AOF Online - Freethought News

100 Years Since The Scopes Trial: Evolution, Religion and America’s Classroom Conflicts

(ANALYSIS) One hundred years ago this month, Americans were transfixed as a Tennessee courtroom hosted challenge to the state’s new law barring “the teaching of the Evolution Theory” in public schools, including colleges. The prohibition covered “any theory that denies[…]

And God said, there shall be…discounts??

My wife just texted me that a client at her place of work today noticed one of her coworkers wearing a cross necklace. They asked for a discount “because we’re both Christians.” Thankfully, the coworker refused, but there is absolutely[…]

Atheist here… Sometimes I really wish hell was real.

I don’t believe in heaven or hell. I believe when we die, that's it. No afterlife, no cosmic justice. And honestly? That hurts. Because some truly horrible people walk free, sleep peacefully, and die without ever facing consequences. No karma.[…]

As a Muslim, I have a question against Islam of which I haven’t received a satisfactory answer yet. Can you guys share your thoughts on it?

Assalam u Alaikum ورحمة الله وبركاته, First of all, I wanna say I'm not an atheist atleast until now. Idk about the future. I have a lot of knowledge about Islam. More than any average muslim I think. But still[…]

Should we kindly admit there is no "good religion":

I've seen many atheists who are like "I don't believe in religion but Buddhism is so peaceful" or "I don't believe in religion but Hinduism seems peaceful and amazing" The truth is, lying is lying whether that lies lead to[…]

Indian police busts a forced conversion racket by an Islamic godman

Full source here During interrogation he confessed that he targeted people who were emotionally vulnerable and thus prime targets for conversion. His victims included childless couples, people praying for financial or professional wellbeing. Hindu women in particular were a prized[…]

Oklahomans challenging nation’s first religious public school declare victory, end lawsuit

Declaring victory in the legal effort to block what would have been the nation’s first religious public school, a group of Oklahoma faith leaders, public school parents and public education advocates today filed a notice dismissing their lawsuit to stop[…]

Guys I didn't know we're not real?!

Why didn't you guys tell me all of you are bots?! No wonder you don't want to listen to the kind and thoughtful and super duper totally not in your face folks on the religious subs🤭 Jokes aside I've been[…]

I am in a nadir of complete despair about death

I can barely even function. How do you all get up every day and live? There is no future or afterlife.. this has never bothered me before now but I have OCD and maybe this is just my next intrusive[…]

What is the dumbest part of the Bible? Or what is the dumbest part of Christianity in general?

I think the dumbest part of the Bible is the Adam and Eve story that goes against everything that science tells about the history of DNA and genetics of human beings which suggests it's basically impossible that there could have[…]

Islam is not a religion of peace ,and never really was.

It's a little longer, but I think it will open your eyes about Islam as violent theology. People keep saying Islam is “the religion of peace,” but honestly, I don’t see it. I’m not saying this out of hate, I’m[…]

IRS Allows Churches to Endorse Candidates: Will Much Actually Change?

(ANALYSIS) A 1954 law barring churches and pastors from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office will no longer be enforced, the Internal Revenue Service said.

Gateway Megachurch Reduces Number of Services, Hires Executive Pastor

The Dallas-area Gateway megachurch is reducing the number of services at its campuses each weekend. According to a Gateway spokesperson, it will be cutting Saturday services at all of its campuses, except its flagship Southlake campus.

‘Mother Teresa of Nairobi’: How A Nun Transformed The City Into A Sanctuary Of Hope

In the heart of Nairobi’s Mukuru slum, where corrugated iron shacks gleam under the equatorial sun, Sister Mary Killeen has woven a legacy of hope. Known as the “Mother Teresa of Nairobi,” this Dublin-born Sister of Mercy has spent nearly[…]

Religious Catholic Women Are Being Silenced By Power And Policy

(OPINION) As someone who works with Catholic religious communities, I hear things. Up until recently, what I’ve heard has been a hopeful message that includes how much God loves each and every one of us. In recent months, though, even[…]

From Underdog To Icon: The Enduring Legacy Of Jewish Soccer Star Rinus Israel

(ANALYSIS) Although he remains little known beyond the country of his birth, Rinus Israël, who died July 1 in the Netherlands at age 83, was one of history’s great Jewish soccer players. In 1970, as captain of Feyenoord, Israël was[…]

How Distinctive Are Evangelicals, Really?

(ANALYSIS) Evangelicals struck a middle path. They did not make the mistake of turning inward completely, nor did they capitulate to the larger culture either. Instead, they still managed to interact with the world just enough while maintaining their cultural[…]

The Best Cure for Christianity Is Reading the Bible, Essay No. 1

Are the devout in love with Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians? When enthusiastic Christians decide they’d better read the Bible cover-to-cover—although it seems not to be a popular hobby—they must surely find themselves stumped: “Why am I doing this?” Maybe this[…]

⛈️ Grief And Guilt: Parents Who’ve Lost Children Reflect On Texas Flooding Deaths

The grief. The guilt. The giant fog. Matt Collins can’t help but experience the catastrophic Texas flooding — especially the deaths of children in a sudden natural disaster — through a deeply personal lens.

Following Pressure, Baylor Returns Grant To Study LGBTQ ‘Inclusion’

Baylor University’s president announced in a letter Wednesday (July 9) that the school has rescinded a grant toward the study of “disenfranchisement and exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and women” in churches. The move came after Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School[…]

Crossroads Podcast: Tragedy, Faith And The Texas Floods

What do Texans want to find if they have the financial ability and the time to get away from that searing reality? To be blunt, they are looking for water, breezes, dry air and, yes, altitude. This brings us to[…]

VICTORY: Court rules grant to out-of-state Catholic Institution violates West Virginia Constitution

“Public dollars should always serve the public good." The post VICTORY: Court rules grant to out-of-state Catholic Institution violates West Virginia Constitution appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Heretic on the Hill: Religion Almost Stays Out of the Big Beautiful Bill, Until the Comments Section

It’s said that Republicans run for office for two reasons: to cut taxes and to increase military spending. The One Big (add your own adjective) Bill signed into law last week certainly does both of those, and a lot more.[…]

The Secular Coalition for America Denounces the IRS Demolishing the Johnson Amendment

The Secular Coalition for America Denounces the IRS Demolishing the Johnson Amendment Washington, D.C. – It’s now official: the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) has declared that political endorsements from the pulpit are permissible. Religious leaders may now use their[…]

American Humanists Decry the Death of the Johnson Amendment

"All bets are off" The post American Humanists Decry the Death of the Johnson Amendment appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Why Do Christians Keep on Being Christian?

There is so much wrong with their version of reality Of course, there’s something seductive, irresistible, about believing you’re on splendid terms with the creator of the Cosmos. How great it is to be able to communicate—through meditation and prayer—with the[…]

Is Identifying Oneself as an Atheist a Claim About Reality?

Suppose someone proclaimed that there were no gods or insisted that gods don't exist. They would have made a claim about the world, right? Well, maybe not our world since gods aren't supposed to inhabit our world but to transcend[…]

AI Review of "Is Atheism a Religious Faith? A Definitive Answer"

Out of the blue AI reviewed this paper of mine at The Secular Web. Here is the review: Overview John W. Loftus's work, "Is Atheism a Religious Faith? A Definitive Answer," seeks to delineate the distinction between atheism and religious[…]

Wall Street Journal on AI

There is hope!?

American Humanist Association Admonishes School Privatization Program, Other Heartless Provisions in Senate Reconciliation Package

"This bill is as un-American as it is un-humanist." The post American Humanist Association Admonishes School Privatization Program, Other Heartless Provisions in Senate Reconciliation Package appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Me? A Religious Nutjob?

When I first saw this it seemed to be embarrassing. Me? A religious nutjob? Then I looked again. It's nice to hear.

Volume 2 of Chris Rodda's "Liars for Jesus" Is Now Available

[First published in August 2016. It's needed now more than ever!] I regard Chris Rodda's work in exposing the lies of David Barton and other Christians of his ilk as indispensable in our over-all fight for a sane America. There[…]

Humanists Incensed By Supreme Court Ruling on Curriculum Opt-Outs

"A betrayal of public school students across the country." The post Humanists Incensed By Supreme Court Ruling on Curriculum Opt-Outs appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Honest Sermons on the Gospel of Mark: Chapter 7

The devout must hope Mark was wrong about Jesus here If the Judeo-Christian god truly had the welfare of humanity at the center of attention, it’s hard to understand why he/she/it didn’t include a major book in the Bible about health[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Religious Liberty, Thomas Jefferson, and Dr. Phil

The Religious Liberty Commission met for the first time last week. Established by the President with an executive order, the Commission is technically an arm of the Department of Justice but the hearing was held at the Museum of the Bible here[…]

American Humanists Say “No War With Iran”

"Choose diplomacy over destruction." The post American Humanists Say “No War With Iran” appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Is There Such a Thing as “Theological Humility”?

Theological humility would be admitting profound ignorance about god(s) When I was in seminary, Boston University School of Theology, during the 1960s, the Swiss theologian Karl Barth had gained world recognition—he was even featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1962. Over[…]

The Wheres and Whens of Growing Up Atheist

What's it like to grow up in the United States and realize at some point along the way that one is an atheist? It depends a great deal on where one lives, doesn't it? The influence of religion varies a[…]

Humanists Outraged at SCOTUS Decision on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

"Gender-affirming care saves lives, period." The post Humanists Outraged at SCOTUS Decision on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors appeared first on American Humanist Association.

SCA Has Questions for the Religious Liberty Commission

The Secular Coalition for America reached out to the Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) ahead of their first official meeting. As an organization, we're concerned about the establishment of the commission. The RLC says its mission is to “safeguard and promote[…]

New Chapter: The Emotional Problem of Evil

Inside the 2nd edition of "God and Horrendous Suffering" will be the first ever full chapter on "The Emotional Problem of Evil."

Setting the Bible Straight on Its Flawed Condemnations of Same-Sex Love

Gay pride in defiance of Bible nonsense It baffles me that devout Christians consider the apostle Paul a source of wisdom and moral guidance. A careful reading of his authentic letters in the New Testament (that is, deemed authentic by scholars)[…]

When Uncomplicated Grief is a Luxury

"Everybody grieves in different ways." This sentence has been replaying in my head since my mom died a week ago. It reminds me that it is okay to grieve and that I will do it sooner or later. I'll do[…]

Implications of Supreme Court Ruling Could Be Broad and Dangerous, Warn Humanists

"Today’s decision is yet another wake-up call for secular Americans." The post Implications of Supreme Court Ruling Could Be Broad and Dangerous, Warn Humanists appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Talking Points Opposing The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) in the Senate Reconciliation Bill

View Fullscreen Download PDF The post Talking Points Opposing The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) in the Senate Reconciliation Bill appeared first on Secular Coalition for America.

ICYMI: Center for Freethought Equality Testifies in Support of Legislation to Protect Oregon Consumers

Read Fish Stark's testimony warning against health care sharing ministries. The post ICYMI: Center for Freethought Equality Testifies in Support of Legislation to Protect Oregon Consumers appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists Respond to St. Isidore Supreme Court Ruling

"Christian Nationalists failed, and the Supreme Court held the line." The post American Humanists Respond to St. Isidore Supreme Court Ruling appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanist Association Wins First Amendment Case Against City of Ocala

It is never appropriate to use taxpayer dollars to promote religious beliefs. The post American Humanist Association Wins First Amendment Case Against City of Ocala appeared first on American Humanist Association.

SCA and it’s Coalition Members Write Letter Urging Ways and Means Members to Oppose Inclusion of Two Bills

The inclusion of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and the Healthcare Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act would do irrevocable harm to the separation of church and should not be included in the Ways and Means reconciliation package. ECCA[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Two Things the President Doesn’t Know

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” President Trump has sworn that[…]

Buying Less of What I Don’t Need: A Progress Report

It has been about a month since I wrote a post called "We Are People and We Reject Being Labeled as Consumers." At the end of that post, I said I planned to buy less of what I don't need.[…]

Finding the Balance Between Staying Informed and Sinking Into Despair

If you ask most people why they interact with news sources, you'll hear some version of the same answer. We do it to stay informed. We want to know what's happening, and that's why we interact with the news. This[…]

May 4 Is the National Day of Reason

Today, May 4, is the National Day of Reason. Secular organizations like the American Humanist Association have been promoting it for years. Have these efforts made a difference? Should they? Would you like to see more reason? Does it make[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Religion and Public Schools Go Back to Court

Unfortunately it’s time to talk about the Supreme Court again. Two decisions are coming soon that could have huge implications for religion in schools. This week the Court heard arguments on a case about whether parents should be allowed to[…]

Why Isn’t the Resurrection a Bigger Deal?

"He died for your sins, bro!" It doesn't matter how many times I hear this. It still doesn't make any sense to me. I didn't know him, and I didn't ask him to die. Everybody dies, so that part seems[…]

Making Sure Our Memories Are Accurate

How much of what we remember from our childhood is accurate? How many of those memories reflect what happened? We know that some of our memories are not accurate. What we remember may be closer to what we wished would[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Bill Would Formalize Politics in Churches

At the Secular Coalition we try to stay in our lane, and our lane is not trade and tariffs. However, when someone with a high school understanding of trade deficits blows up $8 trillion in market value, changes his mind[…]

From the Intern’s Desk: Book Banning

One of the spaces with the most debate surrounding the First Amendment is schools. From Engle v. Vitale, who found that a mandatory nondenominational school prayer was unconstitutional, to recent debates surrounding education vouchers, this has always been a highly[…]

We Are People and We Reject Being Labeled As Consumers

I found myself watching some TV news the other day, which is something I've been avoiding lately. The story that stood out started as a broad examination of the state of the U.S. economy. The commentators highlighted some of the[…]

When Does the Irrational Belief Become Harmful?

Suppose we have two worlds. World A and B are identical in every way but one. In World B, there is evidence that haunted houses are real. What kind of evidence, you ask? That's a good question! The evidence of[…]

France Declares Scientology a Fraud, Not Religion

Isn't this a bit link saying the Strawberry ice cream isn't really ice cream? Link: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/france/120202/france-labels-scientology-business-not-church

In Honor of Black History Month: Ex-Slave Tells Ex-Master to "Shove it"

This is brilliant and really needs minimal comment Dayton, Ohio, August 7, 1865 To My Old Master, Colonel P.H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee Sir: I got your letter, and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon, and[…]

Indiana Slouches Toward Idiocy

As was mentioned in an earlier post, the Indiana state senate was scheduled to vote on allowing school districts to require "creationism", aka religious drivel, to be taught in public schools. They did, and it pasted with 28 out of[…]

Keep your Temples; We Have Greater Things

Alain de Botton, wants to build an Atheist Temple in London. Alain de Botton has announced plans to construct a 150 foot high temple to atheism in the heart to London. He claims that it is a terrible thing that[…]

A Review of "A Universe From Nothing"

From the AVClub: "With an afterward by Richard Dawkins, A Universe From Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing is solidly in the New Atheism camp, a cosmologist’s version of Dawkins’ The Blind Watchmaker. Krauss takes several jabs at[…]

The Myth of Jesus

UCF Professor Tells Ignorant Students What Higher Education is Really About

Charles Negy Charles Negy directly address the impact of students' religious bigotry, small mindedness and irrationality in the college classroom. Anyone who has ever taught a college class, especially in the humanities, knows that every word he wrote is accurate. Negy[…]