The Non-Prophets

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  • And we are The Non-Prophets!... airing on the first and third Sunday of every month, starting at 3:00 PM Central (01:30-03:00 UTC) on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thenonprophetsaca. The Non-Prophets focuses on atheism and the separation of church and state.

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    Copyright Atheist Community of Austin
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Episodios
  • What Happens when Jesus Doesn't Show up?

    What Happens when Jesus Doesn't Show up?
    Oct 2 2024
    I was a black child raised in a white supremacist cult. When doomsday didn't come, I had to learn how to live

    the Guardian, By Steve Rose, on September 10, 2024

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/sep/10/i-was-black-child-raised-in-white-supremacist-cult-doomsday-didnt-come-learn-how-to-live

    Gerald Walker's story is one of resilience in the face of extreme ideological manipulation. Growing up in the Worldwide Church of God, a doomsday cult with white supremacist beliefs, Walker’s childhood was filled with fear. From a young age, he was indoctrinated to believe the end of the world was imminent, but even more disturbingly, he and his family—being Black—had to navigate the church's deeply embedded racial hierarchy. Despite this, Walker's family believed they were chosen for salvation, even though their church saw them as inherently inferior. This paradox reveals the powerful grip such organizations hold on their members, using fear and divine justification to maintain control. When the church’s predictions of an impending apocalypse failed to materialize, Walker’s world began to unravel, forcing him to question everything he had been taught.

    The story sheds light on the complexities of identity, particularly how race and religion intersect in environments steeped in white supremacy. Walker's family was segregated within their own church, with Black members relegated to separate spaces, not allowed to worship alongside white members. Disturbingly, the church’s leader justified this segregation using Bible scripture, claiming that Black people were created to serve whites both on Earth and in heaven. This religious justification mirrored the same tactics used in the slave era when “slave Bibles” were doctored to omit passages about freedom and equality. Despite the blatant contradictions and racist doctrines, Walker’s family remained loyal to the church—a testament to the power of indoctrination and the social pressures within such groups.

    The psychological manipulation within these environments is evident, as cult members often cling to their beliefs despite clear evidence to the contrary. As children, individuals are especially susceptible to believing what they are taught, no matter how harmful those teachings may be. The sense of belonging to a community, no matter how toxic, can also prevent people from leaving, as rejecting the group feels like rejecting their identity and their support system.

    Walker’s journey from being trapped in this cult to finding his own voice as a writer is a story of courage and self-discovery. It reflects the challenges many people face when breaking away from authoritarian religious groups and highlights how deeply ingrained beliefs, especially those learned in childhood, can shape an individual’s worldview. His story also forces a critical reflection on how religious institutions, particularly those steeped in racist ideologies, use fear, control, and manipulation to perpetuate harmful narratives. Ultimately, Walker’s story is one of transformation, as he learns to rebuild his life, free from the fear and racism that once defined his existence.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.39.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Scott Dickie and AJ

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    26 m
  • Follow the Sheriff as he finds Christ

    Follow the Sheriff as he finds Christ
    Sep 30 2024
    Mississippi sheriff's solution to the drug crisis? Everyone must 'truly find Jesus'

    The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on September 13, 2024

    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/mississippi-sheriffs-solution-toChurch Attendance is (Once Again) Correlated with Authoritarianism — So Why Do We Refuse to Acknowledge It?

    Religion Dispatches by Chrissy Stroop on September 13, 2024

    https://religiondispatches.org/church-attendance-correlated-with-authoritarianism-again-so-why-do-we-still-refuse-to-acknowledge-it/

    The sheriff of Monroe County, Mississippi, recently posted two public messages after arresting a man for methamphetamine and weapons possession. He proclaimed that the only solution to the county’s drug problem was to find Jesus, raising concerns about mixing religious proselytization with law enforcement duties. His focus on religious salvation over actionable solutions to address the root causes of drug addiction sparked debate. The sheriff's belief that turning to religion, rather than critically addressing systemic issues, could solve the drug crisis highlights a troubling approach in regions saturated with religiosity.

    Additionally, research has indicated that individuals with higher religiosity often exhibit more authoritarian attitudes and lean toward conservative political figures. This correlation between religiosity and authoritarianism complicates efforts to address public health crises like drug addiction. The articles discussed point out that while religion may provide some individuals with tools to cope with addiction, it often relies on fear and dogma rather than addressing the root causes. In fact, there’s evidence that individuals sometimes replace one addiction, such as drugs, with religious fervor, which can be considered a process addiction.

    Interestingly, some religious recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous have reported success. However, studies show that non-religious recovery programs, which share structural similarities to religious ones, are just as effective. These programs focus on social support, group meetings, and creating a sober culture, rather than attributing success to divine intervention. The research suggests that it is not the religious content that makes a difference but the social support networks that these programs foster.

    In contrast to the religious approach, countries with more secular policies like Switzerland and the Netherlands have successfully used harm reduction programs, including supervised use sites, mental health treatment, and naloxone distribution. These initiatives have significantly reduced drug overdose rates and have been more effective than punitive measures or solely religious approaches. Though the U.S. attempted a decriminalization program in Oregon, the COVID pandemic hindered its full potential, ultimately leading to its repeal in 2022.

    The conversation highlights the tension between religious ideology and practical, evidence-based solutions to public health crises like drug addiction. While religious organizations offer community and support, focusing exclusively on spiritual salvation can overlook the underlying issues and solutions grounded in health policy and social services.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.39.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Scott Dickie and AJ

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    24 m
  • Russell Brand Kicks Off Tucker Carlson's Tour with Prayer for Unity

    Russell Brand Kicks Off Tucker Carlson's Tour with Prayer for Unity
    Sep 28 2024
    Newly-baptized Russell Brand helps kick off Tucker Carlson's US tour with prayer asking God to bring 'unity' at the Presidential election (after a joke about sneaking into America illegally and trafficking 'a few kids' with him)

    The Daily Mail, By Martin Robinson, on September 6, 2024

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13820663/Russell-Brand-Tucker-Carlson-tour.html

    This discussion centers on the controversy surrounding Russell Brand and his sudden public conversion to Christianity following accusations of sexual assault. Brand's move to associate with influential figures like Tucker Carlson is perceived as a strategy to win favor among white Christian nationalists and rebuild his public image. Carlson has publicly praised Brand, viewing him as a reformed figure who has embraced faith to escape his troubled past. This tour is framed as an attempt to win the battle in the court of public opinion.

    The conversation highlights skepticism about Brand's sincerity in converting, with parallels drawn between his actions and other public figures who invoke religion during crises. There's a focus on how religious figures and elites often protect individuals accused of misconduct, reflecting broader patterns of using faith as a shield for accountability.

    Tucker Carlson’s support of Brand also serves a dual purpose, potentially boosting his own image by aligning with a former liberal who appears to have “seen the light.” Their relationship is described as mutually beneficial, with Carlson using Brand’s celebrity to legitimize his own platform and Brand using Carlson’s influence to garner sympathy and support from conservative audiences. The conversation then shifts to whether Brand’s acting career is over, comparing his situation to other actors who became more aligned with conservative politics and saw their careers suffer.

    There's also a broader critique of Brand’s spiritual journey, moving from Buddhism to Christianity. Brand’s engagement with Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism, is criticized as superficial, part of a New Age trend that redefines these beliefs in ways that serve personal interests. His approach to Christianity is viewed similarly, with concerns that he’s adopting it as a means of protecting himself rather than as a genuine transformation.

    In summary, Brand’s actions are seen as a self-serving attempt to gain protection and rebrand himself, with Carlson playing a crucial role in elevating him within conservative circles.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.38.4 featuring Jimmy Jr., Kelley, and Jonathan Roudabush.

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    20 m
Política y Gobierno
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