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The Michael Shermer Show
The Current State of Atheism and Separation of Church and State
Nov 30, 2024
Dan Barker, a former evangelical preacher turned prominent atheist and co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, delves into the intricate issues of church-state separation. He discusses the influence of Catholicism on Supreme Court rulings, legal challenges in public education, and the rise of Christian nationalism. Barker introduces his philosophical concept of 'Contraduction,' exploring how beliefs can reverse in meaning. The conversation also touches on morality, free will, and the complexities surrounding the existence of God.
01:27:40
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Quick takeaways
- Legal challenges are increasing regarding the separation of church and state, particularly in public education and religious influence.
- The Supreme Court's recent rulings indicate a shift towards allowing more religious influence in public policy, particularly due to Catholic representation.
Deep dives
Current Issues in Atheism and Legal Battles
The discussion highlights various contemporary legal challenges surrounding the separation of church and state, particularly involving influential figures in education proposing to incorporate religious texts into public schooling. In Louisiana, legal action is being taken against the mandate to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, while in Oklahoma, there's a controversial plan to supply specific Bibles, dubbed the 'Trump Bible,' to schools. Despite pushback from many within the educational community, these efforts illustrate a growing trend that threatens to merge religious doctrine with public education. Additionally, the mention of an upcoming debate involving Peter Hitchens further emphasizes the ongoing dialogues and disagreements regarding atheism and religion's role in public life.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode