Beyond Atheism Podcast

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]

In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob L. Wright, Professor of Hebrew Bible at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and the author of Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and its Origins. Jacob explains how the Old Testament used a mix of history, myth, and poetry to form a “peoplehood” in the absence of state institutions. We explore the arguments in his new book about the secular origins of the Hebrew Bible and how it impacts contemporary issues. We discuss why the Bible is too important to be left to religious people and how its techniques can be similarly used by secularists today.  Why the Bible Began: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/why-the-bible-began/263D2981C0B829268AAC8BB4A0F696FC [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/why-the-bible-began/263D2981C0B829268AAC8BB4A0F696FC]  Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios [https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios]