The Atheist Experience

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Jim Barrows is joined by Dave Warnock! Happy 2022!Our first caller is none other than Matt with a post-surgery and recovery update! Good luck with the rest of your recovery!Next up is Aidan from IL who was diagnosed with MS last year, and has concerns with their religious family member’s position regarding death with dignity.Up next is Paul from PA! Paul, first off...if you want to advertise your book, go and pay for ad space on (insert popular social media platform) or something. Next up, narrative sequels act as a continuation of an existing work. Sequels, by themselves, do not IN ANY WAY serve as evidence for the truth value of the original story. You can’t use the original work to prove the truth of the sequel, or vice versa.Next is Nick from CO who asserts that “fine-tuning” is justified by physics. This call quickly becomes 2022’s first case of the argument from incredulity. Just because we aren’t able to investigate before Planck time, doesn’t mean that a creator pulled the trigger.Up next is Michael is MD who, after three minutes of gish galloping while they attempt to pick a topic, finally settles on “catholophobia?” Apparently criticizing the Catholic church’s criminal actions regarding moving pedophiles around is somehow catholophobic. Wow, that word is fun to write. Thanks for inventing that one caller.Next is Sliew from Australia who has an issue accepting evolution because they don’t understand the definitions of mutation and how it differs from alleles. Open a biology textbook or at a bare minimum watch a well-researched documentary to educate yourself on the subject you clearly do not understand.Finally, Patrick from FL presents the watch-maker argument. How did you conclude that everything around you was created by a God? What evidence do you have to support the existence of said God?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

The Atheist Community of Austin Holiday Trivia Challenge - Championship - Year End SpecialWe are pre-recording this challenge so that we could give you something interesting to watch over the holidays, but also give our hard working hosts and crew some time off to spend with their family and friends.This will be a 5 part series, with one episode appearing on each of our AEN Network shows. The schedule is as follows:The preliminary rounds will consist of 5 questions each, and will be shown on the Secular Sexuality channel on Thursday, December 23rd at 7pm Central: http://tiny.cc/ytssThe first two Quarter Final rounds will consist of 7 questions each, and will be shown on the Truth Wanted channel on Friday, December 24th at 7pm Central: http://tiny.cc/yttwThe second two Quarter Final rounds will consist of 7 questions each, and will be shown on Talk Heathen on Sunday, December 26th at 1pm Central: http://tiny.cc/ytthThe two Semi-final rounds will consist of 7 questions each, and will be shown on The Non-Prophets on Sunday, December 26th at 3pm Central: http://tiny.cc/ytnpThe Championship round will consist of 7 questions, and we will have a Consolation round consisting of 3 questions. These will both be show on The Atheist Experience channel on Sunday, December 26th at 4:30pm Central: http://tiny.cc/ytaxpCall the show on Sundays 4:30pm-6:00pm CT: 1-512-686-0279 or use your computer to save on long-distance charges: http://tiny.cc/calltheshowBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Shannon Q is joined by Arden Of Eden.First up is Wraith from NY whose religious beliefs are actually a mosaic of the truths found across many religions. The caller also asserts that non-eternal things intrinsically have less value and are borderline worthless.Next is Arnie from WA who asks why some of the hosts utilize Mormonism as the token example of a “ridiculous” religion. Each host’s reasons are different, but some include the relative recency of its creation compared to the more popular religions, or as Shannon says, it can be used to highlight epistemic faults that both Mormons and members of other theistic denominations fall victim to.Next up is Joshua from NC who is struggling to understand the Pro-Choice position. Just because the fetus may be granted full human rights, does not mean that we can assign it special rights that supersede the rights of the woman.Next up is Abdullah from NY who asks why we, Atheists, can’t accept the existence of a creator. The caller then recites the Kalam which is broken down into its usual parts.Next is Luis from CA who believes that the story of “Sodom & Gomorrah” was a coverup of a major natural disaster. Why do you believe this? What evidence do you have that this is true other than the biblical story?Ramsay from Egypt is calling with a question about the Kalam, and attempts to use thermodynamics as a tool to prove that before the universe, there was truly nothing.Mike from ME asserts that parents have an obligation to give up their bodily autonomy to take of a child. Unless someone consents, keyword there, to taking on the obligation to care for a child, then they have no obligation to. You can’t force them to, period. That includes giving blood, donating a kidney, or using someone’s uterus.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jenna Dave Warnock.First up is Mike from IN who asks how is blindly trusting experts any better a pathway to the truth than trusting in religion and God. No one should blindly trust anyone merely because they claim to be an expert, but should look at the data presented by said expert and compare it to other colleagues of their field. Religions rarely, if ever, present any data to justify their claims, so trusting them is by definition, necessarily blind.Next is Gohan from TX who wants to challenge secular moral positions. If you are calling in to have a useful conversation with the hosts, address the views they actually hold without referencing superheroes or other people that you are not talking to. You are either straw-manning the hosts or making what-if assertions that don’t even have addressable data.Next is Tyler from NC who has a series of yes/no statements they want to present to the hosts. The statements are inconsistent with the definition of God the caller prescribes to or is at least presenting.Next is Jan from the Netherlands who wants to talk about how many civilizations have had their own version of religion at some point in their history. Because of the sheer number of gods presented, and the massive ends of the spectrum in terms of characteristics between them, it seems more likely that these gods were products of people who lacked answers to describe natural phenomena than they were real.Next up is K. K’s alternate “mechanism” of addressing faith, if we can call it that, involves a lot of confusing circles, probabilities, and homosexuality...? K.Next is Kal from TN who asks where the line should be drawn with people whose beliefs don’t align with a shared truth about reality, especially a truth that has evidence backing it.Finally, Guy from GA claims that the anti-science stance taken by evangelicals is the primary opponent to climate action that we are facing right now. Whether this is true or not, tying religion to anti-science positions gives evangelicals an excuse to wield their persecution as a weapon. It also may not have so much to do with religion as it does the general slide towards anti-intellectualism that has been occurring over the past 50 to 60 years.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Welcome back to the Atheist Experience. This week, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Genevieve!First up is Manuel from Puerto Rico who wants to know what our hosts think is the best way to educate yourself and others about critical thinking. The first step is recognizing where we are suspending critical thinking, and then going back through and asking questions that put that previously accepted idea on trial to see whether the belief was truly justified.Next is Setuf from Spain who asks our hosts what the difference is between Speciesism, Racism, & Sexism. All three are biases that are each relevant to the level that they operate at (e.g. Species, Race, and Sex/Gender).Next is Steven from WA who would like advice on how to discern good sources of truth from sources that may have undisclosed conflicts of interest. If we use Matt’s definition of “truth” in that it comports with reality, then we can look at a source’s track record, their own testing data (if available), as well as any other peer-reviewed sources they used to justify their statement. The truth is unlikely to be found in its entirety within one document or source, so getting multiple quality opinions or sources may help build a better picture.Next up is Joe from OH who thinks Matt is wrong about Doyle’s Fallacy. How do we know that we’ve actually eliminated all other possibilities? Just because something is unlikely doesn’t automatically eliminate it from consideration.Up next is Allen from MI who claims that science as a tool cannot investigate God and other non-physical phenomena. Unless we have another tool that allows us to reliably investigate the non-physical, we are not justified in accepting the existence of such phenomena if we actually care about the truth.Next is Michael from CA who believes that free will exists. The topic is complicated, as evidenced by the nearly continuous debate on the subject, as it is often difficult to determine the influences on our decisions such as indoctrinated beliefs, societal culture, and environmental circumstances.Up next is Simo from Canada who asks our hosts if they are compatibilists or “hardcore” determinists. Varying forms of determinism, hard or soft, are true across various definitions of free will. Compatibilist arguments only assert that determinism and free will can both be accepted without being irrational.Our last caller is Aaron from AR who would like advice on setting boundaries with religious family members. Being honest and upfront with family can be tricky to navigate, especially when trying to prevent an escalation. You have just as much right to set the ground rules for their behavior when it comes to raising your child just as they do when it comes to their own.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by ObjectivelyDan.First up is Joel from AL who claims they have a philosophical argument that debunks materialism. Apparently there is something below subatomic particles that is spirit rather than material. Don’t have evidence to back that up, come back when you do.Next is Andrew from Thailand who believes that because Christianity can offer positive benefits to members or its ideology, that it should still be followed even if it doesn’t conform to reality. Once again the subjective issue of filtering out the bad and keeping the good comes into play, especially when those same moral positions can be reached via other non-christian belief systems.Up next is Jacob from AL who accepts creation as a part of deism. If you don’t have any evidence that draws the connection between human language and a god, then belief in that connection is unwarranted.Next is Setuf, le sigh...sure it is... from Spain who claims that Matt is irrational. Once again, the caller wants to moan about Matt’s position on abortion and his use of the violinist analogy. Go away.Marlon from the Philippines is back with some sweet new claims. Animals doing cool things is proof of god, somehow. Do we ever find out how? Find out next time on “Storytime With Marlon.”Next is Kevin from NY who wants to know what the problem is with the second premise of the Kalam? The Kalam has two premises that both need to be demonstrated to be true, and even once that’s happened, it still doesn’t support the existence of a God.Next is Billy from the UK who feels that many conversations between atheists and theists get derailed by the atheist’s focus on the definition of God. Having a clear definition for the specific god being talked about is important so that the conversation stays relevant to the actual beliefs being discussed.Next is Phil from HI who asks our hosts if modern magicians can replicate the magic used in the biblical stories. While there are tricks that can replicate the illusion, there isn’t any reason to believe that there are any magicians actually using magic to do those tricks.Michael from TN is up next and claims that DMT and its common experiences among users is evidence of experiencing another reality.Our final caller is Tomas from CA who wants to know how Christianity managed to become as influential as it has throughout history, from when it first emerged through today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

SHOW NOTESIn today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Shannon QFirst up today is Mr. Warlight from AK who wants to question the host’s views on spirituality. Just like last week, the caller has nothing to present.Mohammed from NE believes that spirits are not tangible, but internal conceptual projections of a person’s mind. Since we can’t tell whether those projections are actually related to the existence of spirits or just a part of a person’s imagination, how does this help us prove that spirits truly exist in reality?Next is Setuf from Spain who doesn’t understand the point the of Violinist analogy. It’s about bodily autonomy, not consent as consent can be revoked.Up next from California is Raul who has a question regarding free speech versus free action. As the conversation unfolds, the caller’s points begin to drift towards the advocation of thought crimes.Next is Rob from VA who claims that emotions are irrational. Our hosts respond that emotions themselves are not necessarily either rational or irrational, but are reactions to stimuli. How we reach those emotions and handle them is what makes them and our responses either rational or otherwise.Next up is Simo from Canada who asks why rape can be considered wrong across the past, present, and future in a subjective moral system. Isn’t it better to be able to present an evidence-based justification for why something is wrong rather than just assert “it is”?Next is Tony from AK who is struggling to come to terms with the process of deconversion without feeling like they are betraying the church.Up next is Your Truly from Canada who calls in to assert that the Bible doesn’t advocate for slavery when it very clearly does and has been covered ad nauseam.Next is Eric from KS who wants advice on how to remain patient during conversations with dishonest theists. Take notes and call them out as they create new inconsistencies.Our final caller is Sabien from TX who wants to know if it is fair to judge theists if free will does not exist?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Welcome back to another episode of The Atheist Experience. This week, Kenneth and JMike take AXP by force!Today’s first caller is “Leopold” from Canada who demands that the Atheist Experience apologizes for the harsh statements it has made against the Catholic Church in the past. Either engage with the hosts you are talking to and justify your position or call again after you think it back over.Next is Tim from TN who asks if someone who believes a God exists has the same burden of proof as someone who claims to know a God exists. It comes down to the much finer acceptances of claims. If they both accept that Jesus walked on water, superficial confidence levels aside, the implication itself requires an equal burden of proof from both parties.Up next is Alvin from NC claims that it is probable that the Bible is true. The caller mentions a number of improbable improbabilities and asserts them as evidence for their claim. They then site their webpage, which apparently finds mathematic patterns in random bible verses, as a source of evidence that the bible was intelligently woven together by math.Mr. Warlight returns from earlier to define spirituality and explain why it’s important to have more of it. Just because something can’t be disproven, especially something we have no track record for its existence, doesn’t mean that it would be justified to accept it as a possibility.Next is Apollos from TX who claims that Atheists are inconsistent when evaluating arguments for the brain in a vat compared to arguments for Jesus’ resurrection.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Welcome back to The Atheist Experience! This week Matt is joined by Arden Hart.Our first call today comes from Jake in Canada, who wants to ask about original sin, and how the Christian notion of substitutionary atonement is morally corrupt. We feel ya Jake.Second up is Andrew in New York, offering his understanding of paganism. Matt would rather hear from paganism from a pagan, and Arden points out that not all folks who identify as “pagan” share the same set of beliefs. Moving on!Mike from Texas stampedes out of the queue with a quick lecture about alternate theist views, before being lassoed in by Matt to talk about what HE believes. We hit on the problem of the source of consciousness, a bit of naturalism, and a touch of solipsism. Mike makes his case for the supernatural with a whole lot of five-dollar words, but Matt & Arden aren't impressed. Robin from DC believes that if one rejects a claim, one assumes the contrary position. Our hosts explain that it’s possible to be unconvinced of both states. It’s okay to say “I don’t know” folks, in fact, it’s a big step on the way to knowledge. Next we have Steven in WA who starts with an assertion that people have their own truths, Arden explains the difference between opinion and fact. Steven offers the example of people in his community offering career advice using their “true” assessments about his aptitudes, and Matt further clarifies that opinions and advice are not the same as truth. We wrap up by analyzing claims of a personal relationship with God, which Stephen concedes he cannot prove. LaRue in Illinois has a question about whether a family member’s threats that he thinks were fulfilled by God qualify that person as sociopathic. Arden offers the caveat that she isn’t qualified to make psychiatric diagnoses, and suggests that trying to determine whether behaviour is positive or negative for LaRue is probably more valuable. Tate asks our hosts what religious folks mean when they talk about subjective and objective morality. Matt offers a great explanation of how the product of a mind is the basis for subjective morality.Charles in Canada is a big fan, who doesn’t like the statement that there isn’t evidence for gods. Matt clarifies the difference between good evidence and testimony, and agrees that there is (air quotes) “evidence”, it's just not very compelling and hasn’t convinced him.Jake from the UK is looking for tips on how to set boundaries with family members while salvaging relationships. Arden and Matt offer a couple examples of how to frame conversations so that they can be constructive.That’s our show this week folks, wear your masks, get your shots, and let’s get through this thing together!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jim Barrows!First is Joey from the UK who asks if following God’s commands, even if they are immoral, for the sake of self-preservation is justified. This brings us back to the mafia boss analogy as acting differently than you would if not under threat in no way justifies the immoral behavior of the one holding a position of power.Next up is Carson from KS who worships and personifies nature. Other than because it seems appealing to do, why do this if as the caller claims, it's just atheism with some extra steps?Next is John from IN who is struggling to grieve the loss of a loved one without the comfort provided by religion.Next is Brandon from NJ who claims to have evidence of ghosts. Turns out the caller saw and heard a thing somewhere and determined that it was a Ghost. The caller also attempts to use the anomalies found in camera footage that could not be seen with the naked eye as support for the supernatural.Up next is Juan from Mexico who is a recent Atheist who still has lingering fears regarding promises they made to God when they still believed. The caller, who acknowledges the illogic in their position, is afraid that the God they no longer believe in may come knocking sometime later demanding the promises be fulfilled. Deconversion takes time, just keep reminding yourself that you do not believe and over time you’ll be able to more easily push these nagging fears aside.Next is Mike from TX who claims that physics proves that there is no objective reality and that therefore the universe has a mind. Next time don’t talk through Matt and you’ll be on the line longer.Next is Guy from GA who asserts that the Universe needs to be revered and respected as if it’s conscious and sentient, even though we have no evidence that it is.William from TX wants to know if Jesus understood what lust and adultery were? Thanks for the quick call.Next is Rich from PA who has a paranormal story where after a terrifying dream they ended up with physical marks on their back. They are wondering if there are any natural explanations for what happened.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.