The Cross Examiner Podcast

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.

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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.

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.

In a groundbreaking and unprecedented move, Donald J. Trump has become the first former president of the United States to be convicted on 34 felony counts. This landmark case has generated intense debate and scrutiny from all corners of the political spectrum.

In our latest episode, we provide an unscripted, in-depth analysis of the trial, the evidence presented, and the explosive reactions from political figures and pundits. Was this a fair trial or a political witch hunt? We break down the arguments, the constitutional guarantees of a fair trial, and the process of jury selection.

We also explore the broader implications of this case on public trust in the justice system, the role of Christian nationalism, and the power of misinformation in shaping public opinion.

Don't miss this comprehensive examination of one of the most significant legal events in recent history. Tune in now and join the conversation. Your verdict matters.

Welcome to the Cross Examiner Podcast, the Internet's courtroom in the case of rationality versus religion. Our host, a seasoned attorney and outspoken atheist, takes on the rise of Christian nationalism and the misinformation fueling it. This episode is the third part of our series on homeopathy, where we delve into the pseudo-scientific practices and the alarming lack of regulation surrounding it. In this episode, our host recounts the history of homeopathy, from its inception by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1790s to its current status as a legally recognized "drug" under the FDA. He explains the dubious principles behind homeopathy, such as the "law of similars" and extreme dilutions, which result in remedies that are just water. The episode also covers the regulatory loopholes that allow homeopathic products to be marketed without proving their safety or efficacy. Our host also performs a daring stunt by ingesting 240 homeopathic pain relief pills and contacting the Poison Control Center to highlight the absurdity of these so-called remedies. The results are both enlightening and alarming, shedding light on the real risks posed by homeopathy and the urgent need for stricter regulations.

Don't miss this eye-opening episode that challenges the very foundations of homeopathy and calls for a more rational approach to medicine. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider subscribing. 

Stay informed and stay rational.

Unbelievably, we now live in a world where a State will mandate that al public school classrooms MUST have a large copy of the ten Commandments on their walls.  I am arranging for guest attorneys to analyze this with me in a full episode, but today, I explain why this is a ten alarm fire when it comes to the separation of government and religion in the United States.

I continue the discussion of homeopathy as I ingest 240 pain relief pills all at once!  I then contact the Poison Control Center to find out what to do about my overdose.