TheThinkingAtheist

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistThere are few experiences like attending a religious elementary school, high school or university.  Some religious institutions of "learning" are mild, moderate and relatively benign.  Others operate like puritan prisons.  And the strict (and often bizarre) rules imposed by these schools can be interesting, entertaining, and often alarming.This show features the experiences and stories of those raised in religious school environments.  Have something you want to share?  Email podcast@thethinkingatheist.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.harrys.com (promo code thethinkingatheist)Faith healers!  Crystals!  Power bracelets!  Kinoki pads!  Applied kinesiology!  Chakras, Chi and Positive Vibrations!There's a lot of bunk out there.  In this podcast, a panel of three "debunking" experts join Seth Andrews for a lively (and often hysterical) conversation about science, scams and our weird world of woo.ON THE PANEL:Dr. Harriet Hall (the SkepDoc) is an MD, a retired family physician and former Air Force flight surgeon.  She's a columnist for Skeptic and Skeptical Inquirer, and she's one of the founders of the Science-Based Medicine website. Dr. Hall recently co-authored the textbook, "Consumer Health: a Guide to Intelligent Decisions.  Her websites:  http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org and http://www.skepdoc.infoJames Underdown has been the Executive Director of the Center for Inquiry Los Angeles since 1999.  He has written for Skeptical Inquirer and Free Inquiry magazine, and he is founder and chairman of the Independent Investigations Group in Hollywood, California.  The IIG offers a $100,000 prize to anyone who can prove paranormal activity under scientific testing conditions.  Websites: centerforinquiry.net and iighq.orgYvette Guinevere is an analytical chemist with a background in forensics and toxicology.  She runs the website http://www.scibabe.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistIt's one thing to "come out" as an atheist (or even someone with doubts) to associates, friends and family.  It's another thing to be "outed" by someone else, often against your knowledge or wishes.  This podcast talks about the challenges, both personal and professional, of those who've had their non-belief exposed on someone else's terms.Seth's "letter" of encouragement:  http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/blog/86/A-Letter-of-EncouragementBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

In this podcast, Seth Andrews explores the notion of "sacred cows" (ideas, icons and customs supposedly sacred and immune from criticism), and he reads a full chapter from his new book of the same name.  If you'd like to pre-order an autographed copy of the book (shipping in April and May 2015), check out the website:  http://www.sacredcowsbook.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistBelievers in Heaven look forward to an afterlife.  But does their belief in posthumous existence alleviate their fears about death and dying?  How does the atheist approach the reality that, one day, the curtain will close on his/her life?Join us for an intriguing exploration of the subject of death. Your calls and emails:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.comCarol Fiore's book "Flight Through Fire" - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0989700402/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0989700429&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1HKP5XK3JJJ866XQ16PN AFTERLIFE VIDEO:  http://youtu.be/eeMoOJpvUlUBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

The Atheist Foundation of Australia is hosting a "Down Under" tour with Matt Dillahunty, AronRa and Seth Andrews in March 2015.  Join them for a casual chat about the "trinity," the trip, and whatever else comes up in conversation.TOUR DETAILS:  http://www.unholytrinitydownunder.comVIDEO OF THIS CONVERSATION ON YOUTUBE:  http://youtu.be/NLndXednlT4 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistOften in conversations regarding religion, one party (or both) will declare that they're offended by a statement, belief, position or action.  But what does it mean to take offense, and should we be concerned about what others might consider offensive?We explore the issue.  Your calls and emails:  podcast@thethinkingatheist.comDan Arel's article: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/danthropology/2015/01/charlie-hebdo-has-a-right-to-offend-you-and-it-is-not-a-double-standard/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

On January 7, 2015, two masked gunmen killed 12 people, 11 of whom worked for the French satirical newspaper, "Charlie Hebdo," a publication with a reputation for lampooning Islam and its prophet.Terror alerts remain high, and in the wake of the killings, Charlie Hebdo remained defiant, publishing a caricature of Muhammad on its very next issue.  Millions of copies immediately sold.Soon after, Pope Francis declared his condemnation of the attack and hi support for free speech, but also declared that "you cannot insult people's faith."The debate rages on.  Did these attackers truly represent the religion of Islam?  Should the attack have been expected because it was provoked?  Should satire expect protection in all of its forms, or are there limits?  And what should responsible media outlets do in regard to religion, free speech and the safety of its employees.Guests include Brian Dalton (Mr. Deity), Ali A. Rizvi, Faisal Saeed Al Mutar and others.  Plus your calls and emails (podcast@thethinkingatheist.com)fThe Way of the Mister:  Fuck the Pope:  http://youtu.be/6xDnxv6eFNgAli A. Rizvi's blog archive:  www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-a-rizviFaisal Saeed Al Mutar's website:  www.faisalalmutar.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistRyan Bell, a former Seventh-day Adventist pastor, lived as an atheist for the entire year of 2014, chronicling the journey on his blog, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/yearwithoutgod.In December of 2014, Bell announced in an NPR interview that he no longer believes in God.  Both Christians and atheists have rallied around this declaration, for good and for ill. In this very special broadcast, we speak personally with Ryan Bell about his faith, his year without God, and about the circumstances which led to his desire to take such an unusual (and drastic) step.Charisma News article featuring Ryan:  http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/46618-why-are-so-many-christians-turning-into-atheistsSeth's response video to "10 Women Christian Men Shouldn't Marry:  http://youtu.be/m1ugVyuRUv0 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistSeth Andrews joins a live audience for this very special 200th episode.  Kick off the New Year with this celebration of the big 2-0-0. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.