The Atheist Experience

Latest Episodes:

Atheist Experience 24.38 2020-09-20 with Matt Dillahunty & Hector Garcia Sep 21, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Dr. Hector Garcia! Hector is an author, podcaster, and youtuber. Heh has been spending his Covid time making a new YouTube channel, shout out to Genetically Modified Skeptic.
Our first caller, Jonathan in the UK wants to know how to help his believer wife without challenging her beliefs. Tough request Jonathan. Is the belief of a punishing god damaging to begin with? Be honest, come at with concern and let her know this is you and you are not taking away her beliefs. Reach out to Recovering From Religion.
Shawna in NY asks what to say to people that say consciousness is proof of god. There needs to be more to the argument, a statement is not enough to conclude a god exists. The brain is malleable, it can be altered and fundamentally change the person affected.
Dean in CA argues that wellbeing is not robust enough to base morality on. Dean argues coronavirus harms our wellbeing. We agree but there are forms of wellbeing, like societal wellbeing. In discussions of coronavirus we are always talking about wellbeing, not personal preference.
Brian in CA asks about Pascal’s Mugging, a thought experiment on probability of return on investment and risk versus reward. We would want more evidence to believe someone would return any money given. Way too many factors to consider.
Rick in MI thinks Matt is wrong that slavery is in the bible. Rick agrees with Matt that slavery is outlined in the bible but its immoral to own people. Matt points out the bible advocates for something we agree is immoral.
Ron in FL asks how to combat the argument that his brother needs to power through mental health problems. You can research barriers to mental health and help direct him. It’s not a failing on his part and one can’t necessarily pull themselves up by their bootstraps.
Mark in NM asks if atheism creates a contentious point for people arguing new theological ideas. Atheism is merely a response to a claim. We are unsure of what you are asking.
Nathan in LA feels people are agnostic because we don’t know where people came from and feels there has to be a force controlling evolution. Look at the trees… Abiogenesis deals with where life came from, not evolution. No creator required.
Michael in AZ thinks god is a paradox. A paradox implies that something doesn’t exist, a god can’t both exist and not.
Last caller, Vernaz in the UK asks why does god have to be connected to religion and feels god has nothing to do with religion. Some religions don't have a god belief. Email tv@atheist-community.org, we would love to hear more.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. You can find more from Hector at www.hector-garcia.com. Stay safe and continue wearing masks out there.
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Atheist Experience 24.37 2020-09-13 with Matt Dillahunty & Jim Barrows Sep 14, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Jim Barrows, welcome back Jim!
Our first caller, Isaac in OH thinks differences in DMT experience is evidence that one could be transported to another dimension. The hosts talk hypotheticals and testing methodologies with safeguards using DMT. We would need evidence to be on board here.
Alexander in Norway defines spirituality as wise thoughts that deepen the understanding of existence. Wouldn’t that then make philosophy spiritual? This is just giving spirituality a new definition but we need to find common ground on nebulous concepts.
Patrick in WA has simple scientific evidence from the bible that modern science has confirmed, for example mountains and valleys in the ocean. That sounds like something one could discover skin diving or diving for food.
Jose in GA gives evidence of people experiencing the holy spirit. How can we tell if someone has actually had an experience with a real holy spirit? We don’t assume people are lying about their experiences, we don't just assume a supernatural explanation.
Kendall in OR asks what evidence would change the mind of a lifelong believer versus a non believer. A god would know what would change our minds but seemingly chooses not to. Our minds aren’t closed, we just haven’t been presented with sufficient evidence.
Kay in NH thinks freedom should be the foundation of morality, not well being. The reason you care about freedom is it is conducive to well-being. Matt pointed out the flaw in using freedom as a basis for morality.
Danny in London says if there is a cause of the universe, it rules out every god but an Abrahamic god. There is a beginning to our universe but there is no evidence of a creator. Danny fails to provide evidence for this claim.
Mark in IL finds Matt’s hard atheism surprising and believes in a god via skepticism. Matt doesn’t believe in a god but also believes that man has made up god stories. Suspicions of the way things are is not a skeptical approach, the trees aren’t proof of creation.
Last caller, George in TX, finds Romans to be evidence of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The verse is the claim, not evidence, of a resurrection. Quoting the bible doesn’t provide any evidence.
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 24.36 2020-09-06 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Jenna Belk! Happy Birthday to our audio engineer Vern, the Lord of Levels!
Our first caller, John in FL, asks if christianity negatively affects people? We don’t even know if it's actually true. Is it good for people to believe something that isn't true? John holds onto belief because of Pascal's Wager and may call Recovering From Religion. Good idea John!
Ralph in FL asks what makes values valuable? The person making the assessment imbues it with value, morality is rooted in well being after all. We can’t access god’s thoughts on morality or well being. It seems the biblical god doesn’t care about the quality of human life, just who gets to what afterlife.
Syngyn in PA thinks we should follow god’s word and asks why it is hard for people to put faith in something they don’t know of? Do you have any evidence? At least we agree the bible isn't the word of god. If you won’t find out what god wants until you are dead, god is irrelevant to living life. We hope you look more into your beliefs and callback.
Jack in Canada believes Matt and Jenna are part of a group of organized secularists. That is true but concepts matter, not the labels. Jack thinks religions are persecuted and atheists are not. Quite the opposite is true.
Keyon in CA argues discernment to a previous call about the bible then brings up arguments about evolution. We live in the best of times Keyon. There are so many erroneous claims in this call and human babies not being able to care for themselves out of the womb does not disprove evolution.
Last caller today, Kendall in WA cites Exodus and 1 Timothy to disprove Matt's position that the bible condones slavery. Exodus 21:16 is about kidnapping but exodus 21 tells you who you can enslave. Matt challenges Kendall to be his slave outlined in Exodus 21. Yikes Kendall...
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Atheist Experience 24.35 2020-08-30 with Matt Dillahunty & Shannon Q Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Shannon Q, so happy to have Shannon Q on today!
Our first caller, Jack in Canada, says that he thinks religious groups “walk on eggshells” more than atheist groups. The bible does not preach religious tolerance and we oppose beliefs not religious people. Matt points out Deuteronomy 13 commands you to kill other believers.
Ryan in NY asks what proof there is of atheism. What is your definition of a god? Atheism just means disbelief in god/s, the burden of proof is on the claimant. Ryan gives us his personal experience and talks about morality and once again we find another caller cool with slavery…
Linguistie in the Ukraine asks if god appearing in believers dreams are a style of lucid dreaming? Your brain functions while you sleep, as well as parses memories, and can affect your waking perceptions. People can use this to solidify their beliefs.
Sain in TX asks about divine command theory. The problem is whatever god dictates would be moral, that can lead to some horrible commands. Not to mention the lack of evidence of any god. The biblical god is immoral and in the event of his return, the only recourse is rebellion.
Last caller today, Jonathan in AZ asks the reasons for believing one doesn’t go “anywhere” upon dying. There is no evidence anything happens after you die, you just stay dead. A soul is the most dead concept in theology. Shannon expertly breaks down the neurology that makes someone a person, doesn’t lend any credence to a soul or an afterlife.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Atheist Experience 24.34 2020-08-23 with Matt Dillahunty & David McRaney Aug 23, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and David McRaney. David is an author and got into podcasting as a way to promote his book. You can check out his work at https://www.youarenotsosmart.com and the You Are Not So Smart podcast!
Let’s get to calls! Our first caller, Jacob in IL, tells a story of a man who went into a coma and saw many-eyed animals next to god and that made Jacob think it was true. Just because people have an experience regarding a religion, doesn’t mean we should leap to believe the experience or the religion.
Arthur in Europe asks if we think it's wrong that someone believes in something with zero evidence. There may be bad evidence, but we can't see people believing based on no evidence. It’s best not to believe anything without sufficient evidence.
Josiah in CA asks how we are interpreting evidence of paranormal or religion correctly to poke holes in evolution. He then tells us of a dream where he foresaw a man and the details matched up with reality after he had the dream. How can you rule out other explanations? Dreams are fun and all, but aren’t evidence of anything supernatural, godly, or magical.
Dan in Romania asks why we wouldn’t believe Paul the Apostle? You can’t just accept claims about an experience with the risen savior on a damascus road with no evidence. Dan doesn’t see a reason they would make that up, but their claims alone aren't sufficient evidence to believe. Otherwise, you would have to believe every other would-be prophet out there.
God (Sirha) in CT claims there are no paradigms are real and claims to have transcended reason. Matt tried to ask some questions but lets say he didn’t make it far.
Last caller! Marie in VA doesn’t think that the big bang theory conflicts with major religions creation stories. The order of events in genesis doesn’t match with the order we know from science. For instance, the earth was not created before light. Marie believes the bible anyway.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Atheist Experience 24.33 2020-08-16 with Matt Dillahunty & Jim Barrows Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! The hosts of today’s Atheist Experience are Matt Dillahunty and Jim Barrows! Glad to see Jim back! As an update, our show will remain remote throughout the year and into next year.
Let’s get to calls! The first caller, Rick in CA, has a quick question on the efficacy of prayer. Who knows how many times our hosts prayed and nothing happens. The hosts don’t see any evidence that prayer works.
Aaron in WI calls to talk about morality as it pertains to atheists vs theists for an argument for god. Neither theism nor atheism takes a position on morality inherently. Aaron feels we would agree with most of the morality in the Bible, but Aaron has more in common morally with the hosts than what's in the Bible.
Carl in Ontario calls to tell a story about saving a kid from a car wreck. While reflecting back he has a purpose to protect people and needs no gods. One would hope any decent person would do the same in that situation, with or without a god belief.
Mark in FL asks what is the standard of proof before one begins to believe something? There are multiple standards of evidence. Believing means you accept something likely true. Why would you be convinced of something without evidence?
Gene in PA, a science teacher, would feel bad if a student left the class believing that the earth is flat but recognizes a right to one's beliefs. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. You can only do your best to educate people, teach them how to think and not what to think.
Joe in Lebanon is on the road to atheism and points out that most religions are started by eccentric men and asks if St. Paul was honest. We don’t, and maybe can’t, know.
Adrian in TX is calling to argue for a designer god but confuses purpose and design. One can use a rock as a hammer but the rock is not designed. When you can't differentiate between purpose and designed, there isn't much of a conversation to be had.
David in Mexico calls to challenge something Jim said at the start of the show, the hypothesis of god can be scientific if you look at it as a non incomprehensible object. Throw in some metaphysics and quantum mechanics and you have some word salad. This is speculative at best.
Last up is Jim and NV, calling in about the possibility of a god and that god would want people to be rational...and suggests Matt is god. We aren’t convinced that there is a god and feelings aren’t a pathway to truth.
Thanks for tuning in, we are so glad you joined us today. Stay safe and please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Atheist Experience 24.32 2020-08-09 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk Aug 09, 2020

Show notes

Hello all you atheists (and theists) out there! In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jenna Belk, who we’re all happy to see return! Welcome back to the co-host chair, Jenna!
This episode (and all episodes hereafter) is dedicated to Ed Breyton. Ed has been an integral part of the ACA over the years and while he isn’t as active as he once was, he will always be remembered. Thank you, Ed!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Dennis in New York. He was in the hospital for a time (due to illness) and his Christian friends say his condition improved due to God. Thankfully he knows his improvement was due to doctors’ diligence and treatment.
Are rocks atheist? Oh no, not this question. Steve in Virginia switched up his original question from ‘What is the lack of belief?’ to the weird rock question...sigh. To answer the original question: for explicit atheism, it requires a conscious being who is able to determine and evaluate this. There’s plenty of philosophical ground to be covered here!
Hold up! We have a theist on the line who would like to start out defining God buuut, he segways and pivots to questioning the Big Bang cosmological event. What does this have to do with the definition of God? And we don’t have time for you, goodbye!
William in Australia claims to have seen his grandfather in a vision after he passed. We are sorry for your loss William. It can be a comfort to have these unexplained events occur and feel a connection to your lost family member. Instead of feeling as though it’s a message from them, think of it as a good remembrance of them.
Guillermo in California asks why we believe in history, but not biblical history. Jenna asks the all important question, “Why should we believe the Bible?” Also, history books don’t generally use metaphors within the texts.
Mike in Washington is wondering how to show other Christians the hypocrisy in the Bible and also how to reconcile it. This caller is a theist and this turns out to be a really interesting call.
Austin in Wisconsin says it’s ok to believe or not believe. Uh, sure?. He also thinks there is a war between atheists and theists. Is there really? He also thinks that we are wasting our time and it isn’t worth spending time on the truth. But we aren’t wasting our time, nice try.
Thanks for tuning in and not wasting your time! We are so glad you joined us today. Please continue to wear your masks. The world is better with you in it. See you next week!
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Atheist Experience 24.31 2020-08-02 with Matt Dillahunty & Shannon Q Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Shannon Q is joined by our longtime friend and co-host, Matt Dillahunty. Welcome back to the co-host chair Matt, we’re glad you are here to join us! (Shannon is taking the reins this week!)
Let’s get to calls. Our first caller is Jenna from California. She’d like to discuss how her current boyfriend is freaking out about COVID and thinks they would be better off believing in his previous religion (JW) because we are clearly in the “end times.”
Next up, Ricky from Georgia says Matt, theologians, and philosophers are all wrong about morality. He also talks about social cohesion and how it relates to morality. But, he seems to agree with Matt for most of the call...so, how again is Matt wrong?
Pack it up folks, AXP is done. The next caller says Matt already believes in God. James is saying this in a roundabout way by intentionally manipulating words and trying to pull a “Gotcha!” Boring, NEXT!
Next up, Mike in California misinterprets some of Matt’s previous videos. Ooh, and he wants to talk about slavery and the context in which the Bible (specifically Exodus 21) was written. This should be fun!
Chandu in Canada calls asking if it is righteous to practice a worldview where everyone is equal. Dualism, non-dualism, and how is this an atheist vs. theist problem?
James in California suggests that God is an aspirational archetype and Shannon has a great retort! Whose God? What definitions? Would these definitions be able to change for the good of all? Ultimately God as an aspirational archetype isn’t always a benefit to society and Shannon explains why. WHOA!
Greg in Ohio asks if we know who Jesus really was. His actual question was if we know who Jesus was historically. We can’t reasonably demonstrate that he actually existed, but he may have been 1 of 7 people back then, or a rabbi during this time. Shrug?
Journey in North Carolina is a returning caller who was hung up upon before who would like to make definitions and defend God. Not an actual god, mind you, but the word “god”...yawn.
Alex in New Jersey needs help with fully distancing themselves from spirituality. He is really struggling because of being raised in the church and feeling as though his mental illnesses are holding him back. We feel for you Alex, it’s a tough road, but credit where credit is due, YOU’RE doing the hard work. We are glad to be here for you.
That’s our episode for today, please be safe and healthy out there!
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Atheist Experience 24.30 2020-07-26 with Matt Dillahunty & Hemant Mehta Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Hemant Mehta of The Friendly Atheist! https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/ Welcome, Hemant, we’re so glad you’re here!
Time for calls! The first caller is a returning caller, Keith from Nebraska. He poses a question about hauntings and the supernatural...in a graveyard?! This story sounds very true and legitimate.
Next up, Steve in Ohio. He is claiming his prediction about Trump is coming true, except that small part where it’s not even possible for it to be true or untrue yet...
Nicolas asks: What if we devise a way to test or measure the supernatural? Will that prove the supernatural and God? The supernatural just means science may not have a way to understand it yet. Once it is understood, then it ceases to be supernatural.
Craig in Texas wonders if people have the right to be stupid. Willful ignorance can be harmful to others, so in that sense, no, but this definitely seems to be a grey area.
Julian asks a brand new question: how can Atheists have morality without God? He claims that God is the only foundation for morality and there is a right way and a wrong way to act. Siri: Define “circular.”
Eryn asks about the value of personal religious experiences. Well, we are social beings and being in a crowd can be a wonderful experience. This call moves on to cathartic personal experiences and the Satanic Temple’s “pink mass.”
Jelmar in the Netherlands wonders about the law of excluded middle. It’s either A or NOT A, which logically excludes the middle. There is no other choice! (This is a huge hit with the Sith.)
Lloyd in Washington had a supernatural experience and is now a believer. After a long, drawn-out story about removing porn from his life and a commitment to his wife (porn was his second wife, also?), he finally shows us how real the supernatural realm is. It’s… I feel like I’m waiting for a climax that will never come. Sigh. Ba-dum tss.
Our last caller of the day, James in Maine has problems with Matt’s logic and stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Religious people have claims and believe in something outside of themselves, LGBTQ+ folk don’t claim the same, they speak their truth from what is inside themselves. We are also not denying their Christian identity, James. Unlike some
Christian denominations. It seems some Christians are ok with denying LGBTQ+ identities and people.
That’s all folks, please be safe and wear your masks in public!
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Atheist Experience 24.29 2020-07-19 with Matt Dillahunty & Scott Clifton Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

The Atheist Experience is hosted today by Matt Dillahunty and Scott Clifton! Scott is an actor who’s well-known for his award-winning soap opera roles in shows such as “The Bold and the Beautiful”, but he’s also a secular activist! (Check him out at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheoreticalBullshit, or on Twitter @TheoreticalBullshit.) After sharing some sweet stories of Scott sending Matt’s grandmother Christmas headshots, we jump into calls!
Josh in Tennessee was asked by his atheist wife to call in. Judging by his “evidence” for god, it seems as though he maybe hasn’t questioned his belief, but he’s friendly and open to conversation. This is awesome! (Be like Josh.)
Russell in Georgia calls in to talk about how alien encounters are consistent with the Bible, then offers an analogy between himself as a parent using “tough love” to what God does to us as “his children.” He ends up saying morality is fickle because our perception as humans changes overtime, It’s yet another misunderstanding the difference between actual facts changing and our human understanding of facts changing. Then...then aliens. Aliens and Jesus.
Kendall in Seattle wants to ask Scott if he’d become a Christian if Christianity were “proven true.” The answer might not be what some would expect.
Mo in Canada called in about advantages to prayer, but instead asks the hosts about people leaving religion due to bullying, which, as far as we can tell, is a pretty small group. Then we get to the prayer bit, and eventually get to Islamophobia and the concept of drawing Mohammad.
Lance in Ohio insults the previous caller, starts to ask how atheism is a net positive to society, but decides to stop and get annoyed with a host for sighing at this question we’ve heard a million times. He doesn’t seem interested in a real discussion, but that’s on him. If you’re reading this, consider being less of an asshole.
That’s our show this week! Remember, being careless during a pandemic infects babies with viruses, so USE YOUR BRAIN! Thanks, we’ll see ya next week!
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