Friendly Atheist Podcast

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Donald Trump announced new disastrous "religious freedom" exemptions for medical workers. (0:25) — Pete Buttigieg had a weird week when it came to vaccination policy. (3:50) — The Alabama House just passed a bill making abortion a felony. But something good for abortion rights happened in Kansas! Seriously! (8:51) — Why are these men not going to jail for their crimes? (10:48) — Pat Robertson, in rare form, said something sensible about Creationism. Now Creationists are complaining about it. (13:59) — It wasn't heartwarming to see a BYU valedictorian come out as gay at graduation because we know what comes next. (17:00) — A Christian college covered up classical works of art in textbooks. (21:30) — After a school shooting, a North Carolina church used the opportunity to win converts. (28:18) — A college president said safe sex is a myth. (31:08) — Navy sailors were told to applaud for Mike Pence as if they're "at a strip club." (35:03) — Fundamentalist Christian Lori Alexander says wives should always have sex with their husbands because it won't even take long. (36:45)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 Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The Duggar family refuses to call them deviled eggs. (1:15) — Right-wingers attacked Democrats for their Sri Lanka tweets, but Donald Trump's similar message was ignored. (5:15) — This Kentucky restaurant's anti-LGBTQ shirts make no sense. (9:49) — The U.S. House can legally reject atheist invocations. (13:58) — A court said Philadelphia's taxpayer-funded foster care clinics can't discriminate against same-sex couples (20:03) — Evangelist Franklin Graham says Pete Buttigieg "flaunted" his homosexuality by existing, I guess. (22:28) — A Maryland middle school almost canceled a play because there's a same-sex couple in it. (25:20) — Never take sex advice from a person who was a virgin until marriage. (28:45) — A study said abstinence pledges hurt women's reproductive health down the line. (This survey is actually from 2016; it's not recent. Sorry!) (39:07) — Racist Rep. Steve King says he knows what Jesus went through because people hate him, too. (43:27) — Irish bishops admitted that religious education classes make you dumber. (46:15) — A right-wing rabbi said being gay is way worse than being a lesbian. (51:50) — Stephen Moore's writing about women is the worst. (56:43) — A New York sheriff compared himself to Jesus when challenging body cams for cops. (1:02:25) — A United Nations resolution against sexual violence hit an obstacle with the Trump administration. (1:06:09) — We hope Rachel Held Evans gets well soon. (1:09:37)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The Notre Dame fire is a tragedy no matter what you think about religion. (3:00) — Gallup says church membership is at an all-time low. (14:50) — A preacher claims Pete Buttigieg will turn the country into a "homocracy." (29:47) — Evangelicals released a statement on artificial intelligence. It's anti-gay. (41:25) — A Christian donor said she wouldn't give money to a fundraiser for a baby with cancer because her parents are lesbians. (46:20) — An Ohio pastor told kids to beat him up to teach them a lesson about Jesus. (50:04) — The Texas House passed a radical anti-abortion bill that misleads the public. (54:35) — The Tennessee House voted to amend its Constitution to include a shout-out to "Almighty God." (58:50) — Republicans are dismissing science as a "Democrat thing." (1:01:53) — An Italian court censored an atheist group's perfectly fine ad. (1:03:26)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Hemant is speaking near Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Sunday! Come watch! (0:38) — Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas doesn't think atheists are trustworthy. (1:34) — An Illinois billboard welcomes Missouri women who want abortions without obstacles. (7:59) — Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg isn't a real Christian, say Religious Right figures who have ruined Christianity. (10:12) — Mike Huckabee blamed weak Christians for allowing gender roles to break down. (19:10) — A now-scuttled Texas bill would have punished women with the death penalty for having an abortion. (27:07) — Ohio Republicans have signed into law an abortion ban that goes into effect before some women even know they're pregnant. (31:21) — Lori Loughlin says God is helping her cope with the role in the college admissions scandal. (33:18) — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI broke his silence to offer horrible excuses for the Church's sex abuse scandal. (36:10) — The black hole! (39:47) — The Catholic University of America wants to ban the top 200 adult websites. It won't work. (44:41)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Hemant is speaking near Chapel Hill, North Carolina next Sunday! Come watch! (0:24) — The Mormon Church has changed its rules to be a little less anti-gay. (0:56) — Atheists are calling on Mississippi to offer a free alternative to the default "In God We Trust" license plate. (7:54) — This is the worst Christian take on the election of Lori Lightfoot to mayor of Chicago. (14:09) — Texas will ban all chaplains from execution chambers instead of allowing a Buddhist priest to enter the room with an inmate. (17:01) — House Republicans voted against the Violence Against Women Act. (21:03) — A North Dakota legislator was very upset by a Hindu invocation because the man didn't pray to the "One True God." (23:21) — We finally have an openly Humanist member of Congress. It's official! (26:30) — An Arizona information hotline may lose funding because 0.0003% of calls last year asked about abortion services. (29:39) — An unvaccinated kid may have exposed hundreds of people to measles in California. (35:30) — Liberty University's Title IX violation form shows you how little they care. (40:45) — A guest of FOX News' Laura Ingraham said transgender people are trying to "create a new species." (43:20) — The HPV vaccine has been linked to a serious drop in cervical disease. (46:29) — Donald Trump doesn't understand windmills. (47:35)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Hemant is speaking at the Freethought Festival in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend! Come watch! (1:24) — A Catholic mother really doesn't want students wearing leggings at Notre Dame but students pushed back. (1:45) — Tennessee is considering legalizing and regulating sports betting but not on Sundays, because Jesus. (9:40) — Fundamentalist Pastor Steven Anderson uploaded another old sermon trashing independent women. (14:50) — Cory Booker says he'd "rather hang out with a nice atheist than a mean Christian." Great line or subtle jab against atheists? (17:45) — A Christian lawmaker from Pennsylvania gave the worst invocation at the worst time, probably on purpose. (37:33) — Is it kind or creepy that Christians in Tennessee sent 40,000 handwritten letters to strangers about Jesus? (44:46) — Houston's Drag Queen Story Time will come to an end due to threats from Christians. (48:00) — Rockland County, NY is banning unvaccinated children from public spaces. (56:00) — Self-proclaimed paranormalist Uri Geller says he can "telepathically" stop Brexit. (1:01:22) — A Texas bill would allow licensed professionals to discriminate against LGBTQ clients. (1:05:35) — State-funded adoption agencies in Michigan, including religious ones, can no longer discriminate against LGBTQ clients. (1:07:14)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Hemant is speaking at the Freethought Festival in Madison, Wisconsin next week! Come watch! (0:30) — Hemant's working on two new projects! Here's what they are and how you can support him! (0:59) — The Nones are #1 - what does that mean? (5:21) — A university in Calgary canceled a talk by an ex-Muslim atheist out of sensitivity to victims of the New Zealand terror attack. But when's the right time to criticize religion? (10:55) — LifeWay, the largest Christian retailer, is shutting down all stores. You'll have to buy your Christians elsewhere. (18:31) — FOX News' Todd Starnes thinks we need "heterosexual history classes." (24:28) — Chick-fil-A is back in the news for its anti-LGBTQ ways. (31:26) — If you want to help your kids deal with chickenpox, don't do what Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin did. (40:58) — An Italian politician who fought against mandatory vaccination contracted chickenpox. (47:33) — A kid is suing his local Department of Health in Kentucky after getting banned from his high school's events for being unvaccinated. (49:12) — Christian moms are furious over a new supposedly sexualized Kit Kat commercial. (51:15) — Georgia is on the verge of banning abortions after six weeks. (57:00) — A physicist got $1.4 million for saying science and religion might be compatible. (1:00:18) — The Neil deGrasse Tyson investigation is over. What did we learn? (1:03:50) — The Irish prime minister and his same-sex partner had some words for Mike Pence. (1:13:28)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Hemant's speaking in Florida this weekend! (0:56) — Jessica got into a Twitter fight with a celebrity (?) over the meaning of "atheist." (1:38) — Hemant's invocation in DuPage County will lead to a vote on the practice. (5:59) — A high schooler who broke school rules claims she was punished for her religion. (11:40) — The Diocese of Brooklyn is angrier about Pete Davidson's SNL joke than child abuse. (16:51) — Cardinal George Pell will spend only six years in jail for child rape. (23:30) — A Georgia legislator says she'll introduce a bill to regulate men's balls. (28:50) — Humanist weddings are less likely to end in divorce, according to figures out of Scotland. (34:40) — Analyzing rape kits actually works. Who knew? (41:20) — Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wants taxpayers to fund "secular" services by religious groups for schools. (46:26) — Captain Marvel did not sit well with an anti-feminist Christian writer. (49:42) — Westboro Baptist Church protested against a trans legislator but there were counter-protesters with kazoos. (55:39)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Donald Trump is signing bibles for victims of the tornado in Alabama. (0:25) — I'm giving talks next week in Tampa and Orlando! Come on by, people of Florida! (4:14) — The Supreme Court won't hear a case involving taxpayers funding church renovations. (5:38) — A boy has tetanus. A kid has measles. A major study of 650,000 patients found no link between vaccines and autism. Will vaccine deniers ever accept reality? (13:15) — A college dean resigned from her position (but not the school) after the campus said no to bringing a Chick-fil-A on campus. (26:55) — Utah is about to make premarital sex legal. Which means it wasn't legal. (31:08) — A Christian firefighter is suing his department because they wouldn't let him grow a beard. (36:20) — The GOP is confirming anti-church/state separation judges at a rapid rate. (39:36) — For the second time, a patient was cured of HIV! (43:03) — Planned Parenthood and the American Medical Association are suing the Trump administration for punishing family planning clinics that refer women for abortions. (44:42) — Changing your religion before marriage is the lowest form of religious conversion. (47:20) — Was it sensible or cowardly for a high school Christian wrestler to forfeit matches to avoid matches with girls? (50:30) — Did you know drive-thru ashes were a thing on Ash Wednesday? (58:00)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Here's what happened in the Supreme Court as they discussed the Bladensburg Cross. (1:27) — The "My Pillow" guy, Mike Lindell, told CPAC Donald Trump was the best president ever because he was "chosen by God." (12:45) — Cardinal George Pell's lawyer tried to get him a more lenient sentence by referring to his actions as "plain vanilla" child rape. (15:36) — A Missouri bill would ban anonymity for anyone who files a church/state separation lawsuit. (20:00) — The United Methodist Church just voted for its own extinction by adopting an anti-LGBTQ stance. (26:56) — Skeptics came up with a clever way to expose psychic mediums. (33:22) — Richard Dawkins is giving away professionally translated versions of his books for free for readers in Muslim-majority nations. (41:22) — Pope Francis had no concrete suggestions for handling child sex abuse at a summit about handling child sex abuse. (44:18) — Portland (Oregon) now explicitly includes atheists in its non-discrimination ordinance. (46:33) — With a conservative government, Brazilian lawmakers are resurrecting old bills that promote Christian supremacy. (48:20) — In Argentina, an 11-year-old girl was forced to give birth to her rapist's baby. Because that's what the "pro-lifers" wanted. (51:37) — A Florida Democrat is skipping the first day of the legislative session so she can hang out with Pat Robertson. (54:06) — A Kansas lawmaker won't endorse anti-gay "parody marriage" bill after daughter's open letter, but he doesn't go far enough. (56:50)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — A California law would force Catholic priests to report child sex abuse. (0:41) — Washington legislators want to remove faith-healing homicide exemptions from the law. (6:47) — A Colorado billboard welcomes women seeking abortions. (11:30) — A Tennessee legislator wants to change the Constitution to include a useless line about God. (21:10) — A Wyoming lawmaker supports the death penalty since that's how Jesus was killed. (25:52) — Who's to blame for the Flat Earth movement? YouTube. (27:50) — Should a former teen ISIS member be allowed to re-enter society when she becomes an adult, if she doesn't have any remorse? (32:50) — Move over, Christian bakers. You've got company in the tax department. (41:55) — The Church of Norway is apologizing for its stance on abortion. (45:42) — Pope Francis said critics of the Catholic Church were "friends of the Devil." (48:52) — Catholic cardinals blamed the "homosexual agenda" for the sex abuse scandal. (50:30) — Michigan's attorney general is going after the Catholic Church and its sex abuse cover-up. (52:16) — A Christian Right leader went on a rant about witches in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's district. (56:05) — What the Southern Baptist sex scandals teach us about the Catholic Church sex scandals. (1:00:40) — An 11-year-old was arrested after he didn't say the Pledge. Kind of. (1:04:15) — What is going on with Jussie Smollett? (1:07:10)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kenny Campbell is and actor and comedian known for roles in Home Alone, Groundhog Day, and Armageddon. Jessica and Kenny discussed how he almost got fired from his dream job, what it's like being the voice of a talking baby, and his likely criminal past of the men of the Bluemke family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Once again, an atheist invocation by an Arizona legislator was rebuked by a Christian who couldn't handle it. (0:45) — An investigation found rampant abuse among Southern Baptist churches. (7:00) — A Nebraska lawmaker wants atheists to promote religion in order to keep everyone "in line." (18:06) — Don't shake the hand of this FOX News host. (27:18) — A theologian claimed that female pastors are as bad as sex offender pastors. (31:14) — The MAGA hat-wearing boys from Covington Catholic did nothing wrong, says an investigation commissioned by Covington Catholic. (32:39) — A Christian school told female dancers to bind their breasts before a show. (37:11) — A Planned Parenthood (that doesn't even perform abortions) was set on fire in a possible hate crime. (42:55) — A West Virginia lawmaker suggested he would drown his kids if they were gay. (52:12) — Women in the military say they're being denied birth control. (56:35) — An 18-year-old who had never been vaccinated defied his parents and got his shots. (58:11)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Donald Trump accidentally praised religious leaders for achieving the “abolition of civil rights” during the National Prayer Breakfast. (1:18)— A TN lawmaker says taxpayer-funded abortions violate the law because they’re an endorsement of the “religion” of Secular Humanism. (4:00)— A cross washed up on a Florida beach… so of course it’s supernatural. (9:00)— Democrats are debating “In God We Trust” when administering oaths in House subcommittees, and one decided to do away with the phrase altogether. (12:20)— Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson says he doesn’t need health care because God made us all immortal. (16:19)— In Arizona, the specialty “In God We Trust” license plate is funding a Christian hate group. (20:40)— Hemant is giving an atheist invocation at a county council meeting! (27:10)— New Jersey will begin teaching LGBT history in public schools. (30:32)— A gay atheist in Poland just launched his own political party to push back against Catholic influence. (33:06)— Michigan’s attorney general just pulled the state out of three church/state separation lawsuits on which they were fighting for the wrong side. (36:13)— Pope Francis, for the first time, acknowledged the ongoing sexual abuse of nuns by priests. (38:35)— A judge said a 13-year-old girl was the “aggressor” in a sexual abuse crime involving a 67-year-old man. (41:45)— A 24/7 Dutch church service meant to protect refugees finally ended after the policy in question changed. (42:24)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ross Blocher is the cohost of Oh No Ross and Carrie. Jessica and Ross discussed some of his recent investigations into Scientology and the frustrating art of talking to Flat Earthers. He also gave us a preview into an upcoming investigation... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gareth Reynolds is the cohost of The Dollop, an American history comedy podcast. Jessica and Gareth discussed understanding the present political climate by understanding history and the changes in the comedy landscape. They also made fun of Jessica's brother a whole lot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Sarah Huckabee Sanders says God wanted Donald Trump to be president. (1:05) — Here's how atheists are telling the Supreme Court that a giant public cross is unconstitutional. (7:59) — Kentucky's Christian governor wants Kim Davis to pay her own bigotry fine. (29:08) — An Illinois Republican accidentally told the truth about his "In God We Trust" bill. (36:19) — A Chicago radio host slammed a local pastor for his manipulative ways. (40:59) — Conservatives were angry that a New York Times reporter asked people for their Christian school experiences. (47:56) — Biblical literacy classes might be okay, just not for the reason Trump likes them. (53:15)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — What have we learned about the MAGA hat-wearing kids who were in the middle of a media firestorm? (0:20) — The Trump administration will allow a South Carolina faith-based foster care agency to discriminate against non-Christians using taxpayer funding. (19:30) — The definition of "domestic violence" has changed, for some reason, under the Trump administration. (24:02) — A Virginia legislator voted against the Equal Rights Amendment because God already says men and women are equal. (27:25) — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared on a Twitch livestream and helped raise $340,000 for a trans rights charity. (35:30) — Conan O'Brien had an optimistic take on what could be a very depressing thought. (42:32) — How do we fund Donald Trump's border wall? One Arizona legislator wants to issue a tax on adult content online. (48:00) — Being a virgin, like everything else, is no excuse to commit a mass shooting. (54:33) — A Mormon gay conversion therapist says he wants to date men. (55:44) — A judge ruled against a lesbian couple who were rejected from a faith-based retirement home. (1:01:20)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesse Thorn is the owner of the Maximum Fun podcast network, an journalist with NPR, and a podcast host. Jessica and Jesse discussed how comedy and comedians have changed in recent years, the role of kindness in skepticism, and his truly delightful anecdote about Maya Angelou. Also he made fun of 16" softball which is basically a crime against Chicagoans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Second Lady Karen Pence is working at an anti-LGBTQ Christian school. (5:20) — A study finds that more than half of young transgender men attempt suicide. (20:15) — North Dakota may finally repeal the last of its Blue Laws. (23:08) — An Indiana legislator wants Creationism taught in the classroom, again. (26:30) — A Christian hate group is furious that gay parents are on the cover of Parents magazine. (29:10) — Christian radio host Jesse Lee Peterson lashed out against several female freshmen Democrats for the worst reasons. (32:45) — Former World Series MVP and outspoken Christian John Wetteland has been charged with the worst sort of crime. (35:50) — Michael Cohen paid a Liberty University IT guy to rig polls for Donald Trump in 2016. (40:05) — Jenny McCarthy is a global health threat. (42:38) — A crucified Ronald McDonald is the subject of protests outside an Israeli art museum. (46:00) — A pastor who said Caitlin Jenner was "still a man" no longer has a job. (47:28) — 41% of Republicans would be very uncomfortable with a female president. Because of course they would. (48:50)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Congressional Freethought Caucus co-chair Rep. Jamie Raskin said the GOP is "operating like a religious cult." (5:30) — Canada has granted asylum to the Saudi woman trying to escape her religious parents. (7:41) — Catholics trust clergy members less than ever before. (14:20) — The historical phrase "CE" is upsetting British Christians. (17:17) — States are already pushing for mandatory Bible classes in public high schools. (21:25) — Liberty Counsel is furious that an anti-lynching bill includes protection for LGBTQ people. (29:05) — Hate-Pastor Donnie Romero has resigned from his church after admitting multiple sins (but he insists he still hates gay people). (33:36) — The Dutch version of the anti-LGBTQ Nashville Statement has pro-LGBTQ secular competition. (39:10) — Pat Robertson doesn't understand how internet searches work. (42:42)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The religious makeup of the new Congress and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's oath of office. (1:47) — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can dance and conservatives are furious. (25:28) — Rep. Rashida Tlaib told a crowd the Democratic House would ITMFA. (31:30) — What Sen. Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign could mean. (35:40) — Preacher John Piper wants you to "marry your Bible" this year. (39:12) — Female Mormon missionaries can wear pants now. (41:02) — Jerry Falwell, Jr. said there's nothing Donald Trump can do to lose the support of evangelical leaders. (45:46) — An experiment to lure Jewish families to Alabama for $50,000 per family didn't work. (50:55)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this 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! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The Catholic Church in IL didn't disclose allegations against more than 500 priests. (1:42) — The Christian Right's Project Blitz is getting bigger in 2019. (10:58) — After a teenager died of suicide, a Catholic priest condemned his actions during the funeral. (25:16) — An Illinois school modified its graduation speech policy in order to permit Christian preaching. (34:53) — There's a new album designed for Christians to play when they're making love. (41:27) — Trust in clergy is at an all-time low. (44:52) — A Miami church just got hit with a $7 million tax bill. (49:10) — What podcasts would you recommend to a listener? (54:06)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Pastor John Gray, after denouncing "pulpit pimps," gave his wife a $200,000 car. (0:30) — There's a financial scam that the Catholic Church says it has nothing to do with. How can anyone tell which one's the scam? (6:59) — A bishop said women who are sexually assaulted probably did something to deserve it. (10:15) — The Supreme Court's Trinity Lutheran decision is the basis for two conflicting legal battles. (14:30) — Southern Baptists finally acknowledged their racist past. What about their bigoted present? (23:05) — The Trump administration is cracking down on research that uses fetal tissues even if it could help treat HIV. (29:00) — The child of atheist parents was discriminated against by her school, said a human rights tribunal, but her parents are still jerks. (32:55) — There are sex advice message boards for abstinence-preaching conservative Christians. (42:52) — A new poll finds that atheism isn't a political liability in certain situations. (47:29) — A Christian author who said atheism and morality didn't go together was caught having an affair. This is old news (sorry!) but a link about it is here. (53:40)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — How seriously should we take the allegations against Neil deGrasse Tyson? (1:14) — Was a pastor who gave cash back to his congregation being generous? (28:45) — A Lutheran pastor wants to melt down purity rings and turn them into a golden vagina. (36:45) — How does a doctorate in End Times theology even work? (42:30) — A psychic was arrested for scamming a woman out of $12,000.(48:30) — Was a substitute teacher wrong to tell children Santa isn't real? (53:28)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Who deserves the blame for missionary John Chau's death? (1:49) — Celine Dion's new gender-neutral clothing line is apparently demonic. (19:04) — When you say life begins at conception, people are bound to try and use that to their advantage. (24:24) — Sending prayers after a tragedy decreases the amount you give to victims, according to a new study. (28:10) — An Arkansas state senator wants legislators across the country to join his Christian legislator club. (32:05) — Hijabs should be allowed on the floor of Congress, but the proposed rule change doesn't go far enough. (36:44) — Hemant reflects on his FOX News segment. (40:52) — A Dutch church is conducting non-stop services to protect a family from being deported. (55:23) — An Australian wedding magazine run by a Christian couple shut down after advertisers fled due to their anti-gay policy. (56:48)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew Copson is the Chief Executive of Humanists UK, formerly known as the British Humanist Association, as well as the current President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union. He also studied Classics and Ancient and Modern History at the University of Oxford. His new book is called Secularism and it's a primer on the history of the philosophy, what it means today, and how it offers a solution to some of the biggest conflicts in the world. We spoke about the difference between secular and atheistic nations, the biggest threats to secularism around the world, and why even religious people ought to support a secular society. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Wentzville, Missouri will pay the price for trying to silence an atheist who criticized their "In God We Trust" sign. (0:58) — A white Kansas county commissioner told a black woman that he belonged to the "master race." (4:35) — Ricky Gervais and Stephen Colbert talked about religion once again, and it's a joy to watch. (9:43) — A 19-year-old progressive woman was elected to the New Hampshire State House. She ran after a sitting official insulted her. (12:00) — The conservative lawyers in a major church/state separation case aren't getting all the money they wanted because the judge said they're greedy. (15:40) — Kentucky's governor is blaming mass shootings on zombies and abortions. (24:48) — An awful video game lets you shoot LGBTQ people. (27:52) — This Christian ministry's contract with a public school district is bananas. (31:12) — Zayn Malik of One Direction says he's not a Muslim. (40:19) — Some Republicans in a Texas county want to oust a local leader because he's Muslim. (44:04) — People did not like these rainbow poppies on Remembrance Day. (49:38) — After an anti-gay Christian burned LGBTQ library books, an atheist raised over $1,000 to replace them. (53:37) — Why doesn't the media cover religion with more skepticism? (57:00)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Atheism, politics, and the consequences of the midterm elections! We discussed canvassing for a great candidate, the atheists who were elected, and what the GOP Senate majority could do to the courts. (1:00) — The anti-gay county clerk from Kentucky, Kim Davis, is now out of a job having lost her re-election bid. (39:08) — The Trump administration wants to make it even harder for women to obtain birth control. (45:15) — The mother of a mass shooting victim says she doesn't want anyone's thoughts and prayers. She just wants gun control. (48:40) — Michelle Obama conceived her daughters through IVF. (51:07) — Here's a FOX News story you may enjoy. (53:07) — Hemant will be speaking in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday night! It's free. Come! (58:00) — Students at a high school outside of Chicago were sent swastikas on their phones. (59:20)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Kellyanne Conway blamed the synagogue shooting on anti-religiosity, not anti-Semitism. (3:04) — Don't invite a Jews for Jesus rabbi to speak after a mass shooting of Jewish people. (10:32) — Muslims covered the funeral expenses for victims of anti-Semitic mass shooting. (16:35) — Did the University of Utah properly handle the death of a student? (19:05) — Don't ever go to a gynecologist who does this. (21:30) — The Pakistani Supreme Court overturned a death sentence for Asia Bibi. Will she be safe? (23:50) — A Washington State Rep. wrote "Biblical Basis for War" manifesto. (29:50) — Attorney Michael Avenatti may run for president as the Great White Democratic Hope. (33:22) — Some young evangelicals are realizing Democrats practice what Christians preach. (36:40) — In Alberta, a patient had to discuss end of life care on the sidewalk because a Catholic hospital wouldn't allow it inside. (43:20) — A Catholic bishop allegedly told kids that Santa doesn't exist. (47:44)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Tasmania may remove gender from birth certificates. (3:55) — The Trump administration may revoke legal protections for transgender people. (8:35) — Ark Encounter attendance is still dropping faster than ever. (18:18) — Astrological chapstick is now a thing. (20:37) — The Museum of the Bible realized five of its Dead Sea Scrolls are fake. Who wants to tell them? (22:47) — If the Australian prime minister apologized for abuses in the Catholic Church, does it matter? (29:38) — Anti-vaxxers got Arizona to scrap its vaccine education program. (35:55) — Should anyone accept Caitlyn Jenner‚Äòs apology for supporting Donald Trump despite his actions against transgender people? (41:36) — Most evangelicals don't understand their core beliefs, according to a new survey. (51:28) — A rabbi wants people to avoid online ordination for weddings. He doesn't get the problem with that. (1:09:03) — This pastor thinks Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be executed for treason. (1:17:09) — Is it okay for parents to swear around their children? (1:19:36) — How do you meet atheists when you're new in town? (1:20:21)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — A Catholic pharmacist wouldn't give a woman the medicine she needed to abort a miscarriage. (2:35) — Christian videographers want the right to discriminate against gay customers and it may go to the Supreme Court. (10:48) — Republicans are rushing to confirm an enemy of church/state separation before Democrats can weigh in. (21:12) — Stephen Hawking is adamant about his atheism in his final book. (30:42) — Donald Trump said he has a "natural instinct" for science, a comment which shows he doesn't understand science. (34:30) — There's a "grueling" exam for astrologers. I guess you fail by taking it. (37:02) — Christian author says rape doesn't count if the woman doesn't scream. Again. (42:52) — An anti-gay former fire chief in Atlanta got $1.2 million in settlement. (49:15) — 90% of Goop wellness products are not supported by science. (57:43) — Can you be a bad atheist? (1:02:07) — How can we stay optimistic in a depressing world? (1:07:59)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Atheist charity Nonbelief Relief just had its tax exemption revoked by the IRS‚ arguably on purpose. The group says this amounts to religious discrimination by the government. (0:45) — Here are the major church/state separation cases in front of the Supreme Court that Brett Kavanaugh could soon be ruling on. (11:55) — Secular Democrats are among the most enthusiastic about the midterms. But will that mean votes? (18:38) — Mike Huckabee thinks Taylor Swift's endorsement for Democrats won't matter. As usual, he's wrong. (22:45) — The Mormon president said women should take a 10-day social media "fast" right before the election. (27:24) — The new Quebec premier says a large crucifix in the National Assembly isn't a religious symbol at all. (32:36) — Want an important take on the #MeToo movement? Don't ask North Dakota GOP Senate candidate Kevin Cramer. (35:41) — A group representing Catholic moms released a video supporting Kavanaugh that was all about how false allegations could happen to the men in your lives. (41:41) — The UK Supreme Court just ruled in favor of Christian bakers who didn't want to bake a cake for a gay customer. But this could backfire on Christians. (44:02) — Teachers at a middle school couldn't decide what to do with a trans student during a lockdown drill. Thank goodness it was only a drill. (49:02) — Matthew Shepard will finally have a resting place nearly two decades after a hate crime took his life. (51:23) — When are government officials (including teachers) allowed to wear religious symbols? (55:42)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Tucker Carlson says the Brett Kavanaugh backlash is due to an atheist "theocracy." (4:40) — Does Purity Culture explain why evangelical women still support Brett Kavanaugh? (11:06) — Former Southern Baptist leader Paige Patterson is teaching a class on ethics for some reason. (14:58) — Even Catholics are getting sick of Pope Francis. (19:52) — In a letter, Albert Einstein called God a "product of human weakness." (24:41) — Ark Encounter does not make for an educational (or legal) field trip. (26:40) — The "Nones" believe a lot of New Age nonsense. (30:02) — The Jenga approach to religion. (34:17) — Irish schools have an awful track record when it comes to religion. (37:55) — The Trump administration will end visas for unmarried gay partners of diplomats. (41:48) — Is "freethought" a good word for atheists to use? (47:30)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Even if Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, half of evangelicals wouldn't care. (1:30) — A Jesuit publication rescinded its endorsement of Kavanaugh. (11:25) — The question to Kavanaugh from Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) about God was inappropriate. (15:49) — A Kentucky city council member is holding a school district hostage unless they take back their support of church/state separation. (18:20) — The Pennsylvania House passed a bill that would create a new two-year window for child sex abuse victims to sue their abusers. (23:56) — Preacher John Piper says Christians shouldn't attend the weddings of couples who don't feel bad for having pre-marital sex. (28:53) — The Texas attorney general says students cannot "unilaterally refuse" to say the Pledge. A 1943 Supreme Court ruling says otherwise. (32:40) — NPR's Terry Gross is not anti-Christian. (37:46) — The Congressional Freethought Caucus is growing! (40:30) — Listener mail: Why do we talk about LGBTQ issues so much on an atheist podcast? And why will Hemant be the first one destroyed in the Zombie Apocalypse? (42:46)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — White evangelicals say we shouldn't listen to Brett Kavanaugh's accuser unless there were 2-3 witnesses because the Bible says so, and that he was respectful after she said no. (0:35) — A man who strangled a woman received no jail time. (26:35) — A Louisiana congressman claims atheists are spying on students in one high school. (29:42) — An art gallery owner found a clever way to get church members to stop parking in his spaces. (34:11) — Three pastors tried banning books from a library's Banned Books display. (35:52) — An Indian court found a great reason to reject a blasphemy complaint. (43:12) — This is a remarkably tone-deaf ad, even for the GOP. (46:00) — The Mormon Church excommunicated a man who was trying to protect children. (53:34) — A former GOP state senator and Trump supporter was sentenced to 15 years in jail for child sex trafficking. (57:12) — Should taxpayers be funding church renovations? The Supreme Court may get to weigh in on that. (59:45) — How can you criticize minority religions without being called "Islamophobic" or anti-Semitic? (1:07:58)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — This is a great way to respond to an anti-abortion protest outside a high school. (0:45) — A 9-year-old girl protesting the National Anthem in Australia. And she has a good point. (6:20) — Republican candidates' old videos are catching up to them in their races. (11:36) — What is causing Hurricane Florence? These Christians have all the (wrong) ideas. (24:35) — Here's the biggest problem with the atheist character on God Friended Me. (30:23) — Should pro-Christian advertisements be allowed on high school football fields? (38:39) — North Carolina Republicans shelved scientists' recommendations about dealing with rising sea levels. (44:12) — A Christian college won't let a student finish his degree because he's openly gay. (47:45) — Pope Francis referred to The Great Accuser (Satan) when discussing the sex abuse scandal. (53:25) — Should you pay money to see a psychic even if you know it's not real? (1:02:28)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — These Christians are threatening to follow the law if they don't get to pray over the loudspeakers before football games. (2:20) — A new book talks about the harm of the evangelical "purity" movement. (7:53) — Several states are launching their own investigations into the Catholic Church. (17:37) — Researchers calculated how much money victims of Catholic Church abuse lose over their lifetimes. (22:18) — A Mexican cardinal says victims of the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal have their own skeletons and should shut up. (28:55) — Sinéad O'Connor deserves all the apologies for calling out Catholic Church abuse long before it was a news story. (31:09) — A Christian school has banned all Nike products for athletes after the Colin Kaepernick ad. (37:20) — A bunch of evangelical Christians released a statement denouncing social justice activism. (45:55) — A Texas pastor sexually assaulted a teen in church. Is the church handling the situation properly? (58:53) — American Atheists has a new president. Here's what he should focus on. (1:03:34) — Is it fair to question Serena Williams about her Jehovah's Witness beliefs? (1:25:38)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Donald Trump held a dinner party for conservative Christian leaders, screwed up a quotation, and urged pastors to tell their congregations how to vote. (6:22) — The Pope's visit to Ireland was not nearly as popular as organizers expected. (13:51) — A critic of the Pope says he knew about the abuse and did nothing but the messenger has problems of his own. (18:02) — Louis CK is performing again - what does that say about #MeToo? (27:35) — A critic of Mormon "masturbation interviews" is being threatened with excommunication. 32:34) — Who installed a Scientology kiosk in a Hollywood police station? (40:45) — A girl was stabbed at a high school after rejecting a boy's advances. (44:25) — A 9-year-old boy killed himself after being bullied for being gay. (46:49) — 97-year-old televangelist Ernest Angley is being sued for all kinds of creepy abuse. (48:57) — Russian bots wanted to increase hostilities on both sides of the vaccine "debate." (56:09) — A preacher who went viral for speaking in tongues now says we weren't meant to see that. (57:44) — Forget the "Nones." Say hello to the "Solidly Seculars." (1:02:24) — How many victims of the Catholic Church do we not know about? (1:12:50)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) used Christianity to cover up his campaign finance fraud. (2:55)— The Catholic Church has spent millions of dollars in New York lobbying against bills that would let victims of child sex abuse seek justice. (7:50)— Good news! Claiming to have flown in an alien spaceship is no longer a dealbreaker to get an endorsement from the Miami Herald. (11:50)— Christine Hallquist, a trans woman, is the Democratic nominee for governor in Vermont! (16:55)— A conservative legal group is furious that Hawaii asked non-profits to play by the rules this election season. (18:58)— An Arkansas school district did not like the contextualized "In God We Trust" poster offered to them by American Atheists. (23:25)— Surprise: HPV vaccines aren't bad for you! (28:23)— A young Mormon woman dumped her fiancé after she realized he watched porn. (33:38)— The Christian family that handles snakes in church can't stop getting bitten by snakes for some reason. (43:30)— Rose McGowan goes from hero to ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ in a recent #MeToo story. (47:14)— The former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was charged with forcible touching. (50:37)— Hemant will be in Portland, Oregon on Friday, August 31 for a free conversation about religion with a Christian apologist. Expect all the fireworks! (51:39)— Thanks to our Patreon supporters! (52:15)— Is Donald Trump the first atheist president in history? (52:43)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The grand jury's report on the child sex abuse in six Pennsylvania Catholic dioceses and it's the most disturbing stuff you'll ever hear. (0:35 with details at 5:15) — The Catholic League's Bill Donohue, as usual, is downplaying the seriousness of the allegations against priests. (24:10) — Mormons don't want to be called Mormons anymore. (37:55) — The Christian baker who famously refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple is back in the news for not wanting to make a birthday cake for a trans woman. (40:05) — Amidst a sex scandal involving its founder, Willow Creek paid out millions of dollars to settle cases involving a volunteer allegedly abusing two special needs kids. (43:55) — Pat Robertson told a grieving mother who worried about her daughter getting molested to "get over it." (45:25) — Liberty University won't let student journalists do any actual journalism. (47:45) — A Catholic school has, again, kicked out a beloved staff for being gay-married. (54:20) — A Michigan Democrat is on the verge of becoming the first Muslim woman in Congress. (59:25) — Hemant's speaking with a Christian apologist in Portland on August 31. (1:01:15)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — The rest of Willow Creek church's leadership resigned over the Bill Hybels scandal. (0:28) — Brock Turner lost his appeal to overturn a sexual assault conviction. (16:14) — A one-minute video promoting animal rights was too controversial for a Southern Baptist group. (20:40) — An anti-abortion pamphlet was found inside a box of diapers. (28:30) — An Atlanta charter school tried to avoid a Pledge of Allegiance controversy only to get embroiled in a Pledge of Allegiance controversy. (32:25) — A Tokyo medical school changed test scores to purposely exclude women for years. (37:28) — Why are people abandoning religion? Not believing in God isn't the #1 reason. (42:10) — Arkansas State Sen. Jason Rapert is rewriting history and blame atheists for wrecking his Ten Commandments monument. (52:10)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — Willow Creek megachurch's founder Bill Hybels has now been accused of sexually harassing his assistant decades ago, and the lead pastor quit as a result. (2:15) — Jeff Sessions' "Religious Freedom Task Force" is just a government program to help conservative Christians discriminate against groups they hate. (18:09) — Child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church would stop if only seminaries required applicants to abstain from lust or masturbation for a year, says priest. (23:55) — Cosmologist Lawrence Krauss no longer has his top science job at Arizona State after an investigation found that he groped a woman at a conference. But he's still on the school's payroll. (28:58) — Want to volunteer with Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse group to help with California wildfire relief efforts? You need to be anti-gay first. (36:44) — There can be no compromise between LGBTQ Americans and conservative Christians. (41:59) — Move over, bananas. Atheists have a new worst nightmare: Broccoli. (50:43) — Pope Francis says the death penalty is never okay. Hallelujah! (55:02) — A Mormon woman couldn't get a Temple Recommend because she breastfed her baby in church. (1:04:27)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. -- 50 years ago, the pope said birth control was immoral. (1:15) -- Did you know Gwyneth Paltrow hired a fact checker for Goop? (9:40) -- This 11-year-old college grad wants to pursue astrophysics so he can prove God's existence. (19:44) -- Computer models could help us understand the future of religion. (30:25) -- A Republican candidate for office thinks the Founding Fathers put "One Nation Under God" in the Pledge... which wasn't written until after they all died. (45:35) -- Two South Asian atheists face blasphemy charges in their countries. One's currently filming a reality show. (56:25) -- This alternative Ten Commandments is incredible. (1:02:20) -- We answer a question about whether or not to show off your shoulders in a very Mormon part of Utah. (1:07:17)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. -- Republicans just passed another bill to repeal the Johnson Amendment. (0:22) -- If you're running for governor, don't belittle someone who asks a good question about climate change. (6:35) -- Russian spy Mariia Butina infiltrated the government via the National Prayer Breakfast. (12:25) -- Science denier Jenny McCarthy has solid verifiable proof that a ghost is in her house. There's even video! (25:45) -- Why a gay Catholic could help end the blood donation ban on gay men. (29:15) -- Richard Dawkins doesn't like the sound of Muslim prayers. Should we be offended? (40:05) -- White evangelicals don't like that America is becoming less white. (55:26) -- An Alabama county commissioner with the endorsement of Jesus lost her election. (59:20) -- Darla Shine, wife of the new Trump administration appointee, thinks women are just asking for harassment if they join the military. (1:02:17) -- House Republicans passed a bill effectively allowing anti-gay discrimination at adoption agencies. (1:04:19) -- Ken Ham's merry band of Creationists tried explaining the discovery of a new planet, since it violates their beliefs. (1:10:45) -- The Humanist Legal Society, an atheist response to the Federalist Society, just launched. (1:16:04)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. -- The new Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, the one right-wing group that opposed him (temporarily), and his claim that church/state separation is "based on bad history." (0:30) -- This is why it's a problem believing communion wafers are the literal body of Christ. (20:14) -- Apparently you're not a real man unless you have a first-born son. (25:29) -- Kentucky can't decide if religious license plates should be allowed because atheists would get to have them. (27:44) -- Donald Trump's spiritual adviser Pastor Paula White says (wrongly) Jesus never broke the law. (33:00) -- A judge ruled against the least offensive atheist bus ad ever. (38:09) -- What did you do, Papa John? (43:47) -- The studio behind God's Not Dead wants to make a movie about the Thai kids trapped in a cave. (46:53) -- The Center For Inquiry is suing CVS for selling homeopathic medicine in misleading ways. (52:40) -- Australia is punishing parents who don't vaccinate their kids. Good. (57:52) -- The UK government is planning on banning gay conversion therapy. (1:01:10) -- A 12-year-old girl is working to bring a Pride parade to Buffalo Grove, Illinois. (1:04:20)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. -- Is Ark Encounter lying about attendance again? (0:39) -- A Republican congressional candidate thinks women are best described as "helpers." (15:52) -- What does Scott Pruitt's resignation letter say about God? (26:22) -- The man who destroyed the Ten Commandments monument in Arkansas doesn't regret it. (30:40) -- In Virginia, a new city council was sworn in... and they got rid of prayer. (36:21) -- A priest conducting a funeral went crazy after someone bumped into a chalice. (39:30) -- Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a potential Supreme Court pick, has a church/state separation problem. (43:58) -- Southern Baptist donors are furious that a seminary fired Paige Patterson, a man who downplayed or ignored sexual abuse. (58:22) -- This church protested Donald Trump's immigration policy by locking the Holy Family up in a cage. (1:02:37) -- There's a cultural vacuum in Trump's White House. (1:04:37) -- The issue of government-led prayer is in chaos because of the Supreme Court. (1:10:26) -- Don't get suckered in by Christians saying "I'm sorry" at a Pride parade. (1:21:30) -- The new season of the StartUp podcast is looking at a church plant. (1:31:08) -- We've got listener mail! (1:33:10)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In January, Jessica found out her brother Kevin was reading a book about the Satanic Panic and she thought it would be fun to sit down and have him walk her through the ins and outs of that era. They recorded in February. They had technical issues and had to scrap it. They tried again in April. It went very poorly. They scrapped it. But, third time's a charm, and so now we present to you "The Bluemke Sibling Dollop Tribute Journey Through the Satanic Panic." Notes: This podcast is a hat tip to The Dollop, a favorite American History comedy podcast hosted by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. (We suggest starting with Episode 2: Purity Balls if you enjoy the FA Podcast.) Kevin's sources are from Satanic Panic: Pop-Cultural Paranoia in the 1980s edited by Kier-La Janisse and Paul Corupe. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. -- What does Anthony Kennedy's retirement mean for church/state separation? (1:05) -- The Supreme Court banning abortion will backfire on evangelicals. (18:25) -- A Walgreens pharmacist refused to fill a prescription for a woman who miscarried. (32:00) -- Your thoughts and prayers alone won't help the victims in Annapolis, Maryland. (37:50) -- The American Family Association thinks a man spying on women in a Target dressing room is a good reason Target should ban trans people from using the right bathroom. (43:50) -- Joel Davis, a man who fought to stop sexual violence, has been charged with committing sexual exploitation against children. (51:50) -- El Al, Israeli's national airline, vows to kick off ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse to sit in seats next to women. (54:20) -- The GOP's tax bill accidentally hurt churches. (57:42)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.