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In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Richard Gilliver and Jamie the Blind Limey tackle the bottom feeders of the philosophy world and the perceived persecution of majority religions! They explore the distinction between academic philosophy and rhetorical trickery, the reality of global religious oppression, and why a loss of privilege is often mistaken for a lack of fairness. Can critical thinking dismantle the defensive shields of the "Phil bros"? Lisa in Canada asks how to critique religions without appearing bigoted. Jamie separates ideas from people, while Richard notes systemic abuse in Buddhism. Should consistency be the shield against prejudice? Michelle discusses how spirituality helps her process horrific childhood trauma. The hosts empathize but warn against using magical thinking as a security blanket. Can evidence-based healing replace supernatural hope? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Sofia Spina and Scott Dickie delve into the delicate balance of secular parenting and setting boundaries with religious family! From wedding stress to the trauma of "all stick, no carrot" Catholic discipline, the hosts explore how to navigate interpersonal relationships when ancient dogmas clash with modern autonomy. Brittany in Canada seeks advice on wedding planning with manipulative Catholic parents. Sofia and Scott suggest reframing boundaries as expectations of respect and discuss intergenerational family therapy as a tool for autonomy. They emphasize that establishing independence now protects the future of her new family unit. Will the desire for inclusion be worth the stress of the celebration? Anne in CA shares her traumatic Catholic upbringing versus her son’s secular freedom. Hosts argue that religious corporal punishment destroys curiosity and trust while critiquing the "broken spirit" model of faith. They discuss the God model of parenting as a system of absolute obedience that often forces a performance of belief. Is breaking a child's spirit ever a moral act? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Dr. Ben and Deconstruction Deacon celebrate Easter Sunday by examining the boundaries of belief and the psychological power of ritual! They explore the historical validity of religious artifacts, the nuances of modern paganism, and the lasting impact of Catholic upbringing. Jolly Guy from TikTok rejects evolution for a literal Adam and Eve. Hosts identify his straw man arguments and challenge his reliance on the Shroud of Turin. If artifacts are sought only to confirm bias, can they ever be reliable? Chloe Tartt from TikTok discusses Norse paganism and gender euphoria. She explains her practice as an agnostic theist who values ritual over literal truth. Can rituals offer stability without requiring acceptance of supernatural dogma? Anne from CA reflects on her Catholic upbringing and the difficulty of shedding the fear of hell. Hosts critique the Vatican’s wealth and the manipulative  nature of salvation. Does church fundraising reveal a focus on self-interest? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Objectively Dan and Sidney Davis Jr. Jr. explore the blurry lines between organized religion and cult mentality. From the "American identity" to the ethical complexities of veganism, the hosts challenge listeners to examine the structures that demand their loyalty and silence their questions. Is there a safe way to belong to a community without losing one’s critical edge? Jamie the Blind Limey in TX asks if secular groups like the ACA can develop cult-like behaviors. Hosts discuss how hierarchy and groupthink are risks for any group, requiring internal critique and democracy. Can any organization remain truly objective? Lee in Canada compares leaving Catholicism to questioning American patriotism. Hosts argue national identity often mimics religious indoctrination through pledges and the demonization of dissent. Is national pride just a secular cult? Niyanth in India argues veganism extends human rights to all sentient beings. Hosts and guest Flabbergasted debate whether eating meat is inherently immoral or a matter of production. Does the line at humanity hold up under logic? notj186 on TikTok claims patriotism means questioning leadership, then critiques veganism as hypocritical. Hosts explain veganism seeks practical harm reduction over total purity. Where is the line between sustainable living and perfection? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Christy Powell and Ben Clodfelter explore the bizarre intersection of religion and reality TV. From the "propaganda" of the Duggars to the normalization of fundamentalist behavior, the hosts deconstruct how faith-based media masks accountability and shifts cultural norms. Can a secular perspective help us see through the clever editing of religious narratives? Jack in MA shares how living in a liberal, secularized area made his exit from Catholicism feel more like trivia than a tragedy. The hosts discuss the social pressures of the "God virus" and challenge Jack’s thought experiment about a scientifically accurate Bible. Does a book full of magic and talking donkeys lose its religious power if it starts making too much sense? Lisa in Canada is tired of hearing the classic "it’s a relationship, not a religion" platitude. Ben cites studies showing that "God’s opinion" often activates the same brain regions as personal opinion, suggesting believers are essentially talking to themselves. How can we distinguish between the Holy Spirit and the messy, physical sensations of our own intuition? Anne in CA wants to know why theists claim atheists have no moral grounding while ignoring the horrific ethics of the Bible. Ben explains that secular morality is rooted in empathy and well-being, which requires no supernatural foundation. Is the "objective morality" of theists just a mask for cherry-picking verses that suit their personal values? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Dr. Ben and guest host Thomas Westbrook (Holy Kool-Aid) dismantle the boundaries of belief and biology! They explore the expanding circle of morality, the scientific reality of observed evolution, and the historical gaps in biblical manuscripts. Can critical thinking bridge the distance between ancient mythology and modern skepticism? Louis in NY asks why species membership limits moral concern. Thomas notes the expanding circle of morality, while Ben emphasizes prioritizing immediate human rights crises over ethical perfection. Is the pursuit of total purity a mental health trap? Lee in TX claims evolution is defeated since no one has observed speciation. Ben cites antibiotic resistance as proof of change, while Thomas details ring species and transitional fossils. Why do theists rely on rigid categories like "kinds" to deny biology? Zil Zone in NY questions if the universe's initial state is just atheist magic. Ben argues for scientific models over placeholders, and Thomas uses textual criticism to expose gaps in biblical reliability. Why prioritize 2,000-year-old stories over modern forensic data? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jamie the Blind Limey and The Thinker tackle the complexities of working with religious allies for humanist goals! They investigate the ethical quagmire of biblical slavery and the impact of Christian nationalism on modern law. Can atheists and believers find a shared moral foundation, or do ancient texts create insurmountable walls? Dave on TikTok questions the origin of secular morals while defending biblical slavery. The hosts dismantle his excuses for prison labor and his refusal to support trans rights without using bigoted analogies. Why equate equality with bestiality? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Show notes upon receipt. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Jimmy Jr. and Objectively Dan dismantle the tired propaganda linking atheism to communism! The hosts explore historical misconceptions, the "victim complex" of the religious right, and the distinct differences between economic theory and secular government. Is the fear of communism just a tool to preserve religious dominance in the West? Lisa in Canada asks if fundamentalist groups like Prager U deliberately conflate secularism with communism to manufacture a Christian persecution complex. Dan explains that branding a YouTube channel as a "University" is a propaganda tactic designed to confuse definitions and maintain the religious status quo. The hosts highlight how secularism actually protects religious freedom for everyone. Will unmasking these strategic misdefinitions help end the perceived war on Christianity? Anne in CA explores the definition of communism versus the Cold War authoritarianism she grew up with. Jimmy and Dan define dialectical materialism and the social contract, noting that true communism remains unrealized because political elites pervert the theory for power. They distinguish between socialized policies, like healthcare, and state ownership of production. Does understanding the nuances of political theory make the "communist" label less effective as a scare tactic? Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, hosts Christy Powell and Sidney Davis Jr. examine the correlation between education and religiosity, questioning if universities are truly "atheist factories." They explore how exposure to diverse ideas and the accessibility of the internet challenge traditional faith bubbles and foster skepticism. Mark in Toronto disconnected before they could take his call, but asks if critical thinking inevitably results in atheism. The hosts suggest it ideally should but note that many trade traditional religion for nebulous spirituality. They discuss how practicing academic skills like citing sources can implicitly build reasoning that challenges faith. Is it enough to just learn the tools of research, or must one apply them specifically to theology? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.