TheThinkingAtheist

More and more every day, the claims of a literal, historical Jesus are coming into question. Many atheists still think the Jesus-as-God story traces back to a literal person, but author Historical researcher David Fitzgerald is among a growing number of mythicists who think that that Jesus never existed in any human form. David joins Seth Andrews for a discussion about Jesus, the claims, the evidence (and lack of), and David's new book on the subject, "Jesus: Mything in Action Volume 1."Support our sponsor:  The Great Courses Plushttp://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethKindness campaign for Doug Clark:  https://www.youcaring.com/dougclarke-731585  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Lucien Greaves is co-founder of The Satanic Temple, an organization which has gained global attention with its attempts to have its Baphomet monument displayed next to Christian monuments (like the Ten Commandments) on taxpayer-funded property.  It also distributes children's books at various public schools as counters to the distribution of Gideon bibles and Christian literature.We speak to Lucien about his activism, his perspective on the supernatural and the Devil, and the mission and goals of one of the most controversial Satanist organizations in the United States. Support our sponsor:  http://www.hellofresh.com (promo code: sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

From the Jesus fish stick, to weeping Mary statues, to the staged "cures" sold by self-acclaimed faith healers, this lighthearted show explores some of the bizarre (and often hysterically funny) miracle claims from around the world.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

This is a previously unscheduled, totally off-topic, "bonus" show.  Because sometimes, we just need to take a break and hang out.Of course, this broadcast won't be for everyone, but if you're just looking for something to listen to, crank it up and enjoy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Ron Miscavige is father of David Miscavige, leader of the Church of Scientology.  Ron tells the story of his son, Scientology, and his escape from the church's controlling grasp.Ron's book, "Ruthless:"  https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Scientology-Son-David-Miscavige/dp/1250096936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487075049&sr=8-1&keywords=ron+miscavigeSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

How reliable is our memory? Can fake memories be planted through suggestion? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is an expert on memory who has served as an expert witness or consultant in hundreds of memory-related cases, including the famous McMartin preschool trial, the Rodney King trial, litigation involving Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and others.  She joins Seth Andrews for an exploration of memory and the human brain.Dr. Loftus' TED Talk: https://youtu.be/PB2OegI6wvIDr. Loftus' page at the University of California, Irvine:  http://www.law.uci.edu/faculty/full-time/loftus/SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.stamps.com (promo code: sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

On the date which would traditionally see the U.S. President's annual State of the Union speech, Seth Andrews gives his own secular State of the Union address...a look at America through the eyes of a private citizen, and an examination of patriotism, protest, the presidency, and the world stage on which this nation stands.Transcript of the speech:  http://www.thethinkingatheist.com/blog/123/A-Secular-State-of-the-Union-AddressSupport our sponsor:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/seth  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Apologist Ken Ham and others have declared Donald Trump's presidency a divine appointment.  But is Trump a true representative of the divine, or of the (secular) U.S. Constitution?This broadcast is the first of a two-part series relating to Trump's America. Today's show features:Steven Newton: geologist and rep for the National Center for Science EducationLarry Decker:  Executive Director - Secular Coalition for AmericaAndrew Seidel: attorney for the Freedom From Religion FoundationAndrew Torrez: attorney and co-host of the Opening Arguments podcastSupport our sponsor / Stamps.com http://www.stamps.com (promo code: sethandrews) (Part two - A Secular State of the Union Address - airs 2/28 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thethinkingatheist/2017/02/28/seth-andrews-a-secular-state-of-the-union-address) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Bart Campolo is son of famous Christian evangelist Tony Campolo.  Bart is the humanist chaplain at the University of Southern California, a community builder, and host of the bi-weekly podcast "Humanize Me."In this candid conversation with Seth Andrews, Bart discusses his former faith, his father, religion, humanism, and his post-Christian "Life Beyond Belief."BART'S WEBSITE:  http://bartcampolo.orgBART'S PODCAST:  http://bartcampolo.org/humanizemeSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethNaturebox   http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

This broadcast is about atheists and skeptics, and how they deal with the often conditional love on a religious family tree.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:The Great Courses Plus:  http://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/sethStamps.com:  http://www.stamps.com (code sethandrews)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.