AOF Online - Freethought News

Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs, Vatican says

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The FFRF Action Fund commends Congressional Freethought Caucus members for their strong stand against a Trump administration executive order seeking to divert public funds to private religious schools.

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What's your favorite excuse you've heard from a Christian when you've cornered them on their hypocrisy?

One of mine is when you point out that since they're so concerned about Leviticus, why are they wearing mixed fabrics? The response I tend to hear is "Well that's just the old testament." Soooooo is Genesis negated to you?[…]

‘This is the moment to act’: Southern Baptist Convention calls on Congress to defund Planned Parenthood.

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Bathroom panics are nothing new: "As advocates for reason-based, secular policymaking, we have a responsibility to ask ourselves where proposed laws and regulations are coming from, what data backs them, and what problem they’re actually trying to solve."

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Republican AG sues cities for Christian counselors’ right to turn LGBTQ+ youth straight | Missouri AG Andrew Bailey says religious freedom means psychologists have a right to practice conversion therapy.

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MAGA preacher is 'elevating pro-slavery theologians' in bid to end 'woke Jesus'.

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I have compiled a list of arguments from MAGA, and have developed a cheat sheet for how to ruin any of their arguments. Before I release the document, I would like to know if any of you have any arguments you'd like debunked. I'll List what I have so far.

This is a list of arguments I hear during debates with MAGA or what I hear from podcasts, Trump, and other MAGA outlets: The Thought Process of the Educated MAGA Critic of Both Sides Are Educated MAGA Supporters Seeking Actual[…]

The best proofs of God's existence (post more)

Things could have been worse. Things are not worse. Therefore God exists. It's blasphemous to ask for proofs of God's existence. Therefore God exists. A watch must have a maker. A watch is part of the universe. Therefore God exists.[…]

50 Christians killed, dozens kidnapped in Nigeria since late January

About 50 Christians were killed, dozens kidnapped and homes destroyed since late January in several attacks spanning southern to northern Nigeria, Christian persecution watchdog groups said. At least three pastors were killed in attacks in Kaduna in north-central Nigeria and[…]

Jewish Baseball Star Alex Bregman Signs With Boston Red Sox In Record Deal

Alex Bregman, the slugging third baseman who wore a Star of David on his cap following the Oct. 7 attacks, reportedly signed with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday in a contract that will give him the highest salary ever[…]

‘Money, Lies and God’: Christian Nationalism And Threats To Democracy During Trump 2.0

(REVIEW) Author of “The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism,” author Katherine Stewart picks up where that 2020 book left off in her new work “Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy.” In[…]

I swear, if I see ONE MORE AD with…

"He G3ts Us" I'm going to blow my own head off. Who are the people who make these commercials and ads? And who does it fool? Most of them try to appeal to peoples' sense of community and wanting to[…]

“License to Proceed” – Psychic Detectives, Preventable Disease, and Tears of Blood

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Skeptical Inquirer’s latest video from CSICon 2024 features Richard Saunders’s presentation on “Psychic Detectives: False Trails.” Saunders discusses reports of psychics “assisting” with police[…]

‘Rule Breakers’ Could Have Stood to Break Even More Rules In This Formulaic Drama

(REVIEW) The film follows Roya Mahboob, an Afghan woman whose passion in life is giving young girls a chance at a better life by teaching them computer programming. She decides that the only way to gain popular support for her[…]

‘Being A Blessing’: Departing Megachurch Leader Says Love Has Been His Motivation

In January, Jon Weece, the senior pastor (official title: “lead follower”) at Central Kentucky’s Southland Christian Church, announced he’ll step down from his position in January 2026 to become just a regular member of the church.

Exclusive: Plight Of Nuns During Sudan’s Civil War Highlights Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Last year, a handful of Salesian nuns worked to keep a small school and religious center in Khartoum open. As siege-like conditions worsened, they coordinated with Sudanese officials for an escape. An investigation by Religion Unplugged has revealed new details[…]

Have Water Bottles Become Essential Accessories?

There's one thing I can count on seeing in every meeting I attend. At least 20% of the attendees will have brought large water bottles, and the numbers are often much higher. I've been in meetings where I was the[…]

Trust The Plan: Does Religion Drive Conspiratorial Thinking?

(ANALYSIS) Both prophets and conspiracy theorists fulfill a human need to find order in chaos. This overlap raises intriguing questions: Are religious belief and conspiratorial thinking positively linked, as both require imaginative leaps? Or do religious frameworks provide all the[…]

How Pastors Can Cast A Vision To Develop ‘Culture Of Prayer’

(ANALYSIS) Everyone in your church can pray. From older saints to younger children, we all learn to pray by praying. Work, therefore, to create more meaningful times for prayer in all existing services, and schedule more dynamic prayer meetings. Any[…]

Crossroads Podcast: Peter Thiel And Silicon Valley’s Spiritual Seekers

I’m not suggesting that the New York Times team that produced this recent feature — “Seeking God, or Peter Thiel, in Silicon Valley” — needed to dig into the works of this Orthodox monk. This business-desk feature was the hook for this week’s[…]

“My Colleagues Should Know Better” – RFK Jr. Confirmed, Scopes Centennial, and the Ten Commandments

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. To our great disappointment—but likely no one’s surprise—the Senate voted Thursday morning to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health[…]

“Faith in God or Gods Is Unjustified, Harmful, and Dangerous”

And calling atheism a faith is lameThis meme popped up on my Facebook feed recently: “When a man creates a god, he can tell you all about him, what he likes and dislikes. That’s how imagination-gods work.” This describes a practice that[…]

Faith, Hope And LA: The Positive Side Of Reporting On Way Too Many Disasters

Our columnist witnesses a whole lot of despair, but he always looks for a measure of hope. He explains why — and how — as he reports from the scene of Southern California’s deadly wildfires.

Honest Sermons about the Gospel of Mark: Chapter 1

The clergy know that honesty about the Bible is riskyI was a preacher for nine years, so I do know a thing or two about sermons. And from my perspective now, I will offer my opinion on how honest sermons differ from[…]

SCA Lobby Day 2025: Together we can protect public education

The Secular Coalition for America needs your help on Lobby Day to oppose a bill that would lower tax revenue by up to $10 billion and send that same amount in school vouchers to private and religious schools. This program[…]

David Eller On Morality and Religion

Once again cultural anthropologist Dr. David Eller has granted us access to a large amount of text, from his excellent book, Atheism Advanced: Further Thoughts of a Freethinker, pp. 365-390. If you want to learn about morality this is very good,[…]

CFI Statement on the Senate’s Vote to Confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting evidence-based science and debunking health and wellness misinformation in all its forms, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) is deeply disappointedthat the United States Senate voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to[…]

“It’s a Total Fabrication” – Confirmation Vote Countdown, OPP Testimony, and More from CSICon 2024

Happy International Darwin Day, everybody! Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. According to CNN, the Senate is likely to vote on confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday morning. That[…]

What Is Evidence?

What counts as evidence? In my previous blog post, Rapoport’s Rules Meet the Outsider Test, I mentioned the dispute over what counts as evidence: When discussing religion with persons of faith, try to be aware of their tactic of framing[…]

“A Tactic to Gain Power, Influence, and Momentum” – Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Darwin Day, and a Crisis in Gaines County

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s regular roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Registration opened this morning from our next Skeptical Inquirer Presents livestream on February 20. Join us for a presentation by Professor Peter Hotez on[…]

“Countering the Next Phase of American Anti-Vaccine Activism” | Peter Hotez on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Thursday, February 20

Anti-vaccine activism has been present throughout American history, but the movement gained considerable momentum in the twenty-first century based on false claims that vaccines cause autism in the 2000s and “health freedom” protests against childhood immunization mandates in schools in[…]

Are Democrats in Danger of Losing Voters of Color?

Since the last U.S. presidential election, I've seen lots of blame assigned to White people. This keeps popping up, and I saw more of it as recently as today. Nobody is claiming that all White people voted for Trump, but[…]

Is Atheism a Religious Faith? A Definitive Answer!

A new essay of mine just dropped at the Secular Web. See what you think! Is Atheism a Religious Faith? A Definitive Answer!

David Eller On Freeing Ourselves (and Others) From Misunderstandings of Atheism

David Eller, as many of you know, is pretty much my favorite scholar/author at this point, next to just a very limited number of others. As a friend he's allowing me to publish the very best, next to none chapter,[…]

“A Prelude to Their Conversion” – Critical Thinking, Cold Reading, and Probing ‘Anti-Christian Bias’

Ahoy-hoy! Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Free Inquiry editor Ronald Lindsay’s Thursday column looks at the “bizarre alliance” that he believes will “prevent a lasting, just peace from coming to[…]

“An Unequivocal Statement” – Cassidy Capitulates, New CSICon 2024 Video, and Darwin Day Planning

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. The Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s HHS nomination to the full Senate yesterday. This comes after[…]

We Oppose the Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA), alongside its coalition partners, has submitted a letter to Senators John Thune and Charles Schumer to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). As organizations,[…]

Rapoport's Rules Meet the Outsider Test

Rapoport’s Rules for Debate According to the English Wikipedia, Daniel Dennett (March 28, 1942 – April 19, 2024) “was an American philosopher and cognitive scientist. His research centered on the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of science, and the philosophy[…]

“Not a Doctor” – Skeptical Inquirer Presents, School Vouchers, and Secular Oaths

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. This Thursday evening, CFI Director of Education Bertha Vazquez will be the featured guest for a FREE Skeptical Inquirer Presents livestream where she’ll discuss[…]

"Memoirs" of Earliest Christian Cultic Legends

Anglican apologetic writer (undeserving of the designation “scholar”) Richard Bauckham in his Jesus and the Eyewitnesses perpetuated the faith-bolstering theory that since Papias and Justin Martyr described earliest gospel texts as ἀπομνημονεύματα, this term implicitly determined their mode and genre[…]

It Should Be Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris, and Loftus

As others have said as wellCarl Sagan once said, “I don’t want to believe, I want to know.” I have encountered so many churchgoers who are satisfied with belief—and they trust that their clergy have taught them correct beliefs. There appears[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Flooding the Zone in Washington

I could pick one or two things that happened since Inauguration Day and discuss, but there are so many that this is just going to be a list. A very troubling list. On Inauguration Day President Trump repealed numerous[…]

“A Clear and Obvious Establishment Clause Violation” – A Letter to Texas, Confirmation Struggles, and New TIES Webinars

Ahoy-hoy! Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (very deservedly) had a rough couple of days testifying before the Senate this week. I hope you’ll excuse the[…]

American Humanists Condemn Trump’s Executive Orders on School Voucher Expansion

Public students must be free from religious interference or indoctrination. The post American Humanists Condemn Trump’s Executive Orders on School Voucher Expansion appeared first on American Humanist Association.

“All We Need is a Handful of Senators” – RFK Jr. on the Hill, Ghost Photos, and Hitchens on Thomas Paine

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. As we go to press this morning, the Senate Committee on Finance is just getting underway with its first hearing over Robert F. Kennedy[…]

Secular Organizations Oppose the Nomination of Russell Vought to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA), along with its 20 coalition partners, has submitted a letter to Senators John Thune and Charles Schumer, in opposition to the nomination of Russell Vought to be director of the Office of Management and[…]

CFI Statement: Why the Senate Committee on Finance Must Reject Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services

The Center for Inquiry submitted the following statement for inclusion in the official record on the United States Senate Committee on Finance’s Hearing to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and[…]

“More is Being Taught about Evolution” – The Latest Free Inquiry, Climate Change Education, and Charter Schools at SCOTUS

Welcome to the Morning Heresy, CFI’s thrice-weekly roundup of news and headlines for the reality-based community. The new February/March issue of Free Inquiry is now available to read online and features in-depth explorations of transgender controversies and two important myths[…]

“What Teachers Want to Know about Climate Change” | Bertha Vazquez on Skeptical Inquirer Presents, Thursday, February 6

Do teachers feel knowledgeable when it comes to teaching about climate change? How many hours a week (or year?!) are devoted to climate science in our nation’s schools? Is climate change even part of the national science curriculum? CFI Education[…]

A life Dedicated to Serving Others, with God Finally Left Behind

Testimony to the high moral standards of many non-believersOne of the surprising developments of our time—or maybe it’s not so surprising—is the marked increase of people who admit that they have no religious affiliation. They have been labeled the “nones.”[…]

American Humanists Launch Three New Ways for Humanists to Find Community, Connect Digitally

Providing ways to be inspired, motivated, and uplifted. The post American Humanists Launch Three New Ways for Humanists to Find Community, Connect Digitally appeared first on American Humanist Association.

How Does Any Group Thrive Without Schisms?

Every online community I've ever been a part of has faced the threat of fragmentation at some point. Some people become dissatisfied with the status quo. It could be the moderation policies, the tone, the behavior of some members, or[…]

Secular Organizations Urge Senators to Oppose the Nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense

The Secular Coalition for America (SCA), along with its 20 coalition partners, has submitted a letter to Senators John Thune and Charles Schumer, urging them to reject Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense. Based on his strong authoritarian tendencies,[…]

Response to Secular Groups that Claim Scientists Are Shills for Christian Nationalism

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) stands for reason, science, and secularism and has been doing so for nearly fifty years. We are often the speakers of inconvenient truths: There is no evidence that you will see your departed loved one[…]

Atheism Doesn't Hold the Appeal It Once Did

Some aspects of our various identities fall outside our control. I can't control where I was born, for example. And while I recognize that this one will be more controversial for some, I can't control that I am an atheist.[…]

Statement from American Atheist, Humanist, Freethought, and Secular Groups Affirming Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights

We cannot and will not ignore bigotry, no matter its source. The post Statement from American Atheist, Humanist, Freethought, and Secular Groups Affirming Commitment to Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights appeared first on American Humanist Association.

ACLU-WV, American Humanists Challenge $5 Million Water Funds Grant to ‘Radically Catholic’ School

"No one should have to pay taxes to fund someone else's religion." The post ACLU-WV, American Humanists Challenge $5 Million Water Funds Grant to ‘Radically Catholic’ School appeared first on American Humanist Association.

ACLU-WV, American Humanists Challenge $5 Million Water Funds Grant to ‘Radically Catholic’ School

"No one should have to pay taxes to fund someone else's religion." The post ACLU-WV, American Humanists Challenge $5 Million Water Funds Grant to ‘Radically Catholic’ School appeared first on American Humanist Association.

“A Conversation with Paul Offit: What RFK Jr.’s Confirmation Could Mean for the American Health Care System—and Why We Should Oppose It” | Thursday, January 23, on Skeptical Inquirer Presents

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was announced, public health advocates around the nation began sounding the alarm. The Center for Inquiry called him “wholly unqualified and manifestly unfit,”[…]

Heretic on the Hill on the Hill’s Opening Day

Friday was the first day of the new Congress. Every Senator and House member gets sworn in and both parties elect their party leaders. It was a little more dramatic than usual for the House Republicans but Mike Johnson kept the worst[…]

From the Intern Desk: What the Founding Fathers Did and Didn’t Believe

There is much debate in the modern age over the United States’ spiritual origins. Specifically, whether we were created as a Christian nation or a secular one. One of the most common arguments in favor of the Christian origin is[…]

When You Are the First Atheist They've Met

Have you ever had a Christian tell you that you are the first atheist they've ever met? I've heard from some atheists that they have strong negative reactions to this. Some don't believe it could be true. I suppose that[…]

Did the News Media Betray the Public Trust?

I don't want to blame the mainstream news media in the United States for two terms of Donald Trump. Doing so requires a big shift in how I've viewed the news media for most of my life. I'd prefer to[…]

Heretic on the Hill: The Unqualifiedness is the Point

Much of the activity on Capitol Hill right now centers on who will hold what leadership positions in the House and Senate and the progress or lack of it by the controversial nominees for cabinet posts who need Senate confirmation.[…]

Deconstructing the Holiday Season

I find it encouraging when people recognize that some aspects of their culture are dysfunctional. If the alternative is not recognizing it, I'll take recognition any day! Once we recognize that something may be harmful, we can do something about[…]

We’re Living Through a Historic Time – Now What do we do About It?

“I’m tired of living through historic events.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply during this time. In the past four years of American history, we’ve navigated a global pandemic, witnessed the overturn of Roe v Wade, and faced the[…]

AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays

Gov. DeSantis' harmful policies make holiday season difficult to afford. The post AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays

Gov. DeSantis' harmful policies make holiday season difficult to afford. The post AHA Launches Campaign to Provide Gifts, Supplies to Florida Families for the Holidays appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Moments After Which There Is No Going Back

What is it about the 2024 U.S. presidential election that I'm still having a hard time coming to terms with? It isn't the outcome itself, as that did not surprise me. I figured that Trump would win. It was clear[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Getting Ready For 2025 (the year not the Project)

Thanks to the hundreds of people who used our Action Alert last week to ask their House members to oppose the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act which contains a provision that could be used to target nonprofits that[…]

Less Objectionable Social Media Alternatives to X

Back before Elon Musk bought what was then called Twitter, I was a regular user. At one time, I had three separate accounts on the platform. I deleted one accounts because it was for a blog I had closed, but[…]

‘The Worst Possible Choice’: Center for Inquiry Blasts Selection of RFK, Jr. to Head Health and Human Services

Following the announcement that President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Inquiry (CFI) President and CEO Robyn Blumner issued the following statement: “Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.[…]

Giving Ourselves Permission To Grieve Our Own Way

I find it helpful to remember that grief is a process, and everybody grieves in different ways. There isn't a "right way" to do it that will apply to everyone. There isn't a set time limit by which you should[…]

AHA Stands Ready to Defend Constitution, Uphold Church-State Separation

They cannot take away our democracy unless we allow them to. The post AHA Stands Ready to Defend Constitution, Uphold Church-State Separation appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Stands Ready to Defend Constitution, Uphold Church-State Separation

They cannot take away our democracy unless we allow them to. The post AHA Stands Ready to Defend Constitution, Uphold Church-State Separation appeared first on American Humanist Association.

The Circumstances Have Changed. Our Mission Has Not.

The Center for Inquiry is dedicated to promoting reason, science, and secular values. That has been true since this organization was founded. It was true yesterday. And it remains true today. It is likely that the election results will usher[…]

American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel

Where theocracy goes, violence follows. The post American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel

Where theocracy goes, violence follows. The post American Humanist Association Calls for Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, & Respect for International Law in Gaza and Israel appeared first on American Humanist Association.

AHA Announces New Executive Director Fish Stark, says “Game On” to Christian Nationalists

Lifelong humanist with an impressive array of experience. The post AHA Announces New Executive Director Fish Stark, says “Game On” to Christian Nationalists appeared first on American Humanist Association.