Christian leaders are now critiquing empathy, labeling it as “toxic” and detrimental to their faith. This discussion highlights the tension between biblical teachings and compassion, linking it to misogyny and hyper-masculinity. The conversation questions whether empathy aligns with authoritarian beliefs within religion and suggests it may not have roots in Christianity.
Political commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated this week, sparking intense debate about political violence in America. We discuss Kirk’s influence on Christian nationalism, the immediate aftermath and blame-shifting, and what this means for future political discourse. Our panel examines the performative outrage, the cycle of violence, and why martyrdom plays such a powerful role in…
Mike discusses Florida’s decision to remove school vaccine mandates, highlighting the intertwining of religion and politics that aggravates vaccine hesitancy. The episode reveals how political identity misrepresents genuine faith, impacting public health and children’s safety. It critiques the hypocrisy of “my body, my choice” rhetoric amid strict abortion regulations.
This episode examines prayer from a psychological rather than theological perspective. While prayer doesn’t produce supernatural results, it does provide genuine benefits through mechanisms like structured self-reflection, ritual comfort, and social connection. We explore the placebo effect in religious practice, the neuroscience of repetitive ritual, and why understanding prayer’s natural benefits doesn’t require dismissing its…
In this Mike Drop episode, Mike Smithgall discusses Penn Jillette’s observation about the law’s treatment of insanity versus divine claims in court. He emphasizes that reliance on evidence over revelation is crucial for fairness and accountability. The episode critiques the influence of religion on the justice system and advocates for secularism.
In this episode of Mike Drop, host Mike Smithgall discusses how many atheists are not rejecting God, but rather questioning the authority of those who claim to represent Him. He examines the unchecked human assertions of divine authority and the real-world harm they can cause, providing a clear understanding of atheistic perspectives.
Pastor Doug Wilson’s mission goes far beyond the pulpit. With a growing network of over 150 churches worldwide and a new base just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, he’s advancing a vision for America — and eventually the world — governed by his brand of Christian theology. In this episode, Mike examines Wilson’s rise, his…
Mike Smithgall’s “Mike Drop” addresses the systemic issue of child abuse cover-ups in religious institutions. Examining various churches, he questions why predators remain protected and silence persists. Key topics include institutional silence, clericalism, and the global patterns of abuse, ultimately urging a deeper examination of religious moral failures.
Why do atheists feel invisible in American politics? In this episode of Ask an Atheist, our guest Larry Warren shares what it’s like to live in a country where religion dominates the political stage and nonbelievers are barely acknowledged. Larry pulls no punches as he opens up about what it means to be an atheist…
In this segment of Ask an Atheist, Annette Talania-Brandt opens up about two topics that many non-believers wrestle with: how to talk to religious family members, and how to raise a child without religion. Annette shares how she navigates conversations with loved ones who still believe, the boundaries she’s had to set, and the moments…
