Talk Heathen

Latest Episodes:

Talk Heathen 05.38 09-19-2021 with Lloyd Evans and Kenneth Leonard Sep 19, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you all are having a very pleasant Sunday, it’s time for Talk Heathen! Today’s episode is hosted by the always respectful Lloyd Evans and joined by the ever effervescent Kenneth Leonard. It’s going to be a great show!
Let’s get to calls! Jason from Australia would like to talk about existential nihilism and what really is our objective purpose. Lloyd jumps into this deep dark pool first by saying, why not a subjective purpose? He goes on to say: I enjoy and take pleasure from my life and also like feeling love and being loved.
Kelly in Maryland is up next, she wonders how to stay sensitive to folks, family members, and friends who ask her to pray for them either at work (she’s in healthcare) or in other tough life situations.
Returning caller Kevin in New York is calling in to talk about yet another subject, this time being the soul. He claims it is the magnetic characteristic of the human body. He says he went through testing this claim and Lloyd takes him to task by asking him where he found this and on what website. Oh boy, here we go,
Nate in Canada is asking: What is the difference between a cult and the beginning of a religion. When does a religion become a cult and or when does a cult become a religion? Lloyd begins with the definition of cults and the definition of religion and where they are similar and where they differ. He goes on to speak about how to approach someone without using pejoratives when explaining how all religions are cults.
Cody in Texas is calling about his struggles with deconversion and how he is coming to grips with the delay and denial of the Christian and religious faiths in terms of mortality and death. “Life is punctuated by death and this makes our limited time on Earth so important, lucky, and special.”
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and get vaccinated if you can. Thanks especially to the hard working healthcare workers out there. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Talk Heathen 05.37 09-12-2021 with ObjectivelyDan and Mandisa Thomas Sep 12, 2021

Show notes

Welcome and thank you for joining today's show with our very own ObjectivelyDan! We are fortunate to have the one and only Mandisa Thomas with us today who is the founder and president of Black Nonbelievers as our co-host!
First up is Michelle in OH who wants to discuss COVID in the black community and the problem with people believing that god will protect children against the virus. Christianity is at the roots of white supremacy which is behind the lack of health care in black communities. Thinking that god will protect us against the virus is like the new version of snake handlers. Historical racial injustice has been a source of mistrust for medical science and vaccines. We have access to world wide data and information so there is no excuse to not get the jab.
Next we have Dave in NC who is describing how religious coworkers at a “non religious” boys home would project the fictional ideal of demon possession on the residents. There are many organizations that claim they are non-religious to access the tax benefits. Resources are available and groups that can help such as FFRF and ACLU work on these issues so you do not have to go through these things alone.
Next up is Brad in VA talking about his journey to atheism and not feeling comfortable revealing this in a black community. Learning that Christianity was imposed on our ancestors helps to not hold on to the belief as tightly. Many black folks that challenge and come out of religion feel isolated. White people who listen to this show must realize their experience will be different from black nonbelievers who don’t have those cultural molds. Our experiences vary and are important when we come together as a community.
Next is Greg in TX who wants to learn more about the term igtheist and the benefits of being atheist when it comes to things like marriage. When god can take on many definitions, the ignostic label helps to mitigate these different definitions and describe the individual thoughts. People must be true to themselves and use the term that describes their own beliefs. This may mean using the term atheist even when there are stigmas attached. As this movement grows, you are likely to meet people who will use these words in slightly different ways. Growing up in Christian society conditions us to believe that the values held are superior in regards to labels and traditions such as marriage. Christian marriages in particular tend to violate human rights.
Allison in Canada would like to learn about getting involved with activism for indigenous people. Social media is one of the greatest tools that we have and a great way to generate interest for indigenous nonbelievers. Find out what your long term goals are and become part of groups after doing your homework. Connect with your local secular organizations and also national organizations. Research the guidelines and protocols for your area.
That sums it up heathens! We would like to give a special thank you to Mandisa for her insights! For those of you who believe, we don’t hate you. We are just not convinced.
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Talk Heathen 05.36 09-05-2021 with Johnny P Angel and Christy Powell Sep 05, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you are still safe during the ongoing pandemic (still, sigh.) We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Johnny P. Angel is joined today by Christy Powell.
Let’s get to calls! Marlon from the Philippines is calling to talk about how a dog “died” and came back to life because of his healing pastor and his parish. What a miracle! How does this prove a God though? Why has this not been documented and studied? Why weren’t there scientists there to figure this out? This is major!
Steven in Washington is up next, he would like to hear our perspective on Christian nationalism in the US. Our wonderful hosts weigh in and provide great observations and how believers can be allies to non-believers and atheists.
Le Chef in Canada has two infallible and unfalsifiable arguments that there is historical and natural evidence for God within a seven day cycle. He explains these arguments and we get to discuss them. Oh, and he dropped, sad!
Stan in Nevada is pondering if some Bible verses were meant to be a joke. Interesting thought exercise, what do we do with this? Where do we go with the idea that it shouldn’t be taken seriously?
Kevin in New York is calling back, this time wanting to talk about epistemology and the Bible. He was also wondering how people justify their beliefs and if these beliefs are true. Ok, here we go. (Waiting for the Johnny P. Angel smackdown/research hour.)
Dave in Georgia wants to provide a little bit of insight into the Christian nationalism he experienced and how this sort of movement has been building over the last couple decades. The conversation evolves in how his marriage is being affected by his non-belief and her Christian nationalism.
Up next, Gohan in Texas wants to talk about the horribly tired and contrived Violinist’s argument in terms of abortion. He keeps replacing the terms of zygotes and clumps of cells with a person’s autonomy, and this is completely dishonest and frustrating.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and 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 05.35 08-29-2021 with Jmike and Katy Montgomerie Aug 29, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Today’s episode of Talk Heathen is brought to you by get the dang vaccine you heathens, let’s put an end to this pandemic together! Oh but today, Talk Heathen is hosted by Jmike and the always lovely Katy Montgomerie.
Let’s get to calls! Eli in Oregon is wondering if it is possible to have something eternal. He gives the example of the never ending Universe. Even physicists and scientists don’t know for certain if there is an edge of the Universe and this question isn’t something we can answer with any amount of certainty.
Paul in North Carolina is up next, he asks why do theists like quantum consciousness theories? This call was a bit difficult to follow, perhaps you have a better understanding of it dear listener. If you do, let us know.
Mike in California is calling about the Kalam and also believes that actual Infinities don’t exist. Um...Oh joy, another quantum question/assertion. Ok Mike let’s have a conversation, show your work though. Tell us about the Kalam and how you believe infinities don't exist, which oddly isn’t very Christian, interesting.
Gabriel in the Caribbean is wanting to discuss his logical reasons for believing in the Abrahamic God. He would like to know if Katy and Jmike think these reasons are also logical. Spoiler alert, they don’t. And he starts to argue about abiogenesis… great.
Here we go, it’s Otangelo next. He has an argument he would like to discuss with Katy and Jmike. He’s really stuck on DNA and how it doesn’t depend on a designer. C’mon Otangelo, come up with something new. This conversation is old and tired.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and 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 05.34 08-22-2021 with Jmike and Johnny P Angel Aug 22, 2021

Show notes

Happy Heathen Sunday for all who are joining us for today’s episode of Talk Heathen starring Jmike with the koala and Johnny Angel!
First up we have Josh in AR whose position is that free will has to exist and if it does not exist, punishing criminals is amoral since they have no control over their actions. He believes that human thought is too complicated to be attributed to just brain cells interacting. This is not an argument for belief, but rather stating what you think.
Defaulting to moral responsibility and calling when you are already angry is only clouding your judgement. Calm down bro, why are you so angry? We are not going to stop removing criminals from society if we can’t change their behavior.
Next is Andrew from Canada asking about god's grace. What good is god if we can do whatever we want? We have never met god nor do we believe in the existence of god so therefore we would not believe in the corresponding grace. Human beings can be nice or cruel to each other, and sometimes get away with being cruel. Suspiciously, god tells people to do what they already want to do, and sometimes that is cruelty. God’s grace is a cop out.
Roberto in Italy wants to learn about consciousness and what constitutes the beginning. We would like to know how you would apply this as a fundamental feature of consciousness and what utility this would have. This topic has not made a lot of progress in philosophy. This can be considered identity and is a fun thing to look at. Keep reading and thinking.
Jared in ID would like some opinions on how to talk with family about extremist groups and their symbolism. Anytime I try to bring up anything, one of my family members shuts it down. Try asking your family questions about what they think rather than stating what you believe; you will be putting them on the defensive. Open yourself up to a true conversation that takes place over a lifetime, not confrontations. Be aware of how your words are received. People will not be responsible for independent beliefs when they can’t even be responsible for their own beliefs. There are layers to it and you have to peel them and break down the walls until you get to the center.
Paul in NC would like to talk about the tale of Moses and how it lines up with the cycles of Osiris. You are preaching to the choir. Moses was most likely copy and pasted from other myths. The claims that surround the being itself do not fit. There is a substantial amount of research into the history of the Bible and the apocrypha. Thank you for the suggestions; we do read a lot of what is sent to us.
Quit complaining about the masks and get the vaccine already. Enough of this nonsense. Thank you for joining us today for these fascinating topics! Peace out and we love you.
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Talk Heathen 05-33 08-15-2021 with Lloyd Evans and Johnny P Angel Aug 15, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you are all well on this beautiful Sunday, today’s episode is hosted by Lloyd Evans and Johnny P. Angel. It should be a good show!
Let’s get to calls! David from California has indisputable evidence of a creator and a spirit realm. He starts by complaining about his previous experiences with different hosts. He keeps going back to the claim that the space created by the expanding universe is created by some sort of creator. But it’s not David. That’s not how physics works.
Chad in Michigan is up next, he claims that civilization cannot coexist without a set of religious rules. This would also include discipline and punishment and he likens it to disciplining a child for wrongdoing. Ooooh, this is within Lloyd’s wheelhouse as a parent and Chad keeps putting words in his mouth. The conversation devolves into non-consensual crime against another and the potential harm it can do. Hey Chad, stop being a dishonest idiotic jerk. Maybe we’ll let you call again.
Returning caller Kevin in New York, is calling this time about the Apocrypha and his belief in God. Johnny also has counted how many times he has called (24+ times!) summarized all his calls, and came to the conclusion that he latches onto new things and doesn’t have a good understanding of epistemology. Kevin’s response, but I wanted to talk about the Apocrypha. Sigh.
Shaw in Pakistan is wanting to talk about the progressive strategy in Western countries that young activists are privy to versus the privileged few young activists within such countries like Pakistan and how they should try to change or adapt their strategies in different countries.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get vaccinated if you can, and be a hero to all by wearing your mask. 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 05.32 08-08-2021 with ObjectivelyDan and Gayle Jordan Aug 08, 2021

Show notes

Please join us today by welcoming our very own Objectivity Dan and special guest host Gayle Jordan with Recovering from Religion(RFR) that provides support, resources, community, and hope.
First up we have Matt in MD that would like to discuss nationalist movements around the world that set a precedent for others to follow. These movements endorse one another and support each other financially. We can learn, observe, and see how these movements do not thrive. It helps to make the policy changes that are needed by allying with the folks who share our same objectives, regardless of their religion.
Next we have Danny in CA who has some points about religion’s attempt to solve mental health issues and are sometimes even anti-medication. You are not alone with this. Mental health problems will not go away by praying them away or ignoring them. RFR provides peer support on the help line, online communities, and sources for evidence based therapies.
Margaret from CO wants to know if RFR helps with being told as a child we are bad people that do things because of Satan.That is just the nature of what religion does and how it works. It is common and there are even folks who have discarded the religious beliefs, but still deal with the damage religion has caused. RFR is a good place to talk about this. It is not your fault that you were shown images of Jesus crucified.
David in CA loves Jesus. He wants us to start taking responsibility for our actions and stop blaming our parents or religion. He knows people go to hell after they die because the Bible is 100% true. First off, trauma can be a lifelong debilitating thing and it is accurate to identify the cause as religion. If you believe this after 40 years, you have not looked and searched hard enough because the Bible is full of numerous inaccuracies.
J.L.Y. from the UK wants to talk about God's relationship with man after creation. Christianity can’t be a religion because religions all require something. He claims this is all about redemption. If you have to do something to get somewhere, then that is a requirement. Christianity is not exempt from being a religion by pretending there is nothing that we must do.
Ahmad from OH would like to talk about what a designer is because this is the main issue between believers and atheists. Organic matter decays so there must be an origin. The problem with this, is there is nothing to contrast design within nature. There is no point of reference that can be used.
Terry from Canada claims that the seven day cycle proves Jesus is God. The religious account of world events is not necessarily true by what is demonstrated by scientific facts. There are groups of people on earth that do not use the seven day calendar and the seven this is not evidence for Jesus being god.
Thank you for tuning heathens and theists and please join us next week!
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Talk Heathen 05.31 08-01-2021 with Kenneth Leonard and Matt Dillahunty Aug 01, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Kenneth Leonard is joined today by Matt Dillahunty. It should be a really great show!
Let’s get to calls! James in North Carolina, has thought up a very specific criteria that could prove God if it can actually be done. It is made up of 3 stanzas and he’d like to run them by us. 1. A conversation with God while in a completely lucid state. 2. Confirmation that it was God by external witnesses. 3. Something tangible that was provided outside of this experience that proves this did occur that could be scientifically tested. Matt and Kenneth break these down for him.
Samuel in Maine is next, he disagrees with churches' use of appeal to authority. Kenneth is a bit flummoxed by this interesting place to begin. It’s a great conversation.
David in California, he has definite proof of God and is calling in to set us all straight. He is a return caller, you may recognize him. After a long preamble and whining about how he is being perceived, he finally gives his proof. He claims the universe and matter expanding into unknown space is the proof of God because God created this unknown space. Oh boy.
Lord in California is wondering what to do with old Christian friends after deconverting and finding themselves in debates and conversations with them about religion. He is becoming frustrated with these talks and concerned about the impact on the relationships.
Adam in Romania wants to disprove the existence of a deistic God. Um, ok? He starts by listing out premises using a replacement word for God.
Kevin in New York is asking if anyone ever has asked about the contents of the ‘Ark of the Covenant.’ (Queue the Indiana Jones theme song.) How can we investigate the contents if the Ark doesn’t exist? Who can investigate the Ark and how can we know?
Joe in Canada wants to talk about how specific labels put on people can potentially end conversations. How can we avoid or unpack this? Ooooh, perhaps try some street epistemology!
Billy in Texas is calling about the need to prove that God doesn’t exist. But what if a God could exist? He brings up the quote by physicist Brian Cox: “Everything that can happen, would happen” and tries to apply it to proving the existence of God. Matt puts his feet to the fire asking if it’s possible for a God to not only exist but is capable of telling us it exists.
EJ in Georgia is wondering what our take is on the Council of Nicaea and Ephesus and how it formed the canon of the Bible. Matt explains his position on it and how it is interesting in a historical context.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and please get vaccinated. 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 05.30 07-25-2021 with Kenneth Leonard and JMike Jul 25, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you are still safe during the ongoing pandemic, please continue to be safe out there. We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, JMike is joined today by Kenneth Leonard. Kenneth has not forgotten leg day was yesterday btw. #LiftingWeightsFTW
Let’s get to calls! Joe in Virginia would like to talk about JMike’s moral theory. JMike goes on to explain his position as a moral anti-realist. According to your moral theory Joe, what is right or wrong? Joe then starts to become disingenuous by claiming he became an atheist right now. Oh come on Joe, get outta here.
Brian in Michigan is up next, he asks about the arguments from fine-tuning and the arguments from miracles and whether or not they conflict with each other.
Jesus Loves You in the UK is calling about morality and if we think Christians hate us atheists. He does attempt to discount the Old Testament and is fairly evasive when questioned by JMike, especially when asked if it was right to slaughter infants.
Kevin in New York is calling back, this time wanting to talk about how God gave us free will. Um ok, but free will doesn’t exist? This was a pretty normal Kevin call, a long, meandering, and winding road going in all kinds of weird directions.
Charles in Florida is wondering why theists are so confident in believing in an omnipotent God and why do atheists upset theists so much? What is their motivation and rationality in following this if we unbelievers are so unimportant to them. Interesting question.
Up next, Gohan in Texas is wanting to give us the reasons behind why theists may call in to our show. He posits that a good reason why they talk to us is to give us the reasoning behind why they believe.
Dropkick in Indiana wants to talk about how to have a better understanding of the differences between atheists and theists. Well the short answer is, atheists aren’t convinced of any God existing within reality. Theists do believe.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and 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 05.29 07-18-2021 with Johnny P and ObjectivelyDan Jul 18, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you are still safe during the ongoing pandemic. We are so close to seeing the end of it, stay vigilant! We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Johnny P. Angel is joined today by Objectively Dan (and Pico!) #TeamPico
Let’s get to calls! Zoroaster from Texas would like to talk about how homosexuality is objectively immoral. Oooh starting out hot. Except right off the bat he changes the subject to pedophiles and is using his unfounded logic of them being gay as a reason to imprison people. Dude, you’re being ridiculous and reprehensible. Don’t call back.
Kelly in California is up next, he has some questions about removing God from the gaps in our knowledge.
Mark in Canada is wondering what we think about spirit guides. Um, it’s not a thing in reality, but we have heard about it and it is a thing some folks believe.
Ryan in Minnesota is asking about how to reason with the unreasonable. He finds himself in debates and is struggling with finding honest interlocutors. How do you engage with others where everyone feels comfortable. OH! Try Street Epistemology, it may work for you!
David in Oregon is wanting to talk about how to stop oneself from speaking too much out of turn, being impatient with bad arguments, and also imposing your values onto others. Here’s an idea, perhaps be patient and use active listening, that may put others at ease and make you seem as though you truly want to have the conversation.
Billy in Texas wants to explain why they believe in intelligent design within functional genomes and DNA. He would like to run an argument with us and see how we respond. He believes that something intelligent had to design the Universe and claims that science and philosophy supports this. Except it doesn’t, but go on. Your claim that complexity can’t come from simplicity doesn’t track man. Also, the code in DNA isn’t a literal code either.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get vaccinated if you can, and continue to wear your mask. 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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