Episodes

  • Wisconsin Pastor Arrested for Sending Victim's Intimate Photos

    Wisconsin Pastor Arrested for Sending Victim's Intimate Photos
    Oct 18 2024
    Wisconsin pastor arrested for allegedly sending intimate photos from victim’s phone without consent

    Yahoo.com, By Indiana Schilz, on October 2, 2024

    https://www.yahoo.com/news/wisconsin-pastor-arrested-allegedly-sending-015540084.html

    In a shocking incident, Pastor Gabe Mills of Journey Mega Church in Wisconsin was arrested for allegedly taking nude photos of a female congregant without her consent during a life group meeting. Mills reportedly airdropped explicit images found on the victim’s phone to his own device. After this was discovered, police became involved, and Mills was arrested with bail set at $7,500. A second victim later came forward, corroborating allegations against him, leading to a second arrest. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the church has not publicly addressed the issue on its platforms.

    The discussion turns towards the façade of the "happy and healthy Christian man" often seen in churches, with one participant reflecting on their own experiences. They highlight the dangers of societal and religious pressures to conform to specific ideals of masculinity, suggesting that such pressures can lead to unhealthy behaviors and repression of one's true self. They discuss the harmful implications of conversion therapy, which extends beyond radical programs to broader Christian contexts, often enforcing a narrative of sexual purity that leads to internal conflict and, in some cases, immoral behavior.

    They highlight the hypocrisy often present in religious settings, where leaders who preach about sexual morality may themselves engage in immoral acts, reflecting a disconnect between preached beliefs and personal behavior.

    Participants express a desire for churches to stop promoting harmful narratives around sexual purity, arguing that such repression only leads to more significant issues, as individuals struggle with their identities and desires.

    The conversation also touches on the broader societal expectations placed on men, examining how phrases like "locker room talk" perpetuate harmful stereotypes and allow inappropriate behaviors to persist unchecked. They argue for the importance of open dialogue about sexuality and self-acceptance, asserting that understanding one's sexual identity is crucial for healthy relationships and personal well-being. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the need for more compassionate and understanding approaches to sexuality within religious communities and society at large.

    The conversation also delves into the issue of privacy, particularly in the context of sharing intimate photos, stressing that individuals should have autonomy over their own bodies and choices, without fear of violation. Acknowledging the church's response to a particular scandal involving a pastor, they critique how religious organizations often create environments where individuals feel they cannot admit mistakes due to fear of judgment and ostracization. This creates a culture where people hide their true selves and actions, leading to further harm within communities. They urge for a shift in focus toward accountability and the importance of support for victims, rather than merely silencing the issue. Wisconsin pastor arrested for allegedly sending intimate photos from victim’s phone without consent

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.41.3 featuring Infidel64, Stephen Harder , Aaron Jensen, and AJ.

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    25 mins
  • Arrests After U.S. Woman Dies in Controversial Death Pod

    Arrests After U.S. Woman Dies in Controversial Death Pod
    Oct 16 2024
    Several arrested after American woman dies in first use of controversial suicide pod

    The discussion centers on the complex and often taboo topic of suicide and assisted dying. It begins with a metaphorical comparison of life decisions to doors that, once opened, cannot be closed. This imagery illustrates the irrevocable nature of choices related to life and death, emphasizing that a slow and deliberate approach is crucial in navigating these sensitive issues. The conversation acknowledges the stigma surrounding suicide, particularly within Christian contexts, which have historically framed it as a moral failure. The impact of early cults attempting to control suicide as a means of martyrdom is noted, highlighting the layered complexities of religious interpretations.

    A significant theme is the financial aspect of the church, where a decline in attendance and tithes is tied to the conversation around suicide. There is a sense that the church’s reluctance to address these issues stems not only from moral concerns but also from financial interests, suggesting a need for transparency and a reevaluation of priorities within religious institutions.

    The speakers advocate for a process that allows individuals to reclaim their bodily autonomy regarding death, arguing that the right to self-determination should be upheld. They emphasize the importance of having a thorough and supportive process in place, where individuals can engage with medical professionals. This approach is seen as a way to protect those who might change their minds and seek help during their decision-making journey. The dialogue underscores the belief that the ultimate goal is well-being, and the availability of a supportive process could prevent unnecessary deaths by offering help to those in need.

    Overall, the conversation reflects a desire to normalize discussions around suicide and to establish a framework that prioritizes individual choice, understanding, and support, rather than stigma and judgment.

    CNN.com, By Reuters, on September 25, 2024

    https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/24/europe/switzerland-arrests-sarco-suicide-capsule-intl-hnk/index.html

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.41.2 featuring Infidel64 Stephen Harder , Aaron Jensen, and AJ.

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    25 mins
  • Colorado Orders Catholic Hospitals to List Banned Services

    Colorado Orders Catholic Hospitals to List Banned Services
    Oct 14 2024
    Colorado will now make Catholic hospitals say what services they won't provideThe Friendly Atheist,

    By Hemant Mehta, on October 1, 2024

    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/colorado-will-now-make-catholic-hospitals

    Colorado has passed a new law requiring all hospitals to disclose any procedures they won’t perform due to non-medical reasons. The "Patients Right to Know Act" ensures transparency, especially targeting Catholic hospitals that follow religious doctrine rather than medical expertise in determining the services they offer. Many Catholic hospitals, instead of being clear about their religious affiliations, use generic names like “Mercy Hospital,” hiding their policies from the public. This legislation aims to solve that, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare based on the services the hospitals offer or refuse. Catholic hospitals, governed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, refuse to provide services like abortions, sterilizations, and gender-affirming care, as they are considered to violate Catholic doctrine. These policies put patients, particularly women and transgender individuals, at risk when seeking crucial medical treatments. The new law will require such hospitals to list non-medical reasons for refusing procedures on a state website. However, hospitals are not required to display this information on their own websites, creating a loophole. Many patients may not check the state site, and by the time they realize a procedure isn’t available, it could be too late, especially in emergency situations. The controversy centers on whether religious hospitals should be able to refuse care based on faith when operating as medical institutions. Many argue that religious beliefs should not influence healthcare decisions, which should be grounded in medical science and patient needs. It is raised that if organizations choose to provide healthcare, they should abide by the standards of the medical profession, not their religious dogma. This concern has been illustrated with hypothetical comparisons: it’s like a church-run car dealership deciding not to install steering wheels because they believe “Jesus takes the wheel.” This is especially relevant in rural areas, where Catholic hospitals may be the only available option. Here, patients are left with no alternative care options, and doctors working in these hospitals might not be allowed to perform certain procedures even if they personally want to, limiting their experience and growth as medical professionals. Lastly, while some think this law may encourage alternative healthcare providers to fill in the gaps left by religious hospitals in rural areas, others are skeptical that this would happen on a significant scale. The Catholic Church, with its influence and deep financial resources, is unlikely to reconsider its policies, leaving patients vulnerable unless further reforms are introduced. Colorado will now make Catholic hospitals say what services they won't provide.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.41.1 featuring Infidel64, Stephen Harder , Aaron Jensen, and AJ.

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    26 mins
  • Consciousness Theory Ventures into Sci-Fi

    Consciousness Theory Ventures into Sci-Fi
    Oct 12 2024
    Consciousness may stem from unseen dimensions beyond our reality

    Earth.com, By Eric Ralls, on September 21, 2024

    https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/

    The conversation delves into a discussion of Dr. Michael Priva’s hypothesis that extra dimensions, beyond the known four of spacetime, might help explain human consciousness. Priva draws from string theory, which posits up to 11 dimensions, and extends this to suggest that Jesus may be a hyperdimensional being capable of ascending to heaven—a claim deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs. The hosts challenge the logical leaps, highlighting his lack of expertise in consciousness studies, the speculative nature of his ideas, and the conflation of theoretical physics with religious concepts. They humorously critique the argument as rife with logical fallacies, such as appeals to authority and non sequiturs, while also considering the broader issue of religion using misunderstood science to justify its claims. The show wraps up with the hosts asserting that consciousness is likely an emergent property of brain function, rather than something requiring exotic explanations like extra dimensions, emphasizing the necessity of evidence and logical coherence in scientific discussion.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.40.4 featuring Infidel64, Jonathan Roudabush, and Eli Slack

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    19 mins
  • Universal Preschool? Only If You’re Not Too Gay!

    Universal Preschool? Only If You’re Not Too Gay!
    Oct 11 2024
    Religious freedom, LGBTQ rights collide in lawsuit over Colorado’s universal preschool program

    The Denver Post, By Ann Schimke, on September 22, 2024

    https://www.denverpost.com/2024/09/22/colorado-universal-preschool-religious-freedom-lgbtq-rights/

    Religious preschools in Colorado, specifically under the Archdiocese of Denver, are pushing back against state rules requiring nondiscrimination, particularly toward LGBTQ families, despite eagerly seeking state funding through Colorado's Universal Preschool Program. While some schools comply with the rules, others demand exemptions, arguing that their religious beliefs justify discrimination.

    This conflict follows a 2022 ruling in Maine, which allowed religious schools access to public funds. The preschools, facing financial hardship and closure, are appealing the case, hoping for a favorable decision from the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. The case highlights ongoing tensions between public funding, religious freedom, and discrimination.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.40.3 featuring Infidel64, Jonathan Roudabush, and Eli Slack

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    19 mins
  • Florida: Where Storks Replace Sex Ed Teachers

    Florida: Where Storks Replace Sex Ed Teachers
    Oct 9 2024
    Florida bans instruction on contraception and consent in sex ed classes

    Popular, By Rebecca Crosby, on September 25, 2024

    https://popular.info/p/florida-bans-instruction-on-contraception

    Florida's recent policy changes in sex education are stirring significant concern among advocates for comprehensive health education. As of September 2024, schools in Florida are required to submit their sex education materials for state review, ensuring adherence to strict abstinence-only guidelines. This new policy explicitly bans visual representations of reproductive anatomy and prohibits discussions about contraception, which can only be mentioned as a health resource. Children from kindergarten through high school are expected to be taught that abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage is the standard behavior.

    This shift has raised alarm bells regarding the welfare of children in the state. The conversation reveals a deep frustration about the implications of such education policies. Educators and advocates argue that providing children with accurate information about sex is crucial for their safety and wellbeing. There's a shared belief that withholding essential information leaves children vulnerable to misinformation, exploitation, and unhealthy behaviors, as they will inevitably seek answers from less reliable sources, such as peers or the internet.

    The dialogue also touches upon the importance of discussing consent in sex education, noting that banning these discussions creates a dangerous environment for young people. The speakers express a strong conviction that understanding consent and recognizing the signs of abuse are vital for preventing victimization. Without this knowledge, children may not know how to protect themselves in abusive situations. The discussion emphasizes that neglecting these topics is not merely a failure of education but a failure of society to protect its most vulnerable members.

    Statistics further support the argument against abstinence-only education, highlighting a correlation between such programs and rising rates of sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancies. In states where comprehensive sex education is taught, the data shows that adolescents tend to delay sexual activity.

    The conversation ultimately underscores the idea that parents and educators share a responsibility to provide children with accurate, comprehensive information about sex and relationships. While some argue that these discussions should happen exclusively at home, the speakers contend that many parents lack the resources or knowledge to have these important conversations, emphasizing the need for a supportive educational framework to supplement parental guidance.

    In summary, the push for abstinence-only education in Florida not only undermines the necessity of comprehensive sex education but also poses significant risks to the health and safety of children. The speakers advocate for informed discussions that prepare young people for the complexities of relationships and empower them to make safe and healthy choices.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.40.2 featuring Infidel64, Jonathan Roudabush, and Eli Slack

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    22 mins
  • Curing Cancer with a Prayer and a Wink!

    Curing Cancer with a Prayer and a Wink!
    Oct 7 2024
    Pastor claims he miraculously cured a man hospitalized due to voting for Democrats

    The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on September 26, 2024

    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/pastor-claims-he-miraculously-cured

    I Went to a Pro-Trump Christian Revival. It Completely Changed My Understanding of Jan. 6.

    Slate Magazine by Molly Olmstead on September 25, 2024

    https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/09/donald-trump-2024-president-election-shooting-christians.html

    In the first story, a pastor named Robert Henderson claims that a man he knew got sick after voting Democrat. Henderson suggests that the sickness was caused by the man's political choice, implying that changing political affiliations could lead to healing.

    He promotes the idea that spiritual well-being is directly tied to partisan politics. According to Henderson, this man was cured after switching political sides, making the case that voting Republican could be a remedy for illness.In the second story, another pastor argues that people fulfilling God's divine assignments are protected from death.

    This pastor uses spiritual rhetoric to blend religious faith with political motives, creating fear among his congregation. By connecting political choices with spiritual consequences, these pastors pressure their followers to conform to a specific political ideology, framing alternative views as morally or spiritually wrong.

    The conversation explores how religious leaders like these use fear and anecdotal stories to manipulate their congregations. Congregants are often scared into silence, afraid of being ostracized or labeled as evil for holding different political beliefs.

    This tactic of dehumanizing others by associating them with demonic forces not only justifies harmful actions but also deepens divisions in society.Ultimately, the discussion points out the dangers of such narratives.

    When religious leaders weaponize spiritual beliefs for political gain, they contribute to societal harm, violence, and division. These manipulative tactics can lead followers down a path of intolerance and misunderstanding, with long-term negative consequences for both individuals and communities.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.40.1 featuring Infidel64, Jonathan Roudabush, and Eli Slack

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    19 mins
  • Gamers Doing Battle Against Nebulous Wokeness!

    Gamers Doing Battle Against Nebulous Wokeness!
    Oct 5 2024
    Steam Users Curate 'Anti-Woke' List & It's Dividing Opinion

    Dual Shockers, By Abdullah Al Tekreeti, on September 9, 2024
    https://www.dualshockers.com/steam-anti-woke-list/

    This week, the gaming community is buzzing with discussions surrounding a controversial initiative launched by a group of Steam users who have formed an anti-woke list. This list categorizes video games based on their perceived "woke" content, with a particular focus on aspects such as LGBTQ+ representation and the portrayal of strong female characters. Currently boasting around 1,600 members, the group aims to steer gamers away from titles they believe promote specific political agendas.

    Supporters of the anti-woke list argue that it serves as a consumer’s right to know about the political content of the games they purchase, providing a framework for gamers who want to avoid titles they perceive as pushing liberal ideologies or social justice narratives. They assert that gaming should remain a space free from political influence, focusing instead on entertainment value and traditional gaming experiences.

    Conversely, critics of the initiative contend that the anti-woke list is overly broad and could undermine diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry. They argue that categorizing games based solely on their representation of marginalized groups risks marginalizing those very narratives and perspectives. This criticism highlights a deeper concern regarding the implications of labeling content as "woke," which can often lead to backlash against games that strive to embrace more inclusive themes.

    The emergence of this anti-woke list reflects a significant tension within the gaming community—a struggle between the desire for representation and the pushback against perceived political correctness. As the industry continues to evolve, this ongoing debate raises important questions about the role of diversity in media, the responsibilities of creators, and the expectations of consumers in a landscape that is increasingly shaped by social and political issues. Ultimately, the anti-woke list is more than just a consumer guide; it symbolizes the broader cultural conflict surrounding representation and ideology in gaming, a debate that shows no signs of fading away anytime soon.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.39.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Scott Dickie and AJ

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    22 mins