The Atheist Experience
NewThe Atheist Experience 30.45 with Jim Barrows and Hemant Mehta
- Episodes
- 713
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
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.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.
Episodes 713
The Atheist Experience 30.45 with Jim Barrows and Hemant Mehta
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Jim Barrows and guest co-host Hemant Mehta skip the phone lines and dig into one of scripture's bloodiest themes: a God who demands sacrifice! From Abraham and …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Jim Barrows and guest co-host Hemant Mehta skip the phone lines and dig into one of scripture's bloodiest themes: a God who demands sacrifice! From Abraham and Isaac to the Exodus 22 firstborn command, Jephthah's daughter, and Mesha's offering in 2 Kings 3, they ask why an all-powerful, all-knowing, perfectly moral deity couldn't come up with a better plan than blood. Is substitutionary atonement justice, or just a cosmic loophole? Along the way they tackle faith healing, the Jehovah's Witness blood ban, and why obedience makes a lousy foundation for morality. Can cookie-cutter rules survive the trolley problem or the ethics of AI? Why do politicians cherry-pick verses that suit them? Kelley Laughlin joins for the final stretch as the conversation turns to growing alliances between religious and secular groups standing against Christian nationalism.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.44 with Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows ask how the God who drowned and slaughtered children became the Jesus who loves the little children, with Sofia Spina joining later …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows ask how the God who drowned and slaughtered children became the Jesus who loves the little children, with Sofia Spina joining later as backup host!
Bob in NY claims the world would be better if everyone followed Jesus. The hosts bring Matthew 15, Bible slavery laws, Deuteronomy 22, and the ICC definition of genocide. When the Amalekites come up, who is Bob to judge God?
Ibrahim in Canada, an ex-Muslim atheist, asks how believers can think disbelievers deserve eternal torment yet still befriend and trust them. Is it out of sight, out of mind, or is cognitive dissonance doing the heavy lifting?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.43 with Fe and Jamie the Blind Limey
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Kelley Laughlin, Jamie The Blind Limey, and Fe tackle the problem of evil, Christian mythicism, and the slippery nature of spiritual claims!33 on TikTok, a …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Kelley Laughlin, Jamie The Blind Limey, and Fe tackle the problem of evil, Christian mythicism, and the slippery nature of spiritual claims!
33 on TikTok, a Christian mythicist and agnostic theist, accepts some biblical texts but rejects the Gospels as historically inaccurate. Which parts of the Bible do you accept and why? If you don't believe the Gospels, what's left of Christianity? The hosts press him to explain his belief framework, but he struggles to articulate why he holds any of it at all.
Onu in Romania shares his deconversion story from Orthodox Christianity, criticizing religious hypocrisy and calling religion a facade comparable to mental illness. What made you realize the church wasn't what it claimed to be? His journey highlights the damage done when institutions prioritize control over truth.
a7402745.8 on TikTok claims personal experience as evidence for God but can't define spirituality or provide a coherent framework. What does spirituality even mean to you? If you can't explain your beliefs, how do you know they're true? The hosts challenge the caller to move beyond vague feelings and offer something testable.
YH on TikTok argues that evil is subjective and tied to evolutionary strategy, defending divine command theory while questioning human rationality. If evil is just what God says it is, does that make genocide moral when God commands it? The conversation dives into whether morality can exist without objective grounding.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.42 with Forrest Valkai and Justin (Show Rebroadcast)
Due to technical difficulties, we were not able to broadcast the normal live episode of the show. As such we ran previously recorded content so as to not miss a broadcast date. We apologize for any …
Show notes
Due to technical difficulties, we were not able to broadcast the normal live episode of the show. As such we ran previously recorded content so as to not miss a broadcast date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and invite you to enjoy these great moments from our previous shows. We fully expect to resume our normal broadcast schedule next week. Thank you.
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This episode includes AI-generated content.The Atheist Experience 30.41 with Godless Engineer and Secular Rarity
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Secular Rarity, and Scott Dickie tackle biblical justice, inherited guilt, and the clash between faith and reason!Michele in NY asks if peace is …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Secular Rarity, and Scott Dickie tackle biblical justice, inherited guilt, and the clash between faith and reason!
Michele in NY asks if peace is possible between religion and atheism. Can we respect people while critiquing their faith? The hosts emphasize humanism over atheism and challenge religions to shift toward humanistic values. What would it take for believers to prioritize human well-being over divine commands?
Malik in KS defends God punishing children for their parents' sins, citing biblical examples. Is this justice or divine cruelty? The hosts challenge him on objective morality and whether salvation comes from faith or works. Does his reasoning hold up under scrutiny?
Kelly in MN, a liberal spiritual person, discusses interpreting the Bible morally and rejecting violent passages. The hosts encourage her to own her moral decisions rather than attributing them to God. Is she following scripture or her own conscience?
YeCross Legends on TikTok argues salvation is by faith under the new covenant, not works under the old law. The hosts challenge his claim that God's law doesn't apply to burning witches, citing Jesus affirming Mosaic law. Does the new covenant really erase the old?
Chuck in IL asks where the Bible says God is omniscient. The hosts explain the concept is derived from verses like Psalm 147:5, not explicitly stated. They discuss subjective versus objective morality and empathy as a framework. What does it mean to derive doctrine from implication?
Rob in CA, an atheist married to a Christian, refuses to fund his daughter's Christian college education unless she can provide evidence Christianity is reasonable. The hosts advise researching colleges and making it a joint decision. How do you balance parental authority with respect for your child's autonomy?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.40 with Secular Rarity and Jim Barrows
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity and Jim Barrows put the God of the Bible and Quran on trial for war crimes under international law!Tron Uprising on TikTok wants to debate whether …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity and Jim Barrows put the God of the Bible and Quran on trial for war crimes under international law!
Tron Uprising on TikTok wants to debate whether God is a war criminal. After extensive back-and-forth, Tron eventually concedes that God's command violated the Rome Statute but refuses to engage honestly on the definition of genocide or morality. Why grant that God broke international law but then refuse to call it what it is? If you're willing to admit the statute was violated, why the resistance to the word genocide? The hosts systematically walk through each element of the Rome Statute's definition, and Tron grants every single point yet still won't connect the dots. Is this intellectual honesty or motivated reasoning?
Ad on TikTok, a Muslim caller, attempts to deflect the genocide charge against God by claiming context of war justifies the commands. The hosts confront him with Surah 9:5 and other Quranic passages that explicitly command killing. Ad insists these verses are taken out of context, but when pressed on what context makes genocide acceptable, he struggles to provide a coherent answer. If your holy book commands the killing of entire groups of people, does adding historical context really make it better? The call ends contentiously when Ad refuses to engage with the actual text and runs away.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.39 with Godless Engineer and Secular Rarity
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Secular Rarity, and Scott Dickie dissect biblical slavery, divine command theory, and the moral gymnastics required to defend scripture's darkest …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Secular Rarity, and Scott Dickie dissect biblical slavery, divine command theory, and the moral gymnastics required to defend scripture's darkest passages.
Mark in NE, a progressive Christian, insists slavery laws in the Bible are human cultural assumptions, not God's perfect morality. How do you distinguish divine commands from human insertions without an objective method? If God inspired the text, why include immoral laws at all? Your methodology seems designed to rescue God from accountability rather than discover truth.
Papo in Puerto Rico claims whatever God ordains is objectively good. When asked if he'd kill a baby if God commanded it, he says yes. This chilling admission exposes divine command theory's moral bankruptcy. If morality is just "whatever God says," then the word "good" becomes meaningless. Why call God good if good means nothing beyond obedience?
Kelly in MN presents verses she believes oppose slavery but can't reconcile them with explicit pro-slavery passages. She filters scripture through John 10:10 yet lacks consistent criteria for determining God's intent. If the Bible requires external moral standards to interpret it, why trust it as a moral guide at all?
Kell in FL questions why gold appears in Genesis, suggesting the Bible reflects existing values rather than divine revelation. The conversation shifts to his extreme views on militarizing atheism. The hosts recommend therapy resources and emphasize that violence isn't the answer to ideological disagreements.
Thank you for joining us this week! We'll see you next time!
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In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Thinker, Fe, and The Beard of Empathy examine whether Christianity is a scam, the problem of divine attribution, and when beliefs become harmful.Andrew argues …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Thinker, Fe, and The Beard of Empathy examine whether Christianity is a scam, the problem of divine attribution, and when beliefs become harmful.
Andrew argues Christianity isn't a scam because there are no customers or payments. But believers do pay costs: tithes, sacrifices, obedience, all in exchange for salvation. That's a transaction. When you promise eternal reward for compliance and eternal punishment for refusal, how is that not a protection racket? What makes this different from any other pay-to-play scheme?
Yolanda in MD credits God's voice for saving her life during a brain aneurysm, telling her not to lie down and to call 911. Why didn't God just heal the aneurysm? Why give cryptic instructions instead of preventing the crisis? If God intervened, why did you still need surgery? How do you distinguish God's voice from your own survival instinct?
Heresy in Canada asks whether we should respect comforting beliefs or prioritize knowledge. Personal beliefs are fine if kept private, but they become harmful when imposed on others or used to shape policy. Comfort doesn't make something true. When does your right to believe what you want end and someone else's right to live free from those beliefs begin?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.37 with Secular Rarity and Godless Engineer
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle biblical gender equality, Quranic slavery, and the emotional aftermath of deconversion.Loveisthewayfr …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle biblical gender equality, Quranic slavery, and the emotional aftermath of deconversion.
Loveisthewayfr on TikTok insists Genesis isn't a dating tool and the Bible teaches gender equality. The hosts point to Leviticus 12, where a woman's purification after birthing a daughter takes twice as long as for a son. If men and women are equal in the Bible, why does childbirth gender determine ritual impurity duration? What other passages might reveal this claimed equality isn't quite so equal?
Salahuddin Ayyubi on TikTok argues Quranic slavery differs from American chattel slavery and compares Islamic prisoner treatment to modern secular systems. The hosts counter that the Quran explicitly permits owning people as property. If you can own, buy, sell, and inherit a person, how is that fundamentally different from chattel slavery? Does rebranding ownership make it moral?
David in the USA shares he misses the comfort of belief, especially about death and the afterlife, even knowing it's not real. The hosts suggest death cafes and therapy to process these feelings. Is it possible to find peace with mortality without supernatural promises? Can secular communities offer the same emotional support religion once did?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.36 with Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Jim Barrows, and Jamie The Blind Limey confront the uncomfortable truth about Jesus and Old Testament atrocities!Albert in MA argues the Bible …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Jim Barrows, and Jamie The Blind Limey confront the uncomfortable truth about Jesus and Old Testament atrocities!
Albert in MA argues the Bible should be read allegorically, not literally. The hosts challenge him on Old Testament violence and slavery laws, pointing to Matthew 5:18 where Jesus explicitly affirms all Old Testament law remains valid. If it's all allegory, why did Jesus say not one letter of the law would pass away? What moral lesson justifies selling your daughter?
Emanuel in Sweden questions whether Jesus actually taught Mosaic law. The hosts walk through Matthew 5:17-18, Leviticus slavery laws, and dietary contradictions, demonstrating Jesus affirmed Old Testament law including morally problematic commands. If Jesus fulfilled the law, why does he say it all still applies? How do you reconcile loving Jesus with endorsing genocide?
Jock from Earth claims the Bible has esoteric or inner spiritual value beyond the literal text. The hosts press him to provide biblical support for his mystical interpretations. He cannot cite chapter and verse, only vague spiritual concepts. If the Bible requires secret knowledge to understand, how is anyone supposed to know what it actually means?
Quincy in TX accuses the hosts of sending themselves to hell. When confronted with God's command to beat children in 2 Samuel 7:14, he admits it's wrong but says he'd obey God anyway, then references The Chosen TV show as his Bible source. If you'd beat a child because God commanded it, what does that say about your morality?
Milton from Earth argues the Orthodox Church, not the Bible itself, is the ultimate authority. The hosts point out this doesn't address biblical commands like selling daughters. Milton becomes circular and confrontational, unable to explain his position clearly. If the church is the authority, why appeal to the Bible at all?
Parker in VA, an atheist, seeks advice on handling presuppositional apologists on campus who claim logic requires God. The hosts and Jamie suggest slowing the conversation, demanding definitions, and asking how God actually grounds logic rather than accepting assertions. What would a world without logic even look like?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
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In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle miracle claims, biblical slavery, and the cultural legacy of colonialism.Larry in Poland insists that …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle miracle claims, biblical slavery, and the cultural legacy of colonialism.
Larry in Poland insists that miracles at Fatima and Coptic churches prove God exists. The hosts challenge him on mass hallucinations versus actual miracles and compare his claims to Hindu miracle reports. When pressed on animal consciousness and pain, Larry struggles to defend his positions. Why should we accept Catholic miracles but reject all others?
Jim in MO calls with a tongue-in-cheek argument for Carlinian sun worship based on George Carlin's comedy bit. He explains it's a parody showing how absurd belief systems can be. The hosts agree it's satire, not serious theology, and appreciate the humor.
David in TX asks what if both camps are correct about God's existence. The hosts explain the law of non-contradiction: God either exists or doesn't. David struggles to engage seriously and lists his pronouns as human being, leading to a tense exchange. Can something both exist and not exist?
JayFame in TX, a former Satanist turned believer, claims he saw two angels while incarcerated. The hosts challenge him on biblical slavery passages in Exodus 21:7 and ask him to distinguish satanic from godly acts. Jay deflects, preaches, and cannot defend scripture. What makes selling your daughter into slavery moral?
Jesse in MI, an atheist of indigenous and Latino heritage, shares frustration about being a minority in his own culture due to Christianity's colonial legacy. The hosts offer support, discuss resources like Recovering From Religion and therapy, and encourage community involvement and activism.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.34 with Godless Engineer and Sofia Spina
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Sofia Spina, and Kelley Laughlin tackle divine command theory, biblical atrocities, and the question of whether God's treatment of children can …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer, Sofia Spina, and Kelley Laughlin tackle divine command theory, biblical atrocities, and the question of whether God's treatment of children can ever be justified.
Quincy-TX argues the Bible proves God because it's a physical book, just like maps prove locations exist. The hosts challenge whether a book's existence proves its supernatural claims. Does the Quran prove Allah? What about biblical contradictions and commands to harm children? Quincy insists atheists choose hell, but can't explain why divine command theory makes genocide moral.
Jeff-PA asks why the hosts won't repent and defends Old Testament commands. The discussion turns to Numbers 31's sex trafficking of virgin girls and Deuteronomy 21's war bride laws. Jeff claims the New Covenant supersedes these commands, but struggles when asked if God's nature changed. Why would an unchanging God order child harm in one era but condemn it in another?
God's Son-MD claims stabbing babies can be merciful and rape builds character and individuality. He argues God intentionally created suffering to develop human traits. The hosts challenge whether a being who commands evil can be called good. The call ends when the caller pivots to anti-LGBTQ bigotry.
Steven-CO insists previous callers were pagans, claims God is balanced rather than purely good, and refuses evidence beyond scripture. He repeatedly makes racist claims about Edomites being white people. When asked for evidence, Steven deflects. Why should anyone accept claims without demonstration?
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In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Thinker and Godless Engineer tackle the question of whether the God of the Bible is a moral monster, examining divine command theory and the justifications …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, Thinker and Godless Engineer tackle the question of whether the God of the Bible is a moral monster, examining divine command theory and the justifications believers offer for biblical atrocities.
Maddi in LA agrees that the God of the Bible is a moral monster and explores how morality exists independently of divine command. She discusses how moral values are passed down through generations and vary across cultures. If morality comes from God, why do we see such dramatic differences in moral frameworks around the world? The hosts examine how secular humanism provides a foundation for ethics without requiring supernatural authority.
Tariq in GA defends biblical atrocities by arguing that God makes tough choices for the ultimate good, invoking divine command theory. The hosts challenge his circular reasoning and press him on whether he would harm others if commanded by God. If morality is whatever God commands, does that mean anything becomes moral simply because God says so? What happens when divine command conflicts with our deepest moral intuitions about harm and suffering?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.32 with Jim Barrows and Kelley Laughlin
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Jim Barrows and Kelley Laughlin dive deep into philosophical arguments, information theory, and the limits of knowing God!Donald in LA presents an argument for an …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Jim Barrows and Kelley Laughlin dive deep into philosophical arguments, information theory, and the limits of knowing God!
Donald in LA presents an argument for an 'unactualized actualizer' using information, actuality, and potentiality. What exactly does 'information' mean in your framework? The hosts challenge his definitions and question whether the law of identity supports his premises. If everything that changes requires an actualizer, what actualizes the actualizer? Donald's complex terminology raises more questions than answers about whether his argument proves what he thinks it does.
Bob in NY attempts to discuss the contingency argument and thermodynamics but spends most of his time complaining about the previous caller's airtime. After repeated warnings about staying on topic, Bob is disconnected. Sometimes the most revealing part of a call is what the caller chooses to focus on instead of their actual argument.
Allison in MO offers a thoughtful perspective: if God exists, humans could never truly know God's nature because all information would be propaganda from an all-powerful being. The hosts agree this is a genuine epistemological problem. How would we distinguish God's truth from God's manipulation? Without empirical evidence and measurable properties, any claim about God's nature becomes unfalsifiable. This raises profound questions about what it would even mean to 'know' God.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.31 with ObjectivelyDan and Seth Andrews
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, ObjectivelyDan and Seth Andrews tackle the problem of evil, epistemology, and whether math could be God!Darth Dawkins from the East Coast challenges Seth on how …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, ObjectivelyDan and Seth Andrews tackle the problem of evil, epistemology, and whether math could be God!
Darth Dawkins from the East Coast challenges Seth on how anyone can know what a maximally benevolent God would allow. The conversation escalates as Darth repeatedly accuses the hosts of dodging his question and being abusive when muted. If this is the best defense of God's benevolence, what does that say about the argument itself? Can you really claim to know what an all-good deity would permit without defining your terms?
Aaron in TX explains how evolution completely undermines the concept of original sin and the entire Christian narrative. He also explores how religious obedience can lead to financial exploitation and poor personal boundaries. If Adam and Eve never existed, what happens to the foundation of Christianity? How does blind obedience to religious authority make people vulnerable to manipulation?
Allison in MO proposes that math is the only thing that could be considered God, as it exists outside time and space and governs all physical laws. The hosts struggle to understand the premise and suggest workshopping the argument. Does math exist independently of minds, or is it a tool we invented? If math is God, what does worship even mean?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.30 with The Cross Examiner and Godless Engineer
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, The Cross Examiner, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle biblical slavery, religious privilege, and the lengths believers will go to defend the …
Show notes
In today's episode of The Atheist Experience, The Cross Examiner, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle biblical slavery, religious privilege, and the lengths believers will go to defend the indefensible.
Julie in CA shares a text exchange with a Christian friend about slavery in the Bible that ended a 50-year friendship. After Julie removed illegal religious signs from public property, her friend accused her of attacking Christianity. The hosts explore how the Bible explicitly endorses slavery while mandating trivial ritual details, and why believers reinterpret these passages only after secular humanists forced moral progress. Why does an all-powerful god fail to prohibit owning humans as property?
Stumpy Nubs on TikTok argues that Mark 14:51-52 proves Jesus owned a young slave based on Greek translation and connections to Dionysian rituals. The hosts challenge this interpretation, noting the passage mentions neither ownership nor slavery. Is this careful scholarship or reading your conclusion into the text? The difference between exegesis and eisegesis matters when making extraordinary claims about biblical figures.
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.29 with Thinker and Godless Engineer
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle divine command theory, biblical atrocities, and mystical claims about reality!Andrew in NJ argues that evil is …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker, Godless Engineer, and Kelley Laughlin tackle divine command theory, biblical atrocities, and mystical claims about reality!
Andrew in NJ argues that evil is anything outside God's purpose. If God commanded murder, would that be good? The hosts challenge his inconsistent definitions and ask if he'd condemn selling daughters as slaves. When divine command becomes your moral compass, where does accountability go?
James in OK claims morality requires God, not human consensus. The hosts confront him on Exodus 21:7 and his rationalization of biblical slavery. Why does God's law permit owning people as property? If God is the source of morality, why does scripture endorse cruelty?
Georgi in Bulgaria presents a New Age view that God needs humans for experience and claims ancient structures like Machu Picchu prove supernatural involvement. The hosts explain the known construction methods and redirect him to Truth Wanted for alien topics. Why assume the supernatural when human ingenuity suffices?
Juan in Columbia presents a panentheistic view where God is a non-materialistic basis for reality and consciousness. He struggles to clearly define his concept of God. What does it mean to say God is the basis of reality if you can't articulate what that basis is?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.28 with Justin and The Cross Examiner
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Justin DZ and The Cross Examiner tackle biblical authorship, Christian nationalism, and the delicate balance of deconversion within families.Anne in CA asks about …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Justin DZ and The Cross Examiner tackle biblical authorship, Christian nationalism, and the delicate balance of deconversion within families.
Anne in CA asks about the authorship and historical compilation of the Bible. Justin explains the documentary hypothesis, detailing how multiple sources were edited over centuries with political motivations driving the final compilation. The Bible wasn't written by single authors but assembled from various traditions. Understanding this academic scholarship reveals the human fingerprints all over what many claim is divine revelation. How does knowing the Bible's messy origins change how we evaluate its claims?
Hidde in Netherlands struggles with whether to deconvert his religious mother, who finds comfort in her faith after losing her own mother to dementia. The hosts discuss balancing truth-telling with compassion, recognizing that not every battle needs fighting. Sometimes causing unnecessary pain to someone vulnerable isn't worth the ideological victory. What responsibilities do we have to protect loved ones from harmful beliefs versus respecting their autonomy and comfort?
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.27 with Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows confront callers defending biblical morality, slavery, and genocide!Jeremy in MS claims God is not evil but struggles when …
Show notes
In today's episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Jim Barrows confront callers defending biblical morality, slavery, and genocide!
Jeremy in MS claims God is not evil but struggles when confronted with 1 Samuel 15:3 commanding the killing of children and infants. He admits God said it, then deflects by asking if the hosts believe in Satan and oxygen before abruptly hanging up when challenged on his reasoning.
Courtney and Rachel in FL call to defend biblical morality. The hosts read Exodus 21:7-11 on selling daughters into slavery and Leviticus 25:44-46 on buying slaves. Rachel shockingly states she would sell her daughter to a rich man, comparing it to Jeffrey Epstein. They claim slavery was acceptable back then and defend beating slaves while appearing intoxicated. Where does this moral framework lead?
Glenn in Australia discusses his stepson's dream before dying, interpreting it as having spiritual significance. The hosts struggle to understand how this anecdotal experience proves God exists. Glenn mentions PTSD medication and modern slavery, but the conversation remains unfocused and unclear.
Marko in Canada argues God is not evil and the Old Testament law has been replaced by grace. The hosts challenge him with Matthew 5:17-19 where Jesus says he came to fulfill, not abolish the law. Marko claims Paul supersedes Jesus. When confronted with Numbers 31:17-18 and Deuteronomy 21:10-14 about taking virgin war brides, he defends these passages and refuses to answer whether he would kill a baby if God commanded it.
Papo in Puerto Rico presents a contingency argument claiming the universe needs a necessary being. The hosts counter that energy is necessary, citing E=mc² and the first law of thermodynamics. Papo claims the first law was created at the Big Bang but admits he doesn't know what E=mc² means while trying to argue physics.
Jase in OH claims aliens are proof of God, describing beings around his bed who disappeared when he cried out to Jesus. He references UFO researcher Joe Jordan. The hosts ask for evidence beyond personal experience, noting hallucinations feel real to those experiencing them. Can subjective experience prove objective reality?
William in MD argues Christians don't need to follow Old Testament law, citing Acts 15. The hosts counter with Matthew 5:17-19 and reference Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 restricting diets. They cite Galatians 3:29 showing Christians are Abraham's seed. William tries arguing different rules for different people but has to leave.
Z in MA calls as a palette cleanser after intense previous calls. He shares his background with a Christian father and atheist mother, asks about agnostic versus atheist, and brings up Ouija boards as proof of energy or the afterlife. The hosts explain Ouija boards are manufactured by Hasbro and thank Z for his reasonable approach.
Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.26 with The Cross Examiner and Godless Engineer
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, The Cross Examiner and Godless Engineer dissect the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism! From state-sanctioned violence in Uganda to the dismantling of secular …
Show notes
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, The Cross Examiner and Godless Engineer dissect the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism! From state-sanctioned violence in Uganda to the dismantling of secular education in Texas, the hosts expose the consequences of codifying dogma into law. Can a society remain free when its legal boundaries are dictated by ancient scriptures instead of objective human rights?
Tom in MI uses dreams and feelings of love as proof of a higher power. Godless Engineer defines love as a chemical process, while hosts critique why stories fail as data. Can we trust internal experiences when our biology is fallible?
Gannon in CA claims Noah’s Ark proves the Bible. The hosts challenge his fixation on labels while debunking fraudulent archaeological claims about rock formations. If your evidence is a misidentified rock, what remains of your belief?
Muhammad in India argues for Divine Command Theory, claiming child rape is "good" if God commands it. The hosts are stunned by this rejection of decency for religious consistency. How can a moral system be respected if it allows atrocities?
Joel in CA believes in God because he "sees" the devil with his eyes closed. The hosts dismantle the design argument using stellar evolution and planetary formation. Can internal visions serve as a reliable yardstick for external reality?
Will in Canada defends biblical slavery by calling God a "political gradualist." Hosts point out God made absolute laws for diet and sex but not for owning humans. Why would a perfect deity require centuries to condemn human ownership?
Aeve Morningstar in Canada applies a feminist lens to theology, questioning if Mary's impregnation was sexual assault. Hosts debate legal definitions of battery and the harm of divine voyeurism. Is the biblical relationship with God inherently coercive?
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.25 with Thinker and Zenamae
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker and Zenamae celebrate Father’s Day by comparing the silence of a celestial parent to the immediate response of artificial intelligence! From the ethics of …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker and Zenamae celebrate Father’s Day by comparing the silence of a celestial parent to the immediate response of artificial intelligence! From the ethics of missing children advocacy to the submissive vows of religious weddings, the hosts explore how deconstruction provides a community based on facts rather than the "voicemail" of a distant deity. Can we build a moral legacy for the next generation without waiting for a ghost to return the call?
Hannah argues that the universe is a necessary infinite substance with infinite attributes that we should call God. Thinker and Zenamae challenge the semantic need for the label "God," noting that existence does not exhibit personal traits like listening or making promises. Does redefining the universe as a deity actually provide any evidence for the supernatural?
Tom in TX describes God as the ultimate deadbeat dad who has abandoned his creation to suffer through global boiling and corporate greed. The hosts emphasize the importance of fighting for real-world progress rather than waiting for a silent celestial father to intervene in a rigged system. Will the next generation be able to clean up the mess left behind by a negligent deity?
Zama waseMzansiza on TikTok struggles with the pain of potentially disappointing her fragile, religious mother while navigating her own deconstruction journey. Zenamae shares her personal experience with setting boundaries and learning to see parents as flawed human beings rather than just spiritual authority figures. Can we find a way to honor our family relationships without sacrificing our own intellectual integrity?
Asherah in South Africa questions whether Jesus was actually a disciple of John the Baptist, citing potential overlaps in their apocalyptic messages and ministry origins. Hosts dive into the "deceiver" narrative found in apocryphal texts and discuss the historical competition between these two rival religious figures. Was the Christian savior originally just a member of another preacher's crew?
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.24 with The Cross Examiner and JMike
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, The Cross Examiner and JMike tackle the subtle "little things" of Christian nationalism and the liberating reality of secular mental health! From the Pentagon's …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, The Cross Examiner and JMike tackle the subtle "little things" of Christian nationalism and the liberating reality of secular mental health! From the Pentagon's reclassification of Mormonism to a personal struggle with depression, the hosts dismantle the idea that faith is a viable substitute for evidence or professional care. Can we find a better grounding for reality than ancient forgeries and emotional placeholders?Levi in LA questions why he shouldn't believe in a higher power if it provides comfort, such as a positive outlook during illness. The hosts use the "diamond in the backyard" analogy to explore the high cost of religious tithing and emotional energy spent on unsupported claims. They emphasize that a lack of evidence should lead to agnosticism rather than conviction. What happens to your resources when the promise of a diamond never materializes?Michel in NY asks if the fame of the Gospels proves Jesus was a historical figure rather than a myth. The hosts compare this reasoning to the popularity of King Arthur or Robin Hood, noting that legendary status doesn't establish physical reality. The conversation briefly touches on apocryphal texts and modern gender commentary before being identified as potential trolling for its lack of substance. Can the popularity of a story ever serve as a reliable yardstick for historical truth?Marcos in New Zealand presents a trilemma regarding children and free will on Judgment Day. He also cites documented witnesses of Ellen White as proof for his theism. The hosts challenge this "hearsay of hearsay" by comparing it to the modern "James River Church toes" miracle, which lacked independent verification despite multiple claims of witnessing the divine. They urge applying a consistent standard of evidence to all extraordinary stories. Why do ancient legends receive a special pass from skepticism?Thank you for joining us this week! We will see you next time!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.23 Godless Engineer and Thinker
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Thinker celebrate Pride Month by dismantling the "superior" morality of the biblical deity! From the horrific commands to slaughter nursing …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Thinker celebrate Pride Month by dismantling the "superior" morality of the biblical deity! From the horrific commands to slaughter nursing infants in 1 Samuel 15:3 to the modern-day "crash out" over LGBTQ rights, the hosts expose the moral depravity behind ancient dogmas. Can a religion that affirms capital punishment for love ever claim the moral high ground?
Ashira in South Africa discusses why churches create fear to keep people in pews. She reflects on deconstructing as a black woman after reading biblical violence. Can community exist without hell? How do we navigate family when faith fades?
Jaden on TikTok debates Paul’s existence and Matthew’s zombies. The hosts examine Gnosticism versus orthodoxy and the "imagery" of the holy ones. Is thinking better than faith? Was Paul a real figure or a character for theological disputes?
Alec in WA claims consciousness is reality. The hosts use zircon crystals and the logic of racism to dismantle this solipsism. If reality is a dream, why can't we fly? Does the physical world exist independent of our minds?
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity and The CrossExaminer tackle the rising tide of Christian nationalism and the subjective nature of "personal" truth! They explore why mandatory Ten …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Secular Rarity and The CrossExaminer tackle the rising tide of Christian nationalism and the subjective nature of "personal" truth! They explore why mandatory Ten Commandment displays fail both the Constitution and basic math, while challenging callers to ground their supernatural claims in evidence. From Near-Death Experiences to the logical boundaries of creation, the hosts examine whether faith is a reliable path to reality.
Kelly in MN cites a Near-Death Experience involving Jesus as proof of divinity. Hosts challenge brain reliability during trauma and the circularity of using a personal moral yardstick to pick scripture. Can hope exist without objective evidence?
Luke in FL argues God is impossible because words cannot create matter. Hosts critique shifting the burden of proof and suggest compassionate inquiry over mockery. Is calling a belief "stupid" an effective way to change minds?
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker and FE tackle the psychology of deconstruction, the fear of questioning, and the pitfalls of defining God into existence! From the "Jesus juice" of …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker and FE tackle the psychology of deconstruction, the fear of questioning, and the pitfalls of defining God into existence! From the "Jesus juice" of religious shortcuts to the biological reality of our brains, the hosts challenge listeners to bring verifiable receipts for their holy claims.
Poz on TikTok claims a universal mind grounds conscious experience. Hosts critique the lack of evidence and use of jargon. They challenge him to find scholarly support for this theory. Does consciousness need a metaphysical supervisor or is it an emergent property of the brain?
GodProvidesBest on TikTok argues for telepathic oneness with a gender-neutral God. Hosts expose the toxicity of Ezekiel 16 metaphors. They highlight how unconditional forgiveness destroys accountability. Why does God find figs but ignore suffering?
Jimmy on TikTok discusses neurotheology and spiritual labels for brain states like ego death. Hosts argue that labeling neurology as spiritual muddies the waters with religious baggage. Can we explore the mind's wonders without mystical terms?
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Special Episode: We Are Here 24 hour fundraiser! https://aca.show/wearehere This episode was extracted from our 24hour fundraiser live stream on May 16-17. We apologize for the delayed posting!In today’s …
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Special Episode: We Are Here 24 hour fundraiser! https://aca.show/wearehere
This episode was extracted from our 24hour fundraiser live stream on May 16-17. We apologize for the delayed posting!
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Justin and Godless Engineer celebrate the "We are here" fundraiser by exposing forged scriptures and dismantling the toxic "true vine" metaphor! From styleometric algorithms to the brutal reality of biblical editing, the hosts challenge believers to bring receipts for their holy claims.
Aaron in TX critiques John 15, noting Jesus’ vine metaphor sounds like a threat. Hosts explain how the Bible uses guilt to manufacture a need for a savior, similar to a drug dealer. Can a toxic relationship ever be considered divine love?
Keith in TX asks about Bible editing, leading to a dive into the Documentary Hypothesis and interpolations. Hosts highlight how forgeries were added to push specific agendas. If God is guiding the text, why are there so many human errors?
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Justin and Scott Dickie celebrate Mother’s Day by examining the "bad design" of childbirth and the failed promises of the Bible! They dismantle the myth of …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Justin and Scott Dickie celebrate Mother’s Day by examining the "bad design" of childbirth and the failed promises of the Bible! They dismantle the myth of messianic prophecies, the forgery of the Shroud of Turin, and the logical gymnastics required to ground reality in a transcendental deity.
Isaac in AL argues eyewitnesses and the Shroud of Turin prove Jesus. Justin notes the "500 witnesses" are unnamed, and the shroud is a confessed forgery. They analyze Hebrew text to see if Jesus failed the messianic job description. Will he find a counter?
Joel in AZ asks if a perfect God could create imperfection. Scott challenges the vague term "perfection," while Justin notes that if God is good, unnecessary suffering is a contradiction. Does this resolution simply delete the Christian message?
Toby in Italy asks how God grounds logic. Scott explains logic is a descriptive tool for reality, not a transcendental entity needing an anchor. They critique Platonism. If logic is just a language, what happens to the transcendental argument?
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.18 with Godless Engineer, Genetically Modified Skeptic, and Fish Stark
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Fish Stark from the American Humanist Association tackle the encroaching tide of Christian nationalism and the hollow promises of deity-focused …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Fish Stark from the American Humanist Association tackle the encroaching tide of Christian nationalism and the hollow promises of deity-focused morality! They dismantle the "axis of nonsense" between billionaires and bishops, exposing how forced Ten Commandment displays in schools are more about power grabs than historical accuracy. Can a secular focus on human dignity provide the community we crave without the authoritarian baggage of ancient myths? From military secularism to the "American Empathy Project," the hosts explore how humanists are building real-world power to protect civil liberties for all.
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker and Trust But Verify dive into the dark side of biblical "morality" and the fear of the Holy Spirit! The hosts explore the psychological grip of …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Thinker and Trust But Verify dive into the dark side of biblical "morality" and the fear of the Holy Spirit! The hosts explore the psychological grip of deconstruction and challenge callers to provide verifiable receipts for their supernatural claims. Can personal anecdotes survive the scrutiny of probability and logic? Join us as we put divine interventions and spiritual "knowledge" to the ultimate test!
Adrian in CA asks why the hosts are no longer believers. He shares that nine years of prayer led to finding his wife. Hosts challenge the post-hoc fallacy and note that humans, not gods, did the work. Can he prioritize evidence over fear?
Amasa in MD claims he "knows" God because his prayers heal people. Hosts note that 98% success rates for surgery make prayer redundant. Why avoid demonstrating this at St. Jude's? Can an unfalsifiable claim be considered knowledge?
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.The Atheist Experience 30.16 with Godless Engineer and Scott Dickie
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Scott Dickie put the "omni-benevolent" creator on trial and examine the silence of the divine! They tackle word salads about information, the …
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In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Godless Engineer and Scott Dickie put the "omni-benevolent" creator on trial and examine the silence of the divine! They tackle word salads about information, the emergent properties of consciousness, and the hilarious consequences of childhood church avoidance. Can logic bridge the gap between ancient myths and modern biological reality?
Steph from Canada defines God as truth and information. Hosts challenge this word salad and the claim that rockets explode due to a lack of God. If truth is just correspondence with reality, why is a deity necessary?
AJ from Canada asks how unconscious starts lead to consciousness. The hosts explain consciousness as an emergent property of complex nervous systems rather than a supernatural gift. Does a soul explain consciousness better than biological interaction?
Ben from CT shares a deconstruction story where lying about having no clothes led to an accidental church fundraiser. The hosts explore how deconversion often leads to dismantling other social biases. Can we separate heritage from convictions?
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