The Non-Prophets

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Project 2025 Holds the Fed's Reins Feb 27, 2025

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A Project 2025 mastermind now holds the reins of the federal bureaucracy
Mother Jones, By Isabela Dias, on February 6, 2025
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/02/russell-vought-confirmed-senate-omb-project-2025-christian-nationalism/
The panel dissects the appointment of Russell Vought as the new head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), highlighting his concerning ties to extremist ideologies. The OMB wields significant power over the allocation of federal funds, affecting everything from defense to social programs. This means Vought, an open Christian nationalist with links to Project 2025, now has enormous influence over the financial workings of the U.S. government. His past includes advocating for the use of military force against protesters, dismantling federal agencies like the EPA, and cutting funding for social services, public education, and reproductive rights.Vought’s think tank, the Center for Renewing America, promotes a theocratic vision for the U.S., openly stating its mission to establish a nation “under God” and dismantle federal protections against corporate and governmental overreach. His policies aim to consolidate executive power and undermine institutions designed to maintain democratic stability.
The panel expresses alarm at his ambitions and notes the eerie historical parallels between his rhetoric and past authoritarian regimes.The discussion shifts to the structural issue of how the OMB interacts with Congress. While Congress technically controls the budget, the OMB has discretion in how funds are allocated, allowing someone like Vought to defund agencies by simply depriving them of resources. This loophole, which has existed for decades, now poses a dire risk given Vought’s extremist agenda.Panelists Stephen and EJ, representing perspectives from Canada and Scotland, respectively, contrast their countries’ political systems with the U.S. model. Stephen highlights how Canada’s multi-party system prevents any single ideology from dominating, ensuring political diversity and negotiation. EJ warns that Europe has witnessed the consequences of unchecked fascism before and refuses to stand by while such forces gain traction in the U.S. Both express horror at the open rise of authoritarianism in American politics, particularly the normalization of fascist rhetoric and demonstrations.
The conversation concludes on a somber note, with a recognition that while Vought’s appointment is deeply troubling, the fight against authoritarianism is ongoing, and international allies remain committed to resisting its spread.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.7.2 featuring Scott Dickie, Stephen Harder, Helen Greene and The Ejector Seat
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WH Launches Faith Office Feb 25, 2025

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Trump launches White House faith office to protect Christians
Telegraph, By David Millward, on February 6, 2025
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/02/06/trump-launches-white-house-faith-office-protect-christians/
The segment discusses a new office created by President Trump, the "Faith Office," aimed at addressing perceived anti-Christian bias in the U.S. government. Critics argue this office undermines the Establishment Clause by favoring Christianity, rather than ensuring neutrality in religious matters. Paula White, a controversial figure, has been appointed to lead the office, further fueling concerns. She has a history of promoting extreme Christian views, including anti-LGBTQ+ stances, and has used her ministry’s funds for personal gain, such as purchasing a private jet. The panelists express skepticism about the office's intentions, with some seeing it as a strategy to push conservative Christian agendas, while others fear it might be part of a larger, more insidious plan to legitimize discrimination under the guise of religion. The conversation delves into the idea of using religion as a tool for control, raising questions about whether the office’s creation is a distraction or a first step toward significant legal changes that could grant more power to religious groups. The segment concludes with speculation on how the U.S. Supreme Court might address this issue, with the potential for a ruling on the office's constitutionality.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.7.1 featuring Scott Dickie, Stephen Harder, Helen Greene and The Ejector Seat
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Hungry Mississippi Kids Feb 23, 2025

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Mississippi again turns down millions of dollars to feed low-income kids during summer months-to-feed-low-income-kids-during-summer-months/
Mississippi Today, By Kate Royals and Sophia Paffenroth, on February 3, 2025
https://mississippitoday.org/2025/02/03/mississippi-again-turns-down-millions-of-dollars-to-feed-low-income-kids-during-summer-months/
Mississippi has once again rejected millions of dollars in federal aid meant to provide food assistance to low-income children during the summer months. This marks the second consecutive year that Governor Tate Reeves has turned down funding from the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, a decision that directly impacts hundreds of thousands of children across the state. The financial impact on struggling families is substantial. During the school year, many low-income families rely on free or reduced-price meals for their children, significantly easing their grocery bills. Without the summer EBT funds, parents are forced to absorb an extra $150 to $200 per month in food costs, stretching already tight budgets even further. For many, this means making difficult choices between essentials like rent, utilities, and food. Reeves’ rejection of the funding also raises concerns about the broader societal consequences of food insecurity. Hunger doesn't just impact individual families—it has ripple effects throughout the economy and education system. A malnourished child struggles to focus and learn, which can contribute to lower test scores, higher dropout rates, and long-term economic disadvantages. The refusal to accept these funds reflects a broader pattern of political leaders prioritizing ideological purity over pragmatic solutions. The state government is actively choosing to let children go hungry rather than accept federal aid, despite the fact that this assistance comes at no cost to the state itself. The argument against an "expanding welfare state" rings hollow when the alternative is widespread child hunger. Mississippi’s rejection of summer EBT funding is a stark example of policy decisions that prioritize political optics over human lives. While nonprofits and local organizations will continue to do what they can, they are no substitute for comprehensive, well-funded programs designed to address food insecurity at scale. As elections approach, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on these decisions at the ballot box. Until then, thousands of children in Mississippi will continue to face unnecessary hunger—not because the resources don’t exist, but because their leaders refuse to accept them.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.07.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Helen Greene, Eli Slack and Kelley Laughlin
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Texas Puts Bibles in Public Schools Feb 22, 2025

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Legal rights groups urge school leaders not to adopt Texas’ Bible-infused curriculum
The Texas Tribune, By Jaden Edison, on January 30, 2025
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/30/texas-aclu-bible-bluebonnet-curriculum/#:~:text=The%20American%20Civil%20Liberties%20Union,Learning%2C%20would%20%22unlawfully%20impose%20a
The Texas State Board of Education’s recent adoption of the Blue Bonnet curriculum, a Bible-infused educational program, has sparked legal concerns and pushback from civil rights groups. Critics argue that the curriculum heavily integrates Christian ideology, downplays significant historical events like slavery and civil rights struggles, and promotes religious favoritism in public education. Supporters, on the other hand, defend it as a necessary inclusion to properly teach students about history and the influence of Christianity. Adding fuel to the controversy, the state is offering schools $60 per student to implement the curriculum, raising concerns about whether this amounts to coercion. Legal organizations are warning school districts of potential constitutional violations, particularly regarding the separation of church and state. Texas now joins other states like Louisiana and Oklahoma in pushing religiously motivated education policies, with legal battles looming on the horizon. The broader issue at play is where the line should be drawn between education and indoctrination. If a curriculum truly aimed to educate about religious diversity, it would include perspectives from multiple faiths, rather than elevating Christianity above all others. Yet, attempts to introduce other religious viewpoints often meet resistance. A recent Supreme Court ruling weakened the “Lemon Test,” a key standard for determining church-state separation, further blurring the legal boundaries. The concern now is that similar religiously motivated educational policies could spread unchecked, challenging secular principles in public education. This push for Christian-centric education also exposes the hypocrisy in religious privilege. If proponents argue that the majority should dictate educational content in a democracy, then why aren’t non-Christian perspectives equally considered? While groups like the Satanic Temple and some Jewish organizations have challenged such policies in court, these efforts often receive less attention. The core issue remains: why does Christianity receive special treatment while other faiths and secular viewpoints are marginalized? With legal battles ahead, the role of religion in public schools may soon face even greater scrutiny.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.07.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Helen Greene, Eli Slack and Kelley Laughlin
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Pastor thinks Trump is Hitler Feb 20, 2025

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Pastor who compared Trump to Hitler is pushed out of church
Mail Online, By Bethan Sexton, on February 4, 2025
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14359493/pastor-compared-Trump-Hitler-church-charlotte-myers-park-baptist.htm
Dr. Ben Boswell, a pastor at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, was asked to resign after church attendance declined during his tenure, which began in 2016. While church leaders insist his removal was due to dwindling attendance rather than his progressive sermons, critics argue that his messages of inclusivity, racial justice, and political awareness alienated white congregants who didn't want to confront issues of privilege. The discussion highlights the tension between religious institutions preaching social justice and the financial realities of maintaining a congregation. The panelists note the irony of a church claiming to support inclusivity but rejecting the social consequences of that stance. They also debate whether churches should engage in politics at all or focus solely on social work, like aiding the poor, without taking a political stance. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the broader trend of declining church attendance and the struggle for relevance in modern religious spaces.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.07.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Helen Greene, Eli Slack and Kelley Laughlin
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Church Pastor Heils Musk Feb 18, 2025

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Priest Booted From Church After Imitating Musk's Salute
The Daily Beast, By Emell Derra Adolphus, on January 30, 2025
https://www.thedailybeast.com/right-wing-catholic-priest-father-calvin-robinson-hits-the-musk-salute-at-pro-life-talk/
Father Calvin Robinson, a right-wing priest with ties to the UK’s far-right movement, was removed from his church after performing a salute reminiscent of Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at Trump’s inauguration rally. Robinson claims it was a joke mocking liberal outrage, but the Anglican Catholic Church took swift action, drawing a clear line between political expression and extremist signaling. The panel discusses the implications of religious leaders engaging in radical rhetoric and contrasts Robinson’s actions with Minister Buddy’s call for compassion and inclusion. They note the long history of religious institutions aligning with fascism and mock Robinson’s complaints that liberals criticizing him are the real fascists. They also find it ironic that he claims victimhood after deliberately provoking outrage. The discussion highlights the hypocrisy of extremists using religion as a shield while pushing hateful ideologies.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.07.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Helen Greene, Eli Slack and Kelley Laughlin
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Want school lunch? Get a job! Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

Republican congressman suggests some children receiving free school lunches should work at McDonald’s instead
NBC News, By Rebecca Shabad, on January 28, 2025
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/republican-congressman-suggests-children-receiving-free-school-lunches-rcna189614
In this discussion, the panelists criticize Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick's recent statement suggesting that children who receive free school lunches should get jobs to cover the cost. McCormick's stance is described as misguided and harmful, with one panelist comparing it to a villainous plot to push child labor. The panelists argue that such policies undermine efforts to support low-income families, including Head Start and Meals on Wheels. They also point out the systemic problems that cause poverty, such as inflation, stagnant wages, and lack of access to healthcare. The group expresses frustration with politicians who use these issues as an excuse to vilify the poor, rather than addressing the underlying causes. They also critique the notion that children need to work for their value, highlighting how such attitudes fail to consider the importance of education and childhood development.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.4 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ
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Guilty Faith-Healing X-tians Feb 15, 2025

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After 'faith-healing' death of 8-year-old girl, 14 Christians found guilty of manslaughter
The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 29, 2025
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/after-faith-healing-death-of-8-year
This tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of extreme religious beliefs, where a young girl, Elizabeth St, lost her life due to the refusal of essential medical care. Elizabeth's parents, guided by their Christian cult, chose to pray for her healing instead of administering insulin for her type 1 diabetes. Despite earlier warnings and a hospitalization scare, they continued their faith-based approach, leading to her death after six days without insulin. The court convicted 14 members of the cult for manslaughter, but many questioned why it wasn’t considered murder, as the parents' refusal to provide medical care was based on deeply held religious beliefs. The case has sparked outrage, especially given that the parents had already been warned about the dangers of their actions. Advocates argue that religion shouldn't shield harmful behavior, and the legal system failed to properly address the severity of the situation. This event raises broader concerns about the role of religion in medical decisions and the safety of children in similar faith-based communities. Some also feel the medical and legal systems failed Elizabeth, as her earlier hospitalization should have prompted closer oversight.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.3 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ
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Bangladesh's Child Brides Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

The discussion centers on the issue of child marriage in Bangladesh, as highlighted by an article from The Telegraph and supplemented by another interview. It delves into the societal, economic, and cultural factors driving child marriage, particularly for girls. The narrative also touches on the importance of education, as many girls, despite their dreams of a different future, are often sold into marriage due to poverty, lack of education, and religious pressures that see women as secondary to men. There's recognition of both the tragedy of the situation and the attempts to help through educational programs, which aim to change the generational cycle of poverty and oppression. The discussion also highlights how both boys and girls face marriage at young ages due to poverty, though girls face more extreme abuses. There is a consensus on the necessity of education and economic support for families to prevent child marriage and provide hope for the next generation.
Telegraph, By Tom Parry, on January 20, 2025
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/bangladesh-child-marriage-girl-brides-brac-school-education/
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ
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Goliath's Actual Height? Feb 11, 2025

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Scientists reveal the surprising height of the Biblical giant Goliath
Daily Mail Online, By Wiliam Hunter, on January 26, 2025
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14317919/Scientists-reveal-Goliath-height-Bible.html
In this discussion, the panel dives into the controversy surrounding Goliath's height and the potential medical diagnosis of gigantism. The article in question suggests that Goliath may have had gigantism, a condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, leading to extreme height and other health problems. The conversation shifts to whether this medical condition would make Goliath a fitting candidate for the biblical fight against David. Some members of the panel question the relevance of such historical details, arguing that it doesn't really matter in the broader scope of faith or mythology. However, others explore how the story of David and Goliath could be a literary device designed to symbolize something larger than just a battle of physical strength. They suggest that the story, in its exaggerated form, might have been created to illustrate the triumph of the underdog, with David's victory representing divine intervention over seemingly insurmountable odds. The team also discusses how the details surrounding Goliath's size and medical condition might be less important than the symbolic meaning behind the story, urging a shift from focusing on historical accuracy to examining the underlying narrative. Ultimately, they conclude that the specifics of Goliath’s height and health issues may matter less than the lesson conveyed in the biblical tale.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.1 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ
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