Faith, Freedom, And Facts: Atheists On Leaving Religion And Finding Community Atheistville With Mike Smithgall podcast

Faith, Freedom, and Facts: Atheists on Leaving Religion and Finding Community

3M ago 2:05:21

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In this episode of The Unholy Roundtable, a panel of atheists explores the rise of Christian nationalism, the persistence of gender inequality in religion, and the powerful social bonds that keep many in the pews. We share personal stories of deconstruction, confront historical myths about America’s founding, and challenge the logic behind religious control. Whether you’ve left religion or are questioning, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on belief, community, and freedom.

What was the single biggest turning point that made you start questioning your religious beliefs?

📑 Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings

Introductions and Why Perspective Matters
Christian Nationalism vs. Declining Church Attendance
Women and Religion: Why Stay in a System Built Against You?
The Social Pull of Church and Replacing Community
Pascal’s Wager, Doubt, and Critical Thinking
Hypocrisy in Religious Morality
The “Prayer vs. Heimlich” Debate
Historical Myths About America’s Founding
When Belief Meets Reality: Family, Love, and Change

📚 Suggested Reading List

The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American by Andrew L. Seidel- https://amzn.to/3IScuc7 A sharp legal and historical dismantling of the idea that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation—essential for understanding today’s church-state debates.
Why There Is No God by Armin Navabi- https://amzn.to/45fBUta A concise look at common theistic arguments and how to counter them with reason and evidence.
Leaving the Fold by Marlene Winell- https://amzn.to/3GqjZ9l Specifically addresses the psychological challenges of leaving authoritarian religion, including the social isolation Mike describes.

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What was the single biggest turning point that made you start questioning your religious beliefs?

📑 Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings

Introductions and Why Perspective Matters
Christian Nationalism vs. Declining Church Attendance
Women and Religion: Why Stay in a System Built Against You?
The Social Pull of Church and Replacing Community
Pascal’s Wager, Doubt, and Critical Thinking
Hypocrisy in Religious Morality
The “Prayer vs. Heimlich” Debate
Historical Myths About America’s Founding
When Belief Meets Reality: Family, Love, and Change

📚 Suggested Reading List

The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American by Andrew L. Seidel- https://amzn.to/3IScuc7 A sharp legal and historical dismantling of the idea that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation—essential for understanding today’s church-state debates.
Why There Is No God by Armin Navabi- https://amzn.to/45fBUta A concise look at common theistic arguments and how to counter them with reason and evidence.
Leaving the Fold by Marlene Winell- https://amzn.to/3GqjZ9l Specifically addresses the psychological challenges of leaving authoritarian religion, including the social isolation Mike describes.

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Faith, Freedom, and Facts: Atheists on Leaving Religion and Finding Community