TheThinkingAtheist - podcast cover

TheThinkingAtheist

The Thinking Atheistwww.spreaker.com
Seth Andrews, a former Christian broadcaster and believer for 30 years, ultimately escaped the bonds of superstitious thinking to embrace the more satisfying explanations that science provides.

A professional video producer and host of one of the most popular atheist communities on the internet, Seth Andrews brings a polished format, a relaxed environment and a rage-free challenge to the religious beliefs that defined his youth.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Episodes

The Refining Reason Debate: Sye Ten Bruggencate VS Matt Dillahunty

On Saturday, May 31st at the Marriot East in Memphis, TN, atheist Matt Dillahunty and presuppositional apologist Sye Ten Bruggencate took the stage before a live audience to debate the topic, "Is It Reasonable To Believe God Exists?" This is the audio of that exchange. The video version of this debate can be seen on The Thinking Atheist YouTube channel at: http://youtu.be/OL8LREmbDi0 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support ....

Jun 10, 20142 hr 3 min

What The Fossils Say (with Dr. Donald Prothero)

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist Organizations like the Institute for Creation Research declare that fossils prove a young earth and in no way contradict the creation account of Genesis. In fact, religious "scientists" and apologists worldwide declare that secular science isn't just incorrect about dinosaurs, fossils and the age of the planet, but that it might be a puppet of Satan himself, working to mislead a generation into accepting what creationists call "The Re...

Jun 03, 20141 hr 11 min

Letters

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist This podcast is all abour your email. Share a story. Vent about a topic important to you. Ask a question. Share a humorous anecdote. Whatever. Email your letters to [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support ....

May 27, 20141 hr 4 min

God and the Constitution

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist "The United States is a Christian nation!" We hear this charge quite often, usually accompanied by references to the Ten Commandments in government courthouses, references to God in the pledge of allegiance and on American currency, and most recently, in the ruling by the Supreme Court that government meetings can open with Christian prayers. In this podcast, we speak with David Niose, author of "Nonbeliever Nation," Amanda Knief, con...

May 20, 20141 hr 12 min

Faith-Healer Fail

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR: http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist Throughout history, pastors, preachers, healers and holy rollers have claimed to directly channel God in the performance of miracles. The sick and afflicted stand in long lines to be touched and cured by these (supposed) conduits of divine healing power. But how effective are these healers? What types of miracles are claimed and received? What about those who received no actual healing benefit? Who profits from healing services and cr...

May 13, 20141 hr 19 min

Coming Out Atheist

SPONSORED BY: http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheist It's one thing to reject a belief in gods. It's another thing to actually broadcast that information to religious family, friends, employers, neighbors and even total strangers. In many instances, the consequences can be significant. Families divide. Friends disappear. Voices are raised. Accusations are made. In certain regions and cultures, the word "atheist" can get you hurt or killed. So what are some of the best tactics for "coming out" ...

May 07, 201457 min

Evolving Out of Eden (with Ed Suominen and Robert M. Price)

This podcast is titled after the new book by Suominen and Price, available here: http://evolvingoutofeden.com Evolution has been proven beyond legitimate scientific dispute. We are evolved creatures, a process of random mutation and DNA crossover, genetic drift, horizontal gene transfer and natural selection. We are not the descendants of Adam. This is troubling to the believer in the Genesis account of Creation. In this podcast. Ed Suominen and Dr. Robert M. Price speak about the hostile territ...

Apr 29, 20141 hr 12 min

I Raised a Religious Child

What happens when you reject religion AFTER you've already raised your children to believe in God? How does a parent approach children to inform them that the years of church services, mealtime prayers, bible verses and godspeak were actually a mistake, and what are the potential repercussions and responses? Anger? Denial? Relief? Joy? This show talks about parents who, for whatever reason, raised children under religious teachings and rules and now find themselves in disagreement with doctrine ...

Apr 22, 20141 hr 19 min

Holy Hollywood!

Hollywood isn't generally known for popping out religious films, but in recent months (and periodically throughout the decades), they've become big box office and big business. In this lighthearted show, we look at religious films from the past century, from Cecil B. Demile fare to the recent "Son of God" and various non-Hollywood movies that have "blessed" theater screens with tales of divinity, tragedy and (almost inevitably) large amounts of cheese. If you've seen "The Ten Commandments," "The...

Apr 15, 20141 hr 8 min

The Rise of Black Secularism

In his presentation “Breaking the Taboo of Atheism in Black Communities,” Leo Igwe said that “If there are people who should be religious and theistic today, it is not black people.” Yet black people are reputed to be the most religious people on earth, and the social stigma for the black atheist can be significant and often severe. As skeptics, how do we approach the issue of color in relation to non-belief? Should we strive to be “colorblind,” ignoring labels like black, white, etc? Or should ...

Apr 08, 20141 hr 21 min

Believers VS Non-Believers interviews Seth Andrews

"Personal Relationship With Reality" t-shirt (and more): https://garmentdeli.com/thethinkingatheist On March 1st, 2014, The PalTalk chat room "Believers VS Non-Believers" asked Seth Andrews, host of The Thinking Atheist, to join the group for a lively discussion between atheists and advocates of religion/spiritualism. This podcast is a presentation of audio from that conversation, slightly abridged for time. Original YouTube link: http://youtu.be/9jlQEiLgH04 Become a supporter of this podcast: h...

Apr 01, 20141 hr 23 min

Nathan Phelps: The Death of My Father

Fred Phelps, reviled (and excommunicated) pastor of Westboro Baptist Church, built his life upon a foundation of hatred: the protests of military funerals, the condemnation of homosexuals, professed gratitude to God for terrorist attacks, and much more. Recent news reports of Fred Phelps' death have again brought his name and face to worldwide attention, prompted by a public statement from his own son, Nathan, who escaped Wesboro and has become a champion of human rights in the face of his fathe...

Mar 20, 201442 min

Debunking Christianity (with John W. Loftus)

CAMP QUEST DONATION LINK: http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/2014-cqok-fundraising-drive/145726 It's the most popular religion on earth. But are its claims easily refuted, dismantled and debunked? In this episode, we talk to John W. Loftus, a former minister and Christian educator. A prolific speaker, author and blogger, Loftus speaks about his own journey out of faith and what he feels are effective ways to debunk Christianity. BLOG: Debunking Christianity: http://debunkingchristianity.blogspo...

Mar 18, 201455 min

Satanic Panic

Podcast sponsored by http://ComputerLearningZone.net In the 70s, 80s and early 90s, a phenomenon known today as The Satanic Panic swept the United States, as the evangelical Christian community charged that a vast underground network of Satanists were controlling large parts of society. Believers were warned about products subsidized by Satan, including over-the-counter items like detergent and toothpaste, and there was a huge focus on toys, games and cartoons infected with demons. In this show,...

Mar 11, 20141 hr 12 min

Atheism: Just Another Religion?

Is atheism a replacement for religion? Or is atheism simply another religion? As non-theists and freethought groups organize, gather and even sometimes attend things like the "Sunday assembly," the charge is often heard that the godless are acting religious, that their adherence to science is "faith," and that their gatherings are just anothe form of church. In this show, we explore the question. And we hear from David Silverman, President of one of the largest atheist (religious???) organizatio...

Mar 05, 20141 hr 6 min

I Am an Ex-Muslim

Leaving any faith can be difficult...even traumatic. In some faiths and in some cultures, it can be dangerous. This show features the voices and stories of several ex-Muslims. We attempt to gain a better understanding of Islam and Muslim traditions, the reasons for their apostasy, and the potential consequences. Join us for a fascinating look at the life of an ex-Muslim. Imad Iddine Habib: https://www.facebook.com/ZokTooR BenBaz Aziz: https://www.facebook.com/benbaz.aziz Rabab “Ruby” Khaja: http...

Feb 26, 20141 hr 12 min

Divine Protection

Romans 8:28 declares, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Luke 12 says that the very hairs on our heads are numbered, and that even the sparrows are not forgotten by God. To the believer, God says "Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." But are the faithful truly insulated from calamity, pain and death? In this podcast, we take a rational look at Divine Protection. Your calls and emails:...

Feb 20, 201459 min

Why Evolution is True (with Dr. Jerry Coyne)

Sponsored by Audible. Get a free audiobook and 30-day trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/thethinkingatheist Is evolution a theory or fact? Or both? Is evolution "true?" Dr. Jerry Coyne has a Ph.D in evolutionary biology from Harvard, and he serves as professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago. He is a member of both the Committee on Genetics and the Committee of Evolutionary Biology, and he is author of the books: "Speciation" http://www.amazon.com/Specia...

Feb 12, 20141 hr 4 min

Atheism Around the World

As The Thinking Atheist radio podcast originates in the United States (and because its host often speaks to his former faith, Christianity), the show often focuses on American culture, American politics, and American issues regarding religion and atheism. This week, we travel beyond the borders of the 50 states to explore Atheism Around the World. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support ....

Feb 04, 20141 hr 3 min

Religion and Shame (with Dr. Darrel Ray)

Does religion cheat people out of contentment and comfort with their views, their self-worth, their sexuality, etc? Dr. Darrel Ray is author of the book, "The God Virus: How Religion Affects Our Lives and Culture," and "Sex & God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality." In his writings and presentations, Darrel reveals the subtle (and not so subtle) ways that religion uses shame as a weapon against those who might dare to fall outside its narrow boundaries. Join us for a fascinating look at Religion &...

Jan 29, 20141 hr 1 min

Bill Nye and the Creationist Guy

On February 4th, 2014, Bill Nye ("The Science Guy") has agreed to debate Ken Ham, president of Answers In Genesis and The Creation Museum. The debate will take place on Ham's home turf, at The Creation Museum, and the 800 available tickets sold out almost immediately. This event raises the larger question: Should scientists agree to these types of debates? Some (like Richard Dawkins) say "no," as it would be akin to an obstetrician debating a proponent of the "stork theory" of reproduction. Othe...

Jan 22, 20141 hr 26 min

The Skeptic's Annotated Bible (with Steve Wells)

Sponsored by Audible.com. Get your free audio book and a 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/thethinkingatheist Steve Wells spent years researching the Bible (as well as the Qur'an and the Book of Mormon) to produce a website and hardcover book called "The Skeptic's Annotated Bible." In this episode, we talk with Steve about his history, his research, and the sides of scripture that most haven't heard in Sunday morning sermons. Steve's book "Drunk With Blood: God's Killings in the Bible: http:/...

Jan 15, 201434 min

Random Acts of Kindness

Kindness, gentleness, empathy, compassion, love, goodness, morality. These attributes are often called the property of religion, and beautiful acts of kindness between people actually reflect a moral code given to humanity by the Great Eye in the Sky. Of course, this is nonsense. We've covered the subject of "Morality" in a previous episode ( http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2013/04/09/morality) . But the source and nature of morality isn't what tonight's particular show is about....

Jan 08, 201457 min

Does Religion Poison Everything?

In his 2007 book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," the late Christopher Hitchens asserted, without apology, that there is nothing that has been or can be improved by religion. In fact, religion is a toxin which damages or destroys everything it touches. Is this assertion accurate and fair? Is there nothing positive that religion has brought to humanity? We discuss the issue. Your calls and emails (send to [email protected]) Become a supporter of this podcast: htt...

Jan 03, 20141 hr 15 min

The Best And Worst of 2013

In this end-of-year episode, we look back at religion, politics, science and pop culture to talk about the highlights (and lowlights): The Best And Worst of 2013. We'll look at the breakthroughs of science, the good work of humanitarians, the celebrities and public figures who helped the cause of secularism, and the facepalm-worthy words and actions of religion in this crazy world. (Yes, Sarah Palin is on the list.) If you have a person or story you'd like to nominate, send your email (and the r...

Dec 19, 20131 hr 23 min

A Universe From Nothing (with Lawrence Krauss)

Professor Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Foundation Professor of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, director of its Origins Project, bestselling author, and he shares the screen with Richard Dawkins in the new documentary, "The Unbelievers." Krauss' most recent book is called, "A Universe From Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing." In this podcast, Dr. Krauss joins Seth Andrews for a discussion about science, religio...

Dec 18, 201347 min

Mail Call

Santa's not the only one getting letters this holiday season. This podcast highlights letters you've sent into the show (and we'll take a few calls, too). Got something you'd like to ask or comment on? Email: [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support .

Dec 11, 20131 hr 16 min

Holiday Heathens 2013

It's the holiday season, and once again we gather a few of our favorite infidels around the fireplace to talk about whatever comes to mind. Sure, we'll address atheism, activism and the usual stuff, but we'll also shift gears and enjoy a more personal side. So grab some hot cider and join Matt Dillahunty, Jamila Bey, AronRa and Seth Andrews for a fireside chat. Email the show: [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--...

Dec 04, 20131 hr 11 min

Black Friday

In this impromptu podcast, we explore the phenomenon of Black Friday, and we chat about whatever comes to mind. No rules, just some relaxed, holiday conversation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support .

Nov 30, 201342 min

Who Invented Jesus? (with Robert M. Price)

Robert M. Price's website: http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.com Recent headlines have again prompted rabid debate over the origins of the Jesus story, the latest asserting that Christ was an invention of Rome. In this podcast, and in advance of the holiday that celebrates Jesus' supposed birthday, we speak with Robert M. Price, a former Baptist minister (turned skeptic), professor of religion, and author of a number of books, including "Deconstructing Jesus," "Jesus is Dead," "The Case Against...

Nov 26, 20131 hr 18 min