AOF Online - Freethought News

Montana pastor used his karate lessons to S.A. children.

Still not a drag queen. And thankfully, he was found guilty. https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/01/23/montana-pastor-used-his-karate-lessons-to-sexually-assault-at-least-one-child/ submitted by /u/Abracadaver2000 [link] [comments]

The Supreme Court will decide if taxpayers should fund a religious charter school | The decision to weigh in on Oklahoma's St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Catholic Charter School could end in disaster

submitted by /u/a_Ninja_b0y [link] [comments]

Imara Jones explains how trans people can survive the GOP’s Christian nationalism. "They're literally going to be trans people that are raped as a result of what this administration is doing."

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

Religion has been such a huge authority over the world for so long, the thought of being equal to everyone else is an absolute nightmare to them

They’re thoroughly convinced without any level of negotiation that they should have the legal ability to control the lives of anyone and everyone despite not sharing their beliefs. They’re parasitic by their very nature and will stop at nothing to[…]

This Year Must Mark The End Of Gender Apartheid In Afghanistan

(ANALYSIS) The last three years have seen the Taliban placing restrictions on all aspects of women’s lives in Afghanistan. From education to employment. From movement to participation in everyday activities. When the international community thought that it could not get[…]

Why do Christians often feel persecuted or play the victim when their beliefs are questioned?

In many debates or discussions about religion, especially in the context of Christianity, when someone challenges a belief or practice, the response sometimes shifts to feeling attacked or persecuted. Is this rooted in the teachings of the faith, historical persecution,[…]

Are Americans Especially Distrustful Of Religion?

(ANALYSIS) Trust in American institutions has eroded significantly over the last several decades — things like major companies, the federal government , and the scientific community. But given the name of this newsletter, I bet you can guess which institution[…]

‘We Believe In The Man Upstairs’: Why Many NFL Quarterbacks Are Practicing Christians

The high number of practicing Christian quarterbacks in the NFL is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in cultural, social and personal factors. Christianity offers these men a foundation for moral guidance, mental fortitude and a sense of community — all of[…]

Tone-Deaf Interview Blows Up in Notre Dame Quarterback's Face

submitted by /u/Ok_Salamander_354 [link] [comments]

‘Protecting Life’: Thousands Descend On DC For Annual Anti-Abortion March

This year’s March for Life, which is understood to be the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, marks the third time the event has been held since the historic overturning of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which returned[…]

Rightwingers tell bishop to die because she begged Donald Trump to have mercy on trans kids

submitted by /u/a_Ninja_b0y [link] [comments]

Oklahoma Pastor Texted Nude To His Son’s Classmate, Arrested For The Third Time In Three Months.

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

Trump revokes Biden-era order allowing transgender members to serve in military

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

Mississippi lawmaker introduces 'Contraception Begins at Erection Act'

Yeah, that sounds reasonable. I wonder if the wording technically includes popping a pimple or sneezing... It seems unlikely this law will be passed but it it were, I wonder what will be next! submitted by /u/ralle421 [link][…]

Crossroads Podcast: Asking Trump To Repent

Episcopalians own the cathedral of D.C. culture Thus, journalists embedded in Beltway life applauded Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde.

“Circle It on Your Calendar” – RFK Jr.’s First Hearing Date, Unprayerful Reflections, and the Three Wellness Mindsets

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. We have a date now. Just hours before last night’s Skeptical Inquirer Presents livestream with Paul Offit (look for that video coming soon), we learned[…]

God And Trump: 5 Revealing Quotes From Inaugural Week

President Donald Trump’s latest inaugural speech was notable not for its inclusion of God but for the specific personal nature of what he said.

Why African Governments Are Seeking To Repeal Tax Exemptions For Churches

In November, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that starting this month, churches in the country would be expected to pay taxes. The announcement caused apprehension among religious leaders, prompting the country’s tax agency, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, to clarify[…]

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.

Elon Musk’s Inauguration Salute Just Another Distracting Meme

(OPINION) I have one bit of advice for all those people fuming over Elon Musk’s hand gestures: Stop. I know it’s tough to resist the temptation to go into full outrage mode over the apparent Nazi gesture Musk made during[…]

Houses Of Worship Tackle ‘The Challenge Of The Empty Church’

Shrinking church attendance. Closing congregations. Minister shortages. Post-COVID upheaval. All those factors contributed to the strong interest in the dialogue organized by Heritage21, which partners with churches to — as the ministry puts it — “renew, repurpose and replant God’s[…]

New Study Reveals Few Protestant Pastors Bank on Prosperity Gospel

A Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors finds few hold or teach beliefs connected to the prosperity gospel, the theological movement that teaches God wants to make followers materially wealthy and will do so if individuals hold certain beliefs[…]

How Does Any Group Thrive Without Schisms?

Every online community I've ever been a part of has faced the threat of fragmentation at some point. Some people become dissatisfied with the status quo. It could be the moderation policies, the tone, the behavior of some members, or[…]

“It Remains Legally Unclear” – Forrest Valkai, Havana Syndrome, and Rejecting RFK Jr.

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Biologist and popular YouTube science communicator Forrest Valkai made his first CSICon appearance last October; video of his presentation, “How to Teach Evolution to a[…]

Secular Organizations Urge Senators to Oppose the Nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA), along with its 20 coalition partners, has submitted a letter to Senators John Thune and Charles Schumer, urging them to reject Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense. Based on his strong authoritarian tendencies,[…]

It’s Not Hard to Figure Out What’s Wrong with Christianity

Study, research, and critical thinking are the keyA long time ago I heard it said of someone, “He’s got a mind like concrete: all mixed up and firmly set.” Perhaps the reference was to a fundamentalist, and it certainly applies.[…]

“A Thousand Shards of Glass” – New CSICon Video, the Scopes Centennial, and Wildfire Conspiracies

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s regular roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Free Inquiry editor Ronald Lindsay offers some “Unprayerful Reflections” on this Monday’s inauguration events. Appointing Catiline to be consul; choosing Guy Fawkes to be[…]

Response to Secular Groups that Claim Scientists Are Shills for Christian Nationalism

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) stands for reason, science, and secularism and has been doing so for nearly fifty years. We are often the speakers of inconvenient truths: There is no evidence that you will see your departed loved one[…]

Atheism Doesn't Hold the Appeal It Once Did

Some aspects of our various identities fall outside our control. I can't control where I was born, for example. And while I recognize that this one will be more controversial for some, I can't control that I am an atheist.[…]

Daniel Mocsny On How Religions Re-Invent Themselves (Funny But True!)

By Daniel Mocsny: There is an amusing video on YouTube in which a gentleman makes physical-comedy type of error - he trips on a treadmill at the gym and gets thrown off - and then quickly recovers and carries on[…]

“That Conversation Has Changed” – The Scopes Trial Centennial, 2025 Richard Dawkins Award, and ‘Spiritual War’ in Texas

Ahoy-hoy! Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the historic Scopes “Monkey Trial.” To commemorate the occasion, the Center for Inquiry and the Freedom From[…]

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.

Maha Kumbh 2025: The Story of Kumbh and Prayagraj

One of the world’s greatest religious spectacles is underway and the numbers are staggering! 400 million people are expected to be there! That's more than the population of the United States! Watch the video below. Believers at this festival worship[…]

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.

“Call Him What He Is” – Paul Offit on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Wildfire Myths, and Christian Nationalism

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Registration is now open for “A Conversation with Paul Offit” on Skeptical Inquirer Presents on Thursday, January 23. The discussion will cover what RFK Jr.’s[…]

“A Conversation with Paul Offit: What RFK Jr.’s Confirmation Could Mean for the American Health Care System—and Why We Should Oppose It” | Thursday, January 23, on Skeptical Inquirer Presents

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was announced, public health advocates around the nation began sounding the alarm. The Center for Inquiry called him “wholly unqualified and manifestly unfit,”[…]

Evidence? What Evidence?

What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed. But then there's this Bible Study book. What explains the so-called evidence asserted here?

“He is Actively Dangerous” – CFI West and the L.A. Fires, Doctors Denounce RFK Jr., and Johnson’s False Prayer

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. As a series of devastating wildfires continue to roar through the Los Angeles area, CFI West has teamed with Sunday Assembly LA and Atheists United[…]

A Traumatic, Dramatic Escape from Fundamentalism

Constant reminders of the damage done by religion“Please don’t ask me, expect me, to think about it.” Whenever a religion has succeeded in embedding this attitude in the minds of its followers, it has a better chance of enduring and[…]

We Survived Yet Another Season of Christmas Irrelevance

Addressing irrelevance with reality and ridiculeWe know nothing—absolutely nothing—about how and when Jesus was born. The birth narratives in Mathew and Luke have been studied and analyzed ad nauseam by scholars, and there is not a single scrap of history in either[…]

“A Faith in Human Intelligence” – Religion in Congress, the Latest from Skeptical Inquirer, and RFK Jr. on the Hill

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Richard Dawkins wrote an essay for The Spectator, which has since been republished at Free Inquiry, taking on “The Myth of the God-Shaped Hole.”[…]

Heretic on the Hill on the Hill’s Opening Day

Friday was the first day of the new Congress. Every Senator and House member gets sworn in and both parties elect their party leaders. It was a little more dramatic than usual for the House Republicans but Mike Johnson kept the worst[…]

Michael Maletin on "My Atheist Journey: 10 Years Later. Why I Remain Atheist."

This video above by Michael Maletin is awesome! Be sure to watch it all. At the 24:25 mark my work on horrendous suffering is recommended. Very very cool! Get that book now on Amazon! It's never been less expensive.

"What's Coming Is WORSE Than A Recession" | Richard Wolff's Last WARNING

I regard Richard Wolff as a modern prophet of sorts. Toward the end of this excellent warning his analysis of the Trump phenomenon and it's dire consequences is spot on.

From the Intern Desk: What the Founding Fathers Did and Didn’t Believe

There is much debate in the modern age over the United States’ spiritual origins. Specifically, whether we were created as a Christian nation or a secular one. One of the most common arguments in favor of the Christian origin is[…]

“This Is Not a Gig We Auditioned For” – Bill Nye, Clear Thinking About Climate Change, and Charlie Hebdo

Happy new year! Welcome back to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Let’s kick off our first column of 2025 with big congratulations to 2023 Richard Dawkins Award winner, CSI Fellow, and[…]

When You Are the First Atheist They've Met

Have you ever had a Christian tell you that you are the first atheist they've ever met? I've heard from some atheists that they have strong negative reactions to this. Some don't believe it could be true. I suppose that[…]

America Is in Decline. Trump Will Not Reverse It. We Should Adopt a New World Order or Face Serious Consequences!

This is almost all new and important information to me! If you know something about world politics and economics take a look. Then let me know what you think. It's by Richard D. Wolff, an American economist and professor emeritus[…]

On Jerry Coyne, Richard Dawkins, and Steven Pinker Resigning from the Board of Freedom from Religion Foundation.

I'm not focused on what takes place in atheist organizations. However, I understand that wokeism is a hotly promoted and contested issue for atheists to debate. Here is Jerry Coyne's take on it: LINK. Here is Hemant Mehta's reply: LINK.[…]

Did the News Media Betray the Public Trust?

I don't want to blame the mainstream news media in the United States for two terms of Donald Trump. Doing so requires a big shift in how I've viewed the news media for most of my life. I'd prefer to[…]

“In For Very Difficult Times” – RFK Jr. Watch, Religious Oppression, and ‘the Final Experiment’

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. This will be our last column in 2024, so let me wish all of you a safe and happy new year! Skeptical Inquirer columnist[…]

“Droning On” – Mysterious Lights, Divine Mandates, and Skeptical Inquirer Must-Reads

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Benjamin Radford took to the CFI blog on Monday for a look at the “Return of the ‘Mysterious’ Drones and the Twilight of Ambiguity,”[…]

Heretic on the Hill: The Unqualifiedness is the Point

Much of the activity on Capitol Hill right now centers on who will hold what leadership positions in the House and Senate and the progress or lack of it by the controversial nominees for cabinet posts who need Senate confirmation.[…]

Deconstructing the Holiday Season

I find it encouraging when people recognize that some aspects of their culture are dysfunctional. If the alternative is not recognizing it, I'll take recognition any day! Once we recognize that something may be harmful, we can do something about[…]

We’re Living Through a Historic Time – Now What do we do About It?

“I’m tired of living through historic events.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply during this time. In the past four years of American history, we’ve navigated a global pandemic, witnessed the overturn of Roe v Wade, and faced the[…]

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.

Moments After Which There Is No Going Back

What is it about the 2024 U.S. presidential election that I'm still having a hard time coming to terms with? It isn't the outcome itself, as that did not surprise me. I figured that Trump would win. It was clear[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Getting Ready For 2025 (the year not the Project)

Thanks to the hundreds of people who used our Action Alert last week to ask their House members to oppose the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act which contains a provision that could be used to target nonprofits that[…]

Less Objectionable Social Media Alternatives to X

Back before Elon Musk bought what was then called Twitter, I was a regular user. At one time, I had three separate accounts on the platform. I deleted one accounts because it was for a blog I had closed, but[…]

‘The Worst Possible Choice’: Center for Inquiry Blasts Selection of RFK, Jr. to Head Health and Human Services

Following the announcement that President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Inquiry (CFI) President and CEO Robyn Blumner issued the following statement: “Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.[…]

Heretic on the Hill: I’m Mr. Brightside, Sort Of

It turns out the election wasn’t rigged after all. Apparently Democrats can’t do anything right. Looking at the popular vote, Trump improved from 47 percent in 2020 to (when California finishes counting), 50 percent. Three people out of 100 changed from a blue[…]

Stand with Us Against the Rising Tide of Christian Nationalism

In a pivotal moment for our nation, we find ourselves facing the growing influence of Christian nationalism in American politics. Yesterday’s election has spotlighted the increasing threats to religious freedom, equality, and the separation of church and state—values that are[…]

Giving Ourselves Permission To Grieve Our Own Way

I find it helpful to remember that grief is a process, and everybody grieves in different ways. There isn't a "right way" to do it that will apply to everyone. There isn't a set time limit by which you should[…]

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.

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.

The Circumstances Have Changed. Our Mission Has Not.

The Center for Inquiry is dedicated to promoting reason, science, and secular values. That has been true since this organization was founded. It was true yesterday. And it remains true today. It is likely that the election results will usher[…]

From the Intern Desk: Imagine There Is A Bear Chasing You, A Wake-Up Call for Secular Citizens

Imagine two people are crouched at the beginning of a track, ready to race. The starting pistol fires and they both take off. They each have an individual desire to win, but in this race only one of them has[…]

Choosing the Future

“To govern is to choose.” This was President John Kennedy’s succinct description of his job and the innumerable decisions about what government programs to fund, whether to go to war, who should benefit from tax cuts, and every other area touched[…]

What Has Made Your Life as an Atheist Easier?

What do you think of when you hear the word wisdom? My mind goes right to learning from someone who has been there, someone with experience I lack. I recall how my elders tried to share their wisdom with me.[…]

Welcoming October is a Favorite Tradition

October has been my favorite month of the year as long as I can remember. When I was a child, growing up on the West Coast of the United States, October signified the beginning of Fall. It was when the[…]

American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel

Where theocracy goes, violence follows. The post American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel

Where theocracy goes, violence follows. The post American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Announces New Executive Director Fish Stark, says “Game On” to Christian Nationalists

Lifelong humanist with an impressive array of experience. The post AHA Announces New Executive Director Fish Stark, says “Game On” to Christian Nationalists appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Announces New Executive Director Fish Stark, says “Game On” to Christian Nationalists

Lifelong humanist with an impressive array of experience. The post AHA Announces New Executive Director Fish Stark, says “Game On” to Christian Nationalists appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Announces Candace Gorham is New Board President

Heralding an era of vibrant, new leadership at the AHA. The post AHA Announces Candace Gorham is New Board President appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Announces Candace Gorham is New Board President

Heralding an era of vibrant, new leadership at the AHA. The post AHA Announces Candace Gorham is New Board President appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Hollywood Celebs Help Battle Wacky Claims

CFIIG Web Series SkeptiLab: The Bunk Stops Here! Debunks Weird Claims … with Celebrity Assists Los Angeles, CA: What do Andy Richter (Conan), Matt Walsh (Veep), Julia Sweeney (Saturday Night Live), Jim O’Heir (Parks and Recreation), Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai[…]

The Elections and the Supreme Court: On the Brink of the Total Collapse of Science and Secularism | Edward Tabash on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Thursday, September 5

Today’s religious right wing and their enablers on the Supreme Court are not just poised to abolish the separation of church and state; they seem determined to repeal all modern progress made by humanity in the past 300 years by[…]

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
29	30	31	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31	1

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
29	30	31	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31	1

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
29	30	31	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31	1

Just for fun - Links

AOF Events Calendar

Upcoming Events

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
29	30	31	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31	1