The Non-Prophets

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Russell Brand Kicks Off Tucker Carlson's Tour with Prayer for Unity Sep 28, 2024

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Newly-baptized Russell Brand helps kick off Tucker Carlson's US tour with prayer asking God to bring 'unity' at the Presidential election (after a joke about sneaking into America illegally and trafficking 'a few kids' with him)
The Daily Mail, By Martin Robinson, on September 6, 2024
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13820663/Russell-Brand-Tucker-Carlson-tour.html
This discussion centers on the controversy surrounding Russell Brand and his sudden public conversion to Christianity following accusations of sexual assault. Brand's move to associate with influential figures like Tucker Carlson is perceived as a strategy to win favor among white Christian nationalists and rebuild his public image. Carlson has publicly praised Brand, viewing him as a reformed figure who has embraced faith to escape his troubled past. This tour is framed as an attempt to win the battle in the court of public opinion.
The conversation highlights skepticism about Brand's sincerity in converting, with parallels drawn between his actions and other public figures who invoke religion during crises. There's a focus on how religious figures and elites often protect individuals accused of misconduct, reflecting broader patterns of using faith as a shield for accountability.
Tucker Carlson’s support of Brand also serves a dual purpose, potentially boosting his own image by aligning with a former liberal who appears to have “seen the light.” Their relationship is described as mutually beneficial, with Carlson using Brand’s celebrity to legitimize his own platform and Brand using Carlson’s influence to garner sympathy and support from conservative audiences. The conversation then shifts to whether Brand’s acting career is over, comparing his situation to other actors who became more aligned with conservative politics and saw their careers suffer.
There's also a broader critique of Brand’s spiritual journey, moving from Buddhism to Christianity. Brand’s engagement with Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, is criticized as superficial, part of a New Age trend that redefines these beliefs in ways that serve personal interests. His approach to Christianity is viewed similarly, with concerns that he’s adopting it as a means of protecting himself rather than as a genuine transformation.
In summary, Brand’s actions are seen as a self-serving attempt to gain protection and rebrand himself, with Carlson playing a crucial role in elevating him within conservative circles.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.38.4 featuring Jimmy Jr., Kelley, and Jonathan Roudabush.
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Vegas Pastor Arrested with Weapons, Drugs in Hotel Sep 27, 2024

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Las Vegas cops arrest pastor who brought weapons and drugs to his hotel roomThe Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on September 09, 2024
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/las-vegas-cops-arrest-pastor-who
The story revolves around a former mega-church pastor who found himself in a bizarre situation in Las Vegas. Arrested by police in a motel room, the pastor was caught with firearms and fentanyl, a powerful opioid, claiming his mission was to save his estranged daughter from the city’s underground tunnels, which house homeless communities. Despite his outlandish claims, the situation was steeped in personal turmoil rather than divine intervention. His downward spiral over the past few years included the loss of his church, controversial online behavior, and erratic actions that concerned many but were ignored by his followers. Instead of stepping in to help, his supporters encouraged his increasingly unstable behavior, leading to this troubling outcome.
The pastor's motivations were unclear—he called the police himself to report a theft, yet there were no clear details about what was stolen, and hotel staff had noticed him wandering with a shotgun. He later admitted to using the fentanyl he initially claimed was for his daughter, raising questions about his mental state. His daughter, estranged from him, was reportedly safe with her husband, making his rescue mission seem more like a personal delusion. The pastor’s followers had dwindled, but those who remained appeared to enable his destructive path rather than intervene or offer meaningful help.
The narrative of this pastor’s fall from grace highlights the dangerous intersections of personal distress, religious zeal, and a lack of accountability. His followers’ refusal to confront his obvious struggles, opting instead to "pray for him," only further isolated him. This sad saga reflects the hypocrisy often associated with religious figures, whose actions starkly contrast with their teachings. As he spiraled, the pastor's misguided attempt to save his daughter, fueled by his own paranoia and drug use, revealed the deep issues underlying his behavior. His arrest and the bizarre circumstances around it leave open questions about the influence of his supporters, the role of religious delusion, and the responsibility of those around him to step in before it was too late.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.38.3 featuring Jimmy Jr., Kelley, and Jonathan Roudabush.
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Teacher Recalls Protecting Students in HS Shooting Sep 25, 2024

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'I lied.' A teacher describes protecting her students during Apalachee HS shooting
NPR , By Emma Bowman, on September 7, 2024
https://www.npr.org/2024/09/07/nx-s1-5104200/georgia-apalachee-high-school-shooting
The tragic event at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, marked the 39th school shooting of the year. The story highlights the actions of a Spanish teacher, Jennifer Carter, who managed to protect her students during the shooting. In her account, she credits her training, faith, and the use of bulky furniture for keeping her class safe. However, the grim backdrop of Georgia's underwhelming gun law rankings and low teacher salaries contrasts sharply with the heroism displayed that day. Georgia ranks 46th in the nation for gun law strength, a glaring indication of the state's lack of meaningful legislative action to curb gun violence.
Jennifer Carter's emotional recount of the incident, where she admits to lying to her students to keep them calm by telling them it was just a drill, sparked various reactions. While some saw her decision to lie as a necessary act of protection, others speculated whether the media exaggerated her moral conflict, focusing on the "lie" as a central narrative. Yet, this moment reflects a bigger issue: the pressure placed on teachers in an increasingly dangerous environment. Many educators now find themselves scanning rooftops and considering escape routes as they work, indicating how normalized fear has become in American classrooms.
Beyond the immediate event, the discussion raises questions about the broader societal and political failures. Teachers, underpaid and undervalued, are now expected to be protectors in life-threatening situations. The conversation veers into whether arming teachers would make schools safer. The consensus here is a resounding no. The idea of turning schools into militarized zones would only add trauma to an already fragile environment. Furthermore, the prevalence of guns, and how easily children—like the 14-year-old shooter in this case—access them, remains an unresolved crisis in the U.S., where gun violence is now the leading cause of death for young children.
The final point emphasizes the tragic irony of a society that claims to protect its children but consistently fails to ensure their safety in schools. The ineffectiveness of thoughts and prayers, the recurring "thoughts and prayers" rhetoric, and the hollow gestures of politicians who refuse to tackle the issue head-on are laid bare. The speaker critiques the misplaced gratitude toward God in a situation that should demand systemic solutions, not divine intervention. While the teacher's actions are commendable, the larger question remains: when will the U.S. prioritize the safety of its children and its educators?
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.38.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Kelley, and Jonathan Roudabush.
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American Church Thrives in Nicaragua, Then Pastors Imprisoned Sep 23, 2024

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An American Church Thrived in Nicaragua. Then Its Pastors Went to Prison.The New York Times, By Frances Robles, on Sept. 5, 2024
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/us/american-pastors-nicaragua-money-laundering.html
Nicaragua has increasingly slipped towards authoritarian rule under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who have maintained control over the government for decades. Their regime has taken a firm stance against organizations that challenge their authority, particularly religious and nonprofit groups. Recently, the government revoked the tax-exempt status of nonprofits, including churches, under the guise of combating money laundering. This led to a wave of arrests and the prosecution of numerous religious leaders and organizations, among them the Hancock family and their Mountain Gateway Church.
Mountain Gateway Church, an evangelical institution run by the Hancocks from Texas, was operating across multiple rural towns in Nicaragua. The church’s business dealings, which included running a coffee company, were suddenly targeted by the government following the new laws. Though the church claimed they had always been transparent and compliant, Ortega’s regime accused them of money laundering and placed heavy fines on their leaders, with some church members receiving long prison sentences. The Hancocks, being out of the country at the time, were fined $80 million, and their return to Nicaragua seems unlikely as long as the current regime remains in power.
The situation in Nicaragua is complex. On one hand, there are longstanding grievances between the Catholic Church and the Ortega government, which has jailed Catholic leaders under similar accusations of financial misconduct. On the other hand, Mountain Gateway was initially allowed to operate freely, leading some to suspect that the government was using the church for political gain, only to turn on them when their influence grew too large. Some argue the church’s operations resembled those of a mega-church, exploiting Nicaragua’s people and resources under the guise of religion, while others suggest the government’s crackdown is part of a broader strategy to eliminate any group that threatens its control.
In the broader context, this situation reflects a power struggle over the hearts and minds of Nicaraguans, with the government aiming to suppress religious influence and protestant churches rising in prominence while Catholicism declines. The role of the U.S. in this affair is also worth noting, as Mountain Gateway’s involvement ultimately led to a prisoner swap with Nicaragua, raising questions about the influence of American interests and politics in the region.
The church’s ties to U.S. politicians may have played a part in the State Department’s intervention, further complicating the already murky narrative of whether the church was an innocent victim or a party to the regime’s power games.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.38.1 featuring Jimmy Jr., Kelley, and Jonathan Roudabush.
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Forget Credentials, Just Check Their Melanin Sep 21, 2024

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Joel Webbon Insists It’s Not Racist To Prefer A White Doctor Over A Black Doctor
Angry White Men, By , on August 23, 2024
https://angrywhitemen.org/2024/08/23/joel-webbon-insists-its-not-racist-to-prefer-a-white-doctor-over-a-black-doctor/
The idea that race could be a determining factor for medical competency is both misleading and absurd. The suggestion that doctors of color might be given a "special pass" through diversity initiatives ignores the years of rigorous education, exams, and clinical training they must undergo, just like their white peers. This misguided belief perpetuates the notion that minority professionals are inherently less capable, as if their qualifications are somehow diluted by their race. The flawed logic goes further by implying that choosing a doctor based on skin color is more rational than selecting one based on actual medical credentials and expertise. This reductive thinking undermines the integrity of affirmative action, which aims to level the playing field, not lower the bar.
Moreover, this view dismisses the hard work and achievements of minority doctors who have earned their place in the medical field through sheer merit. Despite the uproar from certain groups who believe they are being left out, the reality is that affirmative action does not hand out "free passes." These doctors still have to meet the same rigorous standards as anyone else. The false perception that race alone grants unearned advantages only fuels resentment and division. In fact, it's a gross oversimplification to assume that affirmative action compromises quality; it simply ensures more equitable access to opportunities that were historically unavailable to minorities.
Furthermore, this kind of thinking is not just a misunderstanding—it's a form of modern-day racism, disguised as concern for fairness. The idea that a doctor’s competence is tied to their ethnicity rather than their abilities is not only offensive but dangerous. It promotes a distorted view that undermines public confidence in healthcare, especially in diverse communities. While it's understandable to want a doctor you're comfortable with, basing that comfort on race alone reflects deep-seated prejudice.
Interestingly, the same people who criticize affirmative action often overlook the systemic biases that have long favored white professionals. Historical exclusion from education and employment opportunities has left many minorities on the margins, and affirmative action seeks to correct this imbalance. To suggest that affirmative action is a handout is to ignore the very real barriers that have been erected against minority communities. The assumption that doctors of color are less qualified because of such policies is a harmful stereotype that reinforces racial hierarchies.
The double standard in these arguments becomes even more evident when people make exceptions for certain minority groups. Claiming that one might prefer an Asian doctor over a Black one, for example, exposes the inconsistency in their reasoning. It's not about qualifications; it's about deep-rooted biases. This selective reasoning underscores how racism persists under the guise of personal preference or rational decision-making.
The broader issue is how racism gets redefined to fit the narrative of those who don't want to see themselves as racist. They argue that their concerns aren't about race, but about quality. Yet, when race is the sole factor in deciding a professional’s competence, the discrimination becomes clear. Even worse, some may try to justify this by claiming that racism isn't condemned in the Bible, which further highlights how deeply embedded these biases can be in both cultural and religious institutions.
At the heart of this debate is the need for systemic change. Racism in healthcare, education, and employment is not new, and efforts to combat it through policies like affirmative action are crucial. However, those policies alone cannot change hearts and minds. It requires an honest acknowledgment of the biases that still pervade these systems and a commitment to treating people as individuals, not as representatives of their race.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.37.4 featuring Infidel 64, AJ, Damien H and Aaron Jensen
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Cops Keep Killing: When Does It End? Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

Tennessee family's lawsuit says video long kept from them shows police force, not drugs, killed son
https://apnews.com/article/lethal-restraint-police-tennessee-austin-hunter-turner-ca8b91c2f3dc9584094c6fc835d49deb
AP News, By jeff Martin, on August 16, 2024
Why did more than 1,000 people die after police subdued them with force that isn't meant to kill?
AP News by john Seewer on March 28, 2024
A recent investigation led by the Associated Press, the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland, Arizona State University, and Frontline PBS has uncovered that over a thousand individuals have died in encounters with police involving non-lethal force. This extensive report highlights systemic issues within law enforcement, including inadequate training, insufficient data transparency, and the pervasive "blue wall of silence" that obstructs accountability. The investigation reveals a troubling pattern where the use of force, even when deemed non-lethal, often leads to fatal outcomes, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
The discussion raises critical questions about whether certain personality types are drawn to policing roles that might not suit their temperament. Some argue that policing attracts individuals who seek power and control, potentially leading to abusive behavior. This view suggests that a careful selection process and improved training are essential to ensure that those who enter the profession are fit for its demands. The conversation also touches on the broader issue of community policing versus an adversarial approach, especially in the context of the war on drugs, which has exacerbated the us-versus-them mentality in law enforcement.
The investigation revealed that out of the thousand deaths studied, only 28 police officers faced charges, and fewer than 200 cases resulted in settlements. This statistic underscores a significant issue: holding officers accountable is often hindered by political sensitivities and systemic resistance. For example, the case of a 23-year-old man who died after being placed in a prone position by police officers, despite having a history of seizures, illustrates how inadequate training and improper handling can lead to preventable deaths. The delay in disclosing the true cause of death to the victim's family further compounds the issue.
In the debate over policing, there is a middle ground between the "defund the police" movement and the "back the blue" stance. While acknowledging the need for effective law enforcement, the conversation also highlights the necessity of reforming police practices. The experience from Victoria, Australia, where a royal commission led to significant changes in police procedures, serves as a model for how transparency and accountability can reduce incidents of excessive force.
The role of body cameras in policing is another focal point. Recording police interactions provides transparency and can prevent misconduct, but it also offers a clearer view of the dangerous situations officers face. The panel discussion emphasizes that while body cameras can help protect both civilians and officers, they are not a panacea. Instead, they are a tool that, when combined with proper training and oversight, can contribute to more effective policing.
Ultimately, the conversation points to a need for a balanced approach to policing, one that includes proper training, accountability, and a reassessment of resource allocation. The discussion suggests that while some level of defunding or restructuring might be necessary, it is crucial to ensure that resources are redirected to areas that support effective and fair law enforcement. This includes investing in training for handling mental health crises and reconsidering the militarization of police forces.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.37.3 featuring Infidel 64, AJ, Damien H and Aaron Jensen
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Christians Deny Faith, Rebranding the Doctrine Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Stand to Reason, By Greg Koukl, on August 1, 2024
https://www.str.org/w/it-s-time-to-forget-faith-
In this discussion, Greg Koukl proposes a redefinition of "faith" to better align with rational and evidence-based thinking. Koukl suggests that faith should be understood as "confident convictions based on good reasons" rather than as mere belief without evidence. His goal is to reshape the perception of faith, framing it as a position supported by logical and rational foundations. This redefinition aims to counter the common criticism that faith is irrational or unsupported by evidence.
The panel’s reactions to Koukl’s argument reflect a range of perspectives. Damian criticizes Koukl’s approach by arguing that renaming faith does not address the underlying issue of evidence. He suggests that believers often shift the conversation away from substantial evidence to unrelated topics, such as evolutionary theory or cosmology, to avoid engaging with the core issue of evidence supporting their beliefs.
Aaron adds to the critique by questioning Koukl’s "three pillars" of active trust: reliable evidence, reliable witnesses, and convincing proofs. He argues that historical evidence supporting Christianity is often lacking and inconsistent, challenging the adequacy of these pillars in substantiating faith claims. Aaron’s position highlights the difficulty of relying on these pillars when the evidence is not robust or comprehensive.
AJ also questions the efficacy of Koukl’s redefinition. He sees it as a superficial rebranding that does not solve the deeper issue of insufficient evidence. AJ argues that changing the definition of faith does not address the fundamental problems of evidence and reason that believers face. He raises concerns about why believers resist the term "faith" if it truly reflects their belief process and whether the redefinition genuinely addresses the criticisms of faith.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.37.2 featuring Infidel 64, AJ, Damien H and Aaron Jensen
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Women's Health Neglected in Texas. Again. Sep 16, 2024

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El Paso mom won’t get damages for unexpected pregnancy after believing her tubes were tied
KERA News, By Toluwani Osibamowo, on May 10, 2024
https://www.keranews.org/health-wellness/2024-05-10/el-paso-mother-medical-negligence-texas-supreme-court
Texas GOP Wants a Horrifying Punishment for Abortion, IVF Patients
The New Republic by Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling on April 1, 2024
The discussion today highlights two major issues in Texas regarding women's health. The first story is about Gel Vasco, a woman who was unaware her tubes had not been tied despite paying for the procedure. She was refused compensation for her unexpected pregnancy, receiving only a $400 refund. The second story stems from a leaked meeting with the organization Abolish Abortion Texas, where the group’s director, Paul Brown, outlined plans to classify abortion and the destruction of IVF embryos as murder, potentially punishable by the death penalty. This signals a return to more regressive views on women's health, akin to laws from the 1800s. These stories, discussed in articles from Kira News and New Republic, reflect a clear bias against pregnant women in Texas, where women's lives seem to be secondary to those of their unborn children.
Justice Rebecca Huddle ruled that a healthy child is not an "injury" and refused compensation for Vasco's pregnancy, suggesting that carrying a healthy baby to term cannot be considered a harmful event. However, one panelist pointed out that pregnancy comes with significant physical strain, risk, and even accelerated cellular aging, which contradicts the notion that it causes no harm. Despite these realities, the Texas Supreme Court's stance reflects a broader dismissal of the health and autonomy of women in the state's healthcare system.
As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that the state's policies are increasingly forcing women into situations where they must prioritize the life of the unborn over their own. Panelists critiqued Texas' punitive stance, particularly toward women and doctors, and noted the hypocrisy of the state’s claim to value life, while advocating for the death penalty in cases of abortion. This ongoing conflict between women's rights and state control over their bodies leaves many in Texas in a precarious and often dangerous position.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.37.1 featuring Infidel 64, AJ, Damien H and Aaron Jensen
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Are Conservatives Losing the Culture Wars? Sep 14, 2024

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Are Republicans losing the culture wars?
Politico, By Juan Perez Jr, on 2024-08-24
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/24/republicans-culture-war-races-00176166
In a recent discussion about the culture wars and their impact on the Republican Party, several key points emerged. The conversation, which took place on August 24, 2024, highlights how conservatives might be losing ground in the culture wars, particularly in education. The focus has shifted from policy to cultural issues, with an increasing emphasis on topics like book bans and "woke" ideology. This shift is seen as a strategic move to rally base support by engaging emotions rather than addressing substantive policy issues.
The conversation criticized the Republican Party's reliance on culture wars as a distraction from unpopular or nonexistent policies. Instead of focusing on essential needs such as educational funding and teacher retention, the party has prioritized divisive issues that generate emotional responses. This approach is criticized for being a form of manipulation, designed to keep the base engaged without offering real solutions to the country's pressing problems.
Participants in the discussion noted that while the culture wars might energize some voters, they often do so at the expense of addressing fundamental educational needs. The use of terms like "freedom" and "liberty" in the context of these culture wars was described as misleading, serving more as propaganda to divert attention from the lack of effective policies.
The impact on education is significant. By focusing on culture wars rather than practical needs, such as proper funding and the retention of quality educators, the system risks worsening. Teachers are leaving the profession due to underfunding and poor working conditions, which ultimately affects the quality of education that students receive. The conversation argued that this approach harms both educators and students, as it emphasizes ideological battles over practical improvements.
Overall, the discussion suggests that the focus on cultural issues is a strategic move by Republicans to maintain political power by leveraging emotional debates, even though this may undermine more pressing concerns in education and governance.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.36.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush,Scott Dickie and Cindy Plaza
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Kentucky’s Amendment 2: Taxpayer Dollars for Religious Schools Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

If Amendment 2 passes, Kentucky would waste taxpayer dollars on religious schools
The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on 2024-08-28
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/if-amendment-2-passes-kentucky-would
The proposal to amend Kentucky's constitution seeks to introduce a voucher system, allowing public funds to support private, predominantly religious schools. Critics highlight several concerns, noting that diverting up to $1.19 billion annually from public schools—particularly in rural areas—could cripple already underfunded districts. These regions often rely heavily on state funds due to low local tax revenues, making them especially vulnerable. The amendment is portrayed as a workaround to existing legal barriers that prevent public money from funding religious education. Opponents, including Governor Andy Beshear, argue that this could lead to worse educational outcomes and further entrench inequality.
The broader implications of this policy are stark. Voucher systems have been repeatedly shown to have no proven link to improved student achievement, even for those attending private schools. Moreover, diverting funds toward private institutions compromises the accountability that public schools are held to, creating a system that is less transparent and less answerable to the public. With fewer resources and more financial strain, public schools, particularly in rural areas, could face larger class sizes, fewer resources like textbooks, and an overall decline in the quality of education.
Additionally, the supposed choice offered by vouchers is often an illusion. Private schools are not bound by the same non-discrimination policies as public schools, meaning they can selectively admit students based on criteria like academic performance, religious affiliation, and even socioeconomic status. This creates a skewed system where the most vulnerable students—those with disabilities, behavioral challenges, or lower test scores—are left behind in underfunded public schools, further perpetuating educational inequities.
Furthermore, the amendment raises constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the separation of church and state. Funding religious education with public money may violate the Establishment Clause, a key tenet of the U.S. Constitution that protects against government endorsement of religion. This proposal could also worsen Kentucky's already low ranking in education, currently 34th in the nation.
In essence, this amendment represents a strategic attempt to erode public education, weaken transparency, and push a religious agenda, all under the guise of "school choice." Critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent, using deceptive language to obscure its true impact and weaponize public ignorance against their own interests, ultimately paving the way for a more authoritarian and ideologically driven governance model.
The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.36.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush,Scott Dickie and Cindy Plaza
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