77 episodes

There is a well organized and well funded effort to gut the Bill of Rights in this country and in the age of Trump, secular people seem to taking it on the chin more often. Secular Left is meant to be the light in the fog of Christian Nationalism supporting the idea that toxic religious belief is the root of most social justice issues today.

Secular Left Douglas Berger

    • News
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

There is a well organized and well funded effort to gut the Bill of Rights in this country and in the age of Trump, secular people seem to taking it on the chin more often. Secular Left is meant to be the light in the fog of Christian Nationalism supporting the idea that toxic religious belief is the root of most social justice issues today.

    Racism: A Deplorable MAGA Feature

    Racism: A Deplorable MAGA Feature

    We delve into the Ohio 2024 primary elections where three white Republican candidates in the congressional race are resorting to racist rhetoric in their campaign ads. These candidates include State Representative Derek Merrin, who is a Christian nationalist known for his anti-LGBT stance and attacks on trans kids.

    The episode explores how these candidates dehumanize undocumented individuals by perpetuating a false narrative of a border invasion by dangerous drug smugglers. Their campaign materials depict imagery of fear and urgency surrounding border security, echoing Trump's policies and advocating for a fortified wall. The lack of compassion is apparent.

    We then dissect misleading claims made in campaign literature against Derek Merrin, painting him as a liberal based on selective votes. We meticulously fact-check these claims, revealing the nuanced context behind Merrin's decisions and highlighting the manipulation of facts in political messaging. The discussion also touches on the shortcomings of campaign regulations, allowing for deceptive practices in advertising.

    00:49 Racism Is A Deplorable MAGA Feature
    18:31 Derek Merrin the liberal??

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    • 37 min
    Republican Irony Unpacked: Diversity Battles and Reproductive Rights

    Republican Irony Unpacked: Diversity Battles and Reproductive Rights

    Do political and religious conservatives really understand DEI? We challenge popular misconceptions about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, confronting the unfounded fears that it poses a threat to traditional values. We dissect the essence of DEI, illustrating how it nurtures communities where every individual, irrespective of their background, is acknowledged, valued, and given equitable opportunities. Contrary to the myth about affirmative action, DEI seeks representation and fairness, not unearned advantage—an idea powerfully echoed in a featured clip from The Root that we'll explore, shedding light on DEI's transformative role across various sectors.

    Tensions rise as we scrutinize the recent inflammatory comments from Ohio's 9th Congressional District candidate JR Majewski and their ripple effects within the political landscape. Assessing his suitability for office, we confront the wider issues facing the Republican Party in the wake of his divisive rhetoric.

    Shifting focus to the heated battle over reproductive rights, we unravel the complexities of IVF and the ramifications of classifying embryos as legal persons in Alabama. The episode probes the intersection of humanism with the separation of church and state, bringing to the forefront the profound societal consequences of these deeply personal and contentious legal challenges and the clueless Republicans who don't know what IVF is.

    This is our 75th Episode!

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    • 40 min
    Jon Stewart Can't Save Us From Doddering Old White Men

    Jon Stewart Can't Save Us From Doddering Old White Men

    We explore the controversial subject of police conduct, particularly in situations where an individual seeks to commit 'suicide by cop.' We then shift to the media's fixation on President Biden's age, questioning why it garners such attention and criticizing how coverage distracts from more substantive political discourse. Finally, we share our thoughts on the disappointing return of Jon Stewart to the Daily Show and how he plays into unneeded political equivocation.

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    • 36 min
    Compassion Collides with City Laws in the Case of Dad's Place

    Compassion Collides with City Laws in the Case of Dad's Place

    Former evangelical minister Bruce Gerencser joins us to unravel a legal tangle where religious freedom clashes with municipal zoning laws. We dissect the contentious situation surrounding Pastor Chris Avell, a friend of Bruce's, who's currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio. We dissect the merits of Avell's decision to transform his church into a 24/7 sanctuary for the homeless. With Christian Nationalists making this a national story and the First Liberty Insitute being involved, we see a repeat of a pattern where there is a claim of perscution that is actually just incovience and friendly courts help the religious avoid laws and regulations that apply to everyone else.

    We take a deeper look at the ramifications of homelessness in rural communities, particularly how small churches like Dad's Place are caught in the crossfire of wanting to help and being hindered by red tape. We question the consistency and impact of health and safety laws on church start-ups operating in repurposed buildings. By examining the struggle to navigate outdated codes and the lack of political momentum to tackle the homelessness crisis, this conversation aims to shine a light on the poignant narrative of small churches wrestling with their role in social outreach amid legal constraints. We agree with Bruce that Pastor Avell needs to follow the law while the city needs to do better to help the homeless.

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    • 44 min
    Countering Bad Faith Religious Freedom Protection

    Countering Bad Faith Religious Freedom Protection

    Humanists International just released their 2023 Freedom of Thought Report that documents the efforts to protect or not protect religious freedom in all the countries in the world. The US government created the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom in 1998 to call out countries that violate religious freedom.

    One of these efforts is trying to hold the powerful accountable for religious freedom and the other is a bad faith attempt to privilege Christianity using the power of the state.

    We examine the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and ask why haven't any atheists been appointed yet several Christian Nationalists have been.

    Finally we hear clips of comments made at the Humanists International press conference about the newest report. We hear from Reps. Jaime Raskin and Jared Huffman from the Congressional Freethought Caucus and others about the importance of the report and religious freedom for all.

    00:40 Introduction of the 2023 Freedom of Thought Report
    05:04 Why The Freedom Of Thought Report Came Into Existence
    10:06 Bad Faith Religious Freedom Protection
    16:57 No Atheists On The United States Commission On International Religious Freedom
    20:00 Selected Clips From The Humanist International Press Conference.

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    • 53 min
    Exploring the Moral Courage of Investigative Journalists with Dr. Anthony Feinstein

    Exploring the Moral Courage of Investigative Journalists with Dr. Anthony Feinstein

    How far are you willing to go for the truth? How much are you ready to risk for justice and freedom of speech? Join us as we traverse the treacherous terrain of investigative journalism with our guest Dr. Anthony Feinstein, author of the book 'Moral Courage 19 Profiles of Investigative Journalists'. Dr. Feinstein takes us through the intricate concept of moral courage, a crucial attribute for journalists navigating danger, standing on principles, and displaying extraordinary endurance.

    Imagine getting up every day, knowing your job could be a life and death situation, and still choosing to do it. That's the reality for conflict journalists covering the ongoing strife amd corruption in the world. Our episode takes a detour into the heart of this hazardous world with a researcher and filmmaker, who shares the psychological burden journalists bear.

    We pivot towards the significance of journalism in authoritarian regimes. What does it mean to report the truth in perilous environments? How does one navigate the daunting challenges and psychological impacts? Our guest explores these questions and more, unmasking the alarming tactics of authoritarian leaders that suppress the press and can even infiltrate democratic societies. We uncover the dangers of corporate sway on media and the critical need to safeguard a free press. Tune in, as this isn't just about journalists fighting oppressive regimes, but a battle for preserving democracy and freedom of speech. And remember, every word matters.

    Full Show Notes

    00:40 All About The Moral Courage Research Project
    11:49 Importance Of Moral Courage To A Free Press
    16:21 Attacks On The Press Are Dangerous To Democracy
    30:41 State Of Journalism In The Social Media Era
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    • 33 min

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Clear thinking well spoken

This podcast is more of what we need in the podcasting world: less banter and babble and bluster and more substance on issues that really matter. Thank you for providing this intelligent and well prepared podcast series.

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