Talk Heathen

Latest Episodes:

Talk Heathen 06.17 04-24-2022 with Kenneth Leonard and Forrest Valkai Apr 24, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, we have Kenneth Leonard joined by Forrest Valkai who will fire away questions for theists to ponder.
First caller is Nicholas from MO who is expressing the benefits of believing and how it makes him happy. He also believes that god’s morality is the basis for existence and if there is a god, then we should be afraid of him. He talks about the Bible being old and the apostles dying for their beliefs.
Consider the questions the hosts ask the caller: How much do you care about whether or not your beliefs are true? What happens when someone believes that blowing people up in a market makes themselves happy? Do people dying for beliefs make the claims true? If we are only talking about utility, can conflicting beliefs both be true at the same time? When is it time to believe a claim? What does the age of a book have to do with whether it’s contents are true? How do you know that the religion you picked is the right one? You must have evidence that god exists in the first place. Just because something is useful, does not make it true. If you can show us evidence that your claims are true, then we will have to come with you.
Rex in SC who has some questions about the possibilities of living in a future simulation. He is asking if it is reasonable to believe this hypothetical. We need to be careful with the terms we use and distinguish between reasonable, probable and possible. This whole idea hinges on the word, “if”. The one thing we can prove for sure is that we exist.
Michael in CA is next who helps out the homeless by providing needed services in different areas, and he does this without god. The reason is to help people, and not because of god or religion. Be a good person because it is the right thing to do, not because someone is telling you to do it. What goes through your head when someone tells you that you can’t be good without a god? The idea that a fear of hell needs to be there for people to do good is just absurd. You don’t have to believe anything that is not true before you go out and be a good person.
Ruth in CA has some comments about the belief of people healing faster when they believe and that her atheist body heals just as fast as others who have faith. She also makes the connection between debating science deniers and debating Flat Earthers. Forrest mentions that in these situations, there is value to the entire conversation being published so that others can benefit. This discussion turned to the popular question theists love: If we came from monkeys, then why are there still monkeys? Because we did not evolve from monkeys. People who ask this think that monkeys are less evolved than humans and there is a hierarchy of existence.
Thank you everyone for tuning in to today’s show! Theists please call in and be prepared to answer questions! Thank you to all the essential workers for continuing to show up and all that you do. See you next week!
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Talk Heathen 06.16 04-17-2022 with JMike and Kenneth Leonard Apr 17, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, JMike is joined by Kenneth Leonard. The gauntlet has been thrown folks, if you have a case that proves sin is a thing and should be a part of our morality, call the show and ask for Kenneth.
Let’s get to calls! Dominic from California would like to prove there is a higher power through a series of convoluted premises. Can science prove intrinsic purpose, JMike asks him. How is this different from debunkable pseudoscience? Dominic goes on to claim that he knows God exists 100%! JMike respods, can you give justification for this God you think is true.
Richard in New Hampshire is up next, he is wondering about the age old question of what makes someone who they are, nature vs. nurture? If only Shannon Q was here to chat about this, but Kenneth does his very best to talk about his perspective on it.
Returning caller Kevin in New York, (Yes THAT Kevin!) would like to talk about Jesus’ resurrection. Oooooh, the topic of the day! Definitely seems like the same old Kevin though, and definitely was hoping he’d be further along with deconstructing his faith, but alas, he returns with the same questions about faith and the Bible. He does believe that the resurrection of Jesus did in fact happen. But why Kevin? Waiting for the Apocrypha to be mentioned… and he does imply it (and Kenneth mentions it) at 1:32:58. BINGO!
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and please please PLEASE get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Talk Heathen 06.15 04-10-2022 with Katy Montgomerie and Genevieve Apr 10, 2022

Show notes

In today’s episode we have the amazing duo of Katie Montgomerie and Genevieve who will see if callers can convert them by calling and giving it the best arguments.
First up is Ruth in CA who studies science and quantum physics. She brings up to religious people these questions: Did god create this huge area that we can’t explore including black holes, radiation, and solar flares? In a universe so vast, why would we be the center of creation? Why did god not even give us gills, wings, or the eyes of a bee? Why did god create Covid? The discussion led to pondering the types of religious upbringing that can be considered child abuse such as conversion therapy, young earth, or women being inferior.
Next is Forest in MA that would like to talk about bringing down the wall when communicating with religious people. He uses Philippians 4:8 as Hitchens suggests to assist with this process. If people are not wanting to know what is true, then they are not true Christians. Katie tends to not use verses when talking with Christians because they are open to interpretation. Genevieve has an approach where she will ask them if they want to make sure that what they believe is true when there are such high stakes involving eternity. She would like to see an inquisitive mind with what people believe.
Billy in TX states that atheists don’t argue against the existence of god well and just because the universe is hostile, and religious people are stupid, does not mean there is not a god. He never heard Christians say that god made the universe for them and says that most scientists will tell you that random mutation will not get us where we are now. He thinks that the hosts' responses are pointless and does not understand how mutations can be caused by the environment. He angrily wanted the hosts to prove what the majority of scientists believe. Should we contact every scientist and ask them? Why did god just not skip the whole heaven and hell thing and make the universe a giant playground? The two displayed patience as the caller got abusively belligerent with plenty of accusations and ad hominems. Billy, strength does not come from suffering, but it comes from what the hosts have shown you.
Thank you for tuning in and we will see you next week for more fun with Heathens!
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Talk Heathen 06.14 04-03-2022 with JMike and Student Doctor Ben Apr 03, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, JMike is joined by Student Doctor Ben. Welcome to the show Ben, it’s going to be a great show!
Let’s get to calls! Snowden from Canada is calling in about Intelligent Design and how “perfect” our bodies are when they are actually pretty impractical as far as energy use and adapting for the environment. Oh but Ben changed the subject… but he didn’t. Why were we “given” eyes? Why aren’t we just rocks. Humans were clearly designed, just look at arms and eyes. Oh boy.
Todd in Florida is up next, he claims that objective morality is why we have persevered through religious and political persecution of others throughout history and has to come from somewhere. Though morality is how we evaluate behavior, it doesn’t come from somewhere and it doesn’t really just exist.
Oflameo in Pennsylvania, is wondering whether our ideas or beliefs follow reality and if our definition of God is an object of worship. Um… ok? He makes an attempt to present that if you think of something, that it becomes true, real, and exists. He’s definitely begging the question and JMike definitely breaks it down.
David in North Carolina claims that science and mysticism can overlap, giving the example that molecules “learn”. But they don’t. Ben says they are at the right place at the right time. Then he starts to give the example of the programmer or coder being similar to a God in making things.
Nekoda in North Carolina is wanting to talk about how abortion is morally wrong. Student Doctor Ben breaks it down for him and provides the science behind pregnancy and the differences between a termination, a miscarriage, and a delivery. It really sounds like the caller doesn’t want ANY of the responsibility and refuses to see how complex this decision can be. Major love and sincere thanks to Student Doctor Ben for being so patient and explaining it all. Hey, Nekoda, call back when folks with uteruses are on panel.
Keith in New Jersey talks about how people refer to science and using the scientific method to get to the truth and critical thinking.
Adam in Canada wants to know what our strongest proof for Atheism is. We have found insufficient proof for the presence of a God. No one has been able to prove or demonstrate a God or supernatural exists.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and please please PLEASE get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 06.13 03-27-2022 with JMike and Kenneth Leonard Mar 27, 2022

Show notes

Today we have JMike and Kenneth Leonard who show mastery of tackling caller’s questions with Talk Heathen.
First we have Billie in IN who wants to know how she can be in her job yet still be true to her values. She encounters people who say their religion makes them feel good and she is asked to promote prayer. The same set of skills apply to people regardless of their religion. If you see someone who is relying on their religion, we want to emphasize that life skills are not dependent on religion. Focus on giving people the skill sets they need to be successful.
Next is Chuck from IL that wants to know about cave paintings showing dinosaurs. Discovering drawings in a cave before people had knowledge does not prove the Bible. Not only do we need to prove drawings relation to reality, but we also can’t attribute them to any particular religion. Creationists are forced into not being honest. They buy into it because they need it to be true by starting from the conclusion and working their way backwards. Theists see a world that is consistent with their god because they do not understand how to do the work of thinking.
Colton in IN who has managed to get out of religion, but believes there are aspects of the human mind that are in need of a higher power. The hosts work through the following questions with the caller: Does it matter that a person’s beliefs are true? Why wouldn’t logic and reason be superior to what actually helped you get out of religion? How do you differentiate between a deity and your imagination? You are more capable than you think you are and do not need the magic feather.
Tomas in Argentina wants to understand the religious perspective better. Everybody is susceptible to believing nonsense. Try to have a principle of charity when reading where people are coming from. The more you read about decision making and belief, the more you can emphasize.
Gene in TX has a challenge with a friend who is trying to convince him that god exists and that god is his go to guy. The friend is not open to listening to his perspective. How is the relationship beneficial? If someone calls you out of the blue to talk about god, it sounds like you need to figure out if he is okay and what is going on. Don’t turn it into a lecture. Focus on why they accept this and what methodology was used.
Will in CO had an awkward experience with someone from Billy Graham’s organization trying to preach to him as they were helping with the horrific incident of his house burning down. They used a real fire to try and save you from a fictional fire. It would be worth it to set clear boundaries. It is like the service that is being performed is being held ransom for conversion. It is opportunistic to take people at their weakest moment. There are secular groups that do an excellent job with organizing and can help out with situations like this.
Thank you for tuning in and we will see you next week!
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Talk Heathen 06.12 03-20-2022 with Kenneth Leonard and Secular Rarity Mar 20, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Kenneth Leonard is joined by Secular Rarity. Should be a good show, thanks for joining us today!
Let’s get to calls! Laura in the UK would love to know a couple arguments against a Deistic God and how she can better approach this conundrum. How do you formulate these arguments about a God that abandons their creation? Questioning this epistemology by way of investigating would be a good first step.
No Contradictions in Canada is up next, he claims the word of God doesn’t have contradictions, especially and specifically written in the Bible. Then goes on to say that the reporting of God’s Word is rife with errors due to human error. How do we know what is “written by God” and what is reported by people? (Spoiler alert, the Bible is full of contradictions and written by people.) Interesting goalpost move there… If there are contingencies for the written word of God in scripture, adding more after the fact isn’t logical.
Jeff in Ohio is wanting to defend that the Bible doesn’t have contradictions and instead is the written down word of the human condition. He seems to cling more to the literary alliteration versus the literal “truth” of it. Interesting, if everything points to the human condition, then how best do we find meaning or truth, the definition of reality and our place in it. Reality is what it is and that’s what matters, says Kenneth. Truth is what is consistent with reality and reality is what it is. Good points Kenneth.
Ozzie in the UK is asking how to approach or open up to religious family members in the US and how to deal with being among the religious as an Atheist. Great question Ozzie, Secular Rarity has a great way to talk about it. Yay Atheist Day on March 23rd!
Ruth in California is calling in wanting to talk about Atheists and Theists getting married, dogs and cats living together... MASS HYSTERIA! Kidding, she talks about how her parents married and one is an atheist and one is a theist. She wanted to really emphasize that people with opposite views can live together peacefully. Great point Ruth! We definitely agree!
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and please please PLEASE get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 06.11 03-13-2022 with Kenneth Leonard And Richard Gilliver Mar 13, 2022

Show notes

Greetings heathens and theists! Today we have the amazing combo of Kenneth Leonard and Richard Gilliver who will tackle calls from a variety of atheists and repeat caller, Setuf.
First up is Hawk from IL who is troubled by being told by theists that he never really believed and is now wondering if that is the case. Normally when people say that you never really believed, it is a tactic to get away from whether their own beliefs are legit. Recovering From Religion is an excellent resource to help with this kind of struggle. What is relevant is whether you believed true things, not things that are false.
Next up is Setuf from Spain who states it is not possible to not be a vegan and be against animal cruelty at the same time. If someone consumed surplus milk from a cow on a farm, it that animal cruelty? What does this have to do with whether there is a god or not, and how is it relevant to our show? This is not Talk Vegan.
Next is Ruth in CA who was traumatized by being kicked out of church when she was around eight years old because she asked about how people repopulated after Noah’s Ark. Her dad was an atheist and her mom is a Seventh Day Adventist. They never brought up religion to each other and stuck by that. Her friend was married to a born again pastor and would claim that god created everything, including the science show they were watching together. How does she know god created this? Ruth, you are an awesome breath of fresh air and we can listen to you all day!
Tanjil from Au is next with a point about Buddhism being full of spirits and misogyny. There is a question about many schools of Buddhism there are. Are any of these schools absent of spirits or misogyny? Where did the conception come from that Buddhism is a secular religion? If the whole model is about obtaining nirvana, isn't that where the misogyny comes in since one must be re-birthed as a male?
Gene in Texas was raised in a strict church, but managed to never be indoctrinated. When his mom read the story of Adam and Eve to him, it seemed like a weird fairy tale. His mom told him it was real and he wondered why she would lie to him like that. Oftentimes what one believes boils down to lineage and what the ancestors believed. There are plenty of intelligent people who are believers and we do not like when others in the atheist community paint the religious as dumb. Be tuned in to your own vulnerability and be careful not to believe things for the wrong reasons.
It looks like all our religious viewers got raptured or maybe it is daylight savings. That is all folks, take care and see you next show.
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Talk Heathen 06.10 03-06-2022 with ObjectivelyDan and Jim Barrows Mar 06, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Truth Heathen/Talk Wanted, Objectively Dan is joined by the inimitable Jim Barrows.
Let’s get to calls! Britany from North Carolina asks why she believes in Jesus. She goes on to talk about a personal experience where she heard the bold voice and vision of an angel (and coincidentally was very ill at the time.) Could this be due to a fever or hallucinations from this illness?
Grant in Canada is up next, The King James Bible is true and he can prove it! He goes on to claim that all humans come from Noah and has a very poor understanding of heraldry and human history. He is incredibly wrong on so many levels.
Xeno in South Korea, is equating the existence of a possible god or creator to creating applications or programs using an ontology argument. He also starts talking about probability of life forms outside the Earth, and math that isn’t based on physics and reality. Oh boy, this is a fun call.
RespectivelyStan in California is wondering about questioning his reality and depression after deconverting. He had gone through a year worth of therapy and wants to know what we think about all of this.
Dave in Wisconsin tries to explain how Christianity warmed his heart. I wonder if this experience is the same thing as people who get the chills or feel “extra” when listening to specific pieces of music or seeing specific media. As Dan says during the call, brains are weird yo.
Last call alert! Jack in Texas poses another ontological argument for the existence of God which assumes that God exists and God created everything because Atheists don’t believe. Hmmm. Interesting take, wonder how Jim and Dan will approach this.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and please please PLEASE get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 06.09 02-27-2022 with Kenneth Leonard and Student Doctor Ben Feb 27, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Today we have the amazing Kenneth Leonard and special guest Student Doctor Ben (STB) who sheds insight on issues from both the trans and medical perspectives. Why do we care? Because beliefs end up being part of the legislature where state resources are used with horrific consequences.
Our first caller is Mike in OH who follows pagan deities, and denies Jesus. He argues that everyone feels pagan gods because we feel something when observing the moon and weather. He uses the ancient people as an example and feels that Freyja resonates with him. How does our connection to nature lead to the belief in gods? How is this different from a placebo and do these practices hold us back?
Next is Xeno, a programmer from South Korea who states that god is the singular point to where we come from and is the cause of everything. He thinks that everything in reality has a cause. This is the fallacy of composition and reality itself being caused can’t be proven. Does there need to be a singular point as a cause and does that need to be called god? Playing the linguistics game is not helpful or useful here. Just because reality has a set of properties does not mean that something caused this set of properties. When is it time to believe Russell's Teapot is up there?
Oliver in Brazil has a friend that believes the Biblical creation story is more correct than other creation myths. It is magical for god to use words to poof things into existence. What about the order of things being off such as plants being created before the sun? How is crafting a woman out of a rib and talking animals magical? All the creation charlatans refer to this despite the fact that everything we know about science exposes Genesis for what it is.
Roger in CA is wondering if we are misidentifying reality and takes issue with morality being subjective. When theists talk about morality, it is about their deity, not about what enhances the well being for everyone. What is the difference between morality and obedience? Morality may stretch beyond what humans can do; we see altruism in animals. Morality may be defined by asking the following question: how do we get closer to some form of well being?
Jeff in PA wants to talk about Catholic Synodal Process and if it is a good idea to attend something like this to learn. School districts are targeting kids in certain areas due to the church achieving its goals by inserting itself into political arenas. There are still millions of people who believe this is a legitimate organization and want to keep it alive.
B in VA has a friend that refuses to use proper pronouns when going into Discord. His friend says that they are shoving their beliefs down his throat and it is disrespectful to have to use pronouns. It is on an individual basis to determine what techniques you would want to use with them. You do not have to engage with people like that. Some people just do not want to be told what to do.
We appreciate our viewers! Be sure to check out all our shows and thank you to the crew!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 06.08 02-20-2022 with Katy Montgomerie and JMike Feb 20, 2022

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Katy Montgomerie is joined by JMike. It’s going to be a great show!
Let’s get to calls! Simon from the UK wants to talk about the problem of evil and how it is very possible that an evil god exists. He goes on to claim that if you have a life full of suffering and pain, it means there is an evil god behind all of it.
Casey in Missouri is up next, he claims the bible is true and accurate. He gives the example of the bible describing the Earth as a globe and this was before official scientific measurement. Except many ancient peoples and intellectuals understood the world was a globe due to naval navigation and observation, hundreds of years before the bible was written. And he doesn’t listen to the hosts and their presentation of evidence. He does get upset at the end, awwww.
Relic is wanting to talk about how organized religions are on the decline and how personal spirituality is becoming more popular. Perhaps the reason for this is the mere fact that people want to understand the world around them and they are less likely to be put to death for their beliefs (or lack of beliefs.)
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and please please PLEASE get vaccinated if you can. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

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