Episode 45 Christian Zionism

For this episode we take a look at the tension between Israel and Palestine paying special attention to how Christian Zionists are perpetuating the conflict through their unconditional support for Israel. We also answer some listener email, explain why Buddhism is on both the props and shit-list for this week, and we introduce a new segment—the Gospel of Doubt.

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Episode 44 Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll with guest Ethan Nadelmann

Religion gets in the way of having fun. But for this special vice episode the doubtcasters celebrate those sins that can bring so much joy to our lives: sex, drugs and rock & roll. We begin by exploring XXXChurch.com (the leading Christian porn site - Check out their former mascot "Wally" here) which offers old time sexual repression in a hip new trendy package. We also discuss the religious roots of drug prohibition with Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. We conclude the episode with a selection, chosen by our listeners, of some of the best freethinking music out there. We hope you enjoy our goofy, irreverent (and hopefully informative) celebration of vice.

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Episode 43 Stewards of this Earth

As citizens of earth we all have a responsibility to protect the planet. But even today many maintain the belief that God granted human beings dominion over the whole of creation—that the earth exists for our benefit. For philosophical naturalists, evolution compels us to confront the fact that we are not fundamentally different from non-human animals. As fully natural beings must consider how our attitudes and actions impact other species and the environment as a whole. An increasing number of Christian evangelicals are also reevaluating their attitudes towards the environment and are rejecting dominion for a new concept—stewardship. For this episode we examine the new “green” evangelicalism, and challenge our fellow skeptics to consider the moral implications of our kinship with all life.


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Share your Gospel of Doubt

Doubters,

Over the past couple of years we Doubtcasters have shared our stories about those events, people, arguments and ideas that helped bring us out of the fog of irrational religious belief into the light of reason.

And now: It's your turn.

We're starting a new segment called "The Gospel of Doubt" and we need your help.

We're looking for your stories and your reasons for joining the ranks of the godless. When did you lose your faith? Why did you lose your faith? Did you ever have faith? What are the arguments you ran into that started you down your path to disbelief? What books did you read, what friends did you make, or what events did you go through that helped you embrace the natural over the supernatural?

If you'd like to share with us your "Gospel of Doubt," send us an essay of 200 words or less that addresses some of the issues above to doubtcast@gmail.com.

Many of you are probably familiar with NPR's "This I Believe" series (or if not, check it out here http://thisibelieve.org/) -- that's kind of the idea of what we're looking for . . . only it's more of a "This I Don't Believe."

If you can record it yourself and send us an MP3, that's fantastic (please do include the text of the essay so we can put it up on our website in non-audio format), if not, please include your phone number and we'll record it right over the phone because we want your voices to be heard. If, for whatever reason, you can't or don't want to have your literal voice heard, but do want to share your story, let us know and we'll work something out.

This is your chance to make an important contribution to the show and share your story with all of our listeners. So start sending in those entries to "The Gospel of Doubt."

Thank you, as always, for supporting the show and we're eagerly looking forward to hearing your stories.

Episode 42 Onward Christian Soldiers

Over the past month a series of disturbing revelations put the subject of Christian militarism back in the headlines. So for this episode the Doubtcasters revisit “the Lords Army.” When historically did Christian fundamentalism take root in the American Armed Forces? Can we expect any changes with this new administration? And for a new “God thinks like you” segment, we examine the dangerous connection between pre-millennial eschatology and nuclear war. Also, for this week’s “Skeptics Sunday School” we take a look at the biblical passage known as the “great commission” and why it’s highly unlikely Jesus would have taught such a thing.

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Godless Music Reviews

This summer on the doubtcast we're going to spend some time talking about godless music but in order to do it right, we need your help.

If there is a song you like that deals with themes of atheism, humanistic ethics, naturalistic philosophy and all those sorts of things here's what you need to do:

1. Send us the info on the song (title, artist) along with a review of 15 words or less about why you like the song.

OR

2. If you're one of those tech savvy folks out there, you can record yourself reviewing the song and email us the sound file at doubtcast@gmail.com Keep it brief because we'd like to include as many different suggestions as possible.

OR

3. Send us your song suggestion and a phone number where we can reach you and we'll call you and talk with you on the air about your song suggestions. (NOTE: We'll set up a time to call, we won't just call you out of the blue. Also, we won't give out your phone number to anyone for any purpose. Your digits are safe with us).

We need your help on this, ladies and gentlemen, so please, start sending in your reviews ASAP.

In Reason,

~Fletch

Bonus Episode: Guest Appearance on "Faith and Reason" with host Bill Freeman

The Reasonable Doubts crew were recently guests on the "Faith and Reason" radio show hosted by Bill Freeman. Since we often focus on the claims of fundamentalists and conservative Christians this was our chance to engage with the ideas of with religious liberals. As we quickly discovered this is not as easy as it sounds. But we've offered it up for your listening "pleasure." After listening please share any tips you might have for nailing Jello to a wall.

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Episode 41 A Friendly Interview With David Myers

For this episode we interview Dr. David Myers, Professor of Psychology at Hope College, contributor to Skeptic Magazine and author of A Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists: Why God is Good and Faith Isn’t Evil. Myers explains how his experience as a psychologist and promoter of critical thinking has influenced his religious faith. Also, the Doubtcasters engage Myer in a friendly debate over what role religion itself plays in making people “happy, healthy and helpful.”

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