Skeptic Generation

That's right! Vi has endured, healed up, and is ready to take your calls! We'd love to talk about what you believe and why, you can call us toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG. We're ready to listen.
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Technical Difficulties!
09:48 - Is Voting Skeptical? - Mark (he/him) - OH
16:58 - Can Atheists Experience Wonder & Awe? - Mark (he/him) - CA
32:03 - Is Humanism Logical? - Jason (he/him) - TX
49:18 - Did God Defeat My Depression? - Sour Fruit (she/her) - CAN
56:10 - How Should I Weaponize My Atheism? - Mozzie (he/they) - GA
1:17:30 - superchats

09:51
Can you be a skeptic and think that voting works? What is the role of skepticism when it comes to how our country is run and our ability to change things at the ballot box? This caller asks huge (and important) questions but the hosts might be a bit out of their depth…

17:02
Repeat atheopagan caller Mark dials in to ask whether atheists can experience wonder and awe, and why so many atheists seem to be averse to pursuing those feelings intentionally? This conversation touches on the definition of spirituality, the importance of ritual, and whether or not all the tools used by the Church are inherently bad.

32:09
Is it logical to be a humanist in a world full of terrible humans? How do you reconcile with all the bad structural things you’re forced to take part in, if your goal is to be a good person? Can someone who hunts, drives a big truck, and owns an iphone be considered moral by harm reduction standards? Vi provides some practical advice: the four circles of activism.

49:27
This repeat atheist caller is coming out of depression and realizing that, if she had been a less skeptical person, she’d attribute all her progress to God. Why is she thinking more about God now that she’s feeling more hopeful? And what causes people to gravitate towards narratives of supernatural salvation so consistently?

56:09
A great way to end out Vi’s first episode back, this caller is a conversion therapy survivor and ex-Christian who is looking for ways to help the LGBTQ+ folks stuck in abusive religious environments. How should they go to war for their community while prioritizing their own mental health and optimizing impact? The hosts have some ideas!
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
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Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Reading the comments last week, it sounds like people have had a LOT to say! What is a ritual? Does a ritual need to have a supernatural component? If it doesn't, does the word become meaningless?

And then there's the topic of violence. When is violence called for when facing oppression? This call last week sparked a hot debate about whether or not it can EVER be the correct answer. What do you think?

If you disagree with the host or callers, we want to hear about it. You can call us toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG . We're ready to listen.
________

Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
Join us after the show on Discord: https://tiny.cc/SGdiscord

To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

With Halloween just around the corner, let's talk about what it means to celebrate a holiday. As Christians Vi and Eric were told that celebrating Halloween was tantamount to pagan idolatry. As atheists, they still hear many nonbelievers spouting the same lines!

Does celebrating a holiday require one to believe in the supernatural? If you think so, or have an argument against holidays like Christmas and Halloween, we want to hear why! You can call us toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG . We're ready to listen.

___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Are atheists still harboring religious prejudices?
05:24 - Well that was anticlimactic - Kendall (he/him) GA
07:59 - What is EVIL anyway? Sajid (he/him) CAN
19:15 - “I’ve change my mind” - Jim (he/him) OH
25:16 - God ‘s got some ‘splaining to do! Sajid (he/him) CAN - Part 2
48:43 - When is violence justified? - Austin (he/him/they/them) MD
01:01:10 - It’s too many holidays! - Steven (he/him) AZ
01:15:54 - You should be a sexy cat - Sakura (she/they) NY
01:23:44 - The supernatural solution - John (he/him) PA

00:00
With Halloween a day away, Eric wants to hear what objections non believers have to celebrating holidays.

5:24
It isn’t every day we get such an eager troll! Unlike most other trolls, Kendall shot off just a little too prematurely and got dropped before introductions could even be finished… How embarrassing for him! We at Skepgen have often found enlightening discussions with even dishonest interlocutors, but callers like Kendall can’t help but leave their conversation partners … disappointed.

07:59
Frequent caller Sajid shares with us how he as a Muslim enjoys Halloween too! Eric and Sajid quickly find their way down a rabbit hole when Sajid mentions that he believes in evil, but what is evil? If we should believe that evil comes from a place or person, we should first seek to understand if that concept even makes sense! Unfortunately due to a poor connection, they need to cut their conversation short.

19:15
Jim has watched his last call and realized that he doesn’t want to be the kind of person to wish others suffering, no matter how bad they are. Eric shares that he’s also on a similar journey of self discovery, and that it’s admirable for someone like Jim to change their mind after re-watching the show. To see Jim’s first call, here’s a link!
https://youtu.be/6B5aeAyAuf4?t=1805

25:16
Sajid is back with a good connection! This time we’re facing the problem of evil directly! Sajid recognizes that abuse isn’t undone by reward afterward, and that a loving god still needs to answer for the suffering in the world. He also concedes just how scary it is if there’s no divine purpose, and that is seriously admirable. Even though these conversations are uncomfortable, we seriously respect the mental and emotional labor Sajid is putting in.

48:43
Austin hits Eric with an impossible question right out the gate: When is violent resistance justified? Given current events in the US, it feels ever more prudent to ask! Eric does his best to summarize his understanding of violent resistance, but concedes that he can’t nor shouldn’t be the arbiter of when it is called for. We must listen to the needs of the marginalized, and recognize the context that surrounds political violence.

As an aside, if supporting LGBTQ rights and safety is a problem for you as a viewer, we encourage you to find another channel, because it isn’t changing here.

01:01:10
Do federal holidays tacitly endorse one religion over another? Steven calls in to ask if the government should really be in the business of mandating holidays. This might be a little extreme until we take into account the massive amount of cultural holidays celebrated around the world! Can we as a society walk this tightrope?

01:15:54
Holidays don’t just evolve through generations. Over the course of a lifetime, the same holiday can change exactly what and who we celebrate. Eric and Sakura agree that whether it’s food, presents, or the chance to be a sexy cat, any excuse you can make to live your best life is worth it.

01:23:44
Does AA have a problem with cognitive dissonance? If Alcoholics Anonymous views alcoholism as an illness, should a supernatural solution be the first place we go for a cure? Eric points out that for those who believe in the supernatural, it’s understandable. Even though it can seem rational to a believer, rationality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

________

Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Vi is back and Eric should be held accountable for his actions... Where is the limit for free speech, civil suits, and how long should we wait to celebrate the downfall of shitty people?

From conspiracies and conspiracy mongers to the existence of God and the supernatural, we want to know if you believe any of it is true and why! You can join the conversation toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG and tell us why!
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric Explains Himself
12:52 - Is Less Religion Better? - Sajid (he/him) - CAN
30:02 - Vi Dumbfounds Eric with Logic - Jim (he/him) - OH
37:22 - Can You Have Autonomy and Free Will? - Nick (he/him) - TN
56:09 - Should I Stay a Christian? - John (he/him) - LA
1:08:02 - Is It Better to Be Happy or Right? - David (he/him) - NC
1:21:56 - Will My Halloween Ritual Hurt Me? - Sakura (she/they) - NY

00:00
Is Eric a sadist for enjoying watching Alex Jones and his family suffer? Or worse, is he being illogical? Some of you have said so, but how does he defend himself against these accusations?

12:52
Repeat Muslim caller Sajid wants to draw attention to the violent patriarchal systems being done in the name of Islam. The hosts discuss the Iranian hijab protests and how they got started, and commend Sajid for calling out members of his own religion for doing harm.

Watch our last conversation with Sajid here: https://youtu.be/MSo2bia_HCw

Book recommendations from Sajid’s conversation:

The Trouble with Islam by Irshad Manji: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781429906937/thetroublewithislam

Red, White, and Muslim by Asma Gull Hasan:
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/red-white-and-muslim-asma-gull-hasan?variant=32205450084386

30:02
This caller agrees with Eric’s statements about the Alex Jones case, but takes it even farther. If Hell existed, he’d be happy to send Alex Jones there. Eric is uncomfortable with this position. Vi nails a point that leaves Eric reeling for the next several calls.

37:22
Is free will necessary for autonomy to be valuable? Vi defends their position that a deterministic universe would not negate the value of autonomy as a moral good. They also come up with the term “spicy determinism” that you can be sure will make future appearances in this broadcast.

56:09
This theist caller still believes in God and Jesus, but is debating whether or not to keep calling himself a Christian. The term, he says, has been hijacked by political extremists and he doesn’t want to be associated with them. Vi and Eric disagree on what next steps for this caller would look like.

1:08:02
Eric lays down some hard truths when it comes to the question about whether it’s better to be happy or to be right. The answer? Healthy boundaries! Meanwhile Vi comes for Boomer comedy.

If you are curious about secular alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous, please follow the caller’s advice and check out SMART Recovery: ​​https://www.smartrecovery.org/

1:21:56
Repeat pagan caller Sakura is about to do their first Samhain (Halloween) ritual, and is a little scared. What advice (if any) do the hosts have for them as they start exploring this new process? Vi describes their own approach to rituals and reassures the caller that they are not in any spiritual danger, no matter what happens.

You can listen to our last conversation with Sakura here: https://youtu.be/6A0Adt_9qsU
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
Join us after the show on Discord: https://tiny.cc/SGdiscord

To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

In the modern day, we don't often see punishments so strict that they could be passed down to their children. This week however, we got to see one!

Do you have any examples of supernatural curses in your life? Do you believe any group in particular has been singled out divinely for protection or punishment? If so, this is the weekend to tell us! You can call us toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG and tell us why!

___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric got a vasectomy and Alex Jones got emasculated!
06:34 - Nick (he/him) - TN - What about Christians who don’t believe in hell?
20:35 - Sphinx (he/him) - TN - This might be uncomfortable to listen to.
29:53 - Steven (he/him) - AZ - Our society is set up for secular curses
37:53 - Kay (he/him) - Nowhere - Is identity politics empowering prejudice?
01:01:00 - Seb (they/them) - CAN - Abusing empathy
01:13:23 - Chris (he/him) - SCT - Does ableism empower treating people as less than human?
01:23:45 - End of show

00:00 - Intro - Eric got a vasectomy and Alex Jones got emasculated!
What does it mean for society when a jury finds someone liable for nearly a BILLION dollars? Eric has some opinions!

06:34 - Nick (he/him) - TN - What about Christians who don’t believe in hell?
Nick was blindsided during a conversation with a Christian friend who doesn’t believe in hell! Eric takes a moment to point out that not all denominations believe in hell, which makes listening so very important. But now down to brass tacks, could a god me morally palatable if hell is off the table?


20:35 - Sphinx (he/him) - TN - This might be uncomfortable to listen to.
Sphinx took the opportunity to talk about a very painful subject for Eric today… literally! In the wake of the supreme court’s decisions, getting a vasectomy is a good option for those who can get them! Eric answers some questions about his experience in the hopes of making it a little less scary for others.

29:53 - Steven (he/him) - AZ - Our society is set up for secular curses
Steven points out that a curse doesn’t need to be supernatural. From the legal system to one’s own family, the impact of a person’s decisions can have lasting repercussions even after their death. That said, we shouldn’t view the children as guilty, but the punishments of their parents being carried out.

37:53 - Kay (he/him) - Nowhere - Is identity politics empowering prejudice?
Kay wanted to ask some pretty tough questions today about Eric’s ethnicity. What are the costs and benefits of embracing your ethnicity? What about your beliefs? Would abandoning them get the world closer to peace, or would it simply empower bigotry?

01:01:00 - Seb (they/them) - CAN - Abusing empathy
Seb hit close to home today with Eric. Churches often depend on other people to be the bigger person, in order to control them. This isn’t just a religious problem though. Those who have endured this kind of abuse often are left with learned trauma responses that need to be unlearned as adults. We need to remember that we deserve our boundaries, and that it isn’t selfish to let people own their own bad behavior.

01:13:23 - Chris (he/him) - SCT - Does ableism empower treating people as less than human?
Chris wants to talk about the way ableism is still a big conversation that we as a society have to engage in! They both discuss the importance of education and normalization to break down the “othering” that happens around neurodivergence, mobility, and more.
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
Join us after the show on Discord: https://tiny.cc/SGdiscord

To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Eric is getting a WHAT?! | Skeptic Generation | Episode 41 Season 2



It's one thing to see fundamentalist religious zealots on the news, it's another to live in the line of fire. Here in Austin Texas, we've realized that we need to take action!

Religion has NO place in government, prove us wrong. If there's a good argument for why religion should motivate law, give us a call toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG and tell us why!

___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - TMI, Eric!
06:49 - Are the Polys OK? - Steven (N/A) - NY
22:08 - Repeat Muslim Caller Admits He Has Doubts - Sajid (he/him) - CAN
36:52 - Theist Caller Makes Vi Call For a Timeout - Connor (he/him) - TX
55:37 - Can Theists Be Skeptics? - Mike (he/him) - MA
1:09:56 - Balancing Skepticism and Open Mindedness - Nathan (he/him) - AUS
1:20:30 - A Perfect Ending To This Episode - Steven (he/him) - AZ
1:26:01 - Superchats

00:00
Eric is getting snipped this upcoming week and will be sharing all the gorey (or not so gorey) details next Sunday. In the meantime, consider this your motivation to be proactive about protecting the reproductive rights of those around you… whatever that looks like for you!

06:49
Why does a secular society still judge polyamory as being wrong or icky? Even as new legislation makes it safer to pursue poly relationships, it is important that we dig deep and ask ourselves: “What about this is making me uncomfortable, and is there a good reason for it?”

Check out the ruling discussed on this call here: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/10/new-york-judge-rules-favor-polyamorous-relationships/

22:08
Our repeat Muslim caller Sajid calls in with what Christians would call a “crisis of faith.” Some things just aren’t adding up about his religion, and he is finding it harder and harder to ignore these incongruencies. Eric and Vi listen and affirm the discomfort he finds himself in, and encourage him to be gentle with himself and call back as he has questions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with leaving a religion, you don’t have to do so by yourself! Contact Recovering from Religion by visiting this link: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

36:52
Our repeat theist caller Connor is back, this time with a seemingly innocuous conversation starter… that seems to completely contradict his statements on previous calls. Vi calls a timeout and confronts this discrepancy, getting increasingly irritated as Connor fails to sufficiently explain his position. Perhaps next week?

Do you think Connor was contradicting himself? Watch his previous calls to determine for yourself:

- Theist Contradicts Himself Over and Over: https://youtu.be/k-nPFWve510
- Theist Defends Contradictions in Holy Texts: https://youtu.be/7ZSYLuGNbw8

55:37
What happens when two skeptics reach different conclusions? What if one of them believes that praying for rain will help a drought? This caller is concerned that maybe he is doing skepticism wrong because he has failed to be convinced of God’s existence. Eric and Vi reassure him and give him pointers to talk to skeptical theist friends and family members.

1:09:56
We’re going to be honest, this one baffled us just a bit. This caller wants to discuss the convergence of skepticism and open mindedness: how do the two intersect? Should we be more worried about being one than the other? Eric encourages him to call back with specific examples in order to get to the meat of the problem.

If you’re interested in checking out Andrew Newberg and his work in the field of neurotheology, you can find his books here: http://www.andrewnewberg.com/all-books

1:20:30
A warm note to end the episode on, a returning caller thanks Eric and Vi for modeling skepticism and how to have compassionate and effective conversations with others. It was, it turns out, exactly what the hosts needed to hear this week.

___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Seriously, is there a single situation where faith is preferred over evidence? If you have a case for faith, we want to hear it!

You can contact us toll-free at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG and tell us why!
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - What Is Faith Good For?
05:34 - Losing My Trust In God’s Plan - Lisa (she/her) - CO
22:07 - Theist Claims We All Have Faith - JB (he/him) - CO
1:09:33 - Muslim Caller Has Subjective Evidence for God - Sajid (he/him) - CAN

05:34
This caller is trying to figure out what is stopping her from deconverting. Where does her fear lie? At first she thought it was the fear of Hell, but more and more she is realizing: it’s the realization that there may not be a Plan or a Purpose for everything. What advice do the hosts have for someone grappling with this feeling of insecurity?

22:07
We may have a new pre-sup theist caller! At least, that’s where this argument seems to be going. Do we all have faith? Is there such a thing as a truly evidence-based worldview? Are all of Eric’s arguments inescapably circular? Eric gets riled up and calls BS.

1:09:33
Repeat Muslim caller Sajid wants to dive into evidence for unseen beings and miracles. He appeals to both subjective and objective evidence. Vi breaks down the difference between the two. Can subjective experiences become stronger through corroboration? What happens when two people’s subjective experiences contradict each other? How about contradictory experiences of God?
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

While Vi took calls last week, Eric was sick in bed, cheering them on; but this week he's back in the saddle and ready to talk!

Do you believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster and the theory of Atlantis? Call 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG and tell us why!
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric Is A Smarmy A$$hole?
12:24 - Finding Belonging as a Black Atheist - Sourfruit (she/her) - CAN
30:58 - Are Trans Teachers Appropriate? - Joe (he/him) - KS
47:25 - Should “LGBTQIA+” Include Straight People? - Kay (he/him) - N/A
1:05:23 - How Should I Address Subtle Transphobia? - Ameet (he/him) - NY
1:18:34 - Superchats

00:00
Eric is back after a mental health break… to a damning email from a not-so-fan. We are called out for being cheeseballs, as cringey as the Kardashians, and generally awful, self-absorbed hosts. What a great way to kick off our Sunday.

12:24
This caller is experiencing some isolation at the intersection of being Black and atheist. Eric empathizes with her feelings of disconnectedness, and Vi provides their understanding of the unique loss of community faced by Black atheists in North America. If you are struggling with similar feelings, check out the resources below:

Black Nonbelievers: https://blacknonbelievers.org/
The Hotline Project: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

30:58
Repeat theist caller Joe has a question about a recent “scandal” about a trans teacher. What do the hosts think about the issue? Vi lays out the problem as they see it, explaining transmisogyny and how women’s bodies are subjected to scrutiny regularly, especially teachers.

47:25
Why do we need to focus on minority groups? Why do we put people into separate categories? Why can’t straight people get included in the category of GRSM? This caller seems confused about what value communal identities have for oppressed people, so Vi does their best to explain.

Note for those with a post-101 understanding of this stuff: We use the term “straight” on this call as a shorthand for “cishetero allosexual.” Heterosexual trans people, for example, still fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

1:05:23
How do you address someone’s subtle transphobia in a way that is effective but doesn’t overstep or speak for others? This is a great question, and Vi and Eric have differing opinions about it. Vi explains their willingness to believe the best about their interlocutor, but Eric fully supports being an asshole to make a point!
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Did you know Dennis Prager also has a call-in show? Where he disses kids? It looks lonely, maybe we should try calling him sometime. In the meantime, we'd love to talk to you! Call 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG to share why you believe what you believe.

___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Vi Goes Solo
07:31 - Should the Government Exist? - Steven (N/A) - NY
22:06 - A Step-by-Step Guide To Building A Moral Argument Against Christians - Nick (he/him) - TN
54:28 - Would You Trust A Theist Scientist? - Joe (he/him) - KS
1:13:02 - A Little Story with a Twist at the End - Alias (he/him) - WY
1:22:08 - Superchats

00:00
Vi is hosting solo today, and has a little rant about Dennis Prager prepared. The founder of PragerU dislikes motivational quotes for kids, and claims that children don’t make the world a better place. An odd stance, especially for such an extreme anti-choice advocate!

07:31
A social democrat and an anarchist walk into a bar… is the punchline for a very tedious joke full of words that mean nothing to the general population. Vi discusses their preference for anarchism and debates with a social democrat about the pros and cons of government, unions, and democracy.

22:06
How do you convince a Christian that you’re moral? Repeat caller Nick wants help constructing an argument defending atheistic morals to Christians in his life. Vi and the caller walk step by step through an argument for a moral system based on autonomy, consent, and harm reduction rather than a religiously-based moral structure. If you’ve ever had a conversation with a theist friend, family member, or co-worker about where morals come from, this is a good primer to get you on the right track!

54:28
Theist caller Joe asks if it’s fair to call Christians wilfully ignorant or stupid? What about the very many real scientists who also believe God created everything? Would you consider them stupid? Vi points out the nuance in this conversation, and explains how to approach experts with different theological frameworks than your own.

1:13:02
Should this caller have left his ex’s boyfriend in the dark about whether or not the kid is his? Join Vi and the caller for a rather odd little storytime session to end the show as they ask themselves: “Should you let someone live a happy lie or tell the truth and ruin things?”
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Today is a good day to remember what religious extremism can do to people. Watch this instead of war propaganda reruns. Call 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG to talk with us. Also, Moco makes an extended appearance on this episode, so you will see lots of cute fluffy cat butt.
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - 3000 Deaths
02:54 - Can You Consent to Exist? - Ian (he/him) - NC
17:39 - Bodily Autonomy vs Harm Reduction - Ale (she/her) - WA
35:22 - Islam and Social Justice - Sajid (he/him) - CAN
47:28 - Should We Tolerate Bad Beliefs? - Chris (he/him) - SCT
1:06:30 - What Is Religious Extremism? - Rich (he/him) - WA
1:19:52 - Superchats


02:54
Did Vi contradict themself in their anti-natalist argument? This caller thinks they might have. Vi and Eric mess around with the philosophy of their positions versus the practical, day-to-day approach. Can both coexist? Did Vi, in fact, get it wrong?

17:39
Can you hold both bodily autonomy and harm reduction as moral values? What happens when they contradict each other? This ex-Catholic caller is wondering if there’s a silver bullet, or if it’s always going to be this complicated to figure out? Vi has some bad news for her.

35:22
A Muslim caller speaks against Islamic extremism and represents a Sufi perspective. Eric challenges him on his beliefs, and why his perspective is the correct one. Vi gets excited about their experiences with Sufi mystic poetry.

If you are interested in checking out some of this poetry, visit this website: https://www.rumi.org.uk/poetry/

47:28
Repeat caller Chris returns to ask if we should tolerate people with bad beliefs in society. Vi emphasizes the difference between tolerating people versus tolerating their beliefs, and Eric says that mockery and making fun of bad ideas will always be a valuable tool. Chris agrees, after all, mockery got him out of his own bad beliefs.

1:06:30
What is religious extremism, and how do we identify the beginnings of it in others? Vi offers a broad-scale cultural perspective, while Eric gets right down to brass tacks and talks about the day-to-day political and social identifiers of religious extremism.
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