And we are The Non-Prophets!... airing on the first and third Sunday of every month, starting at 3:00 PM Central (01:30-03:00 UTC) on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thenonprophetsaca. The Non-Prophets focuses on atheism and the separation of church and state.
Listeners of The Non-Prophets that love the show mention: non prophets, denis, atheist experience, community of austin, one of the best atheist, aca, atheist podcasts, tae, atheists, atheism, dennis, russell, informal, give it a chance, skepticism, i'd love, jeff, religion, 24, definitely one.
The Non-Prophets podcast is a refreshing and insightful show that offers a conversational style of discussion among like-minded non-believers. As an atheist, I often feel isolated in expressing my views, so listening to this podcast provides a sense of community and validation. The hosts, Denis, Russell, and Jeff, work well together and bring humor to the discussions. They tackle real-life issues and explore how atheism, skepticism, and rationalism interact with these topics.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its focus on how atheism applies to real life. It delves into current events and explores the intersection between atheism and politics or social issues. The hosts provide intelligent insights and offer different perspectives on these topics. Additionally, they frequently invite prominent figures from the atheist world as guests on the show, making it even more enriching.
However, one drawback of the podcast is when Jeff Dee calls out Russell for not being prepared enough. This criticism feels unnecessary and detracts from the overall enjoyment of the show. While constructive feedback can be valuable, it would be better if it were given in a more respectful manner.
In conclusion, The Non-Prophets podcast is a must-listen for atheists seeking engaging conversation and thought-provoking discussions. While it has its minor faults such as occasional criticisms among the hosts, the overall content provided is outstanding. It offers a blend of humor, insightfulness, and relatability that sets it apart from other atheist podcasts. Whether you are from Austin or not, this podcast will provide you with hours of education, entertainment, and camaraderie within the atheist community.

The Catholic Church employs a priest/DJ who uses electronic music and rave culture to revitalize their dwindling congregation, with the Pope's explicit blessing. This "spiritual innovation," endorsed by Pope Leo to "share your faith", is scrutinized to determine if it is a genuine movement founded on "universal love" or a desperate attempt by the Vatican to put "butts in seats". The cynical view holds that this marketing strategy is merely a distraction from the Church's history of atrocities and a necessary concession to remain financially relevant as global society moves toward secularism.News Source:[Article Title not provided]By [Author not provided] for [Outlet name not provided][Date not provided]

We examine the controversy surrounding Australian Senator Pauline Hanson's repeated political stunt of wearing a burqa in the Senate to advocate for its ban, arguing it poses security risks and contradicts Australia's values of openness and equality,. The discussion questions the authenticity of this move, considering whether it is a genuine fight for women's rights or a **targeted political tactic aimed at Islamic people and immigrants**,. Speakers suggest the act highlights the ongoing struggle against Christian nationalism found within conservative political movements in Australia and elsewhere,. The debate weighs Senator Hanson's own freedom of political expression against the nature of the burqa, which some argue is a forced cultural item that represses women,. Ultimately, the segment explores the tension between religious expression, inherent cultural repression, and political maneuvering designed to target specific marginalized groups,.News Source:get her out-aussie senator's burqa protest causes meltdownBy [Author not provided] for Daily Wire and YouTube[Date not provided]

We dive into the harrowing reality of femicide and gender-based violence, questioning the role of patriarchal societies and religious dogma in upholding the subjugation and objectification of women. We examine how Abrahamic religions maintain ancient customs that often treat women as property, noting this degradation has existed for thousands of years. The discussion analyzes the ethical flaws in systems that place restrictions on women based on how men behave (a classic case of victim blaming). Finally, we explore whether legislative changes—such as Italy defining femicide—truly address the core cultural problem of pervasive gender oppression.News Source:Italy Implements Femicide Law and UN Report on Global Violence Against WomenBy [Author not provided] for CNN and YouTube[Date not provided]

Former porn star Jenna Jameson finds Jesus, citing her religious lesbian girlfriend, providing the church with a high-profile win they desperately need. We dissect the hypocrisy of evangelical Christianity embracing her celebrity while conveniently ignoring her sexual orientation and adult film past. Her public shift contrasts her "old sinful ways" against her former sex-worker peers, exposing "prototypical Christian snobbery" and questioning if this faith is sincere or a cynical grab for attention.News Source:Jenna Jameson's Partner Lir Ocampo Inspired Her to Find JesusBy Unknown for US Magazine

Nicki Minaj took her celebrity platform to the UN to cry persecution over Nigerian Christian killings, conveniently ignoring that Muslims and non-Christians are also victims of the ongoing violence there. We dissect this self-aggrandizing move, questioning the motivation behind using "God-given" influence to prioritize Christian suffering for social or political gain. Her speech hypocritically ignored the lack of religious freedom faced by minorities in her own country while promoting a massive persecution complex. Why can't she "just be in entertainment"?News Source:Nicki Minaj Addresses United Nations About Alleged Christian Persecution in NigeriaBy Unknown for KTLADecember 3rd, 2025 https://ktla.com/entertainment/nicki-minaj-addresses-united-nations-about-alleged-christian-persecution-in-nigeria/amp/The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.48.2 featuring Rob, Flabbergasted, & Stephen HarderNicki Minaj Cries Persecution at the UN Christian Nationalism Goes Global The Hypocrisy of US Religious Freedom Claims Stop Ignoring Muslim Deaths in Nigeria Nicki Minaj's Self-Aggrandizing Speech Exposed Celebrity Christianity: Influence by God? War Threats Over Christian Killings? Nicki Minaj: Christian or Christian Nationalist? Christian Persecution Complex Goes Pop Star When Celebs Weaponize Their Faith Are Christians the Only Victims in Nigeria? Why Celebrity Pundits Shouldn't Talk Politics Unpacking Nicki Minaj's Moral Authority Claim Nigeria: Farmers vs. Faith? The Cost of Christian Tokenism Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Pew Research and Gallup surveys confirm the decline of organized religion in the US, with "nuns" (the religiously unaffiliated) nearing one-third of the population. We dissect this massive demographic shift, comparing the dangers posed by deeply devoted believers versus passively religious people. We question if a non-serious Christian is truly harmless or simply a "volatile" target for grifters and con artists. Ultimately, the panel concludes that the rise of secularism signals progress as more people are questioning their beliefs.News Source:If the U.S. had 100 people: Charting Americans' religious affiliationsBy Unknown for Pew Research CenterNovember 13th, 2025 https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/11/13/if-the-u-s-had-100-people-charting-americans-religious-affiliations/Drop in religiosity among largest in worldBy Unknown for Gallup https://news.gallup.com/poll/697676/drop-religiosity-among-largest-world.aspxThe Non-Prophets, Episode 24.48.1 featuring Rob, Flabbergasted, & Stephen HarderFaith Collapse: Nones Rise to 29% Are People Finally Thinking? Gallup Poll Confirms Religion is Dying The Danger of the Passive Christian Christianity's Global Decline Exposed The Pros and Cons of Literally Believing the Bible Deeply Religious vs. Passively Religious: Who's Worse? Less Religious People = A WIN Challenging the Indoctrination Cycle Why are Christians Losing Their Religion? Religious Decline: Natural Evolution or Catastrophe? What's the Moral Value of Passive Belief? How the Nuns Denomination is Taking Over Stop Going to Church, Start Thinking! America's Faith Demographics Are Shifting Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

The Barna Group reveals that Gen Z women are struggling deeply with their faith, citing isolation, anxiety, and a distrust of religious institutions. We examine why organized religion is failing young women and driving them towards secular communities and skepticism. This demographic shift underscores the critical role of intersectional issues ignored by rigid, traditional doctrines.News Source:Gen Z Women Struggling in FaithBy Unknown for Barna

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt integrates his Christian faith into the team culture, leading quarterback Patrick Mahomes to become increasingly vocal about his belief. We question if Mahomes' public piety is genuine or a savvy form of career compliance, especially given the financial insecurity of non-guaranteed NFL contracts. This coercive atmosphere, previously linked to Christian nationalist rhetoric (like Harrison Butker's speech), highlights the dangers of blending theology with corporate power. We criticize the hypocrisy of wealthy team owners emphasizing prayer while ignoring global suffering.News Source:Essentially SportsBy Surab KumarNovember 9th, 2025

The Vatican, desperate to stay relevant amidst widespread secularism, held a "surprising assembly" with prominent Hollywood figures. We dissect this obvious propaganda push and coercion tactic designed to influence content and coerce creative professionals into supporting faith-driven messaging. This bizarre meeting reveals the hypocrisy of religious leaders who claim morality is objectively determined by God's will while simultaneously asking where the world gets its values.News Source:Pope Leo, Hollywood actors, VaticanBy Maria Manzos for Deseret NewsNovember 13th, 2025

A mother in need turned to local churches for baby formula assistance after SNAP benefits lapsed, only to be rejected by dozens of wealthy congregations who cited her 'woke' identity markers (lesbian, veteran) as cause for smear campaigns instead of offering help. We expose the devastating hypocrisy of tax-exempt organizations who would rather let children starve than fulfill their supposed mission to the vulnerable. When religious leaders call a mother trying to feed her starving infant a "demon" and wish death upon her, they prove themselves to be the organized criminal organization we suspect them to be.News Source:Uncharitable Churches Exposed by Mom in NeedBy Cassandra Stone for mom.comNovember 7th, 2025

Actor Miles Heizer details his difficult, yet "classic," gay coming out story, drawing parallels with his new show about a queer service member. We examine the painful legacy of conservative Christian upbringings and the societal expectation for queer individuals to share traumatic narratives. Despite increased acceptance, the conversation highlights the continuous struggle against religious-fueled homophobia and the irony of scrutinizing genuine coming out experiences.News Source:articles/boots-miles-heizer-coming-religious-170540919.htmlBy Unknown for Yahoo! Entertainment TVNovember 19th, 2025

The U.S. Army cut funding for Catholic chaplain extracurriculars (like music class!) due to double-dipping and fiscal redundancy, sparking outrage that the world's wealthiest religious organization is being treated "like everybody else". We dissect this glaring waste of taxpayer money and question the constitutionality of the entire Chaplain Corps program, which promotes religion itself. Why are unqualified clergy leveraged as mental health counselors while simultaneously crying foul over losing budget for sacramental record-keeping?News Source:US Army at Odds with Catholic Chaplains over Religious Support ContractsBy Lara Corte for Stars and StripesNovember 5th, 2025

Former Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger has secured $110 million to develop "Christian AI" through his company, GLUE, hoping to accelerate the second coming of Christ with server farms instead of faith. The panel dissects this brazen attempt to hardwire theology into technology, arguing that this is merely lobbying with excessive tech money and a dangerous act of desperation. We explore how faith-driven AI restricts knowledge, shapes minds, and threatens secular democracy by pushing public policy further toward a costly and contradictory theocracy. Will a new algorithm erase millennia of biblical contradictions? We doubt it.News Source:Patrick Gelsinger Christian AIBy Adam Willems for The GuardianOctober 28th, 2025

Joe Rogan weighs in on the church, claiming people attend only to "better their lives." The panel dissects this rosy, misguided view, contrasting church community (which often manipulates vulnerable people) with true secular support. We challenge the notion that Jesus offered a "perfect way to live" and dive into the philosophical debate over whether divine permission makes humans more, or less, decent. Plus, we explore the explosive argument for the mythicist position on the historical Jesus. Theocratic claims crumble under critical scrutiny.News Source:Joe Rogan on Religion and ChristianityBy NewsNation Stafffor NewsNationOctober 29th, 2025

A Massachusetts mayor decided to spend $850,000 in taxpayer funds to put up Catholic saint statues outside city buildings, claiming they are "secular demigods" invoked globally by first responders. This blatant blurring of church and state lines is drawing fire from citizens who recognize that religious icons, especially those specific to Catholicism, shouldn't be bankrolled by public funds. The move highlights the constant fight against theocratic creep, where religious privilege attempts to hijack government resources and spaces in violation of constitutional religious neutrality.News Source:Catholic statues, Quincy Massachusetts religious libertyBy Brianna J. Frank and Peter Blandino for USA TodayOctober 28th, 2025

We dissect the "historic" joint prayer between King Charles III (Defender of the Faith) and Pope Leo, questioning if this reunion between the Anglican and Catholic churches is genuine progress or pure PR. This high-level, symbolic unity is exposed as political maneuvering and a calculated business decision by institutions desperately trying to shore up market share and relevance as membership declines. We note the irony that while they discuss unity, centuries of doctrinal conflict and the issue of vast church wealth remain unaddressed.News Source:live: King Charles pray with Pope Leo in historic visit to VaticanBy Joshua McElligey for ReutersOctober 23rd, 2025

China, the world's most populous secular state, arrests Christians from an unsanctioned house church, illustrating blatant religious persecution disguised as political control. We dissect how the CCP justifies suppressing "harmful" ideologies—like Christianity's patriarchal views on women and property—to maintain political power and internal harmony. This aggressive approach is a clear warning against Western societies giving any religion preferential treatment.News Source:China Arrests 30 Christians at Unsanctioned Zion ChurchBy Alicia Rahman Sarkar for The IndependenceOctober 16th, 2025

We dive into the absurdity of religious outrage when a college football player dared to warm up during a pregame prayer at a rival's stadium. This bizarre controversy highlights the insecurity of fundamentalist groups that demand forced reverence from outsiders, revealing classic in-group/out-group boundary defense and intense religious virtue signaling. When are we going to follow the biblical advice to pray in private?News Source:Utah Kicker BYU Prayer Warm-Up Religious Backlash Dillon Curtis RespondBy Grayson Weir for thebrobible.comOctober 23rd, 2025

A deadly attack struck the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur, leaving two dead and the Jewish community in terror. This act of religious violence, perpetrated by a planned cell of terrorists, highlights the failure of faith to protect its adherents, forcing them to rely on armed security rather than divine intervention. Hosts explore the bitter irony of communities seeking safety in conflict zones like Israel and criticize the deep historical roots of religious hatred, noting how ancient mythological conflicts—including narratives of genocide in the Torah—continue to fuel modern, global sectarian warfare. The segment concludes that without religion, these perpetual conflicts would cease, underscoring the dangers of mixing religious beliefs with governance.News Source:Manchester Jewish community reeling after deadly attackBy Ivana Kotosova for CNNOctober 3rd, 2025

Finding local atheist community is nerve-wracking for new non-believers who fear rejection and marginalization from friends, family, and society. The pervasive "Christonormativity" or "Theo-normativity" makes atheists feel inherently "weird" for simply existing, which fuels widespread fear despite modern communication tools. Straight white men are often more likely to adopt the atheist label, while women and people of color face compounded isolation, fearing negative "second and third order effects". Building small, local tribes through efforts like charity work is vital to combat the perception that atheists are uncaring. Ultimately, the goal is reaching a secular world where non-belief is viewed as just as natural as not being racist". News Source: Kristina Lee: Building Atheist Community By Robert Bernstein for Ed Hat Santa Barbara September 22nd, 2025

A musician was sentenced to death for blasphemy under Sharia law in Nigeria, highlighting the tension between brutal religious courts and the nation's protective secular constitution. The Supreme Court intervened, recognizing that rapid sentencing by the local Sharia court often seeks to bypass constitutional protections before citizens can exercise their rights. This case exemplifies the political volatility of upholding modern secular law against entrenched traditional religious demands, where theological disagreements can result in capital punishment.News Source:Nigeria's Supreme Court allows late appeal in Kano blasphemy caseBy Camillus Ebo for ReutersSeptember 25, 2025

A judge in Canada has finally affirmed that church law is not the law of the land, ruling that a sexual misconduct lawsuit against a high-ranking priest must proceed in civil court, rejecting the defense's attempt to shunt the case into an uncompensated internal canonical court. This ruling is a crucial step toward demanding external oversight and accountability for an institution known for protecting its abusers over victims. The system relies on the assumption of religious infallibility and years of delay (like the decade this case took to reach civil court). Civil courts must enforce that no institution is above the law when lives are at stake.News Source: Rosica abuse lawsuit proceeds By Gina Christian for Angelus August 12th, 2025

This week, we confront the grotesque hypocrisy of a megachurch accused of bankrolling a missionary who allegedly trafficked and abused struggling children in Romania. Despite sending up to $17,000 monthly, the religious organization refuses accountability, opting for the standard, despicable practice of protecting their institutional credibility over seeking restorative justice for victims. This systemic failure reveals how easily unchecked religious power enables horrific crimes while shifting blame.News Source:Missionary Financially Supported by Megachurch Accused of Child Trafficking and Abuse in RomaniaBy Deepa Bharat for AP NewsSeptember 17th, 2025The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.40.2 featuring Stephen Harder, Flabbergasted, and Tracy WilbertMegachurch Bankrolls Child Trafficker

Morocco's theocratic monarchy claims to protect free expression, yet an activist faces jail time and denial of cancer treatment because she wore a t-shirt that said, "Allah is lesbian". This glaring contradiction exposes how religious authority uses caveats in the law to maintain control, proving that freedom of expression means nothing if the "right to offend" is stripped away. Her heroism in pointing out the system's flaws shows that where laws are unjust, speaking out is a duty, regardless of the staggering personal cost. News Source: Moroccan woman on trial for blasphemy after wearing a shirt to that challenged religious authority By Akram Ubashir for Religious News Service August 28th, 2025

A Catholic priest in Pennsylvania took his parishioners for a joyride after confessing to rigging a church fundraising raffle for a Corvette Stingray. The scheme was run with unchecked authority over parish funds, enabling him to award phony prizes to friends while running up a massive $300,000 American Express tab paid by the church. This shocking case highlights the petty corruption and financial malfeasance that runs rampant when religious institutions operate without oversight, exploiting the faithful for personal gain and high-end consumer luxury. News Source: Pennsylvania Priest Accused of Rigging Corvette Raffle, Using Church Funds to Pay Off American Express Bill By Hemet Mehta for The Friendly Atheist August 11th, 2025

Mega-church leader Kirby John Caldwell returns to the pulpit after serving time for a $3.6 million wire fraud scheme involving selling worthless Chinese bonds as investments. The hosts dissect the stunning hypocrisy and grifting required to defraud one's own flock, only to be welcomed back with a standing ovation. This highlights the endemic problem of unchecked financial abuse within religious institutions and the manipulation strategies used by clergy and their families to maintain control over vulnerable, often uneducated congregations in places like the Deep South.News Source:Texas Pastor Returns to Megachurch After Prison for $3.6M FraudBy Anugrah Kumar for The Christian PostSunday, August 10th, 2025

A secular examination of the Catholic Church's latest attempt to shore up declining European membership and fatten its coffers the canonization of the first millennial saint. The hosts mock the transparent, desperate marketing strategy of turning a deceased computer-savvy teen, dubbed 'God's influencer,' into a brand icon for younger generations. They dissect the blatant hypocrisy of institutional religion targeting the uneducated and vulnerable—including youth—while spending vast sums to verify ancient 'miracles' instead of providing real-world relief. This segment exposes the church's predatory reliance on exploiting grief and promoting unquestioning devotion for monetary gain and generational relevance.News SourceItalian Teen known as 'God's Influencer' Declared the First Millennial Saintfor Newsbreak by CBS ChicagoSeptember 7th, 2025

This segment unpacks the potent intersection of queer identity, HIV stigma, and religious condemnation through a Pulitzer-winning musical. We explore how faith-based shame and societal neglect, especially during the AIDS crisis, weaponized pain against the LGBTQ+ community, leading to immeasurable loss and continued fear, even with life-saving medications. It's a stark reminder that bigotry costs lives, and that societal acceptance still lags behind medical progress, particularly for marginalized groups. When "morality" dictates who deserves care, humanity truly suffers.News Source: Black Gay Playwright Michael R. Jackson Talks HIV Stigma, PrEP, and the Tyler Perry Film Inside His Strange Loop By Darian Aaron for GLAAD August 13, 2025

This segment unearths the deeply disturbing legacy of a prominent Christian leader whose authoritarian parenting advice and regressive family models directly fueled modern Christian nationalism. From advocating physical child discipline to igniting the Satanic Panic, his teachings exemplify how religious authority can morph into widespread societal harm. We scrutinize whether religion, as a perceived "tool," can truly be beneficial when its applications enable such demonstrable abuse. The discussion tackles the difficult ethical questions of confronting harmful legacies without simply dismissing critiques as anti-religious bias, and navigating reactions to the passing of influential yet destructive figures. It's a stark reminder of how spiritual strongmen, often claiming to "save the children," can inflict generational trauma by weaponizing faith to control minds, families, and ultimately, entire nations.News Source: The Dark Legacy Of James Dobson: A Reflection On Influence By Henry Karlson for SmartNews August 25, 2025

This week, we unpack a truly divine scam where self-proclaimed holy rollers stand accused of running a $50M forced labor ring, complete with luxury cars and coerced "donations." It's another classic tale of religious leaders enriching themselves while their flock endures psychological abuse, starvation, and threats of eternal damnation—because nothing says "love thy neighbor" like a Bentley and a BITE model. We dissect how easily faith can be twisted into a tool for control, exposing the thin veil between spiritual guidance and outright cult behavior. This segment peels back the layers of hypocrisy, reminding us that sometimes, the holiest places harbor the most unholy acts. When religion becomes a weapon for exploitation, who needs actual devils?News Source: FBI raid in Houston tied to $50M forced labor case against religious leaders By Jaime E. Galvan, Deevon Rahming, and Orko Manna for KHOU 11 August 27th 2025

A small Illinois town took on the Proud Boys after a blatant recruitment billboard appeared near a high school. This segment dissects the audacity of extremist groups feeling emboldened enough to openly recruit and the critical importance of local communities pushing back against hate and fascism. It highlights how hate groups exploit societal anxieties and strategically infiltrate local politics, raising questions about corporate responsibility in platforming such dangerous ideologies. This local victory proves that grassroots efforts can, and must, challenge the normalization of bigotry eroding our society.News Source: Community Outcry Forces Proud Boys Billboard Removal in Illinois By Hunter Basler and Holden Ker Wiki for Katie Askey, local news August 19th, 2025

Oklahoma's school superintendent is weaponizing education, forcing a political loyalty test from Prager U on incoming teachers from "blue" states. This isn't just about vetting educators; it's a blatant attempt to indoctrinate students with right-wing propaganda, rewrite history with claims like "slavery was better than death", and sideline critical thinking. This move undermines academic freedom, exacerbates severe teacher shortages, and sets a dangerous precedent for ideologically driven schooling, turning classrooms into battlegrounds for conservative narratives rather than places of genuine learning.News Source: Oklahoma to test teachers from New York, California for radical leftist ideologyBy Chris Williams for FOX 26 Houston August 19, 2025

A new "Catholic investing scorecard" promises to help the devout align their portfolios with church teachings by dodging investments in anything supporting abortion, pornography, or LGBTQ+ rights. While some applaud this "faith-based stewardship," others—including us heathens—see it as a transparent, hypocritical weaponization of finance in the ongoing culture wars. A financial advisor, who evidently didn't use divine intervention to amass his own wealth, is now offering a tool based on "faith not seen" rather than evidence, potentially leading to exclusion and bad investments. We're just wondering if the Vatican is secretly funding the White Sox now. Talk about a holy roller…

Harvard physicist Avi Loeb *probes* the possibility that a fast-moving interstellar object, 31 Atlas, might be an alien probe, not just a comet. While other scientists remain skeptical, citing ordinary physics, Loeb urges world leaders to prepare for extraterrestrial contact. This episode dives into the fine line between scientific speculation and sensationalism, questioning humanity's readiness for "close encounters" and whether we're jumping to "alien to the gaps" conclusions. It's a hilarious look at how even serious scientists can trigger an X-Files episode, highlighting the need for skepticism when wild theories eclipse peer review, and reminding us that perhaps aliens are just smart enough to leave us alone.News Source:Scientist challenges world leaders over mystery comet he fears could be alien probe but time is running outBy Alex Oliveira for New York PostAugust 10, 2025

This episode dives into the alarming rhetoric of Christian nationalist Pastor Doug Wilson, whose vision for a "Christian nation" would drag us back to the 14th century, stripping women of their rights and redefining democracy to serve male supremacy. We explore how figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amplify such dangerous ideology, showcasing how easily theology is weaponized into public policy. It's a chilling reminder of how "slow, patient, radical movements" threaten our secular society, twisting language and facts to push a regressive agenda. We unpack the hypocrisy and the urgent need for critical thinking against this creeping theocracy.News Source:The Christian nationalist pastor with ties to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth CNN PoliticsBy Pamela Brown, Shoshana Dubnow for CNNAugust 8, 2025

Pastor Jack Hibbs is having a moral meltdown over California Bill AB 495, hysterically claiming it endangers "Christian children." This bill simply expands who can make emergency medical decisions or pick up kids from school when parents are unreachable, requiring pre-filed authorization from trusted adults. It's a pragmatic solution for modern families, ensuring children get timely care, especially in emergencies where parents might be unavailable. Yet, this Christian nationalist preacher wildly misrepresents the bill as a "boogeyman" that will snatch kids, all to drum up animosity against a liberal government and push his regressive agenda. It's classic fear-mongering, weaponizing parental anxieties to undermine public policy and promote private education, showcasing a blatant disregard for truth from a self-proclaimed moral leader. This episode exposes the hypocrisy and religious overreach behind such blatant distortions of fact, highlighting how such leaders misrepresent facts to advance their agenda.News Source:Pastor Jack Hibbs warns Christians may need to 'pack up and get out' of CaliforniaBy Ian M. Giatti for ChristianPostAugust 5, 2025

The U.S. capital is disgracefully reinstalling a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike, infamous for alleged KKK ties, opposing racial integration, and supporting the expulsion of freed slaves. This decision, after the statue was toppled by George Floyd protesters, isn't about preserving history, but a blatant symbol of bigotry and hatred that activates deep-seated trauma for many. It's a "sermon in stone" demonstrating a disturbing commitment to "owning the libs" and perpetuating white supremacy over fostering genuine inclusivity. This move further exposes how historical figures are wielded to fuel cultural bias, prioritizing fear and prejudice over a truthful, inclusive understanding of our past and honoring a failed traitor.News Source:Statue Of Confederate General With Ku Klux Klan Ties To Be Reinstalled In Washington, D.C.By Mitti Hicks for Black EnterpriseAugust 5, 2025

The self-proclaimed faithful are pearl-clutching over a Black, queer woman playing Jesus in a new artistic production, branding it "demonic" and "blasphemous." This manufactured outrage, disguised as religious conviction, exposes **fragile worldviews and deep-seated misogyny and racism** within the Christian right. They confuse artistic reinterpretation with an attack on their faith, conveniently ignoring that art's purpose is to challenge preconceived notions. It's yet another predictable display of **hypocrisy and selective victimhood**, proving that bigotry finds a way to surface even when the supposed "threat" is a fictional character portrayed by a talented actress. Their fear of inclusivity only amplifies the message: art thrives by questioning tradition, not by conforming to narrow, prejudiced definitions.News Source:Cynthia Erivo's 'demonic' portrayal of Jesus prompts outrage 'Intentional blasphemy'By Jon Brown for Christian PostAugust 4, 2025

The World Darts Federation has struck out with a new policy, banning trans women from competing in women's darts. This move, exemplified by the ban on rising star Dasha Dolan Van Leuven, isn't about fair play; it's a blatant display of prejudice disguised as policy. Despite darts being a game of precision and skill, not brute physical strength, the federation's decision smacks of scientific denial and an insidious blend of transphobia and misogyny. It's yet another disheartening instance where fear and cultural bias override logic and inclusivity, reminiscent of 'separate but equal' policies. Thankfully, Dasha is refusing to quit, continuing to compete and highlighting how easily bigotry can infiltrate any arena, no matter how absurd the justification.News Source:Trans darts player vows not to let new anti-trans ban ruin her love of the sportBy John Russell for LGBTQ NationJuly 30, 2025

A terrifying Christian movement, the Seven Mountains Mandate, aims to dominate every facet of society—religion, family, education, government, media, arts, and business. This blatant attempt at societal takeover, supported by nearly half of evangelicals, mirrors the very authoritarianism they claim to despise in other ideologies. It's a calculated, insidious push for Christian nationalism, leveraging media control and targeting vulnerable youth to build an ideological "army," proving that power, not piety, is the true goal. This is what fascism looks like.News Source:The Seven Mountains Mandate Is Not A Hill You Want To Die OnBy Stuart Delony for Snarky FaithAugust 6, 2025

The U.S. is literally burning millions in desperately needed contraceptives, wasting taxpayer money to destroy perfectly usable family planning products that prevent pregnancies and save countless lives in crisis zones. This utterly absurd act, costing an extra $167,000, is driven by ideological ignorance and a disturbing anti-women agenda. It isn't about science, health, or even fiscal responsibility; it's a cruel display of hypocrisy and religious overreach, exporting harmful Christian nationalist dogma to vulnerable populations in the name of a "pro-life" stance that ignores real-world consequences. Welcome to another masterclass in public policy absurdity and scientific denial.News Source: The U.S. is destroying 9.7 million in contraceptives. Is there another option?By Rachel Treisman for NPRJuly 28, 2025

A new memo from the Office of Personnel Management claims to protect religious expression in the federal workplace, but it explicitly permits proselytizing, allowing federal employees to attempt to convert coworkers. While it insists these efforts "must not be harassing," the practical reality of defining and reporting harassment—especially when your boss is involved—is a bureaucratic nightmare. This performative stance suggests a solution to a non-existent problem, as religious speech was already permitted. The memo's real aim appears to be to champion specific religious overreach, carving out special protections for "religious beliefs" while conveniently ignoring other deeply held "social, political, or economic philosophies." It's a transparent, and frankly, unnecessary move for a progressive, secular audience.News Source:New memo lets government workers push Christianity on colleagues even if they're the bossBy Hemant Mehta for The Friendly AtheistJuly 28, 2025