Peru archbishop who sued 2 journalists over reports on abuses, financial corruption resigns early AP News, By BY NICOLE WINFIELD AND FRANKLIN BRICEÑO, on April 2, 2024 https://apnews.com/article/vatican-sodalitium-peru-abuse-eguren-d6c3c253aa8218248910961bf8a3de4e  In this segment, the discussion delves into yet another scandal involving child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, this time in Peru. The panelists express frustration at the apparent impunity enjoyed by the Church, which seems to shield abusers from legal consequences. They question why the Church isn't held to the same standards as other organizations when it comes to handling such serious allegations. The conversation highlights the long history of abuse within this particular congregation, going back to its founder, and criticizes the Church's lack of effective action in addressing these issues.The resignation of the archbishop of this congregation raises suspicions, as it comes amid ongoing allegations of abuse and a supposed Vatican-led effort to rehabilitate the group. The panelists express skepticism about the Church's motives, questioning whether their attempts at rehabilitation are merely attempts to salvage their public image. They discuss the actions taken by the Church, such as hiring an expert on child sexual abuse and conducting internal investigations, but doubt the authenticity of these efforts, viewing them as superficial attempts at damage control rather than genuine attempts at accountability.The conversation turns to the concept of rehabilitation within the Church and whether it is even possible or appropriate, given the severity of the offenses committed. Panelists express outrage at the idea of allowing known abusers to return to positions of authority within the Church, arguing that such actions only perpetuate the cycle of abuse and undermine the trust of parishioners. They call for a fundamental change in the Church's approach to handling abuse allegations, advocating for greater transparency, accountability, and involvement of law enforcement authorities. In conclusion, the panelists emphasize the need for both grassroots and top-down efforts to address the systemic issues of abuse within the Catholic Church. They stress the importance of holding the Church accountable for its actions and ensuring that survivors of abuse receive justice and support. Despite their skepticism about the Church's willingness to change, they remain hopeful that continued pressure and advocacy may eventually lead to meaningful reform within the institution. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.15.2 featuring Jimmy Jr, Eli Slack, Infidel64 and Scott Dickie

MAGA Pastor Says ‘200 Bibles’ Set Ablaze Outside His Church on Easter Morning The Daily Beast, By AJ McDougall, on March 31, 2024 https://www.thedailybeast.com/maga-pastor-greg-locke-says-200-bibles-set-ablaze-outside-his-tennessee-church-on-easter-morning  The discourse gravitated around an unsettling incident that unfolded, implicating Pastor Locke in a contentious episode where approximately 200 Bibles were purportedly set ablaze outside his church premises, intriguingly transpiring on Easter morning, a day of profound significance in Christian tradition. Pastor Greg Locke is a figure of considerable notoriety, recognized for his propensity to court controversy through a series of provocative actions, including but not limited to highly publicized book burnings and his vocal political endorsements often interwoven within the fabric of his sermons. His approach has sparked a maelstrom of both adulation and condemnation, polarizing public opinion along ideological fault lines. The panelists engaged in a multifaceted exploration, endeavoring to untangle the intricate strands of this perplexing narrative. Central to their discourse was the question of intent: did the conflagration of the Bibles represent a calculated publicity stunt orchestrated by Pastor Locke himself, a brazen bid to galvanize attention and stoke the embers of controversy? Alternatively, was it perhaps an act of retaliation launched against him, a manifestation of simmering dissent fueled by the reverberations of his divisive rhetoric? This discussion extended beyond the realm of mere conjecture, delving into the nuanced legal and ethical dimensions inherent in such a contentious scenario. The panelists grappled with the thorny issue of whether the burning of the Bibles could be construed as constituting an act of violence or potentially categorized as a hate crime, thereby prompting reflection on the broader societal implications of such actions. Within the discourse, divergent perspectives emerged, each offering a unique lens through which to interpret the events at hand. Some contended that Pastor Locke's penchant for controversy and his unyielding commitment to his beliefs rendered him a lightning rod for attention, suggesting that the conflagration of the Bibles might indeed be viewed as a calculated ploy to thrust himself into the spotlight once more. Others, however, adopted a more critical stance, highlighting the deleterious ramifications of Pastor Locke's rhetoric and its potential to inflame tensions and provoke hostility. Yet amidst this cacophony of voices, a common thread emerged: an acknowledgment of the imperative to address conflicts and disparities through constructive dialogue and peaceful means, rather than succumbing to the seductive allure of destructive measures. In the final analysis, the discussion underscored the profound complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need for nuanced reflection and empathetic engagement as we navigate the turbulent waters of contemporary discourse. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.15.1 featuring Jimmy Jr, Eli Slack, Infidel64 and Scott Dickie

Serial bigamist who posed as pastor had at least 10 wives he met in black churches Texas Man Poses as Pastor, Sentenced for Bigamy The Christian Post, By By Leonardo Blair, on March 22, 2024 https://www.christianpost.com/news/serial-bigamist-had-at-least-10-wives.html?utm_source=Daily&utm_campaign=Daily&utm_medium=newsletter The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.14.4 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush, Eli and Helen Greene

Prayer, Bible lessons and a big red bus: How an Ohio group is bringing God to public school LifeWise Academy's Bible Classes in Schools NBC News, By By Mike Hixenbaugh, on March 25, 2024 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lifewise-academy-public-school-christian-church-rcna142172 The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.14.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush, Eli Slack and Helen Greene

A Michigan commissioner wants to prevent Satanists from giving an invocation Friendly Atheist , By Hemant Mehta, on March 25, 2024 Battle for the Pulpit: Satanists vs. Christians https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/a-michigan-commissioner-wants-to?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=oa4eg&triedRedirect=true The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.14.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush, Eli and Helen Greene

Erin Hawley: The Woman Arguing Against the Abortion Pill Hawley: Ranches to Roe Battle New York Times/Yahoo News, By Elizabeth Dias and Abbie VanSickle, on March 26, 2024 https://ca.news.yahoo.com/erin-hawley-woman-arguing-against-121736503.html The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.14.1 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Jonathan Roudabush, Eli and Helen Greene

Researchers say Christian leaders will embezzle an estimated $86 billion in 2024 The Friendly Atheist, By Hemant Mehta, on Mar 20, 2024 https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/researchers-say-christian-leaders The discussion delved into the issue of financial transparency and accountability within Christian organizations, particularly regarding the embezzlement of funds. Kelley Laughlin shed light on the alarming statistic that Christian leaders may embezzle over $80 billion annually by 2024, as reported by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity and the Trinity Foundation. This embezzlement includes practices like skimming from offering plates and diverting mission donations to personal expenses. The panelists highlighted the lack of financial oversight and transparency within religious institutions, emphasizing the need for routine audits, transparency measures, and consequences for illegal activities. They also discussed the pervasive influence of Christianity in American society, particularly in politics, and the challenges of holding religious organizations accountable due to societal norms and biases. Suggestions for addressing the issue included implementing stricter financial regulations, promoting transparency, and demanding accountability from religious institutions.  Additionally, there were calls for reparations to congregations affected by financial mismanagement, including refunds or evidence of funds being used for their intended purposes. In a lighter tone, the panelists humorously proposed reparations in the form of amusement park trips and tangible improvements to church facilities, highlighting the long-standing issue of unfulfilled promises made to congregations for various projects. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of financial integrity and accountability within religious institutions and called for greater scrutiny and regulation to prevent financial misconduct and protect congregational assets. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.13.4 featuring Jimmy Jr., Blatant Blatheist , Cynthia McDonald and Kelley Laughlin

Former Hays County GOP leader sentenced to 410 years in prison for sexual abuse of children, child pornography KVUE News, By Lauren Petterson, Jeff Bell , on March 11, 2024 https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/bo-michael-dresner-sentencing/269-17fad9be-ddb4-4304-b956-fb3ba7bb7344 In this segment, the hosts discuss a recent case involving a former GOP leader in Hayes County, Austin, who was sentenced to 410 years in prison for sexual assault of children and child pornography. They criticize the justice system for allowing the perpetrator to go unpunished for similar crimes in the early 2000s and failing to adequately investigate allegations made against him in 2012. The hosts express outrage at the leniency shown to the perpetrator, highlighting the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from offenders like him. They discuss the betrayal felt by the victims and the impact of the perpetrator's status as an elected official. They emphasize the need for holding politicians and religious leaders to higher standards and call for greater scrutiny and accountability in vetting individuals for positions of trust. The hosts also condemn the culture of tribalism in American politics, likening it to sports fandom, and stress the importance of addressing systemic issues to bring about real change. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.13.3 featuring Jimmy Jr., Blatant Blatheist , Cynthia McDonald and Kelley Laughlin

White Pastor Defends Slavery And Calls Martin Luther King Jr. A 'Non-Believer Who Misrepresented Christ' News One, By Zack Linly, on March 1, 2024 https://newsone.com/5047878/john-macarthur-white-pastor-martin-luther-king-jr/ In this segment, the discussion revolves around John MacArthur, a Christian pastor at Grace Community Church in California, who has garnered attention for his controversial views on race, slavery, and religious freedom. MacArthur criticized a group of Evangelical pastors for honoring Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month, labeling MLK as an unbeliever and accusing the pastors of succumbing to the "woke movement" and racial baiting. MacArthur's comments reflect a supremacist interpretation of Christianity, justifying racial disparities and advocating for slavery as part of Christianity's history. This narrative contrasts with attempts to whitewash MLK's legacy, portraying him as a colorblind figure, while MacArthur depicts him as a threat to white supremacy. MacArthur's interpretation of Christianity rationalizes bigotry by misusing biblical passages, such as citing the curse of Ham to justify racial disparities. His stance aligns with a history of controversial statements on race and slavery, reflecting a supremacist view emphasizing the subjugation of Black people. The discussion delves into the effectiveness of MLK's nonviolent approach compared to Malcolm X's more militant stance, highlighting how MLK's pacifism made him more acceptable to the American public at the time. The panelists discuss the deep-rooted segregation within Christianity, tracing it back to historical divisions enforced by white supremacy. They reference figures like Absalom Jones, who founded the AME Church due to racial exclusion within white-dominated churches. The conversation extends to systemic racism's pervasive influence in society and the responsibility to challenge such narratives through education and advocacy. Throughout the discussion, panelists express a commitment to challenging bigotry and promoting inclusivity within religious spaces. They emphasize the importance of education, compassion, and self-reflection in combating racism and dismantling unjust systems. Despite acknowledging the challenges and exhaustion in confronting systemic racism, they encourage continued efforts to push back against unfairness and inequality. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.13.2 featuring Jimmy Jr., Blatant Blatheist , Cynthia McDonald and Kelley Laughlin

Jack Hibbs Says Critics Of Christian Nationalism Are 'Literal Cancers' Right Wing Watch, By Kyle Mantyla, on March 11, 2024 https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/jack-hibbs-says-critics-of-christian-nationalism-are-literal-cancers/ The panel addresses Jack Hibbs, a pastor who has made controversial remarks comparing critics of Christian nationalism to Nazis and socialists. Hibbs, known for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance and conspiracy theories, lacks understanding of politics and history, yet he was invited to deliver a prayer on the House floor by Secretary of State Mike Johnson. The panel questions the constitutionality and appropriateness of this invitation. Kelley highlights Hibbs' troubled relationship with history, citing his inaccurate claims about God's removal from American history in 1925 and other historical distortions. Despite Hibbs' lack of credibility, some followers believe his rhetoric, revealing a concerning trend of indoctrination and a disregard for truth. Cynthia underscores Hibbs' misuse of scripture to advance his narrative, exploiting religious indoctrination to garner followers. She points out the danger of blind allegiance to religious leaders like Hibbs, who twist scripture to fit their agenda. Blatant Blatheist discusses the broader societal factors contributing to Hibbs' influence, including indoctrination into religion, shortcomings in education, and the exploitation of fear. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking to challenge indoctrination and combat misinformation. In conclusion, the panel warns against unquestioningly accepting figures like Hibbs and underscores the importance of critical thinking, education, and challenging misinformation to resist harmful ideologies. The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.13.1 featuring Jimmy Jr., Blatant Blatheist , Cynthia McDonald and Kelley Laughlin