Freethought Radio

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Sam Harris and the End of Faith Sep 16, 2006

Show notes

Features an interview with Sam Harris, author of the New York Times bestseller, The End of Faith, whose new book is Letter to a Christian Nation. Music: Reincarnation, words by Wallace Macrae, music by Dan Barker. Freethinkers Almanac looks at H.L. Mencken and Lance Armstrong. (MP3, 48 min, 21.8 MB)

Religion's Harm to Women Sep 14, 2006

Show notes

Reports on legal developments in the Freedom From Religion Foundation's major lawsuit against the Department of Veteran Affairs for intermingling faith with medical care. Annie Laurie Gaylor, author of Woe to the Women: The Bible Tells Me So and editor of the anthology Women Without Superstition, will discuss the bible's treatment of women, and its far-reaching effects today with the rise of the religious right. Margaret Sanger is featured in Freethinkers Alamanc, and Dan Barker's tribute to Sanger, the song, "No Gods - No Masters," will be played. (MP3, 52 min, 24 MB)

Veteran Declares War Against Military Proselytizing Sep 07, 2006

Show notes

Features an interview with Mikey Weinstein, who is suing the U.S. Air Forces for out-of-control Christian proselytizing and who blew the whistle on abuses at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy. Music includes the song, "We, the People." A brief Theocracy Alert sounds the alarm on U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' recent remarks. Freethinkers Almanac looks at a freethought heroine, Frances Wright. (MP3, 45 min, 20.4 MB)

The Evolving Religious Assault on Evolution Aug 26, 2006

Show notes

Features an interview with Prof. Lawrence Lerner, co-author of the Fordham Institute's report grading science and evolution standards in the United States state-by-state. (Hint: Wisconsin was one of many states to flunk.) Timely developments on evolution will also reported. Homage will be paid to the 86th anniversary of Women's Equality Day (Aug. 26, 1920) and the freethinking women who sparked the suffrage movement. For comic relief, enjoy Joe Hill's classic song, "The Preacher and the Slave," performed memorably by Kristin Lems and Dan Barker, from the CD, "Friendly Neighborhood Atheist." (MP3, 48 min, 22 MB)

An Atheist in a Foxhole Aug 19, 2006

Show notes

Features an in-depth interview with Philip Paulson, who courageously has been litigating a 29-foot cross on public property atop Mt. Soldedad in San Diego for 17 years. Last week, Pres. Bush signed into law a bill to seize federal control of the city land, in order to circumvent years of court rulings declaring city hosting of the crossto be unconstitutional. Phil talks about the many ins and outs of the case, and why he intends to prevail. Phil, who served in the military, also talks candidly about an atheist's way of living and dying. Accompanying music: "None of the Above," written and performed by Dan Barker. (MP3, 48 min, 22.1 MB)

Religious War Against Gay Rights Aug 12, 2006

Show notes

Features a special look at the growing religion-based assault against gay rights around the country. Interviewed: former FFRF staff member Ellen Masters, a lesbian mom in a committed relationship who talks about what it's like to be denied equal rights under the law. Her interview is a sneak preview of Ellen's article, "The Churches Have Legalized Discrimination in America," appearing in the upcoming September issue of Freethought Today. Dan Barker's Pagan Pulpit looks at the biblical roots of homophobia. Kristin Lems' timely song, "How Nice!" continues the theme. Robert Green Ingersoll (born on August 11) is profiled in Freethinkers Almanac. Accompanying music: "The Time to Be Happy Is Now," words by Robert G. Ingersoll, music by Dan Barker (with backup children's choir). (MP3, 47 min, 21.4 MB)

Agnostic Recalled from Office over Pledge Issue Aug 05, 2006

Show notes

An interview with a public official recalled from office last year in Estes Park, Colo., simply for failure to recite the religious pledge of allegiance. David Habecker, who received an award at last year's FFRF convention, updates his case, in which FFRF is co-plaintiff, in a memorable interview. Tomorrow's program also features "Theocracy Alert" -- tune in for news and commentary on some disturbing developments in Congress last week. Music includes the timely "With God on Our Side." Providing artistic relief for a bad-news week: two atheist poets are featured in Freethinkers Almanac; Rupert Brooks' whimsical poem, "Heaven" (from a fish's perspective) is read. (MP3, 47 min, 21.4 MB)

Scopes II Jul 29, 2006

Show notes

Includes a timely Theocracy Alert, and features a lively interview with attorney Alvin Harris of Tennessee. Mr. Harris capably represented the Freedom From Religion Foundation in its "Scopes II" lawsuit in Dayton, Tenn., successfully challenging a serious state/church violation that was a long-lasting legacy of the original Scopes trial. Tune in to learn more. Tomorrow's program features as music Dan Barker's version of Holly Near's "I Ain't Afraid." (MP3, 46 min, 20.9 MB)

"Gideons and Guantanamo" Jul 22, 2006

Show notes

Timely commentary on the (bad) news of the week, a "Pagan Pulpit" on the biblical claims to Israel, and features as guest distinguished civil rights attorney George Daly, of North Carolina. Mr. Daly discusses state/church separation in the South and his work with the Foundation to halt a proposed violation in North Carolina schools. In the second half of the program, he talks about his recent humanitarian work as volunteer counsel to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, disclosing little-known information. (MP3, 47 min, 21.2 MB)

Losing Faith in Faith Jul 15, 2006

Show notes

Dan Barker, author of Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, talks about his journey from fundamentalist believer and minister to atheist. The former Christian songwriter's first two songs as an atheist, "You Can't Win with Original Sin" and "Blood Brothers," are also aired. The show includes Theocracy Alert and Freethinkers Almanac. (MP3, 47 min, 21.5 MB)

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