The Atheist Experience

ATHEIST EXPERIENCE 24.01 for 2020-01-05 with Matt Dillahunty & Jen Aldrich

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:06:55 Adam - MN - How can atheists be moral and have a system of morality?
00:19:49 Elaine - IL - Shot 9 times, only wanted to speak to Matt, Nah. Goodbye.
00:23:42 Nick - OR - Recently out, struggling with family and pastor friend knowing.
00:43:32 John - TN - Using science and logic to prove a creator exists.
00:57:53 Alonzo - VA - Tries to make the argument that the supernatural exists
01:18:01 Theo - IL - Believes God communicates through feelings and emotions.
01:31:25 Joseph - NY - Reacting to his previous call and to discuss near death experiences.

SHOW NOTES
Happy New Year everyone, it’s the 24th Season of the Atheist Experience! Time flies when you’re debunking theists. In today’s episode, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jen Aldrich. Jen Aldrich is one of the new hosts of Godless Bitches 3.0, together with Vi La Bianca & Jenna Belk. She's had her own atheist podcast before, called Not Another Atheist Podcast. Google it and enjoy! Welcome to the co-host chair Jen, are you ready for round 2? This is different from Talk Heathen a bit!

Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Adam from Minnesota. He would like to talk about the atheist morality system and how there can be one. He claims that atheists don’t have morals and only have likes and dislikes. Um, that’s wrong. Tune in and see Matt try to show him the truth.

Next up, Elaine from Illinois earns the title of quickest hangup ever of 2020 (so far). Calls in to dictate how we run our show after emailing a couple times. Um no, you don’t get to dictate who speaks during the shows. Goodbye!

The following caller named Nick from Oregon is concerned about how to come out as an atheist to his fundamentalist family and close friend. We can definitely relate, approach them gradually and respectfully, you’ll be ok.

The next caller in the queue is John from Tennessee wanting to discuss how science and logic point to a creator. Uses a laundry list of scientific discoveries and tech to “prove” a blueprint. No no no, that’s not how science works! Bring in Dragnauct, we need his expertise!

Next up, Alonzo in Virginia tries to make the argument that a supernatural god exists. Presupposes that powerful being could exist because of lack of understanding. Tune in to hear Matt break it all down.

Afterwards we have Theo from Illinois. He believes God communicates only through feelings and emotions. How do you know and why do you believe that? Watch and see Matt and Jen work through this with him.

Our last caller of the day, Joseph in New York would like to discuss how atheists can’t understand him correctly and he also would like to talk about believing in near death experiences. Listen in to hear Matt and Jen explore this topic.

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SHOW TIME-STAMPS

00:07:30 Matt - MI - Investigating miracles and claiming they are supernatural
00:30:10 Gregory - MA - Would like some helpful clarity on his desire to return to religious life.
00:44:37 James - NC - Wonders how we feel about scientists who are banned by the community for their social gaffs.
00:52:07 Valued Customer - Raising kids in religion as atheists, is struggling with being outed by their kids.
01:06:41 A. Radical - Believes there is a mind/conscious creator behind the creation of the universe.
01:29:06 Otangelo - Brazil - Happy holidays, it’s Otangelo. Goodbye
01:31:50 Brett - WA - Claims the Earth cannot be here by natural means.
01:33:45 Jon - Arguing about the laws of logic and using reason to justify worldviews.

SHOW NOTES

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Dragnauct Sylvas. Welcome to the co-host chair Dragnauct! We are glad you are here to join us!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Matt from Michigan. He would like to explore the validity of miracles and backing up their claim of being supernatural in origin. Listen in to hear Matt refute these claims. Our first hangup in a while, tune in and see Matt use the magic button!

Next up, Gregory from Massachusetts would like to talk about how he is feeling the need to return to a religious life. He is feeling challenged and uncertain about his lack of belief and needs some help and clarity on it all.

The following caller named James from North Carolina would like to talk about scientists who have been banned by the scientific community due to their inaccurate opinions on social constructs. And... he dropped the call, Dragnauct says James should go back to biology class!

The next caller in the queue is “Valued Customer” wanting to discuss raising their kids in religion and is concerned about them outing them while within a hostile and religious area. At some point, they will need to explain to their kids why they have lied and move forward.

Next up, “A. Radical” believes there is a mind behind the creation of the universe and claims there is empirical evidence there is a conscious creator. Has a list of premises to back up his claims. Listen in to hear Matt and Dragnauct rebuke these premises and claims.

Oh boy, Otangelo in Brazil would like to discuss a previous closed conversation between himself and Dragnauct… The conversation was closed, so it’s done. GOODBYE! (Good to have you back in the host’s seat Matt!)

Matt’s on a roll, next up, Brett from Washington would like to discuss his paper that the Earth could not have formed due to random chance/natural means because the probability is way too high!

Our last caller, Jon would like to talk about the laws of logic and how to use them to justify a specific worldview. He also claims you couldn’t have the laws of logic without God. Nope, wrong goodbye!

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-atheist-experience--3254896/support.

SHOW TIME-STAMPS

00:14:33 Ray - MI - Struggling with family, longing for acceptance for her son
00:29:19 Charlotte - CA - Questioning their faith, is wondering if it’s difficult to not believe.
00:55:49 Danny - London, UK - Mocked for beliefs? Is persecution justified?
01:15:40 Joseph - NY - It’s story time!: Turning to God after traumatic encounter at the gym.

SHOW NOTES
Hi everyone! In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, we have the dynamic duo as host and co-host today, Matt Dillahunty and Jenna Belk. Before we get to calls, Jenna has a couple things she’d like to talk about from previous calls in previous episodes.
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Rae from Michigan. She is struggling with family and longs for acceptance for her son. Her son is also living with Asperger’s and she is trying her best to shield him from fundamental ideologies.

Next up, Charlotte from California would like to know if it is difficult to not believe. She is also slightly fearful of accepting the ‘Atheist’ label and the consequences of doing so. Listen in to hear Jenna and Matt help her out.

The following returning caller named Danny from London, UK is concerned about being mocked and persecuted for their beliefs. Some discussion about a variety of topics occurred, including prophecies and proof of God. Sorry Danny, your word salad isn’t very palpable and is quite bitter. We’re moving on.

It’s story time! Our last caller of the live show is Joseph from New York. He has a story! He begins to tell a convoluted tale about going to the gym with his brother at the age of 22, a strange character who may have assaulted him, and then going swimming… Jenna and Matt get to the lesson/morale of this story and recommend a few resources.

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SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:02:55 Vanessa - MA - Wondering about compromising with Santa.
00:06:10 Ryan - IN - Would like to talk about why atheists don’t believe.
00:25:38 Michael - TX - Has the BEST argument for the existence of God.
00:33:08 Bree - WA - Attended grandpa’s funeral and received the fire & brimstone talk.
00:39:02 Dean - NC - Using ancient documents, why can’t we use them as historical evidence.
01:02:19 Nick - NY - Has the greatest evidence that Catholicism is the truest religion.
01:13:11 Danny - London, UK - Would like to talk about Exodus
01:24:45 Levi - WA - Living as an atheist in a religious household.

SHOW NOTES

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Don Baker is joined by Jenna Belk. Are you all ready for Don’s laugh? I am! Let’s get to calls.

The first caller is Vanessa from Massachusetts. Wonders if it is ruining the magic of Christmas if they tell their young children about the myth of Santa Claus. Jenna and Don help her through this. It’s ok to pretend for a little while, but keep an eye on it.

Next up, Ryan from Indiana would like to talk about why atheists don’t believe in a God. Jenna explains her history and her journey from Catholicism to being an atheist. Ryan also claims atheists are miserable. Oh that’s a stretch, we are all pretty happy at the Freethought Library. Listen in to find out how Don and Jenna unpack his arguments.

The following caller named Michael from Texas has the BEST argument for the existence of God. First he defines the God he believes in, which is good, and his argument is fine-tuning and the multiverse hypothesis. Listen in to hear Don and Jenna break it all down.
The next caller in the queue is Bree from Washington wanting to talk about her experience at a very religious funeral as an out atheist. I’m sorry you experienced that Bree, you have community with us here!

Next up, Dean in North Carolina would like to propose that because the documents that make up the Bible are ancient due to when they were written, we should be able to use these documents as historical evidence. Sorry, confirming historical documents as evidence doesn’t work that way.

Afterwards we have Nick from New York. He has the greatest evidence that Roman Catholicism is the one true religion. He also wants to fix the Church’s problems by writing and visiting Pope Francis in the Vatican. Also claiming that by believing in something it makes it true. Jenna provides some great resources for him.

Wooo, after that interesting caller, we have Danny in London, UK. He would like to chat about Exodus and its historicity. What does it mean if it is true? Why should we care? He should talk to an Egyptologist about this. This one was interesting as well.

Our last caller of the day, Levi in Washington. He is questioning his family’s religiosity and how to best approach them. Listen in to hear amazing Jenna’s advice.

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SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:04:26 Gohan - TX - Invited call from Talk Heathen, would like to discuss pro-life/abortion.
00:19:15 Richard - Malaysia - Would like to discuss intuition and how that figures into belief.
00:36:19 Caleb - PA - Recently deconverted, wife is religious, how to approach this with her.
00:47:35 “Canadian Catholic” - Canada - How his view on religion changed after being an atheist.
01:08:26 Richard - AZ - Makes the argument that God/Gods will exist
01:15:00 Guillermo - CA - Do you believe in faith?
01:19:20 Tony - NY - Doesn’t believe in traditional religion, but believes God communicates through Math.
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Jenna Belk. Welcome back to the co-host chair Jenna!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is a returning caller, Gohan from Texas. He was invited to call in during Talk Heathen to discuss abortion, pro-life, and body autonomy. He uses a conjoined twins analogy that is rife with flaws and inaccuracies. If using flawed analogies doesn’t get to solutions, don’t use them!
Next up, Richard from Malaysia would like to talk about intuition and how it figures into belief. Tune in and watch Jenna and Matt walk Richard through using logic to reach conclusions.
The following caller named Caleb from Pennsylvania is concerned about his life as an atheist married to someone religious. Jenna offers some great recommendations to moving his relationship forward.
Oh, you’ll love this… The next caller in the queue is “Canadian Catholic” from Canada wanting to discuss how his view changed from “inner circle atheist” to deeply devoted Roman Catholic. He also presents a hypothesis on consciousness. He called last week, you may recognize his voice.
Next up, Richard in Arizona has an argument he’d like to share. He provides a science fiction argument that through current trends, AI will become “god-like”. Um, sure… no.
Afterwards we have Guillermo from California. He wonders about atheists and their use of the word faith. Atheists tend to use the word faith as way to describe the trust they have or the confidence they have in certain things. Faith to believers is definitely used differently. I think he learned something. Yay!
Our last caller of the day, Tony in New York would like to discuss how God communicates to humans through math. The equations in this argument and formulas are just not adding up here. (Math is not God btw.) Matt goes on to recommend watching Donald in Mathmagicland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ZHsk0-eF0 Which ends with this quote by Galileo: “Mathematics is the alphabet/language with which “god” has written the universe.” As a metaphor, that is a beautiful concept.

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The Atheist Experience 23.48 for 2019-11-17 with Matt Dillahunty & Don Baker

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:23:32 Brian - OH - Has proof god exists, it’s Tim Tebow.
00:27:04 Charles - TX - Historical events caused by Jesuits? No.
00:27:53 Joel - AL - Claims to have proof of reincarnation
00:31:23 Patrick - FL - What is sufficient evidence for the existence of god.
00:37:52 Paul - UK - Has definite proof that all the gods don’t exist
00:47:12 Jonathan - AZ - Claims to have found a false argument by Matt
00:58:46 Jeroen - Curaçao - Invited a missionary in to discuss miracles, they deconverted.
01:11:31 CC - Canada - Has evidence for god and he reconverted to Catholicism
01:21:08 Eddie - NY - Believer who has doubts, needs help with understanding.
01:32:20 Rick - Canada - Proof the Big Bang is in the bible and science is in the bible too.

SHOW NOTES

In today’s episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by one of our favorite co-hosts, Don Baker. Don is back with his list of Christian Failures. This week,
Don continues to talk about souls for the 3rd time. He talks about where the soul goes when you die, spoiler alert: the soul doesn’t exist and it doesn’t go anywhere. If you’re following along and keeping track, this is topic #69.

Let’s get to calls!

The first caller is Brian from Ohio. He claims Tim Tebow is miraculous, it’s also a miracle that he wore 3:16, and everything lined up for a win 7 years ago. Ummmm… No. How do you determine it’s a miracle and how does it translate into proving a god.
Oooh, this one is quick. Charles from Texas lists off historical events and claims it was all caused by the Jesuits. Nope, goodbye!

The following caller named Joel from Alabama has a bald assertion that the soul is reincarnated through universal awareness. Instincts do not relate at ALL to reincarnation. There is also no evidence for this.

The next caller in the queue is Patrick from Florida wanting to discuss why atheists don’t believe that god is the universe. We aren’t trying to redefine the universe as god. What attributes or properties justify putting a god label on the universe? (Answer: it’s not worth it and makes you seem ridiculous.)

Next up, Paul in London, UK has proof that no gods exist. This assertation needs to be under the same scrutiny as the claim that there is a god. The burden of proof is on Paul here due to his claim.

Afterwards we have Jonathan from Arizona. He called in to talk about Matt’s argument that alien abduction is more plausible than god and how that argument is false. It actually is plausible and could happen because it wouldn’t be a supernatural event. You do not get to assert that it is supernatural.

Subsequently, Jeroen in Curaçao feels guilt about deconverting someone who he invited into his home where they discussed and dismantled miracles and other religious ideology.
Next up, Catholic “Clearly” Canadian in Canada definitely has evidence for god. It’s why he reconverted to Catholicism. Where and what is your evidence, eh?

Next caller, Eddie from New York is disgusted with immoral believers and is troubled by what he used to believe. He is having a really tough time, hang in there Eddie, you have community with us here. Please contact the kind folks at Recovering from Religion. They can help: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/

Finally, we have Rick from Canada. Claims the big bang is in the bible along with scientific facts. Sorry, science doesn’t work that way.

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SHOW TIME-STAMPS

00:16:35 Jim - CA - How to shield his child from JW propaganda
00:24:09 Alexander - Germany - Knowingly deceiving self into believing due to fear of death
00:37:44 Tyler - MO - Shunned by JW community for 3 years, should he fade or disassociate.
00:45:47 John - GA - Believes atheists all have faith and why we have a negative view on it.
01:05:20 Kenny - OK - Why must Christians provide extraordinary evidence for their god
01:17:00 Steve - WA - Concerned with believing science can explain everything.
01:23:49 Kevin - AK - Why is the Damascus road experience good enough for Saul but not us?
01:37:50 Anonymous - TX - God definitely definitely definitely exists and has the proof.
01:39:19 Rob - Quebec - Noah existed and so did the ark, it’s in Turkey

SHOW NOTES
Welcome to The Atheist Experience! In today’s episode, Matt Dillahunty is joined by Lloyd Evans. (Matt’s back, we missed you!) Lloyd runs a YouTube channel (John Cedars), wrote an amazing book (The Reluctant Apostate), and a website for ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses (www.jwsurvey.org) providing resources to those JWs who are seeking help getting out.

After a couple announcements and some chat about yesterday’s talk in Arizona, they begin taking calls. The first caller is Jim from California. He would like to talk about how best to approach and shield his child from JW propaganda. Lloyd explains how to best go about handling this, tune in to see his response.

The next caller, Alexander from Germany would like to discuss how he is afraid of death, and is deceiving himself into believing so he may enjoy an afterlife.
The following caller named Tyler from Missouri is an ex-JW and wants to talk about whether to fade (aka slip off the radar) or disassociate (aka be excommunicated). Lloyd has a couple recommendations and resources for him.

The next caller in the queue is John from Georgia wanting to discuss why atheists have negative views on religious faith and genuinely believes that all atheists have faith. Et Tu quoque?

Next up, Kenny in Oklahoma is wondering about extraordinary claims requiring extraordinary evidence. The fact that religion is common and people believe in a god isn’t extraordinary, it’s the claim there IS a god, that is extraordinary and requires evidence. Matt is back!

Afterward, Steve from Washington talks about how he is concerned about using science to explain things and is it credible enough. Uh oh, he doesn’t believe in outer space, whoa we might have a flat-earther. Goodbye, you’re done.

Subsequently, Kevin in Alaska would like to discuss why atheists don’t believe in god revealing himself to Saul. Matt explains how if god was wise and real, he would reveal himself to everyone. Kevin responds by saying he saw god in his cereal.

One of our super quick calls, Anonymous in Texas definitely has evidence for god. It’s the 10 commandments… Lloyd’s first hangup! Congrats Lloyd! You’re a pro now!

Finally, Rob from Quebec has proof that Noah and his ark existed and they used steel cables to construct it. It’s in Turkey. (Sure it is.)

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The Atheist Experience 23.45 for 2019-10-27 with Jenna Belk & ObjectivelyDan

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:03:45 Kenny - OK - Doesn’t believe that it is an extraordinary claim that a god exists.
00:32:08 Chris - TN - Is there something greater than us that created the Universe?
00:50:45 John - TN - Losing religion was like losing a horrible part-time job.
01:04:55 Jarrod - FL - Possibility of a creator based on science.
01:09:42 Dean - NC - Accepting the Big Bang model as beginning of the known universe.

SHOW NOTES
Welcome to Truth Wanted, the show were we explore and debunk myths and try to get to the truth! In today’s episode, ObjectivelyDan talks about... No, wait. It’s Sunday, not Friday. Did the crew mix it up? VERN OR MARK, HELP, YOU’RE MY ONLY HOPE! Jenna to the rescue, it IS the Atheist Experience with Jenna Belk and ObjectivelyDan!

Let’s jump right into calls! The first caller is Kenny from Oklahoma. He would like to talk about how Christianity or a monotheistic god shouldn’t require extraordinary evidence. Tune in to see Jenna and Dan work through this ad-hoc rationalization.

After some discussion, we take the next caller, Chris from Tennessee. He would like to discuss the idea of intelligent design. Listen in and find out how Jenna and ObjectivelyDan offer a different perspective on this.

The following caller named John also from Tennessee wants to talk about how losing one’s religion is like losing a horrible part-time job. Listen in to hear ObjectivelyDan help him through this conundrum.

The next caller in the queue is Jarrod from Florida who believes we could be code within a quantum computer or mainframe. Why would he believe this? He may be a solipsist… this is an interesting call, tune in to find out what happens.

Our last caller of the day, Dean in North Carolina is asking about using the Big Bang model as a way to explain the beginning of the known universe and if it relates to a god. Tune in and find out how ObjectivelyDan and Jenna expand and unpack this question.

Be sure to check out Truth Wanted with ObjectivelyDan Fridays at 7:00pm central time

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/truthwanted

Audio Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/truthwanted

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The Atheist Experience 23.45 for 2019-10-27 with Matt Dillahunty & Don Baker

SHOW TIME-STAMPS

00:09:00 Jerry - MN - Questioning the end of life of a religious relative
00:19:00 Christian - Denmark - Is it immoral to have children if you believe they’ll end up in Hell?
00:36:00 Nick - OK - How to encourage a thriving atheist community in your area
00:52:00 John - GA - Could the universe really have happened by random chance?
01:07:00 Maurice - TX - Is death really and truly the end?
01:20:27 Jamie - AR - Troubled with honoring her atheist daughter’s last wishes.
01:37:22 Mike - AZ - Why did you choose Atheism over Agnosticism
01:40:12 Gman - NJ - Has proof that god exists, and no he doesn’t really.

SHOW NOTES
In this episode of the Atheist Experience, Matt Dillahunty is joined by the most fabulous Don Baker! We begin this episode with Don’s failures. This week’s topic is: Soul scams used by religions. For those following along, this is topic #68.

Afterwards, they begin taking calls. The first caller is Jerry from Minnesota. He would like to talk about how to approach a religious relative’s end of life beliefs. As someone close to death, she may be embracing religion out of fear, perhaps a gentle touch is a good idea.

The next caller, Christian from Denmark would like to discuss the idea that it is immoral to have children and believe they might end up in Hell. Listen in and find out how Matt and Don approach this idea!

The following caller named Nick from Oklahoma wants to talk about his atheist group and best practices to encouraging and revitalizing a thriving atheist community.
The next caller in the queue is John from Georgia wanting to discuss if the universe really could have happened by random chance and probability. Tune in to hear Matt’s explanation and debunking yet another ad-hoc rationalization.

Next up, Maurice in Texas is asking about using circumstantial evidence to prove the existence of the afterlife and therefore God. Tune in and find out if the evidence provided is good enough for Matt and Don!

Afterward, Jamie from Arkansas talks about how to truly honor her daughter’s wishes in death, Jamie is a Christian and her dying daughter is an atheist. This is something worth listening to as well as visiting Grief beyond Belief: http://griefbeyondbelief.org/

Subsequently, Mike in Arizona discusses why we chose atheism over agnosticism. Guess what Mike, they are not mutually exclusive nor are they absolute as you claim. One is about belief and the other is about knowledge. That was a short call.

Finally, Gman from Arizona has proof a god exists. Go ahead and prove it and don’t use circular arguments or rationalizations. We're still waiting… annnnddd.. you’re done!

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