AOF Online - Freethought News

Should we fight to ban the Bible from all school libraries?

Conservatives are nuts about all books that contain sex, especially where teenagers and children are concerned. I don't know any book that contains more sexual violence than the bible, it is written by conquering tribesmen after all. Take the war[…]

Why can't these people just use their brain and realize they're being blinded by heavy indoctrination and feelings?

Muslims believe the creator of the universe is a humanoid creature named "Allah". The supposed creator of the universe has a middle eastern name, this belief is only a thing among middle eastern people, but it's definitely not something made[…]

Why is criticizing people who believe in religion wrong, but other beliefs aren’t?

Calling someone an idiot for believing in a magical sky man would be generally perceived as wrong, but it’s more generally accepted to call people idiots for believing the world is flat. Both beliefs hold the same value in science,[…]

My biggest issues with Christianity (These led me to becoming an atheist)

First I’d like to say I am very very new atheist who deconverted super recently. I preached the gospel of Jesus Christ for two years and believed it with everything I had. Truly believed it. My favorite part of my[…]

Most organized religion is anti-human, anti-intelligence.

They perpetuate ideas that describe humans as pawns of a specific set of superintelligences that don't exist. And that if we don't follow their supposed rules, that we are going to suffer for it. They severely depreciate the meaning of[…]

Psilocybin helped me let go of all the fear of god and hell that I had that was unconsciously controlling my life

The idea of god and islam were probably the things that hurt me the most in life. I left islam 3 years ago after going through an intense mental breakdown due to doing something that was prohibited in islam. I[…]

I don’t know a single Muslim who wasn’t abusive towards me for leaving Islam and becoming atheist

Every time I came out to a Muslim as ex-Muslim I was met with abuse. Actual violence (got beaten), violent death threats, and endless bullying and harassment. I know a fellow ex-Muslim woman who received rape threats from Muslims as[…]

From the Intern Desk: Let’s Future-Proof the Johnson Amendment

In July of 2017, then-President Donald Trump sat down for an interview with Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson, and bragged about one of his recent accomplishments: “I’ve gotten rid of the Johnson Amendment. […] I signed an executive order[…]

8-year-old girl dies in Toowoomba after insulin withheld by religious family who 'trusted God to heal her'

submitted by /u/Sariel007 [link] [comments]

Anti-gay Christian hate group Focus on the Family headquarters sign vandalized in wake of Club Q shooting: "Their blood is on your hands. Five lives taken."

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

Walmart gunman asked god for forgiveness. One more psychopath in heaven.

Walmart Gunman Bought Pistol Hours Before Killing and Left a ‘Death Note’ https://nyti.ms/3EYjjob submitted by /u/cranakis [link] [comments]

Here We Go Again with the Fake News Christmas Story

It’s not hard to find the goofs and gaffsChurches all over the world will once again get away with the traditional Christmas story, for one simple reason: the folks in the pews can’t be bothered to carefully read the Jesus birth stories[…]

Iran: UN votes to establish fact finding mission to document abuses related to repression of protests

In support of the resolution, Humanists International argued that "State violence in Iran is enabled by institutionalized impunity for mass human rights violations." The post Iran: UN votes to establish fact finding mission to document abuses related to repression of[…]

“Listening to Jupiter” — Remembering Ken; Anti-vax Pseudo-Docs; Ebola and Witchcraft

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword with an assist from Paul Fidalgo, bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. The Albuquerque Journal’s Ollie Reed presents the[…]

“That sounds authoritative and convincing” — the science of relaxation, the limits of AI, and Shaq-fu run amok

Greetings and salutations! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. The latest edition of the Consumer Health Digest is available over at Quackwatch. Topics covered in this edition include:[…]

Stuart Vyse Named Interim Editor of Skeptical Inquirer

Stuart Vyse has been named the interim editor of Skeptical Inquirer and will oversee publication of the long-running journal of science and skepticism while it searches for a new, permanent editor. The announcement by Barry Karr, executive director of the[…]

“When You Embrace Unreality” — Shooting in Colorado Springs; testing anxiety; shady cancer treatments

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. Legacy.com and the Albuquerque Journal posted an obituary for our late friend and[…]

Who or What Is God? You Go First

And provide the evidence for your answerCarl Sagan was in high demand as a public speaker, and during the Q&A periods, he reports that a common question was, “Do you believe in God?” His response was to ask a question: “Because[…]

On Interpreting the Bible:

My conclusion is the Bible says what it says until refuted by reason, morality, and/or science, then it says something other than what it says. No joke!

Void...

By Jason7 ~ Recovering x-Christian here. Struggling spiritually. My life used to revolve around church. All my friends were from the church. My ex-wife & 4 kids were all heavily involved with the church. We were there every Sunday. We[…]

“Defusing the population bomb” — COP27 cops out, blurring fact and fiction reporting on Iran, and Tweets. In. Spaaaaaace!

Greetings and salutations! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. In a recent CFI blog post, Vinod Bhardwaj noted that, instead of spending the money required to remove CO2[…]

Nigeria: legal team file brief in appeal of Mubarak Bala

On 15 November 2022, the legal team acting on behalf of Mubarak Bala filed a Brief of Argument with the Kano State Court of Appeal. The post Nigeria: legal team file brief in appeal of Mubarak Bala appeared first on[…]

“A Docile and Useful Monster” — Pizzagate prequel; Locke’d out; great filters

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. Yours truly has a new article out at Skeptical Inquirer, “The Devil Rides[…]

Maldives: UN experts express concern for Rusthum Russo

Four UN experts have written to express their concerns about the judicial harassment of Maldivian activist Rusthum Russo The post Maldives: UN experts express concern for Rusthum Russo appeared first on Humanists International.

“Everyone has access to time travel” — Drama at America’s Frontline Doctors; atheists in Africa; giving Oklahoma to Jesus

Greetings and salutations! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. We’ll start at Quackwatch, where you’ll find the latest Consumer Health Digest. This new edition includes: Simone Gold sued[…]

“A Strongly Worded Letter” — missing Ken; (not) living with a ghost; goat yoga

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. We here at CFI and Skeptical Inquirer continue to mourn the loss of[…]

Paul’s Christianity: Belief in Belief Itself, by John W. Loftus

I was honored to write the Foreword to Robert Conner's excellent new book The Jesus Cult: 2000 Years of the Last Days, which you can get on Amazon. It was long, so understandedly Conner had to edit it down. Here[…]

Darwin, Science, and the Origins of Life itself

Scientists like Darwin discovered evolution as an answer to why there are so many species, including human beings. It undercut the creation accounts in Genesis 1 & 2, Psalms 104, and Job 38-42, which can no longer be taken as[…]

Before You Rush Out to Find a Twitter Replacement

This is for those of you who might be trying to figure out where you'll go after the end of Twitter. Of course, most of you don't use Twitter at all. The numbers I've seen suggest that only one-fifth of[…]

Is It Possible Your Minister/Priest Doesn’t Believe in God?

What might have caused that to happen?Here’s a sensational headline that would shock the world: Pope Resigns, Issuing a Statement that He No Longer Believes in God. But we’ll never see such a headline because, even if a pope stepped down because[…]

“Somebody’s Scrap Paper” — sports and pseudoscience; Infowars v. Wizard of Oz; signs of God’s providence

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, Nick Tiller explores “Is Sport a Breeding Ground for Pseudoscience?”[…]

Is Tribel Social a Suitable Twitter Replacement for You?

Not convinced to let Twitter go without a replacement? You have many to choose from, but which one is right for you?Tribel Social was the first alternative to Twitter I decided to check out. This will not be a full[…]

“Up Close and Personal” — when not to play dead, COP27, neutrinos in deep freeze, and more

Greetings and salutations! Jeff Dellinger here with today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. At Free Inquiry, Phil Zuckerman examines why it is that atheists are stereotyped as “immoral.” It’s not that we[…]

“Oz Man Out” — Christian nationalism and pseudoscience on Election Day; imaginary mandates; “useless churches”

Greetings heretics, how the devil are you? This is JD Sword with an assist from Paul Fidalgo (hello, my skeptical ducklings!), bringing you today’s Morning Heresy, your regular roundup of news and links for the reality-based community. The latest episode[…]

Who Needs a Higher Power To Overcome Addiction?

My wife Sheila and I feed the homeless once a week. We do so in the parking lot of the rescue mission downtown out of the back of my old Jimmy. We have gotten to know some of the homeless[…]

New BBC documentary highlights Mubarak Bala and the challenges atheists face in Nigeria

Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, is currently serving a 24-year prison sentence, in connection with a series of Facebook posts that some deemed to be ‘blasphemous’ and ‘likely to cause a public disturbance’. The post New[…]

Kendrick Frazier, Longtime Editor of Skeptical Inquirer, Has Died at Age 80 (Updating)

Kendrick Frazier, the acclaimed science writer and skeptic who has been the editor of Skeptical Inquirer for nearly all of its 46-year history, has died at age 80 following a brief illness. The entire Center for Inquiry community is shocked[…]

"Democracy Is On The Ballot" - Sen. Elizabeth Warren On Why The Stakes Are High In The Midterms

Please watch! Please vote! Please share! I'll be working at a poll station on Tuesday. This should be interesting. Do YOUR part!

People Still Believe in Psychic Powers Despite the Evidence

As a child, I found myself fascinated with the topic of psychic phenomena. The sort of fortune-teller psychics many people pay to visit today held no interest. My focus was on things like telepathy, telekinesis, and remote viewing. I spent[…]

Oligarchy: What's Really Wrong With America!

Here are two talks that tell us what's really wrong with the USA:

Christian Theology Can Be Part of the Problem of Evil

The apostle Paul and John Calvin did their fair share of damage Christians who are sure that the New Testament reveals a loving god aren’t paying close attention. One of the charter documents of the Christian faith is Paul’s Letter to[…]

American Humanist Association Presents University Award to Tufts University

The award celebrates the expression of humanism in higher education. The post American Humanist Association Presents University Award to Tufts University appeared first on American Humanist Association.

A Complete History Lets Us Take Pride in Progress

In most contexts, we take pride in progress. When we see ourselves starting out at a lower level of mastery and advancing to a higher level, it feels good. We've learned something. We've grown. We're getting better.Remember what it was[…]

Stay on Twitter if You Want, But Don't Lie to Yourself About Why

For the sake of this post, I'll make two assumptions that may or may not apply to you. First, you use Twitter. Second, you are not a fan of Elon Musk. What's the best argument for leaving Twitter now that[…]

From the Intern Desk: An Economics Lesson for Christian Nationalists

Recently, as an economics student interning with a secular advocacy group, I found myself typing “economics of religion” into the search bar of Google Scholar. I expected that it would return articles on the Johnson Amendment, which concerns the political[…]

Uttam Niraula, of SOCH Nepal, appointed Ambassador for Humanists International

For more than 13 years, Uttam Niraula has worked to promote humanism, human rights, good governance, civic space and culture within Nepal and on the global stage. The post Uttam Niraula, of SOCH Nepal, appointed Ambassador for Humanists International appeared[…]

What Horror Awaits Atheists in a Christian Nation?

Cut a pie in half. Take one of the halves and cut 1/4th from it to eat. Now study the remaining 3/4ths of the half you cut. It is less than half of the pie, but it still looks like[…]

Humanists Barbados highlights slow progress on human rights commitments in UN report

The report addresses issues including the abolition of the death penalty, LGBTI+ rights, gender equality, and the right of freedom of religion or belief. The post Humanists Barbados highlights slow progress on human rights commitments in UN report appeared first[…]

How Not Being Joiners Holds Some Atheists Back

Atheists are diverse, and it is no surprise that we won't agree on everything. It sometimes seems like we struggle to agree on much of anything! Of all the disagreements affecting atheists, which is the most important? Which is the[…]

How Much Blame Do Ordinary Christians Deserve for Christian Nationalism?

Among atheists who enjoy discussing atheism online, one question comes up often. Are ordinary Christians responsible for Christian nationalism? This is an interesting question, but we need to phrase it better. Responsibility is more complex than a yes/no question implies.[…]

Humanist organizations give evidence to UN study on ending witchcraft-related persecution

The organizations strongly affirmed the importance of education as key to overcoming some of the root causes of witchcraft accusations. The post Humanist organizations give evidence to UN study on ending witchcraft-related persecution appeared first on Humanists International.

American Humanist Association Announces New Director of Communication

Jasmine Banks announced as AHA's new Communications Director. The post American Humanist Association Announces New Director of Communication appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Humanists International condemns Head of Russian Orthodox Church and religious propaganda in war on Ukraine

The Russian Orthodox Church has provided moral backing to the war, while Catholic fundamentalist groups are using the war to push their regressive agenda. The post Humanists International condemns Head of Russian Orthodox Church and religious propaganda in war on[…]

Demons and The Devil

By austinrohm ~ When I stopped turning a blind eye to all the problems with the Bible and Christianity and started applying the same skepticism that I applied toward other religions, the usual response that I got from Christians was, “You[…]

Dear Critics, What Are You Doing To Contribute?

Constructive criticism is valuable, and it can benefit anyone who creates content. Of course, not all criticism is constructive, and we won't find it all valuable even when it is constructive. The point is not that we should accept all[…]

UN creates Special Rapporteur to monitor and report on human rights violations in Russia

The UN Human Rights Council has voted today to adopt a resolution creating a Special Rapporteur on the Russian Federation. The post UN creates Special Rapporteur to monitor and report on human rights violations in Russia appeared first on Humanists[…]

Humanists International speaks out in defense of UN independent human rights experts after threats from anti-rights actors

At the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Humanists International has taken the floor to defend the role of, and need for, UN Special Procedures. The post Humanists International speaks out in defense of UN independent human rights[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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