Episodes

  • Want school lunch? Get a job!

    Want school lunch? Get a job!
    Feb 16 2025
    Republican congressman suggests some children receiving free school lunches should work at McDonald’s instead

    NBC News, By Rebecca Shabad, on January 28, 2025

    https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/republican-congressman-suggests-children-receiving-free-school-lunches-rcna189614

    In this discussion, the panelists criticize Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick's recent statement suggesting that children who receive free school lunches should get jobs to cover the cost. McCormick's stance is described as misguided and harmful, with one panelist comparing it to a villainous plot to push child labor. The panelists argue that such policies undermine efforts to support low-income families, including Head Start and Meals on Wheels. They also point out the systemic problems that cause poverty, such as inflation, stagnant wages, and lack of access to healthcare. The group expresses frustration with politicians who use these issues as an excuse to vilify the poor, rather than addressing the underlying causes. They also critique the notion that children need to work for their value, highlighting how such attitudes fail to consider the importance of education and childhood development.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.4 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ

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    23 mins
  • Guilty Faith-Healing X-tians

    Guilty Faith-Healing X-tians
    Feb 15 2025
    After 'faith-healing' death of 8-year-old girl, 14 Christians found guilty of manslaughter

    The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 29, 2025
    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/after-faith-healing-death-of-8-year

    This tragic story highlights the devastating consequences of extreme religious beliefs, where a young girl, Elizabeth St, lost her life due to the refusal of essential medical care. Elizabeth's parents, guided by their Christian cult, chose to pray for her healing instead of administering insulin for her type 1 diabetes. Despite earlier warnings and a hospitalization scare, they continued their faith-based approach, leading to her death after six days without insulin. The court convicted 14 members of the cult for manslaughter, but many questioned why it wasn’t considered murder, as the parents' refusal to provide medical care was based on deeply held religious beliefs. The case has sparked outrage, especially given that the parents had already been warned about the dangers of their actions. Advocates argue that religion shouldn't shield harmful behavior, and the legal system failed to properly address the severity of the situation. This event raises broader concerns about the role of religion in medical decisions and the safety of children in similar faith-based communities. Some also feel the medical and legal systems failed Elizabeth, as her earlier hospitalization should have prompted closer oversight.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.3 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ

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    19 mins
  • Bangladesh's Child Brides

    Bangladesh's Child Brides
    Feb 13 2025
    The discussion centers on the issue of child marriage in Bangladesh, as highlighted by an article from The Telegraph and supplemented by another interview. It delves into the societal, economic, and cultural factors driving child marriage, particularly for girls. The narrative also touches on the importance of education, as many girls, despite their dreams of a different future, are often sold into marriage due to poverty, lack of education, and religious pressures that see women as secondary to men. There's recognition of both the tragedy of the situation and the attempts to help through educational programs, which aim to change the generational cycle of poverty and oppression. The discussion also highlights how both boys and girls face marriage at young ages due to poverty, though girls face more extreme abuses. There is a consensus on the necessity of education and economic support for families to prevent child marriage and provide hope for the next generation.

    Telegraph, By Tom Parry, on January 20, 2025
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/women-and-girls/bangladesh-child-marriage-girl-brides-brac-school-education/

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ

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    25 mins
  • Goliath's Actual Height?

    Goliath's Actual Height?
    Feb 11 2025
    Scientists reveal the surprising height of the Biblical giant Goliath

    Daily Mail Online, By Wiliam Hunter, on January 26, 2025

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14317919/Scientists-reveal-Goliath-height-Bible.html

    In this discussion, the panel dives into the controversy surrounding Goliath's height and the potential medical diagnosis of gigantism. The article in question suggests that Goliath may have had gigantism, a condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, leading to extreme height and other health problems. The conversation shifts to whether this medical condition would make Goliath a fitting candidate for the biblical fight against David. Some members of the panel question the relevance of such historical details, arguing that it doesn't really matter in the broader scope of faith or mythology. However, others explore how the story of David and Goliath could be a literary device designed to symbolize something larger than just a battle of physical strength. They suggest that the story, in its exaggerated form, might have been created to illustrate the triumph of the underdog, with David's victory representing divine intervention over seemingly insurmountable odds. The team also discusses how the details surrounding Goliath's size and medical condition might be less important than the symbolic meaning behind the story, urging a shift from focusing on historical accuracy to examining the underlying narrative. Ultimately, they conclude that the specifics of Goliath’s height and health issues may matter less than the lesson conveyed in the biblical tale.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.06.1 featuring Jimmy Jr., Helen Greene, Rob, and AJ

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    21 mins
  • Humanism on the Hill

    Humanism on the Hill
    Feb 9 2025
    Bishop urges mercy for immigrants, Trump calls her 'nasty'

    Reuters, By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason, on January 22, 2025

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-attends-prayer-service-gets-an-earful-immigrants-lgbt-youth-2025-01-21/

    This conversation highlights a striking moment in political and social discourse, where a religious leader felt compelled to speak out and remind a president, in this case, Donald Trump, to have compassion for others. The discussion centers on the disconnect between those in power, their words, and how they affect vulnerable communities. The episode explores how people like Trump, who lack introspection, have risen to power and whether such figures should be trusted with significant authority. There's also a deeper commentary on the current state of democracy and the unsettling trend of unqualified individuals reaching top political positions.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.4 featuring Phoebe Rose, Helen Greene, and Aaron Jensen

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    18 mins
  • Shame Shame Shame

    Shame Shame Shame
    Feb 8 2025
    Black America Drags Old-Fashion Pastor Who Forced A Woman to Apologize to the Church for Being Pregnant

    Yahoo News/The Root, By Phenix S Halley, on January 9, 2025

    https://www.yahoo.com/news/virginia-pastor-forces-woman-apologize-194700753.html

    This Segment discusses the troubling dynamics of societal and religious shaming regarding sex and pregnancy outside of marriage. The focus is on a young woman who was forced to apologize to her church after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. The pastor's harsh response, including the denial of a baby shower and social ostracization, is scrutinized.

    The panelists express outrage over the double standard that allows men to avoid blame while women bear the brunt of the shame. They critique the persistence of outdated, misogynistic views on sex and sexuality, particularly within religious contexts. The conversation expands to the damage done by purity culture, repressing natural human desires and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women's roles in sexual relationships.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.3 featuring Phoebe Rose, Helen Greene, and Aaron Jensen

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    18 mins
  • SCOTUS hears Opt Out Bid

    SCOTUS hears Opt Out Bid
    Feb 6 2025
    Supreme Court takes up parents’ bid to opt out of LGBTQ content at elementary schools

    This Segment discusses the Supreme Court hearing a case about parents wanting the option to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ content in classrooms. The speakers argue that such movements stem from a fear of change and differences, primarily driven by conservative and religious groups.

    They stress that fostering an inclusive and kind environment for children is crucial, highlighting the dangers of creating ignorance by blocking certain topics like LGBTQ+ issues. The discussion also touches on parental responsibility—emphasizing that the goal is not to create copies of oneself but to raise independent individuals who can interact with the diverse world around them.

    NBC News, By Lawrence Hurley, on January 17, 2025

    https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-takes-parents-bid-opt-lgbt-content-elementary-schools-rcna188205

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.2 featuring Phoebe Rose, Helen Greene, and Aaron Jensen

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    19 mins
  • OK Funding Christianity

    OK Funding Christianity
    Feb 4 2025
    An Oklahoma lawmaker's sneaky proposal would let the state indirectly fund Christianity

    Oklahoma's state legislators are pushing to amend the state constitution, seeking to remove the word "indirect" from a clause that prevents public funds from supporting private religious institutions. The aim is to channel state funds to religious schools, particularly Christian ones, without direct funding. In 2016, voters rejected a similar effort, and this new push reflects ongoing attempts to bypass the separation of church and state. Opponents of the bill argue that it could result in public funds indirectly supporting churches, including those of potentially less popular or controversial religious groups, which could lead to inequality in public funding.

    The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on January 22, 2025

    https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/an-oklahoma-lawmakers-sneaky-proposal

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.05.1 featuring Phoebe Rose, Helen Greene, and Aaron Jensen

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.
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    18 mins