Hemant Mehta

Johnny P Angel

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Johnny P. Angel and Hemant Mehta work through calls of free will, the supernatural, and morality. Art in PA says god is believable because people have seeked thousands of gods over thousands of years and you still have to believe in god to give up the Bible. Just because people were looking for something does not mean they were on the right track for what they are seeking. Wanting something to exist does not make it true. Why would an appeal to popularity make something true? If you care about truth, what is the best thing to do? David in Ireland asks how to deconstruct supernatural beliefs when using things such as Tarot cards or crystals. Going through a ritualistic process can put yourself in a different mental state of focus, but does not mean the items used in the ritual have any special powers. How do you know these items are helping more than any other practice? If all these tools you use disappear, would you end up in the same place? The power is within you and you do not need magical items. Tyler in NC does not believe god exists, but is not sure about free will. The idea of free will or not free will is a false dichotomy. How can a circumscribed universe of limited choices be considered free will?Sam in NY says that if people don’t pray, they are incomplete. Are people who believe in a different god from you incomplete? What is the feeling of the power of prayer? How did you become complete? Is god’s power limited to that of sight? Why do you believe the Bible is true? What if something is in the Quran but not the Bible? Are people who pray that use other books than the Bible or Quran? Shinobi Sheran in the USA believes a woman should have the right to choose all around. Who should make medical decisions on people’s behalf? Once a politician starts making these decisions, it can be a slippery slope. Jon in FL does not believe religion is needed for morality. Why do you believe this? Countries that have the smallest belief in religion are arguably the most moral. How do you define morality? If you Google Phil Zuckerman you will find some interesting information on this. It will be hard to find anything that shows religious people are more moral when the playing field is even. The differences between secular morality and religious morality reside in the goals of each. Dave in India asks if god is the government’s way of controlling people and part of the military industrial complex. What version of these beliefs would get people to think a certain way? The belief in a higher power has been around before nations had militaries and leaders may sprinkle the fairy dust of religion on their mission. This does not mean it is part of a conspiracy. When politicians use religion as a weapon, it backfires. Thank you for tuning in today! The question of the week is: What is the weirdest Bible story?

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Johnny P. Angel and Hemant Mehta work through calls of free will, the supernatural, and morality. Art in PA says god is believable because people have seeked thousands of gods over thousands of years and you still have to believe in god to give up the Bible. Just because people were looking for something does not mean they were on the right track for what they are seeking. Wanting something to exist does not make it true. Why would an appeal to popularity make something true? If you care about truth, what is the best thing to do? David in Ireland asks how to deconstruct supernatural beliefs when using things such as Tarot cards or crystals. Going through a ritualistic process can put yourself in a different mental state of focus, but does not mean the items used in the ritual have any special powers. How do you know these items are helping more than any other practice? If all these tools you use disappear, would you end up in the same place? The power is within you and you do not need magical items. Tyler in NC does not believe god exists, but is not sure about free will. The idea of free will or not free will is a false dichotomy. How can a circumscribed universe of limited choices be considered free will? Sam in NY says that if people don’t pray, they are incomplete. Are people who believe in a different god from you incomplete? What is the feeling of the power of prayer? How did you become complete? Is god’s power limited to that of sight? Why do you believe the Bible is true? What if something is in the Quran but not the Bible? Are people who pray that use other books than the Bible or Quran? Shinobi Sheran in the USA believes a woman should have the right to choose all around. Who should make medical decisions on people’s behalf? Once a politician starts making these decisions, it can be a slippery slope. Jon in FL does not believe religion is needed for morality. Why do you believe this? Countries that have the smallest belief in religion are arguably the most moral. How do you define morality? If you Google Phil Zuckerman you will find some interesting information on this. It will be hard to find anything that shows religious people are more moral when the playing field is even. The differences between secular morality and religious morality reside in the goals of each. Dave in India asks if god is the government’s way of controlling people and part of the military industrial complex. What version of these beliefs would get people to think a certain way? The belief in a higher power has been around before nations had militaries and leaders may sprinkle the fairy dust of religion on their mission. This does not mean it is part of a conspiracy. When politicians use religion as a weapon, it backfires. Thank you for tuning in today! The question of the week is: What is the weirdest Bible story?

The Atheist Experience 27.32 08-13-2023 with Johnny P Angel and Hemant Mehta

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity(a.k.a. "Schmike") and Jmike get philosophically fun as callers discuss deconstruction and free will.Devon in CA calls to discuss how worshiping in two religions at one time does not make sense. Some religions have beliefs that are mutually exclusive, but there are also some that are not. How often do you run into people who have dual beliefs? When you see this, analyze the two and compare the contradictions. What is the criteria used to pick these two different beliefs? It is important to have consistency to help not hold two contradictory beliefs. Austin from TX informs us that Alex Grey is building a Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in NY, and this work of art encompasses all the theist ways of being. How do you arrive at this being what your religion is about? What are they doing to demonstrate their truth claim of there being a god? How do you determine what is true from religions to incorporate into your world view? How would this be independently verified?Alan in TX believes we have choices with consequences so therefore we all have free will. Do you believe that if you were given the ability to rewind life, that you would not make the same decision you did five minutes prior? If you chose A over B, is there something that explains why? Are there agents in your brain that can break the causal chain? Where does the free will sneak in? How do you demonstrate that free will exists without referring to things that are predetermined? Do you think your thoughts before you think your thoughts?Jason, a former megachurch pastor in CA, asks how to latch on to something larger than the self to find new purpose when in the state of post deconstruction. Secular Rarity explains there is nothing that is needed if one already knows how to connect with other people. There is no space to be filled because all you have is the beauty of the world around you, and no longer have the need for added magic. There are lots of systems out there that are incredibly worthwhile in terms of understanding the world and giving us a framework of what we should be doing next. When you step away from the supernatural, you get to discuss the big questions in life. The Clergy Project and Recovering from Religion are two great resources for people that are deconstructing. Love and grace from some religious communities might be conditional. Dustin in WI believes we have free will because language informs decisions. Free will is not defended by being defeated. How do you demonstrate that something does not work out the same way if we go back in time? Just stating that you can move your arm, does not tell us that the movement was your own free will. Where does the free will come from if it exists?Thank you for tuning in! You are pre-determined to consider the question of the week: What would be a red flag on a religious dating app? We will see you next week because you don’t have a choice in the matter.

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity(a.k.a. "Schmike") and Jmike get philosophically fun as callers discuss deconstruction and free will. Devon in CA calls to discuss how worshiping in two religions at one time does not make sense. Some religions have beliefs that are mutually exclusive, but there are also some that are not. How often do you run into people who have dual beliefs? When you see this, analyze the two and compare the contradictions. What is the criteria used to pick these two different beliefs? It is important to have consistency to help not hold two contradictory beliefs. Austin from TX informs us that Alex Grey is building a Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in NY, and this work of art encompasses all the theist ways of being. How do you arrive at this being what your religion is about? What are they doing to demonstrate their truth claim of there being a god? How do you determine what is true from religions to incorporate into your world view? How would this be independently verified? Alan in TX believes we have choices with consequences so therefore we all have free will. Do you believe that if you were given the ability to rewind life, that you would not make the same decision you did five minutes prior? If you chose A over B, is there something that explains why? Are there agents in your brain that can break the causal chain? Where does the free will sneak in? How do you demonstrate that free will exists without referring to things that are predetermined? Do you think your thoughts before you think your thoughts? Jason, a former megachurch pastor in CA, asks how to latch on to something larger than the self to find new purpose when in the state of post deconstruction. Secular Rarity explains there is nothing that is needed if one already knows how to connect with other people. There is no space to be filled because all you have is the beauty of the world around you, and no longer have the need for added magic. There are lots of systems out there that are incredibly worthwhile in terms of understanding the world and giving us a framework of what we should be doing next. When you step away from the supernatural, you get to discuss the big questions in life. The Clergy Project and Recovering from Religion are two great resources for people that are deconstructing. Love and grace from some religious communities might be conditional. Dustin in WI believes we have free will because language informs decisions. Free will is not defended by being defeated. How do you demonstrate that something does not work out the same way if we go back in time? Just stating that you can move your arm, does not tell us that the movement was your own free will. Where does the free will come from if it exists? Thank you for tuning in! You are pre-determined to consider the question of the week: What would be a red flag on a religious dating app? We will see you next week because you don’t have a choice in the matter.

The Atheist Experience 27.31 08-06-2023 with Secular Rarity and JMike

Christy Powell

Today’s Atheist Experience has Objectively Dan and Christy Powell in the studio take audience questions in between wrestling with concepts from callers.God’s Sign in CA calls to say that Christianity is not immoral because it teaches one to be selfless. Why does this need to be Christianity and not the Boy Scouts or some other organization? Many people have a moral problem with the scriptures, including the words of Paul from the New Testament. If Jesus was god, was the crucifixion really a sacrifice? How do you feel about the extortion threat of hell?Gene in TX brings up Matthew 10 where Jesus tells the disciples to not preach his message to anyone but the people of Israel, and that some of them will still be living when he returns. There are weird differences in each of the gospels. Gene also tells us about Southern Baptist groups called the Royal Ambassadors(RAs) and Girls Auxiliary(GAs) that seem to be somewhat of a mystery. Lee from the audience asks why it takes some people longer to figure things out with their beliefs. It is not the individual brain power; it is about how you grew up. Being smart and believing in god are not mutually exclusive ideas. PG in TX wants to know why it seems like atheists switch from the supernatural god to the god state because they leave religion and become authoritarian. People are leaving Christianity often because of political issues. There are a lot of atheists who lean left, but why do so many people on the right have a god belief?Omar from the audience asks if there are Bible verses or ideas that contradict the possibility of aliens. This world was supposed to be for people made in his image and if it is only 6,000 years old, aliens don’t factor into that.Jay in IL claims that god is life and life created everything. Is cancer in children and war from god too? Why should we believe the Bible is true without using the Bible as a reference? If we all have “common sense”, why do we need the Bible? Would you have the same notion of god if you have been born in Japan where less than 2% of people believe in god?Figgy in NY brings up that sometimes callers are questioning their beliefs. If your belief system can’t hold up to scrutiny, that is something you need to be questioning.Jose in Honduras asks the hosts what caused them to lose their faith. Christy explains the reasons as logical errors in the bible and how LGBTQIA people would be rejected by Christ. Dan realized there were man made parts in the Bible and god has never contacted him.Robert in TX has a dilemma because science can’t really explain the origin of things. There is a human desire to fill in any question we don't have an answer for with something else. Have Christians proved the origin?Thank you for tuning in! The question of the Week: Where did the Catholic Church really get all their money? (Wrong answers only).

Today’s Atheist Experience has Objectively Dan and Christy Powell in the studio take audience questions in between wrestling with concepts from callers. God’s Sign in CA calls to say that Christianity is not immoral because it teaches one to be selfless. Why does this need to be Christianity and not the Boy Scouts or some other organization? Many people have a moral problem with the scriptures, including the words of Paul from the New Testament. If Jesus was god, was the crucifixion really a sacrifice? How do you feel about the extortion threat of hell? Gene in TX brings up Matthew 10 where Jesus tells the disciples to not preach his message to anyone but the people of Israel, and that some of them will still be living when he returns. There are weird differences in each of the gospels. Gene also tells us about Southern Baptist groups called the Royal Ambassadors(RAs) and Girls Auxiliary(GAs) that seem to be somewhat of a mystery. Lee from the audience asks why it takes some people longer to figure things out with their beliefs. It is not the individual brain power; it is about how you grew up. Being smart and believing in god are not mutually exclusive ideas. PG in TX wants to know why it seems like atheists switch from the supernatural god to the god state because they leave religion and become authoritarian. People are leaving Christianity often because of political issues. There are a lot of atheists who lean left, but why do so many people on the right have a god belief? Omar from the audience asks if there are Bible verses or ideas that contradict the possibility of aliens. This world was supposed to be for people made in his image and if it is only 6,000 years old, aliens don’t factor into that. Jay in IL claims that god is life and life created everything. Is cancer in children and war from god too? Why should we believe the Bible is true without using the Bible as a reference? If we all have “common sense”, why do we need the Bible? Would you have the same notion of god if you have been born in Japan where less than 2% of people believe in god? Figgy in NY brings up that sometimes callers are questioning their beliefs. If your belief system can’t hold up to scrutiny, that is something you need to be questioning. Jose in Honduras asks the hosts what caused them to lose their faith. Christy explains the reasons as logical errors in the bible and how LGBTQIA people would be rejected by Christ. Dan realized there were man made parts in the Bible and god has never contacted him. Robert in TX has a dilemma because science can’t really explain the origin of things. There is a human desire to fill in any question we don't have an answer for with something else. Have Christians proved the origin? Thank you for tuning in! The question of the Week: Where did the Catholic Church really get all their money? (Wrong answers only).

The Atheist Experience 27.30 07-30-2023 with Christy Powell and ObjectivelyDan

Dave Warnock

Welcome to The Atheist Experience! Our hosts Secular Rarity and David Warnock are looking for proof of God. Or Allah. Or Jesus. Or even Thor. Will they get it? Probably not, but you will be entertained!Peter from MA wants to talk about blasphemy, having humility, and where does that come from. Our hosts discuss how human beings need to be “checked”. That science shows us where we are wrong and to learn from being wrong. We all have limits in our knowledge, and that’s a good thing. We are all human after all.Mason from Florida is asking why we care for animals, children, each other, etc? Unless some God or other outside entity gives us that love? Does this sound like circular reasoning? Yes reader, you are correct, it is.Lisa from CO is on the journey! YAY! And like many, has had these thoughts, moments, feelings that feels “outside” their own thinking/experience/perspective. So, how do we differentiate between what is our own minds and something “outside” of our minds? The hosts walk through the philosophy and the psychology of how we process information, how we learn, and how it manifests into our consciousness. Our brains are amazing! (though very flawed)Yoel from NY tells our hosts what he believes. Now, can God be the creator of everything and be everything? Confusing isn’t it? Listen in folks, this is gonna be good!Ultimated Judeo Christian from Australia calls. He is saying words about his belief in his God and wants our hosts to convert. How does he do this? This show notes’ writer is not sure, as he sounds like a random word generator. The hosts tried to get UJC to make sense. They tried.

Welcome to The Atheist Experience! Our hosts Secular Rarity and David Warnock are looking for proof of God. Or Allah. Or Jesus. Or even Thor. Will they get it? Probably not, but you will be entertained! Peter from MA wants to talk about blasphemy, having humility, and where does that come from. Our hosts discuss how human beings need to be “checked”. That science shows us where we are wrong and to learn from being wrong. We all have limits in our knowledge, and that’s a good thing. We are all human after all. Mason from Florida is asking why we care for animals, children, each other, etc? Unless some God or other outside entity gives us that love? Does this sound like circular reasoning? Yes reader, you are correct, it is. Lisa from CO is on the journey! YAY! And like many, has had these thoughts, moments, feelings that feels “outside” their own thinking/experience/perspective. So, how do we differentiate between what is our own minds and something “outside” of our minds? The hosts walk through the philosophy and the psychology of how we process information, how we learn, and how it manifests into our consciousness. Our brains are amazing! (though very flawed) Yoel from NY tells our hosts what he believes. Now, can God be the creator of everything and be everything? Confusing isn’t it? Listen in folks, this is gonna be good! Ultimated Judeo Christian from Australia calls. He is saying words about his belief in his God and wants our hosts to convert. How does he do this? This show notes’ writer is not sure, as he sounds like a random word generator. The hosts tried to get UJC to make sense. They tried.

The Atheist Experience 27.29 07-23-2023 with Secular Rarity and Dave Warnock

Emma Thorne

Let’s welcome our first caller Michael, whose limited understanding of quantum mechanics somehow equals consciousness and that leads to God existing. Now, if this seems like a leap in logic, well because it is. This also has something to do with abiogenesis and life wouldn’t be likely without a God? Well dear audience, this seems a bit confusing &amp; a bit of a gish gallop. Let’s watch our hosts walk Michael through the flaws in his thinking shall we?Hey Arnold from Texas! Our number two caller brings to our hosts the probability of God due to the predisposition of human beings to believe in a God. Emma gives a great response on the flaws in evolution, animals having supernatural beliefs, and how socially we used religion/beliefs to form cultures still doesn’t prove a God/Gods.Jimmy, our third caller from the great state of Texas asks our hosts, does rationality lead to an atheistic perspective? The hosts argue that rationality and intelligence does not mean atheism comes afterwards, nor is it a perfect tool, and in some cases may lead to flawed thinking and logic. Jimmy also explains how a “spiritual” experience informed his beliefs and our hosts question how that proves a God exists.John from Canada calls to argue (terribly) for the “merits” of being anti-choice. Though he agrees the government shouldn’t be involved in making decisions when it comes to his own body, but if you own a uterus? Nah! Hypocritical much? This show notes writer could go into why this is silly, but our hosts do a fantastic job. Listen in!Otari from Georgia wants to have a conversation about how it seems illogical to think the Universe came into being without a creator. Johnny and Emma bring up certain logical fallacies such as the entropy principle and the randomness of the universe as a way to counter that thinking. Nick from New York calls in asking for help and a new perspective on the gospels, specifically that the authors would knowingly lie to say salvation comes through Jesus. Emma and Johnny bring up that the Bible can be used as a historical and mythology book for the people at that time, but still cannot be used to prove divinity or anything supernatural. This moves into a conversation of morality, God’s role to the believer, and the arguments how God, even if he existed, is not needed for morality.

Let’s welcome our first caller Michael, whose limited understanding of quantum mechanics somehow equals consciousness and that leads to God existing. Now, if this seems like a leap in logic, well because it is. This also has something to do with abiogenesis and life wouldn’t be likely without a God? Well dear audience, this seems a bit confusing &amp; a bit of a gish gallop. Let’s watch our hosts walk Michael through the flaws in his thinking shall we? Hey Arnold from Texas! Our number two caller brings to our hosts the probability of God due to the predisposition of human beings to believe in a God. Emma gives a great response on the flaws in evolution, animals having supernatural beliefs, and how socially we used religion/beliefs to form cultures still doesn’t prove a God/Gods. Jimmy, our third caller from the great state of Texas asks our hosts, does rationality lead to an atheistic perspective? The hosts argue that rationality and intelligence does not mean atheism comes afterwards, nor is it a perfect tool, and in some cases may lead to flawed thinking and logic. Jimmy also explains how a “spiritual” experience informed his beliefs and our hosts question how that proves a God exists. John from Canada calls to argue (terribly) for the “merits” of being anti-choice. Though he agrees the government shouldn’t be involved in making decisions when it comes to his own body, but if you own a uterus? Nah! Hypocritical much? This show notes writer could go into why this is silly, but our hosts do a fantastic job. Listen in! Otari from Georgia wants to have a conversation about how it seems illogical to think the Universe came into being without a creator. Johnny and Emma bring up certain logical fallacies such as the entropy principle and the randomness of the universe as a way to counter that thinking. Nick from New York calls in asking for help and a new perspective on the gospels, specifically that the authors would knowingly lie to say salvation comes through Jesus. Emma and Johnny bring up that the Bible can be used as a historical and mythology book for the people at that time, but still cannot be used to prove divinity or anything supernatural. This moves into a conversation of morality, God’s role to the believer, and the arguments how God, even if he existed, is not needed for morality.

The Atheist Experience 27.28 07-16-2023 with Johnny P Angel and Emma Thorne

The Atheist Experience 27.267 07-09-2023 with Secular Rarity and Forrest Valkai

Armin Navabi

The Atheist Experience 27.26 07-02-2023 with JMike and Armin Navabi

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Christy Powell and Jimmy Jr., are live with fun words of encouragement!  Darius in CA asks about how to have a conversation with believers at his grandmother’s funeral. This is the time to be with family and get through this rather than discuss beliefs. How upsetting are ideas of the afterlife or lack thereof for you? Be mindful of your own experiences and how painful this can be. Arthur in NY asks how religious extremists and atheists can get to a place where they can harmonize. It takes these conversations to move the needle. There will always be diversity which means conflict, but we are getting better by working together as a species. We can create a more harmonious society in part by having these discussions. JR. in WA asks about private revelations leading to public revelations, and if god is pushing towards the model of prophets. Which god would it be that is pushing this model? How can you tell the difference between a visit from your god or something that was made up? It would be good to understand what your own thoughts sound like and how to figure out how to differentiate between those thoughts and god’s revelation. Frank in NC does not believe in the god that commands violent actions, but the god that is about love and freedom. Who is the god you believe in and how do you know it wants love and freedom for everyone?Christian in MI has changed beliefs and come out to his wife and this is causing problems with the in-laws and asking for advice about raising children. Alongside the magical stories your children are receiving, teach critical thinking. This can be a conflict heavy situation, and there will be sacrifices made, just don’t harm yourself in the process. Christian in GA asks why the hosts think the gospels are unreliable. We can start with the four contradicting each other, and then look at how they tend to progress in a mythical way. Why would something contradict itself if it is inspired by god? How is Christianity consistent with the message we are supposed to receive in the New Testament? How is this stone age poetry that is supposed to be the perfect word of god not perfect? If the four gospels are not the word of god, then what makes them so special? Ellis in Canada asks if there is any value in a person not identifying with social stereotypes and the usage of pronouns. A lot of these ideas are about functionality so we should be descriptive and not proscriptive. If one were to lose a bunch of weight, we don’t like people giving commentary on how we express ourselves. Felix in GA states that human corruption is the problem and not religion, and that religion is a tool to reduce anxiety. How does the crime that is done in the name of religion factor in with this concept?Thank you for tuning in this week. The question of the week is: What is an inappropriate thing to say at the crucifixion?

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Christy Powell and Jimmy Jr., are live with fun words of encouragement! Darius in CA asks about how to have a conversation with believers at his grandmother’s funeral. This is the time to be with family and get through this rather than discuss beliefs. How upsetting are ideas of the afterlife or lack thereof for you? Be mindful of your own experiences and how painful this can be. Arthur in NY asks how religious extremists and atheists can get to a place where they can harmonize. It takes these conversations to move the needle. There will always be diversity which means conflict, but we are getting better by working together as a species. We can create a more harmonious society in part by having these discussions. JR. in WA asks about private revelations leading to public revelations, and if god is pushing towards the model of prophets. Which god would it be that is pushing this model? How can you tell the difference between a visit from your god or something that was made up? It would be good to understand what your own thoughts sound like and how to figure out how to differentiate between those thoughts and god’s revelation. Frank in NC does not believe in the god that commands violent actions, but the god that is about love and freedom. Who is the god you believe in and how do you know it wants love and freedom for everyone? Christian in MI has changed beliefs and come out to his wife and this is causing problems with the in-laws and asking for advice about raising children. Alongside the magical stories your children are receiving, teach critical thinking. This can be a conflict heavy situation, and there will be sacrifices made, just don’t harm yourself in the process. Christian in GA asks why the hosts think the gospels are unreliable. We can start with the four contradicting each other, and then look at how they tend to progress in a mythical way. Why would something contradict itself if it is inspired by god? How is Christianity consistent with the message we are supposed to receive in the New Testament? How is this stone age poetry that is supposed to be the perfect word of god not perfect? If the four gospels are not the word of god, then what makes them so special? Ellis in Canada asks if there is any value in a person not identifying with social stereotypes and the usage of pronouns. A lot of these ideas are about functionality so we should be descriptive and not proscriptive. If one were to lose a bunch of weight, we don’t like people giving commentary on how we express ourselves. Felix in GA states that human corruption is the problem and not religion, and that religion is a tool to reduce anxiety. How does the crime that is done in the name of religion factor in with this concept? Thank you for tuning in this week. The question of the week is: What is an inappropriate thing to say at the crucifixion?

The Atheist Experience 27.25 06-25-2023 with Christy Powell and Jimmy Jr

Tom Benson

The Atheist Experience 27.24 06-18-2023 with Secular Rarity and Tom Benson

Seth Andrews

The Atheist Experience 27.23 06-11-2023 with Forrest Valkai and Seth Andrews

The Atheist Experience is a weekly show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist  and atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.The Atheist Community of Austin is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals.We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. This definition also encompasses what most people call agnosticism.

This podcast is essential to teaching me epistemology as I deconvert. Thank you to all the hosts and crew. Love you guys.

Essential

Don’t go out in the world until you have absorbed some of the sage wisdom in this show!

The best forum for discourse.

The Atheist Experience is a weekly show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist and atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin. The Atheist Community of Austin is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals. We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. This definition also encompasses what most people call agnosticism.

The Atheist Experience

Matt Dillahunty

Don Baker

The Atheist Experience 23.48 for 2019-11-17 with Matt Dillahunty &amp; Don BakerSHOW TIME-STAMPS00:23:32 Brian - OH - Has proof god exists, it’s Tim Tebow.00:27:04 Charles - TX - Historical events caused by Jesuits? No.00:27:53 Joel - AL - Claims to have proof of reincarnation00:31:23 Patrick - FL - What is sufficient evidence for the existence of god.00:37:52 Paul - UK - Has definite proof that all the gods don’t exist00:47:12 Jonathan - AZ - Claims to have found a false argument by Matt 00:58:46 Jeroen - Curaçao - Invited a missionary in to discuss miracles, they deconverted.01:11:31 CC - Canada - Has evidence for god and he reconverted to Catholicism01:21:08 Eddie - NY - Believer who has doubts, needs help with understanding.01:32:20 Rick - Canada - Proof the Big Bang is in the bible and science is in the bible too.SHOW NOTESIn today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by one of our favorite co-hosts, Don Baker. Don is back with his list of Christian Failures. This week, Don continues to talk about souls for the 3rd time. He talks about where the soul goes when you die, spoiler alert: the soul doesn’t exist and it doesn’t go anywhere. If you’re following along and keeping track, this is topic #69.Let’s get to calls!The first caller is Brian from Ohio. He claims Tim Tebow is miraculous, it’s also a miracle that he wore 3:16, and everything lined up for a win 7 years ago. Ummmm… No. How do you determine it’s a miracle and how does it translate into proving a god.Oooh, this one is quick. Charles from Texas lists off historical events and claims it was all caused by the Jesuits. Nope, goodbye! The following caller named Joel from Alabama has a bald assertion that the soul is reincarnated through universal awareness. Instincts do not relate at ALL to reincarnation. There is also no evidence for this. The next caller in the queue is Patrick from Florida wanting to discuss why atheists don’t believe that god is the universe. We aren’t trying to redefine the universe as god. What attributes or properties justify putting a god label on the universe? (Answer: it’s not worth it and makes you seem ridiculous.)Next up, Paul in London, UK has proof that no gods exist. This assertation needs to be under the same scrutiny as the claim that there is a god. The burden of proof is on Paul here due to his claim. Afterwards we have Jonathan from Arizona. He called in to talk about Matt’s argument that alien abduction is more plausible than god and how that argument is false. It actually is plausible and could happen because it wouldn’t be a supernatural event. You do not get to assert that it is supernatural.Subsequently, Jeroen in Curaçao feels guilt about deconverting someone who he invited into his home where they discussed and dismantled miracles and other religious ideology.Next up, Catholic “Clearly” Canadian in Canada definitely has evidence for god. It’s why he reconverted to Catholicism. Where and what is your evidence, eh? Next caller, Eddie from New York is disgusted with immoral believers and is troubled by what he used to believe. He is having a really tough time, hang in there Eddie, you have community with us here. Please contact the kind folks at Recovering from Religion. They can help: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/Finally, we have Rick from Canada. Claims the big bang is in the bible along with scientific facts. Sorry, science doesn’t work that way.

The Atheist Experience 23.48 for 2019-11-17 with Matt Dillahunty &amp; Don Baker SHOW TIME-STAMPS 00:23:32 Brian - OH - Has proof god exists, it’s Tim Tebow. 00:27:04 Charles - TX - Historical events caused by Jesuits? No. 00:27:53 Joel - AL - Claims to have proof of reincarnation 00:31:23 Patrick - FL - What is sufficient evidence for the existence of god. 00:37:52 Paul - UK - Has definite proof that all the gods don’t exist 00:47:12 Jonathan - AZ - Claims to have found a false argument by Matt 00:58:46 Jeroen - Curaçao - Invited a missionary in to discuss miracles, they deconverted. 01:11:31 CC - Canada - Has evidence for god and he reconverted to Catholicism 01:21:08 Eddie - NY - Believer who has doubts, needs help with understanding. 01:32:20 Rick - Canada - Proof the Big Bang is in the bible and science is in the bible too. SHOW NOTES In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by one of our favorite co-hosts, Don Baker. Don is back with his list of Christian Failures. This week, Don continues to talk about souls for the 3rd time. He talks about where the soul goes when you die, spoiler alert: the soul doesn’t exist and it doesn’t go anywhere. If you’re following along and keeping track, this is topic #69. Let’s get to calls! The first caller is Brian from Ohio. He claims Tim Tebow is miraculous, it’s also a miracle that he wore 3:16, and everything lined up for a win 7 years ago. Ummmm… No. How do you determine it’s a miracle and how does it translate into proving a god. Oooh, this one is quick. Charles from Texas lists off historical events and claims it was all caused by the Jesuits. Nope, goodbye! The following caller named Joel from Alabama has a bald assertion that the soul is reincarnated through universal awareness. Instincts do not relate at ALL to reincarnation. There is also no evidence for this. The next caller in the queue is Patrick from Florida wanting to discuss why atheists don’t believe that god is the universe. We aren’t trying to redefine the universe as god. What attributes or properties justify putting a god label on the universe? (Answer: it’s not worth it and makes you seem ridiculous.) Next up, Paul in London, UK has proof that no gods exist. This assertation needs to be under the same scrutiny as the claim that there is a god. The burden of proof is on Paul here due to his claim. Afterwards we have Jonathan from Arizona. He called in to talk about Matt’s argument that alien abduction is more plausible than god and how that argument is false. It actually is plausible and could happen because it wouldn’t be a supernatural event. You do not get to assert that it is supernatural. Subsequently, Jeroen in Curaçao feels guilt about deconverting someone who he invited into his home where they discussed and dismantled miracles and other religious ideology. Next up, Catholic “Clearly” Canadian in Canada definitely has evidence for god. It’s why he reconverted to Catholicism. Where and what is your evidence, eh? Next caller, Eddie from New York is disgusted with immoral believers and is troubled by what he used to believe. He is having a really tough time, hang in there Eddie, you have community with us here. Please contact the kind folks at Recovering from Religion. They can help: <a href="https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/</a> Finally, we have Rick from Canada. Claims the big bang is in the bible along with scientific facts. Sorry, science doesn’t work that way.

Atheist Experience 23.48 2019-11-17 with Matt Dillahunty & Don Baker

Matt Dillahunty and Martin Wagner. Viewer Calls. Matt and Martin take viewer calls.

#785: Viewer Calls

Joseph Smith

Matt Dillahunty and Jen Peeples. Was Joseph Smith a Con Man?. Jen describes some viewer mail where the claims go off the rails.

#20.33: Was Joseph Smith a Con Man?

Matt Dillahunty and John Iacoletti. Pride Recap. Matt describes his and Beth's interaction with protesters at the Austin Pride festival.

#20.34: Pride Recap

Matt Dillahunty and Tracie Harris. Viewer Calls. Matt and Tracie take viewer calls.

#21.03: Viewer Calls

#823: Viewer Calls

Jen Peeples

Matt Dillahunty and Jen Peeples. American Atheists Firing. Matt urges patience with waiting on details of the American Atheists firing of Dave Silverman.

#22.16 with Matt Dillahunty and Jen Peeples

Matt Dillahunty and Don Baker. Church Bailouts. Don discusses that churches asking for bailouts after hurricane Harvey is just another failure of Christianity.

#21.40: Church Bailouts

Matt Dillahunty and Jeff Dee. Viewer Calls. Matt and Jeff take callers.

#826: Viewer Calls

Matt Dillahunty and John Iacoletti. Viewer Calls. Matt and John take viewer calls after a late start due to technical difficulties.

#20.30: Viewer Calls

Matt Dillahunty and Jamie. Viewer Calls. 202302 Jamie, from Talk Heathen, co-hosts.

#22.09: Viewer Calls

#21.29: Viewer Calls

Matt Dillahunty and Don Baker. Mercy for the Poor. Don critiques two recent articles about the canonization of Mother Teresa.

#20.36: Mercy for the Poor

#21.14: Viewer Calls

Matt Dillahunty and Anthony Magnabosco. Street Epistemology. Matt talks about the latest shooting. Anthony Magnabosco talks about how to erode confidence in false beliefs.

#20.23: Street Epistemology

Matt Dillahunty and John Iacoletti. How Trump will Impact SCOTUS. Matt and John discuss how the new president will impact the Supreme Court and its later rulings.

#20.45: How Trump will Impact SCOTUS

Matt Dillahunty and Tracie Harris. Islam 101 Seminar. Tracie gives a trip report from an "Islam 101" seminar she attended.

#855: Islam 101 Seminar

Matt Dillahunty with guest Ed Brayton. Humanism. Comedian and blogger Ed Brayton joins Matt as a guest.

#20.41: Humanism

Matt Dillahunty and Tracie Harris. Left Behind. Tracie does a retro review of the Left Behind movie.

#20.21: Left Behind

#839: Viewer Calls

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