The Atheist Experience

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and David McRaney. David is an author and got into podcasting as a way to promote his book. You can check out his work at https://www.youarenotsosmart.com and the You Are Not So Smart podcast!Let’s get to calls! Our first caller, Jacob in IL, tells a story of a man who went into a coma and saw many-eyed animals next to god and that made Jacob think it was true. Just because people have an experience regarding a religion, doesn’t mean we should leap to believe the experience or the religion. Arthur in Europe asks if we think it's wrong that someone believes in something with zero evidence. There may be bad evidence, but we can't see people believing based on no evidence. It’s best not to believe anything without sufficient evidence.Josiah in CA asks how we are interpreting evidence of paranormal or religion correctly to poke holes in evolution. He then tells us of a dream where he foresaw a man and the details matched up with reality after he had the dream. How can you rule out other explanations? Dreams are fun and all, but aren’t evidence of anything supernatural, godly, or magical.Dan in Romania asks why we wouldn’t believe Paul the Apostle? You can’t just accept claims about an experience with the risen savior on a damascus road with no evidence. Dan doesn’t see a reason they would make that up, but their claims alone aren't sufficient evidence to believe. Otherwise, you would have to believe every other would-be prophet out there.God (Sirha) in CT claims there are no paradigms are real and claims to have transcended reason. Matt tried to ask some questions but lets say he didn’t make it far.Last caller! Marie in VA doesn’t think that the big bang theory conflicts with major religions creation stories. The order of events in genesis doesn’t match with the order we know from science. For instance, the earth was not created before light. Marie believes the bible anyway. Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Jim Barrows! Glad to see Jim back! As an update, our show will remain remote throughout the year and into next year.Let’s get to calls! The first caller, Rick in CA, has a quick question on the efficacy of prayer. Who knows how many times our hosts prayed and nothing happens. The hosts don’t see any evidence that prayer works. Aaron in WI calls to talk about morality as it pertains to atheists vs theists for an argument for god. Neither theism nor atheism takes a position on morality inherently. Aaron feels we would agree with most of the morality in the Bible, but Aaron has more in common morally with the hosts than what's in the Bible. Carl in Ontario calls to tell a story about saving a kid from a car wreck. While reflecting back he has a purpose to protect people and needs no gods. One would hope any decent person would do the same in that situation, with or without a god belief. Mark in FL asks what is the standard of proof before one begins to believe something? There are multiple standards of evidence. Believing means you accept something likely true. Why would you be convinced of something without evidence?Gene in PA, a science teacher, would feel bad if a student left the class believing that the earth is flat but recognizes a right to one's beliefs. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. You can only do your best to educate people, teach them how to think and not what to think.Joe in Lebanon is on the road to atheism and points out that most religions are started by eccentric men and asks if St. Paul was honest. We don’t, and maybe can’t, know. Adrian in TX is calling to argue for a designer god but confuses purpose and design. One can use a rock as a hammer but the rock is not designed. When you can't differentiate between purpose and designed, there isn't much of a conversation to be had. David in Mexico calls to challenge something Jim said at the start of the show, the hypothesis of god can be scientific if you look at it as a non incomprehensible object. Throw in some metaphysics and quantum mechanics and you have some word salad. This is speculative at best.Last up is Jim and NV, calling in about the possibility of a god and that god would want people to be rational...and suggests Matt is god. We aren’t convinced that there is a god and feelings aren’t a pathway to truth.Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jenna Belk, who we’re all happy to see return! Welcome back to the co-host chair, Jenna! This episode (and all episodes hereafter) is dedicated to Ed Breyton. Ed has been an integral part of the ACA over the years and while he isn’t as active as he once was, he will always be remembered. Thank you, Ed!Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Dennis in New York. He was in the hospital for a time (due to illness) and his Christian friends say his condition improved due to God. Thankfully he knows his improvement was due to doctors’ diligence and treatment.Are rocks atheist? Oh no, not this question. Steve in Virginia switched up his original question from ‘What is the lack of belief?’ to the weird rock question...sigh. To answer the original question: for explicit atheism, it requires a conscious being who is able to determine and evaluate this. There’s plenty of philosophical ground to be covered here!Hold up! We have a theist on the line who would like to start out defining God buuut, he segways and pivots to questioning the Big Bang cosmological event. What does this have to do with the definition of God? And we don’t have time for you, goodbye!William in Australia claims to have seen his grandfather in a vision after he passed. We are sorry for your loss William. It can be a comfort to have these unexplained events occur and feel a connection to your lost family member. Instead of feeling as though it’s a message from them, think of it as a good remembrance of them. Guillermo in California asks why we believe in history, but not biblical history. Jenna asks the all important question, “Why should we believe the Bible?” Also, history books don’t generally use metaphors within the texts.Mike in Washington is wondering how to show other Christians the hypocrisy in the Bible and also how to reconcile it. This caller is a theist and this turns out to be a really interesting call. Austin in Wisconsin says it’s ok to believe or not believe. Uh, sure?. He also thinks there is a war between atheists and theists. Is there really? He also thinks that we are wasting our time and it isn’t worth spending time on the truth. But we aren’t wasting our time, nice try. Thanks for tuning in and not wasting your time! We are so glad you joined us today. Please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!Become 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 our longtime friend and co-host, Matt Dillahunty. Welcome back to the co-host chair Matt, we’re glad you are here to join us! (Shannon is taking the reins this week!)Let’s get to calls. Our first caller is Jenna from California. She’d like to discuss how her current boyfriend is freaking out about COVID and thinks they would be better off believing in his previous religion (JW) because we are clearly in the “end times.” Next up, Ricky from Georgia says Matt, theologians, and philosophers are all wrong about morality. He also talks about social cohesion and how it relates to morality. But, he seems to agree with Matt for most of the call...so, how again is Matt wrong?Pack it up folks, AXP is done. The next caller says Matt already believes in God. James is saying this in a roundabout way by intentionally manipulating words and trying to pull a “Gotcha!” Boring, NEXT!Next up, Mike in California misinterprets some of Matt’s previous videos. Ooh, and he wants to talk about slavery and the context in which the Bible (specifically Exodus 21) was written. This should be fun!Chandu in Canada calls asking if it is righteous to practice a worldview where everyone is equal. Dualism, non-dualism, and how is this an atheist vs. theist problem?James in California suggests that God is an aspirational archetype and Shannon has a great retort! Whose God? What definitions? Would these definitions be able to change for the good of all? Ultimately God as an aspirational archetype isn’t always a benefit to society and Shannon explains why. WHOA!Greg in Ohio asks if we know who Jesus really was. His actual question was if we know who Jesus was historically. We can’t reasonably demonstrate that he actually existed, but he may have been 1 of 7 people back then, or a rabbi during this time. Shrug?Journey in North Carolina is a returning caller who was hung up upon before who would like to make definitions and defend God. Not an actual god, mind you, but the word “god”...yawn.Alex in New Jersey needs help with fully distancing themselves from spirituality. He is really struggling because of being raised in the church and feeling as though his mental illnesses are holding him back. We feel for you Alex, it’s a tough road, but credit where credit is due, YOU’RE doing the hard work. We are glad to be here for you. That’s our episode for today, please be safe and healthy out there!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 Hemant Mehta of The Friendly Atheist! https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/ Welcome, Hemant, we’re so glad you’re here!Time for calls! The first caller is a returning caller, Keith from Nebraska. He poses a question about hauntings and the supernatural...in a graveyard?! This story sounds very true and legitimate.Next up, Steve in Ohio. He is claiming his prediction about Trump is coming true, except that small part where it’s not even possible for it to be true or untrue yet...Nicolas asks: What if we devise a way to test or measure the supernatural? Will that prove the supernatural and God? The supernatural just means science may not have a way to understand it yet. Once it is understood, then it ceases to be supernatural. Craig in Texas wonders if people have the right to be stupid. Willful ignorance can be harmful to others, so in that sense, no, but this definitely seems to be a grey area.Julian asks a brand new question: how can Atheists have morality without God? He claims that God is the only foundation for morality and there is a right way and a wrong way to act. Siri: Define “circular.”Eryn asks about the value of personal religious experiences. Well, we are social beings and being in a crowd can be a wonderful experience. This call moves on to cathartic personal experiences and the Satanic Temple’s “pink mass.”Jelmar in the Netherlands wonders about the law of excluded middle. It’s either A or NOT A, which logically excludes the middle. There is no other choice! (This is a huge hit with the Sith.) Lloyd in Washington had a supernatural experience and is now a believer. After a long, drawn-out story about removing porn from his life and a commitment to his wife (porn was his second wife, also?), he finally shows us how real the supernatural realm is. It’s… I feel like I’m waiting for a climax that will never come. Sigh. Ba-dum tss.Our last caller of the day, James in Maine has problems with Matt’s logic and stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Religious people have claims and believe in something outside of themselves, LGBTQ+ folk don’t claim the same, they speak their truth from what is inside themselves. We are also not denying their Christian identity, James. Unlike some Christian denominations. It seems some Christians are ok with denying LGBTQ+ identities and people.That’s all folks, please be safe and wear your masks in public!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

The Atheist Experience is hosted today by Matt Dillahunty and Scott Clifton! Scott is an actor who’s well-known for his award-winning soap opera roles in shows such as “The Bold and the Beautiful”, but he’s also a secular activist! (Check him out at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheoreticalBullshit, or on Twitter @TheoreticalBullshit.) After sharing some sweet stories of Scott sending Matt’s grandmother Christmas headshots, we jump into calls!Josh in Tennessee was asked by his atheist wife to call in. Judging by his “evidence” for god, it seems as though he maybe hasn’t questioned his belief, but he’s friendly and open to conversation. This is awesome! (Be like Josh.)Russell in Georgia calls in to talk about how alien encounters are consistent with the Bible, then offers an analogy between himself as a parent using “tough love” to what God does to us as “his children.” He ends up saying morality is fickle because our perception as humans changes overtime, It’s yet another misunderstanding the difference between actual facts changing and our human understanding of facts changing. Then...then aliens. Aliens and Jesus.Kendall in Seattle wants to ask Scott if he’d become a Christian if Christianity were “proven true.” The answer might not be what some would expect.Mo in Canada called in about advantages to prayer, but instead asks the hosts about people leaving religion due to bullying, which, as far as we can tell, is a pretty small group. Then we get to the prayer bit, and eventually get to Islamophobia and the concept of drawing Mohammad.Lance in Ohio insults the previous caller, starts to ask how atheism is a net positive to society, but decides to stop and get annoyed with a host for sighing at this question we’ve heard a million times. He doesn’t seem interested in a real discussion, but that’s on him. If you’re reading this, consider being less of an asshole.That’s our show this week! Remember, being careless during a pandemic infects babies with viruses, so USE YOUR BRAIN! Thanks, we’ll see ya next week!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 Seth Andrews. Seth is a long time friend of Matt and a friend of the show. Welcome back!First up, we have Jonathan in MI, who claims to have solid evidence for god. For example, he takes it on faith that they found Jesus’ tomb and his cross still stands in Jerusalem. Faith is not a good pathway to truth. Work on your Google-fu, Jonathan.Stephen in IL is up next. He was raised reform Jewish and is questioning if Jewish history and Hebrew school is right for his son, more for the culture of it. Our hosts are for religious history classes, just not the advocacy for a god.Matthew from NC is next up. His dad had cancer and Matthew believes his father's faith gave him strength to make it through the ordeal and into experimental treatments. We shouldn't have to lie to ourselves to push through. Great topic caller!RJ in CO is calling to argue that evolution is false and the Judeo-Christian theory is correct. He goes on to argue the origin of humans was in Sumeria. We end with an in-depth conversation about the tower of babel. Fascinating! Jessica from VT has parents who think the world is ending and Jesus is coming back. Her parents have been trying to indoctrinate their grandchildren. Now Jessica is grappling with restricting access to her kids. Give yourself permission to set boundaries. Great advice, Seth! The last call of the show, Mary in MN. She is terminally ill and finds people don't want to talk about death, yet she isn’t afraid to die. She has been living her best life the last 6 months. Matt looks forward to Mary calling back with updates. Great example of a rational mind facing death!Thanks for tuning in today! Check out Seth on the Thinking Atheist YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheThinkingAtheistBecome 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. Jim is one of ACA’s own hosts and we are happy to have him today! Welcome back Jim!First up we have Emyn in OH, who is calling in about the Monty Hall problem. Pick a door Jim! Matt is not sure how this ties to atheism and thinks the analogy is untenable. Maybe compose your thoughts in an email?Jeury in NY is up next. He is calling to ask how to deal with conversations when there is no point. Our hosts explain that you need patience and may have to know when to walk away and regroup. Oscar from IN is asking why Matt is an atheist and not agnostic. Matt was a southern baptist and was trying to demonstrate the belief in god and found his way out. There didn’t seem to be a point so on to more callers.Gerard in CT is calling in to challenge Matt on believing as many true things and as few false things as possible. The caller goes on to demonstrate he wants to believe as many true things as possible. Daniel from CA is saying that Christians don’t investigate the bible and points out the bible is a historical text. The hosts flex their Bible knowledge chops to point out it’s not historically accurate. Check out this call for a fun conversation about the Bible and Christians.Alex in VA is up next. His father is dying and although Alex isn't a believer he asks if it's ethical to let his father think he is still a believer. The hosts relate stories of their loved ones and give some great advice in this call. Who is chopping onions in here...Angel in NC has moved in with some atheists and has questions for us today. Angel is questioning her faith and uses a form of Pascal's Wager to stay a believer. A great call destructing Pascal's Wager and "Christianinanity" ensues. Justin in MN says the study of comets disproves evolution. Oh, boy, 12,000 year old comets prove a young earth? The hosts point out Justin is cherry picking data and short period comets aren’t the only types of comets. Mark in RI says you can be justified in believing that a miracle is an explanation for an event. Matt points out that you can’t appeal to the supernatural until it's been found to exist and could have explanatory power. Luke in GA wants to tell us that some people haven't received the holy ghost but anyone can. Apparently you just have to “die unto yourself” and take up a cross. Ugh. And moving on.The last call of the episode, Michael in San Diego, wants to know why they don’t believe in Spinoza's god. Matt points out there is no evidence for it and he doesn't care what Spinoza or Einstein believed. Thanks for tuning in folks! Check out Jim in other ACA shows. See ya next week and wear a dang mask!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Today we’re joined by Justin Looney, who helps the ACA by answering the e-mails you, the fans, send us! After some regular announcements, he offers some tips about e-mailing (or voice mailing) the ACA, its shows, or members. Then off to calls!Our first caller, Michael in Pennsylvania calls in to say he doesn't want to publicly label himself an atheist "because atheism is too close to communism." He won't budge from the position that America is inherently tied to theism due to particular words in its founding documents.David in Mexico City wants to call nature "God" for what he claims are pragmatic reasons when talking to theists. (AKA: It's easier to talk to theists about stuff if you just say you believe in God.)Next up, Steve in Ohio wants to bet $1,000 the following prediction is accurate: Trump will lose the election in November, refuse to give his position over in January, and become a military-backed King of the U.S...We'll see you in January, Steve.Questions...and agreements?! Josh in Israel doesn't buy Matt's claim that Judaism wasn't originally monotheistic, and has to have it explained...and accepts the explanation, seemingly! Yay!Comin' in hot! Chris in Tennessee assumes Matt wants Bibles removed from schools by law, not even realizing Matt actually wants Bibles and comparative religion courses in schools. The hosts also explain to Chris what the separation of church and state issues inside schools are, and what "secularists" want in that regard.Kevin in Oregon calls in to ask about specific comments from Matt about free will. He's quickly hung up on after seemingly refusing to listen.Here's an interesting one: Paulo in Boston has some ideas about why it is that moralities rooted in God belief are so incredibly appealing to people...and the truth is that it removes the thinking and makes morality seem easier to deal with.Our next caller, Cory in New York supposedly has a real reason to call, but immediately shows himself to be dishonest and uninterested in listening. Through that, Matt and Justin STILL try to help him understand...and he just doesn't want to understand.Seemingly questioning believer, Elijah in New Mexico seems to be thinking Christians don't have any hope if the resurrection myth turns up false, or if they stop believing it is true. The answer is a little more complicated than replacing faith with something else, because de-conversion is a hard, complicated process.Our last caller, Tory in Illinois is an "ex-JW" (ex-Jehovah's Witness) who disassociated, which inside of the JW organization means his family is intended to consider him dead. This means Tory may have to accept never speaking to his family again, and the hosts go over some useful resources for Tory and ex-JWs like him.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 Shannon Q. Shannon is a longtime friend of the ACA and we are glad she is joining us today! Welcome Shannon!First up we have Earl in New York, who has proof of the nephilim (aka giants.) He claims his “evidence” comes from the bible. It could be confirmation bias and very likely internet hoaxes or conspiracy theories. Shannon puts it best: “Advocate for your own understanding. Go and find your sources, seek out the information, do the research.”Will in Washington is up next, claims the ability to perceive beauty is proof and evidence of God. Will sounds a little confused about his thoughts and comes off a bit hostile. Dude, chill and maybe email us! Or not.Victor from New Mexico claims to have had a demon inside him and the only remedy was Jesus. Goes on to say that a lot of this could very well rooted in anger and hatred of others. Shannon gets to the core of his issues. And he hasn’t listened to a word Shannon has said. Sigh.Ivan in Russia is calling in to tell us that he has a message from God. The message is that God loves us, very very very much and God is Love. Also thinks God wanted him to call in to express himself and provide us this message. Shannon breaks it down for him.Joseph from Nova Scotia is wondering if both hosts are materialists. There is some philosophy in this call, listen in and watch Matt flex those amazing philosophical muscles. It’s something to behold, definitely.The last call of the episode, Sy Garte in Maryland, wants to talk about how DNA is a code (aka pseudoscience) and this is the atheist view. He goes on to say that Atheist activists/influencers should use their clout to downplay memes and pseudoscience. Ok, cool, lets add that to their already busy schedules. Thanks for tuning in folks, Shannon Q will be back, yay! Stay safe out there folks, we’ll see you all next week!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.