AOF Online - Freethought News

Vicar found with child abuse images told officers ‘I have nothing else to do’

submitted by /u/BirminghamLive [link] [comments]

Handing Out Pamphlets Evangelising A Long-Dead Doomsday Prophet To Casual Acquaintances Is Not Acceptable Behaviour

I go to my local park most days to feed the birds, it's the highlight of my day and honestly the only place I feel calm and content in this city (I moved here for love and it's not been[…]

640 - Warren Throckmorton, The Christian Past That Wasn't

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Warren Throckmorton is an author and speaker specializing in psychology and history. Now retired, he worked as a psychology professor at a Christian college[…]

Pascal’s Wager: The Greatest Gamble in History, Dumbed Down For Modern Times

(ANALYSIS) Blaise Pascal, born in 1623, showed that being intelligent doesn’t solve the problem of being human. He was a great scientist and mathematician. Yet he knew neither discipline could explain purpose, meaning or death.

The Book of Revelation is Horrifying

So, as I have made it known, I am an agnostic living in a Christian household. At the behest of my grandmother, my Mom and I have taken turns reading the Book of Revelation. I had always read parts of[…]

“God doesn’t send you to hell, you do” and other bs

This is literally shifting the blame from the abuser (god) to the victim, something very common in narcissistic relationships So this magical being loves you … unless you don’t obey him in which case you burn in hell forever (that[…]

Sexting Pastor Drops Out After Trump Yanks Support Despite Once Calling Him A “MAGA Warrior”. The Daily Mail published intimate texts between him and a woman who is not his wife, in which he called her “cute” and floated an invitation to his hotel room.

submitted by /u/Leeming [link] [comments]

Religious Grandparents Try To Convince Me Why Their god Gives Children Cancer

I brought up the question with my grandparents: Why would a god give children cancer according to their beleifs? I heard a plethora of answers: - Their parents were sinful and god is punishing the parents. […]

Oklahoma Voters Boot Hate Pastor/State Senator. Dusty Deevers, a homophobic bigot, was voted out of office in Tuesday’s Republican primary, where he finished last among three candidates.

submitted by /u/Leeming [link] [comments]

New Study Reveals Americans Want A Religiously Diverse Nation

The multicultural excitement around soccer’s World Cup feels palpable in host cities across the nation and a recent survey shows that most Americans want the U.S. to be multicultural. But the celebrations at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey stand in[…]

Texas Pastor Fired After Arrest In Prostitution Sting.

submitted by /u/Leeming [link] [comments]

Hate Pastor Forces City Of Mobile Alabama To Allow Anti-Trans Banners. His banner reads, “National Child Awareness Month – Protect Our Children from Gender Ideology.” Mobile says it is re-assessing its banner program.

submitted by /u/Leeming [link] [comments]

Religious people are mostly heartless

Religious people are mostly heartless.A month ago my friend committed suicide because of her extremist father When I went to the funeral I left feeling even more devastated. Everyone there was just gossiping about how she’s going to hell and[…]

50% Of Pastors Support Special Church Observances For America 250

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, half of Protestant pastors say their churches should mark the occasion with special celebrations, according to Lifeway Research. While support for patriotic elements in worship continues to decline, most churches still recognize[…]

SNL’s Victoria Jackson Is Not Dead … Yet!

To understand what it’s like to be a Christian while approaching death, Culture Critic Joseph Holmes spoke with actor and writer Victoria Jackson. Jackson suffers from terminal breast cancer, and, with the knowledge that her life is going to end,[…]

A Shared Mourning Ritual Helped A US Soldier And Iraqi Find Common Ground

(ESSAY) As an anthropologist who studies social bonding during times of crisis, I now understand how cultural religious traditions — even when they seem different — can create unexpected connections. Many years after my military service, during the final days[…]

Baroque Master Zurbarán’s Masterpieces Illuminate Both Faith And Flesh

(REVIEW) More than 40 masterpieces in this major National Gallery retrospective reveal Francisco de Zurbarán’s extraordinary ability to make spiritual visions feel tangible. From haunting crucifixions and contemplative saints to luminous still lifes, the exhibition showcases the full range of[…]

As Talarico Eyes Senate Bid, Religion Becomes A Texas Battleground

(ANALYSIS) Democrats hope Texas state legislator and Presbyterian seminarian James Talarico can win a U.S. Senate seat by appealing to religious voters. Republicans are highlighting his progressive positions on gender, sexuality, abortion, and church-state issues as evidence he is out[…]

Chinese Police Raid Early Rain Covenant Church During Sunday Worship

Authorities in southwestern China launched a large-scale raid against Early Rain Covenant Church during its Sunday worship service on June 14, detaining dozens of believers, according to reports received by ChinaAid and a subsequent church statement.

Amy Goodman’s Relentless Pursuit of Power, Accountability And Truth

One of America’s greatest and fearless investigative journalists, Amy Goodman, seeks the truth and reports it. Religion Unplugged sat down with her to discuss how her Jewish upbringing and its influences on her career and reporting.

Prayers Continue For Centuries-Old Kievan Lavra In Kyiv

(ANALYSIS) I am back home, writing at my desk in the Southern Highlands after two weeks visiting Scotland, Ireland, Wales and thereabouts. I remain a bit jet-lagged, as is common for folks of my age, but there is work to[…]

New Report Touts Importance of “Religious Liberty for All” at America 250

Diverse advocates' defense of religious freedom. The post New Report Touts Importance of “Religious Liberty for All” at America 250 appeared first on American Humanist Association.

An Interview on Atheist Morality

Dear Dr. Loftus, I am a secondary school student currently researching the historical change in morality and its link to the rise in secularism for a literature project. I recently read your essay about atheist morality and found it very helpful[…]

639 - Pete Hegseth Destroys Military Religion List

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant will be speaking in Atlanta this[…]

Statement on Department of Defense’s Reduced List of Recognized Religions

"Blatant erasure of atheist & humanist Americans serving in the military." The post Statement on Department of Defense’s Reduced List of Recognized Religions appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Visit My Page at The Secular Web!

Avid readers will pardon me for reminding others of my page at The Secular Web. I've published on some key issues there. They cover major faith responses to those of us who value reason and science. Consider the recommendation of[…]

On Assessing McIntosh's Sophisticated Defense of Miracles

Do you want to read a sophisticated defense of miracles and an equally sophisticated rebuttal? The defense of miracles was written by Don McIntosh: LINK The rebuttal was just published today, written by me! LINK.

Why Won't William Lane Craig Debate Me? (Plus Further Comments On Horrendous Suffering).

In this episode I started watching and I commented. Phil Harper was there!!! Then unexpectedly Derek Lambert sent me a link to be in the show. That was nice! I think it went well, starting early on with the question[…]

638 - Ark Encounter's Decade-Long Disaster

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Ark Encounter's decade-long disaster: How the Creationist[…]

637 - This Religion Wants to Destroy Your Pets

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— James Talarico will face Ken Paxton this[…]

Heretic on the Hill: A National Prayer Service in DC Gets Golden Idol-ed

You may have missed it but Jesus showed up on the National Mall last week for "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving,” a day-long event of Christian music and mostly evangelical Christian speakers. The stated goal[…]

Dr. Richard Carrier Highly Endorses My Book!

Thank you Richard Carrier for this enthusiastic endorsement of my book, "The Outsider Test For Faith"! Thanks also for accurately applying the outsider test to areas outside the philosophy of religion! LINK.

636 - The Orthodox Jewish Agenda Behind Kars4Kids

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— The White House hosted a taxpayer-funded Christian[…]

635 - Greg Locke Finally Admits He Lied

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— America will “rededicate” the nation to a[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Project 2027 Will Solve The Scourge of Anti-Christian Bias

The Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias released a report April 30th claiming that Christians faced discrimination in federal agencies and public institutions during the Biden administration. (Find the link here.) The report focuses on complaints about religious colleges,[…]

A Minimal Facts Approach the the Problem of Evil

I just uploaded a major paper at "Academia.edu" titled, "A Minimal Facts Approach to the Problem of Evil." Hat tip to Gary Habermas and Michael Licona for the concept! Enjoy, and if you enjoy it please share! Get the book[…]

Why I Abandoned Christianity, Part 2

Two more compelling reasons that are hard to refute[The link to Part 1 is here.] 3. The Bible is a mess: flaws, contradictions, and too much bad theology. How can I say such a thing? From the time they were toddlers, the[…]

I Highly Recommend the book, "The Ancient Moon Goddess: Crushed by Patriarchy Buried by Judaism Hidden in Christianity"

Dale W. O'Neal and Arthur Waters have written a masterpiece. My readers have met O'Neal before in the last chapter of my book God and Horrendous Suffering. He is former evangelical minister with an MDiv., degree from Talbot School of[…]

634 - The Failure of Trump's Anti-Christian Bias Task Force

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— The final report from Trump’s "Anti-Christian Bias"[…]

God Failed as a Parent!

Just consider what good parents do. They raise their children to be good people, sometimes despite bad circumstances. Bad parents don't. Why is it a heavenly father couldn't do that with us, especially since he allegedly had the means to[…]

A Comprehensive Paper Defending Miracles

Dr. Don McIntosh recently wrote a comprehensive article defending miracles, and mentioned me specifically. Here is his article: LINK. My response will be posted at the end of May on the Secular Web. I've already written it, as seen in[…]

633 - Indiana's Lt. Gov. picks fight with "demonic" band kids

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Indiana Lt. Gov. faces backlash after calling high school[…]

American Humanist Association to Host Nationwide Day of Service on May 2

100 community events across the country to put empathy into action. The post American Humanist Association to Host Nationwide Day of Service on May 2 appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanist Association to Host Nationwide Day of Service on May 2

100 community events across the country to put empathy into action. The post American Humanist Association to Host Nationwide Day of Service on May 2 appeared first on American Humanist Association.

632 - Can Anti-LGBTQ Catholic Preschools Get Public Funding?

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Hemant will be speaking in Denver, Colorado[…]

American Humanists Condemn Trump Administration Attack on Civil Rights Leader

The AHA stands proudly in solidarity with the SPLC. The post American Humanists Condemn Trump Administration Attack on Civil Rights Leader appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists Condemn Trump Administration Attack on Civil Rights Leader

The AHA stands proudly in solidarity with the SPLC. The post American Humanists Condemn Trump Administration Attack on Civil Rights Leader appeared first on American Humanist Association.

631 - Congressman Eric Swalwell Resigns

Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free AND VIDEO version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Eric Swalwell’s resignation caps an up-and-down history[…]

Federal Judge Sides With Humanists on Monumental 10 Commandments Victory in Arkansas

“State capitals should be welcoming to all citizens." The post Federal Judge Sides With Humanists on Monumental 10 Commandments Victory in Arkansas appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Federal Judge Sides With Humanists on Monumental 10 Commandments Victory in Arkansas

“State capitals should be welcoming to all citizens." The post Federal Judge Sides With Humanists on Monumental 10 Commandments Victory in Arkansas appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists React to SCOTUS Decision on Conversion Therapy

"A decision completely divorced from reality." The post American Humanists React to SCOTUS Decision on Conversion Therapy appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists React to SCOTUS Decision on Conversion Therapy

"A decision completely divorced from reality." The post American Humanists React to SCOTUS Decision on Conversion Therapy appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Talking Points in Opposition to the Free Speech Fairness Act

During SCA's 2026 Member Meeting, we urged Congress to oppose the Free Speech Fairness Act. You can read more about the bill and how to talk to your members of Congress about it here: Talking Points in Opposition to the[…]

American Humanists Launch “How to Humanist” Podcast

Introducing humanist conversations to major streaming platforms. The post American Humanists Launch “How to Humanist” Podcast appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists Launch “How to Humanist” Podcast

Introducing humanist conversations to major streaming platforms. The post American Humanists Launch “How to Humanist” Podcast appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists Launch the American Empathy Project

"Our response to the crisis of cruelty plaguing our communities." The post American Humanists Launch the American Empathy Project appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists Launch the American Empathy Project

"Our response to the crisis of cruelty plaguing our communities." The post American Humanists Launch the American Empathy Project appeared first on American Humanist Association.

2026 National Prayer Breakfast Opposition Letter – Organizational and Community Leaders Sign On

The Secular Coalition for America has joined several nonprofits, including the Freedom From Religion Foundation, to oppose the National Prayer Breakfast. The National Prayer Breakfast harms our national unity, the separation between religion and government, and the rights of the[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Help Us Fight Preachers Endorsing Politicians

The Johnson Amendment is under attack. The legal prohibition against preachers endorsing candidates from the pulpit would be repealed if bills in the House and Senate pass this year. When you see a bill with a vague and seemingly patriotic title, like the Free Speech Fairness[…]

The United States Was Not Founded As A Christian Nation

You may have seen claims that the Founding Fathers created the United States to be a "Christian nation". This Christian nationalism narrative rewrites history and ignores America's Founders' mission to create a secular government where religious freedom is protected but[…]

American Humanists: “No More Regime-Change Wars”

“This is an issue of humanity." The post American Humanists: “No More Regime-Change Wars” appeared first on American Humanist Association.

American Humanists: “No More Regime-Change Wars”

“This is an issue of humanity." The post American Humanists: “No More Regime-Change Wars” appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Humanists Denounce Pete Hegseth’s Attacks on Religious Pluralism in the Military

"No right to tell anyone what to believe or how to pray." The post Humanists Denounce Pete Hegseth’s Attacks on Religious Pluralism in the Military appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Humanists Denounce Pete Hegseth’s Attacks on Religious Pluralism in the Military

"No right to tell anyone what to believe or how to pray." The post Humanists Denounce Pete Hegseth’s Attacks on Religious Pluralism in the Military appeared first on American Humanist Association.

Heretic on the Hill: The Law of Unintended Consequences Can’t Be Repealed

If this goes down as the “Pay Me” presidency with President Trump playing the role of mafia boss, demanding payments from universities, tech companies, networks, and whomever else he can shake down, then Stephen Miller will undoubtedly be the consigiliere. Miller[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Groups Like SCA Are Calling the Shots, Says Important Republican Senator. We Try.

Not long ago the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s HR department, released new guidelines for religious activity in federal offices. We thought they were so inappropriate, counterproductive, and counter to established federal employment policy that we put together our[…]

The Office of Personnel Management’s “Protecting Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace” Memorandum: What You Need to Know

The Office of Personnel Management’s “Protecting Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace” Memorandum: What You Need to Know Recently, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor issued a memorandum detailing the rights and permissible behavior of religious federal employees[…]

Heretic on the Hill: Working Around the Shutdown

You’ve heard there’s a government shutdown. Most federal offices are closed and the “essential workers” are working without getting paid. Members of the military will miss a paycheck on October 15 which is the first event that might get one[…]

Humanists Applaud Introduction of Separation of Church and State Resolution in Congress

Real religious liberty can’t be taken for granted. The post Humanists Applaud Introduction of Separation of Church and State Resolution in Congress appeared first on American Humanist Association.

France Declares Scientology a Fraud, Not Religion

Isn't this a bit link saying the Strawberry ice cream isn't really ice cream? Link: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/france/120202/france-labels-scientology-business-not-church

In Honor of Black History Month: Ex-Slave Tells Ex-Master to "Shove it"

This is brilliant and really needs minimal comment Dayton, Ohio, August 7, 1865 To My Old Master, Colonel P.H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee Sir: I got your letter, and was glad to find that you had not forgotten Jourdon, and[…]

Indiana Slouches Toward Idiocy

As was mentioned in an earlier post, the Indiana state senate was scheduled to vote on allowing school districts to require "creationism", aka religious drivel, to be taught in public schools. They did, and it pasted with 28 out of[…]

Keep your Temples; We Have Greater Things

Alain de Botton, wants to build an Atheist Temple in London. Alain de Botton has announced plans to construct a 150 foot high temple to atheism in the heart to London. He claims that it is a terrible thing that[…]

A Review of "A Universe From Nothing"

From the AVClub: "With an afterward by Richard Dawkins, A Universe From Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing is solidly in the New Atheism camp, a cosmologist’s version of Dawkins’ The Blind Watchmaker. Krauss takes several jabs at[…]

The Myth of Jesus

UCF Professor Tells Ignorant Students What Higher Education is Really About

Charles Negy Charles Negy directly address the impact of students' religious bigotry, small mindedness and irrationality in the college classroom. Anyone who has ever taught a college class, especially in the humanities, knows that every word he wrote is accurate. Negy[…]