Beyond Atheism Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Arash Ghajarjazi, a scholar of Iranian Studies at Utrecht University and author of the new book, Remembering Khayyam: Episodes of Unbelief in the Reception Histories of Persian Quatrains. We delve into the history of Iran to discuss the long legacy of secular culture by way of the figure of Omar Khayyam, a Persian poet and polymath from the 11th century. There are plenty of surprises along the way as we learn how religious elites leveraged modern technology to monopolize power, the role Victorian love of poetry had on Iranian culture, and how secular monuments continue to inspire and allow protest in a theocratic country. We also learn whether a true atheist can hide their atheism and if it may prove to be an absolute necessity. For more on Arash: www.linkedin.com/in/arash-ghajarjazi-036621176 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/arash-ghajarjazi-036621176] On X: @arashghajarjazi Arash’s new book, Remembering Khayyam: Episodes of Unbelief in the Reception Histories of Persian Quatrains: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111626017/html [https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111626017/html] And the video trailer of the book: https://youtu.be/A7Z4ZtUQlnU?si=NO8nX3eZjBNNqzJd [https://youtu.be/A7Z4ZtUQlnU?si=NO8nX3eZjBNNqzJd] Beyond Sharia project: https://beyondsharia.nl/ [https://beyondsharia.nl/] Register for Nathan Alexander’s upcoming webinar (July 8): https://freethinker.co.uk/2025/05/freethought-history-webinar-4-atheism-and-vegetarianism-in-the-19th-and-20th-centuries-a-match-made-in-heaven-with-nathan-alexander-8-july-2025/ [https://freethinker.co.uk/2025/05/freethought-history-webinar-4-atheism-and-vegetarianism-in-the-19th-and-20th-centuries-a-match-made-in-heaven-with-nathan-alexander-8-july-2025/]  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ [https://www.nathangalexander.com/]  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios [https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios]

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Clark, author of The Omega Course, a coming-of-age novel about guilt, redemption, and loss of faith. We learn about the central plot of the book, where 17-year-old Ross kills another driver in a car accident and seeks to find redemption, initially through the real-life “Alpha Course,” which pushes a conservative approach to Christianity. However, at the same time, Ross also takes a fictional “Omega Course” which presents a more critical perspective about the origins of Christianity and the Bible. In the episode, we talk extensively about the research that went into the novel, with special focus on the actual Alpha Course and what makes it so dreadful, as well as the choice to present this topic through fiction. We also discuss the history of monotheism, the authorship of the Bible, evidence for the historical Jesus, and why it all matters. Paul also explains to us whether or not a true atheist can believe in redemption. Order The Omega Course here: https://books2read.com/omega-course [https://books2read.com/omega-course]  Paul’s website: https://paulclark42.com/ [https://paulclark42.com/]  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ [https://www.nathangalexander.com/]  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios [https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios]

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Ray, the President of the Humanist Society and an Endorsed Humanist Celebrant and Invocator. We learn about how these roles are secularizing, the deep roots they have to humanism, as well as (because we know you are afraid to ask) what exactly humanist celebrants and invocators are. The discussion also includes how the Humanist Society aids the training and professionalization of aspiring chaplains, even those who hold the position in a religious function but have left their faith. Sarah also schools Todd and Nathan on why a “true” humanist would prefer Star Wars to Star Trek. The Humanist Society: thehumanistsociety.org [http://thehumanistsociety.org] Humanist Trek Podcast: humanisttrek.com [http://humanisttrek.com] Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios [https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios]

In this episode, we talk with Maggie Ardiente, the board president of the Secular Coalition for America. In a wide ranging discussion, we learn how joining a small freethinkers group at university led to a lifelong career in secular activism. Against the harrowing backdrop of “religious freedom” and Project 2025, we talk about how secularism is a growing presence on Capitol Hill and what the next steps for growth are. We also learn whether a True Atheist can believe in ghosts and if freethinkers should attend a religious school. Learn more about the Secular Coalition for America: https://secular.org/ [https://secular.org/]  For more on Project 2025: https://secular.org/project-2025/ [https://secular.org/project-2025/]  To donate to the Secular Coalition for America: https://secular.org/donate/ [https://secular.org/donate/]  – Nathan’s new article, “Reincarnation, Secular Style”: https://freethinker.co.uk/2024/09/reincarnation-secular-style/ [https://freethinker.co.uk/2024/09/reincarnation-secular-style/]  Follow Nathan on BlueSky: @nathgalexander.bsky.social Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios [https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios]

In this episode, we are joined by Alastair Lichten, a humanist community builder with Humanists UK, and the author of the blog, Humanist Dad. Alastair has been using the blog to explore how his humanist worldview informs the challenging decisions he makes as a parent raising children in the UK. We talk about the ways humanist values are reflected in addressing thorny issues like what (if anything) to teach kids about religion, what kind of rituals humanist parents perform without religion, and how to deal with intrusive influences from the dominant religious culture. We also learn whether a True Humanist wishes their kids grow up to be humanists. Read more on Alastair’s blog, Humanist Dad: https://humanistdad.uk/ [https://humanistdad.uk/] Follow Nathan on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/nathgalexander.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nathgalexander.bsky.social]  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios [https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios]