Talk Heathen

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Talk Heathen 05.08 02-21-2021 with Eric Murphy and Denis Loubet Feb 21, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Denis Loubet. Denis is a longtime friend of the ACA and one of the original hosts of the Non-Prophets. Denis has one of the best voices out there. We are so glad you’re joining us today, it should be a good show!
Let’s get to calls! Alejandro from California would like to talk about the definition of Atheism and how to discern if newer atheists think differently than older atheists. He goes on to say new atheism is less of an argument and more of a condition of thought and a movement. But atheism isn’t a new thing? (This guy is NOT CC btw.)
“Bobby” (aka Charismatic Catholic) in Texas is up next, he wants to prove how Catholicism is true. Oh is it now? What exactly makes Catholicism more believable than all the other Christian religions? I have time, I can wait. What’s this about the fine tuned argument?
Deborah in Oregon is having a bit of a crisis and would like to know our perspective on it. How can there be a God when children are abused on his watch? Eric responds, “We live in a universe and in a world that is naturally not just. Human hands solve human problems.” You are not an NPC in someone else’s story Deborah!
Jonathan in Arizona is wanting to talk about if secular morality is objective or subjective. Short answer is: Yes it is. But is there an intrinsic morality to the universe? TRIGGER WARNING with this call, he asks if child abuse is moral or immoral. Ooof this guy, he is trying to use emotional appeal to try to also prove a deity.
GA in Texas wants to talk about their God belief. They’ve had visions all their life and weren't raised religious. How do we know these visions are real though? GA, please go get professional help, two nerds on the internet aren’t equipped for this.
Ed in Arizona wants to share his experience he has had, he’s been a lifelong believer and opposed to Atheism. His son helped convince him that Atheism isn’t so bad. Eric responds “We can work together (with believers) to build a better world.”
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area and wear your mask when you’re out and about. 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 05.07 02-14-2021 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Feb 14, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Happy Valentine’s day to all you Heathens out there. We love you! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. #LaMurph
Let’s get to calls! Charismatic Catholic from Texas asks, what is the best evidence for God that we have heard and what is wrong with it. Interesting question, and before you ask, this is NOT Canadian Catholic and this one sounds willing to listen and have a good conversation.
Neil Spirits in Southeast Asia is up next, claiming the spiritual self is a part of the mind and body and it matters to him. Ok, what and where is the soul and where is Eric’s sense of humor? Good question Eric, we don’t know where your sense of humor is! Let us know if you find it! (Kidding, we love you!)
Returning caller Kevin in New York, would like to explain religious circumcision, how it isn’t related to a medical practice, and is only of the heart. All of the what? The passage in the Bible that references circumcision of the heart is a metaphor. Vi asks the all important question, why should we care?
Nick in Tennessee is wondering about anti-theism and atheism. The conversation evolves into being an angry atheist because of theism. Please don’t let your anger shut folks out Nick, because there are those that need your help to see the path out. Caller Quote of the day: “Anger is fine-tuned to inspire an action but it shouldn’t direct or guide the action.”
Lisa in Colorado feels betrayed being raised religious in the Lutheran faith and also feels like she has lost something. God will do anything to promote himself and wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of misery and suffering. She’s at a crossroads and is struggling. We are here for you Lisa!
Ryan in Louisiana would like to find value in religion, but without the supernatural trappings that are associated with most religions. Great query, you should read the Skeptics Annotated Bible and the Jefferson Bible. But ultimately, why is a good question to ask.
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. We love you all with our uncut hearts. See you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.06 01-31-2021 with Vi La Bianca and Dave Warnock Feb 07, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you all are doing well today. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Vi La Bianca is joined by longtime friend Dave Warnock. It’s awesome to see you Dave, Carpe the F*cking Diem!
Let’s get to calls! Isaiah from Hawaii would like to talk about how the legends of God are like the telephone game and that the original story has evolved over time. (HA!) Interesting take, but why do we need to attach God to origins?
John in California is up next, he asks about becoming an atheist while his family continues to believe. He explains how his wife is frustrated with his change and says how she feels “catfished” with his newly skeptical life.
David in California is wondering about keeping nostalgic icons and art of when they were religious after deconverting.
Renee in California wants to talk about the spiritual realm and if we as Atheists believe in it. Is it bad to believe in it? She has some interesting “theories” on some things and may be more of a victim of her own religious biases.
Arden in Canada is next up, wanting to talk about nihilism and it’s forms. Some of this philosophy goes over my head, but this is a great conversation.
Jake in Texas is wondering what he can do to help his mom who has seemed to become very brainwashed due to Christian sources and Qanon. Dave recommends cutting off these fringe ideas.
Our last caller, Noel in Michigan is wondering since Genesis is not accurate why doesn’t the entire thing fall apart. Great question!
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.

Talk Heathen 05.05 01-31-2021 with Eric Murphy and Owen Morgan Jan 31, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Owen Morgan, aka Telltale. This is going to be a great show!
Let’s get to calls! Stan in Nevada would like to talk about at one point do we blanket Christianity as a cult. Owen explains it well, saying the category isn’t necessarily a cult, but the smaller groups that make up the religion have the potential to be.
Returning caller David in California is up next, he circles back to determinism from his first call from a couple weeks ago and wants to hear Eric and Owen’s thoughts on it.
Chad in Nebraska, is wondering about having a conversation with a pastor in front of his congregation about the inaccurate thoughts believers have about nonbelievers.
Douglas in Canada is asking the following question: “if we are Atheists, who or what created the world.” You know, I don’t know is an intellectually honest way of answering this question.
Karen in California is wanting to talk about if there is a clear difference between Christian nationalism and Christian fundamentalism. Owen breaks it down for us.
Brandon in California is concerned about the lack of evidence brought forth from his faith and is considering talking to his church leadership about what he is discovering. Good Luck Brandon, we are here for you!
Up next, Kevin in New York (still) believes that prophecy is evidence and proof of God. Reason why he arrived at this is because of the research he has done since the last call. Unfortunately, the call isn’t quite the quality we need for the show, he’ll call next week hopefully.
Jim in Canada would like to talk about the impact of religion on children and folks’ insensitive remarks about LGBTQ people. He also really wants to be a resource to others. Good luck Jim! Let us know how things go!
Kell in Utah is wondering about the conversations he has had with his mother about truth in the Mormon church. She wouldn’t care if there was absolute proof of malfeasance, she wouldn’t want to know.
Jason in Tennessee is updating us about his friend and how he can’t really do much more to help him. Thank you for letting us know, Jason. Best of luck to you.
Sarel in Israel is wondering if there is a middle ground between atheist and theist. Owen explains, not really, it’s more of a binary, it’s either true or not true.
That’s our show for this week, see you next week!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

Talk Heathen 05.04 01-24-2021 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Jan 24, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! 2021 so far feels ever so slightly better, hopefully we are on our way to a better year. Also, happy birthday Greg! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. #LaMurph
Let’s get to calls! Calvin from California would like to talk about how Atheists' skepticism may be pushing away any “good work God can do.” Prove this Godly work exists, then we can have a conversation. Calvin seems to only be waiting for his turn to talk and is preaching at us a bit.
Danny in Louisiana is up next, he asks about evidence in relation to God. He uses a hypothetical theory to try to prove Jesus and God exist. Essentially saying that God is unfalsifiable. So many fallacies and so much gibberish abound with this call.
Michael in Germany is wondering about taking his children out of religious practice and questioning if this will be detrimental. There is some good teaching kids about religion, but not indoctrinating them.
Kathy in Pennsylvania is calling in wanting to talk about the recent nationalist terrorist insurrection on the US Capitol. How it was partially due to shameful Christian nationalism and they used this as a shield to hide behind.
Link in Washington is calling back, this time wanting to talk about his recent deconversion and building an epistemology from scratch. Congrats Link! We loved talking to you last time you called in, and are excited to chat with you again. Take your time with all this, it can be a lot to take in and it’s ok to utilize some already built epistemology and make it yours.
John in D.C. is wondering about how religion influences psychology and society. Vi recommends that he also look into how psychology, society, and individuals can influence religion.
Up next, Jason in Tennessee is calling about his friend who is having trouble with addiction, hallucinations, and thinking he is being harmed by Satan and demons. He doesn’t know how to deal with it and wants to know how to fix it. It may be worth finding a therapist to talk about it.
Returning caller Skye from Colorado is calling back with an update and also needing some advice. They have fully deconverted and love their freedom, however she has been faced with an intervention from her sister and dad about her recent lack of belief and is very troubled about it. We are here for you, please join us, we will help you through this.
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.

Talk Heathen 05.03 01-17-2021 with Vi La Bianca and Katy Montgomerie Jan 17, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope all y’all are doing well out there, it’s Sunday, so that means it’s time for atheist church. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Vi La Bianca is joined by the absolutely amazing Katy Montgomerie. Welcome back to the co-host seat Katy, we are so glad you are here.
Let’s get to calls! Paul in Texas would like to talk about how he has proof or evidence of an omnipotent being which leads from deism to theism. He has a step by step process in showing this evidence even! By proving this, he hopes to completely disprove atheism as well. Oooooh, this should be fun, if we can just get through his preamble/definitional stage!
Tom in California is up next, they are seeking some advice on their recent deconversion. After deconverting, what is the next step? First of all, congratulations and welcome to the community! Secondly, it really depends on your needs and if you’re inclined to, continue researching. Katy and Vi really dig into this.
Nick in California is also a recently deconverted atheist and is curious about our take on near death experiences. This is an interesting conversation and really good to talk about, especially for newly deconverted atheists struggling with understanding natural processes.
David in California is calling in asking about determinism and how it relates to free will if that’s such a thing. Vi asks really important questions; can you control the motivations that cause you to make choices? Where does free will come into play? And further, how does this pertain to religion or god?
Hunter in Illinois is neither an atheist nor a theist. Ok, how? But he wants to talk about morality and if it’s worth it or not. The conversation evolves into a pascal’s wager type discussion, with Hunter hedging his bets on whether a god exists or not.
Michael in Alabama is wondering about morality as well. He proposes we use the word ethics instead of morality when discussing these themes with theists. Ah, interesting concept, but will it work though?
Up next, Carpe Diem in Colorado is calling in with a question that is likely to cause some interesting conversation and debate. Should doctors be forced to perform abortions? This question is odd though, what situation would there ever be where a doctor is forced to perform this procedure? If one doesn’t want to do it, there is likely another that can. However, this may be troublesome in highly legislated areas that are trying to make it impossible or improbable to get (i.e. within abortion deserts.)
That’s our show for this week, please continue to be safe in your area, wear your mask, socially distance, flatten the curve. 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 05.02 01-10-2021 with Eric Murphy and Ethan Micheal Jan 10, 2021

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! Hope you all are having a pleasant new year so far, we are glad you are here! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Ethan Micheal. Ethan is a friend of the show and we are really excited to have him here! Here’s his channel: https://www.youtube.com/yfnatheist
Let’s get to calls! Joe from New York would like to talk about how he doesn’t think Atheists are choosing to use common sense when they analyze evidence for the existence of God. As requested, he gives the examples of how something can come from nothing and that personal miracles prove the existence of a deity. But how though?
Jeff in Washington is up next, he is wondering about consciousness, integrated information theory, and the exchange of information within a conscious. Except he is anthropomorphizing this exchange that is basically chemical reactions. But how does this prove a deity?
Macy in New York, is calling about mental health, religion, and existentialism. Eric is now very excited and looking forward to this conversation, it is totally his jam. How do we get over the fear of hell and the feeling of being all alone?
Gage in Pennsylvania claims everything is ALIVE! He goes on to say that atoms are alive including the energy that powers atoms. But how can energy be alive? He is anthropomorphizing things as well. Oh my this guy! Sounds like deepity!
Lucas in Brazil wants to chat about how to deal with arguments that use pseudoscience to justify the religious beliefs. He goes on to explain how within this belief, we attain a higher being status through a sort of evolution. It’s really weird. This is a good question, maybe using ‘Street Epistemology’ would be a great approach.
Minh in California is wondering how we deal with hardships in life and suffering. How do we as secular folk deal with grief and grieving. It’s definitely a difficult process, but it’s unique to most of us. However, having others (or a community) to grieve with is incredibly helpful.
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.

Talk Heathen 05.01 01-03-2021 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Jan 03, 2021

Show notes

Happy New Year Heathens! We are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming year, hope it turns out wonderful for us all. In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. #LaMurph
Let’s get to calls! Sigmund (aka Canadian Catholic) from Canada would like to talk about the positive viewpoints Eric and Vi hold as humanists and naturalists. They decide to have a quid pro quo type of conversation, which is a somewhat different format for the show. Unfortunately, CC isn’t the most honest interlocutor to have this type of conversation, is incredibly condescending, and constantly interrupts both hosts. And you’re done.
Adam in Texas is up next, is wondering if there is any way to view the Bible as a moral book and how slavery back then is different. The call evolves into a fairly nice conversation as a way to get to know them. Come to find out, Adam is a presup. Weeeeee!
Emmet in Texas is calling about how to deal with death after deconverting. There is no wrong way to grieve. It may also be worth letting mom grieve in her way, even if it is diametrically different than yours.
Patrick in Florida thinks that pantheism may be a better option and the science behind consciousness. He would like to talk about it with Eric and Vi. Just because pantheism sounds like a better option, it doesn’t mean it’s the only other choice. Ooooh, boy. This call is a bit wild and all over the place, Patrick doesn’t really listen and Eric gets a bit heated.
Scott in California is calling about naturalistic pantheism and how atheist isn’t the right term to define Eric and Vi’s viewpoint. But which is really better though?
Emmanuel in Texas is wondering about how a near death experience and suicidal thoughts due to wanting to be in heaven formed his theistic beliefs. We are glad you are still here Emmanuel, please seek help if you need it, but we are here for you if you need us once more.
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.

Talk Heathen 04.50 12-13-2020 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Dec 13, 2020

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! This is the last live episode of Talk Heathen for 2020, and Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca are here and ready to hear from you!
Let’s get to calls! Jonathan from Georgia has a friend who is questioning whether or not he believes. His unbelieving friend was experiencing chronic chest pains when a woman came into his place of work, prayed in Hebrew, and his chest pain went away. Eric explains that the placebo effect is a real means of pain reduction. Jonathan agrees with Eric and Vi that we should align our beliefs with the evidence presented to us, but doesn’t think all evidence is tangible.
Fran in Colorado is up next. They’re an amputee and had a woman approach them in the store and offer to pray for them. This woman laid hands on them and started praying very loudly. When Fran explained their leg wasn’t going to grow back, she said “God can do anything.” While they were able to laugh it off, some people may be dealing with religious trauma and can’t shrug it off so easily. It is always unethical for evangelists to prey on people in vulnerable situations.
Michael in Florida wants to know Eric and Vi’s take on people's supernatural claims in the present like demon possession or miracles. We need to first establish that god or another entity are possible causes. We know that mental disorders exist, epilepsy exists, and symptoms of these conditions may be attributed to demons. While “I don’t know” can be an uncomfortable answer, we have to examine possible answers from the types of causes that we know to be real before making any other conclusions.
Next is John in Texas who says that if you are unable to understand the evidence, that is not the fault of the person explaining it to you, it is your fault for not comprehending the evidence. He says we choose to believe whatever we think best explains reality. The thing is, we cannot choose our beliefs. Our beliefs come about as a result of the evidence presented to us and how we evaluate that evidence. Sadly, John doesn’t want to engage honestly, but prefers to gaslight the hosts.
Our last call for today is from Rande in California asked for a sign that wouldn’t be open to interpretation and had a dream that an old friend called him and Rande berated this friend for not being there for him.The next day, that same friend called him and the call went the same as the dream. Rande is disappointed that this might mean the biblical god is real because he thinks that god is immoral. But if this sign wasn’t open to interpretation, Rande wouldn’t have called in!
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.

Talk Heathen 04.49 12-06-2020 with Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca Dec 06, 2020

Show notes

Greetings Heathens! In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, we’ve got the dream team back #LaMurph! Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca are here today and ready to hear from you!
Let’s get to calls! Fran from Pennsylvania saw demons in the woods in their 20s. Their friends also described seeing a similar creature. Eric and Vi think it may be the result of pareidolia. Memories are also very malleable things, so the collection of stories in this friend group may have grown over time.
Father John from Canada is up next, he’s called in before but this time he has brought us an argument! He wants to talk about the peripatetic axiom which says “nothing is in the intellect which was not first in the senses.” He rejects the axiom and wants to know if Eric and Vi accept it, but doesn’t want to discuss what he believes and why. He thinks he is justified in not using empirical evidence to justify his beliefs.
Chrys in Pennsylvania wants to discuss the old earth and young earth creationist groups within the Orthodox Church. Chrys is not a young earther, nor does he believe in theistic evolution. Vi and Eric want to know how Chrys is helping to educate his fellow believers and support science.
Skye from Colorado, a self described “struggling Christian” is hanging on to faith because of the Immanuel prayer and fear of the rapture. Eric explains that an argument from fear, while viscerally impactful, is not a good reason to believe in something. This sort of “stay with me or you’ll be punished” rhetoric is very similar to how abusive partners talk. The Immanuel Prayer appears to be a means of self-indoctrination. Both of these last threads are forms of emotional manipulation, forming a carrot and stick combo. Wanting to learn about your religion is not a crisis! Asking questions is a good thing.
Jessica in New York wants progressive theists to recognize how their silence enables right-wing fundamentalists in the U.S. As someone who works with abused children, Jessica finds that theists who are personally opposed to abuses by the church are not willing to accept that they are culpable in supporting those abuses by supporting those organizations. We appreciate Jessica for all the work she does!
Phil in Germany wants to point out that our ability to discuss things beyond our senses is limited by our language since languages rely on sensory experiences to explain things. His friend says that all religions are looking at the same god from different angles, but that ignores the mutually exclusive claims of different religions.
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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