Skeptic Generation

Get in, losers, we're going to CVS to collect all of the discounted Easter candy. But first! Let's chat about Zombie Jesus, whether rabbits lay eggs, and all the other important questions of the day. Join us by calling 585-526-8774 or hitting this link: tiny.cc/callSG.
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro
06:57 - Do Virtues Exist on a Deserted Island? - Bree (ze/zer) - IA
21:08 - Are We Just Making Up Our Own Rules? - Chris (he/him) - NJ
27:30 - Theist Says Religion Is Necessary for Society! - Jon (he/him) - CAN
37:50 - Is Anyone Irredeemable? - Micaiah (he/him) - TX
50:14 - Repeat Theist Caller Defends Slavery - Mr. Le Chef (??) - CAN
1:16:14 - Jewish Caller Corrects Christian Doctrine - Vishanti (she/her) - CA

06:57
Are virtues inherited through culture? Would they still exist if we lived alone on a deserted island? This caller proposes that virtues and ethics are intertwined, but the hosts aren’t so sure. Do you think you’d think about virtues and vices if you were the only person in your world?

This caller’s question inspired by our latest VS episode, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/F989FvzRg_8

21:08
This caller suggests all morality is based on our personal consciences, as opposed to our consciences being shaped by the morality of our society. The hosts chew on this for a bit. “Is it like Jiminy Cricket?” Eric asks. “We just do whatever he says?”

27:30
This theist caller attempts to explain how religion is necessary for society. After all, isn’t America “one nation under God”? The hosts point out that determining what is right and what is wrong isn’t a religious endeavor but a secular one, and Jon ends up hanging up.

37:50
What is redemption? Do we need it in a secular society, or is it purely a religious concept? How do we get redeemed, and is it possible to abuse redemption? Eric is jaded, but Vi might have changed his mind after their description.

50:14
Mr. Delicieux calls back to argue that he is one of the only true Christians in the world today. Eric takes off the jacket and gets ready for a Bible-off, but things quickly turn ugly. This theist jumps straight into slavery apologetics, and Vi is having NONE of it.

If you want to watch the last time Mr. Delicieux called in (suggesting that the seven day week proves God), you can find that link here: https://youtu.be/x6D9EG16UcQ

1:16:14
After listening to the previous caller make unsubstantiated claims, this Jewish caller decides to set the record straight. Where does Christian doctrine go wrong according to Judaism? Why are these misunderstandings (or blatant misinterpretations) so crucial to understand? Eric has SO MANY questions…
___________________
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.

Vi is back from the woods and ready to take your calls! Tell us why you believe what you believe at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG.
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro
05:13 - Mysticism vs Skepticism? - David (they/he) - NC
19:34 - Christian Charity: What Is It Good For? - Javier (he/him) - FL
37:39 - When You Can’t Trust The Media… - Rae (they/them) - UK
01:03:38 - Non-denominational Atheism? - Chaos (she/they) - UK
01:16:53 - Summer of the Psychics - Thomas (he/him) - TN

05:13
We get off to a rocky start as David calls in to talk about their background in mysticism and skepticism, and how those two interact. We’re going to be honest, it may have been the lack of caffeine, but we didn’t really get it. Vi ends up hanging up on this caller after they start demanding air time.

19:34
Repeat theist caller Javier calls in to ask the hosts’ opinions on religious-based charitable organizations. Is it worthwhile to hold a sandwich hostage in order to save a soul?

37:39
Where should you go to hear the truth? Are all media organizations corrupt? Why are science journalists so bad at reporting science accurately? This caller wants to know how to guard against misinformation, and Vi puts their journalism degree to use.

1:03:38
This caller is having trouble interacting with atheists online, who don’t seem to know what to do with someone who calls herself a skeptic and a polytheist. How do we communicate better? Vi’s answer pretty soundly disses the atheist community, so feel free to go off in the comments.

1:16:53
This caller is wondering how a psychic knew his toilet was going to explode. A fun way to wrap up the episode, the hosts share their own plumbing horror stories and discuss the sharpshooter fallacy.

___________________
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: 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.

Do you believe in psychics, mediums, or prophets of god? How about the historicity of the bible? Today is a fantastic day to call in because friend of the show Thomas Westbrook will be joining us again today. Thomas' channel @Holy Koolaid is dedicated to debunking pseudoscience and researching biblical claims in a fast-paced informative way.

Give us a call and tell us why you think we've got it wrong at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG.

You can check out Thomas' channel here: https://www.youtube.com/HolyKoolaid
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Who Is Thomas Westbrook of Holy Koolaid?
03:30 - Does Capitalism Equal Morality? - Javier (he/him) - FL
29:40 - Time Doesn’t Exist… Baba Booey! - “Giovanni” (he/him) - VA
49:33 - Holy Koolaid vs. Freya - Relic (he/him) - TX
1:18:50 - Hell Is Better Than Nothing? - Yosiah (he/him) - VA

03:30
A libertarian calls in to argue about whether or not certain rights encourage things like freeloading. Thomas talks about the Veil of Ignorance and the technicalities of living in a society, while Eric waxes philosophical about what a moral society should be like. Do you agree? More importantly…. ROADS?

29:40
Troll alert! “Giovanni” proposes that time does not actually exist! This is Thomas’s cup of tea: he breaks down some scientific facts about the concept of time to debunk this caller’s claims. If only this conversation was legitimate, and not going to end in a train wreck…

49:33
We’ve talked with Relic a few times, and he is finally calling in to tell us what he believes and why. Spirits exist and manifest as various polytheistic gods, in his experience specifically Norse and Greco Roman pantheons. Eric sits back and lets Thomas react.

For previous Relic calls, view them here:

- Talking to Spirits: https://youtu.be/dzKA5W2_btc
- Atheist Dogma: https://youtu.be/9Etj0Qg7oHE
- The End of the World: https://youtu.be/iZEWAOJFoCU
- “I Experienced the Afterlife”: https://youtu.be/0I3-qauGJU0

1:18:50
What kept you going back to church after starting to deconvert? This caller talks about his own fears about nonexistence. Thomas talks about the natural fears of dying, especially as you age. Eric shares his own experience leaving the church and how long it took to truly walk away.
___________________
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.

Apparently you can now put your prayers on the blockchain to "eternalize" them, and get a little NFT in the process! All it will cost you is $19.99. We wish we were joking. Check out the hell site responsible here: https://eternalprayer.org/products/bl...

Join us as we scream in enraged frustration at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG.

___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Prayer NFTs: WTF?
09:11 - The B-Theory of Time Doesn’t Defeat the Kalam - Ian (he/him) NC
25:04 - Who Gets to Have Rights? - Javier (he/him) FL
38:36 - Objectivity vs Morality - Yosiah (he/him) VA
59:23 - Why “Debate Bros” Suck (or Don’t?) - Ryan (he/him) NC
1:16:08 - Helping Deconstructing Christians - Nick (he/him) TN

00:00
Vi needs to talk about Christian groups selling “eternalized” prayers on the blockchain. What even is this? How does this make any sense theologically? And what–pardon the pun–in GOD’s name is Christ Coin?

09:11
Does the past exist? If it doesn’t, isn’t the Kalam cosmological argument defeated? This caller doesn’t think so. Vi lays out the definitions of the A and B theory of time, and Eric does some philosophical navel gazing. Are the hosts going to have to concede parts of the Kalam argument in order to remain internally consistent? Or does this bad argument still fall apart?

As always, we recommend this video from Paulogia for additional viewing: https://youtu.be/GC3o4GnKJFU

25:04
This theist was watching a debate between a Christian and an atheist, which spurred him to ask: “Why do we have rights, and who gets to have them?” Vi goes for the practical approach, while Eric decides to dive into the crux of the matter: do we have the right to murder for funsies?

Check out the book Vi recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Constituti...

38:36
Following up on Javier’s call, this caller asks the hosts if they believe in objective morality. A split occurs, with Eric deciding to focus on the word “objective,” while Vi takes issue with the term “morality.” Could this be a new VS topic, or did they come to a satisfactory conclusion at the end of it all? Which word is more important in this frankly all-too-familiar conversation?

59:23
Do Vaush and Destiny suck? What about the category of “debate bros” in general? This caller wants to know. In what might be the most controversial takes Skeptic Generation has offered yet, Eric and Vi not only vehemently disagree with each other, but probably are going to cause a rift in the space/time comment continuum. Sound off with your thoughts below!

For a more nuanced look at this issue, check out FD Signifier's video on debate bros and "BreadTube": https://youtu.be/41B5YonixBs

1:16:08
Should atheists take the opportunity to help deconstructing Christians along their journey? Vi says not so fast: assuming deconversion is the end goal of deconstruction, or thinking that you are farther along in your deconstruction journey just because you ditched a God belief, is dangerous ground. Tread lightly here!

___________________
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: 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.

It's the first week of spring and our allergies are letting us know! Cultures and religions all over the world hold this equinox as sacred, so let's chat about your deeply held beliefs... about spring or anything else! You can talk to us by calling 585-526-8774 or online at tiny.cc/callSG.
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro
05:48 - Science Is Mysticism? - David (they/them) - NC
14:33 - “I Experienced The Afterlife!” - Relic (he/him) - TX
48:55 - Did Vi Get Veganism Right Here? - Javier (he/him) - FL
1:07:10 - Can “The Self” Exist Without Free Will? - Phoenix (they/them) - TN
1:21:26 - Tinder Profile Evangelism! - Ash (they/them) - TN

05:48
David calls in to talk about a book they read that suggested science is a form of mysticism. This call got a bit rambly, and ended on a weird note when the caller told the hosts that because they were younger they should listen. Um? No, that’s not how this works.

14:33
Repeat theist caller Relic starts this call by diving into why belief in an afterlife is not inherently harmful (something the hosts have differing opinions on), but it quickly becomes a conversation about Relic’s own adventures into the afterlife, where he meets with spirits. How does he know that’s what’s happening? How has he determined this is true?

Hear the backstory Relic referenced in his previous call to Skeptic Generation here:
https://youtu.be/dzKA5W2_btc

Other conversations with Relic are below:
https://youtu.be/9Etj0Qg7oHE
https://youtu.be/iZEWAOJFoCU

If you want to know more about Kat Kerr, check out these videos on Holy Koolaid’s channel. You may even see some people you recognize!

Part 1: https://youtu.be/ikosus8S09M
Part 2: https://youtu.be/v6zPkFJd58Q

48:55
A theist wants to know if the hosts think secular humanism leads to veganism. If so, why? Vi and Eric do their best to lay out a potential chain of rationality between deconverting from a religion that told you humans are special to a worldview like veganism that puts all species on a more level playing field.

Disclaimer: Neither Eric nor Vi are vegans (at this point in time) and while they did their best to explain the logic behind such a worldview, they are open to feedback. Discuss in the comments if you have thoughts.

1:07:10
Phoenix is doing therapy and it’s making them question some core principles of identity. Is free will something that impacts our sense of self? Could we have identity without it? Are consciousness and “the self” synonymous? A more esoteric call, but a worthwhile one!

1:21:26
Hoo boy. This caller wants to know if heaven would be like slavery, and they were inspired to ask this by a Tinder profile evangelist. Eric is delighted at the idea of using the Bible for sexy purposes, and proceeds to pose dramatically with our KJV, something King James himself (allegedly) would have been into…

___________________
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.

Vi has finally joined the realm of TikTok... to make a single video. What would you do if you found out you were, in fact, a tomato and not a potato? How would you know? Could you prove it? Let's examine our preconceptions of ourselves today at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG

Note: There is some audio clipping due to a YouTube processing error, we apologize for that. An ad-free, audio edited version of the livestream sans clicks is available for patrons who pledge $10 or more. Check out our Patreon here, if you’re interested: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - I’m A Potato
04:30 - Answer Me These Riddles Three: God Edition - Robin (she/they) - TX
17:53 - I Can’t Prove God, But You Should Believe Anyway! - Xeno (he/him) - SK
45:18 - Does Humanity Crave Its Own Destruction? - Relic (he/him) - TX
56:41 - Eric Unloads On This Theist Caller - Jay (“Jesus Loves You”) - MO
1:18:22 - Ex-Bahai Deconvert Lost Everything - Allen (he/him) - MI

00:00
Vi is a potato. Enough said.

04:30
Robin is doing research for a book about atheism and theism, and has asked Vi and Eric to answer three questions about God. They are as follows:

1. What is the minimum you’d need to be convinced a god existed?
2. What is the minimum you’d need to be convinced to worship said god?
3. What would you say to a god if it showed up right now?

Leave your answers in the comments!

17:53
Xeno (creator, innovator) returns to explain why the unfalsifiability of god claims shouldn’t stop atheists from believing them. Rationality is just our “style” of thinking, but apparently it is not Xeno’s. Frodo Baggins makes an appearance, as does cryptocurrency. Vi is less than impressed as they attempt to keep the conversation on track.

Watch Xeno’s previous call here: https://youtu.be/BpzOzIUNouI

45:18
Repeat theist caller Relic returns to ask if humanity yearns for armageddon? The hosts break down why the current Western understanding of the “end of the world” exists today: as a theological invention of the 1980’s heightened by the Cold War.

Here’s the book referenced, in case you’d like to check it out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conspiracy_Against_the_Human_Race

56:41
This caller wants to know why we hate God and why all atheists are communists. An old-school theist slapdown in the OG style, Eric is having none of it. Jay is cornered at every turn, ends up ranting, and then hangs up on the hosts. Vi also indulges in a bit of a dick-measuring contest and throws an ENORMOUS Bible onto the desk to prove a point.

If you want to watch the video Eric referenced, click here: https://youtu.be/w5aZXXx3E6U

1:18:22
This caller is an ex-Bahai deconvert who is recently out as an atheist. He says he lost everything and is struggling to find community, as his faith is not one often discussed on atheist YouTube. The hosts direct him to the Discord, where hopefully he’ll be able to find some people who share his experience.

If you’re interested in joining the Discord, you should check it out here: https://tiny.cc/SGdiscord

___________________
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.

We're back and ready to take your calls! What are your deeply held beliefs? Let us know at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Meet Eric's Mom!!
05:08 - Should Humans Stop Giving Birth? - Chaos (she/they) - UK
18:45 - Will Modern Parenting Solve War? - David (they/him) - NC
25:56 - A Cup of Tea, Therefore God? - Robert (he/him) - MA
42:46 - Do Atheists "Evangelize"? - Relic (he/him) - TX
1:07:41 - How Do I Escape Evangelists? - Wolfos (he/him) - TX
1:16:53 - Is “Community” A Bad Word? - madi (they/them) - NY

00:00
Eric's parents are in town and his mom stops by to say hello to all you wonderful internet people!

05:08
We’ve had our fair share of anti-natalist callers on this show, but this conversation gets deeper into the weeds. Is it OK to make a moral decision against having kids? Is it acceptable to make that decision for others? What are the limits of this philosophical concept and when does following it get ridiculous?

18:45
This is a quick call with a big claim: modern parenting creates a more rational, empathetic child, which is in turn decreasing war and violence in the world. Is that true? Eric and Vi have their doubts, but want to know your thoughts.

25:56
Aren’t apologetics Facebook groups fun? This caller wants help dissecting an argument given to him by a theist: if a cup of tea cannot make itself, the universe cannot either. That feels wrong, but what are the reasons for it? Vi lists off the numerous fallacies this argument falls into, while Eric approaches from a more diplomatic angle.

42:46
Repeat theist caller Relic says many atheists evangelize and are dogmatic in their argument tactics. Is this a problem that the hosts see as well, and how is Skeptic Generation trying to be different? Eric encourages a charitable understanding of others, and Vi explains why so many atheists may fall into “evangelizing” methods of communication due to previous religious indoctrination and training.

1:07:41
Have you ever gotten stuck behind the counter at your job being evangelized to for two hours? This caller has! The hosts agonize with him as he describes his cringey encounter, and provide suggestions on how to escape next time you get bogged down by someone wanting to talk about how much they love Jesus.

1:16:53
Why do online groups call themselves “communities”? Doesn’t that misrepresent how close or united they actually are? Madi asks for clarification, and Eric and Vi offer their guidelines for when a community is valuable and valid, and when it might be harmful or even abusive. How do you navigate a community you’ve built without relying on parasocial power dynamics? How do you find people you can rely on in real life simply by engaging online?
___________________
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.

The age-old wisdom of YouTube has always been "Don't read the comments." Well, we do. And Eric has some thoughts. Let's dive into the background of why we do what we do! Then, of course, we'll want to hear your thoughts. Call us at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric Reads The Comments
13:51 - Is Sam Harris Dishonest? - David (they/him) - NC
26:08 - Vi Being A Pessimist for 10 Minutes - Nick (he/him) - TN
39:33 - Theist Says Atheists Strawman Religion - Joe (he/him) - KS
49:37 - Is Naturopathy Connected to Creationism? - Theresa (she/her) - DE
54:13 - Is Military Conscription Immoral? - Rae (they/them) - UK
1:02:44 - Can Atheists Marry Religious People? - Wolfos (he/him) - TX
1:12:54 - Theist Asks for Our Best Argument Against God - Luc (he/him) - QC

00:00
Eric has read the comments under our YouTube videos this week, and has some thoughts about a question he received. Why do we engage with callers in the way that we do? What are the unspoken rules of Skeptic Generation? What can listeners take away from these conversations?

13:51
This caller has been reading some of Sam Harris’s work, and is troubled by his apparent dishonesty toward dealing with Christianity and Islam. Is one actually worse than the other? Is it bad to call out leaders in the movement for causing potential harm? So many questions, so little time. Vi shares their take on the situation, and invites Sam Harris to call in.

26:08
Is the world getting better? This caller inspires a heated conversation about the march of progress between the hosts, with Eric taking the optimistic position and Vi being perhaps a tad pessimistic. Can you blame them, after this week? Who do you agree with, do you think that the world is getting consistently better over time?

39:33
Return theist caller Joe asks us for our opinion on atheists that strawman religious people, and how progressive churches factor into that conversation. Vi and Eric point out that the instinct to equate atheism with any other worldview is dangerous, and we should all be holding our sides accountable for using good arguments.

49:37
This pharmacy student in the UK has a theory: the gravitation towards things like essential oils is directly connected to creationism. They both use the appeal to nature fallacy in order to suggest that the world was designed for humans. The hosts are impressed, and point out that in addition to this, the term “natural” is very much up to interpretation.

54:13
A pertinent topic for this week, the hosts are asked about conscription and whether or not it is a matter of morality or bodily autonomy. Vi goes off as they explain why it’s such a timely matter these days, and Eric admits that he might be a bit out of his depth in this one.

1:02:44
Repeat caller Wolfos has heard from both Christians and atheists that he and his wife shouldn’t have gotten married due to their different stances on religion. However, they have been happily married for almost thirty years. How did he manage it? What should he keep in mind when talking to those who would judge his relationship, from either side of the religious aisle?

1:12:54
This theist wants to know if Vi and Eric have an argument against the existence of God. Vi admits that they don’t, and passes the mic to Eric. This call may have the most giggling of any we’ve taken, despite the fraught nature of the topic. Luc has promised to call back to continue to hold our philosophical feet to the fire. Let’s see if he does!

___________________
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.

We're back on our ranty horse this week. This time, Vi will be discussing (well, more like outright mocking) the debacle surrounding the botched baptism spell and how God might be sending an entire generation of Catholics to damnation.

Have you had a religious ritual go horribly wrong? Are you scared your baptism may not have stuck? Call us at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG and we'll laugh with you. Definitely not at you. Definitely not.

Skeptic Generation also had the honor of participating in and donating to the recent fundraiser for Recovering from Religion hosted by @YFNA . If you would like to help donate, the fundraiser is still going and they’re less than two grand away from their goal: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/recovering-from-religion/fundraiser-for-recovering-from-religion-yfna-year-two

Learn more about what Recovering from Religion does at https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org

For more information on how to get access to exclusive patron benefits, visit https://patreon.com/skepticgeneration
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Vi Needs To Talk About Priests vs Pronouns
13:40 - Theist Says We’re Infected With Sin! - Scott (he/him) - NC
45:04 - Theist Gives Us A Cringey History Lesson - Wingo (he/him) - IL
58:25 - Do Catholics Do Magic? - David (they/him) - NC
1:07:40 - A Brief Call with A Nice Person - Joanne (she/her) - FL
1:09:54 - If God Exists, Sin Is Moral? - Jay (he/him) - VI
1:19:50 - The Universe: Is It Even Worth It? - Phoenix (they/them) - TN

00:00
Did the Catholic Church just cancel itself for using the wrong pronouns? Vi breaks down a recent news article about an Arizona priest who resigned after using the wrong words in the rite of baptism. Now a whole generation of Catholic kids might be in jeopardy of hell! Turns out God cares even more about someone using the wrong pronouns than trans people do.

For more information on this outrageously ironic news story, check out this article by AP: https://apnews.com/article/arizona-priest-baptism-catholic-church-208c6795fbf2dea911cf4488e8a5925e

13:40
Scott calls back to tell us we have a sinful nature, and explain to us how we got infected by the spiritual disease of total depravity. Eric cuts right to the heart of the issue with a skeptical scalpel and doesn’t let up. No fluffy metaphorical language allowed, we want cold hard facts and crystal clear evidence. Because the implications of accepting the idea of sin without them are dire.

45:04
Is Jesus the reason we can book international airplane flights? This theist caller tries to explain how religion was and is used as a tool by society. He starts off well, but gets a few crucial things wrong. Eric corrects some important misinformation while Vi cringes out of their skin and simply has none of it.

58:25
What is the Catholic Church’s take on magic? Well, officially, participants of the religion would probably deny it. But upon closer look, this caller says their study of world religions has led them to believe Catholicism is based on a magical structure. Vi agrees, and recommends the book Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas for a closer look at how the Church embraced magic in the Middle Ages.

Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Religion-Decline-Magic-Sixteenth-Seventeenth-Century/dp/0140137440

1:07:40
Joanne called in to talk about spirituality and the subconscious, but had to leave shortly after the conversation began. We look forward to speaking with her again soon!

1:09:54
Does this caller actually have a new way to defeat the religious moral argument using three simple syllogisms? The hosts are intrigued by the proposition, and by the claim supported by the argument: that if God exists, sin is moral. Eric wants to graph this out, and Vi is tickled at the idea of using apologetics against apologists.

What do you think, are you convinced?

1:19:50
Why even is the universe? Eric and Vi talk with a caller who asks what the point of existence is if suffering will always outweigh pleasure? Vi gets really excited about the philosophical implications of this line of thought, but Eric pushes back with some good points about how some suffering actually increases one’s appreciation for pleasurable 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
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.

This past week, Vi appeared on Genetically Modified Skeptic's channel to review the series Midnight Mass. Today, they are calling all the righteously indignant to call in and chat about magical healing blood (and other such notions): 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG.

To watch the Midnight Mass review, follow this link: https://youtu.be/kQ-Xt-q9qHw

For more information on how to get access to exclusive patron benefits, visit https://patreon.com/skepticgeneration
___________________
TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro
07:00 - Nonbeliever Feels Guilty Going to Church - Rachel (they/them) - UK
18:09 - Midnight Mass Misrepresented Catholics - Charismatic Catholic (he/him) - TX
25:16 - Atheists Destroy The Concept of Love - Nick (he/him) - TN
33:46 - Is Criticizing the Old Testament Anti-Semitic? - Josh (he/him) - CA
48:52 - Druid Says Spirits Talk To Him - Relic (he/him) - TX
1:12:25 - Why Waste Time With Presups? - Tom (he/him) - GA

07:00
Can a nonbeliever still go to church and enjoy themself? This caller is feeling conflicted and guilty for attending services as an atheist. Vi and Eric discuss how indoctrination reshapes the brain to want certain things, but how there is no rule about what atheists can and cannot do or feel. If this is what Rachel knows they need, they should feel comfortable exploring it.

18:09
This Catholic caller has feelings about the show Midnight Mass, which Vi reviewed alongside Genetically Modified Skeptic earlier this week. He doesn’t think the show accurately depicted Catholic thought or motivation.

If you’re interested in hearing the full breakdown of Midnight Mass, hop over to Drew’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ-Xt...

25:16
In Valentine’s Day fashion, Nick calls in to discuss the concept of love from a skeptical point of view. Is there such a thing as “the one”? How about “soulmates”? What do the hosts think? Vi and Eric get vulnerable about how they view love, how that view impacts their relationship, and where the real beauty comes from. Hint: It’s not God.

33:46
Why might some people say criticizing the Old Testament is anti-semitic? Vi points out that understanding the history of anti-semitism and deadly prejudice stemming from a misrepresentation of the Hebrew Bible is crucial. Eric emphasizes that you may not be aware you’re repeating harmful talking points, and to always make sure you’re explicit in your critique of ideas, not people.

As good skeptics, we know the best way to find out if your perception of a thing is wrong is to talk to the experts! In this case, a good next step for anyone asking this kind of question would be to talk to Jewish scholars and theologians to discuss what misconceptions about the Hebrew Bible exist in modern Christian thought.

If you’re interested in learning more about Israel Finkelstein per Eric’s suggestion, check out his page here: https://israelfinkelstein.wordpress.com/

48:52
This druid caller communicates with spirits, including the Goddess Freya. Vi and Eric are confused and do their best to get to the bottom of things. What are spirits? How do they talk to us? Can you get to personal enlightenment without spiritual help?

1:12:25
Why do the hosts take presup callers? Isn’t it just a waste of time? Eric breaks down what makes a good call, while Vi weighs in on whether dishonest tactics are allowed in arguments with dishonest people. What do you think?
___________________
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: 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.