The Non-Prophets

In this refreshing and hopeful episode of The Non-Prophets, the hosts celebrate some rare good news for secular politics: the Congressional Freethought Caucus has added two new members—Representatives Judy Chu and Delia Ramirez. The panel explores what the Freethought Caucus stands for, why secular representation matters, and how language, humanism, and smart tactics can help normalize atheists and nonreligious values in public office. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring discussion on the future of reason-based policy in government.

News Source

The Friendly Atheist, “The Congressional Freethought Caucus just added two new members”
By Hemant Mehta, May 12, 2025

https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/the-congressional-freethought-caucus?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=oa4eg&triedRedirect=true

The Non-Prophets 24.13.25 with Helen, Rob, Tracy, and Friends

Prospective Titles Freethought Caucus Grows—And That’s Good News 🧠 Two New Members Join Congress’s Secular Side 🏛️ Judy Chu and Delia Ramirez Join the Freethought Fight 👏 Freethought Caucus Hits 28 Members—More Reason in Politics! 🗳️ Congress Has a Secular Caucus?! And It’s Growing! 🤯 Secular Momentum in Government? Yes, Please! 🚀 Can Atheists Get Elected? The Freethought Caucus Says Maybe 🧩 Why Reason-Based Policy Isn’t Just for Atheists 🧬 The Freethought Caucus: Fighting Dogma with Data 📊 Can You Be Religious and Support Church-State Separation? ✝️✡️☪️➡️📏 Humanism in Politics: A Quiet but Crucial Revolution 🌍 Is the Freethought Caucus the Best Kept Secret in Congress? 🕵️ Meet the Quiet Champions of Secular Government 🤫 More Freethinkers in Congress? That’s a Critical Hit 🎲 From Dungeons to Democracy: Freethought Levels Up 🧙‍♂️

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In this deeply unsettling episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel confronts the tragic and controversial case of Adriana Smith—a brain-dead woman in Georgia whose body is being kept on life support to carry a pregnancy to term. Despite being legally dead, Georgia’s abortion restrictions prevent her family from making medical decisions, effectively reducing her to an incubator. The hosts examine the ethical, legal, and human rights implications of this case, exploring how far the state’s control over reproductive bodies can go—even beyond death.

News Source

11Alive.com, “Adriana Smith case raises questions about Georgia’s heartbeat law”
By Kate Brumback, May 19, 2025

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/adriana-smith-case-raises-questions-georgia-heartbeat-law/85-8beefae8-daca-4ef8-86f4-82575a09cf0f

The Non-Prophets 24.13.25 with Helen, Tracy, Rob, and Friends

She’s Dead. But the State Won’t Let Her Go ⚰️ Georgia Uses Brain-Dead Woman as an Incubator 🧠 Who Owns Your Body After Death? Georgia Has an Answer 🚫 No Rights in Life, No Rights in Death 👎 Pregnant and Brain-Dead: The Law That Traps Her Family 💔 The State vs. Adriana’s Family: Reproductive Rights After Death ⚖️ From Patient to Property: The Horrors of Posthumous Pregnancy 👀 Adriana Smith Is Gone—But Georgia Still Controls Her Body 🏛️ The Dystopia Is Here: Dead Women Used for Pregnancy 🤰 When “Pro-Life” Means Control After Death 🕯️ This Georgia Law Treats Corpses Better Than Pregnant Women 🧬 Brain Death Isn’t the End in Georgia 💉 No Voice in Life, No Peace in Death 💢 Her Family Can’t Mourn—The State Said No 🛑 The Future of Forced Birth? Just Look at Georgia 🔍

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In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel unpacks a troubling new bill—The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act—that threatens to redefine what counts as “obscene” in America. Framed as protecting public decency, the bill could lead to sweeping censorship of porn, LGBTQ+ content, art, and personal expression. The hosts expose the vague language, moral posturing, and religious overtones driving the legislation, and explore how it could impact everything from adult entertainment to free speech. It's not about protecting children—it's about control.

News Source

Interesting Engineering, “New obscenity bill could trigger anti-porn prosecution”
By Aamir Khollam, May 12, 2025

https://interestingengineering.com/culture/new-obscenity-bill-could-trigger-anti-porn-prosecution

The Non-Prophets 24.13.24 with Helen, Rob, Tracy, E.J. 

The Porn Panic Is Back: A 1950s Morality Reboot 📼 Is This Bill the End of Free Expression? 🛑 Obscenity Laws Could Censor Everything—Including You 😬 The Government Wants to Define What’s “Too Sexy” 🧐 Porn, Art, and Freedom: What’s Really at Risk? 🎨 Obscenity Redefined: The Dangerous New Anti-Sex Bill 🚫 Adults Only? Not If Congress Gets Its Way ⚖️ Interstate Obscenity Act: Censorship Disguised as Morality 🕵️ This Law Could Ban Shakespeare, Satire, and Sex Work 📝 Is Your Favorite Movie Now Illegal? Thanks, Congress! 🎬 From OnlyFans to Oscar Films: Who Gets Caught in the Ban? 📲 The Bible Belt Strikes Again: Obscenity vs. Reality 📚 Who Gets to Decide What’s Obscene? 🧠 Rule 34 vs. Rule of Law: Are We All Criminals Now? 💻 Legislation or Inquisition? Obscenity Law Sparks Backlash 🔥

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In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel explores the Democratic Party’s surprising new strategy: using religion to push back against Trump-era policies. From Capitol Hill vigils to Bible-quoting sit-ins, leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Cory Booker are invoking Scripture and moral framing to regain ground with religious voters. But does this signal genuine change—or is it political theater? The hosts examine whether moral messaging can replace policy-driven advocacy, and what it means for secular voters and marginalized communities alike.

News Source

Religion News Service (RNS), “To put pressure on Trump, Democrats turn to religion—and religious activists” By Jack Jenkins, May 7, 2025 https://religionnews.com/2025/05/07/to-put-pressure-on-trump-democrats-turn-to-religion-and-religious-activists/

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.20.3 featuring Helen Greene, Stephen Harder, The Ejector Seat and Cindy Plaza Democrats Quote Scripture to Challenge Trump 📖 Holy Shifts: Are Democrats Playing the Religion Card? 🕊️ Faith vs. Fascism: Is This the Democrats’ New Strategy? ⚖️ When Politics Goes to Church: Democrats’ Religious Pivot ⛪ Democrats Use Bible Verses to Push Policy… Seriously? 🤨 Progressive Prayers: Can Democrats Reclaim Religion? 🙏 Fighting Trump with Scripture: Will It Work? 🔥📜 Holy Strategy or Hollow Stunt? Democrats Go Devout 🤔 From Pews to Protests: Democrats Turn to Religion 📢 Can Democrats Preach Their Way to Victory? 🗳️ God and Government: A New Democratic Fusion? 🧩 Is Quoting the Bible Enough to Win Back Voters? 🧠❤️ Can Faith Messaging Save the Left? 🕊️ Democrats Try Religion: Desperation or Genius? 🎭 Piety and Policy: A Divine Detour or a Dead End? 🛤️

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In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel reacts to the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—and what his leadership might mean for the Catholic Church. While some see the appointment of Robert Francis Prevost as a possible attempt at modernization, others remain skeptical. The team discusses the Pope’s political views, possible reform efforts, and the Catholic Church’s long, global history of corruption and harm. Is this new pope a sign of change—or just another face for an unchanging institution?

News Source

Yahoo News!, “Who is Robert Francis Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV, and how will his political views shape his papacy?” By Andrew Romano, May 9, 2025 https://www.yahoo.com/news/who-is-robert-francis-prevost-the-new-pope-leo-xiv-and-how-will-his-political-views-shape-his-papacy-204820387.html

The Non-Prophets 24.13.22 with Helen, Cindy, E.J., Stephen, and Tinny America’s First Pope: Progress or PR Move? 🇺🇸 Pope Leo XIV: Hopeful Reformer or Status Quo? 🤔 White Smoke, Same Problems: Meet the New Pope 💭 Can an American Pope Fix the Catholic Church? 🧩 Pope Leo XIV: Reform or Rebrand? 🔄 New Pope, Old Problems: Is the Church Changing? 🕊️ The Catholic Church Gets an American Upgrade… Maybe? 🚨 Does Pope Leo XIV Signal Real Reform? 🧐 Pope or Politician? The U.S. Influence on Vatican Power 🇻🇦 Catholicism in Crisis: Can This Pope Save It? 💔 Will the First American Pope Make a Difference? 📉 Skepticism Greets America’s First Pope 🌐 From Chicago to the Vatican: The Rise of Pope Leo XIV ✝️ Can Pope Leo XIV Clean House? 🧹 The Pope, the Politics, and the Problem with Power ⚖️

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In this heartfelt and painful segment, The Non-Prophets discuss a mother’s public reckoning with sending her son to conversion therapy. Connie Hoying, mother of Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying, recounts the regret and harm caused by trying to "pray the gay away" in her new memoir. The panel dives into the psychological damage of so-called “ex-gay therapy,” its religious justifications, and why it must be seen—and banned—as a form of torture. LGBTQ Nation originally published this personal story of reflection, harm, and hope.

News Source

LGBTQ Nation, “I Regretted Sending My Son to Conversion Therapy” by Connie Hoying, May 5, 2025 https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/i-regretted-sending-my-son-to-conversion-therapy

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.20.2 featuring Helen Greene, Stephen Harder, The Ejector Seat and Cindy Plaza

She Sent Her Son to Conversion Therapy… Then Regretted It 😢 Mother of Pentatonix Singer Reveals Painful Regret 💔 The Trauma of "Praying the Gay Away" Must End 🛑 Conversion Therapy Is Still Happening—Here’s the Harm 🧠 He Survived Conversion Therapy—But Many Don’t 😢 Why This Mom Wrote a Book About Sending Her Son to Ex-Gay Therapy 📖 Conversion Therapy: A Religious Practice or Psychological Torture? ⚠️ Still Legal in the U.S.—Why Haven’t We Banned This Yet? 🚫 They Thought They Could “Fix” Him—They Were Wrong 🧍‍♂️➡️🧍‍♂️ Conversion Therapy Is Abuse. Period. 🧨 Religion vs. Reality: The Battle Over LGBTQ Acceptance 🌈 The Danger of “Ex-Gay” Ministries Exposed 🚷 From Conversion Therapy to Acceptance—One Family’s Story 💡 Conversion Therapy Didn’t Change Him. It Nearly Broke Him 💔 Scott Hoying’s Story Highlights Why We Must Ban Conversion Therapy Now ✋ 

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In a disturbing yet unsurprising twist, the U.S. Justice Department—under the Trump administration—backed the Catholic Church’s stance against mandatory reporting laws that would require clergy to report child abuse confessed during confessional.

The Non-Prophets panel unpacks the civil rights investigation launched against the law, discusses the implications for victims and justice, and contrasts global approaches to church accountability. How long can the confessional loophole shield abusers from consequences?

News Source

The Friendly Atheist, “Trump Justice Dept. Sides with Catholic Church in Fight Against Reporting Law” https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/trump-justice-dept-sides-with-catholic

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.20.1 featuring Helen Greene, Stephen Harder, The Ejector Seat and Cindy Plaza

DOJ Defends Church’s Right to Hide Abuse 🚨 Trump DOJ Backs Catholic Church Against Child Protection Law 🛑 Should Confession Be a Shield for Abusers? 🤐 The Confessional Loophole: A Predator’s Safe Haven? 🕳️ Justice Dept. Sides with Church Over Children 🙄 Why Is the DOJ Protecting Abusers in the Confessional? ⚖️ Confession or Cover-Up? DOJ Sparks Outrage 😡 Is Religious Privilege Undermining Justice? 🧎 Catholic Church Gets Federal Support to Silence Victims 😤 This Legal Loophole Is Protecting Predators 👿 Catholic Church Claims Confession More Important Than Children 🚫👶 Global Abuse, Local Silence: How the Church Stays Untouchable 🌍 Why Victims Still Can’t Get Justice from the Church ⛪💔 DOJ vs. Child Safety: What’s Really Being Protected? 🧒🔒 This Law Lets Abusers Off the Hook—And the Church Supports It 🤯

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Southern Baptist Convention membership has dropped to its lowest level in over 50 years, falling from nearly 13.7 million in 2021 to just over 12.7 million in 2025. While leaders tout rising baptism numbers, critics say this masks the real issue—declining relevance and aging congregations.

The Non-Prophets dive into what this means for American Christianity, global religious trends, and why the church’s cultural power may not be fading as fast as its pews.

News Source The Friendly Atheist, by Hemant Mehta, May 1, 2025

https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/southern-baptist-membership-hits

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.4 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman, and Jonathan Roudabush

Southern Baptist Membership Plummets to 50-Year Low 📉
Why the SBC Is Losing Hundreds of Thousands of Members 🚪
Are Baptisms Hiding a Bigger Problem in the Southern Baptist Church? 💦
Church Shrinkage: What the SBC Decline Really Means ⛪
From Pandemic to Exodus: The SBC’s Ongoing Membership Crisis 🦠
Is the Church Dying—or Just Moving Online? 💻
Southern Baptists in Denial While Their Numbers Fall 🕳️
Faith in Decline: What’s Causing the Southern Baptist Drop? 🙏
The SBC Is Shrinking—But Is Religion Actually Growing? 🌍
Is the Southern Baptist Church Becoming a Relic of the Past? 🏛️
Can the SBC Survive the Modern Age? 🔄
What’s Fueling the Exodus from Southern Baptist Churches? 🚶
SBC Numbers Down, Baptisms Up—Does It Mean Anything? 🤔
How Cults of Personality Are Replacing Denominations 😮
Decline of Denominations: Is Christianity Going Rogue? 🧨

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A Milwaukee judge is facing federal charges after allegedly helping a man avoid ICE agents by allowing him to exit through a jury door—agents who only had a non-judicial warrant. Judge Hannah Dugan’s defenders argue she was upholding constitutional protections, not obstructing justice. Is this a principled stand for civil rights, or a threat to law enforcement authority?

The Non-Prophets examine what’s legal, what’s moral, and what it means for judicial independence in an increasingly polarized system.

News Source Reuters, by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward, April 25, 2025

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fbi-director-says-arrested-judge-obstructing-immigration-operation-2025-04-25/

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.3 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman,and Jonathan Roudabush

Judge Arrested for Blocking ICE Agents: Justice or Overreach? ⚖️
Can a Judge Be Charged for Defending the Constitution? 🇺🇸
Federal Agents Arrest Judge—But Who’s Actually Breaking the Law? 🚨
Wisconsin Judge Faces Charges After Halting ICE Operation ❄️
When Following the Law Becomes a Crime 👩‍⚖️
Feds Target Judge for Upholding Civil Rights—Sound Familiar? 🧾
A Milwaukee Judge Takes a Stand. Was It Illegal? 🛑
ICE Used a Non-Judicial Warrant—Judge Said No. Now She's Charged 🚫
Arrested for Justice? Judge Dugan’s Constitutional Showdown 🧑‍⚖️
Did This Judge Obstruct Justice—or Preserve It? 🕊️
The Fight Over Fake Warrants and Real Rights ⚔️
Judge Faces Prison for Doing Her Job—What’s Going On? 🧩
ICE, Internment, and the Return of Unchecked Power 🔁
Who Gets to Decide What’s Legal? One Judge's Bold Stand 📜
The Justice Department’s War on Judges Starts Now ⚔️

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A Georgia elementary school sparked national outrage after posting “Whites Only” and “Blacks Only” signs over water fountains during a lesson on desegregation. The teacher claimed it was part of a history lesson on Ruby Bridges, but the move left students confused and targeted, and parents furious. Was this an ill-conceived attempt at immersive education—or a reckless display that retraumatized and divided?

The Non-Prophets break down the controversy, ethics, and long-term impact.

News Source The Independent via Yahoo News, by Katie Hawkinson, April 24, 2025

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/honey-creek-elementary-signs-georgia-b2739151.html

The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.2 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman, and Jonathan Roudabush

Segregation Signs Posted at Georgia School Spark Outrage 🛑
"Whites Only" Signs in 2025? Yes, This Really Happened 📛
Teacher’s Desegregation Lesson Goes Horribly Wrong in Georgia ❌
History or Harm? Georgia School’s Segregation Signs Stir Backlash ⚠️
Georgia Teacher Under Fire for "Whites Only" Water Fountain Signs 💦
When History Lessons Hurt: Segregation Reenacted in a Classroom 🧠
Parents Furious After Racist Classroom Exercise in Georgia 🔥
Honey Creek Elementary Under Fire for Shocking Signs 🚸
Teaching Gone Too Far? Segregation Signs Shock Community 😨
Signs of the Past—Or a Present-Day Problem? Georgia School Controversy 🧾
NAACP Responds After Elementary School Sparks Racial Uproar 📣
Ruby Bridges Lesson Crosses the Line—And the Community Responds 👟
Educating or Endangering? The Trouble with “Realism” in History Class 🧑‍🏫
Georgia School’s “Segregation” Signs Raise Legal and Ethical Questions ⚖️
Backlash Erupts Over Segregation Display in Grade School History Class 📚

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