Episodes

  • Christians Deny Faith, Rebranding the Doctrine

    Christians Deny Faith, Rebranding the Doctrine
    Sep 18 2024
    Stand to Reason, By Greg Koukl, on August 1, 2024

    https://www.str.org/w/it-s-time-to-forget-faith-

    In this discussion, Greg Koukl proposes a redefinition of "faith" to better align with rational and evidence-based thinking. Koukl suggests that faith should be understood as "confident convictions based on good reasons" rather than as mere belief without evidence. His goal is to reshape the perception of faith, framing it as a position supported by logical and rational foundations. This redefinition aims to counter the common criticism that faith is irrational or unsupported by evidence.

    The panel’s reactions to Koukl’s argument reflect a range of perspectives. Damian criticizes Koukl’s approach by arguing that renaming faith does not address the underlying issue of evidence. He suggests that believers often shift the conversation away from substantial evidence to unrelated topics, such as evolutionary theory or cosmology, to avoid engaging with the core issue of evidence supporting their beliefs.

    Aaron adds to the critique by questioning Koukl’s "three pillars" of active trust: reliable evidence, reliable witnesses, and convincing proofs. He argues that historical evidence supporting Christianity is often lacking and inconsistent, challenging the adequacy of these pillars in substantiating faith claims. Aaron’s position highlights the difficulty of relying on these pillars when the evidence is not robust or comprehensive.

    AJ also questions the efficacy of Koukl’s redefinition. He sees it as a superficial rebranding that does not solve the deeper issue of insufficient evidence. AJ argues that changing the definition of faith does not address the fundamental problems of evidence and reason that believers face. He raises concerns about why believers resist the term "faith" if it truly reflects their belief process and whether the redefinition genuinely addresses the criticisms of faith.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.37.2 featuring Infidel 64, AJ, Damien H and Aaron Jensen

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    22 mins
  • Women's Health Neglected in Texas. Again.

    Women's Health Neglected in Texas. Again.
    Sep 16 2024
    El Paso mom won’t get damages for unexpected pregnancy after believing her tubes were tied

    KERA News, By Toluwani Osibamowo, on May 10, 2024

    https://www.keranews.org/health-wellness/2024-05-10/el-paso-mother-medical-negligence-texas-supreme-court

    Texas GOP Wants a Horrifying Punishment for Abortion, IVF Patients

    The New Republic by Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling on April 1, 2024

    The discussion today highlights two major issues in Texas regarding women's health. The first story is about Gel Vasco, a woman who was unaware her tubes had not been tied despite paying for the procedure. She was refused compensation for her unexpected pregnancy, receiving only a $400 refund. The second story stems from a leaked meeting with the organization Abolish Abortion Texas, where the group’s director, Paul Brown, outlined plans to classify abortion and the destruction of IVF embryos as murder, potentially punishable by the death penalty. This signals a return to more regressive views on women's health, akin to laws from the 1800s. These stories, discussed in articles from Kira News and New Republic, reflect a clear bias against pregnant women in Texas, where women's lives seem to be secondary to those of their unborn children.

    Justice Rebecca Huddle ruled that a healthy child is not an "injury" and refused compensation for Vasco's pregnancy, suggesting that carrying a healthy baby to term cannot be considered a harmful event. However, one panelist pointed out that pregnancy comes with significant physical strain, risk, and even accelerated cellular aging, which contradicts the notion that it causes no harm. Despite these realities, the Texas Supreme Court's stance reflects a broader dismissal of the health and autonomy of women in the state's healthcare system.

    As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that the state's policies are increasingly forcing women into situations where they must prioritize the life of the unborn over their own. Panelists critiqued Texas' punitive stance, particularly toward women and doctors, and noted the hypocrisy of the state’s claim to value life, while advocating for the death penalty in cases of abortion. This ongoing conflict between women's rights and state control over their bodies leaves many in Texas in a precarious and often dangerous position.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.37.1 featuring Infidel 64, AJ, Damien H and Aaron Jensen

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    26 mins
  • Are Conservatives Losing the Culture Wars?

    Are Conservatives Losing the Culture Wars?
    Sep 14 2024
    Are Republicans losing the culture wars?

    Politico, By Juan Perez Jr, on 2024-08-24

    https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/24/republicans-culture-war-races-00176166

    In a recent discussion about the culture wars and their impact on the Republican Party, several key points emerged. The conversation, which took place on August 24, 2024, highlights how conservatives might be losing ground in the culture wars, particularly in education. The focus has shifted from policy to cultural issues, with an increasing emphasis on topics like book bans and "woke" ideology. This shift is seen as a strategic move to rally base support by engaging emotions rather than addressing substantive policy issues.

    The conversation criticized the Republican Party's reliance on culture wars as a distraction from unpopular or nonexistent policies. Instead of focusing on essential needs such as educational funding and teacher retention, the party has prioritized divisive issues that generate emotional responses. This approach is criticized for being a form of manipulation, designed to keep the base engaged without offering real solutions to the country's pressing problems.

    Participants in the discussion noted that while the culture wars might energize some voters, they often do so at the expense of addressing fundamental educational needs. The use of terms like "freedom" and "liberty" in the context of these culture wars was described as misleading, serving more as propaganda to divert attention from the lack of effective policies.

    The impact on education is significant. By focusing on culture wars rather than practical needs, such as proper funding and the retention of quality educators, the system risks worsening. Teachers are leaving the profession due to underfunding and poor working conditions, which ultimately affects the quality of education that students receive. The conversation argued that this approach harms both educators and students, as it emphasizes ideological battles over practical improvements.

    Overall, the discussion suggests that the focus on cultural issues is a strategic move by Republicans to maintain political power by leveraging emotional debates, even though this may undermine more pressing concerns in education and governance.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.36.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush,Scott Dickie and Cindy Plaza

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    21 mins
  • Kentucky’s Amendment 2: Taxpayer Dollars for Religious Schools

    Kentucky’s Amendment 2: Taxpayer Dollars for Religious Schools
    Sep 13 2024
    If Amendment 2 passes, Kentucky would waste taxpayer dollars on religious schools

    The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on 2024-08-28

    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/if-amendment-2-passes-kentucky-would

    The proposal to amend Kentucky's constitution seeks to introduce a voucher system, allowing public funds to support private, predominantly religious schools. Critics highlight several concerns, noting that diverting up to $1.19 billion annually from public schools—particularly in rural areas—could cripple already underfunded districts. These regions often rely heavily on state funds due to low local tax revenues, making them especially vulnerable. The amendment is portrayed as a workaround to existing legal barriers that prevent public money from funding religious education. Opponents, including Governor Andy Beshear, argue that this could lead to worse educational outcomes and further entrench inequality.

    The broader implications of this policy are stark. Voucher systems have been repeatedly shown to have no proven link to improved student achievement, even for those attending private schools. Moreover, diverting funds toward private institutions compromises the accountability that public schools are held to, creating a system that is less transparent and less answerable to the public. With fewer resources and more financial strain, public schools, particularly in rural areas, could face larger class sizes, fewer resources like textbooks, and an overall decline in the quality of education.

    Additionally, the supposed choice offered by vouchers is often an illusion. Private schools are not bound by the same non-discrimination policies as public schools, meaning they can selectively admit students based on criteria like academic performance, religious affiliation, and even socioeconomic status. This creates a skewed system where the most vulnerable students—those with disabilities, behavioral challenges, or lower test scores—are left behind in underfunded public schools, further perpetuating educational inequities.

    Furthermore, the amendment raises constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the separation of church and state. Funding religious education with public money may violate the Establishment Clause, a key tenet of the U.S. Constitution that protects against government endorsement of religion. This proposal could also worsen Kentucky's already low ranking in education, currently 34th in the nation.

    In essence, this amendment represents a strategic attempt to erode public education, weaken transparency, and push a religious agenda, all under the guise of "school choice." Critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent, using deceptive language to obscure its true impact and weaponize public ignorance against their own interests, ultimately paving the way for a more authoritarian and ideologically driven governance model.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.36.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush,Scott Dickie and Cindy Plaza

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    25 mins
  • Ryan Walters: New Student Test Results Show a Surprising Shift

    Ryan Walters: New Student Test Results Show a Surprising Shift
    Sep 11 2024
    Ryan Walters confirms new student test results are ‘very different’Oklahoman, By Nuria Martinez-Keel, on 2024-08-23https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2024/08/23/ryan-walters-oklahoma-osde-student-test-score-changes/74917784007/ Proposed education rules' real purpose is to shut down Oklahoma schools, create chaosOklahoman, By Rep. Melissa Provenzano, on 2024-06-11https://www.oklahoman.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/06/11/education-rules-could-harm-local-economies-should-not-be-approved/74052241007/Oklahoma Board of Education approves slate of new, amended rules at February meetingKOSU, By Https://www.kosu.org/people/beth Wallis, on February 23, 2024https://www.kosu.org/education/2024-02-23/oklahoma-board-of-education-approves-slate-of-new-amended-rules-at-february-meetingKOSU by Beth Wallishttps://sde.ok.gov/sites/default/files/Rule%20Text%20210.25-1-2.pdfOSED rules section 210Ryan Walters, the superintendent of schools in Oklahoma, has recently been at the center of controversy due to his manipulation of the state's educational curriculum and testing standards. Walters' administration has been accused of dishonestly presenting improved school performance by lowering the standards for state testing. This deceptive tactic aimed to inflate academic scores by 33%, a move that was subsequently exposed as misleading. Despite the claims of progress, the actual performance metrics revealed that the state’s education system is performing at its worst, ranking 49th in the nation, just above New Mexico and even below Alabama.The lack of transparency in these changes has had significant repercussions on public trust in educational assessments and government agencies. Walters' approach to revising educational standards without public input or school district notification has contributed to a broader issue of undermining public education. This lack of openness and accountability has fostered skepticism among parents and educators, who are concerned about the long-term impact on students.Moreover, Walters' policies are perceived as part of a larger agenda to weaken public education in favor of promoting religious and private schooling. The tying of school accreditation to standardized test scores, coupled with new rules backed by religious organizations, threatens to penalize schools that do not meet the new criteria. This strategy appears to be designed to force schools into failure, thereby pushing them toward private or religious alternatives. The impact of these policies could be severe, as it sets up local school districts to struggle and potentially fail, harming students and diminishing the quality of public education.Educators have expressed concern that such policies not only misrepresent the effectiveness of educational reforms but also undermine the credibility and utility of educational assessments. The artificial inflation of performance metrics disregards the real needs and challenges of students and educators. This manipulation detracts from meaningful educational improvements and erodes the tools that educators use to evaluate and enhance their effectiveness. The overall effect is a potential rollback of educational progress and a deepening of the existing crisis in Oklahoma's public education system.Critics also warn that these changes could have long-term consequences for students who may enter higher education unprepared, believing they are more competent than they actually are. This mismatch between perceived and actual academic ability can lead to feelings of inadequacy and undermine students' confidence. As Oklahoma continues to grapple with these issues, there are growing concerns about how such educational policies will affect the state's future workforce and economic standing.The situation reflects a broader trend of political interference in education and raises questions about the motivations behind such policies. Critics argue that the ultimate goal may be to dismantle public education and replace it with a system that aligns more closely with conservative and religious ideologies. This shift could have far-reaching implications for educational equity and the quality of education provided to students in Oklahoma and potentially beyond.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.36.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush,Scott Dickie and Cindy PlazaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    22 mins
  • Another Leader Quits Gateway Church Over 'Moral Issue'

    Another Leader Quits Gateway Church Over 'Moral Issue'
    Sep 9 2024
    Gateway Church exodus: Another leader out at Texas megachurch over 'moral issue'

    USA TODAY, By Jonathan Limehouse, on 2024-08-22

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/22/gateway-church-kemtal-glasgow/74909722007/

    The situation surrounding the moral failings at one of Texas's largest megachurches, Gateway Church, has recently come to light, leading to the forced resignation of four leaders, including the executive pastor, Kemntal Glasgow.

    This revelation extends to the church’s former Senior Pastor Robert Morris, who admitted to having had an inappropriate relationship with a 12-year-old girl when he was 21. The church's handling of these matters, including Morris’ resignation and the dismissal of other leaders, raises serious concerns about the church’s culture of secrecy and its apparent prioritization of protecting its leadership over safeguarding its most vulnerable members. The pattern of leadership failures at Gateway Church is not isolated but reflective of a broader, troubling trend within religious institutions. Leaders, who are expected to be held to higher moral standards and entrusted with the spiritual and moral well-being of their communities, repeatedly fail in their responsibilities. The unquestioning trust parishioners place in these leaders, due to the so-called “halo effect,” often leads to devastating consequences when those in power abuse their positions. A recurring theme in these situations is the failure of religious institutions to adequately address or even acknowledge the harm done to victims. In the case of Gateway Church, it took the victim of Robert Morris’ abuse 35 years of making complaints before any action was taken.


    The narrative of forgiveness and redemption, often emphasized in religious contexts, becomes a tool to shield wrongdoers, while victims are left without proper recourse. The broader societal failure to hold such institutions accountable allows them to operate with impunity, sidelining victims' needs in favor of maintaining the status quo.The refusal to involve law enforcement, under the guise of the church's ability to “police” itself, only exacerbates the problem, as justice is delayed or entirely denied. The failure of religious institutions to deal with these issues transparently is symptomatic of a larger societal reluctance to confront the intersection of faith, authority, and accountability. Until society as a whole demands that these institutions adhere to the same legal and moral standards as everyone else, victims will continue to be silenced, and abusers will remain protected within the walls of these organizations. The lack of accountability allows the cycle of abuse to persist, often under the guise of morality and righteousness, while the victims, like the one in this case, are left to suffer in silence for years.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.36.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush,Scott Dickie and Cindy Plaza

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    23 mins
  • 10 Mysteries Scientists Pin on God

    10 Mysteries Scientists Pin on God
    Sep 7 2024
    10 Things Scientists Can't Explain and Attribute to God

    Savvy Dime, By James Dorman, on August 19, 2024

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/10-things-scientists-can-t-explain-and-attribute-to-god

    The discussion dives into a critique of a misleading article that claims science cannot explain various mysteries, thus attributing them to divine intervention. The article, referred to as more of a "PowerPoint presentation" than an insightful piece, lists ten things the author believes scientists can't explain, but the hosts quickly dismantle these claims with both humor and scientific reasoning. One of the most striking examples is the claim that the origin of the universe cannot be explained by science, suggesting that this gap in understanding is proof of divine creation. The hosts point out that while science may not have all the answers yet, particularly regarding what happened before the Big Bang, it has made substantial progress in understanding the universe's evolution from the moment after the inflation started. They emphasize that the absence of an answer does not equate to proof of a supernatural cause, using historical examples like the invention of artificial light to illustrate that scientific progress often fills these gaps over time. The conversation also touches on the article's absurd claim that science cannot explain morality or human connection, which the hosts refute by citing examples of altruistic behavior in animals, including rats and even ants, suggesting that these behaviors are rooted in biological and evolutionary processes rather than divine influence. They argue that cooperation and empathy are social survival mechanisms, not divine mysteries. Another point of ridicule is the article's assertion that the world is perfectly designed, which the hosts mock by pointing out obvious flaws in nature, such as the oversized pit of an avocado. They also discuss the fallacy of the Goldilocks argument, explaining that just because the universe exists in a way that supports life does not mean it was designed for that purpose; rather, it is a reflection of the conditions that allow life to exist. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize that the article fails to engage with actual scientific explanations and instead relies on philosophical or theological arguments that science cannot empirically test. They underscore that science is a pursuit of answers, and just because some mysteries remain unsolved does not mean they are beyond scientific understanding.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.35.4 featuring Kelley, Infidel64 , Jonathan Roudabush and Eli Slack

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    21 mins
  • Post-Roe: A New Era for Maternity Homes

    Post-Roe: A New Era for Maternity Homes
    Sep 6 2024
    After the end of Roe, a new beginning for maternity homes

    AP News , By TIffany Stanley, on August 2, 2024

    https://apnews.com/article/abortion-maternity-homes-catholic-evangelical-roe-f455da4fd46c195246df43bc6dd16a67

    The discussion delves into the resurgence of maternity homes across the United States, particularly following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. These institutions, primarily run by Catholic and Evangelical groups, present themselves as shelters for pregnant women in need. However, they often serve as instruments of religious indoctrination, subtly or overtly pressuring vulnerable women to conform to strict religious doctrines during a crucial period in their lives. As state-level abortion restrictions intensify, these maternity homes have transformed into battlegrounds where ideological warfare takes precedence over genuine care, further entrenching the divisive cultural and political conflicts surrounding reproductive rights. The conversation raises concerns about the motivations behind these homes, comparing them to the "homes for wayward girls" of the past, which were notorious for victim-shaming and coercing women into giving up their babies. These modern maternity homes are seen by some as a propaganda tool for the anti-abortion movement, attempting to counter the criticism that the movement doesn’t care about babies or mothers after birth. The limited reach of these homes is also highlighted, with the panelists noting that while these institutions might provide care to a small number of women, they represent only a tiny fraction of those in need, especially among marginalized groups. The history of maternity homes is explored, noting the secrecy and shame that surrounded pregnancies in the past. Women were often sent away to give birth in secret, with many of their babies being taken from them without consent. The discussion questions whether history is repeating itself, as some of these modern homes are situated next to adoption agencies, raising fears that vulnerable women may still be coerced into giving up their babies. While acknowledging that many of the individuals working in these maternity homes may have good intentions, the panelists express concern about the broader impact of these institutions. They worry that the focus on religious doctrine and the potential for coercion could lead to further harm, particularly in an environment where the demand for children may increase due to potential restrictions on IVF. The fear is that this could lead to a system where vulnerable women are exploited, and their children are funneled into "good Christian homes," a phrase that evokes troubling memories for those who have suffered abuse under the guise of religious care. The conversation ends with a poignant reflection on the dangers of indoctrination and the lasting harm it can cause. The panelists express deep concern that these maternity homes, rather than offering true support, may be perpetuating cycles of shame, guilt, and isolation, ultimately harming both mothers and children.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.35.3 featuring Kelley, Infidel64 , Jonathan Roudabush and Eli Slack

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    22 mins