Podcasts about Secular Therapy Project

In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity and Holy Koolaid, untangle the entangled particles to see that abiogenesis may not have an AI cause. Bill in MI has a theory that the purpose of life is to entangle every other particle in the universe in order to resolve uncertainty. We as humans are good at seeing patterns. What patterns are you seeing in the entanglement? Why do you think it was you that discovered this? What are the reasons for gatekeeping with high level academia? Tim in NY is 51% believer and 49% atheist because we have seen humans create intelligence but we have never seen intelligence show up. If one structure of the argument has a fallacy, like this black swan, the whole argument chain needs to be reworked if you want to get to a reliable conclusion. Why would the intelligence on this earth not be considered to have arised naturally? There is a difference between an increase of likelihood of existence and actual existence. We have seen amino acids and nucleic acids form on their own in simulated conditions.Denny in IL talks about how mathematicians and philosophers have defined god as the foundation of existence. When scientists talk about energy, they are talking about something that is measurable and a different definition of what people use for god. This sounds like a classic case of equivocation. Explore some responses people have to presuppositional apologetics. Hannah in MS has an argument that morality should be universal and that abortion is wrong when it is not saving the life of the mother because it is killing innocent people. How would you feel if you were forced to use your kidneys to keep someone alive for 9 months? Do you have an obligation to keep this person alive, or do you want bodily autonomy? Why should we preserve life and why is this a universal principle? Why assume sapience and sentience by equivocating this fetus as a fully formed human and why does it have more value than the mother?Omega Weapon in NY says that by using basic cosmology and logic that most concepts of god can be falsified. For instance it is logically impossible for god to be independent of space time and be the creator of it. You might have to shift some things for the idealists to agree with this, but the argument works.  Antwion in NC wants to talk about how to let go of the fear of hell and what methods the hosts used. SR found his secular therapist through The Secular Therapy Project.  Holy Koolaid realized how many things there are in life that have been attributed to demons but really are not demons. The phenomenon of sleep paralysis is a prime example of this where hypnagogic hallucinations are experienced. We know exactly what is happening in the brain and can measure it, yet people believe this is caused by demons. What types of things do people mistake for demon possession? If you go out and learn about how these religions evolved, it will help understand how man made these things are.Thank you for joining us for this live show! We will see you next week and remember to call early!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Dr. John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast. Dr. Dehlin, an ex-Mormon, has dedicated his career to exposing the truths behind Mormon practices and helping others navigate their own faith crises. This episode is a continuation of our in-depth conversation with him, exploring the psychological and social impacts of religious indoctrination, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the role of misinformation.Dr. Dehlin's journey is both compelling and relatable. Raised as a sixth-generation Mormon, he was taught to obey and follow the church's teachings without question. However, cracks began to form in his faith as he encountered various inconsistencies and ethical concerns, particularly during his mission in Guatemala. His experiences there, coupled with the rise of the internet and the availability of information, led him to question the very foundations of his beliefs.One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Dehlin's story is the concept of the "shelf." In the Mormon and post-Mormon world, individuals are encouraged to put doubts and questions on a metaphorical shelf, trusting that answers will come in time. For Dr. Dehlin, the shelf eventually became too heavy to bear, leading to a profound crisis of faith. This journey of questioning and seeking truth is something many can relate to, regardless of their religious background.The episode also delves into the broader implications of religious indoctrination and the rise of secular support systems. Dr. Dehlin discusses the importance of organizations like Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, which provide crucial support for individuals leaving high-demand religions. These organizations offer a safe space for people to explore their doubts and find a community that understands their struggles.One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Dr. Dehlin talks about the psychological impact of leaving a high-demand religion. He shares how many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as they grapple with the loss of their faith and the subsequent social and familial fallout. This highlights the critical need for mental health support and resources for those undergoing such transitions.Dr. Dehlin's work with the Mormon Stories podcast has not only helped countless individuals but also shed light on the broader human experience. As he aptly puts it, "The Mormon story is the human story." By sharing personal narratives, his podcast fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to see the common threads that connect us all.For those interested in exploring these themes further, we highly recommend tuning into this episode. Dr. Dehlin's insights and experiences offer a valuable perspective on the intersection of religion, truth, and personal transformation. Whether you're grappling with your own faith or simply curious about the human condition, this episode is sure to resonate.Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation. Listen to the full episode now and join us on this journey of discovery and understanding.

Have an Atheist Experience with Jim Barrows and The Cross Examiner and work through the current challenging issues that both theists and atheists continue to sort through. Chidumeei in PA asks how he is to tell atheists that they are not morally superior.  How do you deal with Christians that think they are morally superior? You take it one step at a time like you do everything else. Many people go through the angry atheist stage, and sometimes this is frustration from learning the Bible is wrong and realizing people have been lied to. If you slow the conversation down, ask for definitions, and look for understanding, people will realize the conversation is more important than the finger pointing. Miguel in CO asks about how society handles transgender people in sports. How does society reconcile the two established facts of transgenderism being real, and the hormonal treatment being good but not perfect? Sports matter more than we think it should, and solutions that we come up with for one sport may not work for another. Maybe early recognition of one being transgender will solve some of the issues. It would be insulting to all genders to just boil it down to not allowing men to compete with women. People do not on a whim just decide to change their gender. Be careful to weed out the lies such as “six year olds getting surgeries”. Brandon in CA wants to know why we embrace the trans community by using pronouns. What problem do you have with inclusion? How has the use of pronouns just come out of nowhere? We are hoping to build a society where it does not matter where you are dropped in, and the bottom rung of the ladder keeps going up so that everybody is included. What skin do you lose by using pronouns?Dan in Canada has just been through the loss of a service dog and wants to know if it is okay to be Catholic without proof of god. How do you feel about believing a story without evidence of your dog being in a better place? What is your community around you now like? You may consider calling The Secular Therapy Project for someone to talk with or Recovering from Religion. It is okay to go to a church; there are times when communities offer more benefits than risks. The thing to look forward to when you do not believe in a god, is the exciting prospect that the future is yours to make and do what you want. Chloe in MI says that the USA is not a Christian nation even though she is a Christian and does not see the attitude of Jesus and putting other people first. How do we define what a true Christian is? What do you think people mean when they say it is a Christian nation? In addition to legal meanings that are wrong on many levels, it could mean that people who are white evangelicals feel like they are losing their power. How do we determine whose interpretation of the Bible is correct? Who has the proper insight to know what the Bible means? We agree the United States is not a Christian nation. Thank you for tuning in this week! Prompt of the week is: How did god the father get out of paying child support? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

Welcome to the full Atheist Experience where JMike and Secular Rarity(SR) take on the resurrection, complaints of atheists, and people being saddened by the truth before Kelley Laughlin takes over for JMike battling the allegation that atheists have no will and the fear of hell. James in OH has evidence for the resurrection that has been heard before and is Biblical based. Why would it need to be a supernatural cause if Jesus did in fact resurrect? You must make your case for this with an argument because just stating it doesn't cut it. How can this be done without just adding more miracles? Giving reasons and evidence will move people closer to your position. What is the earliest date of the earliest gospel? Michael in FL asks why atheists complain that Christians can't agree on issues when atheists can't even agree on what atheism is. SR reminds the caller that Christians inherently have the same idea of the deity while atheists do not have any idea of a deity. JMike points out the problem of interpretation agreeing with god's principle with Christians, and still has yet to complain about it. How do two people have a relationship with an entity and be so wrong on the  most basic aspects of it? Does god love the LGBTQ people or does god want them to be murdered in the streets the way the Bible says? Chloe in MI, one of our more honest and engaged callers, is a theist who responded to the chat poll with atheists should NOT be persecuted for their lack of belief in god. She added some good reasoning behind this; one of which is that god is love. Is love the reason why billions of infants die? How do you reconcile your two concepts of love?Jon in Canada looks at the sky and wonders how all this came about by accident. Just because something is not intentional, doesn't make it an accident. Why is it okay to let people believe untrue things that may end up killing them? Would you rather have people who are sad because they learned the truth, or people who believe in an imaginary deity that makes them feel broken? Take the risk of bumming people out by telling them the truth when the alternative is how the Bible considers them worthless. Leonard in Germany says that atheists have no will or drive. SR explains how he has been involved in starting up several non-profit organizations, and Kelley runs his own business. How is this not a sense of will? There is a common thread of religions being political, where politics is not a part of atheism, however, individual atheists can be politically active. Every group of people will have bad people within the group. Why do we find justification in the core doctrine of religions to do atrocious things? The crusades, inquisition and conquest of the Americas are examples of this. Make friends with an atheist to get an idea of how they live and treat other humans. Autumn in MD asks how to calm the fear of hell in her partner. Be patient and be a support system. Reach out to Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project.Thank you for tuning in this week; question of the week is: Why did god wipe out the dinosaurs? 

This week on RfRx, Rob Palmer returns to discuss mass psychogenic illness. Have U.S. government employees in Havana and all around the world – even behind the White House gates – been attacked and injured over the past seven years by secret energy-weapons wielded by undiscovered assailants for political reasons? Have thousands of girls in their schools across Iran been poisoned this past year by their Islamic government as retribution for the mass anti-hijab protests? Did a 4-ft tall roller-skating Monkey Man with metal claws and glowing red eyes attack people throughout New Delhi causing injuries and deaths? Believe it or not, there is a connection between these seemingly unrelated headline-grabbing events. This presentation will examine a little recognized and less understood phenomenon that is likely the actual culprit in these and a myriad of similar events that have occurred throughout the world and throughout human history: Mass Psychogenic Illness.Rob Palmer is a retired aerospace engineer. He has been a spacecraft designer, spacecraft tester, computer programmer, and software systems engineer. Rob became a skeptical activist in 2016 upon joining the Guerrilla Skeptics on Wikipedia team, and in 2018 became a columnist for Skeptical Inquirer. To date he has had over 70 articles published by Skeptical Inquirer as well as in other publications, and the Wikipedia articles he's written have garnered over 13 million pageviews.Rob writes about contemporary skeptical issues, and has interviewed individuals as diverse as Neil deGrasse Tyson, Richard Dawkins, Penn Jillette, Ann Druyan (producer and writer for the modern Cosmos series), Dave Warnock (Of Dying Out Loud), Seth Andrews (host of The Thinking Atheist podcast), John de Lancie (Star Trek's Q), and even God - eh, Mr. Deity - himself. Rob is registered with the Center for Inquiry's Speakers Bureau, and has given presentations for various skeptic and humanist groups and conventions, including: We Can Reason, Dragon Con, and three times at CSICon (the annual science and skepticism conference in Las Vegas). He has been interviewed about these subjects on various podcasts and YouTube shows, including The Skeptic Zone, Big Picture Science, Be Rationable, The Phil Ferguson Show, Banachek's Brain, 502 Conversations, Point of Inquiry, The Thinking Atheist, and here for RfRx.All of Rob's skeptical work can be found at: https://linktr.ee/thewellknownskeptic. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, John Gleason (Godless Engineer) joins us to talk about his deconversion from religion, dealing with shame and loss of close relationships as a result, and using his background in computer and software engineering to build an online community. John argues that “godless” is a term that signifies religion is a part of our past, a fact of which we shouldn't be ashamed. Godless Engineer is an ex-Christian who has worked to build an online community of secular skeptics that analyze apologist claims to give people the best information so they can stand up and use their voices. He focuses on the intersection of Atheism, secularism, religion, politics, history, and science. Currently creating videos and social media content to educate his audience on these topics. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you need professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Evan Clark joins us to talk about Atheist Street Pirates, local activists who track and remove illegal religious signage littering highways, streets, and neighborhoods with unwelcome and illegal street propaganda across the United States. Evan will share ideas for building and maintaining secular communities using innovative techniques rather than replicating outdated religious models. This episode of (ARR)RfRx is sponsored by the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Evan Clark is the Executive Director of Atheists United. He is a humanist entrepreneur, political consultant, and public speaker with over 14 years of experience tinkering with secular communities. Evan is also the founder and creative director of Spectrum Experience LLC, the North American Coordinator for Young Humanists International, and the California State Director for American Atheists. Previously he was Chair of the Secular Student Alliance Board of Directors, co-host of the Humanist Experience podcast, and co-founder of the Humanist Community of Ventura County. He is also an Atheist Street Pirate. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Anthony Dominello joins us to discuss how autism affects deconstruction and deconversion from religion. Anthony will discuss what autism is, describe the diversity of autistic people both in their personal identities and presentations and share his experiences of deconstruction and deconversion as it relates to people with autism. Please join us for this educational presentation and bring your questions for Anthony! Anthony is an ambassador and support group leader for Recovering from Religion who was diagnosed autistic at age 51. He is an IT professional by day, is a veteran of the US Air Force, and has had various other side jobs such as opera singer, film score composer, and singer/songwriter. He was born in Philadelphia and has lived most of his life in nearby Camden County, New Jersey where he currently lives with his wife. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Losing faith for a person born into the LDS church (aka the Mormons) has been compared to a death by a thousand cuts. This week on RfRx, Stephanie shares her experience leaving the LDS church. Stephanie comes from a family with roots in the early years of the church, and is one of the few members of her family who has officially removed her name from church records. Her journey from a "True Believing Mormon" to full atheist spans 35 years of small cuts and cracks to her former faith. She's relied on her sense of humor and optimism to make it through. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

After leaving religion, many people report experiencing lingering feelings of fear of hell and demonic forces from their former religious traditions. Others have found more creative ways to reinterpret the myth of Satan. For this week's RfRx Foundation Spotlight episode, we chat with Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, about non-theistic religious expression, what religious liberty really looks like, and the Satanic Temple's efforts to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, and oppose injustice. Bring your questions for Lucien and join us for a wicked good time! Lucien Greaves is a social activist and co-founder and spokesperson for the Satanic Temple. Lucien has been involved in varied legal efforts advocating for the acceptance of non-theistic religious exemption and privilege, secularism, and fighting against theocratic encroachments on civil liberties. The organization is best known for its ongoing legal efforts to place a Satanic monument next to 10 Commandments monuments on public grounds, and to oppose reproductive rights restrictions nationwide. Lucien has been featured on numerous national news programs and in the documentary film “Hail Satan?”. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, David Teachout returns to talk about trauma. Religious fundamentalism often wants us to define ourselves through trials and victimization to declare ourselves martyrs to a cause. Let's discuss getting out of this mindset and into one that celebrates humanistic pride within adversity. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending a bible college and receiving a bachelor's in theology and psychology. During his studies there, David deconverted and has been on a journey of appreciating humanity and all the stories we create to build meaning and purpose. He has a master's in both forensic psychology and counseling psychology, and is currently at work on a doctorate in clinical psychology. David has been actively working within the field of psychology as therapist, social worker, advocate, and subject-matter-expert, for over fifteen years. In his spare time, David enjoys reading a copious amount, both fiction and non-fiction, exploring perspective through photography, and maintains a blog at www.lifeweavings.com and a podcast at www.humanitysvalues.com. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, we are joined by attorney Geoffrey T. Blackwell to discuss the separation of religion and government. We will have a general discussion about the concept of separation of church and state, the current state of the law in the United States, and some recent relevant Supreme Court cases and victories on behalf of non-religious folks. Bring your questions for Geoffrey and join us for this week's interactive discussion. Geoffrey T. Blackwell joined American Atheists in September 2016. As litigation counsel, he responds to reports of possible violations of the separation between religion and government. Every year, he volunteers as a judge for the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, in which law students from 87 countries compete in a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice. He previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Humanist Network. While earning his JD from Rutgers, he participated in the school's Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation Clinic and served as the President of the Rutgers-Camden International Law Society. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, join us for a conversation with former Shia Muslim, author, and public speaker, Armin Navabi. Armin will discuss his faith and his journey to becoming a secular activist, as well as his book “Why There Is No God”, in which he deconstructs common arguments for the existence of a god. Bring your questions for the live Q&A with Armin! Armin Navabi is an atheist activist, known for his extensive efforts in promoting secularism, atheism, and liberalism among different communities worldwide. As a former practicing Shia Muslim turned outspoken atheist, his experiences lend authenticity to his work.Navabi founded Atheist Republic, a non-profit organization that has grown to provide a safe space for non-believers worldwide to connect, share ideas, and offer mutual support. His influential book, "Why There Is No God," deconstructs common arguments for the existence of God and has established him as a thought leader within atheist circles. He frequently speaks at conferences and events worldwide, spreading his message of liberal and secular values. Armin is also the host of the Atheist Republic YouTube channel, where Armin and Suzanna discuss relevant events from all around the world to attract and connect atheists across borders and promote a global secular movement. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Jason Racheotes returns for the continuation of his presentation on Politics and Civic Engagement After Religion. We will be discussing how our views on politics and civic engagement may evolve and change after deconverting or coming out of religion. We will learn about some different political concepts that are often ignored and get more clarity on tangible actions we can take as individuals to improve our involvement in the political process. Jason Racheotes was raised in a secular household, but was always interested in the relationship between politics and religion. He grew up learning about the cultural significance of religious traditions, and went on to study political science at George Washington University. He has taught social sciences previously and has been volunteering with RfR since 2022. He also hosts the Non-Essential Workers Podcast. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Andrew Pledger comes on the show to share his experiences of his upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian cult and the level of control and mental abuse he experienced as a student at Bob Jones University as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Andrew will further discuss his experiences with fundamentalism and the intersection of religious trauma and queerness. Andrew Pledger is a content creator, activist, and writer who uses social media to share his story and inspire others. He is a religious trauma survivor who was homeschooled K-12 and raised in a fundamentalist Christian cult (Independent Fundamental Baptist movement). He brings awareness to spiritual and religious abuse. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and experiencing religious trauma has inspired him to pursue psychology to help survivors. After being homeschooled, he found his way to Bob Jones University. He attended the fundamentalist Christian college for over three years until he was expelled in his last semester for sharing his story and denouncing fundamentalist teachings. Andrew comes on the show to share his experiences of his upbringing and the level of control and mental abuse he experienced at Bob Jones University. He has a limited podcast premiering soon called "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult." This podcast explores the school's history, the psychology of fundamentalism, the criteria for cults, and survivors' experiences. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

How can philosophy improve our understanding of secularism and critical thinking? This week on RfRx, join us for a conversation about secularism and philosophy with philosopher, author, and speaker Nicholas Soutter. We will discuss the field of philosophy and its applications to secularism, dogma, controversial social issues, and science fiction. Bring your questions for Nick and join us for this interactive episode! Nicholas Soutter graduated from Clark University with Bachelors' Degrees in Philosophy and Psychology. He has authored several essays and books on politics and social science as well as science fiction, including ‘The Water Thief' and ‘Confessions of a Sin Eater'. He used to run the Humanist Codex and now hosts a secular news and education Channel called In Time (http://YouTube.com/intimeshow). For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

How do you know if your thinking and decision-making are biased? We encounter so much information on a daily basis that all of us are susceptible to cognitive bias, which is often the result of our brains' attempts to simplify information processing. This week on RfRx, Richard Gilliver will discuss what cognitive biases are, how to avoid bias in skeptical thinking, and how to make sure we are not unwittingly making these errors when our brains try to take mental shortcuts while doing research or finding resources. Bring your questions for Richard and join us for this week's interactive Q&A! Richard Gilliver has been having discussions with religious people for thirty years, originally via talking to them in the street, then on internet message boards and more recently on social media.He has studied Buddhist meditation for two decades and took an academic interest in religious scriptures - specifically from Buddhism, Islam and Christianity around a decade ago. He began as a Skeptic educator around two years ago - like many others taking the opportunity during the beginning of the covid pandemic to find a new way of communicating with people. It was around the same time that he began volunteering with the ACA and undertook his degree in religion, philosophy and ethics - a move encouraged by his wife to formalize his lifelong interest.Today he has his own skeptic show on YouTube which looks at different topics with a heavy focus on academia as well as being the co founder and co host of the weekly Skeptic Hangout Podcast and a Host on the ACA's non Prophet's show.In addition he has been a regular host on Ethan Micheal's ‘The Perspective', International Freethinkers ‘We are parents' and guest host on ‘Truth Wanted' and ‘Talk Heathen' - both produced by the ACA. Outside of Skepticism he has been a regular guest host on the Bloody Good Film Podcast - a weekly Podcast that discusses action and horror movies. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Religion impacts our brains and nervous systems. The evidence is easy to see and is experienced by many people. Dr. Ray will show how emotions like fear and disgust are used by religion. He will also demonstrate how religion interferes with our normal attachment systems and how religion distorts normal development from childhood to adulthood among many other things. If you have experienced trauma, can't get over fear of hell, feel disgust at things that seem normal to other people, you will find this an interesting and helpful talk. Dr Darrel Ray is the Founder and president of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: including "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality". Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters's Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

In this episode, Phil and Susie talk with Caitlin, owner of Atheist Aesthetic.  Caitlin is from Texas and she shares a lot of wisdom about her journey away from faith, her thoughts on being an "angry atheist" and how she moved forward from that stage to being happy, fulfilled, and confident in who she is and how she can live a good and moral life without the overwatch of a deity.  She is passionate about many non-profit organizations and she shares a ton of good resources for anyone on a path of questioning their belief system.  Lots of links below for your reference. Show Notes and Resources: Atheist Aesthetic on Etsy:   https://www.etsy.com/shop/AtheistAesthetic?coupon=FLAWED   FT listeners can use the code FLAWED and get 15% off their purchase at the shop. Personal Values Inventory: https://personalvalu.es/   https://www.oasisnetwork.com/ https://www.seculartherapy.org/  https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/gods-hearing-voices-and-bicameral-mind.htm https://www.amazon.com/Skeptics-Annotated-Bible-Steve-Wells/dp/0988245108?ref=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=21decb48-c904-4ec7-b2f1-6a3a9433bc9c  Non-Profits to Support:  Freedom from Religion Foundation https://ffrf.org/  Recovering from Religion : https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/  Secular Therapy Project: https://www.seculartherapy.org/  Footsteps:  https://footstepsorg.org/ Join our Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/dangerousquestions Follow us at flawedtheologypodcast.com and subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.   Rate and review the podcast on Google, Spotify, and Apple Podcast

In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Johnny P. Angel and MD Aware work through questions from callers that range from evolution to morality. Louis in FL says that scriptures are a revealed message from god to Moses that support evolution. How do you explain god creating plants before creating light? Call back when you are not driving or distracted. Beast in CO describes how he was harmed by the church by sexual abuse among others, and how the pastor did not do anyting about it. What we end up seeing, is there are no reparations needed in this religion because of confession and the forgiveness of Jesus. Voices that report abuses are downplayed and diminished because the church has too much at stake. This is because if people start to ask if the church is wrong, then they will ask if its interpretations are wrong. Check out Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project for help and support. Joseph in GA reads something to us that says atheists put too much trust and can limit the imagination. What do you think about how a healthy understanding of science can spark imagination? Imagination is key with science because we are trying to figure out the explanations for things, once we know the basics. If atheists are putting too much trust in science, what would be the alternative? How does atheism limit the imagination? Ely in TX believes the historicity of the Bible is what makes it true. If the Bible is not true, does that mean that someone made it up? Could the people who wrote the Bible have been wrong? What is to be said about a useful character such as Jesus being used to tell stories that are trying to educate people about morality or ethics? We know that the Jewish people existed for a long time, but we don't know that the fantastical claims such as the Red Sea parting happened. What evidence matters most and where is it found? When a book predicts something that happened that is in the same book, there is a problem. Are the witnesses that verified Joseph Smith and his magical seeing stones and golden tablets correct, are they mistaken, or are they liars? Just because brimstone is found in a location does not mean the mythical story is true. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Alok in CA says that the slow growth of atheism in the US is due to people on the fence not understanding where we get our morality, and people looking for some higher purpose that atheism does not offer. People made up the rules to both secular and Biblical morality. The spiritual journey that atheists sometimes pursue involves humans, animals, and plants and can take a lifetime. Michael in FL asks if morality is supposed to be thought of in a social and psychological context, very much the same way we see health. Our sense of fairness, justice, and right or wrong has evolved with its base level in biology. Thank you for tuning in this week! Our question of the week is: What do you think the last words of Jesus really were?

This week on RfRx, we are joined by Ethan Siegel Ph.D., astrophysicist and author of "Starts with a Bang!" He is a science communicator who has taught physics and astronomy at various colleges and written numerous books. He will share fascinating information about the universe, and discuss the importance of science education and science communication. Bring your questions for Ethan and let's get nerdy! Ethan Siegel is a Ph.D. astrophysicist and author of "Starts with a Bang!" He is a science communicator, who professes physics and astronomy at various colleges. He has won numerous awards for science writing since 2008 for his blog, including the award for best science blog by the Institute of Physics. His two books "Treknology: The Science of Star Trek from Tricorders to Warp Drive" and "Beyond the Galaxy: How humanity looked beyond our Milky Way and discovered the entire Universe" are available for purchase at Amazon. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

We are kicking off Pride Month with an intimate conversation with adult content creator Arden Hart. We'll talk about gender diversity, sex positivity and adult entertainment. We'll also learn about common arguments used to advance anti-trans laws and where those arguments are flawed in reasoning and evidentiary backing. Bring your questions for Arden and join us for a celebration of queer identities! For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Rob Palmer is returning to host Part II of the interactive logical fallacies trivia challenge. Bring your A-game and play trivia with us, or just come watch the show and hone your critical thinking skills. Why? Because recognizing these bad arguments can help you do two things: avoid being deceived by false claims made by others, and also stop using them yourself to justify questionable beliefs of your own. Rob will give a refresher on logical fallacies and then we'll play an interactive trivia game where those in attendance can play on teams trying to outdo their competition in describing and identifying Logical Fallacies! (Game-play participation is optional.) Rob Palmer has had a diverse aerospace engineering career, having worked as a spacecraft designer and tester, computer programmer, and software systems engineer. Rob began writing for Skeptical Inquirer in 2018 and has had over 60 articles published by Skeptical Inquirer and in other publications in 2 languages on 3 continents. Rob writes about contemporary skeptical issues and has interviewed individuals as diverse as scientists Neil deGrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins, Ann Druyan (producer and writer for the modern Cosmos series), Seth Andrews (host of The Thinking Atheist podcast), and even John de Lancie (Star Trek‘s Q). Rob has also been a speaker for various skeptic and humanist groups, including here at Recovering from Religion. He has spoken at Dragon Con, and thrice at CSICon, (the annual science and skepticism conference in Las Vegas.) Topics have included critical thinking, psychics and mediums, and the international Wikipedia editing project he volunteers for. He has been interviewed about these subjects on various podcasts and YouTube shows, including The Skeptic Zone, Big Picture Science, Be Rationable, The Phil Ferguson Show, Banachek's Brain, 502 Conversations, and The Thinking Atheist. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Dr. Darrel Ray is the founder and President of the Board of Directors of Recovering from Religion and the founder and project leader of the Secular Therapy Project. See his full bio here.Dr. Ray grew up in a Christian home but was already skeptical of certain claims at the age of twelve. He stayed in church—singing and teaching—but was relieved to finally leave the church as an adult.He has decades of experience in psychology and has helped countless people who've been harmed by religion.“I'm guessing there are more people throughout history that have been traumatized by religion than any other single thing. Religion has built-in abuse.”LinksRecovering From Religionhttps://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/Secular Therapy Projecthttps://www.seculartherapy.org/InteractFor quotes, recommendations, transcripts and more see the full episode show noteshttps://gracefulatheist.com/2023/08/06/darrel-ray-recovering-from-religion/Join the Deconversion Anonymous Facebook grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/deconversionGraceful Atheist Podcast Merch!https://www.teepublic.com/user/gracefulatheistpodcastSupport the podcast on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/gracefulatheistSecular Gracehttps://gracefulatheist.com/2016/10/21/secular-grace/Deconversionhttps://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/Deconstructionhttps://gracefulatheist.com/2017/12/03/deconversion-how-to/#deconstruction/Attribution"Waves" track written and produced by Makaih Beatshttps://makaihbeats.net/

With the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers in the news, as well as male lone-shooters almost daily, we might ask: “What is going on with men and boys?” Or maybe you've heard the term "incel" and wondered where that is coming from? This week on RfRx, Dr. Ray will discuss a wide range of issues, trends and statistics that may surprise you - from dating site trends, to college attendance, marriage, and a host of other things affecting men and boys. Dr Darrel Ray is the Founder & President of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: including "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality". Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, we are putting in a call to Jimmy Snow, sometimes known as Mr. Atheist. Jimmy will be joining us to discuss his experiences growing up Mormon, ranging from numerous unsuccessful attempts at getting excommunicated to the complex interplay between systems of faith, family, and oppression. We will also be announcing an exciting collaboration between Recovering from Religion and The Line! Jimmy Snow is the executive producer of the call-in show The Line in order to pay for his true passion: making ergonomic wooden work from home furniture for ferrets. He's also allegedly an ex-Mormon. Join us for the talk to learn more about Jimmy and his work! For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, join us for a discussion of healthy activism with secular and progressive activist ObjectivelyDan. Dan will talk about what healthy activism is all about, sustainable ways to be an activist, and avoiding activism fatigue while still working on causes that matter. ObjectivelyDan is a content creator most known as the creator and primary host of Truth Wanted, a weekly call-in show that talks about what people believe and why. He is an advocate for Street Epistemology, a method for talking to people about their beliefs in an exploratory and constructive manner. Dan was once a Christian when he was first exposed to Street Epistemology, and is now an outspoken igtheist who dedicates himself to secular and progressive activism. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Dr. Kara Griffin will discuss techniques for navigating difficult conversations related to religion and non-belief with important people in your life. We will go over deciding whether and how to start a conversation, setting yourself up for more productive interactions, knowing when to take a break, and avoiding common pitfalls. Bring your questions and join us for the interactive conversation! Dr. Griffin was raised an evangelical Christian but left the faith in college to pursue their lifelong passion for learning and appreciating - rather than condemning - the diversity of humans and other animals we share our planet with. They hold a Master's Degree in Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management and a PhD in Anthropology. Kara has worked as a hostage negotiator, mediator, and crisis communication trainer. Kara enjoys volunteering with secular organizations that support other people who may have experienced judgment, repression, trauma or other struggles related to their involvement with religious ideology. Kara serves as the Online Programming Director at Recovering From Religion and hosts the weekly RfRx Talks with the other (much cooler) co-hosts and volunteers. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Looking for help but wary of being proselytized to? This week on RfRx, David Teachout will discuss mental health care. Let's explore why the Secular Therapy Project is a good idea, and what to be aware of when looking for a therapist professional. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, we are putting all of those critical thinking skills we've been developing to good use. Phil Ferguson joins us to discuss the applications of skeptical thinking in major life decisions including evaluating one's faith-based beliefs, making sound investment decisions, and helping kids work through religious ideas. Phil Ferguson has been an investment advisor representative since 1996 and is the president of Polaris Financial Planning LLC. Phil is also a long time activist in the secular movement. He has been on the board of The Secular Student Alliance and Atheist Alliance International. He now serves as the treasurer for the Reason Rally 2016. He is an active member of many of the national organizations and has helped start three local groups. Phil also gives talks to local groups and Large conventions. He has presented at TAM (The Amazing Meeting) and Skepticon – just to name a few! For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, we are joined by creativity coach and editor Lauren Alexander. Lauren will discuss how we can use writing and art to process and compost religious trauma. Join us this week for a presentation about how creativity can help us in recovery as well as addressing some of the concerns that come with creating and possibly sharing art. Lauren is an editor, atheist, and introverted weirdo. They work with writers and creatives to recover from perfectionism and work through deconstruction by using “ugly” art. They want authors and artists to just do the damn thing—the "damn thing" being to let go of the illusion of perfection and get their work out into the world! They're a writer and artist who focuses on making ugly things to bring playfulness into the creative practice and let go of mindset barriers. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, we will be talking about Logical Fallacies. Why? Because recognizing these bad arguments can help you do two things: avoid being deceived by false claims made by others, and also stop using them yourself to justify questionable beliefs of your own. Rob Palmer, who has spoken about Critical Thinking at a previous RfRx, will be joining us this time to give a refresher on logical fallacies and lead the first-of-its-kind RfRx game, where those in attendance will have the opportunity to play on teams trying to outdo their competition in describing and identifying Logical Fallacies! (Participation optional. Everyone is welcome to listen and learn.) Rob Palmer has had a diverse aerospace engineering career, having worked as a spacecraft designer and tester, computer programmer, and software systems engineer. Rob began writing for Skeptical Inquirer in 2018, and has had over 60 articles published by Skeptical Inquirer and in other publications in 2 languages on 3 continents.Rob writes about contemporary skeptical issues, and has interviewed individuals as diverse as scientists Neil deGrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins, Ann Druyan (producer and writer for the modern Cosmos series), Seth Andrews (host of The Thinking Atheist podcast), and even John de Lancie (Star Trek‘s Q).Rob has also been a speaker for various skeptic and humanist groups, including here at Recovering from Religion. He has spoken at Dragon Con, and thrice at CSICon, (the annual science and skepticism conference in Las Vegas.) Topics have included critical thinking, psychics and mediums, and the international Wikipedia editing project he volunteers for. He has been interviewed about these subjects on various podcasts and YouTube shows, including The Skeptic Zone, Big Picture Science, Be Rationable, The Phil Ferguson Show, Banachek's Brain, 502 Conversations, and The Thinking Atheist. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Mormonish Podcast co hosts Rebecca and Landon sit down with the always knowledgeable and entertaining, Dr. Darrell Ray in this fascinating episode. Dr Ray is an Organizational psychologist and author who focuses on topics such as secular sexuality, and the treatment of religion-induced trauma. Dr. Ray also founded the non-profit organization Recovering from Religion as well as the Secular Therapy Project. We first met Dr. Ray when our post Mormon virtual reading group, The Good Book Club, read Dr. Ray's mind blowing book “Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality” and had him talk to the group. We are so excited to invite him back again, this time on Mormonish Podcast, to tell us more about high demand and high control religion and its negative effect on healthy developing sexuality. Dr. Ray discusses how natural sexual development can be warped in a highly religious environment, and then offers healing strategies going forward. This is an episode you won't want to miss!Recovering from Religion Website: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/Books by Dr Ray: Sex and God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality and The God Virus

This week on RfRx, we're having a casual conversation with Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist, Ethan Micheal. We will discuss the value of open dialogue, honest conversation, and leaving space for surprise and the opportunity to learn. Bring your questions for Ethan and join us for a chance to imagine new ways of thinking and questioning old ones. Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist believes in open, honest and friendly dialogue. He hosts a variety of shows ranging from Call-Ins, Interviews, Friendly Debates and even some Round tables about various beliefs and claims. He is also a long-time supporter of Recovering From Religion and hosts an annual fundraising event. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Magical thinking is the belief that one's words, actions, thoughts, or use of symbols have an effect on the external world and/or events. In this discussion, Helen Greene will explain how in childhood magical thinking starts, how people use it as a psychological tool, how even people without belief still practice magical thinking, and how to break oneself from falling into these patterns. Helen comes from a diverse background of beliefs. Raised Catholic then rejecting the church to move into paganism, she was a pagan high priestess for 10 years during her time in that faith. Eventually realizing through education and skeptical inquiry into herself, she came to the conclusion she had no solid evidence for her beliefs which brought her to a more humanistic and realistic worldview. Still studying psychology even out of college, she spends her time trying to understand human behavior, the emotional and psychological understandings of ourselves, and what forms our perspectives and why. On top of her volunteer work here at RfR, she is also a volunteer at the Atheist Community of Austin, an advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights, and a cohost of the podcast Left of the Valley. For fun, she enjoys horror (esp cosmic horror) and sci-fi movies, video gaming, and diving deep into made up world building stories such as the Lord of the Rings. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Most of us pride ourselves on being rational, thinking creatures, but what about the role of emotions in human life and history? This week on RfRx, we are joined by one of the world's leading experts on emotions: Dr. Richard Firth-Godbehere. His award-winning interdisciplinary research walks the line between history, psychology, linguistics, philosophy and futurism. This week he will discuss how our understandings of emotions change over time and space and how they can influence the wider world. Richard Firth-Godbehere, PhD, is one of the world's leading experts on emotions. He is Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts and Humanities at Woxsen University and an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for the History of the Emotions, Queen Mary University of London. His award-winning interdisciplinary research walks the line between history, psychology, linguistics, philosophy and futurism. Already translated into over twenty languages, Richard's latest book, 'A Human History of Emotion: How the Way We Feel Built the World We Know, is available from all good bookstores. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recovering-from-religion/message

Exxtian Erin joins us to discuss Pentecostal Christian marriage books and relationship advice, including some that have found their way into popular culture. From love languages to mandatory premarital counseling, we'll review the good, the bad, and the silly in popular literature on the topic of love and relationships. Bring your questions, personal stories, and book recommendations for a light-hearted foray into the relationship advice we wish we'd gotten sooner or not at all. Erin is a host on the call-in show Truth Wanted with the atheist community of Austin where they talk to people about what they believe and why. She grew up in a Charismatic Pentecostal family and did it all: the Sunday school, Awanas bible memorization, youth groups, purity rings, summer camps, faith healing, and speaking in tongues. She did long term Missionary work, played worship bands and even went to bible college for a while. In 2019, now married with 2 kids, she deconstructed her faith completely and became an Atheist. She first started sharing her story anonymously online which quickly turned into her becoming an outspoken Atheist Activist. She now hosts a call-in show and is active in many online and in person Atheist Organizations. Her journey from Christianity to Atheist Activist has meant looking back and dissecting the harm caused by extreme supernatural beliefs. Now she continues to share her experiences and tries to help others think deeply about what they believe and why. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, just in time for Valentines Day, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe discusses her new book, Cracking Up. This book draws from Dr. Manlowe's research as a scholar of gender, psychology and religion, her professional experience as a secular therapist, and her personal experience being trained to be “a good girl” as a Roman Catholic in the late 20th century. The book looks at the micro and macroculture sexist messages sent to girls through religion, popular culture, and “family values” reflected in government and “protected” [mandated?] legal discourse. Being Catholic, meant living in a world focused on “legitimate” coupling as the only good–such messages are absurd, even funny at points, if you can crack up at them but, if you take them seriously, you may go mad. Since the mid 1990s, Dr. Jennifer Manlowe has worked as a professor, author, chaplain, and life-clarity coach. She is a licensed family therapist, holds a Masters of divinity, PhD in psychology and religion with specialization in gender identity. Now, as a relational systems therapist, her sole focus is supporting people eager to be connected to others and themselves with greater courage and authenticity. A common denominator for clients she sees is they are navigating an important life transition. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

David Teachout returns to help us answer the perennial question: What does love got to do with it? What is this fantastic emotion? From troubadours to modern musicians and rom-coms, myths to personal declarations, love and its many manifestations is almost as synonymous with humanity as the capacity for reason. Perhaps that's why they're so often pitted against one another. Let's explore love, both as a feeling and an emotion, a few expressions of it including monogamy, polyamory and relationship anarchy, and find a few principles to help us on our own tunnels of love. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility to work through life's struggles. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending a bible college and receiving a bachelor's in theology and psychology. During his studies there, David deconverted and has been on a journey of appreciating humanity and all the stories we create to build meaning and purpose. David has a master's in both forensic psychology and counseling psychology, and is currently at work on a doctorate in clinical psychology. David has been actively working within the field of psychology as therapist, social worker, advocate, and subject-matter-expert, for over fifteen years. In his spare time, David enjoys reading a copious amount, both fiction and non-fiction, exploring perspective through photography, and maintains a blog at www.lifeweavings.com and a podcast at www.humanitysvalues.com The primary focus of Recovering from Religion (RfR) is to offer hope, healing, and support to those struggling with issues of doubt and non-belief. This transitional period is an ongoing process that can result in a range of emotions, as well as a ripple effect of consequences throughout an individual's life. We are here to help each other through this journey. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Jason Friedman joins us to discuss his journey from being a self-proclaimed prophet to being shunned by his Evangelical church group, leaving his faith and embarking on a difficult journey through abuse, depression, and later of healing and self (re)discovery. We'll discuss finding new community, working through trauma, re-discovering one's sexuality, and the fulfillment of experiencing new and old passions without the guilt of self-imposed, faith-based restrictions. Join us for another evening of hope and healing, and bring your questions for the Q&A with Jason! Jason Friedman grew up in the Evangelical Movement in Texas during the Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s. At 12, he was told he was a prophet of God, but was also under attack by demons. He was the subject of multiple exorcism attempts, to no avail, and was ultimately shunned by his church group and entire community. After going through numerous painful life experiences, Jason discovered the field of psychology and realized it was something he wanted to devote his life to. He is currently in school and pursuing a Masters of Science in Psychology. Jason can also be found volunteering for the Atheist Community of Austin and appearing as a host on several of their shows. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, David Teachout is taking us on a deep dive into Buddhism. Buddhism, in its core tenets, is as much philosophy as it is religion. Contrary to most religions, there's no requirement to be a dualist while still appreciating, and incorporating Buddhist principles into one's life. For many atheists raised, and repeatedly told, that there's no meaning found outside of fundamentalism, Buddhism is an example that proves that wrong. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility to work through life's struggles. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending a bible college and receiving a bachelor's in theology and psychology. During his studies there, David deconverted and has been on a journey of appreciating humanity and all the stories we create to build meaning and purpose. David has a master's in both forensic psychology and counseling psychology, and is currently at work on a doctorate in clinical psychology. David has been actively working within the field of psychology as therapist, social worker, advocate, and subject-matter-expert, for over fifteen years. In his spare time, David enjoys reading a copious amount, both fiction and non-fiction, exploring perspective through photography, and maintains a blog at www.lifeweavings.com and a podcast at www.humanitysvalues.com. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Cynthia McDonald is joining us to discuss advocacy, activism, and atheism in the Black Community. In honor of the MLK Day holiday, Cynthia will discuss the legacy of Doctor King, his activism, some of the social and economic injustices that are still impacting black communities today, and how religious belief or non-belief fits into the equation. Cynthia is a Social Worker in the city of Chicago. She authors a blog called freedmenhealthandwellness.com which speaks on the social determinants of health of Black Americans that descend from Chattel Slavery. She has been a guest on several podcasts and is a regular host on the Non-Prophets produced by the Atheist Community of Austin and Women Atheist Unload produced by the Secular Haven channel. Cynthia is also a health and political advocate that works with NAASD, By the People Media, and is the newest lead organizer for the Black Non-Believers Chicago Chapter also known as BN Chi-Town. She works with these groups to achieve social and economic justice for Black Freedmen Descendants, push for health equity for marginalized groups, and to normalize Atheism in the Black Community. Cynthia is also a musician that writes and performs a variety of genres of music and is a member of Freedom from Religion's Godless Gospel. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

For the first RfRx episode of 2023, we are joined by former Canadian Pentecostal turned secular activist, Stacie Grahn. From Pentecostal to Reformed theology, she only ever wanted to find the truth. In this episode, Stacie will discuss her incredible journey over the past year as, not intending to get rid of her faith, she overcame fear, faced down cognitive dissonance, and ultimately found healing in online activism. After 38 years of living the “perfect” Christian life, being a mother of 3 young boys and a wife of 15 years, Stacie Grahn began to have doubts about her faith as she watched countless other Christians fall for conspiracies. How could people shun science and blindly believe misinformation so easily? That was the tipping point for her to examine what she believed and why. From Pentecostal to Reformed theology, Stacie only ever wanted to find the truth. When the cognitive dissonance was finally put to rest, she found healing in online activism and publicly de-converting. She now shares her story through various online platforms, promotes secular and skeptic thinking, and loves connecting with others who have been through the same religious trauma she experienced. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, popular guest speaker David Teachout will be returning to discuss putting the pneuma back into spirituality - an exploration of pneuma, Greek for breath or life, at the heart of spirituality and why the transcendent doesn't have to leave humanity behind. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility to work through life's struggles. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending a bible college and receiving a bachelor's in theology and psychology. During his studies there, David deconverted and has been on a journey of appreciating humanity and all the stories we create to build meaning and purpose. David has a master's in both forensic psychology and counseling psychology, and is currently at work on a doctorate in clinical psychology. David has been actively working within the field of psychology as therapist, social worker, advocate, and subject-matter-expert, for over fifteen years. In his spare time, David enjoys reading a copious amount, both fiction and non-fiction, exploring perspective through photography, and maintains a blog at www.lifeweavings.com and a podcast at www.humanitysvalues.com. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, we are joined by Lindsey Doolittle, art educator, children's author, artist to the Faces After Suicide exhibition, and Award-Winning filmmaker. She will share her experience as someone who is bereaved by suicide and suggest resources and tools to help support suicide loss survivors, especially during this time of year. After she speaks, Lindsey will welcome any questions. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

Whether you're celebrating holidays this season, assiduously avoiding them, or just looking for a little cheer in your day, join us for our last RfRx meeting of the year! (Don't worry, we'll be back in 2023). Popular co-hosts Helen Greene and Rob Palmer will both be making appearances this week to discuss doing holidays in a secular fashion, tips for dealing with religious loved ones and overcoming other holiday challenges, and reflecting on the past year of RfRx. As always, you're invited to bring topical questions for the speakers and stick around for the hangout afterwards. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

Recent events in the United States have represented a painful reminder of the ongoing threat of violence against members of the queer community, regardless of their religious affiliation. This week on RfRx, Ryan K. will be joining us to share his story as a queer person in and outside of religious communities, offer resources for finding support, honor some of the latest victims and survivors of violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and answer questions from the audience. Ryan is from Charlotte, North Carolina where he volunteers as a small group leader for Recovering from Religion. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

This week on RfRx, Kelley Laughlin will be joining us to discuss how he moved away from religious belief, took a trip through various forms of unsubstantiated “woo woo” beliefs, and finally found his way out. Now he volunteers and advocates for secular causes promoting science and critical thinking. Kelley left Christianity as a teenager, explored a bunch of different religions, and ended up believing in a lot of woo. He started field collecting and making jewelry in his early 20s and later started his own business which he has now been at for 40 years. He later went back to college to take a few geology classes so he could answer questions about crystals, and the more he studied the science behind it, the more he became intrigued. Kelley has since co-authored several geology papers, some of them peer-reviewed. He is a regular host on the Atheist Community of Austin (ACA) show ‘Non-Prophets', and volunteers as a moderator at Atheist Community of Discord where he also hosts ‘Meet the ACA' and the ACA aftershows. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

Join us this week for the RfRx Halloween Special Episode! David Teachout will be returning to speak about the psychology of fear, its effects on our lives, and how to overcome it. Come talk with us about what terrifies you - and what doesn't anymore. Help us celebrate our favorite secular holiday by bringing your spooky costumes, scary stories, and skeptical questions. Stick around for the hangout afterwards to compete for best costume bragging rights. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, focused on and teaching how creativity intersects with mental flexibility in working through the inevitable difficulties in life. David grew up as a Christian fundamentalist, attending a bible college and receiving a bachelor's in theology and psychology. During his studies there, David deconverted and has been on a journey of more deeply appreciating the many nuances of humanity ever since. David has a master's in both forensic psychology and counseling psychology, and is currently at work on a doctorate in clinical psychology. David has been actively working within the field of psychology as therapist, social worker, advocate, and subject-matter-expert, for over fifteen years. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

Here's the best advice that over 450 deconverts would most want to pass along to their former religious selves. If you're newly non-religious and want to express this new conclusion to your family and friends, this video is for you!Neil the 604 Atheist interviews Paulogiahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr8XFqnGBcoSubscribe to  @Neil The 604 Atheist and  @Jimmy Snow .=== Helpful sites for the recently deconverted ===Recovering From Religion: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/The Secular Therapy Project: https://www.seculartherapy.org/The Clergy Project: https://clergyproject.org/Journey Free: https://journeyfree.org/Divorce Religion: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/servicesTempest Counselling: https://www.tempestcounseling.com/=========================================Support Paulogia athttp://www.patreon.com/paulogiahttp://www.paypal.me/paulogiaPaulogia Channel Wish-Listhttps://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/YTALNY19IBC8?ref_=wl_sharePaulogia Merchhttps://teespring.com/stores/paulogiaJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIS4cWaXgWpznjwovFYQBJQ/joinPaulogia Audio-Only-Version Podcasthttps://paulogia.buzzsprout.comFollow Paulogia athttp://www.twitter.com/paulogia0http://www.facebook.com/paulogia0https://discord.gg/BXbv7DSSend me cool mail!PaulogiaPO Box 1350Lantz Stn Main, NSB2S 1A0CanadaSupport the show