Evo and SI open this week's podcast with birthday greetings for Charles Darwin. The herd celebrates this event with a discussion of "Seeing and Believing," Jerry Coyne's review of books by Kenneth Miller and Karl Giberson. The question that Coyne and the herd address is whether science and religion are compatible. Evo thinks the answer to this question may differ for scientists and non-scientists, and Chappy thinks that science should be considered as a method of inquiry, or a way of thinking and learning, rather than a body of knowledge about particular phenomena.

SI opens this segment by noting another anniversary that occurred recently, then leads the herd in a discussion of Giberson's "argument from convenience" (many thanks to Jerry Coyne for coining that term) for retaining religious beliefs. After chewing on this idea for awhile, the herd discusses Michael Brooks' proposition that people are born with a predisposition to believe in the supernatural. Evo offers some good reasons for agreeing with the proposition, but OG, ever the skeptic, wants more evidence before she'll accept it.

After OG reveals the latest poll results, the herd discusses the Freedom from Religion Foundation's latest billboard campaign. Are the billboards part of an atheist meme? SI wraps up the evening with an interesting observation about President Barack Obama's second swearing-in ceremony.

SI and OG introduce tonight's topic, one of the Bush Administration's final gifts to the American public: a new set of U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services regulations addressing issues of freedom of conscience for health care professionals. These regulations, which apply to all American health care facilities that receive federal funds, greatly expand the rights of employees to decline participation in the provision of medical goods and services for reasons of personal conscience. Chappy questions whether some of these provisions will endanger people who may not receive essential, critical care. SI discusses the Church Amendments that pre-existed the current regulations and ponders whether the new rules are necessary, redundant or dangerously expansive.

The discussion continues, as OG, SI and Chappy parse the possible meanings of the term "conscience laws." OG and SI also discuss why this issue is about the reproductive rights of all people, not just women. SI grows increasingly irritated throughout the discussion and questions the validity of tying funding for institutions to the ways in which individuals within institutions exercise their legal rights. He calms down later, as he notes why President Bush may not have had the last word on the matter after all.

Find out the latest poll results then listen as OG reveals why she was pissed off all day. Hint: follow the link to Godtube - if you dare.

In keeping with the Inaugural festivities today, the Herd discusses the recent Complaint for an injunction to prevent the government from requiring president Obama to end his oath of office with words acknowledging the Christian god. Did the Plaintiffs have standing to complain? Is the Inauguration a government function?

The Herd continues to discuss the ruling of the Court in the Newdow case, and the ramifications for the inaugural proceedings. SI analogizes the ceremony with that of a wedding. Does that analogy apply? You decide.

SI reminds the Herd about, and they marvel at, the recently published report of the House Committee investigating the abuses of the Bush Administration. It's a long report. Philly then vents against Atheism's inability to develop a pleasing persona.

The latest trend in the corporate work environment seems to be pandering to religion. The Chaplain's not happy about this. In fact, she's downright frosty. Isn't there a better way to foster a nurturing work environment than inserting religion?

OG wonders what the ramifications of this new found attraction to workplace religion will have with "family values" being pushed by the usual suspects. Is this just another insidious, back door attempt to discriminate? Will religion ironically destroy diversity in the workplace, in the guise of promoting it?

Dear Chappy has a brilliant answer for another unsuspecting casualty in the War on Christmas. Also, poll results of the latest poll, and a little science to astound and amaze you.

Philly starts the discussion by pointing out a novel argument for removing the phrase, "under God," from the Pledge of Allegiance. The herd discusses this and some other rationales until OG reminds everyone of the best reason of all for removing the phrase.

Segueing smoothly from the Pledge of Allegiance to a discussion of Good News clubs, the herd is frustrated that churches are using elementary schools to advertise their programs. Should non-school groups be allowed to advertise in schools? Moving on to more good news, the herd notes that the state of Kentucky has enlisted God into the Kentucky Dept. of Homeland Security. SI enlightens everyone about some of the legal issues involved in both of these matters.

Philly digs down deep into the mailbag and pulls out a Dear Chappy letter that she is uniquely qualified to answer. After that discussion winds down, the herd considers a letter that prompts them to consider what documents, if any, a newly-elected atheist should use to take the oath of office.

OG shares the latest poll results, then closes with her thoughts about a judicial decision that the state of Florida got right. That really is good news.

Ex is pissed off. So is Philly, but for a different reason. Find out what's got their dander up as the herd dissects the American Humanist Association's current bus ad. Is the campaign a stupid idea, a good idea poorly executed, or something else? After chewing on this issue for awhile, the herd considers whether Christmas is a Christian holiday or a secular one, and whether such a distinction matters.

The herd introduces a new feature: Dear Chappy. SI and Chappy share some recently received emails and Chappy dispenses wise (or wise ass) words of counsel to desperate correspondents. Not surprisingly, other members of the herd add their advice too. There is plenty of wisdom to go around.

Stick around and find out the results from the last two polls. OG gathers the data and explains what it all means.

This week's sitting members of the Herd find themselves on the same side as a cult, in a recent case involving the Summum.

Philly feels some cults have a point, at least when they're on the same side as Pastafarians. Chappy explains where all those granite Ten Commandments came from that seem to be prevalent in public parks around the nation. SI gets pissed off about a recent initiative passed by the voters of Arkansas.

The conversation drifts to a discussion about a recent teen declared to be the next Buddha.

Philly wants to know the test for Buddhahood. SI believes he qualifies for Buddhahood (sorry, no pictures), but thinks something smells. The logical progression of the conversation then naturally turns to guns. Apparently, the recent election has brought out the gun nuts. The herd chews on some nuts, then turns on Sarah Palin, then goes back to the guns.

The Herd finishes up with a basic rag session on theists, especially the one's who show up in the blogosphere.

Outtakes.

Just in case you missed last week’s headlines, the herd announces the election of a new American president. SI asks if Barack Obama’s election will have positive ramifications for freethinkers, humanists and atheists. OG and Chappy speak their minds and SI pulls their ideas together, then ponders whether the election results will change the role of the Religious Right in American politics.

How do you vote? Do you use a touch screen, a slot machine, or a paper ballot? OG, SI and Chappy compare and contrast the methods used in various states and discuss whether vote counting is an additive or subtractive process.

Why is OG embarrassed? Find out as the herd discusses Prop 8. Fortunately, she gets over her embarrassment in time to reveal the poll results.

Why do Christians usually identify themselves as Christians first and any other identity second? Do atheists do the same thing? Are atheists less likely to talk about their non-belief due to social pressures? The Herd weighs in on whether they define themselves as atheists first and rate other aspects as secondary.

Five chaplains in Virginia resign their positions after a policy requiring non-sectarian prayers is enacted by Governor Tim Kaine. Christians immediately cry, "Persecution!" But is this really so? Chappy explains the issue in more detail and as SI dives into legalese. Are Christians entitled to the privilege of having their religion supported because they're in the majority?

We continue the discussion about the chaplains and how this new policy may keep them from subtle proselytizing. Philly reaches the heart of the matter by asking why we have state-supported chaplains in the first place. We have the poll results from last week and news about "God's team." And SI smells something unpleasant.

A subcommittee of the Herd considers Philly’s query whether atheists should avoid language that provokes the ire of theists. Should we take pains to avoid provocation? SI wonders if we should be responsible for theists' insecurity. Chappy seems to attract more ire than the other two, and tells you why.

Philly tells us about the recent advertising showing up on the sides of London buses as a potential form of provocation against theists. Are atheists damned if they do and damned if they don't? Are they damned, period?

The most recent poll results (Where ARE the other members of the Herd?) and some baseball talk.