Podcasts about freedom from religion foundation ffrf

Oklahoma's Ryan Walters wants to bring Bibles into classrooms—and silence the watchdogs. But is it religious freedom or unconstitutional overreach?In this episode, The Non-Prophets take aim at Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who is suing the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) for doing what it does best: upholding the Constitution. After the FFRF blocked Walters from using $3 million in public funds to buy Trump Bibles for every classroom, Walters retaliated by accusing the organization of "attacking teachers and students." The panel breaks down how this lawsuit isn't just legally flimsy—it's part of a wider Christian nationalist strategy to chip away at the wall between church and state. We also explore what this means for educators, indigenous communities, and anyone fighting for a secular government.The Non-Prophets 24.15.3 with Cynthia McDonald, AJ, Kelley Laughlin and RobBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an organization dedicated to promoting the separation of church and state, has recently launched an eye-catching campaign in downtown Denver. This initiative features a prominent billboard that commands attention with a powerful message: "Keep freedom alive — Stop Project 2025."Project 2025 has stirred significant concern among organizations like the FFRF and others who perceive it as a potential threat to personal freedoms and the secular nature of government institutions. While the specific details of Project 2025 are not elaborated on in this particular campaign, its portrayal as something requiring intervention suggests implications that merit public vigilance.The placement of the billboard in a bustling area of Denver is strategic, aiming to reach a wide audience and galvanize public interest and action. Through this visual campaign, the FFRF seeks to engage citizens in a dialogue about the implications of Project 2025, rallying them to scrutinize and oppose any initiatives that compromise the principles they stand for.FFRF's approach reflects a broader strategy of leveraging public spaces to raise awareness and influence discourse on critical issues. By framing Project 2025 as a matter threatening freedom, they not only draw attention to this specific campaign but also emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between religion and government policy.As this issue gains traction, it invites further investigation into Project 2025's objectives and potential repercussions on civil liberties. The billboard serves both as a warning and a call to action, urging individuals to be proactive in safeguarding the freedoms they value.

A Texas public school superintendent won't stop promoting Christianity at workThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Jul 24, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/a-texas-public-school-superintendentIn the latest segment on religious issues in public schools, the focus turns to Rusk Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Gray Burton and his controversial approach to prayer in school settings. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has been in a contentious battle with Burton, who has replaced traditional moments of silence with student-led prayers, a move deemed unconstitutional by the FFRF. Their concern extends to several specific incidents, including a prayer broadcast over the loudspeaker at a football game and a Facebook post from the district favoring Christian applicants for jobs.Burton's response to these criticisms has been marked by an apparent misunderstanding of the law. He has likened his district's religious endorsements to preferences in music genres, a comparison criticized for its inaccuracy. The FFRF argues that promoting a specific religion or showing favoritism based on religious beliefs violates constitutional protections. Despite these clear guidelines, Burton seems determined to continue his practices, revealing a troubling mix of religious fervor and legal ignorance.The discussion then delves into Burton's possible motivations. It is suggested that his actions stem from a desire to impose Christian values universally, reflecting a form of "Christo-fascism." This term characterizes the merging of religious ideology with authoritarian practices, suggesting that Burton's efforts might be driven by a need to assert his beliefs despite their potential illegality. His dismissive responses to legal challenges and the FFRF's warnings reveal a deeper issue of entitlement and a lack of respect for constitutional boundaries.The conversation touches on the possible ramifications of Burton's actions, speculating whether his disregard for the law will lead to a courtroom showdown. The FFRF's detailed letters highlight specific legal violations, such as endorsing religious messages and selecting students based on religious criteria. The discussion concludes with a hopeful note that the legal system will ultimately correct these missteps, either through regulatory bodies or potentially the Supreme Court, although the latter seems less likely given the current judicial climate.In summary, Superintendent Gray Burton's actions in Rusk ISD exemplify a broader clash between religious zeal and constitutional adherence. His persistent promotion of Christian values in public school settings, despite legal warnings, underscores ongoing tensions over the separation of church and state in American education.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.31.4 featuring Infidel64, Cindy Plaza, Eli Slack and Kelley LaughlinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

FFRF urges Fla. school district to protect students from proselytizing teacher, Freedom From Religion Foundation, by , on January 4, 2024, https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/43269-ffrf-urges-fla-school-district-to-protect-students-from-proselytizing-teacherThe Non-Prophets, Episode 23.03.1 featuring Phoebe Rose, Infidel64, Jimmy Jr and KelleyIn a Florida high school, concerned parents report a math teacher's attempt at religious indoctrination, involving Christmas pamphlets, candy canes, and questionable biblical interpretations. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) intervenes, emphasizing the importance of the Establishment Clause and the need to distinguish between education and indoctrination in public schools. The teacher's actions spark a discussion among participants, with some expressing skepticism about the situation in Florida.One participant highlights the broader issue of religious influence in education, citing instances where religious figures like Dave Ramsey and Dennis Prager find their way into classrooms. There is concern about the gradual erosion of legal protections and the attempt to establish precedent for integrating religious teachings into various aspects of education.The conversation touches upon the broader socio-political landscape in Florida, with mentions of the state's leaning towards conservative Christian ideals. The participants question the mindset of those promoting religious teachings in public schools and ponder whether they believe their actions will be shielded by divine protection from legal consequences.The discussion delves into the possible motivations behind such actions, with one participant suggesting a strategy of gradual erosion of legal boundaries. There's also speculation about whether the current friendly Supreme Court environment might embolden such attempts.The origin of the candy cane, mentioned in the pamphlet, adds a touch of humor to the discussion. Despite differing opinions among participants, the consensus is that Florida's education system appears to be grappling with issues related to the separation of church and state.As the conversation unfolds, the focus shifts to the public's reaction and potential backlash. Some express hope that a growing awareness among students about societal issues could lead to a more balanced future. However, concerns persist about the influence of entrenched ideologies and the need for active parental involvement to counteract such occurrences.

Alabama community college president's staff prayers ‘pushing religion,' group says, AL.com, By William Thorton, September 13, 2023 https://www.al.com/news/2023/09/alabama-community-college-presidents-staff-prayers-pushing-religion-group-says.html?utm_source=ground.news&utm_medium=referral The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.38.4 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Infidel64, The Cross Examiner and Jimmy Jr. What is going on down there in Alabama? Is Alabama just trying to be the poor cousin of Florida or Texas?A Wisconsin-based non-profit, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), has urged Snead State Community College in Alabama to stop holding prayers at staff events and including religious messages in official communications.“A concerned Snead State Community College employee has reported that you have been imposing your personal religious beliefs onto Snead State employees and treating Snead State as a Christian college rather than the secular public college it is,” the letter from Staff Attorney Christopher Line reads. “They feel that they are being forced to bow their head and participate because not doing so would require them to expose their personal beliefs and potentially be subject to retribution.”When the president of the college is leading prayers before meals and meetings, he's crossed over the line because he represents the school itself. Each year, Joe Whitmore also presents a “guiding bible verse” for the staff. Joe sounds like a lot of fun at parties. Everybody loves a good moralizer.The FFRF contends that such practices violate the First Amendment's establishment clause, calling for government neutrality in matters of religion. The organization has a history of advocacy for separation of church and state, including cases in Alabama.Most people in the USA that don't think we should keep a separation between religion and government think it's to keep religion out of government. But it was put there for the opposite reason, to keep the government out of religion. Our founders watched as Europe was ablaze with religious wars.Can you imagine the chaos it would cause if the “official national church” changed every 4 to 8 years? You know what, you don't have to imagine! Just go read some 16th & 17th European history!Snead started out as a religious school in 1898. However, it became part of the Alabama Community college system in 1967. It's not 1898, not even 1967, it is 2023. Even in Alabama.#statecollege #alabama #secular #atheist #christianity #prayer #god #atheism #secularism #pray #goodwithoutgod #agnostic #humanist #skeptic #godless #freethinker #noreligion #bibleverse

Alabama community college president's staff prayers ‘pushing religion,' group says, AL.com, By William Thorton, September 13, 2023 https://www.al.com/news/2023/09/alabama-community-college-presidents-staff-prayers-pushing-religion-group-says.html?utm_source=ground.news&utm_medium=referral The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.38.4 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Infidel64, The Cross Examiner and Jimmy Jr. What is going on down there in Alabama? Is Alabama just trying to be the poor cousin of Florida or Texas?A Wisconsin-based non-profit, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), has urged Snead State Community College in Alabama to stop holding prayers at staff events and including religious messages in official communications.“A concerned Snead State Community College employee has reported that you have been imposing your personal religious beliefs onto Snead State employees and treating Snead State as a Christian college rather than the secular public college it is,” the letter from Staff Attorney Christopher Line reads. “They feel that they are being forced to bow their head and participate because not doing so would require them to expose their personal beliefs and potentially be subject to retribution.”When the president of the college is leading prayers before meals and meetings, he's crossed over the line because he represents the school itself. Each year, Joe Whitmore also presents a “guiding bible verse” for the staff. Joe sounds like a lot of fun at parties. Everybody loves a good moralizer.The FFRF contends that such practices violate the First Amendment's establishment clause, calling for government neutrality in matters of religion. The organization has a history of advocacy for separation of church and state, including cases in Alabama.Most people in the USA that don't think we should keep a separation between religion and government think it's to keep religion out of government. But it was put there for the opposite reason, to keep the government out of religion. Our founders watched as Europe was ablaze with religious wars.Can you imagine the chaos it would cause if the “official national church” changed every 4 to 8 years? You know what, you don't have to imagine! Just go read some 16th & 17th European history!Snead started out as a religious school in 1898. However, it became part of the Alabama Community college system in 1967. It's not 1898, not even 1967, it is 2023. Even in Alabama.#statecollege #alabama #secular #atheist #christianity #prayer #god #atheism #secularism #pray #goodwithoutgod #agnostic #humanist #skeptic #godless #freethinker #noreligion #bibleverse

In today's News: Prayer banned at graduation ceremony  A school district in Kentucky has agreed to stop presenting prayers at its graduation ceremonies following a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a prominent atheist group advocating for a strict separation of church and state. According to a news release Thursday, Pikeville Independent School District's legal counsel recently told FFRF, “I have had the opportunity to review your attached letter and wanted to let you know that I have advised the principal to refrain from religious prayer at future graduations.” In July, FFRF sent Pikeville Independent Schools Superintendent David Trimble a letter on behalf of a “concerned citizen” who reported that the 2020 Pikeville High School graduation ceremony included three student-led prayers.  Court rules church can gather for worship  A district court has temporarily granted a request from a Washington, D.C., Southern Baptist church to gather for outdoor worship services that violate the city’s rules for public gatherings. Capitol Hill Baptist Church argued that the District of Columbia’s covid-19 restrictions had violated its Constitutional rights and was causing “irreparable harm” to its congregation. Judge Trevor McFadden, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, agreed in a Friday ruling. McFadden said the limitations are causing a “substantial burden” under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a law enacted in 1993 that aims to protect against government interference with religious beliefs.  New York Governor sued  New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is violating religious liberty again, and two Catholic priests, two Catholic school students, and four Orthodox Jewish individuals are renewing an ongoing lawsuit against the head of New York State for imposing new, draconian restrictions on religious services, nearly four months after a federal judge enjoined Cuomo from treating houses of worship differently from exempted businesses and activities. The Thomas More Society filed an emergency amended complaint and motion for temporary restraining order on Friday in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York on behalf of the priests and individuals. The new filing shows that Cuomo and other state officials are now singling out religious gatherings for special burdens without showing any evidence that religious gatherings, and not countless other exempted gatherings and activities, are unique sources of spreading covid-19. The Thomas More Society’s new complaint shows that Cuomo expressly singled out religious gatherings as the reasons for his new restrictions, without any evidence showing that they are unique sources of viral spread. In his Friday news conference, Cuomo admitted the new regime “is most impactful on houses of worship,” and any impact on secular businesses is “not what this is about.” 

In today's News: Concordia St. Louis begins 182nd year on Aug. 28 Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will begin its 182nd year with an opening service at 10 a.m. CDT Aug. 28 in the Chapel of St. Timothy And St. Titus. Due to social distancing measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic, in-person attendance will be limited to service participants; new students, their spouses and children; faculty and staff members who are being installed or ordained; and deans, department chairs and program directors. The service will be available for all to watch via livestream at csl.edu/live. Vicarage and internship assignments also will be announced for pastoral and deaconess Students In The Specific Ministry Pastor program, Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology program, Center for Hispanic Studies program and the Cross-Cultural Ministry Center. Parishioners threatened with jail California’s Harvest Rock Church received a letter from the city of Pasadena’s chief assistant city prosecutor threatening daily criminal charges unless in-person worship services cease. The letter from the Pasadena prosecutor states, “Each day in violation is a separate violation and carries with it punishment up to one year in jail and a fine for each violation…. Your compliance with these orders is not discretionary, it is mandatory. Any violations in the future will subject your church, owners, administrators, operators, staff and parishioners to the above-mentioned criminal penalties as well as the potential closures of your church.” Liberty Counsel filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry Against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s covid-19 orders. Puberty blockers cause sterility Consent documents from Children's Hospital Los Angeles that were made public this week reveal that puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones used on gender dysphoric children do in fact cause sterility, contrary to repeated assertions made by some California Democratic lawmakers. Democrats in the California State Senate have in recent days dismissed those who've warned that a bill under consideration would fund the sterilization of physically healthy minors. They assert that such concerns raised by constituents amount to "fear-mongering. The informed consent documents from Children's Hospital Los Angeles — which has one of the largest transgender centers in the country — obtained by the California Family Council, reveal that the hospital has also warned patients and parental guardians that the drugs do indeed yield infertility in those who undergo the experimental procedures. Library paints over children’s display The town of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, has painted over a Biblical display on a library playground following a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist group. Stevens Memorial Library had featured at its playground a turning picture game of NOAH'S Ark, which FFRF said violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Madeline Ziegler, a staff attorney at FFRF, sent a letter to Terri Antsiss, director of the library, on July 22 on behalf of a “concerned community member.”

As a Christian that I should not talk politics Like I have stated before I do not care who you vote: my wife has told me on many occasion as a Christian that I should not talk politics, so I had to search the scripture for myself A clear understanding of this truth has helped me  to see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). As recent as 08/15/2020 I found out anything that will spark a spontaneous debate, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics—even among believers. As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics? It has been said that “religion and politics don't mix.” But is that true? Can we have political views outside the considerations of our Christian faith? The answer is no, we cannot. The Bible gives us two truths regarding our stance towards politics and government.   The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God's will that takes precedence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God's plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35). In fact, it is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). A clear understanding of this truth will help us to see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working “all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Second, (I)- we must grasp the fact that our government cannot save you and me! Only God can. To my knowledge it is nowhere in the New Testament that Jesus or any of the apostles expending any time or energy schooling believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government. The apostles never called for believers to demonstrate civil disobedience to protest the Roman Empire's unjust laws or brutal schemes such as happening now. Instead, the apostles commanded the first-century Christians, as well as you and me today, to proclaim the gospel and live lives that give clear evidence to the gospel's transforming power.   Our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens look at (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1–8 that it is the government's responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.   One of Satan's grandest deceptions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation's hope for change is not to be found in any country's ruling class. The church has made a mistake if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values. We as children of God we are under attack. Look at the headlines Satellite broadcaster SAT-7 calls for calm as coronavirus-fueled anger targets Christians in ‘climate of fear, hatred', Christianity under attack? Sri Lanka church bombings stoke far-right anger in the West., former Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R) issued a response to what he called the latest attack from Ron Reagan's national atheist group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).“Christians and people of all faiths are under attack in America,” Sessions said.   The church's unique, God-given purpose does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.   Believers throughout the ages have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who, under merciless political regimes, sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was they, not their governments, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul's teaching to obey their governing authorities, even to honor, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1-8). More importantly, they understood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teachings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).   Political entities are not the savior of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus' death and resurrection. My reference Logos Bible Software and Got Questions

Watch the video version of this conversation (for patrons): https://www.patreon.com/posts/2Fis-america-with-26697962  Andrew Seidel is a constitutional and civil rights attorney with the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), the largest advocacy group for atheists in the United States. His explosive first book, “The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American” (Sterling) is out now. Don't miss this amazing interview!

Matt wasn't feeling well and had to miss this episode, but Ryan and Dan are joined by the always-great Grant Larimer, who was kind enough to fill in at the last minute to go over a bunch of news items, including: We announce a prize drawing for online reviews of the show!** Minnesota Republican representative Abigail Whelan invokes Jesus to avoid answering a question about tax havens We toss a racist Starbucks customer into the Basket of Deplorables The American Humanist Association (AHA) and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) win a case to remove a giant cross on public property in Pensacola, FL AHA attorney, Monica Miller, isn't feeling the Christian love after winning her case to remove the cross The Southern Baptist Convention descended into chaos while arguing about whether they should condemn the racist alt-right Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky says you have no free will Dan is interviewed by a University of Utah student A 12-year-old Mormon girl comes out as a lesbian while bearing her testimony in church Patreon subscribers get nearly 40 minutes of extras this week, including Grant playing the role of a scammer posing as an Illuminati recruiter who contacted Ryan. It's wild!    ** Prize drawing details: Write a 5-star review of the show on iTunes (only if you think we deserve it!) Send a screenshot of your review to us via email with "Review Prize Drawing" in the subject line All 5-star reviews (existing and new) will be entered to win a fabulous prize during a drawing held while recording our episode on July 31. Winner will be announced during the episode that will be released Monday, August 2, 2017 (probably earlier for Patreon subscribers). You can find the Godless Rebelution around the Internet at these links: Our Website: http://www.godlessrebelution.com Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/godlessrebelution Podbean: http://www.godlessrebelution.podbean.com Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-godless-rebelution/godless-rebelution iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/godless-rebelution/id872416298 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/GodlessRebelution Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GodlessRebelution Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TGRPodcast You can also send us hate-mail, show ideas, questions, corrections, whines, and rants at:  GodlessRebelution@gmail.com ~ OR ~ Send us a text or leave us a voicemail message at: 330-81-REBEL   You're welcome!

If anyone in today's secular movement should require no introduction, it's Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-founder and now co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). Fresh off a speech this past weekend at the Women in Secularism conference about her mother, Anne Nicol Gaylor, Annie Laurie joins us to talk more about her mother's accomplishments. She talks to us about how feminism requires secularism and how FFRF is carrying on Anne Nicol's outspoken legacy.

THIS WEEK - Shrinks, Oaths, and Stupid Editing at The NY Times Joined by regular pinch-hitter Chappy, the Herd follows up on last weeks' Evolutionary Psychology conversation by discussing psychology of the non-evolutionary kind. We wonder: Is psychoanalysis somewhat "faith-based"? Why isn't god-belief considered delusional? Or would atheism be seen as a problem requiring therapy? The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) wants to take on the government in an attempt to preclude it from essentially forcing new citizens to swear "so help me god". Wouldn't a freethinking new American be loath to complain about that oath the ceremony? Some of us think we need to concentrate on removing god from ALL public affirmations. The Herd agrees: Let's do away with government oaths to god. But how do we accomplish that? Evo has a faith-based all-encompassing solution! Chappy argues - one step at a time! But this is all about Evo's reality. We swear! Late-breaking news: If Obama is elected, he'll be America's first black President! Is that too obvious for us to mention? Well, you may be right. After all, we're not The New York Times? Ex offers another goddamned puzzle: Can Venjanz keep his perfect record going? Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft" Bridge Music [16:38]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie" by Rachel Murie Bridge Music [33:02]: excerpt from "Star Spangled Banner" Bridge Music [46:17]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches" by Rachel Murie Closing Music [59:17]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get" by Rachel Murie (All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie where noted)