AOF Online - Freethought News

Lindsey Graham posted about Trump being the next pope. Couldn't be more on brand for the utter hypocrisy, complete absurdity, and no real moral values of religion

"I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open[…]

After First 100 Days, White Evangelicals Continue to Support Trump, 72% approve of his job performance.

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

If all people come from Adam and Eve, how does Christianity explain the existence of other races?

I am a christian but I find really hard to believe in Adam and Eve, I mean, if their story is true then why there are other races? Why there are people with different types of hair, different colors, different[…]

Fallen Soldier’s Heroism Echoes On Israeli Memorial Day

Why was Segev Schwartz the only casualty in his battalion of 30 Israeli soldiers when a terrorist tossed a hand grenade in a cafeteria on Oct. 7, 2023? That was his mother Sara’s question. The answer she found completed a[…]

Kim Davis, who refused to issue gay marriage licenses in KY for religious reasons, loses another appeal. Still owes the gay couple $360,000.

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

Louisiana public school puts Christian cross on official basketball warm-ups — FFRF calls them out

At a public high school in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, the boys’ basketball team warm-up shirts feature a Christian cross on the back — worn during games as official school gear. A local resident tipped off the Freedom From Religion[…]

Texas lawmakers want to declare every April for the next 10 years as “Promise Month” — celebrating God’s supposed promises through Jesus. FFRF is calling it out. This creeping theocracy needs to be stopped.

This Christian nationalist resolution (HCR 59) is packed with Bible verses, false claims about America’s founding, and completely ignores the religious diversity — and nonreligious Texans — who live in the state. They already passed “Christian Heritage Week” through 2033.[…]

NYC baby fighting for life after botched circumcision

Time to call this for what it is, religious genital mutilation masquerading as medicine, and the single greatest mass affront to our rights occurring in the US today. https://nypost.com/2025/04/28/us-news/li-infant-is-fighting-for-his-life-in-nyc-hospital-after-botched-circumcision/ submitted by /u/reddoghustle [link] [comments]

Jordan Peterson has become a Christian nationalist

All he ever talks about now is Christianity. Look at his new Instagram post with Charlie Kirk. Read the caption. Topics of “the spiritual decline of the west”. It’s like dude! you can be spiritual and be agnostic. I am[…]

‘Standing up for Christian values’: US evangelicals double down on backing Trump

submitted by /u/Big_Pumpkin9962 [link] [comments]

Christian At Center Of Supreme Court Transgender Case Has ‘This Sweet Spirit’

As Tennessee’s chief lawyer, it’s Jonathan Skrmetti’s job to defend the state against legal challenges to its statutes. And in U.S. v. Skrmetti, one of the Supreme Court’s most consequential cases this term, Skrmetti and his office are defending Tennessee[…]

‘How Much We Sin, God Still Loves Us’: USA Sled Hockey Star Keeps Focus On Bigger Goals

A natural athlete who took to the sport quickly, Kayden Beasley’s growth originally placed him in a substitute role for this season. His stature has grown to where he was recently named to the team’s roster — trimmed by one[…]

‘Death Is A Part Of Living’: Q&A With Pastor Dr. Fran Tilton Shelton

The Rev. Dr. Fran Tilton Shelton’s ministry as a Presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor has always been focused on pastoral care and grieving — so much so that her late husband Bob humorously called her “Funeral Fran.” Now a parish associate at the[…]

We Need Serious Leadership On Genocide Prevention

(ANALYSIS) In the United States, April is designated as Genocide Prevention and Awareness Month and is aimed at commemorating and raising awareness about genocides that occurred in the past, including the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide.

After First 100 Days, White Evangelicals Continue To Support Trump

One hundred days into President Donald Trump’s second term and white evangelicals continue to be among his strongest supporters, a new study reveals. The findings, put together by Pew Research Center, found that 72% of them approve of the way[…]

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[…]

Conclave To Elect Pope Francis’ Successor Starts May 7

The cardinals present in Rome have agreed to begin the conclave on May 7. They made the decision at the Fifth General Congregation, held on Monday morning in the Vatican’s Synod Hall.

Are Catholic Converts More Hardcore Than Cradle Catholics?

(ANALYSIS) Here’s a religion and politics story from the 2024 election that I hadn’t really thought about until recently: J.D. Vance, Trump’s pick for vice president, converted to Catholicism in 2019.

‘Shadow of God’ Subverts Exorcism Cliches With Tired Anti-Religious Cliches

(REVIEW) “Shadow of God” is stuck between several different possible movies and doesn’t commit to any of them effectively. It could have been an entertainingly self-aware exorcism movie, but it has too few scenes where it embraces that winking glee[…]

After Francis, What Now For The Catholic Church?

(ANALYSIS) With Pope Francis’ funeral in the rearview mirror, the focus at the Vatican shifts to the forthcoming papal conclave and the process of electing the next pontiff. The Catholic Church is bigger than one single pope, but talk of[…]

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[…]

On Quoting The Consensus In Order to Support the Consensus

David Pallmann is a young interesting evangelical Christian apologist who is willing to question beliefs based merely on the consensus of scholars. Given that on Facebook he shared a picture of the three big conservative apologists, Gary Habermas, Michael Licona,[…]

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[…]

A Christian Defends Popular Theobabble with Amateur Theobabble

Religious personal opinion doesn’t replace epistemology In my article here last week, I explained exactly why He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands—popular though it might be—is nonetheless theobabble. It makes no sense whatever when we honestly admit that there is so[…]

A Classic with a Renewed Relevance: Anti-intellectualism in American Life (1964)

A Classic with a Renewed Relevance: Anti-intellectualism in American Life (1964): Figure 1: My copy of Anti-Intellectualism in American Life (1964) by Richard Hofstadter (1916–1970). New reading material. Anti-Intellectualism in American Life (1963) by Richard Hofstadter (1916–1970). Although written more than 60 years[…]

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[…]

Have Water Bottles Become Essential Accessories?

There's one thing I can count on seeing in every meeting I attend. At least 20% of the attendees will have brought large water bottles, and the numbers are often much higher. I've been in meetings where I was the[…]

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.

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.

AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays

Gov. DeSantis' harmful policies make holiday season difficult to afford. The post AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays

Gov. DeSantis' harmful policies make holiday season difficult to afford. The post AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Stands Ready to Defend Constitution, Uphold Church-State Separation

They cannot take away our democracy unless we allow them to. The post AHA Stands Ready to Defend Constitution, Uphold Church-State Separation 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[…]

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