidate from pulpit‚Ķ again. (36:07)— California school board member claims Satanists are worse than literal Nazis. (59:04)— Christian Nationalist Sean Feucht threatens Spokane officials for condemning mayor's appearance at prayer event. (1:11:29)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Alabama Supreme Court cites "wrath of a holy God" while claiming frozen embryos are "children." (0:43)SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/atheist today to get 10% off your first month. — Sam Alito is big mad that anti-gay Christians were struck from the jury in a case about a lesbian. (29:57)— Former Hillsong leader Brian Houston insists he wasn't searching for "ladies and girls" online. (47:42)— Texas school board trustees snuck an evangelical film crew into a public school. (1:01:18)— Congress members call out "ill-qualified hate preacher" who gave invocation. (1:09:07)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Telling the truth about modern evangelical Christianity means admitting it's harmful. (1:12)— Christian Nationalist Jason Rapert thwarted in attempt to block funds for public libraries. (40:24)— After atheist's invocation, Tavares (FL) City Council lets Christian give replacement prayer. (53:28)— Christian hate group leader claims fellow hate group isn't hate group. (59:50)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Two students may have prevented a school board from saying Christian prayers at meetings. (0:49)— Arizona bill would ban Satanic displays on public property. (11:18)— Iowa Republican files bill to ban "Satanism on state property." (21:00)— Are pastors ethical? Survey shows their reputation for honesty is at an all-time low. (35:22)— Texas lawmaker: I want Christian chaplains in schools to "put God back in government." (44:36)— Iowa Republicans want public schools to hire untrained Christian chaplains. (49:35)— Florida lawmakers are trying to shove untrained religious chaplains in public schools. (54:08)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Oregon lawmaker tries to walk back comment that atheists are unfit for public office. (0:42)— A proposed Satanic school helped derail a vote to repeal Idaho's Blaine Amendment. (21:29)— Christian radio host punished after advising grandma to attend transgender wedding. (33:45)— An Oklahoma GOP lawmaker wants to ban single people from sexting each other. (53:20)— Did a public school in Texas figure out how to legally hoist a Christian flag? (1:10:40)SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free offer and get $20 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Christian pastor and wife sued over alleged cryptocurrency fraud scheme. (1:30)— An Ohio pastor was punished for opening his church to the homeless. He deserves it. (23:50)— Conservatives are falsely claiming NBC censored Jesus in an interview with C.J. Stroud. (48:30)— A Mississippi school rightly reprimanded a kid who said "Jesus Christ" out of frustration. (58:00)— Have the "Nones" finally peaked? (1:07:40) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— An AI-generated "George Carlin" tackles God in a new comedy special. Does it hold up? (1:10)— A natural disaster destroyed hate-preacher Greg Locke's tent church (again). (36:10)— WV Republicans refile bill to get "Intelligent Design" in classrooms. (46:24)— A detailed compilation of Mike Johnson's ties to Christian Nationalism. (1:00:55)— Christian Nationalist Sen. Josh Hawley: We need more Christian Nationalism! (Somewhere near the end) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Lil Nas X has perfected the art of trolling Christians to market his music. (1:17)— In Iowa, white evangelicals are embracing Donald Trump, not Jesus. (18:20)— "God gave us Trump," says lie-filled propaganda video spread by Trump. (39:36)— Michigan GOP lawmaker: My bill will revoke tax exemptions from "non-theistic churches." (47:30)— Despite abuse problems, The Meeting House church isn't doing enough to help victims. (55:27)— GOP congresswoman Mary Miller: God-believers "are the best people" to serve in elected office. (1:09:10) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Kim Davis, the infamous Christian clerk from Kentucky, has to pay another $260,000 in her case against a same-sex couple. (1:46)— Mormons are no longer in the majority in Utah, researchers say. (12:50) — Christians are mad that a Christian magazine (correctly) said Jesus was Asian. (33:10)— Lying Republican says New York bill would force Chick-fil-A to stay open on Sundays. (49:20)— Oklahoma GOP lawmaker files bill forcing Ten Commandments in every classroom. (57:27)— After the Covenant shooting, why do Christians think GOP lawmakers will listen to them? (1:09:48) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!On this (extra-long) podcast, Jessica and I discussed the past year in news!We covered a whole variety of topics, going month by month, so feel free to jump around and listen in at any point!— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to get free chicken wings for a year. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— The Catholic Church, which is still anti-LGBTQ, will let priests bless same-sex couples. (0:50)— Here's why Speaker Mike Johnson's attendance at a "Purity Ball" is so damn disturbing. (21:25)— Conservatives can't handle the existence of an After School Satan Club in Tennessee. (34:58)— A Kansas teen launched the first high school Satan Club in the country. (46:33)— A Nativity scene returned outside the Toledo, Iowa fire department... with two new additions. (53:00)— An Iowa school district rejected a ministry's offer to buy a vacant building and launch a Christian school. (1:02:25)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to get free chicken wings for a year. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Conservatives can't handle The Satanic Temple's harmless display in Iowa's Capitol. (0.37)— Officials in Toledo, Iowa think their public Nativity display is legal. They're wrong. (24:55)— The ACLU made a critical error in defending Christian pseudo-historian David Barton. (32:20)— The Mormon Church is buying up acre after acre of Nebraska. (49:36)— Preacher defends criminally charged colleague, saying critics will be "sniped and taken out." (58:15)— Denmark reinstates blasphemy law, criminalizing the burning of holy books. (1:11:15)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to get free chicken wings for a year. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Speaker Mike Johnson says God told him, in late-night hallucinations, that he was Moses. (0:59)— The Mormon Church refused to help a sex abuse survivor, then paid her to destroy evidence. (13:18)— The theme of this public school marching band's halftime show? A Christian Tent Revival. (32:26)— Kirk Cameron wants schools to ditch Scholastic book fairs for a right-wing alternative. (42:20)— Oklahoma Senate candidate: Parents who use IVF are "waging an assault against God." (1:01:10)— An all-female Catholic college will admit trans women. Haters can't handle it. (1:12:48)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to get free chicken wings for a year. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— This anonymous Christian dad proudly refuses to love his transgender daughter. (0:22)— After ending daily prayers over the intercom, an Oklahoma public school may restart them. (21:46)— Christian college president: Sorry I let a man with long hair present at a Creationism seminar. (37:55)— Anger over Sabrina Carpenter's music video reveals the Catholic Church's broken priorities. (48:35)— Oregon is paying millions to an unlicensed Christian ministry to care for foster kids. (1:00:05)— An unregulated Louisiana group for Christian homeschoolers sells diplomas for $465. (1:08:40)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to get free chicken wings for a year. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— "Let Us Prey" exposes abuse in Independent Fundamental Baptist churches. (1:08)— More congregations are ditching the United Methodist Church over an LGBTQ schism. (14:20)— A Christian school has sued Vermont officials after facing consequences for anti-trans bigotry. (27:50)— A teenager created a Prayer Mirror in her high school's bathroom. It needs to come down. (44:00)— A Pennsylvania school district must pay Satanists $200,000 after a lawsuit over After School Satan Club. (49:32)— Facing lawsuits, Archdiocese of Washington challenges law empowering abuse survivors. (1:00:15)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to get free chicken wings for a year. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Christian now. Good luck figuring out why. (1:50)— A Christian singer, Bobbi Storm, disobeyed a flight attendant, sang on a plane, then acted like a victim. (26:32)— A Florida church refused to rent space to a mom who conceived her kids through IVF. (36:08)— A Christian dad claims his gay daughter's counselor interfered with their anti-gay bigotry. (45:45)— A West Virginia prison finally released an atheist inmate denied parole for refusing to profess Christianity. (1:07:52)— Federal judge: Atheist parolee jailed for rejecting Bible study can seek financial damages. (1:15:09)— Let's discuss a bizarre hypothetical question involving a skydiving Christian baby. (1:19:50)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free steak for a year and get $20 off. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

***NOTE***: The first story involves a discussion about a man taking his life.Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Did a drag-loving, trans-pretending Baptist pastor, Bubba Copeland, deserve to be outed? (1:55)— Speaker Mike Johnson's use of "Covenant Eyes" shameware is even worse than it looks. (26:25)— The story of a homeless man who stole Sean Feucht's guitar, then found God, is a lie. (43:30)— AZ judge tosses out child abuse lawsuit against Mormon Church, citing "clergy-penitent" rule. (58:13)— Wisconsin GOP passes amendment to ban church shutdowns during future pandemic. (1:12:51)— After lawsuit, South Carolina will no longer give $1,500,000 to Christian school. (1:20:40)— To protest a Texas university's anti-drag president, Andrew Seidel spoke there in drag. (1:28:20)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free steak for a year and get $20 off. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant launched a Kickstarter to go through the Book of Revelation on YouTube. Please consider supporting him here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/friendlyatheist/everything-wrong-with-revelation-in-the-bible— Speaker Mike Johnson's "covenant marriage" doesn't make it more meaningful. (0:50)— Grand Canyon University, the nation's largest Christian school, just got fined $38 million for lying about tuition costs. (25:22)— The Southern Baptist Convention is still fighting against survivors of sexual abuse. (41:09)— After forcing kids to attend religious revival, a West Virginia school district has settled the case for $175,000. (1:03:38)— Texas Supreme Court to decide if a judge can be punished for refusing to marry gay couples. (1:12:10)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code friendly to choose your free steak for a year and get $20 off. — SPONSOR: Paint Your Life. Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant launched a Kickstarter to go through the Book of Revelation on YouTube. Please consider supporting him here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/friendlyatheist/everything-wrong-with-revelation-in-the-bible— New House Speaker Mike Johnson is a fervent Christian Nationalist. (1:31) — A Republican helped sink Rep. Tom Emmer's Speaker bid, saying he needed to "get right with Jesus." (29:10)— Rep. Maxwell Frost called out "racist, violent, and dangerous" Christian Nationalism. (38:30)— Donald Trump said he'll block immigrants who "don't like our religion" from entering the U.S. (43:52)— Preacher Mark Burns, who lied about his military service, plans to open the "Burns Christian Military Academy." (51:28)— Oklahoma's Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit to block a taxpayer-funded Catholic charter school. (58:30)— GOP congressman Burgess Owens falsely claimed the Bible was "banned from all of us" in 1963. (1:05:37)— SPONSOR: PaintYourLife.com: Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant launched a Kickstarter to go through the Book of Revelation on YouTube. Please consider supporting him here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/friendlyatheist/everything-wrong-with-revelation-in-the-bible— Oklahoma education leader claims church/state separation is "state-sponsored atheism." (0:40)— Judge rules (again) that teaching Islam in school doesn't violate the Constitution. (19:57)— Pennsylvania lawmaker cites Genesis 8 as proof that climate change is fake. (33:25)— A Pennsylvania police chief told a tarot card reader they could be jailed under the law. (40:55)— Atheist reminds Democratic leaders: We "are the party of religious freedom." (49:49)— Girl Defined had the worst possible guest to discuss women's bodies. (58:09)— SPONSOR: PaintYourLife.com: Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant launched a Kickstarter to go through the Book of Revelation on YouTube. Please consider supporting him here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/friendlyatheist/everything-wrong-with-revelation-in-the-bible— Citing the Bible, a Louisiana principal punished a student for dancing inappropriately‚Ķ then came the backlash. (5:42) — A new Arkansas voucher program gives millions of public dollars to private Christian schools. (29:40)— When it comes to climate change, white evangelical Christians are least likely to accept reality. (39:22)— A candidate for public office is suing New Jersey over the phrase "So help me God" in its oath. (55:10)— Poland's census just revealed a massive drop in Catholicism. (1:03:10)— Asian Americans are drifting away from organized religion. (1:11:20)— SPONSOR: PaintYourLife.com: Text FRIENDLY to 87204 to get 20% off your painting! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— We're having a 500th episode party in Aurora, Illinois on Saturday, October 7. Details are here! — "Project 2025" is a Christian Nationalist fever dream that would destroy American democracy. (1:39)— "Savior Complex" explores the dark side of an infamous Christian missionary in Uganda. (19:37)— A new federal report says Liberty University isn't keeping its students safe. (37:50)— North Dakota GOP lawmaker Brandon Prichard went on a theocratic, homophobic tirade. (49:15)— With more abuse lawsuits on the horizon, the Archdiocese of Baltimore has declared bankruptcy. (1:01:59)— SPONSOR: ButcherBox is offering our listeners turkey FREE in your first box plus $20 off your first order. Sign up at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code FRIENDLY. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode, Hemant spoke with Kate Cohen, author of the new book "We of Little Faith: Why I Stopped Pretending to Believe (And Maybe You Should Too)."https://amzn.to/46wxEmO (Affiliate link)Cohen is a Washington Post contributing columnist who has written many beautiful essays about atheism for an audience that isn't necessarily seeking it out. We spoke about why she's not an "angry atheist," the importance of secular holidays, whether there's a nice way to tell religious people they're lying to themselves, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant is speaking in Denver on Saturday, Sep. 30. Details are here!— We're having a 500th episode party in Aurora, Illinois on Saturday, October 7. Details are here! t— A former Southern Baptist leader says his sexual misconduct is "nobody else's business." (1:30)— Republicans think Donald Trump is more of a "person of faith" than Mike Pence and Mitt Romney. (24:42) — Kevin Sorbo doesn't want anyone to say his anti-trans children's book is anti-trans. (37:34)— NASA's new policy chief took her oath on a copy of Carl Sagan's "Contact." (51:25)— The Transformed Wife doesn't know how public schools work. (54:50) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode, Hemant spoke with Andrew Pledger, a former student at Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist Christian school with a long and not-so-great history. Andrew is the host of a new podcast called "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult."The stories in that podcast are depressing as all hell but they're so important to hear if you want to get a real sense of what schools like these do to people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant is speaking in Denver on Saturday, Sep. 30. Details are here!— We're having a 500th episode party in Aurora, Illinois on Saturday, October 7. Details are here! t— Christian hate-preacher Greg Locke has a massive bill coming his way. (1:30)— Even the Mormon Church wants nothing to do with Tim Ballard. (10:30)— A new lawsuit says Louisiana students were tricked into going to church instead of a college fair. (25:05)— Letter suggests Pope Pius XII knew about Nazi atrocities but remained on the sidelines. (40:40)— After a teen's petition, a Minnesota school district will stop holding graduation in a megachurch. (52:40)— A professional singer was fired for criticizing the Cleveland Diocese's anti-LGBTQ policies. (1:04:03)— A Christian hate-preacher rationalized slavery in the worst way. (1:20:20)— For State House, Louisiana GOP endorses Christian pastor charged with child cruelty. (1:28:16)— A former American Family Association VP sued AFA for same-sex sexual harassment. (1:35:13)— SPONSOR: Head to factormeals.com/friendly50 and use code friendly50 to get 50% off!— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/friendly and use code FRIENDLY to receive ground beef for life plus $20 off your first order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis owes $100,000 to a gay couple she discriminated against. (1:28)— A Baptist pastor falsely claimed autism is demonic: "My God doesn't make junk." (12:45)— A misleading survey suggests Christians are more tolerant of free speech than atheists. (30:00)— Florida continues to promote a Christian-approved alternative to the SAT. (41:54)— Christian pastors are struggling to find their successors. (1:00:05)— Christian hate-preacher Greg Locke has a warning about demonic owls. (1:13:48)— An Idaho library board chair demanded Sunday closures to "keep the Sabbath day holy." (1:19:58)— SPONSOR: Head to factormeals.com/friendly50 and use code friendly50 to get 50% off!— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/FRIENDLY and use code FRIENDLY to get $20 off your first order.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Bremerton's praying football coach got what he wanted, so he quit. (1:25)— A California megachurch took over Chino Valley public schools, creating chaos once again. (32:33)— A dinosaur denier interviewed a dinosaur liar. Now my head hurts. (47:13)— A Christian group is blocking access to a Jersey Shore beach on Sunday mornings. (1:00:18)— Christian liar David Barton says Democrats aren't "God-fearing," so they cheat in elections. (1:10:15)— The Transformed Wife has no clue what happens in public schools or workplaces. (1:17:58)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/FRIENDLY and use code FRIENDLY to get $20 off your first order.‚Äã See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Religious chaplains are begging Texas schools not to hire religious chaplains. (1:48)— A California public school board leader was condemned over calls for "Christ centered" parents on committees. (21:15)— A Christian boarding school that abused dozens of kids settled its lawsuits for $100 million. (34:12)— Christian hate-preacher Jonathan Shelley has thoughts about me. (49:02)— Denmark may criminalize burning holy books in public spaces. (56:10)— The Transformed Wife has thoughts about divorce. (1:06:00)— What words could you not say when you were Christian? (1:11:30)— SPONSOR: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/FRIENDLY and use code FRIENDLY to get two 100% grass-fed filet mignons and two wild-caught lobster tails for FREE in your first box plus $20 off your first order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— A Christian mob invaded an Appalachian artists' retreat because of an "Om" symbol in the chapel. (2:55)— Spokane, Washington's mayor appeared at a prayer event alongside Christian Nationalist Sean Feucht and domestic terrorist Matt Shea. (32:32)— Massachusetts rejected would-be foster parents because of their bigotry, not their Catholic faith. (44:11)— Denver Archdiocese sued Colorado over free pre-K because it hurts their bottom line. (56:44)— This Catholic website quizzed readers on whether they could "recognize superstition." Let's take the quiz. (1:05:35) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— The guy who said evangelicals today see Jesus as "weak" is part of the problem. (1:10)— Why is Baylor University getting a federal exemption from protecting LGBTQ students from faith-based harassment? (22:40)— A pastor surrounded by jumbotrons is mad that people treat church like a "big production." (50:52)— GOP lawmakers cited Noah's Ark to justify harming refugees with circular saw blades. (1:03:36)— Tennessee's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives will get $1.2 million. To do what? Who knows. (1:10:45)— SPONSOR: Factor, America's #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Head to factormeals.com/friendly50 and use code friendly50 to get 50% off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nicole Hemmer is a political historian specializing in media, conservatism, and the presidency. Her scholarship and teaching focus on the interplay of social movements, electoral politics, and political culture in order to probe the complexities of political identity and practice in the 20th century United States.In this bonus episode, Jess and Dr. Hemmer discussed the rise of the Evangelical right, why Newt Gingrich was so effective at whipping the GOP into shape, and some fun J. Edgar Hoover counterfactuals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast. Donors now get access to a new BONUS episode.Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Evangelist Franklin Graham is glad the U.S. women's soccer team lost the World Cup. (1:08)— Desperate to show Democrats are "promoting atheism," Republicans divulged sensitive data. (16:36)— Texas judge: Airline must get religious freedom training from Christian hate group. (39:40)— An Arkansas lawmaker's wife is swapping pro-LGBTQ books with bibles in Little Free Libraries. (49:42)— California county adopts error-laden "American Christian History Month" proclamation. (58:06)— A Texas district called for 22 days of prayer to launch the new school year. (1:03:25)— These Christians took preacher Robin D. Bullock seriously. Now they're screwed. (1:06:01)— SPONSOR: Factor, America's #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Head to factormeals.com/friendly50 and use code friendly50 to get 50% off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.