Direct, thought-provoking commentary from Mike Smithgall on atheism, religion, politics, and free expression. Each episode takes one topic and breaks it down with reasoned analysis, skepticism, and accessible insights for viewers who value critical thinking.
Florida’s SB 1134, the “Anti-Diversity in Local Government” bill, prohibits local governments from promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, risking cancellation of cultural events. It allows the Governor to suspend officials for policy disagreements. The bill’s vague definitions raise concerns about its implications on community celebrations, economic impact, and democratic accountability.
A young person is hiding cash from their parents due to financial control linked to tithing 10% of their earnings to a megachurch. This practice, rooted in historical obligations, costs significantly in potential wealth. Tithing early in life can deprive individuals of substantial retirement savings, making informed decisions about giving crucial for financial well-being.
Florida’s proposed legislation, SB 1006 and HB 835, seeks to prevent penalties for students expressing religious or ideological views in their coursework, potentially leading to legal liabilities for educators. Critics argue this undermines academic standards, turning grades into discussions of personal belief rather than objective assessments of knowledge, thereby devaluing education.
Tax exemptions for religious institutions are not neutral; they actively transfer financial responsibility to other taxpayers. In areas where churches own substantial property, the burden on homeowners increases as these institutions do not contribute to local property taxes. This situation requires accountability, transparency, and a fair sharing of civic costs among all organizations.
By Mike Smithgall | Jan 1, 2026 | Atheistville | Heathen Hotline: (224) 307-5435 If you watched the news in 2025, you could be forgiven for thinking we were witnessing the triumphant return of theocracy. The visuals were certainly designed to make you think that. We saw smoke. We saw fire. We saw a giant,…
Recent analyses indicate that the perceived religious decline in the U.S. may not signify a revival but rather a temporary pause in the secular transition process. This process spans generations, exhibiting a predictable three-stage decline in religious affiliation, where identity change often lags behind behavior, impacting societal dynamics and culture wars significantly.
Mike Smithgall critiques the defensive reactions of Christians to extremist behaviors within their faith, highlighting the “No True Scotsman” fallacy. He urges moderate Christians to publicly condemn Christian Nationalism and assert that their faith embodies grace, not power. Silence equates to complicity, risking moral integrity as extremists hijack their religion.
In the past decade, the percentage of Americans valuing religion in daily life has plummeted from 66% to 49%. This cultural shift, driven by lost trust in religious institutions, rising skepticism, and a younger generation prioritizing personal ethics over organized faith, reflects a profound change in societal values and identity.
After 9/11, suspicion landed on millions of Muslims who had nothing to do with the attacks. But when Timothy McVeigh bombed Oklahoma City, nobody suggested we couldn’t tell the good Christians from the bad ones. That’s the asymmetry, and it reveals everything about our selective national memory.
The article by Mike Smithgall discusses the historical shift in the political roles of the Republican and Democratic parties concerning religion and moral authority. It details how religious language has been used to justify both abolition and segregation, affecting political alignments. The narrative highlights that American politics is often shaped by moral claims rather than purely economic factors.
