The Atheist Experience

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Atheist Experience 24.08 2020-02-23 with Matt Dillahunty & Darrel Ray Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:00:00 Introduction (to Darrel Ray & Recovering From Religion)
00:21:21 Mary - MN: My Relatives Fear Me Going to Hell (Atheist w/ Pancreatic Cancer)
00:32:32 David - MEX: Demons & Sinful Behavior Cause Paranormal Events
00:38:12 Rami - FR: The Scientific Method Proves God (Over-Simplifying Science)
00:43:40 Alex - MD: I Know What Unites All Religions/Ideologies
00:54:58 Shannon Q - NS: How do we combat "Christian counseling?"
01:05:47 Matt Dillahunty Answers Prayers Again!
01:12:03 Tom - (CA): Can you explain Our Lady of Guadalupe? (Real Miracles! ...not)
01:22:00 Mike - VT: Rude Caller Hung Up On (Bible & Masturbation)
01:24:56 David - LA: Fictional Science Diabetics Book...and other word salad.
01:32:51 Alex - AUS: How Do I Get My Wife to Raise My Kids Secular?
01:39:50 David - AZ: Disproving God Via Math...not so much.
SHOW NOTES
Dr. Darrel Ray is back on the show to talk to us about the mission of Recovering From Religion (1-84-I-DOUBT-IT, 1-844-368-2848, https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/). Matt and Darrel discuss how religious beliefs impact therapy when therapists bring religion into their practice, and go over Religious Trauma Syndrome.
Mary in Minnesota asks what to do about the fact that her friends and family seem to be afraid of hell for her as she faces imminent death from pancreatic cancer. Matt & Darrel offer some useful advice, but the best thing to know from this call is that Mary will be meeting friend of the show Dave Warnock. If you’re interested in a perspective on actively dying as an atheist, please check out Dave Warnock and Dying Out Loud. (Website: https://daveoutloud.com/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveWarnock.DyingOutLoud/, Twitter: @dwwarnock, Instagram: @warnockpa, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpN57H2-9Nv2u5rqIMLZwg?fbclid=IwAR2ygIagoXdW7yxQ-geZbazPrvghM6ZBLV_AUttjb8TdQxjv57ZTY5ouPOs, e-mail: daveoutloud@gmail.com.)
We have some unfortunate issues hearing what caller David says, but he starts to imply that “our sin” has caused some sort of physical change in the universe. He eventually gets to dark energy, at which point Matt drops the call because it’s unfortunately likely that this caller is severely misunderstanding dark energy.
Rami in France seems to offer a similar sort of proof of God, but his is mathematic rather than scientific. He is hung up on after not allowing hosts to address points of disagreement. Womp, womp.
Deepities! Deepities abound! Caller Alex in Maryland uses a LOT of language fluffing to explain the fairly basic concept that a lot of people want good things. He uses this to justify what he calls “meta-theism.”
Speaking of friends of the show, Shannon Q is here! We announce as she calls in that she’ll be here to host the show during Faithless Forum, but her question for Dr. Darrel Ray is this: How do we deal with so-called “Christian counseling?” Shannon takes a look at this on her own YouTube channel in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6vDhtBWFtc. (It’s a long one, grab some popcorn! But if you’re into it, subscribe.) Matt hangs up on Shannon with a soundboard button of his own voice. She asked for it. Literally.
Matt answers more postcard prayers!
We’ve been having calls pop up every now and then recently about Catholic miracles. Tom in Canada wants to ask if the hosts have a natural explanation for Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Mike in Vermont gets hung up on pretty quickly. Don’t come on the show to complain about how long you were on hold… It’s quite rude, and you’re not owed our platform. Next.
Alex in Australia asks what to do about the fact that he and his wife share different religious views, and how to make sure his wife helps him raise their children secularly. Dr. Darrel Ray provides great answers about honest communication and setting of boundaries.
Our final caller, David in Arizona, thinks he can prove God doesn’t exist...with math! He doesn’t. But he really tries!
Please check out The Atheist Experience at https://www.patreon.com/TheAtheistExperience, subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app, and check out our merch at https://www.tiny.cc/aenmerch! Please check out Recovering From Religion at https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org, or call their hotline at 1-84-I-DOUBT-IT (1-844-368-2848). Thanks for checking out our show! Join other fans at Discord at https://www.tiny.cc/acadiscord.
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Atheist Experience 24.07 2020-02-16 with Don Baker & Jenna Belk Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:03 Daniel - MN: I Want to Believe in An Afterlife, but I'm an Atheist
00:10:40 Alex - CO: A Rational Person Can Use Faith, & Faith Can Be Rational
00:24:09 Mark - ME: The Koran/Quran is More Accurate than the Bible
00:35:47 Dalton - NJ - Used to Be Christian, Now Hindu but Doubting...What Do I Do?
00:44:35 Joshua - NY: How Do I Come Out as an Atheist to My Family?
00:54:37 Joseph - NY: People Misunderstand the Zodiac Signs (Astrology is Real)
01:01:05 Shattered - OR: Personal Experiences Are Reliable for Personal Beliefs
01:10:43 Samuel - GM: Star Wars is a Religion
01:19:53 Mark - FL: What is the ATHEIST AGENDA? (Guy tells US what WE believe.)
01:33:05 Julian - WA - Are Atheists Willing to Abandon Christian Morality?
01:47:17 Outro
SHOW NOTES
Today we’re hosted by Don Baker & Jenna Belk, who spare no time in getting straight to calls!
Our first caller, Daniel, is an atheist who wants to believe in an afterlife. He describes his discovery of Carlin as his first steps toward being an atheist, but seems confused about gods and related topics.
Alex in Colombia thinks that a rational person can use faith, and that faith can be part of a rational worldview. Jenna and Don explain that rational people can use non-rational tools, and get a little into epistemology with Alex.
We get a rare sort of call with Mark in Montenegro, who wants to defend the Koran/Quran is more accurate than the Bible because we’re closer to it in time, know that it hasn’t been changed as much, and is written in a living language rather than a dead language. Don & Jenna explain some of their issues with the book, and the caller continues attempting a defense of the book.
Dalton in New Jersey is an interesting case. He started years ago as a Christian, is currently a Hindu, but is doubting his beliefs. He seems to be headed down a road of skepticism, and Jenna gets to throw him Street Epistemology as a recommendation for his topic.
Joshua in New Jersey is a deconvert of only 4-5 years ago, and calls to ask the question so many of us have dealt with in the past: how do I come out to my family as an atheist? Specifically, Joshua is concerned about coming off as an “angry atheist” and “without being flashy.” We get to go over that with him, and also get a little into death and grieving as an atheist.
Joseph in New York explains to us that zodiac signs and astrology are actually reliable, but people mis-apply them by using the sun sign...which is correct in its own way? Uh, vaguery is fun, I guess.
Shattered in Portland, OR is a pantheist. He doesn’t offer up a defense or justification for his belief, but instead tells us that personal experience is reliable for personal beliefs, but can’t be used to convince people. The question is, why is such reasoning reliable for oneself but not for others?
Samuel in Germany thinks that Star Wars has a cult-like following and fascination because people dress up and get upset when movies “violate canon” and similar issues. Does this guy know about the actual Jedi religion? Someone should tell him.
Mark in Florida tells us that all the atheists he’s encountered are aggressive anti-theists to point out that we’re more than “just” agnostic atheists...people telling us what we believe is always the best.
Here comes a Pordan B. Jeterson fan to ask if “atheists are willing to abandon a Christian morality.” Apparently we’re actually Christians. At least he didn’t call us murderers...actually, never mind, he does say something about Pol Pot.
Now, it’s meatloaf time. Goodbye! Join us at tiny.cc/acadiscord, and support us at patreon.com/theatheistexperience. Check out our merch at bit.ly/aenmerch.
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Atheist Experience 24.06 2020-02-09 with Matt Dillahunty & Jim Barrows Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:00:00 Matt - TX - Epic postcard reading by Matt
00:16:55 Jonathan - KY - Is there a moral question about slavery?
00:27:07 Walter - MI - Proof of God because of a NDE
00:38:07 Jonathyn - AZ - Can believe in something and not know it/be aware of it.
00:50:58 Jonathan - AL - How to create a secular community when in a hostile area.
01:05:39 Kevin - TN - Agnostic theist, believes in emanation
01:25:03 Keith - OK - People in prison are better off with religious belief.
01:27:20 John - TX - Evolution points to theism
SHOW NOTES
Woooot! Your normal notes writer is back in the writer’s chair. Just kidding, there is no writer’s chair, it doesn’t exist. In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jim Barrows. Does Matt have more postcards to read? (Oh yes he does and it is EPIC!) Who is this Jim Barrows character? Does God exist? Stay tuned to find out all this and more!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Jonathan from Kentucky. He is wondering if there has always been a moral question regarding slavery. What about prisoners of war? He claims that in history, it was more moral to have slaves than now because of tribal warfare. That’s not an excuse.
Walter is next up calling in from Michigan, claims to have met God after a very violent car wreck. He experienced a near death experience and saw the light! People convinced him that it was all God’s doing. Sadly, he doesn’t provide any evidence though, except “look at the trees.” Oh and science isn’t real.
The following caller named Jonathyn from Arizona is wondering about the argument that folks can believe in something and not know it. He queries Matt on it and Matt responds in kind. Tune in to watch the salad spin!
Jonathan from Alabama is next, he is calling in about how to create a community when in a hostile and possibly violent area to secular/atheists.
Next up, Kevin in Tennessee has an argument he’d like to share. He believes and is an agnostic theist and that this reality we deem as real is only a small part of something greater.
Afterwards we have Steve from Canada. He is an Atheist turned Catholic and is wondering if there is purpose or point in life if you don’t believe. Why does it matter if anyone benefits he asks. It absolutely matters to those around us. C’mon dude, a scribe?!
Keith in Oklahoma would like to discuss how prisoners are better off religious. This was a speedy call and Matt definitely disputed that. Might want to watch it to capture more than I did.
Our last caller of the day, John in Texas claims that evolution is linked or tied to theism. Um, nah. Natural selection is random and is all about time. Thank you very much, Goodbye!
Whew! And that’s it! See you all next week!
Send your prayer postcards for Matt to answer on the show to 1507 W. Koenig Lane, Austin, TX, 78741. Otherwise...goodbye!
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Atheist Experience 24.05 2020-02-02 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:00:00 Introduction
00:07:50 Hermer-NY: The Bible Supports Science
00:18:01 Yoel-NY: I Can Convert Everyone!
00:43:39 Brant-CA: Native American Church Member’s Peyote Path to God
01:00:34 William-NE: Deductive Proof of NO God
01:12:36 End of Show Announcements
SHOW NOTES
Matt and Jenna are back to experience being atheists, and we’re starting off today with some shenanigans! Matt Dillahunty answers prayers sent in on postcards, including a miracle healing of a hen! Jenna has some Christian music looping in her brain today, and has a thought about why this music is such an effective indoctrination tool.
Hermer calls us from a cavern deep inside the Earth, approximately 5 meters from its core, and explains to us how the Bible says, “Avoid opposition to science.” He somehow completely misses the fact that the Bible is loaded with scientific inaccuracies. He proceeds to justify Lot’s wife turning into salt because sweat tastes like salt. (“I Tasted Lot’s Wife and It Tastes Like Sweat | Hermer - NY | Talk Heathen 03.51” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE5RxZzVKHw) Also, everyone who has ever seen Hermer’s face believes in God! Wow! How does he know this?
Yoel from Brooklyn calls in to give us PROOF of God that will turn all of us into believers! Pack it in, folks, the Atheist Experience is over. What will I do with my Sundays now? At the end of the call, it appears that Yoel has some trouble constructing proper syllogisms...while discussing this, Matt demonstrates a concept by eating crickets with Jenna. Ew.
Brant presents a case for his Native American Church beliefs, which involve a peyote path to God, because we all know altered brain states are the way to truth!
After all this life-altering proof God DOES exist, William is able to provide us with deductive proof that NO god exists. Matt expects to disagree with him just as much as the “proof of god” callers...let’s see if he’s right.
Send your prayer postcards for Matt to answer on the show to 1507 W. Koenig Lane, Austin, TX, 78741. Otherwise...goodbye!
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Atheist Experience 24.04 2020-01-26 with Matt Dillahunty & Don Baker Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

Hi friends. I'm not your regular audio editor for today's show, but I am the guy who agreed to do show notes and then got caught up in modding the live chat and grabbing live clips and neglected to do show notes. Get out your flogging equipment, I'll wait here.
Also, sorry about that...
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Atheist Experience 24.03 2020-01-19 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk Jan 20, 2020

Show notes

ATHEIST EXPERIENCE 23.03 for 2020-01-19 with Matt Dillahunty & Jenna Belk
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:06:57 Christian - Denmark - Further discussion about antinatalism
00:34:39 Kayla - CT - Caller update: Has deconverted and hiring a humanist celebrant for her wedding.
00:51:23 Alan - CA - Afraid of not having a “guide” that would intervene at the last moment
01:00:28 Cory - NY - Would like to talk about biblical slavery, oh he gets mad.
01:03:55 David - KY - Clarity on the position of what is life and if it is precious
01:20:38 Michael - AZ - Is both a believer and a non-believer, but how though?
01:21:50 Mike - Toronto - Is struggling with helping as many animals as possible and there is still suffering.
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jenna Belk. It’s going to be a great show!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is a returning caller, Christian from Denmark. He is still struggling with antinatalism (arguing it’s morally wrong to have children because they would possibly suffer in life and the afterlife) and would like to continue to talk about it.
Next up, Kayla from Connecticut has an update on her deconversion and her wedding. They have decided to have a humanist celebrant. Congratulations Kayla! We are so happy for you! (Love Rings!) Keep being your awesome sassy self!
The following caller named Alan from California is afraid of not having a “guide” that would intervene. Jenna provides some amazing advice, surround yourself with others where they can help if you stumble. Listen in to hear more!
The next caller in the queue is Cory from New York wonders if God has the moral right to endorse slavery. Oooooh, one of Matt’s “favorite” topics. Listen in to hear Matt show how immoral slavery is.
Next up, David in Kentucky is seeking clarity on what value we assign to life and if that life is precious. Tune in to hear Matt and Jenna talk through this topic.
Afterwards we have Michael from Arizona. Claims to be a believer and non-believer. HOW THOUGH? We don’t get to find out… goodbye Michael. Don’t call back.
Our last caller of the day, Mike from Toronto is calling about how he and his family are struggling with how to help animals and others who are suffering in the world. What can we do to help? Yes there are bad things that happen, a good response is how can we prioritize how we help out. Keep saving those older and elderly kitties Mike, they need all the help they can get.
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Atheist Experience 24.02 2020-01-12 with Matt Dillahunty & Don Baker Jan 13, 2020

Show notes

ATHEIST EXPERIENCE 24.02 for 2020-01-12 with Matt Dillahunty & Don Baker
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:15:25 Joe - NY - Would like to talk about how bad behavior is caused by atheism.
00:24:02 Matt - MI - No true believer would knowingly lie to create Bible stories.
00:47:40 Ralph - FL - What is our criteria for evidence of claims for the existence of God.
01:01:51 Ryan - FL - We can come to God through skepticism
01:30:48 Ken - PA - Incredibly freeing to become an atheist, is becoming despondent
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Don Baker. Great to see you Don! We start the show with Don’s list of Failures. Today's topic is “God’s Anointed Leaders.” Ooooh, fun.
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Joe from New York. He would like to talk about how bad behavior is caused by atheism and lists off a couple bad actors/leaders from humanity’s past. People doing bad things who happen to also be atheists does not mean all atheists are bad. Matt moves in to dismantle his arguments quickly.
Next up, Matt from Michigan would like to talk about how extraordinary resurrection claims could have happened and continued to talk about how religious people did not knowingly lie to tell a story. Tune in and watch Matt walk through his claim and show how it is untestable and logically unacceptable.
The following caller named Ralph from Florida would like to discuss the criteria for evidence of claims for the existence of God. Also is it absurd to believe the Universe is God? Ummm, yes it is and this is broaching the topic of some sort of designer in creator of the Universe. Watch Matt and Don dispute these claims.
The next caller in the queue is Ryan from Florida wanting to discuss how we can come to God through skepticism. Claims to have been an atheist until 3 years ago. Turned to a church because of their willingness to say “I don’t know” and became a believer again. Listen in to hear Matt unpack this.
Our last caller of the day, Ken in Pennsylvania would like to talk about how freeing it is to become an atheist, and has started to lose the drive and ambition to continue his activism. How do we continue doing what we do? Knowing we make an impact on their journey, we are convinced that not doing it will lead to a worse life. Plus be satisfied with planting seeds of doubt in others and not seeing it fruit. People can change their minds and these seeds can potentially help.
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Atheist Experience 24.01 2020-01-05 with Matt Dillahunty & Jen Aldrich Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

ATHEIST EXPERIENCE 24.01 for 2020-01-05 with Matt Dillahunty & Jen Aldrich
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:06:55 Adam - MN - How can atheists be moral and have a system of morality?
00:19:49 Elaine - IL - Shot 9 times, only wanted to speak to Matt, Nah. Goodbye.
00:23:42 Nick - OR - Recently out, struggling with family and pastor friend knowing.
00:43:32 John - TN - Using science and logic to prove a creator exists.
00:57:53 Alonzo - VA - Tries to make the argument that the supernatural exists
01:18:01 Theo - IL - Believes God communicates through feelings and emotions.
01:31:25 Joseph - NY - Reacting to his previous call and to discuss near death experiences.
SHOW NOTES
Happy New Year everyone, it’s the 24th Season of the Atheist Experience! Time flies when you’re debunking theists. In today’s episode, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jen Aldrich. Jen Aldrich is one of the new hosts of Godless Bitches 3.0, together with Vi La Bianca & Jenna Belk. She's had her own atheist podcast before, called Not Another Atheist Podcast. Google it and enjoy! Welcome to the co-host chair Jen, are you ready for round 2? This is different from Talk Heathen a bit!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Adam from Minnesota. He would like to talk about the atheist morality system and how there can be one. He claims that atheists don’t have morals and only have likes and dislikes. Um, that’s wrong. Tune in and see Matt try to show him the truth.
Next up, Elaine from Illinois earns the title of quickest hangup ever of 2020 (so far). Calls in to dictate how we run our show after emailing a couple times. Um no, you don’t get to dictate who speaks during the shows. Goodbye!
The following caller named Nick from Oregon is concerned about how to come out as an atheist to his fundamentalist family and close friend. We can definitely relate, approach them gradually and respectfully, you’ll be ok.
The next caller in the queue is John from Tennessee wanting to discuss how science and logic point to a creator. Uses a laundry list of scientific discoveries and tech to “prove” a blueprint. No no no, that’s not how science works! Bring in Dragnauct, we need his expertise!
Next up, Alonzo in Virginia tries to make the argument that a supernatural god exists. Presupposes that powerful being could exist because of lack of understanding. Tune in to hear Matt break it all down.
Afterwards we have Theo from Illinois. He believes God communicates only through feelings and emotions. How do you know and why do you believe that? Watch and see Matt and Jen work through this with him.
Our last caller of the day, Joseph in New York would like to discuss how atheists can’t understand him correctly and he also would like to talk about believing in near death experiences. Listen in to hear Matt and Jen explore this topic.
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Atheist Experience 23.53 2019-12-22 with Matt Dillahunty & Dragnauct Sylvas Dec 23, 2019

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:07:30 Matt - MI - Investigating miracles and claiming they are supernatural
00:30:10 Gregory - MA - Would like some helpful clarity on his desire to return to religious life.
00:44:37 James - NC - Wonders how we feel about scientists who are banned by the community for their social gaffs.
00:52:07 Valued Customer - Raising kids in religion as atheists, is struggling with being outed by their kids.
01:06:41 A. Radical - Believes there is a mind/conscious creator behind the creation of the universe.
01:29:06 Otangelo - Brazil - Happy holidays, it’s Otangelo. Goodbye
01:31:50 Brett - WA - Claims the Earth cannot be here by natural means.
01:33:45 Jon - Arguing about the laws of logic and using reason to justify worldviews.
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Dragnauct Sylvas. Welcome to the co-host chair Dragnauct! We are glad you are here to join us!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Matt from Michigan. He would like to explore the validity of miracles and backing up their claim of being supernatural in origin. Listen in to hear Matt refute these claims. Our first hangup in a while, tune in and see Matt use the magic button!
Next up, Gregory from Massachusetts would like to talk about how he is feeling the need to return to a religious life. He is feeling challenged and uncertain about his lack of belief and needs some help and clarity on it all.
The following caller named James from North Carolina would like to talk about scientists who have been banned by the scientific community due to their inaccurate opinions on social constructs. And... he dropped the call, Dragnauct says James should go back to biology class!
The next caller in the queue is “Valued Customer” wanting to discuss raising their kids in religion and is concerned about them outing them while within a hostile and religious area. At some point, they will need to explain to their kids why they have lied and move forward.
Next up, “A. Radical” believes there is a mind behind the creation of the universe and claims there is empirical evidence there is a conscious creator. Has a list of premises to back up his claims. Listen in to hear Matt and Dragnauct rebuke these premises and claims.
Oh boy, Otangelo in Brazil would like to discuss a previous closed conversation between himself and Dragnauct… The conversation was closed, so it’s done. GOODBYE! (Good to have you back in the host’s seat Matt!)
Matt’s on a roll, next up, Brett from Washington would like to discuss his paper that the Earth could not have formed due to random chance/natural means because the probability is way too high!
Our last caller, Jon would like to talk about the laws of logic and how to use them to justify a specific worldview. He also claims you couldn’t have the laws of logic without God. Nope, wrong goodbye!
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Atheist Experience 23.52 2019-12-15 with Jenna Belk, Don Baker, & Eric Wells Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

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