Thank God I'm Atheist
Frank and Dan, former Mormons, host off-the-cuff conversations about current events from an atheist perspective. Each episode covers six news stories from the prior week, and occasionally features interviews with writers, thinkers, and leaders in the atheist community. The show provides insight into the often misunderstood religious minority.
Episodes
Mormons Double Down
Mormon leaders double down on their opposition to gambling, and young Mormons are losing their minds over being told to stay away from sports betting and prediction markets. Frank and Dan discuss the backlash, the church's longstanding rules against gambling, and the outrage of young Mormons discovering that their religion still expects them to follow its rules. But as always, we first discuss som
Erasing Atheists from the Military
The Pentagon drops "atheist" as a military belief category, and Frank and Dan debate whether that creates much practical harm for atheist service members or whether the bigger problem is the message it sends about who the military considers worthy of recognition and accommodation. But first there's some news of the week... Texas Christians brainstorming ways to make life harder for Muslims, Tim Te
AI and Spiritual Isolation
With the rise of the "spiritual but not religious" category, more people are turning to AI for spiritual guidance instead of pastors. What does it mean for people to seek spiritual, moral, and life guidance from a source that guides you toward an ever more personalized and isolated spiritual experience? We also discuss: Noah's Ark hunters are digging around in Turkey again, a judge shuts down an a
Involuntary Atheists
How did you become an atheist? Do you feel like you had any choice in the matter? Or was it something you ultimately couldn't ignore? This week Frank and Dan discuss the road to atheism and the surprising paths people take on their way to accepting the nonexistence of the god. Also some wacky religious news from the week: abortion pills in the water, a pastor clashes with Native American tradition
Catholicism is a Trip!
Frank just got back from Italy and has some stories to tell! Catholic churches, baby Jesus art, so much Jesus blood, Mary's wedding ring, and a visit to Assisi to see St. Carlo's dead body. But first, there's a bunch of wacky religious news from the week: Eiffel Tower workers strike over hiding female staff, Trump leads a bizarre voting pledge, Austria bans hijabs for young girls in schools, a con
Can Neurodivergent People Know God?
Kate fills in for Frank this week, joining Dan for a conversation about neurodivergence, religious belief, and why some brains may process spiritual experiences differently than others. They compare religion to imagination, play, and believing in Santa, and wonder whether neurodivergent people may be less inclined to attach supernatural meaning to powerful emotional experiences. But first: A Texa
Saint Dolly, Devilish Tim, and Radical Acceptance
This week, we remember two iconic figures who helped make the world feel a little more accepting in very different ways. Dolly Parton embodied a version of Christianity rooted in love, generosity, and an instinctive refusal to exclude people who weren't like her. Tim Curry, meanwhile, helped bring transgressive sexuality, camp, and gender-bending performance into the cultural mainstream. Together,
Religious Freedom Guaranteed* (See Terms and Conditions)
Texas conservatives are taking their anti-Muslim crusade to a new level: questioning whether Islam should even count as a religion. Frank and Dan look at the effort to redefine religious freedom so Christianity gets ever-expanding protections while Muslim beliefs and practices can be dismissed as merely "cultural" and therefore fair game for government restriction. Elsewhere, a transgender wedding
The Power of Religious Symbols
Who owns a symbol? And who gets to decide what it means? This week, we look at how symbols can be stolen, reclaimed, transformed, or ruined, from the swastika and pink triangle to the rainbow and the cross. Also this week: the sky evangelist picks a fight with Alaska Airlines, Canada's military makes room for nonbelievers, halal barbecue takes off in Texas, a Christian influencer says aliens harve
Can the Religious Left Stop Christian Nationalism?
As Christian nationalism tightens its grip on the nation's politics, a new crop of progressive candidates is putting faith front and center. From James Talarico to Abdul El-Sayed, the religious left is making a more explicit play for political power (and challenging the idea that Republicans get to own God). Can religious progressives provide an effective counterweight to Christian nationalism, or
Mourning Without an Afterlife
Death comes for all of us, but what does grief look like without belief in an afterlife? Frank is joined by Rachel for a personal conversation about scattering her father's ashes five years after his death, finding closure without religion, and whether mourning is different when this life is the only one we have. Also this week: Christian men create women-free gyms to avoid "lust," Kim Davis is ac
Pioneers, Persecution & Selective Memory
Pioneer Day is one of Utah's biggest celebrations, but how much of the Mormon pioneer story is history? And how much is mythology? Frank and Dan take a fresh look at the conflict that drove the Mormons west, why the word "persecution" doesn't tell the whole story, and how the familiar handcart-and-heroism narrative leaves out a lot of the truth. Also this week: preparations begin for the 2,000th a
The Truth About Religious Conversion
This week's final segment tackles a surprisingly tricky question: what is a religious conversion? Does becoming an atheist count, or is it something entirely different? We explore where Americans are actually moving religiously, why the "nones" continue to grow, and what it really means to change (or leave) your faith. Also this week: a Utah man is arrested after allegedly plotting an attack on Mu
Why Do Mormon Temples Look Like Luxury Hotels?
Frank and Dan explore why modern Mormon temple interiors resemble upscale hotel lobbies rather than awe-inspiring sacred spaces. They compare Mormon architecture with historic cathedrals, discuss the church's increasing architectural homogenization, and argue that Mormon aesthetics have become more corporate than spiritual. We also tease organizing a TGIA group visit when the renovated Salt Lake T
The Problem With Hearing God's Voice
How do you tell the difference between a prophet and someone experiencing a delusion? This week, Frank and Dan explore the uneasy intersection of religion and mental illness, asking how believers decide whether a voice in someone's head is divine revelation or a symptom of psychosis. Also this week: the Vatican excommunicates hundreds of traditionalist Catholics, a Mormon general authority apologi
Did the Founders Want a Christian Nation?
As America approaches its 250th birthday, we're asking a simple question: Is this what the Founders wanted? Christian nationalists insist the United States was established as a Christian nation, but what did the men who actually wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution believe? Frank and Dan separate historical fact from modern mythology while exploring whether the secular govern
If Aliens are Real, What Happens to Religion?
What happens to religion if humanity discovers we're not alone in the universe? This week, Frank and Dan explore one of the biggest theological questions imaginable: aliens. Would Christianity survive first contact? Would extraterrestrials need their own Jesus? Could they arrive with a religion more advanced than our own? Along the way, we also discuss an Iranian singer punished for performing wit
Christian Nationalists, Mormon Drama, and Route 666
With Frank under the weather this week, Dan takes the reins solo for a special live-stream edition of Thank God I'm Atheist. Along the way he digs into Christian nationalists attempting to build a new religious stronghold in Washington state, revisits the ongoing debate over whether Mormons are considered Christian by their evangelical neighbors, and looks at Donald Trump's latest honor from an Or
Are Mormons Christian? The Pentagon Has an Answer
Are Mormons Christian? It's a question that's sparked debates for generations, and now the Pentagon has unexpectedly weighed in. This week Frank and Dan discuss the Department of Defense's new list of recognized faith categories, which places The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside its Christian classifications while simultaneously removing atheists, humanists, pagans, and several
They Saved a Buffalo Because It Looked Like Trump
A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh was headed for ritual sacrifice during a Muslim holiday (until people noticed it looked remarkably like Donald Trump). After the buffalo went viral, government officials stepped in, canceled the sacrifice, and gave the animal a new home at a zoo. Also this week: a Muslim principal loses her job after a backlash campaign in Texas, a Christian job applicant demand
The UFO Files Dropped… and Pastors Lost It
The government dumped a fresh batch of UFO files into the public record, and Christian pastors are already racing to explain what we're seeing. Are they aliens? Secret military tech? Weather balloons? Or… angels and demons?!! Frank and Dan dive into the newly released footage, the religious panic surrounding it, and why "we don't know" remains the most honest (and apparently least popular) answer.
Trump's America 250 Celebration Is Exactly What You Fear
America is turning 250… and Christian nationalists are determined to make sure the birthday party belongs to them. This week, Frank and Dan dive into the bizarre "Rededicate 250" event in Washington D.C., where Trump allies, religious activists, and culture war celebrities are pushing the idea that the United States was founded as a Christian nation (and therefore should become one again). Elsewhe
The God Delusion… Meets AI Delusion
Richard Dawkins spent decades convincing people to think critically about religion. Now he's wondering if a chatbot might actually be conscious. After an extended conversation with an AI he nicknamed "Claudia," the famed atheist author published a baffling article arguing that modern AI may be far more self-aware than we think. Frank is away this week, so Dan and Kate dive into one of the stranges
Christian Marriage Expert Had TWO Wives!!
A Florida pastor who wrote a book about "biblical marriage" has been arrested after allegedly marrying a second woman while still married to his first wife. Frank and Dan dive into the very awkward collision between Christian marriage advice, secret spouses, and a pastor who may have taken "biblical marriage" a little too literally. Also this week: TikTokers are "speedrunning" Scientology building
What Happens When You Fall in Love With an AI?
She wasn't catfished. She wasn't delusional. She fell in love... with an AI! And when that digital companion suddenly disappeared, the grief was real enough to take to a Buddhist temple for a memorial. This week, we dig into one of the strangest and most revealing stories yet about artificial intelligence, loneliness, and what happens when technology stops being a tool and starts feeling like a pe
Trump Goes Full Messiah… Too Far?!
Trump posts an AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure, and suddenly that's what sparks outrage from Christians?! In this shorter "TGIA Light" episode, we dig into the bizarre backlash, the selective standards of blasphemy, and what it reveals about modern religious and political loyalty. We also look at how pastors are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT to write sermons, and c
Even Alex Jones Is Turning on Trump?!
Alex Jones turning on Donald Trump wasn't on anyone's bingo card, but here we are! In a moment that feels less like politics and more like a full-blown schism, one of Trump's loudest allies is suddenly calling him out for going too far. Is this the beginning of real cracks inside MAGA, or just another bizarre twist in a movement that's built on them? Either way, it's a rare glimpse of the machine
Government Official Says God Teleported Him to Waffle House
A top FEMA official says God teleported him… to a Waffle House. Not metaphorically. Not "in spirit." Literally... mid-crisis, mid-life, mid-reality... He claims he was transported miles away as part of a divine encounter, and now he's defending it with scripture! It's the kind of story that would be funny if it weren't coming from someone with real power, and somehow, it only gets worse the deeper
What Did Pete Hegseth Just Pray For?!
A prayer calling for "overwhelming violence" is where Frank and Dan start this week, as they examine comments from Pete Hegseth and the disturbing implications of religious language being used to justify force and power. They break down how this kind of rhetoric fits into a broader pattern of increasingly militant expressions of faith in political spaces, and what it signals about the direction of
Televangelist Wants a Private Jet… Cites Jesus
A televangelist says he needs a private jet, and he's citing the Bible to justify it! After ditching commercial travel, he's now asking followers to fund his upgrade, arguing even Christ had to avoid the crowds. Apparently, salvation travels first class (or better). Also this week: a bizarre Mormon conference tries to argue Joseph Smith didn't practice polygamy, prompting backlash and possible dis
Ramadan at 30,000 Feet… They Called the Cops
A man quietly says a prayer on a flight, and it ends with police, a diversion, and a wave of panic. What should have been an ordinary moment of religious observance during Ramadan was treated like a security threat, exposing how quickly fear and bias can escalate at 30,000 feet. In this episode, we break down what actually happened, why it spiraled, and what it reveals about the double standard ar
The Dark Theology Behind Today's War Politics
A top CPAC leader sparked outrage this week after defending the bombing of Iranian schoolgirls. During a heated debate on Piers Morgan's show, American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp suggested the girls might be "better off dead" than growing up under Iran's oppressive regime—an argument that left the panel stunned and raised disturbing questions about how far some are willing to go to j
Mormons Accidentally Drink Green Tea… Chaos Ensues
A quiet little mistake at BYU sets off a surprisingly big reaction! When a drink at the Mormon-owned Brigham Young University turned out to contain green tea, it reopened the question of what the Mormon "Word of Wisdom" actually bans, and why a 19th-century health rule still causes confusion today. Frank and Dan unpack the green tea mix-up and the strange logic behind Mormon caffeine culture (beca
Is Sharia Law Coming for Your Dog?
A Florida congressman has introduced something called the "Protect Puppies from Sharia Act." Yes, that's the real name. The bill claims to defend dogs from Islamic law bans that don't exist, turning imaginary threats into federal legislation. We break down the culture-war paranoia behind it, and how this is what passes for serious governance now. Elsewhere, we cover a massive Catholic abuse settle
Why This New Mormon Leader Has People Nervous
The Mormon Church has made a move that's raising questions about where it's headed next. President Dallin H. Oaks has appointed Clark Gilbert as the newest apostle, a relatively young (at 55 years old!) leader known for his firm orthodoxy and culture-war posture within church education. For many within the church and without, it feels like a signal about the future direction of the institution, pa
One Nation Under Trump? The Freedom 250 Jubilee
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Donald Trump is launching a rival celebration—"Freedom 250"—complete with a national jubilee of prayer and a rededication of the country as "one nation under God." At the same time, the man linked to infidelity, sexual misconduct allegations, financial fraud, and relentless public dishonesty continues to enjoy overwhelming support from American Christia
Celebrity, Corruption, and a Very Tiny God
Pop star Nicki Minaj helped launch Donald Trump's latest scheme—and walked off with a shiny receipt. After backing Trump's new "Trump Accounts" and pouring serious money into the project, Minaj publicly declared that God is protecting Trump—then promptly showed off a Trump "Gold Card," a not-so-subtle symbol of access for sale. This week, we break down the celebrity worship, divine flattery, and r
Trump, the Almighty, and a Very Friendly Press
Donald Trump says God is proud of him. During a bizarre, softball-filled press appearance marking his first year back in office, Trump claimed divine approval for his presidency—offered without evidence or irony. We unpack the religious delusion, the collapse of press accountability, and what it means when a sitting president openly frames himself as God's chosen leader. Beyond Trump, we take on a
Greg Locke Cries Christian Persecution — The Truth Comes Out
A pastor says he's under attack for his faith. The truth is worse... and dumber! After the home of Tennessee preacher Greg Locke was shot up, he immediately declared it an act of Christian persecution (without evidence). When it later became clear the attack had nothing to do with religion, the story took a turn that perfectly captures how grievance, fear, and bad faith keep the persecution narrat
Playing the Odds with God
In a calculated hedge against hell, Dilbert creator Scott Adams announces a death-bed conversion to Christianity, explicitly framing it as Pascal's Wager—a cynical, calculated play for the afterlife. Christians celebrate, atheists groan, and we unpack why this story is catnip for religious propaganda, why the logic collapses instantly, and why deathbed conversions remain one of Christianity's favo
Trump Signed a Painting of Jesus. Seriously.
What happens when Trump desecrates a painting of Jesus? Billionaires line up to buy it. At a Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party, Trump signs a painting of Christ—offering a very public glimpse at how faith, money, and power now intersect. From there, it's a week of religion doing what it does best: embarrassing itself in public. A failed doomsday prophet in Ghana finds out there are consequences when
Grading Honestly Is Apparently a Fireable Offense
A University of Oklahoma instructor gave a student a failing grade — and lost their job over it. The reason? Religion entered the chat. We unpack how a routine college assignment turned into a culture-war flashpoint, why academic standards suddenly became optional, and how religious grievance keeps getting rewarded when it collides with higher education. Also this week: Trump administration offici
When Religious Entitlement Hits 30,000 Feet
What happens when a man decides an airplane cabin is the perfect place to hold church? This week, we discuss the now-viral moment of a passenger pulling out his guitar mid-flight to serenade a captive audience with praise songs. Some travelers joined in while everyone else stared ahead in silent fury. We talk about public space, consent, religious entitlement, and why "sharing the Good News" at 30
Should Courts Protect Children from Religion?
What happens when a custody dispute turns into a fight over whether a child is being harmed by religion—and the courts are forced to weigh in? This week, we dig into a disturbing custody case that forces an uncomfortable question into the open: should religion get special protection when kids are the ones paying the price? We also cover the Mormon Church's latest branding hypocrisy as it pressures
What This Nativity Says About America
It's that time of year again: the War on Christmas is back—and wilder than ever. This week, Dan and Kate dive into the bizarre conservative outrage over a nativity scene depicting the Holy Family as migrants detained by ICE. Right-wing commentators are furious, churches are divided, and somehow this one small display has become a national symbol of everything they think is wrong with America. We u
Christians Are FURIOUS About This Santa
Nothing says "holiday spirit" quite like Christian leaders panicking over a goth-themed Christmas market, and their dramatic meltdown is far more entertaining than anything on the vendor tables. From there, we look at an Oklahoma student stunned that her Bible-based gender essay didn't pass a psychology assignment, the Vatican's latest attempt to police monogamy, and a disturbing story out of Sout
Epstein Files & the Season of Bad Defenses
The Epstein files have finally started to drip out, and the early reactions are already something to behold. This week, Frank and Dan wade into the bizarre rhetorical contortions spilling out of the right-wing media sphere—from Megyn Kelly's head-scratching attempt to "reframe" things to the Catholic League charging in with one of the most offensive defenses imaginable. We also look at Catholic cl
SCOTUS Leaves Equality Standing—and Kim Davis Paying
SCOTUS just delivered a win for marriage equality. After nearly a decade of appeals, lawsuits, and national drama, the Supreme Court has officially declined to hear Kim Davis' case challenging gay marriage… leaving the original ruling in place and the former county clerk on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars. What does this mean for gay marriage going forward? We break it all down. This
The Catholic School Auschwitz Float
A Catholic school in Pennsylvania put the words "Arbeit Macht Frei"—the infamous phrase from the Auschwitz gate—on the back of its Halloween float. Frank and Dan try to understand how something this shocking made it through so many adults without anyone realizing what it meant, and what it says about religious education and historical ignorance. Also this week: a "family values" lawmaker caught up
Trump's Holy War on Nigeria
Christian nationalism, hypocrisy, and pepper-sprayed pastors—oh my! Frank and Dan start in Oklahoma, where LGBTQ+ kids are literally breathing easier now that hateful school superintendent Ryan Walters is gone. Then it's on to a Pentecostal whistleblower who got fired for exposing his bishop's embezzlement, Trump's latest delusional threat to invade Nigeria, and Texas judges who just got the green
Warren Jeffs' Secret Lesbian Rituals!
Dan welcomes guest host Kate while Frank escapes to paradise (again!). Together they discuss new revelations about creep-o Warren Jeffs and how he forced his wives to satisfy his kinks... but you know: for the lord. This week: Gen Z "Revival" – Overhyped college baptisms; mostly young men clinging to old-school patriarchy. Pew Poll – More Americans think religion's power is rising; hosts say it's
Trump Tries for Heaven (Good Luck!)
Trump's been thinking about eternity, and apparently he's not so sure he's getting into heaven. This week, Frank and Dan unpack the world's most unexpected crisis of conscience as Trump ponders his afterlife prospects and MAGA faithful insist he's still God's chosen one. Also this week: an atheist in South Carolina is barred from working the polls for refusing to say "so help me God," Oklahoma sch
When Faith and Cruelty Collide
A Texas pastor has a divine recruitment strategy—he's telling Christians to "Join ICE for Jesus." We unpack his unholy mix of nationalism, cruelty, and theology while trying to keep their blood pressure in check. Also in this episode: • A preacher blames the wrong calendar for the rapture's no-show • Mormons raise nearly $400K for a shooter's family • Catholic preschools lose their anti-LGBTQ disc
Atheists = Terrorists? Trump Thinks So.
Trump's latest executive memo takes aim at "anti-Christian" Americans—and somehow that includes us and most of our listeners! Yep, under his new NSPM-7 directive, atheists officially make the terrorist watchlist. This week, Frank and Dan dig into what the memo actually says, why it's terrifying (and absurd), and what it means for anyone who's not worshipping at the altar of Trump. Plus: The death
What's Missing From Trump's Bible
Oklahoma's "Trump Bibles" have landed in public schools (special editions stuffed with the Constitution and other patriotic texts), but they're conspicuously lacking the amendments that abolished slavery, secured women's suffrage, and guaranteed civil rights. Frank and Dan unpack the scandal and what it means for education and politics. Plus: the "Jesus Take the Wheel" songwriter dies in a plane c
A Pastor's Racist Advice for Parents
What happens when faith and bigotry collide? A Texas preacher made headlines after telling white Christian parents they need to give their kids "the talk" about the supposed dangers of Black people. This week on Thank God I'm Atheist: Trump's "patriotic education" plan turns the nation's 250th birthday into Christian nationalist indoctrination. Kash Patel sends Charlie Kirk to Valhalla (yes, real
The Patron Saint of Wi-Fi?!
The Vatican has officially canonized Carlo Acutis (the first millennial saint) sparking headlines and debates worldwide. In this week's episode of Thank God I'm Atheist, Frank and Dan unpack how the Catholic Church fast-tracked a "patron saint of the internet" and why it matters for modern Catholicism. Along the way, they dive into the historic first female preacher at the National Baptist Convent
Inside the Call Center Cult
This week, Frank and Dan dig into the shocking story of a Florida pastor who ran a $50 million call center cult, complete with forced labor, starvation, and abuse in the name of God. They also cover: Kristi Noem funneling Homeland Security funds to churches, the Taliban refusing to let men rescue women after an earthquake, a chaplain abusing detainees in ICE custody, and a Mormon columnist caught
Massacre? Don't Worry, They'll Pray About It
This week on Thank God I'm Atheist, Frank is joined by Rachel (with Dan off at Burning Man!) for a lively dive into religion's latest absurdities. Trump's bizarre new obsession with "getting to heaven" makes the headlines, Kentucky churches are stealing library books in the name of morality, Quebec wrestles with prayer bans in public spaces, and a nurse swaps her grandmother's medication for "vita
Garments, Glory Holes, and Goodbye Dobson #714
This week Frank and Dan take a long, hard look at the legacy of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and one of the most influential figures of the Religious Right. He spent decades pushing child abuse as "discipline," spreading anti-LGBTQ hate, and shaping the culture wars that still drag us down today. With his passing, we're not exactly breaking out the hymns… We also dive into: Mormon
The Pastor Who Stole the Prize #713
Oklahoma's Ryan Walters loses in court while doubling down on Christian victimhood, Pastor Doug Wilson's growing extremist empire in Idaho gets national attention, and Lindsey Graham warns that "God will pull the plug on America" if we stop funding Israel. Also in the mix: Marjorie Taylor Greene picks a fight with Lindsey Graham A Christian charity fires a pregnant gay woman and wins in court New
Keyboard-Slapping for Jesus #712
This week, the Christians found us… and they came in swingin' (well, typin'). The YouTube comment section lit up with righteous fury after last week's episode, and we couldn't resist talking about it. We've also got the story of a megachurch pastor returning to the pulpit after prison, a psychedelic mushroom "church" that just beat the state of Utah in court, ICE raids inside places of worship, Mi
The Holy Relic Missing a Holy Part #711
What do a religious sex club, the Shroud of Turin, and a pedophile at a church fair have in common? They're all part of this week's wild ride through religious absurdity. Frank and Dan dig into: The airline controversy over booted Jewish teens—anti-Semitism or just unruly French kids? The Shroud of Turin gets debunked with 3D modeling. A Tennessee pastor uses food bank funds to pay for prostituti
"Are Those Her Nipples?!" #710
Oklahoma's ultra-conservative education chief Ryan Walters wants to keep schools "smut-free"—but apparently forgot to turn off his retro porn before a state board meeting. Frank and Dan break down the jaw-dropping hypocrisy and the political fallout. Also in this episode: Indiana's lieutenant governor proposes the death penalty as a condition for abortion in cases of rape A prominent Christian ac
Japan Protects Kids from Religion #709
Ever wondered what it means when a church goes full corporate? Frank and Dan wrap up the episode with a deep dive into the Mormon Church's 26-story office tower and the billions behind it. But first: witches selling spells on Etsy (and why it violates Etsy's own rules), Texas making it illegal for secular celebrants to perform weddings, the Magnolia Network featuring a gay couple and triggering co
Bribes, Blessings, and Broken Democracy #708
The IRS just made a quiet but explosive decision: it will no longer enforce the Johnson Amendment, effectively giving churches a tax-free license to play politics. Frank and Dan break down how this opens the floodgates for dark money, bribes disguised as "donations," and full-blown corruption in America's pulpits. Also this week: The bizarre satanic panic over viral Labubu dolls Baylor University
The Gospel According to Gym Bros #707
Christian influencers are bringing fatphobia back in the name of Jesus—and Frank and Dan are not having it. This week, they dive into the toxic rise of Christian diet culture and how it ties into purity, control, and righteousness. Plus: Iran issues a fatwa targeting Trump and Netanyahu, Canterbury Cathedral starts handing out indulgences, Americans try to evangelize North Korea via plastic bottle
God Said Forever #706
The LDS Church just quietly published a long-suppressed 1886 letter from prophet John Taylor—declaring polygamy an eternal commandment. Frank and Dan dig into the implications for Mormon doctrine. Also in this episode: A Catholic diocese in the UK fires an atheist accountant after she adopts a child Pennsylvania considers declaring a "Day of the Bible" A Saudi journalist is executed for tweets cr
God Told Trump WHAT?! #705
A failed preacher is arrested for the shocking murder of a Minnesota state senator. Frank and Dan dig into the disturbing religious and political motivations behind the crime—and the dangerous rhetoric fueling it. Also in this episode: • Jimmy Swaggart is somehow still alive • A surprising number of Christians are "cheating" on their churches • A UK town removes a Pride flag after bookstore compla
Religious Extremism and a Dangerous Shift #704
A shooting at a Salt Lake City protest. Two state legislators are shot in Minnesota. As political violence grabs headlines across the country, Frank and Dan reflect on a disturbing new reality—and explore the religious rhetoric fueling it. Also in this episode: Iran expands its ban on dog walking Arkansas and Illinois fight to post the Ten Commandments Southern Baptists target gay marriage A far-
Dragons, Angels, and AI: The Bible Goes Full Fantasy #703
This week on Thank God I'm Atheist: A Republican lawmaker freaks out over a Muslim prayer in Congress—except it turns out the man praying wasn't Muslim at all. Frank and Dan break down the ignorance and bigotry on display. Plus, a new study explores what happens when clergy take psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms). The results? Surprisingly spiritual. Also in this episode: Denmark
Beards, Bibles, and the Need to Feel In Charge #702
Frank and Dan tackle a full slate of religious absurdities this week: a Halloween costume sparks Christian outrage in Arizona, Utah quietly buries its own study on gender-affirming care, and a UK teacher sues for the right to misgender students. Meanwhile, school cancels a student play for being too "controversial," and Delaware legalizes medical aid in dying. In the second half of the show, the g
Sanctified Nonsense #701
Frank is joined by guest host Rachel to unpack a week's worth of religious overreach, political absurdity, and moral panic dressed up as righteousness. From Oklahoma's conspiracy-laced curriculum changes to France's proposed hijab ban for girls under 15, this episode explores how authority figures use "values" to mask control. Plus: the Pope's childhood home might be seized, Rushdie's attacker is
Confessions, Cover-Ups, and Catholic Chaos #700
It's our 700th episode! Frank and Dan celebrate the milestone with some reflection—but first dive headfirst into the usual madness. Catholic bishops in Washington state refuse to comply with mandatory reporting laws for child abuse. Trump's appeal to Jewish voters is falling flat. The Episcopal Church is cutting ties with the federal government over sham refugee policies. Plus, attacks on Catholic
Another Old White Pope--Shocking
Jim Bakker begs for $1M, NJ town wants to bulldoze church, Christian crowdfunding service defends racist woman's campaign, Texas give Christians an entire month, televangelist given 'gold-plated' AR-15, Southern Baptists continue to hemorrhage members, and the Catholics have a new pope.
Pope Donald #698
Bibles exempted from Trump's tariffs, Trump health adviser cites "demonic forces" as source of childhood diseases, more bad news for Kim Davis, Sikhs shut down Pride parade in northern India, Mormons defeat Texas town, Utah governor says America should be more like Utah, and Donald J. Trump is a ridiculous buffoon who also wants to be pope.
Another Dead Pope #697
This easter egg roll has been brought to you by, Veteran Affairs Administration joins crusade against anti-Christian bias, Target boycott continues past lent, state resolutions declaring Christ is king, cardinal who oversaw child sex abuse oversees the closing of Pope Francis' coffin, a Mormon education building on school grounds in Arizona, and apparently there's going to be another pope.
The Mormons Win Again
Cholera outbreak linked to holy water, BYU grad student deported, a rundown of Mormon numbers, Washington state makes clergy mandatory reporters, architect Gaudí on path to sainthood, quite the Easter costume contest in San Francisco, and those Mormons win in court once again.
Debating Debate
Vicar has a theory about why church attendance is down, IRS actually investigates church over Johnson amendment violations, Catholic hospital argues fetus isn't a person (wait, what?), Heritage Foundation drafts new law in Tennessee, US State Department encourages employees to rat each other out for anti-Christian bias, church rasslin', and we hold a vigorous debate about debating.
Easter Nails #694
Most American Christians don't believe in the trinity, Oklahoma's Ryan Walters sues FFRF, Trump supporters just noticed who's getting deported, reverend sues for discrimination, Poland releases shocking numbers about child sex abuse, shadow Catholics in Ireland, and Frank and Dan have a problem with Easter.
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