Topic: Atheism

WNYC's Brooke Gladstone analyzed President Trump's religious rhetoric, claiming he favors the "prosperity gospel." The hosts refute this, stating Trump has never promoted the doctrine and that the media uses religion as a "shotgun approach" to attack his supporters. The segment critiques the secular media's lack of understanding regarding evangelical traditions.

The discussion critiques Tim Alberta's definition of Christian nationalism as a "marriage of bad history and bad theology." The hosts argue that critics are fear-mongering about a theocratic takeover while ignoring the spiritual warfare context and the secularist leanings of the current administration.

A new report indicates that 28% of Americans now identify as having no religious affiliation, outnumbering Catholics and evangelical Protestants. This group, referred to as "nones," includes atheists, agnostics, and those who believe in a higher power but do not attend services. The data reflects a broader cultural shift away from traditional religious institutions, particularly in states like California.

The hosts critique Sam Harris for his comments on "misinformation," where he argued that people like Candace Owens should not have opinions on complex topics like vaccines or climate change. They review Harris's background as a "New Atheist" and his previous statements justifying dishonesty if it helps remove Donald Trump from power.

The Hyde Amendment is identified as the legislative provision barring federal funds from being used for abortions. Concurrently, Republican lawmakers have challenged the State Department over grants totaling $500,000 awarded to atheist and humanist NGOs in the Middle East and North Africa. Critics question how promoting non-belief overseas advances U.S. foreign policy interests or adheres to constitutional standards.

Sir Kevin of the Burning River criticizes the European Union for removing references to God and Schiller's poem from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Dame Zelda of the Turtle Realm celebrates her 44th wedding anniversary with a donation. Stefan Tuckney returns to credit his wife Felicia for her producer dues, requesting "Space Force" and "Pew Pew" jingles.

Donald Trump claims to have "gotten rid of" the Johnson Amendment via executive order, allowing pastors to speak politically from the pulpit without losing tax-exempt status. The hosts discuss the history of the amendment, which was intended to prevent government-subsidized religious organizations from engaging in partisan politics. They predict this will lead to fundamentalist preachers openly campaigning for Trump in the 2020 election.

The Mormon Church (LDS) announced it will end its 100-year relationship with the Boy Scouts of America by the end of 2019. The split follows the BSA's policy changes regarding inclusive membership. The church plans to launch its own global youth development program to replace the scouting curriculum.

The work of Charlotte Iserbyt, author of *The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America*, is highlighted regarding the influence of behavioral psychologist Benjamin Bloom. Bloom's Taxonomy is described as a system designed to change the "fixed beliefs" of students, with Iserbyt claiming the methods can be used to rapidly shift a child's religious or social values.

The "No Agenda" hosts discuss the belief that the top leadership of the Democratic Party, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are functional atheists. They argue that the leaked emails reveal a deep disdain for people who sincerely practice their faith. The segment suggests that for "globalist atheists," religion is merely a social club rather than a guiding set of principles.

A listener named Jennifer corrected a host's previous claim about a meal at the Salty Sow restaurant, defending the presentation of the bone marrow. The exchange prompted a humorous discussion about "airing grievances" before the holiday of Festivus. The segment also touched on the host's willingness to accept criticism and a brief aside regarding atheist perspectives on the afterlife.

Listeners Julian Erickson and Eric Hoff provide donations while reflecting on the "value-for-value" model and the cultural shift of treating science as a religious pedestal. Hoff deconstructs the term "my brother's keeper," noting its biblical origins in the story of Cain and Abel as a reference to the first murder. The discussion posits that questioning scientific consensus has become a form of modern heresy, similar to challenging religious doctrine.

A parish north of Boston reported an act of vandalism involving a pig's head during the Christmas season. The hosts discuss the increasing secularization of religious holidays, noting how Easter has been rebranded as "Spring Break" in many contexts. They suggest that if society wants to remove the religious roots of these days, the holidays should be eliminated entirely.

Comedian Bill Maher argued that Israel's military success is rooted in a cultural commitment to science and education. Maher pointed to the disparity in Nobel Prizes between Jewish and Muslim populations as evidence of this advantage. Critics of this view argue that science has become a "new religion" and that historical contributions from the Arab world are often overlooked in such comparisons.

The hosts argue that President Obama is likely an atheist and that his use of "God Bless America" is a cynical marketing ploy. They trace the origin of the phrase in presidential speeches back to Richard Nixon in 1973. The segment also touches on the "flag lapel" controversy as an example of performative patriotism required of modern leaders.

A clip of President Obama discussing his conversion to Christianity at age 30 is analyzed. The hosts cite reports from the "Alsterman Report" claiming that the Obamas are actually atheists who mock religious voters in private. They suggest the President's public religious stance is a political necessity rather than a sincere belief.