The Atheist Experience

Latest Episodes:

The Atheist Experience 24.48 11-29-2020 with Jenna Belk and Anthony Magnabosco Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! For today’s Atheist Experience, Jenna Belk is joined by Anthony Magnabosco. Anthony is best known for Street Epistemology, a method for addressing beliefs/claims. Learn more at https://streetepistemology.com/
Our first caller, Mark says that prophesies are keeping him tied to his religion, saying several predictions/claims are real. Try not to jump to conclusions about these claims, a more natural explanation tends to be best. Allow yourself to question and doubt the things you thought were true.
Amber in SC can’t shake her belief that souls are real. What makes you think a soul exists? It sounds like you are afraid of letting go of aspects of your religion. It can be hard to let go of those beliefs, it takes time and it's a slow process. Give yourself credit for assessing these beliefs.
Chase in TX asks about Anthony’s recent video regarding Caleb, an animated street preacher whose behavior seemed to change and Chase was wondering the cause of such a dramatic change. Check out that video here, https://youtu.be/IXzCdauGc_8 Anthony quickly breaks down aspects of those interviews.
Sid in NV asks how we process grief as a non believer. We keep people alive in the memories and stories we share, it keeps them alive in your head.. Try to take a few moments to remember them when you come across pictures or keepsakes. Don’t forget to check out http://griefbeyondbelief.org/
Sam in PA finds it difficult to use techniques of Street Epidemiology to address political beliefs. Focus on the claims made, there is a factual truth on these political beliefs you can address. Anthony recommends Cordial Curiosity’s channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiWKxPMKUBFjN3Ny_VxpkYw)
Steven in GA asks if we believe Jesus forced humans into existence, based on scripture and prophecy. There is no way to verify that, especially using the bible. Steven was placed back on hold so he could clarify the claim.
Andrea in CA asks what we can do about people getting defensive about their beliefs. Jenna was conditioned to be guarded if someone tried to change her mind, believing it was the devil tempting you. Explore safer topics to indicate you aren’t just attacking and just let them be exposed to other worldviews.
Skye in CO sticks to their beliefs based on fear of being left behind during the rapture. These are legacy fears that come with the belief. Access communities to talk with atheists who overcame that same fear. Look into www.recoveringfromreligion.org they have resources to address this.
Lastly, Joe in VA doesn’t think we can have an infinite regress without there being an eternal being behind that. The honest response here is “I don’t know". There are lots of things that seem intuitive that aren’t once we learn more.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Please continue to follow safety guidelines and wear your damn mask!
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The Atheist Experience 24.47 with Matt Dillahunty & DB Ramsey Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! Today Matt Dillahunty is joined by DB Ramsey, author of “Speaking of God We Don't Know Sh*t”. Mr. Ramsey’s book takes a look at religious practices and god beliefs, learn more at https://www.dbramsey.com/
Our first caller, Michael in CO is engaged to a Christian who wants to baptize his daughter and make him go to classes about it first. No one should be forced to participate in religion. Making you go to classes seems more like she is trying to change you. Decide what you are comfortable with and have those discussions with your wife.
Paul in England argues that atheists are straw-manning prayer, citing atheists equating prayer to wish granting from a genie. We don’t espouse that position. Paul agrees that the Bible supports answered prayers but says people skip the thanks part. The notion that someone’s prayers aren’t answered because they aren’t thankful or positive enough is abhorrent.
Enoch in PA asks how we address morality with someone who says they care about only themselves. Does that person want food, healthcare, transportation? If they are not willing to contribute, they are disenfranchising themselves from society. We have never met anyone that really didn’t care.
Danny in LA thinks that God is the best explanation for the supernatural/non-natural. You first need to define supernatural AND God. We agree that you can’t verify the supernatural, at least. The mind is not supernatural...oof. The mind is a label we put on what the brain does. How can you show something is non-natural?
Beth in MN why does the catholic church shuffle criminal priests around? We are aware of the systematic child abuse and the coverup, how anyone can still support the catholic church is beyond us. Sadly this happens in protestant churches as well.
Greg in FL wants to have a logical conversation about why slavery is immoral. Do you feel it should be legal to own you as a slave? Greg wants to move the slavery discussion away from humans. That is what slavery is about, owning humans as property. We are stewards of our pets/animals that we own, you can’t just beat your pets.
Mac in CA asks about the necessity of religion and how it relates to a belief in god. Religion is not necessary. People don’t necessarily end up religious, some look for more scientific answers to life. Morality is NOT inherently tied to religion, there is such a thing as secular morality. Secular Morality does not lean on religion, it started in opposition to religion after religion.
Lastly, Julian in FL if compatibilism or determinism is true, how do you know anything was true if you were determined to believe it. Because you were determined to believe, doesn't mean one can’t be determined to not believe. The assessment of truth is that which comports with reality.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Please continue to follow safety guidelines for COVID-19 and stay safe out there.
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The Atheist Experience 24.46 11.15.2020 with Matt Dillahunty & Jim Barrows Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of Atheist Experience today are Matt Dillahunty and Jim Barrows. Yay, another Jim week!
Our first caller, Enoch in PA wants to know why man would evolve and think up a god concept? We imagine beings with more capabilities to one with maximal capabilities, it's a natural progression. Enoch fails to prove god using his hypothetical scenarios. It’s no surprise that man made up the god concept.
Charles in TX starts out spouting bible verses, even on hold. We aim to have a conversation, not just be preached at. Matt addressed some verses after the call, make sure to listen!
Jason in TN asks if secular humanism comports with the reality of human nature that exists today or is at a utopian idea? Humanism is an ideal. In the absence of supernatural health, we recognize we need to work together to make this world a better place. The hosts break down secular humanism. We need to be more altruistic.
Patrick in NH doesn’t believe but finds value in eastern religions, he feels they help him moderate his disorders. If it is benefiting you and not doing identifiable harm, go for it.
Sam in Egypt asks how we explain free will and determinism and asks our thoughts on how consciousness comes from a brain. While we don’t have good answers right now, we are working on it. There is no reason to jump to a god as a conclusion. We don’t have a full explanation of consciousness, no one else does either.
Marcus in Ghana claims black magic is real. Matt covers this well, real magic is fake and fake magic is real! What “magic” do you see in Ghana that makes you think atheism is false. You are seeing a trick and jumping to the conclusion that magic is real.
Nick in CA doesn’t think that Christian god needs, or can, be proven. For most definitions of god, we think you are correct. You are acknowledging that your god can’t be proven, that means you can’t have a good reason to believe. Why do you believe?
Mustafa in MI asks if god doesn’t exist, is there an objective morality? We can’t measure an objective morality, but we can come up with a subjective foundation in wellbeing. We don’t accept that any god is the arbiter of right or wrong.
Jay in VA asks our thoughts of the government closing churches during this pandemic. It is not a church/state issue, religion is not an essential service that should remain open during this pandemic. Jay is against it as a personal freedom issue, you don't have freedom to violate quarantine during a pandemic.
Lastly, Tyler in CA doesn’t see much on male reproductive rights in the secular community. The rights are equal but the situation is not equal. No one can tell anyone else what to do with their body. If the sex creates a pregnancy and the person carries it to term, you will become a parent.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Please continue to follow safety guidelines for COVID-19 and stay safe out there.
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Atheist Experience 24.45 11-08-2020 with Matt Dillahunty & Shannon Q Nov 09, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of Atheist Experience today are Matt Dillahunty and Shannon Q! Glad to have you back Shannon.
Our first caller, Bonnie in WI read some horrible passages in bible and that is what sparked her journey to non-belief, specifically child sacrifice and slavery. We agree the bible is whacky and full of horribleness.
Alvin in NC argues for his 100 patterns in Genesis 1:1. Matt sits back on this one while Shannon breaks down the math for statistical analysis. If you can’t answer Shannon’s questions, you need to take your claim to mathematicians or statisticians.
David in PA feels his theistic beliefs are not rooted in reality. He has a history of psychological issues, Shannon talks with him about how religion can affect those mental states and drives home that no one deserves abuse. We are glad you are doing better and that ACA shows have helped you!
Lord Methane from CA continues our first call, comparing blood atonement and sacrifices. We think the old testament is about God's failures and people not living up to God's standard. We don't care about the bible. Try again when you can make a point.
Lee in GA is a member of the clergy project and gives us a brief history of his beliefs and went to Asia to save people and ended up leaving his religion. We are glad you are doing better!
Lester in NC asks why people who believe morality is founded on wellbeing are pro-choice. Matt discusses bodily autonomy with Lester, mainly pointing out someone doesn’t have the right to use someone else’s body without their consent. Anything to the contrary points to fetuses getting special rights.
Mike in OH believes that god is a transcendent mathematical object and that god’s existence was proven in 2014. We are interested in a god people believe in and pray to, not a hypothetical god. “Racking up losses,” grow up.
Andrew in NC asks if he should give thought to predictions in the Bible, like the 3rd temple ushering in the end of the world. Knowing that people are actively working toward the goals of a biblical prediction, kind of makes it less impressive.
Lastly, Rick in GA thinks the bible proves Jesus existed. It’s all speculation, you have to assume the accuracy of the bible to accept it as proof. What could the Bible prove? There is no reason to assume Jesus existed, we don’t take the Bible at face value.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Thanks to everyone that voted! Please continue to follow safety guidelines for COVID-19 and stay safe out there.
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Atheist Experience 24.44 2020-11-01 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of Atheist Experience today are our very own Matt Dillahunty and Jenna Belk. Tune in to see Jenna’s big announcement!!
Our first caller, Eddie in Canada objects to Matt’s use of a moral/slavery argument. Matt’s position is slavery in the bible is immoral but Eddie thinks if a god commands it, it is moral. How can you tell the difference between someone thinking god told them versus god actually commanding it?
Ulrich in Mexico says that phrases akin to “oh my god” proves god’s existence. We are not calling on a literal god, just using a phrase found commonly in society’s lexicon.
Lester in NC asks about objective morality, asking if certain situations are objectively bad. What does it matter if something is objectively immoral? Christians can not demonstrate morality comes from a god, let along prove that god.
Anne in Turkey worries thinking about skepticism triggers mental health issues. Skepticism is just not believing something without good evidence. Check into resources in your area and look into Recovering From Religion.
Jesus in CA argues God is a personal being outside of time, space, and matter. Does God interact with reality at all? Design is not interaction and DNA is neither a code or evidence for design. Oh no, now we're talking about the big bang theory…
Anthony in FL tells us that atheists are hypocritical because we would vote for a believer. He rambled on about inane “what-if” scenarios but couldn’t point out why atheists are hypocritical.
Dmitriy in CA argues that fine tuning is the best argument for the existence of a god. We can not show that physics could work another way, the argument fails that it was fine tuned. We look for explanations supported by scientific evidence, it is impossible to define the supernatural in science.
Cindy in Belgium asks about inductive and deductive reasoning. There is no requirement that logic address true premises, it is possible in an inductive argument for the conclusion to not be true. What a fun call on logic and syllogisms!
John in GA asks if we are predetermined to believe in god if you believe in predeterminism? We believe that the universe is deterministic. We believe that people can choose to change their minds on their beliefs.
Lastly, Preston in UT asks how life was created given the laws of entropy. We don't know, those that claim knowledge has the burden of proof. There are scientists working on abiogenesis. If you say that life arising on earth violates the law of entropy, write a paper and get a Nobel prize.
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Atheist Experience 24.43 2020-10-25 with Matt Dillahunty & Johnny P. Angel Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of Atheist Experience today are our very own Matt Dillahunty and Johnny Angel. Not only is Johnny a co-host but he co-produces the Non-Prophets reboot! Nice hats Johnny, very clever.
Our first caller, Heath in TX asks how you can tell if a claim is extraordinary or not? Does it comport to our human experiences? All claims warrant as much evidence as is needed to believe that claim. You need different levels of evidence for the sky is blue versus there is a god.
Adam in Romania asks advice on how to deal with an irrational fear of death and dealing with grief? These fears hit Adam mainly right before he goes to sleep. Johnny has had these kinds of episodes and gives his advice. Contact the secular therapy project and see if they have resources in Romania. They talked about what an atheist funeral should look like.
Meerkat in UT asks why he should bother convincing an atheist that god exists if that atheist doesn't want to convert to Christianity. The answer to your question in your Bible, according to your own beliefs. Do you know what an atheist wants to believe?
Ray in Colorado argues that GDP is higher in Christian nations than others. It is higher than all other nations, so what? The USA is a secular, not Christian, nation with a secular constitution. Ray disagrees but fails to make a valid point that the USA is Christian. Out of the 10 commandments, only 2 are part of any laws here.
Catholic Traditionalist claims he can prove God by asking a few questions. Matt tries to answer his questions but the caller only wants to troll on behalf of a previous caller. Be an honest interlocutor if you call back.
Joe in MO claims 2 of the first 5 claims in the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible are disproven by reading the Bible. Matt addressed this in a recent video he posted and we don’t accept the claims in the Bible. Joe fails to show how he knows his Bible code or interpretation is correct. Cool story bro.
Last caller, David in Canada asks why we do not feel the call to Jesus Christ. Matt thought he did feel a calling toward Jesus, he was going to be a pastor after all. David talks about God healing his cancer but fails to prove how it could be god. Why can’t a god just heal you of cancer without making you go through treatments and surgeries?
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Atheist Experience 24.42 2020-10-18 with Matt Dillahunty & Jim Barrows Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of Atheist Experience today are our very own Matt Dillahunty and Jim Barrows. Glad to have you have on Jim!
Our first caller, Kel in UT asks for advice on talking to his brother about going on a mission trip, after regretting his own. Have a sit down talk with him about how you felt on your mission and leaving the religion. Let him know you are someone that cares but also respect his boundaries.
Al in Poland easily left the faith and wonders why it is difficult for others and thinks AXP is helpful for leaving one’s faith. It can be difficult to leave your faith and that is why we do this show, thanks for thinking highly of our production!
Alvin in NC offers his theory on a biblical code, that there are over 100 numeral patterns in genesis 1:1. How can there be 100 patterns in 7 words? All the arguments just sound like numerology. Genesis 1:1 shows pi? Granting this theory, it still doesn’t prove a divine author.
Rj in CO doesn’t think Christianity spreading globally wasn’t a coincidence. We agree, it mostly spread through coercion, conquest, convincing people, and at the point of a sword. Sorry you don’t agree with facts.
Kim in OR believes in the bible but dismisses 80% of Christianity. Kim gives a case for his god belief, inherent design of nature and poking holes in evolution. Kim puts forth the 2nd law of thermodynamics argument, it doesn’t prove god and the earth is not a closed system. Study the 2nd law of thermodynamics, don’t just read answers in genesis.
Last caller, David in CA tries to prove the bible is correct in its order and science verifies genesis 1 is correct. Genesis does not match the scientific order of how the earth formed. Science gives us the best models based on the current evidence available. David threw in the towel himself by mentioning Hitler… Jeez
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Atheist Experience 24.41 2020-10-11 with Matt Dillahunty & Paulogia Oct 12, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Paulogia! Paulogia is a recent atheist and has a popular YouTube channel addressing Christianity.
Our first caller, Jelmer in The Netherlands argues that god exists and god doesn't exist is a false dilemma. Matt explains it is a direct logical negation and the laws of logic holds up, even in a black hole. Jelmer confuses laws of science and logic.
Marius in AL argues that Matt’s interpretation on Exodus 21, great another slavery argument. The bible explicitly endorses owning a human. Marius argues that it permits indentured servitude. Even if we grant that, it still outlines some horrific actions, like beating their property. People are not property.
Omniskeptic in Canada claims most atheists activists misunderstand the no true Scotsman fallacy and feels Christians are just amending their definitions. A good practice is to let people give their label and what they mean by it. Atheists catch a lot of flack claiming we were never true Christians.
Jacob in the UK argues in favor of the resurrection of Jesus. Paulogia tells us that we can only be confident about the martyrdom of 2 of the 12 apostles of Jesus. We can’t be certain anything in the bible occurred but we acknowledge people truly believe, but we can’t link it to anything factual.
Shannon in TX thinks that atheism is wrong by definition, defining atheists as “god or gods don't exist”. That's not the definition we use. One needs to agree on definitions to have meaningful conversations, gods don’t exist just by naming an existent person a god.
Nadir in FL can prove the Koran is from god, using science even! There is not a way to prove any text is from the mind of a god. Was this merely a call to challenge Matt to a debate?
Last caller, Jeff in FL asks if there is no free will how do we hold people responsible. We don’t think people are overall evil, but we can hold people responsible for the actions they take independent the reason they took the action.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Check out more from Paulogia at https://www.youtube.com/c/paulogia Keep wearing your masks and please go vote!
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Atheist Experience 24.40 2020-10-04 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk Oct 05, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and our own Jenna Belk.
Our first caller, Hunter asks our experience coming out to religious family members now that he is embracing atheism. It went badly but not the worst thing in the world, don’t make it a huge sit down event. Also look into resources like books, forums, recovering from religion, etc.
Nat in Mexico thinks there is no way to justify an ethical point of view as an atheist and argues theism provides grounding to ethics. There is no objection to secular morals by appealing to a deity. At least we agree well being is the only rational grounding to morals, too bad we can’t agree on the definition of atheism.
Ricky in Columbia thinks people need Christianity to form the basis of a society. Actually society remains intact despite religion. Ricky can’t seem to point to a Christian value that couldn’t be secular and implies LGBT people are dangerous.
Alvin in NC wrote a book about 100 provable patterns in genesis 1:1 that are way beyond chance or mortal capabilities. He then goes on to explain his proof in numerology. How do you know the rules of how to do math on the verses? This sounds like bad methodology and confirmation bias.
Robert in CA asks advice on how to talk about atheism on a college application. There shouldn't be much of a problem if it's not a religious college. Matt finds it easier to make a pro/con list and Jenna advises that if they had that kind of bias, she is not sure if she would want to attend.
Mars argues that the Christian god supports freedom, not slavery. Matt points out the bible doesn’t support freedom and does endorse owning another human. Mars asks to not be taken seriously, happy to oblige.
Brent in CA asks how to get over using the atheist label when holding onto some other beliefs. Jenna points out you don't have to use any terms, you can just say you don’t believe in any gods. It takes time to work through your beliefs. Don’t beat yourself up!
John in NJ asks how to reason his thoughts of what he feels should happen to the murderer of his brother. It is understandable to have mixed thoughts about that and while we can empathize, don't let it consume your life. Looks into grief beyond belief.
G in NC asks tips for how to find out if we are using epistemology correctly. Know that you hold irrational beliefs. Skepticism is not an on/off switch and be open to changing your mind in the face of new evidence.
Last caller, Sam in NV argues there has to be an afterlife. It may seem like there should be one but where is your evidence? A gut feeling isn’t evidence and life is not fair.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and continue wearing masks out there.
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Atheist Experience 24.39 2020-09-27 with Matt Dillahunty & ObjectivelyDan Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and ObjectivelyDan. Dan joins us from ACA’s own Truth Wanted (airs every Friday), and we're glad to see him on AXP!
Our first caller, Jake in CA shares his beliefs with us. For instance, the devil is walking around and only has power through god. How could you know that? … oh the bible, of course.
Jose in GA feels Matt is dismissive of peoples stories about experiences with the holy spirit. How can we tell if someone had a genuine experience with the holy spirit? We don’t just shut people down, we care about what beliefs are true. Matt demonstrates to Jose that feelings don’t justify beliefs.
Lauren in NY has logical proof for god, arguing if the universe is a closed system then consciousness would extend to the universe itself. We’re not sure how consciousness would extend to the universe. Lauren goes on to talk about astrology and predicts Matt’s friends will have air/fire signs and Dan’s would have earth/water.
Lisa in FL asks how much knowledge of all religions comes into play when talking about atheism. You don’t need to research any or all religions to talk about your atheism. Atheists don’t need to disprove any god, let along all gods.
Jacob in CA thinks lots of laws in the old testament would fix some societal problems we see today. We don’t need a theological understanding of problems in the bible to solve current problems. We don't have to justify the bible, we can just get rid of it.
Joe in IL tries to prove the inspired word of god comes through him. He got a premonition to buy medical supplies at a hobby lobby...for a self surgery? Yeah, this one went off the rails.
Dan in NY claims to be able to prove the devil. Too bad he lied to get on the air, NEXT!
Enoch in PA, asks why we want to convince people they are wrong. We are just trying to have conversations about what people believe. If they figure out they don't have a good reason to believe something, all the better. We care about true beliefs.
Jeremy in NV claims to have a good defense of christianity and finds it best to defend one true god, not just a god. Matt asks what evidence demonstrates a god exists but Jeremy can’t seem to answer.
Last caller, Anthony in VA argues that god used to exist but doesn’t any longer, claiming that god is nothing but a title and ancient people put those ideals onto those names. There is no way to prove that.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. You can find more from ObjectivelyDan at https://www.youtube.com/c/TruthWanted Stay safe and continue wearing masks out there.
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