AOF Online - Freethought News

Why do christians believe jesus would be racist and homophobic ? Dude would be in the frontlines in a gay parade

I see so many christians say that being gay is bad and sinnful and what not. Do they seriously think Jesus wouldnt be fighting for gay rights ? That he wouldnt be loving everyone, no matter their race and color[…]

‘A Tremendous Moment For All Chicagoans’: White Smoke Sparks Pride Following Pope Leo XIV’s Election

It was the white plume of smoke that ushered in a new pope — and the reaction that the head of the Catholic Church is an American sparked reaction across the world. Everyone had something to say about Cardinal Robert[…]

Why do people care so much about the pope?

Like...I don't get it? Who fucking cares who the pope is? Fuck the pope. It's about as exciting as a royal wedding. Even if I were Catholic, why would the pope matter to me? Would I change all my crazy[…]

Catholic Church To Excommunicate Priests for Following New US State Law

submitted by /u/wearewhatwethink [link] [comments]

2nd Edition of God and Horrendous Suffering Is Coming!

I'll tell you more as we work on it. For now here's the scoop.

Vote Of Faith: Politics And The Rise of Priest-Politicians In Brazil

(REVIEW) “Vote of Faith” combines ethnographic storytelling with academic analysis. Readers might find the engaging stories and conversations captivating, like a great novel. However, some sections filled with jargon and less common vocabulary may slow down the reading pace. Overall,[…]

I deleted a post here that got over 18,000 upvotes yesterday

I just want you all to know that I appreciate the people in this sub. I received death threats. I was getting inundated with messages from RedditCareReaources from people reporting me as suicidal. I deleted the post to stop the[…]

AMA Dr Darrel Ray, founder of Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, is here to answer your questions! TONIGHT, starts in 15 minutes!

https://imgur.com/a/KWSrd2v Recovering from Religion provides hope, healing, and support for clients suffering from religious trauma all over the world. Dr Ray, the founder of RFR, is here to answer your questions in preparation for RFR's Mega-Fundraiser on The Line Youtube[…]

The Hidden Meaning And Tradition Behind Papal Names

What’s in a name? That’s a question Catholics often ask after a new pope is elected. One of his first official acts of a new pope is to choose a name. Deeply symbolic, the name often reflects the pope's values[…]

León XIV El Primer Papa ‘Peruano’

El nuevo papa León XIV saludó en su primer discurso como jefe de la Iglesia Católica Romana a la diócesis de Chiclayo, donde ejerció como misionero y arzobispo emérito en el norte del Perú, país donde ha realizado gran parte[…]

Pope Leo XIV Makes History As First Pontiff With Peruvian Citizenship

In his first address as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV offered a special greeting to the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru, where he once served as a missionary and Archbishop Emeritus. Peru is celebrating his election[…]

New Pope Brings Joy And Perspective On Faith Over Politics

(ANALYSIS) We have a new pope! May the Holy Spirit guide you, Papa! These are my thoughts, on the fly, as a relatively new Catholic, having entered the church two years ago.

Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected First US-Born Pope, Takes Name Leo XIV

With clouds of white smoke emanating from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel and to the loud cheers of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the 133-member conclave elected a new pope on Thursday — choosing Cardinal Robert Prevost. Following[…]

Pope Leo Robert Prevost's attacks on 'homosexual lifestyle' come back to haunt him

submitted by /u/IrishStarUS [link] [comments]

New Pope Robert Prevost expressed “disappointment” in the West’s “sympathy for beliefs and practices of [the homosexual lifestyle]”

submitted by /u/OhFinIo [link] [comments]

New pope is Robert Prevost, know for cover up sexual abuse

That's it. New pope is the first north american pope. Choose lots of bishops in all the world. "However, analysts point out that Prevost represents a more progressive strand of the American Church, more aligned with charismatic movements and sensitive[…]

Amid India-Pakistan Tensions, What International Law Says About War

(EXPLAINER) As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, questions about what constitutes a lawful war are once again in focus. International law makes a clear distinction between jus ad bellum (the right to go to war) and jus in bello (the rules governing conduct[…]

NJ Church Brings Joy And Dignity To Kids With Disabilities Through Baseball

The smell of popcorn wafts through the air, ball players are raring to go, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” plays through the sound system, and parents are ready to cheer their kids on. It sounds like an everyday American[…]

Woman accused of using a racial slur against a 5 year old at park in Rochester MN raises over $750,000 at christian fundraising site.

submitted by /u/tazebot [link] [comments]

On Religion: Pollsters Need To Ask New Questions About Catholic Life And Faith

(ANALYSIS) As Catholics prepare for a new pope, Pew has released new insights into lines of tension and division among American Catholics. Five years after the "transubstantiation" study, a new survey includes more evidence that "U.S. Catholics" disagree with many[…]

"If There Is No God, Then We Don’t Know Anything." Arguing the Negative: John Loftus. From Loftus vs Randal Rauser, in their co-written book, "God or Godless?"

There are precursors of our own reasoning abilities found in animals. There is morality, consciousness, tool-making, learning, problem-solving, community, and communication. 1 At some point human beings could comprehend that an A(pple) is an A(pple) and not an O(range), so A=A and[…]

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[…]

American Humanist Association, Center for Freethought Equality Praise Introduction of National Day of Reason Resolution in Congress

“America needs reason more than ever in an age of rampant nonsense.” The post American Humanist Association, Center for Freethought Equality Praise Introduction of National Day of Reason Resolution in Congress appeared first on American Humanist Association.

It’s Hard for a Pope to Have a Great Legacy

When he’s the leader of a dangerous cultI have often wondered why membership in the Catholic church isn’t down to zero by now—and I’ve voiced this curiosity quite a few times in my articles here. The Catholic church to date[…]

Center for Freethought Equality Applauds Introduction of Health Share Transparency Bill in Congress

Bring much-needed clarity to consumers about HCSMs operating in the US. The post Center for Freethought Equality Applauds Introduction of Health Share Transparency Bill in Congress appeared first on American Humanist Association.

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[…]

Who Created God? Where Did the Universe Come From?

I was asked by a Christian theologian to comment on "Who Created God?" OR "Where Did the Universe Come From?"See what you think:1. God exists in our thought world because he (and others) were created by prescientific superstitious peoples who[…]

An Honest Sermon on the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 4

The author of Mark wrote to coach the Jesus cult For any faithful Christian today, this chapter must represent a profound stumbling block—at one point it blatantly defies common sense. Indeed, devout scholars have agonized over it for a long time.[…]

Temporary moderation changes during the Papal transition

Temporary Papal Policy We anticipate that the number of posts about the election of a new Pope and his inauguration. Increased filtering of posts Posts from new posters The filters used by this sub will be increased. Posts will be[…]

Apologist Daniel Ray One More Time, Part 2

Part 1 was previously published here. For Part 2 I'm linking to the comment section of a recent post. LINK. What Ray wrote provoked the following comments. [See how patient I am, yeah, right!!]

Discussing Reason & Evidence With An Apologist

Here's a good discussion I had with a Christian Apologist:APOLOGIST:Consider. If an atheist like yourself claims to be using "reason" why do you trust it? For no doubt you thought you were using "reason" when you believed Christianity was true.[…]

Evangelical Apologist Daniel Ray Objects To Atheism, Part 1

It's not unusual for apologists to argue with me. But I have met and talked with Daniel Ray and his objections are real. I'll let him introduce his 3-Part blog post series (so far) that objects to several of my[…]

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[…]

The New Testament Itself Sabotages Belief in the Jesus Resurrection

We don’t have to ask science to explain why it didn’t happenIt is so hard for Christians to grasp that—a very long time ago—their religion fell down a deep rabbit hole of superstition and magical thinking. It doesn’t require very[…]

Luke's Gospel Rejects Matthew's Previous Gospel!!

Luke's Gospel begins with this preface:1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed[…]

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[…]

Heretic on the Hill: It’s Not in the Constitution, But…

Arizona is one of several states considering legislation that would allow chaplains to join or replace licensed school counselors in public schools. Texas, Louisiana, and Florida have already passed this travesty of an effort to bring religion into schools through[…]

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[…]

American Humanists Denounce Trump’s Executive Order Attempting to Close the Department of Education

Not sit idly by while public education is torn away from children. The post American Humanists Denounce Trump’s Executive Order Attempting to Close the Department of Education appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Center for Freethought Equality Proudly Supports Bill to Empower New York Consumers and Bring Greater Transparency to Health Care Sharing Ministries

HCSMs often deny or reject coverage based on religious or moral grounds. The post Center for Freethought Equality Proudly Supports Bill to Empower New York Consumers and Bring Greater Transparency to Health Care Sharing Ministries appeared first on American Humanist[…]

Heretics on the Hill: Last Tuesday

Last year I called it our Superbowl so this time I’m saying that last weekend was the Secular Coalition’s March Madness. On Sunday and Monday the 20 executive directors of the member organizations, plus the SCA board of directors, met to hear from speakers, talk government affairs, plan, collaborate,[…]

Arguments for the Existence of Gods Aren’t Needed in a Post-Truth Era

I used to enjoy learning about the arguments Christians had put forward in support of their god. The philosophy of religion was a favorite topic while studying philosophy in college. We'd learn each argument and examine the various rebuttals against[…]

Humanists Team with Legislators in Vermont to Introduce Bill Protecting Health Care Consumers

Ensure Vermonters have the information to make decisions about their families’ health. The post Humanists Team with Legislators in Vermont to Introduce Bill Protecting Health Care Consumers appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Secularism Keeps Us Free From Imposed Religion

There's a person out there somewhere who has religious beliefs. His religious beliefs are different from yours. You do not share his faith. Whatever he believes is different from what you believe. So why should his religious beliefs affect you[…]

Craving Social Media Without the Doomscrolling

It hit me the other day out of the blue. I've almost stopped doomscrolling on social media, and I don't miss it at all. But why only "almost", and what's holding me back from getting all the way there? To[…]

Heretic on the Hill: The Events of February 6th, and Yesterday

If you have been following current events, and there have been a ton of them in the last three weeks, you start getting overwhelmed. It’s important to take the time to decide which events are unlikely, which are insignificant, and which[…]

Association of Secular Elected Officials Incorporated into the Center for Freethought Equality

Joining forces to support to humanist, atheist, agnostic, and nonreligious elected officials. The post Association of Secular Elected Officials Incorporated into the Center for Freethought Equality appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Are We Entering an Era of Meanness?

Consider everything you dislike about organized religion. For some of you, the list will be a long one. Is possible that organized religion could morph into something even worse? I'm imagining something that took most of what we dislike about[…]

SCA Urges Senators to to Oppose the Nomination of Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education.

The Secular Coalition for America, on behalf of its twenty member organizations dedicated to the separation of church and state, freedom of religion or belief, and the rights of the nonreligious, is writing to urge Senators Bill Cassidy and Bernie[…]

Center for Freethought Equality Proudly Supports Bill to Bring Greater Transparency to Health Care Sharing Arrangements and Empower Oregon Consumers

HCSAs often deny or reject coverage based on religious or moral grounds. The post Center for Freethought Equality Proudly Supports Bill to Bring Greater Transparency to Health Care Sharing Arrangements and Empower Oregon Consumers appeared first on American Humanist Association.

I'm Considering Ending Atheist Revolution

While considering my waning interest in atheism, I've asked myself several questions. Some have been easier to answer than others. Is it possible that I've addressed every facet of the subject? No, not even close. Atheism may be narrower than[…]

SCA Lobby Day 2025: Together we can protect public education

The Secular Coalition for America needs your help on Lobby Day to oppose a bill that would lower tax revenue by up to $10 billion and send that same amount in school vouchers to private and religious schools. This program[…]

We Oppose the Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA), alongside its coalition partners, has submitted a letter to Senators John Thune and Charles Schumer to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). As organizations,[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Flooding the Zone in Washington

I could pick one or two things that happened since Inauguration Day and discuss, but there are so many that this is just going to be a list. A very troubling list. On Inauguration Day President Trump repealed numerous[…]

American Humanists Condemn Trump’s Executive Orders on School Voucher Expansion

Public students must be free from religious interference or indoctrination. The post American Humanists Condemn Trump’s Executive Orders on School Voucher Expansion appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists Launch Three New Ways for Humanists to Find Community, Connect Digitally

Providing ways to be inspired, motivated, and uplifted. The post American Humanists Launch Three New Ways for Humanists to Find Community, Connect Digitally appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Statement from American Atheist, Humanist, Freethought, and Secular Groups Affirming Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights

We cannot and will not ignore bigotry, no matter its source. The post Statement from American Atheist, Humanist, Freethought, and Secular Groups Affirming Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights appeared first on American Humanist Association.

ACLU-WV, American Humanists Challenge $5 Million Water Funds Grant to ‘Radically Catholic’ School

"No one should have to pay taxes to fund someone else's religion." The post ACLU-WV, American Humanists Challenge $5 Million Water Funds Grant to ‘Radically Catholic’ School appeared first on American Humanist Association.

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[…]