Friendly Atheist Podcast

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.-– We’re having an in-person celebration in Naperville, IL to mark our 600th episode (and other pleasant things)! Details are here. Hope you can join us on September 13!  — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praises pastor who thinks women shouldn't have the right to vote. (1:45)— Pennsylvania priest accused of rigging church's Corvette raffle. (18:20)— Once again, Kim Davis wants the Supreme Court to destroy marriage equality. (33:10)— The "ministerial exception" is rapidly becoming a civil rights nightmare. (58:00)— Despite legal rulings, California school district tries to revive Christian prayers at meetings. (1:12:43)This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Southern Baptist ethics leader resigns under pressure from extreme factions, revealing hypocrisy within the church. Legal battles unfold over child abuse cover-ups involving the Mormon Church, raising questions about religious privilege. A federal judge blocks a law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in schools, emphasizing the separation of church and state. Meanwhile, West Point's decision to rebrand bibles introduces tension between faith and military inclusivity. Join in on a rollercoaster of religious and political controversies!

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.

A heated debate about a Catholic fascist highlights the blurred lines of respect in religion and politics. The fallout from a library termination showcases the clash between personal beliefs and workplace norms. In a bizarre twist, a coin toss elects a Christian Nationalist mayor, leading to controversy in Monroe, North Carolina. Meanwhile, tensions rise around educational standards in Oklahoma, revealing how ideological pressures shape what’s taught in schools. The community grapples with the implications of public flag displays, as they navigate faith's role in society.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Woman sues John MacArthur’s church for publicly shaming her for wanting to leave an abusive marriage. (0:23)— Speaking of which, John MacArthur is dead. (21:20)— Evangelicals lose their minds after Chip and Joanna Gaines cast gay couple on reality show. (36:18)— LGBTQ-affirming atheist group denied booth at St. John’s Pride Festival. (54:20)— Baylor University rejects $643,401 LGBTQ+ research grant after conservative backlash. (1:19:25)This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The hosts dive into the implications of the Johnson Amendment, discussing whether it remains intact as churches may now endorse political candidates. They highlight the outrage over anti-LGBTQ sermons from an Indiana church and a controversial $5 million religious grant in West Virginia. The podcast critiques a Fox News segment promoting a creationist theme park, while also addressing accountability issues within religious institutions, especially following a priest's conviction for abuse. The lively discussion combines humor with pressing social and ethical concerns.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— ACLU sues Michigan school after Palestinian teen bullied by teacher over Pledge protest. (2:20)— Catholic school fires widowed teacher over same-sex marriage. (14:42)— Oklahoma sued over school standards that mix Christianity with right-wing lies. (38:18)— Supreme Court opens door to religious veto of public school lessons, starting with LGBTQ books. (55:55)— Trump policies force global Humanist conference to abandon U.S. plans. (1:11:42)This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Vance Boelter and the deadly cost of religious extremism. (0:40)— Christian music icon Michael Tait's fall from grace. (17:50)— Sean Duffy turns military graduation into blatant ad for Christian Nationalism. (34:20)— Appeals Court blocks Louisiana law forcing Ten Commandments displays in classrooms. (53:05)— Trump has earned $1.3 million (so far) from his MAGA Bible grift. (1:07:44)— Christian parents let their baby die because of their faith. Now they’re going to prison. (1:15:22)— Colorado Springs City Council members target Pride Parade after "Hail Satan" shout-out. (1:25:37)This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Kate Shellnutt is editorial director of news for Christianity Today. She has been a religion reporter and editor for more than 15 years, previously at the Houston Chronicle. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, The New York Times, and Vox and has been recognized by the Religion News Association and the Evangelical Press Association. I wanted to talk to her because she's spent last week at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting. What is happening with the largest Protestant denomination in the country? Let's find out.This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.– He's Sikh, not Muslim: GOP Rep. Mary Miller's bigoted blunder goes viral. (0:41)– Arizona court blocks predator's confession from trial—because it was made to a pastor. (17:44)– A Christian Nationalist will lead the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. (31:15)– An Oklahoma City employee moonlights as a pastor who preaches death for LGBTQ people. (56:11)– Thou shalt not ignore the law: Illinois county sued over Ten Commandments monument. (1:12:15)– Supreme Court hands win to Catholic Charities in case that could gut worker protections. (1:31:30)This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.