http://www.chariotsofiron.com A critical review of faith and religion in the light of reason Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:00:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 en hourly 1 An atheiskeptihumanist(tm) podcast created by three like-minded atheists from different religious backgrounds. This podcast covers current events, science, church and state separation, and other pertinent topics that are of interest to freethinkers. A critical review of faith and religion in the light of reason The Charioteers http://www.chariotsofiron.com/imgs/podcast.jpghttp://www.chariotsofiron.com atheism,atheist,agnostic,secular,religion,science,philosophy yes The Charioteers charioteers@chariotsofiron.com http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/07/556 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/07/556#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:00:15 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=556 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/07/556/feed 0 <p>We continue our discussion on the historicity of Jesus with <a href="http://www.nazarethmyth.info/">Rene Salm</a>, author of <em><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/charofiron-20/detail/1578840031">The Myth Of Nazareth: The Invented Town Of Jesus</a></em>. Rene talks about his extensive research into the first century town of Nazareth, and his conclusion that it didn’t exist.</p> <p>Before the interview, Eli and Lamar ramble about <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/14/immigration-debate-focuses-on-religion-ethics/">religious debates on immigration</a>, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-07-12-column12_ST1_N.htm">gay rights vs. chaplain rights</a>, <a href=http://ffrf.org/news/releases/censoredatheistwebsites/">Indianapolis public schools internet banned list</a> and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/07/08/kar.iran.stoning/index.html">Iran’s wonderful record on liberty and justice for women</a>.</p> We continue our discussion on the historicity of Jesus with Rene Salm, author of The Myth Of Nazareth: The Invented Town Of Jesus. Rene talks about his extensive research into the first century town of Nazareth, and his conclusion that it didn’t [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/07/552 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/07/552#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:26:23 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=552 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/07/552/feed 0 <p>Richard Haynes, <a href="http://lifewithoutfaith.com/">Life Without Faith</a> blogger and director of <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/">Atheist Nexus</a>, joins us for a discussion about the future of Atheist Nexus and and the atheist community in general. But, before that, Eli and Lamar talk about <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/29/2939879.htm">Australia’s atheist prime minister</a>, the secular billboard campaign in North Carolina, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/29/sharron-angle-opposes-abo_n_629371.html">the crazy that is Sharron Angle</a>, the Belgian raids on Catholic institutions, <a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tomchivers/100044581/homeopathy-dropped-by-the-nhs-and-about-time/">homeopathy getting dropped from the NHS</a>, and listener mail.</p> Richard Haynes, Life Without Faith blogger and director of Atheist Nexus, joins us for a discussion about the future of Atheist Nexus and and the atheist community in general. But, before that, Eli and Lamar talk about Australia’s atheist prime [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/548 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/548#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:31:35 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=548 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/548/feed 2 <p>Dr. Darrel Ray makes his second appearance on Chariots of Iron, almost a full year after our <a href="http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/454">“Inoculating Against the God Virus”</a> episode. This time around, Darrel discusses his work doing leadership conferences, his <a href="http://recoveringreligionists.com/">Recovering Religionists</a> organization and everyone’s favorite fellating, tweaker evangelist Ted Haggard.</p> <p>Before the interview: Jew on Jew ethnic prejudice, a minor digression on claims of antisemitism, Mark Souder blames extramarital affair on inefficacy of prayer, radiocarbon dating proved effective yet again and the reasons atheists should celebrate holidays regardless of their religious roots.</p> Dr. Darrel Ray makes his second appearance on Chariots of Iron, almost a full year after our “Inoculating Against the God Virus” episode. This time around, Darrel discusses his work doing leadership conferences, his Recovering Religionists [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/545 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/545#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:01:31 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=545 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/545/feed 1 <p>Frank Zindler, author of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/charofiron-20/detail/1578849160"><em>The Jesus the Jews Never Knew</em></a>, joins the show for a discussion about the historicity of Jesus; specifically the evidence, or lack of evidence, from often cited Jewish sources. This is the first part of what will become a multi-part series on the historicity of Jesus. Before the interview, Lamar and Eli talk about <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-05-05-prayer05_ST_N.htm">recent poll numbers inspired by the National Day of Prayer controversy</a>, <a href="http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=2923">Catholic bishops taking a stand against ENDA</a>, <a href="http://ncse.com/news/2010/06/creationism-russia-005566">creationism in Russia</a> and <a href="http://www.americanhumanist.org/What_We_Do/Annual_Conference/2010/Awardees_and_Entertainment">Bill Nye the Science Guy being named Humanist of the Year</a>.</p> Frank Zindler, author of The Jesus the Jews Never Knew, joins the show for a discussion about the historicity of Jesus; specifically the evidence, or lack of evidence, from often cited Jewish sources. This is the first part of what will become a [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/541 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/541#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:03:34 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=541 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/06/541/feed 0 <p>Filmmaker, Roger Nygard, joins us to to talk about the big questions and discuss his new documentary, <cite><a href="http://thenatureofexistence.com/">The Nature of Existence</a></cite>. Roger put a questionnaire on his site asking visitors to <a href="http://thenatureofexistence.com/about/the-questions/">discuss what they believe</a>, and encourages you all to check it out and give your own answers to life’s big questions.</p> <p>Before the interview, Eli and Lamar discuss some of the crazy stuff they’ve seen in the news lately, such as: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/12/07/2009-12-07_nearly_impossible_to_od_on_drug_she_took.html#ixzz0cqQnzjCf">Billy Joel’s daughter attempting suicide with a homeopathic overdose</a>, <a href="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/05/25/mikey_weinsteins_crusade">one man standing up to the Christian infiltration of the military</a>, <a href="http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=156140&catid=3">new science that totally proves God’s existence</a>, <a href="http://flightattendant.arisewomanarise.com/">a new kind of mile high club</a>, and <a href="http://cnsnews.com/news/article/66208">Pelosi pandering to papists</a>.</p> <p>Also on this show, just before dedicating it to the now deceased heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio, Eli and Lamar offer a farewell toast to, Joe, their fellow podcaster and co-founder. The three parted company last week and this is the first episode after the line-up change. You can still hear Joe on the <a href="http://www.atheistnews.org/">Atheist News</a> podcast where he and Brother Richard continue to dish on the crazies while Eli and Lamar forge ahead with Chariots of Iron.</p> Filmmaker, Roger Nygard, joins us to to talk about the big questions and discuss his new documentary, The Nature of Existence. Roger put a questionnaire on his site asking visitors to discuss what they believe, and encourages you all to check it [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/05/539 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/05/539#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 16:19:36 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=539 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/05/539/feed 1 <p>With our sincere apologies, we bring you our very late, latest episode. Please forgive our tardiness and our wretched sound quality. When I say wretched sound quality, I mean fucking awful. In this episode, we discuss the Tea Party, Hutaree and America’s angry political climate. We’re fortunate enough to be Joined by <a href="http://www.lifewithoutfaith.com/">Brother Richard</a>, who brings some political balance to the discussion.</p> With our sincere apologies, we bring you our very late, latest episode. Please forgive our tardiness and our wretched sound quality. When I say wretched sound quality, I mean fucking awful. In this episode, we discuss the Tea Party, Hutaree and [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/04/537 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/04/537#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:27:50 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=537 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/04/537/feed 0 <p>Hey folks, if you haven’t noticed by now, episode 50 is a little late in coming, so we’re proud to announce the first (and possibly only) half-episode. If you’ve listened to show 49 you’ll know that Eli attended the <a href="http://www.atheists.org/">American Atheist</a> Convention in Newark, New Jersey recently. While there he had a chance to sit down with Sean Faircloth, former 10-year Maine State Senator and current Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.secular.org/">Secular Coalition for America</a> and conduct a brief interview.</p> <p>For those of you used to our more “jocular” interviews this is sure to disappoint, it is high on information and low on dick jokes. Eli has promised to do better next time.</p> Hey folks, if you haven’t noticed by now, episode 50 is a little late in coming, so we’re proud to announce the first (and possibly only) half-episode. If you’ve listened to show 49 you’ll know that Eli attended the American Atheist [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/04/535 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/04/535#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:19:24 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=535 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/04/535/feed 1 <p>This week we were very excited to have our buddy Kurt, the co-coordinator of our local CFI chapter in the studio with us to talk about building atheist communities and why he thinks it’s important. We learned a lot about what the CFI does and how one would go about setting up a CFI affiliate in their own town–which appears to be surprisingly easy.</p> <p>Kurt also brought us some beer, and Eli busted out some bourbon, so we were a little buzzed for the show and giggled like children through the whole thing. We are now wrestling with the sad truth that we are far more entertaining when slightly drunk, and may need to start budgeting for a couple of six-packs every show just to meet our own expectations.</p> <p>Note to Knitting Posse: Kurt wants to purchase a pirate beanie; your fame is spreading!</p> This week we were very excited to have our buddy Kurt, the co-coordinator of our local CFI chapter in the studio with us to talk about building atheist communities and why he thinks it’s important. We learned a lot about what the CFI does and how [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/533 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/533#comments Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:17:44 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=533 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/533/feed 0 <p>Larry Anderson, star of the 40 minute Scientology film <cite>Orientation</cite>, joins Joe and Eli for a rousing conversation about the auditing, e-meters, <cite>Battlefield Earth</cite>, Cult of Xenu and the money they owe him for services not rendered. But, before the interview, Lamar, Eli and Joe discuss current events; namely, they dish on Glenn Beck, the Tea Party morons and wingnut climate change deniers. After that they read listener mail and reexamine the words “retard” and “retarded” when used to describe creationists, faith healers, new-age hippies and the angry white men of neoconservative punditry.</p> Larry Anderson, star of the 40 minute Scientology film Orientation, joins Joe and Eli for a rousing conversation about the auditing, e-meters, Battlefield Earth, Cult of Xenu and the money they owe him for services not rendered. But, before the [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/528 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/528#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:31:04 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=528 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/528/feed 0 <p>Brian Dalton, writer, directer, producer and star of the hit webshow Mr. Deity joins us for a fantastic conversation that spans everything from Battered Species Syndrome to cosmic cheesecake and everything in between (whatever that might be.) We talk a lot about the Mr. Deity show and its cast, some other projects they have done as well as a book that Brian is currently working on that is focused on the Mr. Deity universe.</p> <p>We all had a great time talking with Mr. Dalton. If you haven’t already, go check out Mr. Deity and all of Brian and Co.’s other projects over at mrdeity.com!</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/01/BAL11BO179.DTL">fail-safe fabricated to protect religion’s right to be douchey</a>, <a href="brain damage makes you religious">brain damage makes you religious</a> and <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5haoah-cZAnB-z48A0Q109dTJH_tw">Iraqi government pulls 50% of its head out of its ass</a>.</p> Brian Dalton, writer, directer, producer and star of the hit webshow Mr. Deity joins us for a fantastic conversation that spans everything from Battered Species Syndrome to cosmic cheesecake and everything in between (whatever that might be.) We [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/526 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/526#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:36:59 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=526 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/03/526/feed 1 <p>Lamar has assembled a toolkit for objectively analyzing the tenability of prophecy. When confronted with a situation in which a prophecy is being used as evidence promoting the validity of a given religion, these guidelines will help you cut through the woo and examine it under the light of reason.</p> <p>Basically, you’ll be able to run it through the ringer and squeeze out all the BS.</p> <p>Lamar and Eli go over each step so that Joe can understand it. In a totally unrelated statement: the show did run a little long.</p> <p>In the news this week: <a href="http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/General+News/45064/Dad+Taking+Jewish+Daughter+To+Church+May+Violate+Court+Order.html" class="postlink">litigating the fate of your child’s eternal soul</a>, <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2010/02/fresno-college-professor-relies-on-bible-to-teach-biology-says-that-homosexuality-is-a-disease.html" class="postlink">biology teachers gone crazy</a>, <a href="http://rawstory.com/2010/02/virginia-passes-law-banning-chip-implants-mark-beast/" class="postlink">right idea–wrong reason</a> and <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=murchison-meteorite" class="postlink">OVER 9000</a> (organic compounds found in space rock)!!!!</p> Lamar has assembled a toolkit for objectively analyzing the tenability of prophecy. When confronted with a situation in which a prophecy is being used as evidence promoting the validity of a given religion, these guidelines will help you cut [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/02/521 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/02/521#comments Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:01:33 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=521 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2010/02/521/feed 2 <p>We missed you, too!</p> <p>After a long and mostly unintentional sabbatical, we are back on track with another episode.</p> <p>We had quite a back log of listener mail this week, so we tried to cover as much of it as possible. We also have an awesome guest this week, consequently: the news is short and the show over-all is a little on the long side, but hey! We were MIA for over a month, so long is good, right?</p> <p>The show was worth the wait. For the first time, we have someone who knows little something about Scientology as a guest. Marc Headley (AKA BFG, or BlownForGood) is a former Sea Org member who lived and worked in the Scientology headquarters compound for 15 years. He has recently published a book called <i>Blown For Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology</i> which details the crazy roller-coaster ride that was his life growing up in, working for and ultimately escaping Scientology. And I don’t use the word “escaping” to be glib; he actually had to escape. Marc shares some of his experiences and opinions with us as we discuss his life and work.</p> <p>If you want to know about the inner workings of Scientology, this book is pretty unique and Marc has a crazy story to tell you. You can pick up Blown for Good in our <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/charofiron-20/detail/0982502206">Amazon store</a>.</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60Q48S20100127">dead goats ward off evil</a>, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/7073191/Rape-victim-receives-101-lashes-for-becoming-pregnant.html">don’t get raped in Bangladesh</a> and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/01/27/2010-01-27_gayle_haggard_ted_is_free_from_homosexual_compulsions__for_real_this_time.html">Gayle Haggard made Joe use up his allotted “air quotes” for the rest of the year… bitch</a>.</p> <p>Also, if you want to buy us a goat, you can do so <a href="http://www.qurbani.com/">here</a>. Ahem…</p> <p>Enjoy the show!</p> We missed you, too! After a long and mostly unintentional sabbatical, we are back on track with another episode. We had quite a back log of listener mail this week, so we tried to cover as much of it as possible. We also have an awesome guest this [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/12/519 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/12/519#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:40:00 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=519 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/12/519/feed 0 <p>It’s that very special time of year where we gather ’round the hearth with our friends and loved ones and–after chasing a hearty meal of C-rations with spiked egg-nog–we affectionately oil our rifles and adjust the straps on our helmets. Again this year, members of the media and various religious groups have shared with the world their anxieties about the so called WAR ON CHRISTMAS and so, to allay their fears, we’ve taken the time to craft a mature, sensitive and thoughtful response to their concerns. This show is virtually bursting at the seams with love and understanding. So come; warm yourself by the soft red glow of our incredulity as we gear up for our cheer-laden counteroffensive.</p> <p>In this episode, we riff on the following videos: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/06/oreilly-ambushes-elementa_n_381756.html">O’Reilly Ambushes Elementary School For ‘War On Christmas’</a>, <a href="http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/12/07/why-do-atheists-loathe-the-baby-jesus-hes-just-a-baby/">Atheists Are Jealous Of The Holiday</a>, <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-neil17-2009nov17,0,2040716.story">Gap’s Christmas Cheer Makes a Boycott Backfire</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTUCu_31eMA">Boost Mobile Ad – Mrs Claus’ Infidelity With a Snowman</a>.</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/news/court-224152-corbett-attorneys.html">Jim Corbett is left holding the bill</a>, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/6810556/Catholic-Church-scared-Hollywood-into-dumping-His-Dark-Materials.html">ARMOR PLATED POLAR BEARS face uncertain future</a>, <a href="http://unreasonablefaith.com/2009/12/11/ray-comfort-the- plagiarist/">Ray Comfort borrowed some stuff</a> and <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2009/12/clackamas_hearings_set_stage_f.html">it’s religious persecution to not allow us to kill our children</a>.</p> It’s that very special time of year where we gather ’round the hearth with our friends and loved ones and–after chasing a hearty meal of C-rations with spiked egg-nog–we affectionately oil our rifles and adjust the straps on our helmets. [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/12/515 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/12/515#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:38:57 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=515 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/12/515/feed 0 <p>Back by popular demand: it’s an all-Charioteers, no-guest show where we can let our hair down and cuss like accountants on tax day. This week Eli has put together a little discussion about the Creation Worldview Ministries: “<span>A Primer on the Scientific Reasons that Evolution is Wrong!” AKA “30 Things You Can Say To Make A Biologist Die Laughing.” After securing the veins on our foreheads with our new EXPLODE-PROOF COI-KNITTING-POSSE BEANIE’S/VEINPROTECTORS® we battle our way through a list that is so mind numbing, it became almost impossible to remain coherent.</p> <p>This week’s news: <a href="http://freethinker.co.uk/2009/12/02/nigeria%E2%80%99s-witchfinder-general-sues-humanist-for-religious-discrimination/" target="_blank">Suing for the God-given right to be jerks</a>, the <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/2009/12/01/frc-impose-homosexuality/" target="_blank">Great Homosexual Mandate</a>,<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/believers-45m-atheists-nil-20091127-jw77.html" target="_blank"> lop-sided love from the Australian government</a> and <a href="http://www.whtm.com/news/stories/1109/682918.html" target="_blank">public displays of athiems: lawsuit edition</a>.</span></p> Back by popular demand: it’s an all-Charioteers, no-guest show where we can let our hair down and cuss like accountants on tax day. This week Eli has put together a little discussion about the Creation Worldview Ministries: “A Primer on the [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/11/512 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/11/512#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:57:56 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=512 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/11/512/feed 0 <p>Our guest this week is James “Jesus Glasses” Corbett, a California high school teacher who gained quite a bit of notoriety recently when he was taken to court for making “anti-christian statements” in the classroom. We had a chance to talk to James and get a better picture of why he was sued and what has happened to him since. He also has done by far the best Hitler impersonation we’ve had on the show yet, bar none. We had some good listener mail this week including an update on Tyler’s situation from the mail last show and the best double-blind dowsing test idea of all time.</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6598679/Atheist-bus-campaign-followed-by-humanist-billboard-posters.html">the BHA has a change of venue</a>; <a href="http://www.alternet.org/blogs/rights/143975/christian_bootcamp_seeks_to_arm_home-schooled_youths_for_%22spiritual_warfare%22">an army of homeschoolers</a>; <a href="http://rawstory.com/2009/11/evangelist-religious-trawling-assassins/">trawling for assassins</a>; <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/goodmath/2009/11/dembski_stoops_even_lower_lega.php">an example of ID peer review process (hint, it includes lawyers)</a>.</p> <p>(NOTE: The show’s sound quality leaves much to be desired this episode.)</p> Our guest this week is James “Jesus Glasses” Corbett, a California high school teacher who gained quite a bit of notoriety recently when he was taken to court for making “anti-christian statements” in the classroom. We had a chance to talk [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/11/507 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/11/507#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:34:26 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=507 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/11/507/feed 1 <p>This week we are joined by <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/profile/NoelleGeorge">Noelle George</a>, Ambassador Director for <a href="http://www.atheistalliance.org/">AAI</a> and founder of the <a href="http://www.secularcenterusa.org/">Secular Center</a>. She talks to us about her charity and shares her tactics for helping to get atheists involved in the community to effect positive change.</p> <p>In our listener mail this week we talk about what you guys thought about the Minute Man printing debauchal of aught-nine as well as what it really means to be a “new atheist” and we go over some letters from a couple of chaps in thorny situations.</p> <p>This weeks news: <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/30/paranormal-superstitions.html">People go kooky in the womb</a>, <a href="http://www.wkrn.com/global/story.asp?s=11445552">cheaters are damned to hell for all eternity</a>, <a href="http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20091102_18_A1_WAKITA319539&loc=interstitialskip">Jesus wants YOU! (in prison)</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/world/middleeast/04sensors.html?_r=3">“electrostatic magnetic ion attraction.”</a> </p> This week we are joined by Noelle George, Ambassador Director for AAI and founder of the Secular Center. She talks to us about her charity and shares her tactics for helping to get atheists involved in the community to effect positive change. In [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/10/497 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/10/497#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:53:26 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=497 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/10/497/feed 0 <p>We’re joined by <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/profile/BrianParra" target="_blank">Brian Parra</a>, <a href="http://atheistsunited.org/about-atheists-united/administration/210-brian-parra-bio" target="_blank">Communications Director for Atheists United</a> and founder of the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/venturaatheists/" target="_blank">Ventura Atheists group</a>, to discuss perhaps the biggest question posed to the “atheist movement”: what do we do now? It’s a question that stumps most of us, but Brian has a few ideas you’ll want to hear. It’s a hefty show–weighing in at a smidge over two hours long–but we cover a lot of ground. Also, since both Joe and Lamar had busted computers, Eli is completely responsible for everything that is wrong with this show. Kudos will be distributed evenly, however.</p> <p>Links from user mail: <a href="http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=70921" target="_blank">http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=70921</a></p> <p>News Links: <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/21/ida-primate-fossil.html" target="_blank">‘Missing Link’ Primate Fossil Debunked</a>, <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113889251" target="_blank">“A Bitter Rift Divides Atheists”</a>, <a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/10/column-just-say-no-to-blasphemy-laws-.html" target="_blank">USA Today Opinion Column on Blasphemy Laws</a>, <a href="http://rawstory.com/2009/10/n-c-church-to-burn-satans-books-including-works-of-mother-theresa/" target="_blank">A good ol’ fashioned Book Burnin’</a></p> We’re joined by Brian Parra, Communications Director for Atheists United and founder of the Ventura Atheists group, to discuss perhaps the biggest question posed to the “atheist movement”: what do we do now? It’s a question that stumps most [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/10/491 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/10/491#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:25:44 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=491 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/10/491/feed 0 <p>This week <a href="http://lifewithoutfaith.com/">Brother Richard</a> joins us as we do the post <a href="http://www.atheistconvention.org/">AAI 2009 convention</a> wrap up. We talk about what we liked about the show as well as what we think could use some improvement and we even toss in some nightmare travel stories to keep things interesting. After three days of booths, talks and book signings, we came home with a list of guests that should keep us busy for the better part of the next year. Over all, it was a smashing success for the show!</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://atheist-monkey.blogspot.com/2009/10/kiva-atheists-first-to-reach-1-million.html">Kiva Atheists first to reach $1 million</a>, <a href="http://www.losangeleschronicle.com/articles/view/122895">Atheists oppose “faith healing” provisions in health care bills</a>, <a href="http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/143073">Michele Bachmann Lobbies for Christian Punk Ministry Bent on Forcing Christ in Public Schools</a>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/oct/02/sikh-police-turban-tribunal">Sikh policeman wins £10,000 award after turban row</a>, <a href="http://conservapedia.com/Conservative_Bible_Project">Conservapedia Bible Project to remove “Liberal Bias” from the Bible</a>.</p> This week Brother Richard joins us as we do the post AAI 2009 convention wrap up. We talk about what we liked about the show as well as what we think could use some improvement and we even toss in some nightmare travel stories to keep things [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/485 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/485#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:24:19 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=485 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/485/feed 0 <p>In this episode, we talk to <a href="http://alabamaatheist.org/">Blair Scott</a>, the Alabama State Director for <a href="http://atheists.org/">American Atheists</a>. Blair tells us how the American Atheists choose their legal battles and why that’s important to the overall cause. He also explains what the American Atheists are all about and how you, or your local secular group, can get involved. But before that, we open the show with our first ever “listener mail” segment and announce the opening of the <a href="http://www.atheiskeptihumanist.com/">Atheiskeptihumanist Forums</a>.</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/news-charles-darwin-film-finds-distributor-will-be-seen-in-u-s-r-1253828264">Creation, a film about Charles Darwin, finds a US distributor</a>; <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-8947-LA-Atheism-Examiner~y2009m9d24-Vatican-responds-to-child-sex-abuse-charges-at-UN">Vatican attempts to dodge the kiddie diddling issue at UN</a>; <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-eagle-feather21-2009sep21,0,6697427,full.story">hunting bald eagles is a religious privilage</a>; <a href="http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_09/020036.php">straight porn apparently makes you gay</a>.</p> In this episode, we talk to Blair Scott, the Alabama State Director for American Atheists. Blair tells us how the American Atheists choose their legal battles and why that’s important to the overall cause. He also explains what the American [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/481 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/481#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:33:25 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=481 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/481/feed 0 <p>We get a chance to talk with Jeff Sharlet, author of <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/charofiron-20/detail/0060560053">The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power</a>. We talk about the book, but man, we really ran the gamut of topical conversations this week. Religion, politics, sex, Def Leppard–you know, the basics. Jeff is so knowledgeable about the in’s and out’s of Washington that Joe offers him Lamar’s spot on the show. So far he hasn’t taken us up on the offer, but we remain hopeful.</p> <p>In the news this week: Italy is still the Vatican’s bitch, Kentucky bathes some of its student body, the Arabs and the Jews are still fighting and YET ANOTHER socially conservative politician bites the biggun.</p> <p>Jeff is a fun guest and his <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/charofiron-20/detail/0060560053">book is in stores now</a> in Paperback.</p> <p>You really don’t want to miss the book!</p> <p>You really don’t want to miss this show!</p> We get a chance to talk with Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power. We talk about the book, but man, we really ran the gamut of topical conversations this week. Religion, politics, sex, Def [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/477 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/477#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:12:56 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=477 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/09/477/feed 4 <p>It’s our first birthday! We’ve finally reached season 2 and to help us celebrate, we have cephalopod nut, Biologist, educator and outspoken atheist blogger Professor PZ Myers on the show with us to talk about his “vacation,” the book he’s writing, his trip to the Creation Museum, turtle hunting, how he met Richard Dawkins and his enduring friendship with his fishing buddy, Bill Donahue.</p> <p>OK, we made that last part up.</p> <p>We did, however, have a very special supersonic fly-by from the <a href="http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/">US Airforce Thunderbirds</a> to help us celebrate our one-year anniversary!</p> <p>Ok, fine. There was an airshow going on near by. Whatever.</p> <p>But of course, before that we do the news just like we’ve been doing it FOR ONE WHOLE YEAR. This week in the headlines: Islam is of the Devil, Kentucky gets busted by a Federal Judge, no more holiday shit-storms in Washington, PZ Rescues Joe from a news story that is way over his head, women in Mali show us democracy in action, the Pope says some more dumb stuff and just like last year, we missed the Raelian love fest. Strangely, none of our wives were really all that disappointed.</p> <p>Be sure to go to <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/">http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/</a> and check out PZ’s blog! Do eeeet. Click the link. You’ll love it, I promise.</p> It’s our first birthday! We’ve finally reached season 2 and to help us celebrate, we have cephalopod nut, Biologist, educator and outspoken atheist blogger Professor PZ Myers on the show with us to talk about his “vacation,” the book he’s [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/08/473 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/08/473#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:34:17 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=473 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/08/473/feed 3 <p>The Atheist Alliance International’s convention director and Rochester Atheism Examiner <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/profile/V1ktor">Viktor Nagornyy</a> joins us this week to tell us a little bit about their convention in Burbank California beginning on October second. We talk about the cavalcade of speakers that will be in attendance and Viktor even hooks us up with our own SUPER SECRET SPECIAL CHARIOTS OF IRON CODE that will get you$10 off the price of admission when you <a href="http://www.atheistconvention.org/registration/">sign up online</a>!</p> <p>Don’t say we never did nothin’ for ya.</p> <p>But before that, of course we have some news for you: faith healing quackery, the “stuff that sits in front of the zoo” single-single issue voter platform sweeps Oklahoma, the Yale Press needs a magnifying glass to find its balls, more drama over the burqa (wee!), Afghanistan promotes its new diet plan and we are convinced quite quickly that no one sings worse than Rabbis.</p> The Atheist Alliance International’s convention director and Rochester Atheism Examiner Viktor Nagornyy joins us this week to tell us a little bit about their convention in Burbank California beginning on October second. We talk about the [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/08/467 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/08/467#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:42:21 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=467 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/08/467/feed 4 <p>This week we have <a href="http://sarahtrachtenberg.com/">Sarah Trachtenberg</a> with us to discuss the personal stories of atheists. She talks about the book she is writing entitled “Not My God – Personal Stories of Atheists in America,” based upon interviews that she’s conducting with atheists of various backgrounds from all over the United States. We share a bit about our own personal journeys and discuss a variety of issues of interest to us.</p> <p>Before that, we talk about a recent visit by Neil deGrasse Tyson to a local OMSI Science Pub event here in Portland where he opined about atheists.</p> <p>And of course, the news, in which we discuss another reason to not eat at Denny’s and the problem with people who kill their children through religious negligence. Don’t forget, REMEMBER THE ALAMO! We gab about The Lord’s “Prayers for Moisture” plan, the Chupacabra religious defense and our unbridled desire to own an authentic, plywood Jesus Riding A Dinosaur piece.</p> This week we have Sarah Trachtenberg with us to discuss the personal stories of atheists. She talks about the book she is writing entitled “Not My God – Personal Stories of Atheists in America,” based upon interviews that she’s conducting [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/07/463 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/07/463#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:45:27 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=463 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/07/463/feed 0 <p>In the news this week: people are compartmentalizing reality again, another love-fest planned to show the Mormons how it’s done, the “Religious Right” needs to start putting its politicians in chastity belts, Orthodox Jews riot because they live in a country with child-welfare laws (and parking lots,) more evidence is found of evolution via natural selection (like we needed more,) Jimmy Carter does something pretty awesome, and this man:</p> <p><img src="/imgs/joe/yoga_guru_baba_ramdev.jpg" alt="Yoga guru Baba Ramdev in Ahmedabad, India, in 2008"></p> <p>has big plans for your genitals!</p> <p>This week, we discuss messianic prophecy, which is to say, prophecy concerning the Jewish “messiah.” Lamar leads us through a discussion of what it means when something is prophecy and how the writers of the new testament might have fudged a bit when trying to tie some of these prophecies to Jesus. We also run into some “prophecy” that isn’t prophecy at all! If you are interested in just how full of shit Christian apologetics can get, this is the show for you. And even if you’re not, we still have mad mudkipz. </p> <p><a href="http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Mudkips">so i herd u liek mudkipz</a></p> <p>That’s a little something for Lamar, there. Get you an education, son!</p> In the news this week: people are compartmentalizing reality again, another love-fest planned to show the Mormons how it’s done, the “Religious Right” needs to start putting its politicians in chastity belts, Orthodox Jews riot because they [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/07/461 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/07/461#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:20:00 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=461 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/07/461/feed 2 <p>It’s just the boys this week. Yeah, we were thinking that we weren’t getting enough face time with you guys. It’s been a long time since we all just hung out without anybody else around. It’ll be just like old times!</p> <p>In the news this week: Oklahoma is set to declare that hot man-on-man action contributed to the economic decline of America, someone at the Vatican has their head on straight, Joe the Plumber claims that he talks to god, Turkey is launching the awesomest game-show of all time, we have a heartwarming religious story in which absolutely nothing is killed or maimed, the Pope more or less declares that he is badly in need of some critical thinking skills, and Camp Quest is starting a chapter in the UK this summer… hey, maybe they should invite the Pope.</p> <p>The main segment this week is the Bible Science Game Show, with your host: Eli Trebek.</p> <p>Eli fires off some bible or Quran passages that modern “theologians” claim predict a scientific fact and we must guess scientific fact that he is predicting before the vein on Lamar’s head explodes. One thing becomes abundantly clear: whoever edited these books needs to be fired. Badly. Posthumously, even. Join us as we strain our credulity in an attempt to sift nuggets of scientific truth from the bullshit of the ancients.</p> It’s just the boys this week. Yeah, we were thinking that we weren’t getting enough face time with you guys. It’s been a long time since we all just hung out without anybody else around. It’ll be just like old times! In the news this week: [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/454 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/454#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:56:35 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=454 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/454/feed 1 <p>Dr. Darrel Ray, author of <cite><a href="http://thegodvirus.net/">The God Virus</a></cite>, joins us to talk about his book and his group, <a href="http://recoveringreligionists.com">Recovering Religionists</a>. Our good friend Mark also joined us in Joe’s absence, and while we definitely missed Joe, it was fun having Mark with us.</p> <p>We begin the show with a rousing discussion about Pastor Wiley Drake and his use of imprecitory prayer against Dr. George Tiller and President Obama. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GeXVKb2hbM&feature=PlayList&p=16D7002E69F6B02F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35">Follow this link for a radio interview with Pastor Drake on YouTube</a>.</p> <p>In the news: <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news164471135.html">Testing the power of prayer is problematic</a>. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-06-15-hate-crimes_N.htm">Hate crime legislation infringes on the rights of conservative Christians to plot the eradication of homosexuals</a>. <a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090610/NEWS01/906100383">Ken Ham’s creation museum is a huge success, and the kids love it</a>. <a href="http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/06/14/the-police-prayer-pops-up-all-over-the-place/">Christian prayer crosses the thin blue line</a>. <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news163905749.html">Guppies fall victim to natural selection, and we get to watch</a>. <a href="http://www.talk2action.org/story/2009/6/17/184514/127">The “namby pamby” liberal theists carry the torch for Christian Dominionism</a>.</p> <p>In the second half of the show, Dr. Ray discusses his book and support group with us. More importantly, he answers our questions and makes a case for his overriding metaphor; religion as a virus.</p> <h3>Links:</h3> <p><a href="http://thegodvirus.net/">TheGodVirus.net</a>: The official website of Dr. Ray’s book, <cite>The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture</cite>.<br /> <a href="http://recoveringreligionists.com/">RecoveringReligionists.com</a>: Recovering Religionists is an organization, founded by Dr. Ray, to help people navigate the path out of religion.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajdwru77hnc&feature=channel_page">The God Virus Video</a>: Part One of a multipart series of Dr. Ray discussing his god virus metaphor and other concepts from the book.</p> Dr. Darrel Ray, author of The God Virus, joins us to talk about his book and his group, Recovering Religionists. Our good friend Mark also joined us in Joe’s absence, and while we definitely missed Joe, it was fun having Mark with us. We begin [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/447 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/447#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:27:15 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=447 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/06/447/feed 0 <p>This week we have two time Nebula award and two time World Fantasy Award winning author James Morrow sitting in with us. Quickly, Joe confesses that he is a giant fan boy. There is an awkward silence.</p> <p>But before it gets too cloying, we go to the news. The fight against Darwinism has moved to South Carolina. We answer the question: what came first, religion or hammering toddlers? More good news for atheist bus campaign supporters, Wikipedia gets rid of its body theatans, Christians go head-to-head over evolution and we follow up last week’s discussion about the Irish reform school madness.</p> <p>Here is the video we reference in the news:<br /> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9jHqndf9Kx4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9jHqndf9Kx4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never"></embed><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param></object></p> <p>We’re really glad we had Mr. Morrow on the show. <b>If you want to support Jim and support the show too, you can buy his books through the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/charofiron-20">Chariots of Iron Store</a>!</b></p> <p><a href="http://www.sff.net/people/jim.morrow/index2.html">James Morrow’s Official Website</a></p> <p><i>A quick FYI: The next Chariots of Iron show won’t be for a couple more weeks as we are trying to get our schedule straightened out. There will be two Atheist News shows in a row, however. We’ll see you in a few weeks!</i></p> This week we have two time Nebula award and two time World Fantasy Award winning author James Morrow sitting in with us. Quickly, Joe confesses that he is a giant fan boy. There is an awkward silence. But before it gets too cloying, we go to the [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/05/442 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/05/442#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 11:25:32 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=442 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/05/442/feed 5 <p>Brother Richard sits in as our guest co-host this week as we discuss the virtues of not knowing a god-damn thing. (Richard is brought in as an expert (ooohh, BURN.))</p> <p>But first: le news.</p> <p>The US Military has finally done something right, the Catholic Church is once again stealing headlines for wholesale kiddy diddling, another concerned parent has prevented their child from recieving life saving medical treatment for “religious reasons,” some poor sap is looking for a new job because he isn’t a drunk driver, Eli’s forehead explodes over a 12 jillion year old monkey and some clever atheist chap finally figured out how to get in on some of the sweet, sweet money that flows freely from the wallets of the hyper-religious.</p> <p>Eli and Lamar lead us through a discussion on the merits of counter-evangelism and then we talk about how you go about using the socratic method on door knockers and street preachers and why it works so well. We throw down some handy tips that atheists can use to plant the seed of doubt even if they aren’t a “pro.”</p> <p>In the show Joe also mentions a video that is really damning to Mormonism. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZQJc5SxnVs">Here is the link</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/profile/admin">Brother Richard </a><br /> <a href="http://www.lifewithoutfaith.com/">His Blog </a><br /> <a href="http://www.nogodtube.com/">His current project</a></p> Brother Richard sits in as our guest co-host this week as we discuss the virtues of not knowing a god-damn thing. (Richard is brought in as an expert (ooohh, BURN.)) But first: le news. The US Military has finally done something right, the Catholic [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/05/429 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/05/429#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 11:44:17 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=429 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/05/429/feed 1 <p>Nate Phelps, the estranged brother of Shirley Phelps-Roper and the estranged son of Pastor Fred Phelps of the Infamous <a href="http://www.godhatesfags.com">Westboro Baptist Church</a> sits shotgun with us through the whole show.</p> <p>In the atheist news segment: VenomfangX’s recent deportation from the internet has us pondering the complex interplay between insanity, compassion and guilt. Atheists disrespecting the separation of church and state have us mulling over a road-trip / asswhupping. Obama dissing prayer day has us wondering if he’s REALLY A SEKRET ATHEIST?! OMG!?! No, not really. The U.S. Military’s recent actions have us contemplating an intervention. And finally, a Baptist Church’s desire to get children into their white party van has us entertaining the notion of home-schooling our kids.</p> <p>In our main segment, we interview Nate Phelps. His father is the patriarchal overlord of what has been called “The most hated family in America.” Their church has been increasingly in the public eye as they picket funerals in their attempt to inform the rest of the world that they are going to hell. Or something. Nate was a great guest and he hung in with us through some difficult questions about his beliefs, his philosophical outlooks and about his life before and after he disentangled himself from the church. He also answers the question that has been nagging America since 1998: has Shirley Phelps-Roper ever smoked a J?</p> <p>This was an incredibly rewarding show to do. Nate was an amazing guest co-host and it was a real joy to get to sit and talk with him about his life. We hope that you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it.</p> <p><a href="http://www.natephelps.com/">The Man </a><br /> <a href="http://natephelps.netfirms.com/blog/">The Blog </a></p> Nate Phelps, the estranged brother of Shirley Phelps-Roper and the estranged son of Pastor Fred Phelps of the Infamous Westboro Baptist Church sits shotgun with us through the whole show. In the atheist news segment: VenomfangX’s recent [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/04/423 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/04/423#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:24:58 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=423 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/04/423/feed 4 <p>We have the Executive Director of the North Texas Church of Freethought, Zachary Moore, sitting in with us as our co-host this week.</p> <p>In the news: you guys are all cheap bastards, we can prove it. Yes, that is actually in the news. YOU WILL ANSWER TO GOD FOR YOUR TUCKED IN SHIRT; Egypt takes one more tiny step toward being somewhere I don’t want to nuke; old, noble British ladies are totally hard-core; we learn that religion does indeed poison everything and that the next thing it kills might be the GOP; and finally, you will soon be able to buy a license plate in Florida that features a zombie on a stick.</p> <p>During our main segment we talk extensively with Zachary Moore about his “church” (including why he calls it a church.) We discuss what you can do if you are interested in starting up a freethinking congregation in your area and how Mr. Moore is going to help you. We also talk a wee bit about his life and the two podcasts that he is involved with. He is a very entertaining and intelligent man and was a great guest to have on the show!</p> <p><a href="http://www.drzach.net/">The Man </a><br /> <a href="http://www.churchoffreethought.org/">The Church </a><br /> <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=181191501">The Apologia Podcast </a><br /> <a href="itpc://feeds.feedburner.com/ntcofpodcast">The North Texas Church of Freethought Podcast </a></p> We have the Executive Director of the North Texas Church of Freethought, Zachary Moore, sitting in with us as our co-host this week. In the news: you guys are all cheap bastards, we can prove it. Yes, that is actually in the news. YOU WILL ANSWER [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/04/417 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/04/417#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:34:54 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=417 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/04/417/feed 0 <p>The news this week is rich in nuttiness. Accused child killer weeps for head-wear, 26 people get some totally righteous piercings, “sorry honey, I have a head-ache” is still the only excuse that is universally acceptable, President Obama baits the trolls and a mid-western pastor draws some thought provoking parallels between the Prince of Peace and guys who kick the shit out of people for a living.</p> <p>In our main segment, we discuss the reason why the Seventh Day Adventists support the separation of church and state. Don’t worry, it’s not enlightened and progressive. You won’t need to alter your whole world view just to listen to the show. No, no… predictably, it’s self serving and goofy as hell.</p> The news this week is rich in nuttiness. Accused child killer weeps for head-wear, 26 people get some totally righteous piercings, “sorry honey, I have a head-ache” is still the only excuse that is universally acceptable, President Obama baits [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/414 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/414#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:56:00 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=414 Texas and finally: we discuss the fact that the UK has lost its freaking mind. Not the Irish Posse, though. They are still sharp as [...]]]> http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/414/feed 2 <p>In the news this week: Piloting aircraft via the power of prayer; Diamond Rio: bad band name, worse lyrics; honor killing yourself to save your dad from jail; science > Texas and finally: we discuss the fact that the UK has lost its freaking mind. Not the Irish Posse, though. They are still sharp as a tack.</p> <p>In our main segment we discuss two lists we found authored by two well known fundies, Glen Beck and Ray Comfort. The first one, Glen Beck and his “9 wankerisms” (this one sort of evolves into a political discussion–but hey, you get what you pay for.) Next we dissect Ray Comfort and his “82 Womitations,” which he is using to promote his new book “You Can Clap in Front of a Zombie’s Face, but you Can’t Make Him Blink” (or something like that.)</p> <p>We seriously couldn’t make some of this stuff up.</p> <p>But some of it, we could.</p> <p>And did.</p> In the news this week: Piloting aircraft via the power of prayer; Diamond Rio: bad band name, worse lyrics; honor killing yourself to save your dad from jail; science > Texas and finally: we discuss the fact that the UK has lost its freaking [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/408 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/408#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:15:09 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=408 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/408/feed 0 <p>This week we were privileged to have Brother Sam Singleton, Atheist Evangelist co-host with us through the news. We talk about the Catholic’s soft stand on genocide, the “reform” of the Afghani justice system, more good news for people who like it when Muslims stone illiterate rape victims to death, the impending doom of evangelical Christianity, atheist altruism and we announce the winner of the British Whine-A-Thon.</p> <p>For our main segment, Sam Singleton’s creator Roger Scott Jackson walks us through why and how he created Sam. We discuss the merits of atheist evangelism and we explore the differences between the kind of satirical atheist outreach that he does with Sam and the nicer face that other atheist activists sometimes prefer. He also talks with us about his upcoming comedy tour (come see him when he’s in Portland, we’ll all go out for beers!) Also, Eli is not addicted to heroin. That was just a joke. Probably. Well, as far as you know, anyway. No, but seriously. He’s not.</p> <p><a href="http://www.samsingleton.com/">The Man</a><br /> <a href="http://twitter.com/samsingleton">His Twitter</a><br /> <a href="http://www.samsingleton.com/Good.html">His Causes</a></p> This week we were privileged to have Brother Sam Singleton, Atheist Evangelist co-host with us through the news. We talk about the Catholic’s soft stand on genocide, the “reform” of the Afghani justice system, more good news for people who [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/352 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/352#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:43:04 +0000 Joe http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=352 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/03/352/feed 1 <p>Mr. Mehta sits in as co-host as we plow through yet another week of ridiculous yet highly entertaining and/or depressing and/or infuriating news. This week: the Catholic Church makes an almost totally unintelligible statement about harm prevention, the UN get’s on Joe’s doodoo-list, Richard Dawkins is called out by a guy who was made famous by brainwashing Kirk Cameron and we discuss the genius behind using the internalized guilt of others to bilk more money out of them. Also: it becomes apparent that Saudi scholars have run out of things to talk about, the Supreme Court flubs a no-brainer and we discuss how your dental history might impact your track record handling wild animals.</p> <p>For our main segment, we talk about Hemant’s book, about his experiences, about his blog and about the people that he’s met and worked with there. The over-arching topic is how we interface with the faithful and the merits of various approches to this particular endevour. With Hitchens and Harris and Dawkins you have a more direct and–some would say–abrasive approach. Hemant, on the other hand, goes about things from a different direction; letting theists know what he expects from a civil, meaningful and ultimately progressive discourse and sharing with them what he sees as ineffective about their approach. He was a lot of fun to have with us and the topic he picked was outstanding. And please, don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://www.friendlyatheist.com">friendlyatheist.com</a> and check out Hemant’s blog!</p> <p><a href="http://www.friendlyatheist.com">The Man</a><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073472/wwwfriendlyat-20?creative=327641&camp=14573&adid=18W1JCWJJJSG4NQGMG7Q&link_code=as1">The Book</a><br /> <a href="http://www.secularstudents.org/">The Secular Student Alliance</a></p> Mr. Mehta sits in as co-host as we plow through yet another week of ridiculous yet highly entertaining and/or depressing and/or infuriating news. This week: the Catholic Church makes an almost totally unintelligible statement about harm prevention, [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/347 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/347#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:12:13 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=347 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/347/feed 0 <p>As a giant disclaimer: Joe had surgery the day before the show and is totally loaded on pain killers for the whole thing. What this means to you is that this show is really NSFW since he drops the F-bomb about once a minute. If you are likely to be offended by a drug addled wanker talking about his balls, you may want to skip this one. Seriously.</p> <p>In the news, Joe goes on to offend practitioners of some alternative forms of medicine, he offends Muslims by implying that they are preternaturally hypocritical, he also insults North Dakota by suggesting that they have a population of 12, he then goes on to offend people who wear adult diapers, he then scoffs at the WBC and finishes up by insulting Muslims for being hypocritical again. Shortly after the show he applied to be placed in the witness protection program.</p> <p>In the main segment of the show, he promises to shut is trap, a promise that he does a poor job of keeping. While Lamar and Eli do a fine job unraveling the complicated bull-pucky that insulates abortion from actual discussion, Joe admits to purposefully saying things to piss off people on both sides of the argument. Roe vs. Wade is discussed: what it means and what provisions it requires to be challenged, Eli talks about the science behind the famous court decision and Lamar wraps the whole thing up with some insightful observations about the way we interact and what needs to happen before we’re going to be able to put this discussion to rest. Joe slips in some more conversation about his balls.</p> As a giant disclaimer: Joe had surgery the day before the show and is totally loaded on pain killers for the whole thing. What this means to you is that this show is really NSFW since he drops the F-bomb about once a minute. If you are likely to be [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/343 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/343#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:42:33 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=343 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/343/feed 1 <p>It’s an awesome week for news. Some Christians in the UK do EXACTLY what they accused atheists of doing. “Bishop Council Nedd”: is it a name or is it a title? For reals, who knows this? We also discuss how badly a certain Texas school board is about to be sued, the awe-inspiring evil of the latest Islamic super-villain, and we continue our expose in the third part of a 27 part series entitled “Things that go up Ted Haggard’s butt.”</p> <p>Lamar returns from hiatus and is given a chance to defend himself from the merciless beating dished out by Brother Richard last week. Joe argues with him some more while Eli enters a temporal bubble that exists 5 minutes in the future.</p> <p>When Eli exit’s his time cocoon, he reads an infuriatingly wrongheaded editorial published in the Oregonian as a segue into our main segment in which we talk about everyone’s favorite glossy-eyed weirdo, Ken Ham. In his latest tirade, he attacks the separation of church and state. Join us as we atomic-elbow-drop his fallacious blog-trash from orbit.</p> It’s an awesome week for news. Some Christians in the UK do EXACTLY what they accused atheists of doing. “Bishop Council Nedd”: is it a name or is it a title? For reals, who knows this? We also discuss how badly a certain Texas school board [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/341 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/341#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:28:19 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=341 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/02/341/feed 4 <p>A better title would have been: “O’ Lamar where art thou?” because Lamar was maimed in a freak pheasant hunting accident involving a high placed member of the former Bush administration and wasn’t able to make the show–but we did have Brother Richard, the world famous former pastor, lifewithoutfaith.com blogger and fearless leader of Atheist Nexus roll as our co-host. Join us for one long hour and a half joke about “Saddlebacking.”</p> <p>We cover David Attenborough’s recent intimation on the complexities of ignorance, religion and the environment. We also cover complex topics like: the complexities of making love to dead geese, the complexities of marrying ten-year-old girls, the complexities of covering up 11,000 molestation and child-rape charges, the complexities of the shitty impact of religion on our happiness and the complexities of apprehending felons that can polymorph themselves into goats.</p> <p>And if you think the news was complex, Brother Richard talks with us about the Heads V meeting, saddlebacking, the future of Atheist Nexus, saddlebacking, being “anointed” by Dan Barker, saddlebacking, and also, we discuss saddlebacking.</p> A better title would have been: “O’ Lamar where art thou?” because Lamar was maimed in a freak pheasant hunting accident involving a high placed member of the former Bush administration and wasn’t able to make the show–but we did have [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/328 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/328#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:17:32 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=328 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/328/feed 2 <p>LISTEN IN WONDER as we project to you news of the insane, the marvelous and the MILDLY RETARDED! GASP as we spin a tale about the ancient and undeniable wisdom of the Advertising Standards Association. EXPERIENCE explosive vomiting as we relate the sordid details of a doctors visit GONE HORRIBLY WRONG. FEEL the uncontrolled rage build inside you as we weave the piteous narrative of a mother’s rights ABRIDGED! CLENCH your hand tightly around your newspapers… THE NEWSPAPERS THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO STEAL FROM YOU. ROLL YOUR EYES at the account of church accounting GONE UNACCOUNTED FOR… and TEAR OUT YOUR NOSE HAIRS IN DISBELIEF as we have a pissing match about PRESIDENTIAL POSTER-CHILDREN.</p> <p>In our main segment you will be stricken with TERROR as we are faced with the MACABRE HORROR of listener mail. You will MARVEL at our witty discourse on the topic of new-age beliefs and the idea of “ancient wisdom.” THRILL as we discuss the arcane, esoteric, mysterious and otherwise redundantly-adjectival practices of Sacred Geometry. SLAP YOUR OWN FOREHEAD as we bumble through a discussion about the practices of native cultures. FLAGELLATE YOUR HOUSE PETS as we… oh screw it, just listen to the show.</p> LISTEN IN WONDER as we project to you news of the insane, the marvelous and the MILDLY RETARDED! GASP as we spin a tale about the ancient and undeniable wisdom of the Advertising Standards Association. EXPERIENCE explosive vomiting as we relate the [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/323 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/323#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:33:00 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=323 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/323/feed 1 <p>Lamar got food poisoning, but we have guest host Bizket joining us. We dumped the main topic this week and went for an all news extravaganza because Lamar took the show notes with him to the bathroom and none of us were brave enough to go in after them.</p> <p>Al Sharpton elbow-drops religious people, atheists fail the “so help me God” block, Bush tapes his tainted name to religion forever, God fucks up some guys new lamp and tossing out some crackers is apparently worse than genocide. Also: religion makes prostitution interesting, atheism is no longer an obstacle to being a christian, to some faithful faces are like boobs, Colonel Sanders may be the Catalyst for all life on earth, we determine that most of congress probably listens to our podcast and apparently “turn the other cheek” now means “beat their ass with a Louisville Slugger.” We missed Lamar, but it was a great show with Bizket sitting shotgun.</p> Lamar got food poisoning, but we have guest host Bizket joining us. We dumped the main topic this week and went for an all news extravaganza because Lamar took the show notes with him to the bathroom and none of us were brave enough to go in after [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/318 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/318#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:09:18 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=318 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/318/feed 3 <p>In the news this week: the Indiana Star newspaper has some bad news for its christian readership, Oregon proves once again that it is totally awesome and Mississippi proves again that it is a sucking, black hole of iniquity. You will also totally not be shocked by the news that George Bush is STILL a retard and that religion makes crazy people even crazier. But, on the bright side, it looks like the Atheist Bus Campaign has taken over the UK entirely and we can soon look forward to a very pertinent ruling from the ASA on a hot-button topic we’re all interested in (and no, it’s not sex. Pervert.)</p> <p>And for the second part of our discussion about crazed mass murderers, we turn to the red team and take a look at Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, et al. Did atheism cause them to kill millions of people? Does atheism make anyone do anything? I am pretty sure it’s the reason that I have so many unpaid parking tickets. Will that fly in court, do you think?</p> In the news this week: the Indiana Star newspaper has some bad news for its christian readership, Oregon proves once again that it is totally awesome and Mississippi proves again that it is a sucking, black hole of iniquity. You will also totally [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/302 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/302#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:04:16 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=302 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2009/01/302/feed 1 <p>As usual, we begin with the news: Atheists and “The War on Inagural Addresses,” Kent Hovind told to piss off by the court, what happened in the Year in ID? Not effing much. We also talk about how dangerous it is to take the bus in New York with a church lady, the romance between Italy and the Vatican is over, and we scoop “Heads V,” Fifth Annual Meeting of Heads of National Nontheist Organizations. Say that five times fast.</p> <p>It’s a recent trend in Christian rhetoric to lump Adolph Hitler in with Mao, Stalin and Pol Pot when blaming godlessness for the immorality of these nationalistic monstrosities. We talk about Nazi Germany, Martin Luther, Hitlers personal beliefs and we weigh in on the idea that hitler was an atheist. Did Hitler really kill millions in the name of atheism? How is this even a question?</p> As usual, we begin with the news: Atheists and “The War on Inagural Addresses,” Kent Hovind told to piss off by the court, what happened in the Year in ID? Not effing much. We also talk about how dangerous it is to take the bus in New York with [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/292 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/292#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:54:50 +0000 Lamar http://www.chariotsofiron.com/?p=292 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/292/feed 2 <p>In zee news: atheists in heaven? Clergy across the country freak out. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays: Does it matter? Apparently it does. People get pissed when you mess with Santa and Women go “TJ Hooker” on all of Egypt. God tells man to hump daugter every day for 5 years and the Raelians run into some trouble in Israel.</p> <p>Derrr…Ken Ham can’t do math.</p> <p>Jesus is a big fat, imperfect, confused liar-theif. Lamar leads us through a very interesting discussion about the premise that Jesus is perfect and why that premise is important to Christians. Then we use the bible to pop that little bubble. Watch your back, though; Jesus might jack your donkey.</p> In zee news: atheists in heaven? Clergy across the country freak out. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays: Does it matter? Apparently it does. People get pissed when you mess with Santa and Women go “TJ Hooker” on all of Egypt. God tells man to [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/247 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/247#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:07:42 +0000 Lamar /?p=247 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/247/feed 2 <p>In this episode, we talk about sexual abuse as religious therapy, expose style astronomy and the shit-heels that run the Salvation Army. Spineless principals, hypocritical censorship and the humanist counter-attack down under and finally we illustrate through song how the WBC is doing more for secularism than any atheist group could ever hope to.</p> <p>In our main segment, we explore the notion that there may be nothing atheists can say about religion without it being labled “hate-speech.” We pick apart an exellent letter from a woman who is offended by the atheist sign on the lawn of the Washington legislature. Listen to the trainwreck unfold as she makes asinine claims such as: “The Catholic Church preserved the western world during the dark ages” and “Cain and Abel is the oldest story in the world.” Join us, as we tear our hair out and froth at the mouth impotently.</p> <p><span id="more-247"></span></p> <h4>References:</h4> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuZ1qIQlmIc">Made Easy Series by potholer54</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news147975534.htm">Sexual abuse: Faith can silence victims or provide solace</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24764536-5014262,00.html">Astronomer Dave Reneke believes he has solved the Star of Bethlehem mystery</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/35537519.html">Salvation Army officer will be fired if he marrys outside the organization</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/187410">Highschool student’s opinion piece on evolution censored by principal for being insensitive to creationism</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2008/12/11/43711_tasmania-news.html">Atheists challenge bus ban</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.kirotv.com/news/18253947/detail.html?treets=sea">‘Santa Claus Hell’ Sign Latest To Join Capitol Controversy</a></li> </ul> In this episode, we talk about sexual abuse as religious therapy, expose style astronomy and the shit-heels that run the Salvation Army. Spineless principals, hypocritical censorship and the humanist counter-attack down under and finally we [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/200 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/200#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:55:41 +0000 Lamar /?p=200 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/12/200/feed 0 <p>In the news this week: the chum is in the water and the sharks are circling the Vatican, let’s get litigious! Joe curses Nick’s name. Damn you Nick! DAMN YOU. The Catholics are batting their eyelashes at the Muslims in a sickening fashion, slavery is awesome and we talk about how we missed THE SINGLE MOST AWESOME MOMENT IN PORTLAND HISTORY. *sob*</p> <p>Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy? Really Elton? Really?</p> <p>In the main segment, we talk about both the scientific and the kooky mumbo-jumbo origins of language. Lamar manages to say the word “explanation” all by himself and we don’t even help him at all! In the true Chariots of Iron style, we pick apart the tower of babel story and even explore some midrashic apocrypha in our search for answers. If you have an hour and a half to kill, you could do worse. You could play Minsweeper. Minesweeper is WAY more boring than listening to three out of shape men talk about Michael Jackson’s new batch of crazy.</p> <p><span id="more-200"></span><br /> Responsibility: it’s a good idea<br /> <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/responsibility-its-a-good-idea">http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/responsi…</a><br /> <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/11/responsibility_its_a_good_idea.php">http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/11/responsibility_its_a_goo…</a><br /> <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122756420187954231.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122756420187954231.html</a></p> <p>Anti-terror law requires God be acknowledged<br /> <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/210/story/608229.html">http://www.kentucky.com/210/story/608229.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/antiterror-law-requires-god-be">http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/antiterr…</a></p> <p>Vatican thanks Muslims for returning God to Europe<br /> <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/vatican-thanks-muslims-for">http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/vatican-…</a><br /> <a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3630245,00.html">http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3630245,00.html</a></p> <p>Slavery is not wrong<br /> <a href="http://thewomanofvirtue.blogspot.com/2008/08/slavery-is-not-wrong.html">http://thewomanofvirtue.blogspot.com/2008/08/slavery-is-not-wrong.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/slavery-is-not-wrong">http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/slavery-…</a></p> <p>Anti-gay protestors outnumbered by anti-hate<br /> <a href="http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/news/topstories/story.aspx?content_id=96e18954-064f-43c0-94b4-c1d9dc18c959">http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/news/topstories/story.aspx?conten…</a><br /> <a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/antigay-protestors-outnumbered">http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topics/antigay-…</a></p> In the news this week: the chum is in the water and the sharks are circling the Vatican, let’s get litigious! Joe curses Nick’s name. Damn you Nick! DAMN YOU. The Catholics are batting their eyelashes at the Muslims in a sickening fashion, [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/158 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/158#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:36:25 +0000 Lamar /?p=158 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/158/feed 0 <p>Another week, another stack of madness to sort through. We discuss United Nations folly, the atheist army that we have all been waiting for, billboard censorship, Christian Christmas trees and THE AWESOMEST SUNDAYSCHOOL TEACHER EVER. But wait, there’s more: “I was tricked into a church abortion freak show!” sometimes, the title is just better than anything that I can come up with. Tired of Mormon bigotry? Convert them to homosexuality!</p> <p>Smack them Christians down! Damn, when did we become The Man?</p> <p>Ever wonder if certain parts of the bible were just blatantly plagerized from somewhere else? Well, in short: probably! We chat about flood mythology, and no conversation about it is complete without a discussion of everyone’s favorite “buddy action flick,” Gilgamesh. Seriously, if anyone could kick Chuck Norris’s ass, it’s Gilgamesh. But I digress. Lamar and Eli smoothly pick apart abrahamic flood mythology. Joe asks stupid questions. Hilarity ensues.</p> <p><span id="more-158"></span><br /> News Links:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://jonathanturley.org/2008/11/18/the-international-blasphemy-law-un-general-assembly-president-and-nicaraguan-priest-descoto-calls-for-world-ban-on-defaming-religion/" target="_blank">International Blasphemy Law</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.onenewsnow.com/Security/Default.aspx?id=326370" target="_blank">Atheist Military a Sign of the End Times</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_atheist21.44263f8.html" target="_blank">Atheist Billboard to be Removed</a></li> <li><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/11/turnabout.php" target="_blank">Converting Dead Mormons to Homosexuality</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnation.net/news/?atheist/article,00213" target="_blank">Gay Bashers Seek Christmas Amendment</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bittenandbound.com/2008/11/19/victoria-ann-chacon-arrested-for-sending-topless-photos-to-14-year-old/" target="_blank">Sunday School Teacher Likes ‘em Young</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tampabays10.com/news/mostpop/story.aspx?storyid=93899&provider=top" target="_blank">“I was tricked into a church abortion freak show!”</a></li> </ul> Another week, another stack of madness to sort through. We discuss United Nations folly, the atheist army that we have all been waiting for, billboard censorship, Christian Christmas trees and THE AWESOMEST SUNDAYSCHOOL TEACHER EVER. But wait, [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/124 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/124#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:19:55 +0000 Lamar /?p=124 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/124/feed 0 <p>We have some fun news this week: bad voters lose cookie privileges, religious nuts take over Australia (maybe,) atheist groups are already trying to bring up one of the Three G’s. Bad atheists, BAD! There is some new atheist activism to discuss and we go high tech with our first ever sound byte! and, have you ever wondered who had the cross Christ was crucified on? No? Well, tough shit, we’re going to tell you anyway.</p> <p>TRACTWAAAAAAAATCH!</p> <p>Finally, we get back to the business of talking about religion. This week we explore the polytheistic origins of the desert dogmas. We talk about not only the archeological evidence, but also the biblical evidence that Yahweh wasn’t even the creator God. And hey, this time we kept it under an hour and a half! Amazing!</p> <p><span id="more-124"></span><br /> News Links:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24646398-2,00.html" target="_blank">Kingdom of Yahweh sect members won’t register cars or get drivers’ licences</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/11/09/israel.brawling.monks/index.html" target="_blank">Christian monks brawl in Jerusalem. Sucker-punches fly at one of Christianities holiest sites.</a></li> <li><a href="http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/washington/news.aspx?id=105039" target="_blank">Atheist group calls on Obama to overhaul military policy</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.gazette.com/articles/colorado_43306___article.html/atheist_religion.html" target="_blank">Another atheist group takes the billboard route</a></li> <li><a href="http://exchristian.net/2/2008/11/why-believe-in-god-ad-campaign-launches.html" target="_blank">‘Why Believe in a God?’ Ad Campaign Launches on D.C. Buses</a></li> </ul> <p>For your holiday giving this year:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.directrelief.org/" target="_blank">Direct Relief</a></li> </ul> We have some fun news this week: bad voters lose cookie privileges, religious nuts take over Australia (maybe,) atheist groups are already trying to bring up one of the Three G’s. Bad atheists, BAD! There is some new atheist activism to discuss [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/113 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/113#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:29:31 +0000 Lamar /?p=113 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/11/113/feed 0 <p>In this week’s news: wife beaten for not finding new wife, Christ-bots from down under ban teh internetz, thirteen year old rape victim stoned to death for being such a slut, Iranian president farts rainbows about religious utopia, Nate Phelps confirms insanity of Phelps family, Lizzy Dole loses senate seat, and a priest and two nuns involved in a brawl (to the tune of “Yakety Sax” perhaps?).</p> <p>After the news, we talk about results of the 2008 election season and what that means for America. It looks like another bad year for gay rights, a good year for reproductive rights, a bad year for Republicans, a good year for Democrats. And for the fashion conscious out there, black is the new President as Barack Obama’s victory tops an historic election season full of firsts.</p> In this week’s news: wife beaten for not finding new wife, Christ-bots from down under ban teh internetz, thirteen year old rape victim stoned to death for being such a slut, Iranian president farts rainbows about religious utopia, Nate Phelps [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/98 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/98#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:27:14 +0000 Lamar /?p=98 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/98/feed 0 <p>This week we (of course) bitch about politics and then straight into the news where we touch upon topics such bovine video game violence, who loses when Christian charities get uppity, the glorious train wreck that is Mel Gibson, prayer vs. voting (spoiler: pray, don’t vote–PLEASE!) and the right’s purile attack on the noble fruit fly. Of course, we have to talk about religious child abuse… again. And to top if off we explore the wonderful world of Mormon and papal hypocracy.</p> <p>Holy $#!+, censorship is hilarious.</p> <p>The topic this week is Halloween. We talk about it’s origins, what the Church did to attempt to steal it away and how, instead, they popularized it and totally lost control of it. Is Eli and closet transvestite? Wonder no longer, you’ll learn the truth. We also talk about how people who give out healthy food on Halloween are idiots… Actually, we don’t really talk about that, but we totally should have. Bit-O-Honey, people; get on it.</p> This week we (of course) bitch about politics and then straight into the news where we touch upon topics such bovine video game violence, who loses when Christian charities get uppity, the glorious train wreck that is Mel Gibson, prayer vs. voting [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/79 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/79#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:14:40 +0000 Lamar /?p=79 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/79/feed 0 <p>In the news: goddesses in diapers, supreme-court smack-downs, orwellian naming conventions, seeing-eye camels and the totally AWESOME atheist bus campaign. We also take a look at the claim that atheists are to blame for EVERYTHING, explore the wonderous world of ritual poop eating and ponder the enigma that is Christopher Hitchens.</p> <p>She left me for JEEEEEEEEEZUS…</p> <p>After the break we talk about the CFI event that we attended. We got to (briefly) meet Dr. Lawrence Krauss and guzzle tons of free coffee. It was pretty awesome. We chat a bit about different groups out there and the purposes that they serve and what you can and should do to help them. Yes… you. No, not him… well, him too, but I am talking specifically to you, pal.</p> <p><span id="more-79"></span><br /> In the news this week:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081007/ap_on_re_as/as_nepal_living_goddess">Nepal appoints 3-year-old as living godess</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2008/10/09/us_supreme_court_refuses_lexington_case/">US Supreme Court refuses Lexington case – Parents challenge gay-related books</a></li> <li><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2008/10/theyre_teaching_kids_to_be_gay.php#more">They’re Teaching Kids to Be Gay!</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/pera3.htm">HOUSE PASSES BILL TO MUZZLE FIRST AMENDMENT LITIGATION</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A127069">Muslim Taxi Drivers vs. Seeing-Eye Dogs</a></li> <li><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/10/you_mean_its_all_my_fault.php">The cause of the financial disaster? Atheist, of course!</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/19/orissa-violence-india-christianity-hinduism">Convert or we will kill you</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A128940">Atheist bus campaign relaunches!</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A126255">Hitchens: Vote for Obama, McCain lacks the character and temperament to be president. And Palin is simply a disgrace.</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A128262">Hitchens on the O’Reilly Factor explaining why he’s backing Obama</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A129091">Palin on the Environment</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A125638">Palin uses her elected office to promote religious causes, at times with public money</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.atheistnexus.org/group/atheistnews/forum/topic/show?id=2182797%3ATopic%3A125646">Commissioner in Cobb County hired a voodoo priestess to give her opponent cancer</a></li> </ul> <p>And here’s AronRa’s Excellent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTVpzwcpCCM" target="_blank">video message</a> to the voters of Texas.</p> In the news: goddesses in diapers, supreme-court smack-downs, orwellian naming conventions, seeing-eye camels and the totally AWESOME atheist bus campaign. We also take a look at the claim that atheists are to blame for EVERYTHING, explore the [...] http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/68 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/68#comments Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:44:52 +0000 Lamar /?p=68 http://www.chariotsofiron.com/2008/10/68/feed 0 <p>In this weeks news segment we cover the train wreck of presidential debates, the discovery of the oldest bible on earth and how embarrassing it is for Christians, the relative worth of making empty declarations and whether it is acceptable to call Elizabeth Dole a “dirty skank #$%@!.” We also talk about the line between religious belief and child abuse, the FFRF and how awesome it is and we investigate the merits of “helmet beatings” as stop-smoking cure.</p> <p>Parting the Red Sea is apparently a 12th level spell.</p> <p>In the main segment of our show, we talk about the fall of man. The Charioteers take a bite of the Fruit of The Knowledge of Good and Evil® as we get into the meaning and implications of the literal belief of the Abrahamic creation mythology. We discover that Ken Ham isn’t as crazy as he seems! Well… I guess that’s a lie. He is as crazy as he seems. Sorry.</p> In this weeks news segment we cover the train wreck of presidential debates, the discovery of the oldest bible on earth and how embarrassing it is for Christians, the relative worth of making empty declarations and whether it is acceptable to call [...]