AOF Online - Freethought News

Does anyone else just forget about Christianity for a long stretch of time and then are reminded and it catches you off guard?

I'll be living my life normally and somehow Christianity comes up (references or imagery) and it totally surprises me that it has such a real world effect outside of fiction and media. Like the fact that people actually believe there[…]

A Wyoming ranch was accused of forced child labor. It just suddenly closed.

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God is literally just angry Santa for adults

Santa givies coal as a punishment and God gives a fiery pit. Santa gives presents as a reward and God gives a paradise of sustained pleasure. Literally the reward vs. pleasure dichotomy scaled up and made more scary. That's how[…]

a Christian gay believes in celibacy

I'm currently "attached" to a Christian gay who believes that an appropriate response to his life is to not have a gay partner and to have celibacy in the future. How do I help him? submitted by /u/eeveetale[…]

not believing in the afterlife is so freeing

No worrying about what happens after I die. I know what happens. I return to non existence. I will never have another life and this is my only life, right now. My deceased family and friends are not waiting for[…]

A federal judge has ordered the city of Parkersburg, W.Va., to pay almost $60,000 to cover attorney fees and costs related to FFRF's winning lawsuit against the city. The case stems from the City Council’s decade-plus unconstitutional practice of reciting the Lord’s Prayer at every meeting.

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“Thunder Upon the Tundra Once Again” — the latest from Free Inquiry, an AI Bill of Rights, and giving Ian Malcolm the finger

Ahoy-hoy! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. There’s a new issue of Free Inquiry out now, which includes a new piece by Victor Moberger that examines the question[…]

The pastor started my grandmother's funeral service with the words "The bible says women are the inferior gender.."

He also got her name wrong, but that line pissed me off even more. Especially given she had 3 daughters. Gross. He tried to play it like, even though the bible says we suck, she was pretty good. How tf[…]

Iran protests: Schoolgirls heckle paramilitary speaker

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What are your thoughts on circumcision?

I have been circumcised and ever since I have started to think about turning to atheism, the thought of a made up god deciding to cut up my dick, and my family agreeing, pisses me off. I'd love to hear[…]

Humanists call for urgent investigation into intimidation and reprisals against individuals speaking at UN

Humanists International called for urgent investigation into acts of reprisals against human rights defenders and individuals speaking at, or cooperating, with the UN. The post Humanists call for urgent investigation into intimidation and reprisals against individuals speaking at UN appeared[…]

From the Intern Desk: Where is the “Secular Left”?

"The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country." -- Jerry Falwell If Roe v. Wade were decided today, it's safe to assume that religious conservatives would be[…]

Minnesota lawmakers' "Secular Government Caucus" will combat Christian nationalism | Mission statement: Promote public policy based on reason, science, moral values; protect separation of church and state; oppose religiously-motivated discrimination

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“Not Everything is Illegal” — deadbeat psychic; Oz’s animals; Ukrainian flying objects

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword, bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. At Skeptical Inquirer, Susan Gerbic of Guerilla Skeptics of Wikipedia explains the shady[…]

India called out at UN for harassment of filmmaker who depicted Hindu goddess in film

Leena Manimekalai has been subjected to a campaign of judicial harassment in India in retaliation for her film, which depicted a Hindu goddess. The post India called out at UN for harassment of filmmaker who depicted Hindu goddess in film[…]

“The consequences for democracy are catastrophic” — the paper wall between church and state, the next chapter for Free Inquiry, and more

Ahoy-hoy! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. October brings a new issue of Free Inquiry to newsstands everywhere, and the first issue officially overseen by new Editor Paul[…]

India: Concern for ongoing harassment of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai

Threats against Leena Manimekalai circulate in Toronto neighborhoods The post India: Concern for ongoing harassment of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai appeared first on Humanists International.

Humanists International marks International Safe Abortion Day with statement at UN

The statement noted significant positive developments, and backward steps, in terms of abortion law reforms this past year. The post Humanists International marks International Safe Abortion Day with statement at UN appeared first on Humanists International.

The Demon, Matrix, Material World, and Dream Possibilities

Below is Appendix C from my book, Unapologetic: Why Philosophy of Religion Must End (Pitchstone Publishing, 2015), pp. 257-271. You're welcome! Given the influence of Alvin Plantinga and William Lane Craig, I doubt very much believers have heard these issues[…]

The Demon, Matrix, Material World, and Dream Possibilities

New essay of mine at Internet Infidels, "The Demon, Matrix, Material World, and Dream Possibilities". Link

“A Case of the (First) Mondays” — more response to CFI’s appellate victory, a new Supreme Court term, new Quackwatch

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword, bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. People are taking note of the CFI’s appeals court victory against homeopathy! Reuters,[…]

Robert Conner Interviewed On His Book, "The Jesus Cult: 2000 Years of the Last Days", by Derek Lambert of MythVision

Click here for that program. In other exciting news, check out Derek Lambert's upcoming live program 3 Christian Debunkers Expose The Christian Cult!

A Thriving Secular Humanism Would Be More Valuable Than Atheism

In my youth, atheism felt rebellious. I didn't choose it because it was rebellious. I didn't choose it at all. I sometimes compare atheism to losing one's hair. One can fight it (and many do), but it is going to[…]

“A Huge Victory for Consumers” — a legal win in the homeopathy fight, Blasphemy Rights Day, and more

Ahoy-hoy! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. CFI scored a significant legal victory yesterday, as the D.C. Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of our suits against Walmart[…]

A Pop-Quiz for Christians, Number 5

Reading the Bible to spot the incoherence of theologyMany years ago I met a young man who had been raised in an evangelical Bible-belt family. He told me that a common way to greet friends was, “How is your walk[…]

Morality is not a Good Argument for Christianity

By austinrohm ~ I wrote this article as I was deconverting in my own head: I never talked with anyone about it, but it was a letter I wrote as if I was writing to all the Christians in my[…]

From Street Preacher to Atheist

By austinrohm ~ This will be my first time posting here. As a matter of fact, this will be my first time in a long time that I will be able to be completely honest with people regarding my true[…]

Homeopathy on Trial: CFI Suits Against Walmart and CVS on Consumer Fraud Allowed to Proceed

This morning, a three judge panel for the D.C. Court of Appeals, the highest court in the District, reversed the dismissal of suits the Center for Inquiry brought against Walmart and CVS over claims that they deceived customers by marketing[…]

Drop petition to revoke Atheists in Kenya Society’s registration

Atheists In Kenya Society was served with a petition before the High Court of Kenya seeking to have the organization’s registration revoked. The post Drop petition to revoke Atheists in Kenya Society’s registration appeared first on Humanists International.

“Cannibalistic Convictions” — QMaga; a Tennessee day of prayer; learning to disprove a conspiracy theory

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword, bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. Congratulations! Acclaimed science writer, microbiologist, PhD, and CSI fellow Natalia Pasternak has a[…]

At UN, Humanists International calls for justice following murder of Mahsa Amini

At the UN, Humanists International urges Iran to uphold freedom of protest and demands accountability for the murder of Mahsa Amini. The post At UN, Humanists International calls for justice following murder of Mahsa Amini appeared first on Humanists International.

“Paying the Anti-Vaccine Piper” — religious intrusion on health care decisions, a bullseye for DART, and more

Ahoy-hoy! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. Good news from CFI’s Office of Public Policy: The Arizona referendum seeking to overturn a pro-school voucher bill got the required[…]

AHA Luxembourg donates €1,000 to help protect humanists at risk for the third year running

AHA Luxembourg showed their solidarity once again with a donation of €1,000 to help support humanists who face discrimination for their beliefs. The post AHA Luxembourg donates €1,000 to help protect humanists at risk for the third year running appeared[…]

Caste discrimination fuels modern slavery practices in India, says Indian humanist activist at UN

Humanist activist from India links caste discrimination to modern slavery practices. The post Caste discrimination fuels modern slavery practices in India, says Indian humanist activist at UN appeared first on Humanists International.

“No One Has Been Crushed to Death” — mom sees ghosts; telepathic declassification, “Nuremberg 2.0”

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword, bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. A Closer Look. In his latest article, “Is My Mother Seeing Ghosts? A[…]

Reaching Out to Those Reluctant to Adopt the Atheism Label

The United States is a large and diverse country. And yet, only 3% of the population identify as atheists. That means that most of our religious diversity still has to do with which god(s) one believes in. This strikes me[…]

Christian “truth” in Shreds: Epic Takedown, Number 9, continued

There’s no way to verify exactly which Jesus is in Christian heartsJust how many humans on Planet Earth “feel Jesus in their hearts”? Devout Jews and Muslims probably have no use at all for this common Christian claim; they feel “close” to[…]

“The Planetary Defense Effort” — new Quackwatch, human composting, throwing DARTs, and more

Ahoy-hoy! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. There’s a new edition of Consumer Health Digest over at Quackwatch. A wide range of topics, including: Homeopathy confirmed as pseudoscience[…]

“The Great MAGA King” — TikTok’s “chirobabies,” protesting Iran’s “morality police”

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword, bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. Autism Politics and the Death of Truth and Freedom: Skeptical Inquirer has a[…]

Mark Middleberg On The Evidential Path to Faith: "Truth is What Logic and Evidence Point To"

If there's one thing to be known about about Randal Rauser it's his desire to approach apologetics in new ways, which can be seen in his essay, The Top 5 Problems with Contemporary Apologetics. I think what Rauser is looking[…]

Social Media Can Ruin Lives and We Should Reject Mob Justice

Over the last several years, I've noticed a terrifying trend that seemed to be getting worse. I say "seemed" because I think it might have peaked, but I'm not sure. A growing chorus of voices has called on us to[…]

Reflections On Plantinga's "Refutation" of the Logical Problem of Evil

We did not deal with the Logical Problem of Suffering (or Evil) in my recent anthology, God and Horrendous Suffering. It's said Alvin Plantinga answered atheist philosopher J.L. Mackie's Logical Problem of Evil argument. Mackie even acknowledged that he did.[…]

Christian “truth” in Shreds: Epic Takedown 9

“…the most effective refutation of the New Testament remains the New Testament…”For centuries there have been epic takedowns of Christianity. Secular and scientifically minded thinkers have noted the inherent flaws of theism in light of biology, astronomy, cosmology, comparative religion—to[…]

2022 Religious Recovery Retreat!

From Dr. Marlene Winell ~ Announcing our 2022 Religious Recovery Retreat! Join us in-person December 8-11. Pack your bags, we're off to beautiful Nine Mountain Retreat Center in western Massachusetts for a long weekend designed to support recovery from Religious[…]

Harmful Beliefs Deserve No Respect Even When Justified By Religion

Everyone can think of at least one belief system which is detrimental to human welfare. What I mean by "detrimental" in this context is that it leads to unnecessary pain and suffering. This does not mean it could not still[…]

St. Paul and Christian Tradition

By Carl S. ~ Over the span of my 80+ years on earth, I have read many historical and spiritual accounts of the life of the Apostle, St. Paul. Only recently have I read of discovered ancient writings in regards[…]

Never To Forget 9/11 Photos

Nigeria: Bala’s lawyers meet with German Special Envoy

German Special Envoy on FoRB, Frank Schwabe, meets with Nigerians leading the fight for Mubarak Bala The post Nigeria: Bala’s lawyers meet with German Special Envoy appeared first on Humanists International.

The Right to Say Whatever One Wants on Someone Else's Platform

Suppose I decide to be outraged at something I saw on my local TV news. I hop in my car and drive down to the station, demanding to appear on camera to present my largely incoherent argument against whatever they[…]

For a Nation of Laws, We Sure Don't Like to Hold Leaders Accountable

The United States is good at many things. Holding current or former presidents accountable for crimes isn't among them. I can understand why many on the left obsess about the possibility of Donald Trump going to prison. But that doesn't[…]

Agnostic, Atheist, Deist

By Guncher ~ I have been a believer for over fifty years. During Covid I sat down and looked at what I believed. Once I questioned things, I realised that I had no evidence to stay a Christian. At the[…]

Oh the Irony: Jesus Pre-Existed, but May Not Have Actually Existed

Theology collides with the standards of historical verificationThe vast differences between the gospels of Mark and John are a tip-off that the Christian message was confused from the very beginning. How did such divergent depictions of Jesus emerge—and why were[…]

Coalition urges the EU to guarantee an enabling visa framework for human rights defenders

Human rights defenders have the right to carry out their work safely, but are increasingly at risk. An international coalition calls for change. The post Coalition urges the EU to guarantee an enabling visa framework for human rights defenders appeared[…]

The Black Phone (2021) Fails as Horror But Works Well as a Thriller

When a film studio rolls out a new flick, they'd like people to see it. I understand this. At the same time, I'm not sure what ruins a film faster than the combination of excessive hype and inaccurate marketing. We've[…]

Anti-Atheist Bigotry as One Example of Punishing Nonconformity

This will sound strange coming from someone who has been writing about atheism for the past 17 years. I realize that. I plan to say it anyway and not because I have an answer for it. What if atheism is[…]

Church-State Activism vs. Secular Activism: Is One Clearer Than the Other?

When I shared the recent post, Many Atheists Are Not Secular Activists, on Medium, I got a great comment in response. The commenter noted that he almost skipped over it because he saw "secular activist" in the title and thought,[…]

Many Atheists Are Not Secular Activists

Many atheists are not secular activists. This can sometimes be a source of frustration for those of us who want to see more effective secular activism. We'd like to persuade others to join us. We would be more successful in[…]

Victories in State Legislatures, Fighting School Vouchers, Federal Lobbying, and SCOTUS Damage Control: CFI’s Office of Public Policy

CFI’s Office of Public Policy (OPP) has been hard at work lobbying on behalf of the secular community. We have several victories to report in state legislatures, and we are leveraging our relationships on the Hill to make a difference[…]

Secular Day of the Dead Celebrations

The coming months are full of iconic celebrations of both life and death. We'll see signs of harvest, hear talk of superstitions surrounding black cats and the number 13 (even though the next Friday the 13th isn't until January 2023),[…]

Flights of Fancy | An Interview with Richard Dawkins on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, September 1

Have you ever dreamt you could fly? Or imagined what it would be like to glide and swoop through the sky like a bird? Do you let your mind soar to unknown, magical spaces? In Flights of Fancy, Richard Dawkins[…]

Steven Emmert Takes the Lead

On Tuesday, August 16, 2022 the Secular Coalition for America welcomed Steven Emmert to the organization as our new Executive Director. He brings valuable experience from the world of nonprofits and advocacy with his unique perspective to promote our mission.[…]

So, Where is Jesus Buried?

By Carl S ~ Lucky you to see what humans have never seen in the entire history of humanity! The James Webb Space Telescope is gushing out a constant stream of pictures from the farthest reaches of Space-Time. Some day,[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Where Did Everybody Go?

If it’s August in Washington two things are true: Congress is on a one month recess, and it’s hot. How hot is it? The other day it was so hot, when I went by the Lincoln Memorial the chair was[…]

Ethical Assembly Workshops Now Available

In July, our coalition member American Ethical Union held their 107th annual assembly! With the theme of “preparing for the future of ethical humanism,” they held a variety of talks and workshops that you can now stream at your leisure![…]

Cracks in the Foundation

By Brad N ~ It is rare when I find someone with a common testimonial for their de-conversion out of religion, mainly Christianity. I hope to find others who have found freedom from a similar starting point as myself. Here[…]

The Elephant In The Room: Tamar Haspel on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, August 18

You go out in the world, armed with facts, and expect to change other people’s minds. But it turns out that minds are strangely resistant to changing. Why is that? Thursday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m. ET, on the next[…]

From the Intern Desk: “God is in the Gallery”

In my Massachusetts hometown, both the city council and school board open their meetings with what could broadly be described as “invocations.” The city council, for their part, opens their meetings with a rather secular invocation, calling on the councilors[…]

Heretic on the Hill: “I Do” Support Marriage Equality

Same-sex marriage shouldn’t be a church-state issue, but the church side is definitely making it one. It should simply be an administrative process where same-sex and opposite-sex marriages are treated the same in every state and devoid of religious influence.[…]

AHA Statement on Rojas et al v. City of Ocala, Florida et al

(Washington, DC, August 5, 2022) – On July 22, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that the American Humanist Association (AHA), in its case against the City of Ocala regarding a prayer vigil led[…]

Incident With Christian Sister Still Lingers

By MTC ~ In late 2020 I started talking to my sister again after being on non-speaking terms for several months. She had struggled with alcohol and substance addiction (I was on non-speaking terms with her for other reasons though),[…]

Who’s Counting? John Allen Paulos on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, August 4

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by numbers. Data and statistics can be manipulated and manufactured to mislead, making numeracy critically important to a functioning society. Thursday, August 4, at 7:00 p.m. ET, on the next Skeptical Inquirer Presents live online[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Don’t Join any Health Insurance Club That Would Have You as a Member

The website said, “Sharity Ministries is built on the centuries-old Christian tradition of caring for one another, including health care needs. Our members hold a common set of religious beliefs, such as ‘bear one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2) and ‘share[…]

Dear Mitch McConnell, No.

This week, we wrote a letter to Senator Mitch McConnell. He had seen fit, on the Senate floor, to claim to know what nonreligious Americans feel about the current slate of Supreme Court justices and their disturbingly harmful decisions in[…]

Mass Hysteria!!! Robert Bartholomew on Mass Psychogenic Illness: Skeptical Inquirer Presents, July 21

Diplomats getting vertigo in Cuba, schoolgirls hiccuping in Massachusetts, kids getting sick from Lucky Charms, and nuns meowing (yes, meowing) in the Middle Ages. What’s behind these mysterious outbreaks that have baffled even medical experts? Thursday, July 21 at 7:00[…]

Heretic on the Hill: In the Court of Public Opinion

I won’t belabor the Supreme Court cases I’ve been highlighting recently, but I will mention them; they show a new line of thinking about individual religious freedom that will have an ongoing impact in the courts for years to come.[…]

Secular Groups to Chief Justice: Investigate Liberty Counsel’s Private Prayer Sessions with Supreme Court Justices

The Center for Inquiry, joined by the Freedom From Religion Foundation and American Atheists, are asking Chief Justice John Roberts to begin a formal investigation on a report that a religious conservative activist from an advocacy organization that brings many[…]

Christianity and Conspiracies to De-conversion and Agnosticism

By Pinkbunion ~Hello everyone, this is my first time to post on this forum, and I'm quite nervous about it. I am a former Christian, specifically, Roman Catholic, who fell in the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories artound 2010 while[…]

Fossil Men: Kermit Pattison on the Quest for the Origins of Humankind; July 7 on Skeptical Inquirer Presents

It seems like every time we feel like we know how it all started for Homo sapiens another new discovery rewrites our understanding of who we are and where we come from. Why do major paradigm shifts so regularly disrupt our understanding[…]

CFI on Kennedy Decision: Supreme Court Gives Its Blessing to Coercive Prayer at Public Schools

The Supreme Court today concluded a brutal week of assaults on the critical constitutional principle of the separation of church and state by issuing its ruling in the case of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. The conservative majority on the Court[…]

Alibi Permainan Mesin Slot Online Memiliki Khasiat Gede Untuk Penjudi

Alibi Permainan Mesin Slot Online Memiliki Khasiat Gede Untuk Penjudi – Memainkan permainan Dunia judi slot online jadi salah 1 opsi permainan Di dalam agen Dunia judi online di internet. penjudi Dunia judi dikala ini memanglah terlebih banyak memastikan untuk[…]