TheThinkingAtheist

Christopher Hitchens is known for his famous book subtitle, "How Religion Poisons Everything."  Is this a fair statement?  Is religion always toxic?  We discuss.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Netflix has a new film profiling Madalyn Murray O'Hair, founder of American Atheists and once called "The Most Hated Woman in America." But is the film fair and factual, and does the dramatized story of O'Hair bear any resemblance to the real-life story?In this podcast, we profile this atheist icon, and we discuss the film with Frank Zindler, former interim president of AA and someone who knew Madalyn Murray O'Hair personally.This broadcast will discuss specific plot points, so understand that there might be some spoilers.  If that's a concern, we encourage you to see the film before listening to the show.Support our sponsor: The Great Courses Plus http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery programs often invoke (or require) a "Higher Power." How effective is this, and are there better alternatives for beating addiction and overcoming ?  We explore 12-step programs, the often religious language they use, and some secular alternatives.Support Our Sponsor:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethJon Stewart’s blog: “Leaving AA, Staying Sober” https://jonsleeper.wordpress.comJon Stewart’s article in The Guardian:  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/29/alcoholics-anonymous-saved-my-life-but-i-lost-my-faithRecovery resources suggested on the show:https://www.seculartherapy.org/http://lifering.org/https://www.the-sinclair-method.com/http://www.sossobriety.org/http://www.smartrecovery.org/http://www.refugerecovery.org/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

More and more every day, the claims of a literal, historical Jesus are coming into question. Many atheists still think the Jesus-as-God story traces back to a literal person, but author Historical researcher David Fitzgerald is among a growing number of mythicists who think that that Jesus never existed in any human form. David joins Seth Andrews for a discussion about Jesus, the claims, the evidence (and lack of), and David's new book on the subject, "Jesus: Mything in Action Volume 1."Support our sponsor:  The Great Courses Plushttp://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethKindness campaign for Doug Clark:  https://www.youcaring.com/dougclarke-731585  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Lucien Greaves is co-founder of The Satanic Temple, an organization which has gained global attention with its attempts to have its Baphomet monument displayed next to Christian monuments (like the Ten Commandments) on taxpayer-funded property.  It also distributes children's books at various public schools as counters to the distribution of Gideon bibles and Christian literature.We speak to Lucien about his activism, his perspective on the supernatural and the Devil, and the mission and goals of one of the most controversial Satanist organizations in the United States. Support our sponsor:  http://www.hellofresh.com (promo code: sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

From the Jesus fish stick, to weeping Mary statues, to the staged "cures" sold by self-acclaimed faith healers, this lighthearted show explores some of the bizarre (and often hysterically funny) miracle claims from around the world.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

This is a previously unscheduled, totally off-topic, "bonus" show.  Because sometimes, we just need to take a break and hang out.Of course, this broadcast won't be for everyone, but if you're just looking for something to listen to, crank it up and enjoy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Ron Miscavige is father of David Miscavige, leader of the Church of Scientology.  Ron tells the story of his son, Scientology, and his escape from the church's controlling grasp.Ron's book, "Ruthless:"  https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Scientology-Son-David-Miscavige/dp/1250096936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487075049&sr=8-1&keywords=ron+miscavigeSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

How reliable is our memory? Can fake memories be planted through suggestion? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is an expert on memory who has served as an expert witness or consultant in hundreds of memory-related cases, including the famous McMartin preschool trial, the Rodney King trial, litigation involving Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and others.  She joins Seth Andrews for an exploration of memory and the human brain.Dr. Loftus' TED Talk: https://youtu.be/PB2OegI6wvIDr. Loftus' page at the University of California, Irvine:  http://www.law.uci.edu/faculty/full-time/loftus/SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code: sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

On the date which would traditionally see the U.S. President's annual State of the Union speech, Seth Andrews gives his own secular State of the Union address...a look at America through the eyes of a private citizen, and an examination of patriotism, protest, the presidency, and the world stage on which this nation stands.Transcript of the speech:  http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/blog/123/A-Secular-State-of-the-Union-AddressSupport our sponsor:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.