Friendly Atheist Podcast 594 - Ryan Walters' Naughty, Naughty Computer
Jul 31, 2025
This week, the hosts tackle a scandal involving Ryan Walters' computer mishap, turning a serious incident into a comedic commentary on political accountability. They dive into the ethical issues surrounding a church sending kids on mission trips to homeless encampments. A controversial memo allowing religious expression in workplaces raises concerns about coercion against non-Christian employees. Plus, a pastor's crypto scheme swindles millions, highlighting deceit in faith communities, while discussions about abortion laws reveal dire implications for victims of assault.
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Superintendent's Embarrassing Screen Share
- Ryan Walters allegedly broadcast a screen showing multiple nude women during an Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting.
- Board members confronted him, he claimed he couldn't turn it off, and later blamed media and colleagues.
Investigation Didn't Clear Walters
- The OMES investigation said it could not definitively determine whether the incident occurred and did not clear Walters.
- Walters falsely claimed he was cleared and used conspiracy rhetoric to deflect responsibility.
Memo Legalizes Ambiguous Proselytizing
- The OPM memo explicitly permits employees to attempt to persuade colleagues of their religious views, if not "harassing in nature."
- That creates ambiguity because proselytizing often functions as harassment in workplace power dynamics.