Talk Heathen

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Talk Heathen 05.18 05-02-2021 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca May 02, 2021

Show notes

Happy Sunday Heathens! In today's episode, Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca are here to answer all of our caller’s burning questions.
The first call this afternoon is Brenda from MN who believes that philosophy is objective and constant for everyone, and is not opinion based. They define opinions as beliefs, and truth as a subset of belief. The caller argues that subjective experiences of individuals and groups are irrelevant to the philosophical discussions.
The next caller is Paul from England who wants to argue about the definition of Atheism, and has a cosmological argument for the existence of God. We do not know what we do not know, therefore, making indemonstrable assertions about a god’s characteristics doesn’t get us any closer to proving that God’s existence.
Up next is Xeno from NC who wants to tell the hosts about how programming is what led them to belief in a god. When you create a program that makes use of time, you are not creating time. You are setting up rules that the program follows in conjunction with time.
Next is Charismatic Catholic from Texas. They are wondering if the claim that Jesus rose from the dead after three days is unreasonable. As we cannot go back in time to evaluate what actually happened, and we have any other reliable experiences with a person rising from the dead, we don’t have any good reason to accept that claim.
Alan from Mexico is arguing that the Bible was written by God through humans, and that the rules outlined in the Bible, like circumcision, are divinely intended.
Our final call for today is Maya from GA who is wondering why prayer helps reduce their anxiety. Prayer can work very similarly to other mindfulness exercises such as meditation since it allows you to ground yourself and focus on what steps need to be taken to work through your anxiety. Thank you so much for calling!
Thank you all so much for watching today's episode of Talk Heathen! Enjoying the show and looking for more, why not check out some of the ACA’s other shows! We guarantee you’ll find something you’ll like.
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Talk Heathen 05.17 04-25-2021 with Vi La Bianca and Godless Engineer Apr 25, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you are still being safe out there! We hope to be a sanctuary for you in this chaotic world. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Vi La Bianca is joined by Godless Engineer. We are glad you’re here with us today!
Let’s get to calls! Returning caller Scott from South Carolina would like to talk about the problem with evil. He called a couple weeks ago and is calling today to follow up with more discussion about it.
Joe in Kansas is up next, he would like to talk about biblical morality. He asks how do we know certain cultural practices are bad (such as slavery) while still participating in that cultural practice when we wouldn’t know any better. This has everything to do with cultural/social constructs and basing morality on an external being that also regulated it and did nothing against it.
Jude in Texas, is also calling about slavery in the bible and how Christians can’t be both a slavemaster and a redeemer. He goes on to try to prove that God doesn’t condone slavery, using Exodus 21:16 as his gotcha passage. But, he is wrong as that passage talks about taking/kidnapping fellow Isrealites and turning them into slaves, LOL and goodbye!
Billy in Texas is wanting to talk about his beliefs and how the natural world has hallmarks of being designed by a creator. He claims that the genome couldn’t possibly be natural. Billy, you’re willing to say we’ve barely scratched the surface on the science, but yet putting forth a claim about this science, that does not compute.
Kevin in New York is calling back, this time wanting to talk about his claim about there being science in the Bible and he specifically mentions black holes in the book of Enoch. He so much wants to find meaning in these poetic passages, but it’s just not there.
George in Oklahoma, was a previous caller who attended church service with a friend and this friend kept him isolated. In our experience, do we find it easy to maintain friendships with believers and how has it affected us?
Up next, Matt in Maryland is struggling with the origins of the universe (or “a universe from nothing.”) Is this the scientific nothing where there are charged particles (there is still something there,) or the creationist apologist’s version where there is literally absolutely nothing. You know what, there is no harm in saying ‘I don’t know.’
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area and keep wearing your mask even if you’re 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 05.16 04-18-2021 with Eric Murphy and Mandisa Thomas Apr 18, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen Mandisa Thomas joins Eric Murphy in the co-host chair. Welcome back Mandisa, it’s great to see you!
Let’s get to calls! Hermer from New York would like to talk about how atheism is useless and how he respects individual atheists but not atheism. He goes on to say he doesn’t like atheist sorcerers, oh myyyy. And he’s gone. He hung up because he didn’t get to talk to Vi. What an interesting start to the show.
Jes in Louisiana is up next, he would like to talk about how to talk to his mom about his atheism when his mom constantly projects her views. This definitely sounds like a very one sided conversation and you have every right to set boundaries around the conversations with her.
Kathy in Pennsylvania is calling about how politicians and leaders use religion (specifically Christianity and politicians in the US) as a shield in the face of atrocities and inequality.
Mark in Canada is curious about spirit guides and he believes in spirits and spirit guides, life after death, and that mediums exist. Eric asks, is this all in your head? Pack it up folks, he claims he communicates with the other side!
Samuel in Maine wonders about hypocrisy in church. Such as pastors demonizing LGBTQ folk from the pulpit and then being caught in compromising situations. He sounds frustrated about it and wants to hear our take on it.
Sheva in Virginia would like to talk about his deconversion and how to talk to his wife about it. He is concerned about how to convince them it is ok. An added hurdle, this was an arranged marriage within the Hindu faith.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and sign up to get your vaccine. 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 05.15 04-11-2021 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Apr 11, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen the dynamic duo are back together again, Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca. #LaMurph
Let’s get to calls! Scott from South Carolina would like to talk about evidence for God and the Problem with Evil. He goes on to explain 5 stanzas that he explains his Christian based beliefs and wonders what we think about evil. Literal alphabet soup (which confuses Scott) and if a jar of evil actually exists was mentioned. Scott call us back! This was a great conversation.
Terry in Oklahoma is up next, he wants to talk about the claim that there is physical evidence on Earth for the voracity of the Biblical narrative. Oh really, please explain how you’ve come to believe this. Oh no, he believes Ron Wyatt really discovered biblical archaeological relics and artifacts.
Andrew in Ohio is calling about his beliefs in the God of the Bible and also believes it is wholly accurate, inerrant, and historically true because of the authorship of the Bible. That’s like saying Harry Potter and wizards are real because it is set in London. Also Andrew, please don’t call back, you were being incredibly dishonest in your arguments.
David in Washington is asking about signs, miracles, and personal revelations and how they figure into beliefs. Vi also breaks down their perspective on personal revelation and how erroneous it can be. Oooh, if you do have photographic evidence, please do send it to us! Hmmm, maybe it’s pareidolia...
Krishan in New Jersey is curious about what merits reasonable belief. It can completely depend upon you and how you feel about that belief, how much it impacts you, and whether there is enough evidence to support this belief.
Kevin in New York (yes, THAT Kevin) is calling back to talk about how he has an update about the actual authors of the Bible. Ooooooh! Call back next week Kevin!
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, and sign up to get your vaccine. 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 05.14 04-04-2021 with Eric Murphy and Christy Powell Apr 04, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Spring is in the air for the northern hemisphere, and apparently it’s also some Christian holiday of some sort today. Today’s episode of Talk Heathen is brought to you by chocolate bunnies, hidden easter eggs, and weekend zombies. Today, Eric Murphy is joined by Christy Powell from fellow ACA show, Secular Sexuality. Thanks for joining us Christy!
Let’s get to calls! Kale Chip from Kentucky is calling again, they called last week about setting boundaries with Christians surrounding a friend’s death. Today’s call is a bit of an update on their situation and what they were able to do.
Laura in Arizona is up next, she would like to talk about the problem with evil and how a good God could allow this evil to exist. Hmmm… sounds like an abusive relationship to me rife with gaslighting, abuse, and victim blaming.
Eric in Iowa is wondering why Christians are so troubled about abortions when babies and children under 12 go straight to heaven. Ooooh, this is an interesting question and there’s quite a bit to unpack here.
Tim in Florida is wanting to know what Christy thinks about how a therapist’s internal biases can result in someone being misdiagnosed. What should the average person do to avoid this and be looking for? Trust and Verify and bring it back to that therapist if it doesn’t pass your personal smell test!
Fernando in the UK asks if being LGBTQ is worthy of death by stoning because it is demanded by the Bible. Eric asks an important question about perpetuating violence against others without the Bible being a reason. Please don’t be a horrible person Fernando… crap.
Edmond in Israel is wondering if it is ethical to hold certain beliefs when they don't hold up to scrutiny and investigation.
Up next, Lucy in Florida wants to discuss if it’s possible that there are supernatural events (like the resurrection or ghosts) that are not tied to God.
Julian in Iowa is wondering if he is just going to be an angry atheist because of the maltreatment he experienced when he was religious and being gay as well. He is looking to channel this emotion in a more positive way. Your healing process is going to take as long as it takes and is absolutely valid in every way.
We end the episode on this weird holiday, if Jesus was a lich, what is his phylactery? That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get vaccinated, and 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.

Talk Heathen 05.13 03-28-2021 with Eric Murphy and Thomas Westbrook Mar 28, 2021

Show notes

Greetings & Salutations Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Thomas Westbrook (aka Holy Koolaid.) Welcome back to the cohost chair Thomas, we are glad you could join us today. Also, Happy Birthday Thomas!
Let’s get to calls! Barry from the UK would like to talk about how to effectively promote skepticism and critical thinking in US schools. We do have an uphill battle here, due to how ingrained religiosity is here, but there are baby steps we can take to get there.
Gemma in the UK is up next, they are wondering about dealing with family members who don’t accept nor respect their coming out as trans as well as navigating their beliefs as a trans person. Love and hugs to you Gemma, we are here as your community if and when you need us. You are not alone.
Kathy in Pennsylvania is calling about the rise of psychics and religious belief during the pandemic. She is struggling with losing religion, what is true, and her beliefs.
Sam in Texas is asking the hosts to view the Bible in a different light. Going on to ask about what evidence can positively prove the God of the Bible. Sam, can you listen for a single God forsaken second? Have a conversation with Eric and Thomas, don’t preach at them. Ugh. Worst. Caller. Ever.
Kale Chip in Kentucky is wondering about attending a memorial service/altar call for a friend and being surrounded by the religious. They took her memory hostage by saying “you’ll never see your friend again unless you repent.” That’s frustrating, Kale Chip. I’m sorry that you are having to go through that, especially now.
Sean in Ohio is having trouble with wrapping his head around how libertarian free will isn’t a thing. The definition here being free will in the absence of or not determined by outside factors. Also known as random. He had a followup question, it was about philosophy wondering if it is just a bunch of navel gazing noise. This caller gets me.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get vaccinated if you can, and wear your mask. The world is better with you in it. Happy Birthday Thomas! See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.12 03-21-2021 with Vi La Bianca and Viced Rhino Mar 21, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you all are enjoying spring so far. There is light at the end of this tunnel, we just need to continue to be patient. Keep being safe out there. Today’s show is really special, our dear friend Viced Rhino is joining us in the cohost seat. Thanks for joining us today!
Let’s get to calls! Jason from Pennsylvania would like to talk about how fossils are created, how they are found on mountaintops, and how they could prove a global flood. “But why couldn’t these animals just swim up to the mountains and be fossilized up there?” Sigh.
Chelsea in North Carolina is up next, she is trying to convince family members about a specific relative who is being toxic towards them. This person isn't listening nor respecting them and is seeking advice in how to approach this especially at family gatherings.
Marcus in Illinois is calling about free will and the difference between it and determinism. He is very confused and lost about a previous conversation about it.
Cameron in Minnesota is asking about a coworker’s claim about there being a lot of science within the Quran. He is looking for help on how to counter these claims since he hasn’t much experience with Islam compared to Christianity.
CJ in California is wondering about micro and macro evolution and how to approach a creationist with it. "Micro vs. Macroevolution" = "I believe in inches but I don't believe in feet" Thanks Vern!
Nick in Tennessee is calling about how they can be more active and supportive of the FFRF (https://www.ffrf.org) and the steps he could take to help out more.
Up next, Mike in Maryland is calling in about philosophy and religion and how to dismiss God claims through philosophy. This is Vi’s favorite subject and loves to talk about this!
Matt in Georgia would like to talk about how to combat potential questions from his nephew about being an atheist. His nephew is being raised evangelical and Matt is concerned about this.
Our last caller of the episode, Stuart in the UK is calling about using the scientific process to help with delusions in mentally ill folks. He also is encouraging how the scientific method and critical thinking can truly open up pathways to truth.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get vaccinated, and continue wearing your mask afterwards. 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 05.11 03-14-2021 with Eric Murphy and JMike Mar 14, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! We’ve got a special episode for you today, Rasputin has escaped death once again and is joining Eric Murphy on the show! Wooooo! Joking, it’s JMike. Welcome to the co-host seat JMike, we are glad you are here!
Let’s get to calls! Aegir from Iceland would like to talk about why we argue against intelligent design and are justified in calling it random.
Pauly in Germany is up next, asking if you’ve deconverted from religious life, how does this impact your mental health? Interesting question!
Bill, a presup in Missouri, is thinking too hard and has a question about setting up a debate with Darth Dawkins. Hey Bill, let’s not call on behalf of others, we are talking to YOU, not them. They can call in if they want to. He follows this up with: How does Atheism have a truth value in reality? Oooooh, our first presup question of today’s show! How exciting. Though Bill is being dishonest and only waiting for his turn to talk. Bye Bill, here’s a tip, learn how to actively listen and not just read from your script.
Returning caller Randy in California is wondering about a hypothetical, what would the long term effects of sequestering religions into specific regions, including atheists. Hmmm, what a quandary. But I don’t want to live in Florida!
Rick in Georgia is wondering about how when he looks around he sees intelligent design and believes this creator/creation is all around us. He also believes that everything is logical and has a purpose. We should look at the trees that bear fruit that we can eat! Oh boy.
Michael in California is calling in asking about an argument for the existence of a God creator. He lists out at least 6-8 premises that revolve around that there are explanations for everything in the universe/cosmos and this must be due to God. Queue in the category of Cosmological arguments in 3, 2, 1.
Up next, Dean in North Carolina is a professional presup and wants to discuss a recent debate about Christianity and science, and the strengths and weaknesses between both participants. Umm, nah. Let’s talk about something else. He then asked: Do you think all truth can only be discovered through the scientific method?
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, get the vaccine if you can, and please wear your mask in public. 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 05.10 03-07-2021 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Mar 07, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca will be taking your calls on this wonderful Sunday!
The first caller of today’s show is Robin from DC. Robin wants to know if atheism is rational. Unfortunately, the caller’s definition is entirely circular as in a world where a god necessarily exists, a necessary god exists. Before you can begin applying attributes to a god, you first have to demonstrate that the god exists and that it is necessary rather than just assert it.
Next up is Jerry from NY who believes that some people are born believers and some are born non-believers. The caller claims that God knows everyone who will be born and pre-determines whether a person is a believer or not while they are still in the womb. Before reaching this conclusion, there are a lot of underlying assumptions being made without evidence backing them up.
Jose from CA is calling to talk about a dream where he quoted Daniel 2-3 and believes that this was a sign from God. While the occurrence of the dream is interesting, we shouldn’t confuse what we dream with reality, nor should we assume that a particular dream is any more special than any other.
Up next is Robert from MA who is wondering what positive Atheism is and how atheists can do a better job of promoting it. The goal of positive atheism is to create a diverse and welcoming community that works to make the world a better place while combating the assumption that atheists and non-believers can’t have said communities.
Justin from NJ asks if the fact that all humans and animals share a common ancestor could be used as evidence of a common creator. While the caller is willing to accept that creation could have happened billions of years ago, it seems they are picking and choosing which parts of the book to take literally or which to take metaphorically.
Tonloc from Texas wants to continue the call with Robin from earlier and make some clarifications on their point. The reason why we can attribute traits to a fictional character is that fiction exists and we can build upon it. We cannot begin to apply traits such as “necessary” onto a god until the god is first demonstrated to exist. Also, please consider updating your script so that when you are asked a clarifying question you don’t have to dodge five times.
That’s our show for this week, thank you everyone for watching! Please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask. The world is better with you in it. We love you all with our uncut hearts and are sending all the rainbow void bubbles we have in stock your way. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.09 02-28-2021 with Vi La Bianca and Johnny P Angel Feb 28, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Vi La Bianca is joined by Johnny P. Angel. Welcome to the co-host seat Johnny, it’s great to see you again!
Let’s get to calls! Gohan from Texas would like to talk about the rational justification for Theism and the rationality of Theism. Yes, Gohan was discouraged from calling in before, and this is an interesting topic. Does he change his tactics? You be the judge!
Tom in Arizona is up next, he asks if we oppose religion and would we like to see them all abolished. Johnny explains his position and Vi continues the conversation asking Tom about ‘hope’ and ‘faith.’
Hiram in New York is calling about something Matt said about late term abortions on a different show, except Matt isn’t on the show today and this was awhile ago? Sigh, moving on...
Kevin in New York (yes, THE Kevin in New York) wants to talk about his claim that the subconscious/unconscious mind (as well as the dreaming mind) is also tapping into the mind of God. Oh boy, Kevin that is such a deepity. So much woo.
Steve in California wants to talk about aliens. (Does he know this is Talk Heathen and not Truth Wanted?) How do we think aliens exist and what do they look like? Johnny tries to tie this into the show, is believing they exist a tenet of faith?
Priscilla in Washington is calling in asking about how religions tend to shame women for their menstrual cycle bar women from leadership roles. She is seeking validation in wanting to see women in leadership positions.
Up next, Douglas in Canada is calling about how women in church leadership and in society can be just as aggressive as men. It’s all EnErGy folks and Vi is more emotional than Johnny and not logical or forceful because they were born female! You’re WRONG Douglas, goodbye and don’t call back.
Tristan in Texas would like to talk about objective morality and how it exists. He believes he’s gotten close to a premise and would like to work it out with Vi and Johnny.
Michael in Germany would like to discuss his approach with theistic arguments from his friend. His friend is now saying “Religion makes me feel good, so that’s what I’m going to believe in.” It does sound like they are on the verge of change, but it’s advisable to not try to push them.
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, 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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