AOF Online - Freethought News

Tim Barton: A New Dad Just Needs a “Couple Days” Off After Mom Gives Birth

Tell me you're a negligent father without telling me you're a negligent father.

Public high school play canceled for being biblically unfit.

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

I told a co-worker that China was a secular society and didn't have an official religion. He was so shocked that I didn't have the heart to tell him about America.

We were discussing Chinese culture and I mentioned how Christians only make up a small fraction of the population. He asked what is the official religion, and I said there isn't one. China is a secular society. His jaw literally[…]

Christian Trump supporters saying the quiet part out loud

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

No, you don't have to respect someone's beliefs to respect them as a person

Please get this absolutely rubbish mindset out of your head. I don't have a single ounce of respect for any religion in this world, sure they all might have some good set of teachings, but the amount of bullshit that[…]

I always knew I was going to Hell, but recently a lady told me there’s a special place in hell for people like me. Now I’m really stoked to check it out.

A Special Place? What’s it going to be like? I couldn’t find much on the internet but I have some thoughts (wishes) on what a special place should have: Not as hot. Maybe more like Arizona desert hot. Free drinks[…]

Canada now has an Atheist majority among younger people. 54% of Canadians aged 18-34 answered they don't believe in God according to a new Léger-Le Devoir survey. Overall, 42% answered they don't believe in God. Progress.....

submitted by /u/nilsp123 [link] [comments]

Group says it will train Christians in ‘hand-to-hand combat’ at SW Missouri event | Its mission is “to halt and push back the forces of darkness.” "It’s about time that Christians start going on the offense."

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

CA Sec. of State Candidate: I Dreamed of Murder So God Killed My Witch-Neighbor

Are we supposed to congratulate Christian zealot Rachel Hamm?

Christian MAGA Cultist: COVID Vaccine Mandates Will Lead Soldiers to “Suicide”

Military members already get 17 vaccinations. Somehow, that hasn't affected them.

Women across the country desperately need your help in defending abortion rights from religious attacks. If you want to help, please read how FFRF has been fighting for these precious rights and how you can defend abortion rights in your community.

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

If you live in Texas, the current election has a religious component that needs to be stopped!

If you live in Texas the current election includes proposition 3 that reads: "Proposition 3 would amend Article 1 of the state constitution by adding a new section to the Texas Constitution to prohibit the state or any political subdivision[…]

GOP Activist Who Compared Mask Mandates to the Holocaust Says She Has COVID

There's no vaccine to cure schadenfreude.

Manitoba Judge Rules Against Churches That Said COVID Restrictions Went Too Far

The judge acknowledged that safety, not religious oppression, guided public policy.

It’s Easy to Say Something Crazy

I don’t know what it is about Fridays, but they do seem to bring the avalanche of crazy-in-a-bad-way news. Let us roll around in it, shall we? It’s time for The Morning Heresy. Anthony Fauci is all of us: It[…]

MAGA Cultist: Republicans Who Lose Close Races Are “100%” Victims of Voter Fraud

Josh Bernstein is lying, but he knows his viewers aren't interested in the truth.

Does God Care as Much About the Bible as Christians Do?

Or was it incompetent divine oversight?When did God stop caring about the Bible? No, it’s not a silly question. Many Christians are so sure that God guided the thoughts—and the pens—of the Bible authors, especially those who wrote the gospels and epistles: they[…]

Dear Netflix, I hope my message reaches you. Please make a documentary about Exmuslims. The world would finally see the negative impacts Islam has on the World. Me, along with hundreds of others would gladly volunteer our stories.

We have Islamic scholars among us who can provide evidences, using references from the Quran, Hadith, Tafseer, historical books on why Islam negatively impacts humanity. One could easily compose a documentary from reading posts on the r/exmuslim subreddit. Exmuslims are[…]

My Very Last Book is About to Drop! It's Over. It's Done. It is Finished!

Looks like it's a race to see which book of mine will be my very last one!GCRR is set to release "God and Horrendous Suffering" early in November. Hypatia Press says they're releasing "Varieties of Jesus Mythicism" early in December.[…]

Pseudo-Historian Tim Barton Falsely Claims Constitution Was Biblically Inspired

The rotten apple doesn't fall far from the rotten tree.

Christian Mommy Blogger: Godlessness and Paganism Destroyed “Intact Families”

Conservative Christian Lori Alexander thinks your family is a failure.

Texans Will Vote on Whether Churches Can Stay Open During a Future Pandemic

There's no way this will end well.

Power to Give Life to the Clones

The news NEVER SLEEPS, folks. But the guy who rounds up the news sometimes oversleeps, and thus, today’s Late-Morning-Approaching-Brunch Heresy. Skeptical Inquirer Presents is a gosh dang powerhouse of fascinating talks for the reality-based community. Example! Next week, we have[…]

Christian Group Sues Missouri Over Law Regulating Abuse-Heavy Religious Schools

A Christian group says basic oversight of their work is a violation of their religious freedom.

Can Science Be Saved? Naomi Oreskes on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Oct. 28

At a time when an alarming number of Americans are demonizing scientists, concocting conspiracy theories, and actively resisting even the most common-sense public health measures, it is easy to conclude that science is in crisis. Is it time to panic?[…]

Plures Ex Ano

The biggest news of the day, as far as I’m concerned, is the scoop that the Facebook company is about to change its name to reflect its focus on creating a “metaverse.” And I’m here to tell you what the[…]

Do We Choose to Believe in Gods Like We Choose Which Movies We Like?

A new movie is coming out, and you are excited to see it. You've been anticipating it for some time, and you are sure you are going to love it. Even if you might be a bit nervous that it[…]

Prager U Scream, Prager I Scream, We All Scream

Rise and shine, heretics, because holy moly it’s getting dark out there. This is your Morning Heresy news roundup for reason-and-science folks. Ken Ham, ya done wrong. The creationist apologist recently used the death of our colleague Tom Flynn, Editor[…]

Why Did A Good God Create Gunpowder & Allow Us to Discover It?

Justin Brierley, producer of the Unbelievable? program, just solved the problem of evil. Not really, but he tries unsuccessfully to make a point about it and free will: My comments to Justin Brierley:Justin, anyone can turn a bullet into something[…]

Humanists File Opposition Brief in High Stakes Police Prayer Appeal

For Immediate Release Contact: Kate Uesugi, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 202-238-9088 (ext. 105) (Washington, DC, October 18, 2021) – On Friday, October 15th, the American Humanist Association (AHA) filed its appellate brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit,[…]

Everything Good Suddenly Ends!

It’s time for The Morning Heresy news roundup once again, and as usual for Monday, there’s a lot to dig through. And yeah it doesn’t help that I missed Friday, but, you know, stuff happens, despite our best attempts to[…]

My New Book Cover!

Why is my anthology about horrendous suffering? Because this is the category of suffering every reasonable person agrees is needless, the kind of suffering that a perfectly good, all powerful, all knowing god worthy of worship would eliminate if s/he[…]

A Brief Review of Halloween Kills (2021)

Before watching Halloween Kills (2021), I wanted to make sure I gave it a fair chance. This led me to revisit Halloween (2018) the night before seeing the new one. I am glad I did so for two reasons. First,[…]

Why Does God Care What I Wear to Church?

I did not like being stuffed into the hot itchy sweater. "Why do I have to wear this?" The response came swiftly. "Because we're going to church, and you need to look nice for church." Why did going to church[…]

Coalition Calls on Public Officials to Break Down Abortion Stigma

Change the narrative on abortion care. The post Coalition Calls on Public Officials to Break Down Abortion Stigma appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Dark Omens and Silver Linings: Secular Humanists on an Uncertain Future in ‘Free Inquiry’

Secular humanism seeks to foster the best, most meaningful lives possible for all people, with the conviction that to achieve the goals of equality and human flourishing, one must deal with the world as it actually is, making moral and[…]

Some Found Footage Horror Movies Are Worth Seeing

One of the problems with the horror genre (and the film industry in general) is the copycat phenomenon where everybody tries to copy the few successes. Originality goes out the window as everybody scrambles to make the next [insert title[…]

Accidental Scripture, Inferior Preaching

The dubious choice of a crazy person as apostleCome on now, be honest, if your neighbor announced that he is heading off on a business trip “because I had a revelation from God that I have to go”: would you[…]

Shibboleth Scooping

Greetings, humans. Time once again for your roundup of news and links for skeptic-humanist-freethought types, The Morning Heresy. It’ll only hurt a little. I hope you have your Zoom machines all tuned up, because tonight at 7pm ET we’ve got[…]

We Must End Religious Exemptions and Ensure Equal Treatment Under the Law

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which I prefer to refer to as "the plague," has changed me in many ways. Like most other transformative experiences, the full extent of the changes probably won't be evident for some time. It may never[…]

Space Seed

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. Welcome to The Morning Heresy news roundup, which has William Shatner going into space at the end. Tomorrow night at 7pm ET, get out your Zoom[…]

Further delays in court proceedings are a blow to the quest for justice for Mubarak Bala

Further delays in court proceedings The post Further delays in court proceedings are a blow to the quest for justice for Mubarak Bala appeared first on Humanists International.

Well-Funded Trolls

Hey lookie here, it’s The Morning Heresy news roundup, a day late into the week, but honestly, who’s counting? You probably needed the break. Mondays are hard enough. Now let’s break Tuesday. But first! This Thursday, Skeptical Inquirer Presents brings[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Are Demographics Destiny?

Demography is destiny: the idea that population trends and distributions determine the future of a region, nation, or a planet. If it’s true, then it’s good news for atheists, agnostics, and those who answer “Nothing in particular'' when asked about[…]

What If An Evangelical Fundamentalist Christian Pastor Said Something Stupid?

You are not going to believe this, but an evangelical fundamentalist Christian pastor recently said something stupid. Shocked, aren't you? Who was it? I'm not sure it matters. But what did they say? Again, I'm not sure it matters. Ask[…]

A Brief Review of The Empty Man (2020)

When it comes to film trailers, I think everyone has had the experience of watching one that seemed to contain every scene in the film that was worth watching. Of course, there's no way to know that until one sees[…]

Humanists back robust UN resolution on child marriage in times of crisis

The Council adopted the resolution on “child marriage in times of crisis”, despite hostile amendments emphasizing “religious specificities”. The post Humanists back robust UN resolution on child marriage in times of crisis appeared first on Humanists International.

The Tip of the GTFOberg

I have to warn you, today’s Morning Heresy news roundup has a lot of crazy in it. I know, I know, it always does. But trust me, we have passed a new threshold of lunacy. But first! Heck yes, Kenny[…]

Christian “Truth” in Shreds: Epic Takedown 5

The weak, vulnerable Christian foundations In 1935, a professor of Christian history at the Sorbonne, Charles Guignebert, published a book titled simply, Jesus. I still have the worn copy that I read in college. In it he summed up the problem that has plagued New Testament scholarship for generations:[…]

Humanists International urges Egypt and Nigeria to uphold rights of non-religious, at UN

Humanists International has raised the case of Mubarak Bala, and reminded Egypt and Nigeria of their obligations under the Durban Declaration to end discrimination based on belief. The post Humanists International urges Egypt and Nigeria to uphold rights of non-religious,[…]

Ignoring Christian Extremism Complicates Efforts to Understand Opposition to Reproductive Rights

If x is really bad (i.e., something almost everyone detests), I suppose that trying to build an association between x and whatever else we don't like is an understandable impulse even if it isn't rational or justified in many cases.[…]

The Great Grab Bag: Religious Diversity and Its Implications

By Barrett Evans ~ There’s no subject on which there is more difference of opinion among both the learned and the ignorant. But in this medley of conflicting opinions one thing is certain. Though it is possible that all of[…]

Screaming through the Forest Like a Lonesome Bobcat

Welcome to The Morning Heresy, which as you know rounds up only very bad news all the time without excep… …hold on one moment. This just in… Holy crap, everybody. There’s a malaria vaccine. Called “Mosquirix,” because I guess all[…]

Interview with Mubarak Bala’s wife, Amina Ahmed: “Thanks for not giving up on Mubarak”

As Mubarak Bala spent more than 500 days in jail, Humanists International had the privilege to interview his wife Amina. The post Interview with Mubarak Bala’s wife, Amina Ahmed: “Thanks for not giving up on Mubarak” appeared first on Humanists[…]

Early Christianity According to Lucian

What Kind of People Were Earliest Christians?As an avid reader of ancient Mediterranean literature, I have come to regard Lucian as one of my most cherished Greek writers. A penetrating satirist and cultural critic, Lucian left behind numerous works, most[…]

How to Talk to a Science Denier: Lee McIntyre on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Oct. 14

A generation ago, the flat-earther at the end of the bar or the anti-evolutionist in front of a congregation could be ignored. But today’s science deniers—climate change skeptics and COVID-19 anti-vaxxers—threaten all of us. How do we reach those who[…]

Humanists International calls on UN states to urgently ensure access to safe abortion

To mark International Safe Abortion day, Humanists International has called on states at the UN to do more to ensure access to safe abortion for all. The post Humanists International calls on UN states to urgently ensure access to safe[…]

Let #ExposeChristianSchools Motivate Us to Take Action to End Religious Trauma

If you use Twitter or read atheist blogs, you are probably aware of at least some of the relevant hashtag campaigns that have taken place there. Examples include #WeExist, #AtheistVoter, and #AtheistsENGAGE. Most of them haven't caught on or been[…]

A Brief Review of Last Shift (2014)

It is so rare when a horror movie gets to me these days that I have to acknowledge one that does. I watched Last Shift (2014) for the first time recently, and I found it much better than I expected[…]

Heretic on the Hill: It’s Good to Know Your Legislators

By Scott MacConomy, SCA’s Director of Policy and Government Affairs. The title may be Heretic on the Hill but some of the most important advocacy work gets done off the Hill. A chance to talk with Members of Congress in[…]

Mission Impossible: Defending the Resurrection

“...Christian preaching is empty...”Careful, thorough study of Christianity’s ancient context provides an “Ah ha!” or “Uh oh” moment, depending on your perspective. For those who don’t accept Christian claims about its holy origins, it’s the former; for the devout, it’s[…]

Real Atheology Wonders if Philosophy, Not Science, Is the Very Paradigm of Rationality

First off, it seems more than a bit arrogant to claim to be the real deal in atheist philosophy (Real Atheology, RA), but then there's nothing that can be done about that adopted name now. Nonetheless, on Twitter RA Tweeted[…]

Council of Europe resolves to “strengthen the fight against ‘honour’ crimes”

Crimes of "honour" and the right to a healthy environment were on the agenda during the Autumn Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The post Council of Europe resolves to “strengthen the fight against ‘honour’ crimes”[…]

The Danger is Now: International Blasphemy Rights Day 2021

To charge someone with blasphemy is to value a person’s life less than an idea. Sometimes the punishment is imprisonment. Sometimes the punishment is death. September 30 is International Blasphemy Rights Day, established in 2009 by the Center for Inquiry[…]

This is what Humanists International achieved in 2021 so far thanks to your support

Highlights from Humanists International's 2021 Growth & Development Plan - and how you can support it The post This is what Humanists International achieved in 2021 so far thanks to your support appeared first on Humanists International.

Humanists call on the Government of Ghana to reject proposed anti-LGBTI+ law

At UN, Humanists International condemns draft law giving lengthy prison sentences for being LGBTI+ or for engaging in "LGBTI+ advocacy." The post Humanists call on the Government of Ghana to reject proposed anti-LGBTI+ law appeared first on Humanists International.

Humanists Call On Supreme Court to Uphold Constitutional Rights of Condemned TX Inmate

The AHA has signed onto an amicus brief in Ramirez v. Collier. The post Humanists Call On Supreme Court to Uphold Constitutional Rights of Condemned TX Inmate appeared first on American Humanist Association.

“Ban on gay film is uncalled for”, says the Atheists in Kenya Society

Atheists in Kenya Society deplores the ban on an LGBTI+ themed film and demands more diversity in mainstream film in the country. The post “Ban on gay film is uncalled for”, says the Atheists in Kenya Society appeared first on[…]

Coalition to Congress: Protect Safe Access to Abortions

US House must support the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021. The post Coalition to Congress: Protect Safe Access to Abortions appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Humanists International supports Greek parents’ plea on religious education exemption in schools

Humanist International supports Greek parents challenging unfair protocol for exemption from religious education in schools. The post Humanists International supports Greek parents’ plea on religious education exemption in schools appeared first on Humanists International.

Dead Giveaways that Christianity Is False

The damage is right there in the BibleChristian apologists—theologians, preachers, priests, Sunday School teachers—work so hard to explain away the big goofs in the Bible, which are not hard to spot. Why not just trim the Bible? Thomas Jefferson did[…]

Humanists Urge Supreme Court to Protect Reproductive Rights in Mississippi Abortion Case

The AHA signs onto an amicus brief filed in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The post Humanists Urge Supreme Court to Protect Reproductive Rights in Mississippi Abortion Case appeared first on American Humanist Association.

The Women Who Changed Science: Anna Reser & Leila McNeill on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Sept. 30

Forces of Nature: The Women Who Changed Science, with Anna Reser & Leila McNeill From the ancient world to the present, women have been critical to the progress of science, yet their importance has been overlooked, and their stories have[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Tell the Senate to Do No Harm

By Scott MacConomy, SCA’s Director of Policy and Government Affairs. With the Democratic majority in Congress in the middle of trying to pass annual spending bills by the September 30th deadline (they probably won’t), increasing the debt limit so we[…]

Before and After

By Carl S ~ One man made a very astute observation. He said before the ten commandments came to be, there were tribes. Mankind, therefore, already had social laws in place. People co-operated, loved, cared for, and supported one another.[…]

Harvard tiene un nuevo presidente de capellanes y es ateo

El nombramiento de Greg Epstein, autor de ‘Good Without God’, refleja una tendencia más amplia de jóvenes que se identifican cada vez más con una espiritualidad sin afiliación religiosa.

CFI Advocates for Better COVID-19 Policy from State Governments

CFI’s Office of Public Policy (OPP) has been working hard to ensure that our nation’s leaders at the state level are following public health guidance on their COVID-19 policies. We support the Biden administration’s approach to this critical matter, including[…]

Statement from the AHA on the DOJ’s Lawsuit Against Texas’ SB 8

Texas is in open defiance of the US Constitution. The post Statement from the AHA on the DOJ’s Lawsuit Against Texas’ SB 8 appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Pseudoscience in Sport and Exercise: Nick Tiller on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Sept. 16

Science and Pseudoscience in Sport and Exercise, with Nick Tiller The worldwide health and wellness industry, worth an estimated $4 trillion dollars, has become a breeding ground for pseudoscience and quackery. From k-tape to cupping, consumers seeking to become stronger[…]

The Secular Coalition for America Condemns Latest Abortion Law in Texas

For five decades it has been established law that the Constitution guarantees the right to privacy and that right, as Justice Harry Blackmun wrote, “is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.” It[…]

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