After a spate of education bans, Florida churches are taking Black history into their own handsNBC News, By Char Adams, on February 8, 2024https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/florida-churches-teaching-black-history-rcna135724The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.07.4 featuring Helen Greene, Eli, The Cross Examiner and Kelley LaughlinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

FL Black Churches Counter Restrictions with Black History Lessons

And we are The Non-Prophets!... airing on the first and third Sunday of every month, starting at 3:00 PM Central (01:30-03:00 UTC) on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thenonprophetsaca. The Non-Prophets focuses on atheism and the separation of church and state.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

News

How do you counter misinformation? Critical thinking is step oneNPR, By Greg Rosalsky, on April 30, 2024https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2024/04/30/1247565565/how-do-you-counter-misinformation-critical-thinking-is-step-one In the segment, Jimmy Jr, Jason, and Kelley discuss the implications of misinformation on society, particularly in light of a study conducted by economist John List and his colleagues. The study aimed to determine if simple nudges could help consumers reject misinformation, using the context of the 2022 presidential election in Colombia, a polarized environment akin to the U.S. Participants were shown videos of opposing sides getting along, leading to a 30% decrease in belief in misinformation. Surprisingly, personality tests had little effect on belief in fake news.Jason finds the study's revelation about skepticism intriguing, noting how individuals became skeptical of even true headlines after the study. He reflects on the conditioning in societies like the Southern U.S., where acceptance of authority is valued over critical thinking. Kelley adds to this, emphasizing the importance of non-confrontational discussions in bridging ideological divides, especially for those observing such conversations. He reflects on personal experiences of having religious friends and engaging in debates while maintaining mutual respect.The conversation delves into the analogy of combat sports, where opponents develop intimate connections despite adversarial situations. This camaraderie, fostered through intense engagement, mirrors the potential for understanding across differences in broader societal contexts. They discuss the historical control of information, its role in societal power dynamics, and its manipulation by various entities.They also explore the shift in information dissemination from historical censorship to the overwhelming influx of information today. Kelley highlights the problem of information overload and the need for critical thinking amid a sea of misinformation. Jason suggests that despite the perception of shrinking attention spans, the issue lies in the abundance of distractions rather than diminished cognitive capacity.Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of fostering critical thinking, encouraging respectful discourse, and navigating the complexities of information in a digital age marked by polarization and misinformation.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.19.4 featuring Jimmy Jr , Kelley Laughlin, and Jason FriedmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Unraveling Misinformation: Critical Thinking as Key

The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on APR 25, 2024https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/christian-lawmaker-says-teachers?utm_source=share&utm;_medium=android&r;=oa4eg&triedRedirect;=true The conversation centers on the proposed legislation in Oklahoma that would grant teachers the authority to physically discipline students, including those with disabilities, under the guise of religious freedom. Participants express deep concern over the potential ramifications of such a law, highlighting the risk of abuse and trauma for vulnerable children. There's a discussion about the ethical implications of using religion to justify corporal punishment, with some arguing that it contradicts principles of compassion and respect for human dignity.The discourse touches on broader issues of authoritarianism and the erosion of civil liberties, as well as the role of religion in public policy. Some participants question whether certain interpretations of religious texts can be considered hate speech, particularly when they advocate for violence or discrimination against marginalized groups.There's also skepticism about the effectiveness of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure, with many pointing to research that suggests it can have long-lasting negative effects on children's mental and emotional well-being. Concern is expressed that legitimizing such practices in schools could lead to an increase in violence and further marginalization of already vulnerable populations.Overall, the conversation reflects a deep sense of alarm and distress over the proposed legislation and its potential impact on children and society as a whole. Participants emphasize the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs or background.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.19.3 featuring Jimmy Jr , Kelley Laughlin, and Jason FriedmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Corporal Punishment: Protection or Abuse?

Russell Brand Reflects on ‘Profound Experience’ of Getting Baptized After Sexual Assault AllegationsUS Magazine, By Mike Vulpo , on April 29, 2024https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/russell-brand-reflects-on-profound-experience-of-getting-baptized/ In this segment, the hosts discuss Russell Brand's recent controversies and his attempt to address them through baptism. Brand has been accused of sexual assault by multiple individuals, including exposing himself to crew members on a movie set and assaulting a female actor. Despite these allegations, he recently underwent baptism, sparking discussions about his motivations and the efficacy of such actions.The hosts express skepticism about Brand's baptism, viewing it as a strategic move rather than a genuine religious awakening. They criticize Brand for seemingly using Christianity as a shield to evade accountability for his actions. They highlight the irony of someone who is not a Christian resorting to religious symbolism to absolve themselves of wrongdoing.Furthermore, the hosts critique the concept of redemption within Christianity, questioning the idea of someone being automatically forgiven for their transgressions through religious conversion. They highlight the dangers of granting forgiveness without genuine remorse or restitution, particularly in cases of serious harm like sexual assault.Speculation arises about Brand's motivations for embracing Christianity amidst his legal troubles. The hosts suggest that Brand may be attempting to garner sympathy and portray himself as a changed person, potentially to sway public opinion and legal proceedings in his favor. They anticipate that Brand may capitalize on his newfound religious identity to portray himself as a martyr.The hosts delve into the broader issue of holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly concerning sexual assault. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the recidivism rate among perpetrators of sexual violence and the need for effective measures to prevent further harm to potential victims.Finally, the hosts express concerns about religion's influence on legal systems and governance, cautioning against allowing religious beliefs to dictate legal outcomes. They warn against the dangers of privileging religious narratives over evidence-based justice, particularly in cases where powerful individuals may exploit religion to evade accountability.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.19.2 featuring Jimmy Jr , Kelley Laughlin, and Jason FriedmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Russell Brand's Baptism: Revelation or Convenient Redemption?

Faith Leaders Say Taylor Swift’s New Album ‘Mocks Christianity’Beliefnet, By Lauren McKeithen, on April 29, 2024https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2024/04/faith-leaders-say-taylor-swifts-new-album-mocks-christianity.html The discussion delved into the controversy surrounding Taylor Swift's latest album, "Revelations," which has sparked backlash from some Christian leaders who argue that it mocks Christianity. The panelists explored the historical context of Christians critiquing various cultural influences, tracing back to the early days of rock and roll, where figures like Elvis Presley were condemned for their perceived defiance of traditional Christian values.They debated the legitimacy of such claims against Swift's music, questioning whether it genuinely challenges religious beliefs or if it merely reflects a broader cultural shift away from traditional norms. Some panelists argued that Swift's music often incorporates themes of personal growth, empowerment, and self-expression, which may resonate with audiences regardless of their religious backgrounds.The conversation extended beyond Swift's album to examine the broader role of Christianity in shaping societal norms and values. Some panelists contended that Christianity has historically been intertwined with dominant cultural narratives, influencing everything from political ideologies to social mores. They raised questions about the evolving nature of Christianity and its ability to adapt to changing cultural landscapes.Furthermore, the panel discussed the implications of mainstream pop culture on society, particularly concerning issues of wealth accumulation and social justice. They debated whether artists like Swift, who have amassed considerable wealth and influence, have a responsibility to use their platform for social good or if they are merely products of a capitalist system that prioritizes profit over societal welfare.Overall, the discussion provided a nuanced exploration of the intersection between popular culture, religion, and societal values, highlighting the complexities of navigating these dynamics in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.19.1 featuring Jimmy Jr , Kelley Laughlin, and Jason FriedmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Taylor Swift's Album: Divine Inspiration or Divine Mockery?

The Church That Hired a Former Male Stripper to Perform at a Men's ConferenceThe Stream, By Michael Brown, on April 16, 2024https://stream.org/the-church-that-hired-a-former-male-stripper-to-perform-at-a-mens-conference/The discussion delves into a rather bizarre incident that occurred at a men's conference involving a former male stripper who performed shirtless acrobatics. This seemingly innocuous act sparked a clash between pastors Mark Driscoll and Michael Brown, leading to a humorous yet insightful analysis of the underlying issues.The conversation begins by highlighting the absurdity of the situation, with participants poking fun at the over-the-top reactions of Driscoll and Brown. They suggest that the pastors' discomfort likely stems from deep-seated homophobia and insecurity rather than any legitimate concern.As the discussion unfolds, the participants explore the broader themes of masculinity, repression, and hypocrisy within religious circles. They point out the irony of a supposedly Godly event descending into a spectacle of judgment and immaturity.Through witty banter and astute observations, the participants critique the double standards and irrationality inherent in the situation. They emphasize the importance of open dialogue and self-reflection in dismantling harmful attitudes and fostering a more inclusive and understanding community.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.18.4 featuring Phoebe Rose, Emma Thorne, Infidel64 and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

FL Black Churches Counter Restrictions with Black History Lessons

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