The Cross Examiner Podcast

A quick update as I head to Indianapolis for Gen Con. Preview some upcoming topics, series and interviews.

In this unscripted Rocket Docket episode of the Cross Examiner Podcast, we delve into the breaking news of President Biden dropping out of the race and its implications for the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States. Join us as we explore the potential outcomes, the role of Kamala Harris, and the future of the Democratic Party. Don't miss this critical analysis of a pivotal moment in American history!

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) Biden Drops Out: Immediate Reactions
(05:00) Kamala Harris: The Next in Line?
(10:00) The Financial War Chest
(15:00) Popularity and Polling
(20:00) The Debate Challenge
(25:00) Democratic Party Dynamics
(35:00) Historical Context and Future Implications
(45:00) Biden's Resignation Letter
(50:00) Trump's Response
(55:00) Christian Nationalism and Project 2025
(60:00) Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, our host continues his deep dive with the renowned Godless Engineer, exploring the intriguing subject of mythicism. Building on their previous conversation, they delve into the complexities of mythicism, examining the evidence and lack thereof for the historical existence of Jesus.

Godless Engineer, also known as John, shares his insights on how early Jewish Christians might have reinterpreted existing scriptures to create the figure of Jesus, paralleling the development of other mystery cults of the time. They discuss the implications of Paul's writings, the influence of mystery cults, and the reinterpretation of Old Testament scriptures.

Throughout the episode, our host and Godless Engineer address common objections and questions, including the argument that similar mystery cults were created by Satan to confuse believers. They also touch on the importance of critical thinking and the challenges of confronting deeply held beliefs with historical analysis.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the historical roots of Christianity, the development of religious stories, and the application of critical thinking to religious claims. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional narratives and offers new perspectives on ancient beliefs.

In this episode, our host engages in a candid conversation with the renowned Godless Engineer, also known as John. John shares his journey from a Catholic upbringing to becoming a prominent atheist advocate, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Listeners will get to know John’s background, his work with the Atheist Community of Austin, and the wide range of topics he covers on his YouTube channel, from atheism and politics to the intersections of science and religion. The episode delves into the importance of defining terms in debates, the misuse of statistical arguments by creationists, and the societal pressures faced by atheists in religious communities. John’s insights into the tactics used by Christian apologists, his experiences with religious family members, and his commitment to fostering critical thinking and skepticism make this a compelling and enlightening episode.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we delve deeper into mythicism and its evidence with Godless Engineer. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing. See you soon!

Find Godless Engineer at https://www.youtube.com/user/godlessengineer

Today, we focus on Judge Aileen Cannon's controversial dismissal of the secret documents case against Trump.

Our host takes you on a historical journey, starting with the Vietnam War and the Pentagon Papers, to draw parallels with today's legal battles. We revisit the case of Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers, and explore the Nixon administration's reaction, leading to the infamous Watergate scandal. The episode then transitions to the current legal landscape, examining Judge Cannon's decision and its implications.

Dive deep into the legal intricacies, from the Supreme Court's stance on special prosecutors to the potential consequences of Cannon's ruling. Our host also dissects the broader context, including the echoes of Nixon's tactics in Trump's actions and the looming threat of Project 2025.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of these legal maneuvers and their impact on American democracy. Will Trump's legal team succeed in delaying justice until after the next election? Tune in to find out.

Chapters- 0:00 - Introduction and the Rise of Christian Nationalism
- 5:00 - The Pentagon Papers and Daniel Ellsberg
- 15:00 - Nixon's Reaction and the Formation of the Plumbers
- 25:00 - The Watergate Scandal Unfolds
- 35:00 - Special Prosecutors and Supreme Court Precedents
- 45:00 - Judge Eileen Cannon's Controversial Ruling
- 55:00 - The Implications for Trump's Legal Battles
- 1:05:00 - Project 2025 and the Future of American Democracy
- 1:15:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking and subscribing. Visit our website, thecrossexaminer.net, for more information and additional content. Stay informed and stay engaged.

Welcome to another episode of the Cross Examiner Rocket Docket, where you are the judge. In this urgent episode, our host, an atheist attorney, dives into the recent Supreme Court decision in Trump v. US. The ruling has profound implications, suggesting that a president could be immune from prosecution for actions taken under core constitutional powers, even if those actions include extreme measures like ordering an assassination.

The episode unpacks the Supreme Court's opinion, including dissents from Justices Sotomayor and Jackson. The host explores the three "buckets" of presidential activity defined by the court: core constitutional powers, purely private matters, and other official actions. The court's decision is critiqued for potentially reverting the presidency to a quasi-monarchical status, conflicting with the intentions of the founding fathers as expressed in the Federalist Papers.

Our host raises critical questions about the future of presidential accountability and the potential need for a constitutional convention to clarify and update the nation's foundational document. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the balance of power in the United States government.

In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into a contentious legal battle that has significant implications for the separation of church and state in the United States. Our host, an attorney and atheist, interviews Sam Grover, Senior Counsel for Litigation at the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), to discuss their lawsuit challenging Louisiana's newly enacted law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.

The episode opens with a strong statement from the host, highlighting the alarming rise of Christian nationalism and the misinformation fueling it. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the legal intricacies of the case. Sam Grover, who has been with FFRF for over a decade, provides a comprehensive overview of the coalition formed to challenge the law. This coalition includes heavyweights like the ACLU, ACLU of Louisiana, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, along with the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, which is offering pro bono services.

Grover explains the mechanics of how such a coalition operates, from vetting potential plaintiffs to drafting the complaint. He emphasizes the overwhelming response from Louisiana residents who are concerned about the law's implications, highlighting that the coalition's plaintiffs include not just atheists and agnostics but also Christians and members of minority religions.

One of the most compelling parts of the episode is the discussion about the real-world implications for plaintiffs. Grover recounts the harassment and threats faced by individuals who stand up against such unconstitutional laws, emphasizing the bravery of the plaintiffs involved in this case.

The discussion then shifts to the legal arguments against the law. Grover breaks down the claims under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause. He argues that the Louisiana law is a blatant constitutional violation, citing the Supreme Court's precedent in Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar law in Kentucky in 1980. Despite the Supreme Court's recent shift away from the Lemon test, which was used in Stone v. Graham, Grover remains confident that the coercive nature of the law will render it unconstitutional.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of the Supreme Court's recent decisions, particularly the move towards a "history and tradition" test for Establishment Clause cases. Grover expresses concern about this shift but remains hopeful that the clear lack of historical precedent for such a law in public schools will work in their favor.

The interview concludes with a call to action for listeners to support FFRF and other organizations fighting for the separation of church and state. Grover encourages listeners to become members, highlighting the importance of collective action in safeguarding constitutional rights.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in constitutional law, religious freedom, and the ongoing battle against Christian nationalism. Grover's insights provide a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the legal strategies being employed to protect the First Amendment.

Introduction 00:00:00
Interview with Sam Grover 00:02:00
Background on FFRF and Legal Career 00:04:00
Details of the Louisiana Case 00:10:00
Legal Strategies and Challenges 00:20:00
Historical Context and Legal Precedents 00:30:00
Potential Outcomes and Future Implications 00:45:00
Closing Remarks 00:58:00

For more information about the Freedom from Religion Foundation and to support their efforts, visit their website at https://www.ffrf.org. 

To stay updated on future episodes and content, visit our website at https://www.thecrossexaminer.net.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, liking, and sharing the podcast. Your support helps us reach more

In today's Rocket Docket episode, our host, The Cross Examiner, addresses a concerning new development: Louisiana's mandate to display the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. This controversial decision, signed into law by the governor, has sparked a heated debate about its constitutionality.

Our host delves into the history of the First Amendment, examining key cases such as Reynolds v. United States, Abington School District v. Schempp, and the landmark Stone v. Graham decision, which directly parallels the current situation in Louisiana. He also discusses the significant impact of the "McConnell Court" and the troubling rise of Christian nationalism.

Is Louisiana's new law a violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause? Will the Supreme Court uphold or overturn this mandate? Tune in as The Cross Examiner provides a comprehensive analysis, equipping you with the facts and arguments you need to understand this critical issue.

Don't miss this episode filled with historical insights, legal analysis, and passionate advocacy for the separation of church and state.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Cross Examiner Rocket Docket. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking and subscribing. We'll see you soon.

Welcome to the Cross Examiner Podcast, the Internet's courtroom in the case of rationality versus religion. Here, our host uses his experience as both an attorney and an atheist to put religion on trial. We solemnly swear that it is the most informative, educational, and entertaining jury duty you will ever do.

In today's episode, our host, The Cross Examiner, shares a special treat: an interview conducted by Latter-daily Digest. This channel focuses on content creation within the Mormon blogosphere. The Cross Examiner discusses his journey, the origins of his podcast, and the importance of critical thinking in today's society.

Join us as we delve into The Cross Examiner's background, his experiences with the rise of Christian nationalism, and the massive amount of misinformation that powers it. We also explore the fascinating intersections between religion, politics, and law, and how The Cross Examiner uses his platform to combat misinformation and promote rational discourse.

Chapters- 00:00 - Introduction
- 02:00 - Interview with Ladder Daily Digest
- 05:00 - The Origins of The Cross Examiner Podcast
- 10:00 - The Rise of Christian Nationalism
- 15:00 - The Importance of Critical Thinking
- 20:00 - The Cross Examiner 's Background and Legal Career
- 30:00 - The Intersection of Religion, Politics, and Law
- 40:00 - Combating Misinformation
- 50:00 - Future Plans for The Cross Examiner Podcast

Don't forget to visit Ladder-daily Digest and give them a like and subscribe. 

https://www.youtube.com/@Latter-dailyDigest

Also, if you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing to The Cross Examiner Podcast. We don't do any commercials or monetization, so your support helps us reach more people and push back against misinformation.

In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Dr. John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast. Dr. Dehlin, an ex-Mormon, has dedicated his career to exposing the truths behind Mormon practices and helping others navigate their own faith crises. This episode is a continuation of our in-depth conversation with him, exploring the psychological and social impacts of religious indoctrination, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the role of misinformation.

Dr. Dehlin's journey is both compelling and relatable. Raised as a sixth-generation Mormon, he was taught to obey and follow the church's teachings without question. However, cracks began to form in his faith as he encountered various inconsistencies and ethical concerns, particularly during his mission in Guatemala. His experiences there, coupled with the rise of the internet and the availability of information, led him to question the very foundations of his beliefs.

One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Dehlin's story is the concept of the "shelf." In the Mormon and post-Mormon world, individuals are encouraged to put doubts and questions on a metaphorical shelf, trusting that answers will come in time. For Dr. Dehlin, the shelf eventually became too heavy to bear, leading to a profound crisis of faith. This journey of questioning and seeking truth is something many can relate to, regardless of their religious background.

The episode also delves into the broader implications of religious indoctrination and the rise of secular support systems. Dr. Dehlin discusses the importance of organizations like Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, which provide crucial support for individuals leaving high-demand religions. These organizations offer a safe space for people to explore their doubts and find a community that understands their struggles.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Dr. Dehlin talks about the psychological impact of leaving a high-demand religion. He shares how many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as they grapple with the loss of their faith and the subsequent social and familial fallout. This highlights the critical need for mental health support and resources for those undergoing such transitions.

Dr. Dehlin's work with the Mormon Stories podcast has not only helped countless individuals but also shed light on the broader human experience. As he aptly puts it, "The Mormon story is the human story." By sharing personal narratives, his podcast fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to see the common threads that connect us all.

For those interested in exploring these themes further, we highly recommend tuning into this episode. Dr. Dehlin's insights and experiences offer a valuable perspective on the intersection of religion, truth, and personal transformation. Whether you're grappling with your own faith or simply curious about the human condition, this episode is sure to resonate.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation. Listen to the full episode now and join us on this journey of discovery and understanding.